This would then automatically lead to authorisation in the EU Fertilising Products Regulation CMC4 This dossier, submitted by the European Compost Network (ECN) via Belgium national authorities, was first considered by EFSA in 2020, when EFSA requested further evidence on neutralisation of thermoresistant viruses. The dossier was resubmitted with additional data in mid-2023 and EFSA’s positive Opinion was adopted on 14th March 2024. EFSA considers that the two proposed alternative composting parameter specifications both achieve reduction in pathogens and viruses equivalent to the composting parameters currently specified in the ABP Regulations. The current ABP Regulation parameters are: ≥70°C for ≥1 hour with particle size ≤12 mm. The new parameters, based on tunnel composting processes, are: ≥55°C for ≥72 hours with particle size ≤200 mm and ≥60°C for ≥48 hours with particle size ≤200 mm. The EFSA positive Opinion concerns only Cat.3 ABPs as specified (catering and cooking wastes from restaurants, canteens and households and similar discarded food processing wastes = in effect “biowaste”), including when mixed with non-ABP materials.
“Two alternative methods for treating animal by-product-derived materials in composting”, ECN, 27th May 2024
“Evaluation of alternative methods of tunnel composting (submitted by the European Composting Network) II”, adopted 14th March 2024, EFSA Journal 2024;22:e8745, DOI.