Protocol for Extensive literature search (ELS) for the maintenance and update of list of QPS-recommended biological agents

The aim of the Extensive Literature Search (ELS) carried out in response to the terms of reference set out in the EFSA mandate on the Qualified Presumption of safety (QPS), i.e. review of the recommendations for the QPS list and specific qualifications, was to identify any publicly available studies reporting on safety concerns for humans, animals or the environment caused by organisms that have QPS status, for the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) 2025 list The details on the protocol approach are presented here. o Version 1 is related to 2019 update QPS opinion (ON-5966). o Version 2 is related to QPS Statement part 13 (ON-6377). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature. o Version 3 is related to QPS Statement part 14 (ON-6689). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature. o Version 4 is related to QPS Statement part 15 (ON-7045). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature. o Version 5 is related to QPS Statement part 16 (ON-7408). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature. o Version 6 is related to QPS Statement part 17 (ON-7746). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature. o Version 7 is related to QPS Statement part 18 (ON-8092). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature. o Version 8 is related to QPS Statement part 19 (ON-8517).The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature. o Version 9 is related to QPS Statement part 20 (ON-8882). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature. o Version 10 is related to QPS Statement part 21 (ON-9169). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclatur o Version 11 is related to QPS Statement part 22 (ON-9510). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature. o Version 12 is related to QPS Statement part 23 (ON-9824). The protocol has been updated to reflect additions to the QPS list and changes in taxonomic nomenclature.