The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) received a request pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, to deliver a scientific opinion on the welfare of heavy pigs during head-only electrical stunning. In order to ensure a comprehensive assessment, EFSA launches a public call for data (published, unpublished or newly generated data) from interested parties. EFSA will then consider the relevance of the information provided for the risk assessment.
The purpose of this call for data is to offer interested parties (e.g., food business operators, national competent authorities (veterinary), research institutions, academia) and/or other stakeholders, the opportunity to submit documented information relevant to the Request for a scientific opinion concerning the notification by Sweden of stricter national measures according to Article 26(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009, EFSA-Q-2025-00653.
Specific objectives
EFSA is looking for studies/papers/reports evaluating whether the use of a current of 1,8 amperes during the head-only electrical stunning on heavy pigs (>150 kg) is sufficient for an effective stunning, and to identify potential welfare risks associated with insufficient stunning. In particular EFSA aims:
- To review and summarise recent scientific literature on the effectiveness and welfare outcomes of head-only electrical stunning in heavy pigs (>150 kg).
- To evaluate whether evidence supports a minimum current of 1.8 A in heavy pigs as proposed by Sweden.
- To compare recent findings with previous EFSA assessments to identify consistent conclusions or new insights.
Data sought and data submission format
EFSA kindly invites interested parties to submit information as outlined in the questionnaire linked here: EU SURVEY. In case of confidential data, interested parties shall submit the confidential data through the Submission builder Portalino (see section “CONFIDENTIALITY” for details).
