While there is no direct evidence to support the food chain as a possible route for transmission of the avian influenza virus, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) will continue to evaluate the possible implications of AI for both animal health and the food chain. The recent avian influenza outbreaks were discussed earlier this week at a meeting of EFSA’s Scientific Panel on Biological Hazards and will be further addressed at the plenary meeting of the Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Animal Welfare on 29-30 January 2004. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will continue to monitor this issue in close collaboration with the national agencies in Member States through its Advisory Forum, the European Commission and international organisations such as WHO and the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health)