Nitrogen foam approved

A firm base

The euthanasia of poultry and pigs using nitrogen foam is based on 20 years of research conducted by Dutch, British, Swedish and American universities. In the Netherlands, RASA Stunning (and particularly its predecessor, Anoxia BV) has played a significant role. Since 2020, the Swedish company HEFT AB has been leading the way in the development of this foam technology.

There is no ideal method for euthanising sick and injured animals, but based on all this research, we believe that nitrogen foam is the least harmful method. When killing piglets by hand (blow to the head) or dislocating the neck (‘breaking the neck’) of poultry – methods that are still permitted – much can go wrong during the procedure. With nitrogen foam, a gas-based method, the process is lightning-fast, without unnecessary stress, semi-automatic and therefore reliable.

Nitrogen foam displaces air and creates an oxygen-free atmosphere within seconds. The foam is then blown apart using nitrogen gas, leaving only pure nitrogen. (pictured: HEFT model H1)

EFSA SCientific opinion

The protection of animals at the time of killing is regulated by EU Regulation 1099/2009.

Due to the growing use of nitrogen foam, the European Commission sought advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2021 on the nitrogen foam method in comparison with other methods. EFSA’s Working Group on Animal Welfare published a report in 2024.

Alternative to on-farm killing: NEFS (Nitrogen Expansion Foam Stunning) in containers offers a humane alternative to on-farm killing for situations other than slaughter, such as during an outbreak of an infectious disease.

For NEFS in containers to be effective, it is essential to ensure correct implementation through the specified technical conditions, staff training and supervision of procedures. Detailed standards have been developed for this purpose.

More specifically:

Animal welfare comparable to existing methods: NEFS in containers appears to offer a level of animal welfare that is at least equivalent to existing approved methods, such as exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide and electric water baths.
Animals are spared avoidable stress: Animals exposed to NEFS in a container showed no signs of mucosal irritation, nor did they cough or choke. This means that the foam does not enter their upper respiratory tract whilst they are still conscious, thereby avoiding unnecessary stress.
Humane stunning and killing: When used correctly, NEFS in a container appears to be at least as effective as the container gas methods currently permitted by law, whilst avoiding pain, distress and suffering for the animals during stunning and killing.

There was sufficient data to provide advice only on the welfare of laying hens and broiler chickens of all ages, and pigs weighing between 15 and 41 kg. Further research is being carried out for other categories (such as turkeys or light piglets).

Overall, the nitrogen foam method compares favourably with other methods. The method is expected to be incorporated into European legislation (Regulation 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing) in the summer of 2026. This will allow nitrogen foam to be used throughout the EU in emergency situations.