When was EFSA established, and where is its headquarters located?

EFSA was established in February 2002 and is headquartered in Parma, Italy. It operates as an independent agency of the European Union.

What were EFSA's financial and staffing figures in 2021?

As of 2021, EFSA operated with a yearly budget of €18.6 million and employed a total staff of 542 individuals.

What specific areas related to the food chain fall under EFSA's purview?

EFSA's responsibilities extend to all aspects of the food chain that impact safety. This includes animal health and welfare, plant protection, plant health, and plant nutrition, ensuring a comprehensive approach to food safety.

How does EFSA support the European Commission, Parliament, and Member States?

EFSA provides independent scientific advice to the European Commission, the European Parliament, and EU member states. This scientific backing enables these institutions to make effective and timely risk management decisions that protect European consumers and ensure the safety of the food and feed supply.

What are the four main structural components of the European Food Safety Authority?

The EFSA is structured around four key bodies: the Management Board, the Executive Director, the Advisory Forum, and the Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels. These components work together to fulfill the agency's mandate.

What are the primary responsibilities of EFSA's Management Board?

The Management Board is tasked with setting EFSA's budget, approving its work programmes, and ensuring effective cooperation between EFSA and its partner organizations both within the EU and internationally.

How is the Management Board of EFSA composed?

The Management Board consists of fourteen members appointed by the Council of the European Union in consultation with the European Parliament. These members are selected from a list provided by the European Commission, and the board also includes one representative from the European Commission.

What role does the Executive Director play within EFSA?

The Executive Director serves as EFSA's legal representative and is responsible for the agency's day-to-day administration. This includes drafting and implementing work programmes and executing decisions made by the Management Board.

What is the function of the Advisory Forum at EFSA?

The Advisory Forum provides advice to the Executive Director, particularly regarding the development of EFSA's work programmes. It is composed of representatives from national bodies responsible for risk assessment in EU member states, along with observers from countries like Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.

Who makes up the Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels, and what is their main task?

The Scientific Committee and its associated Scientific Panels are composed of independent scientific experts. Their primary function is to deliver scientific opinions and advice within their specific areas of competence.

How are the scientific experts appointed to EFSA's committees and panels?

Independent scientific experts are appointed to the Scientific Committee and Panels by the Management Board, based on recommendations from the Executive Director. They serve for three-year terms, and the composition of the panels can be adjusted by the European Commission to reflect scientific advancements.

What is the definition of public transparency in a governmental context?

Public transparency refers to the practice of keeping citizens informed about all government actions and granting them access to government documents. It is essential for democratic accountability, allowing citizens to hold their government responsible, and helps foster trust and informed public engagement.

Why is transparency considered a core value within the European Union?

Transparency is a fundamental value in the EU, as enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The European Commission emphasizes the freedom of information for all EU citizens and residents, ensuring access to documents from key EU institutions.

How does EFSA ensure compliance with the EU's transparency policies?

As an agency overseen by representatives of the European Commission and the Council of the European Union, EFSA is obligated to adhere to the EU's transparency policy, ensuring its operations and decisions are accessible and understandable to the public.

What challenges did consumers face regarding EFSA documents before 2018?

Before 2018, public access to EFSA documents was limited, with available reports like chemical risk assessments often being highly technical, difficult to understand, and poorly formatted, which caused frustration among consumers.

What was the impact of public consultations on EFSA's transparency practices?

Public consultations highlighted a strong consumer desire for greater access to EFSA's evaluations and documents. These demands played a role in driving the development of new regulations aimed at enhancing transparency.

Which regulation was introduced to improve transparency in EFSA's risk assessment processes?

Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1381 was established in response to public calls for increased transparency. This regulation emphasizes the importance of inclusive communication regarding chemical risk assessments for both governmental bodies and the general public.

How does EFSA contribute to the public listing of food additives?

EFSA contributes to the European Commission's public Food Additives list by providing information on various food-related chemicals. This includes details on their approved uses, the foods they might be found in, and any restrictions on their quantities.

What is EFSA's role in relation to the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (FICR)?

EFSA collaborates with the FICR to ensure that food information presented to consumers through packaging and advertisements is accurate and easily understandable. While FICR handles legislative aspects, EFSA's input is crucial due to its expertise in public health related to food.

What key information must be displayed on food packaging in the EU, as supported by EFSA and FICR?

Mandatory information on food packaging includes an ingredient list with specific quantities, the food's name, date marking, allergen information, total quantity, country of origin, details of the food business operator, nutrition information, alcohol content (if applicable), and instructions for storage and use.

What is the purpose of the EFSA Focal Point network?

The EFSA Focal Point network serves to enhance cooperation between EFSA and national food safety authorities in EU member states, Iceland, and Norway. It facilitates the exchange of scientific information and experts, supports training in risk assessment, and promotes EFSA's scientific outreach.

Which countries are members of the EFSA Focal Point network?

The member countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Which countries participate as observers in the EFSA Focal Point network?

The observer countries in the EFSA Focal Point network are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Switzerland, and Turkey.

What specific food-related items are mentioned as being under EFSA's safety oversight?

EFSA's oversight covers a range of food-related items, including those involved in meat processing, pesticide residues, vitamins, and various supplements, all aimed at protecting public health across the EU.

How does EFSA regulate sports food supplements?

EFSA plays a role in regulating sports food supplements by fact-checking advertised health claims. It works with the European Commission to assess whether claims about benefits like increased endurance are scientifically substantiated, preventing misleading marketing.

Where are the scientific findings of EFSA published?

The scientific outputs generated by EFSA are published in the *EFSA Journal*, which is an open-access online scientific publication.

What subjects are covered by the *EFSA Journal*?

The *EFSA Journal* publishes articles related to risk assessment in the food and feed sectors, encompassing topics such as nutrition, animal health and welfare, plant health, and plant protection.

What is a primary criticism directed at EFSA?

A significant criticism leveled against EFSA is its alleged 'overregulation' in certain areas.

What criticism did the European Court of Auditors raise against EFSA in 2012?

In 2012, the European Court of Auditors criticized EFSA for 'frequent conflicts of interests' among its experts, noting that some of these conflicts were undeclared.

Which organization has frequently highlighted concerns about conflicts of interest within EFSA?

Corporate Europe Observatory is an organization that has frequently raised concerns regarding conflicts of interest among EFSA's experts.

What did Corporate Europe Observatory report regarding EFSA experts' conflicts of interest in 2013 and 2017?

Corporate Europe Observatory reported that in 2013, 58% of EFSA's experts were in a situation of conflict of interest. By 2017, this figure had decreased to 46%, though it remained a notable concern.

What specific chemical substance led to criticism regarding EFSA's communication of risk assessment results?

EFSA faced criticism from the NGO CHEM Trust concerning its communication of a risk assessment report on bisphenol A (BPA) in January 2015.

What was the nature of the criticism regarding EFSA's communication on bisphenol A (BPA)?

The criticism centered on EFSA's abstract, press release, and briefing for the BPA report, which claimed the substance 'posed no risk' to health. This was disputed by CHEM Trust, as the expert report itself indicated a 'low' risk when considering aggregate exposure, not just dietary intake.

Did EFSA amend its communication following the criticism about the bisphenol A report?

Yes, EFSA later revised the abstract of the bisphenol A report to correct the misrepresentation. However, the accompanying press release was not updated.

What justification did EFSA provide for its communication style regarding bisphenol A risks?

EFSA stated that its use of simplified language, such as 'no health concern,' in press releases and briefings was intended to improve accessibility for the public. CHEM Trust, however, contested this rationale.

What is the *EFSA Journal*?

The *EFSA Journal* is an open-access, online scientific journal published by the European Food Safety Authority to disseminate its scientific outputs.

What is EFSA's official motto?

EFSA's motto is: 'Committed to ensuring that Europe's food is safe.'

Which EU regulation established the European Food Safety Authority?

The European Food Safety Authority was established by Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

What is the primary function of the EFSA Focal Point network in relation to scientific exchange?

The EFSA Focal Point network facilitates the exchange of scientific information and experts between EFSA and the national food safety authorities of EU member states and associated countries.

Besides EU member states, which other countries are involved with the EFSA Focal Point network?

Iceland and Norway are members of the EFSA Focal Point network, while Switzerland and EU candidate countries participate as observers.

How does EFSA contribute to ensuring transparency in food labeling and advertising?

EFSA works in conjunction with the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (FICR) to ensure that all food information provided to the public, whether on packaging or in advertisements, is accurate and easy to understand.

What specific categories of food-related items are mentioned as being under EFSA's safety assessment?

EFSA's safety oversight extends to areas such as meat processing, pesticide residues, vitamins, and other food supplements, aiming to protect the health of European consumers.

How does EFSA address potentially misleading health claims made by sports supplement manufacturers?

EFSA verifies advertised health claims for sports supplements, assessing their scientific validity. This process helps ensure that claims regarding performance enhancement are accurate and not misleading to consumers.

What is the significance of Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1381 in the context of EFSA's operations?

Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1381 enhances transparency and sustainability in the EU's risk assessment processes within the food chain. It mandates more inclusive communication, ensuring that both government bodies and citizens are better informed about chemical risk assessments.

What is the purpose of the 'See also' section in the Wikipedia article about EFSA?

The 'See also' section lists related entities, such as EU councils, directorates, and other food safety organizations, providing context and connections to other relevant bodies within the European Union and the broader field of food safety.

How is the *EFSA Journal* characterized in terms of accessibility and format?

The *EFSA Journal* is described as an open-access publication, meaning its content is freely available online to the public.

What specific type of criticism has been directed at EFSA concerning its expert panels and potential conflicts of interest?

EFSA has faced criticism for alleged frequent conflicts of interest among its scientific experts, with reports indicating a substantial percentage of experts being in such situations, sometimes without proper disclosure.

What is the role of the European Commission in relation to EFSA's Scientific Panels?

The European Commission, upon EFSA's request, is responsible for adjusting the number and names of the Scientific Panels to keep pace with evolving scientific and technical developments.

What does EFSA's motto, 'Committed to ensuring that Europe's food is safe,' signify about its mission?

This motto underscores EFSA's core dedication to safeguarding the food supply across Europe, emphasizing its commitment to consumer health and safety through scientific expertise and risk assessment.

How does EFSA foster collaboration with national food safety authorities?

EFSA collaborates with the national food safety authorities of the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland and Norway, through its Focal Points network, which promotes the exchange of scientific information and expertise.

European Food Safety Authority Wiki: EFSA: Guardians of European Food Safety

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What is EFSA?

Agency Overview

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is an independent agency of the European Union (EU). Its primary mandate is to provide scientific advice and communicate on existing and emerging risks associated with the food chain.^[1]^[2]

Establishment and Scope

EFSA was established in February 2002 and is headquartered in Parma, Italy. Its remit encompasses all matters impacting food and feed safety, including animal health and welfare, plant protection, plant health, and plant nutrition.^[2]

Operational Scale

As of 2021, EFSA operated with a yearly budget of €118.6 million and a staff of 542 professionals.^[3] The agency plays a crucial role in supporting EU decision-making bodies.

Organizational Structure

Core Bodies

EFSA is structured around four key bodies, each contributing to its scientific and administrative functions:

Management Board
Executive Director
Advisory Forum
Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels

Management Board

The Management Board oversees EFSA's budget and work programmes, ensuring collaboration with partner organizations. It comprises fourteen members appointed by the Council of the European Union, in consultation with the European Parliament, plus a representative from the European Commission.^[4]

Executive & Advisory Roles

The Executive Director manages EFSA's daily operations and is its legal representative. The Advisory Forum provides advice to the Executive Director, particularly on work programme proposals, and includes representatives from national risk assessment bodies.^[4]

Scientific Expertise

The Scientific Committee and its specialized Scientific Panels are responsible for delivering independent scientific opinions and advice. These panels are composed of highly qualified, independent scientific experts appointed for three-year terms, ensuring rigorous scientific evaluation.^[4]

Public Transparency

Foundational Principle

Transparency is a core value of the European Union, enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). It ensures citizens have access to government documents and enables democratic accountability.^[5] EFSA, as an EU agency, adheres to these principles.

Enhancing Access

Public demand for greater access to EFSA's evaluations and documents led to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1381. This regulation emphasizes inclusive communication regarding risk assessments, fostering public trust and confidence in the safety of the food chain.^[8]^[9]

Transparency in Practice

Transparency extends to food packaging and advertising. EFSA collaborates with the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (FICR) to ensure all food information presented to the public is accurate and easily understandable. This includes detailed requirements for ingredient lists, nutritional information, and origin data.^[10]

Focal Point Network

Collaborative Framework

EFSA collaborates with national food safety authorities across the EU and associated countries through its Focal Points. These networks facilitate the exchange of scientific information, experts, and cooperation on scientific projects, enhancing EFSA's outreach and visibility within member states.^[11]

Network Members and Observers

The network includes national authorities from EU member states, Iceland, and Norway, with observers from Switzerland and EU candidate countries. Below is a list of participating countries and their respective food safety authorities:

Country	Food safety authority
Austria	Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES)
Belgium	Federal Public Service (FPS) Health Food Chain Safety and Environment
Bulgaria	Risk Assessment Center on Food Chain – Bulgarian Food Safety Agency
Croatia	Croatian Food Agency (HAH)
Cyprus	Ministry of Health – The State General Laboratory
Czech Republic	Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI, CAFIA)
Denmark	National Food Institute
Estonia	Ministry of Agriculture – Food Safety Department
Finland	Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto)
France	French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES)
Germany	Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
Greece	Hellenic Food Authority (EFET)
Hungary	National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih/NFCSO)
Iceland	The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST)
Ireland	Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI)
Italy	Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS)
Latvia	Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR"
Lithuania	State Food and Veterinary Service
Luxembourg	Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health
Malta	Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
Netherlands	Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)
Norway	Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM)
Poland	State Sanitary Inspection (PIS) – primary focal point; Veterinary Inspection (IW) – accessory focal point
Portugal	Economic and Food Safety Authority (ASAE)
Romania	National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority
Slovakia	Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Slovenia	Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food
Spain	Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN)
Sweden	Swedish National Food Agency

Observers

Country	Food safety authority
Albania	National Food Authority
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Food Safety Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kosovo	Food and Veterinary Agency
Montenegro	Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary, and Phytosanitary Affairs
North Macedonia	Food and Veterinary Agency
Serbia	Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection
Switzerland	Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) – Risk assessment division
Turkey	Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Key Areas of Operation

Sports Food Supplements

EFSA ensures the safety and accuracy of claims related to sports food supplements, also known as ergogenic aids. This includes products like protein powders, creatine, and electrolyte beverages.^[13]

Many sports supplement manufacturers make unsubstantiated health claims to boost sales, with studies indicating that approximately 70% of athletes are influenced by these advertisements.^[13] EFSA plays a critical role by fact-checking these advertised benefits, such as claims of increased endurance, using its scientific data to validate or refute them in conjunction with the European Commission.

Chemical Safety

EFSA contributes to public safety by assessing the risks associated with various chemicals used in food production and packaging. This includes evaluating food additives, pesticides, and other substances to establish safe levels of consumption and use.

EFSA's work involves cataloging chemicals and their safety information, including conditions for use and permissible amounts. This data is often made public through resources like the European Commission's Food Additives list. The agency's assessments are vital for regulatory decisions concerning substances like Bisphenol A (BPA), where scientific scrutiny is paramount.^[10]

EFSA Journal

Scientific Dissemination

The official scientific output of EFSA is published in the EFSA Journal. This peer-reviewed, open-access online publication disseminates research and risk assessments across various domains, including food and feed safety, nutrition, animal health and welfare, and plant health.^[14]

Criticism and Scrutiny

Conflicts of Interest

EFSA has faced criticism regarding conflicts of interest among its experts. Reports from the European Court of Auditors and organizations like Corporate Europe Observatory have highlighted instances of undeclared conflicts, particularly involving industry-linked experts and organizations such as the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI).^[16]^[23]

Transparency Concerns

Specific cases, such as the assessment of Bisphenol A (BPA), have drawn criticism from NGOs like CHEM Trust. Concerns were raised about EFSA's communication of findings, with accusations of misrepresenting scientific reports to downplay potential risks, a practice EFSA defended as simplification for accessibility.^[26]^[27]

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References

Single Programming Document 2021â2023, Adopted 17 December 2020

A full list of references for this article are available at the European Food Safety Authority Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional food safety consultation, regulatory advice, or scientific expertise. Always refer to official EFSA documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs related to food safety and regulation.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

EFSA: Guardians of European Food Safety

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What is EFSA? ℹ️

🏛️ Agency Overview

📍 Establishment and Scope

📊 Operational Scale

Organizational Structure 🧩

📜 Core Bodies

🏢 Management Board

🧑‍💼 Executive & Advisory Roles

🔬 Scientific Expertise

Public Transparency 👁️

⚖️ Foundational Principle

📢 Enhancing Access

📦 Transparency in Practice

Focal Point Network 🌐

🤝 Collaborative Framework

🌍 Network Members and Observers

Observers

Key Areas of Operation 🔬

🥤 Sports Food Supplements

🧪 Chemical Safety

EFSA Journal 📖

📰 Scientific Dissemination

Criticism and Scrutiny ⚠️

⚖️ Conflicts of Interest

🗣️ Transparency Concerns

Related Topics 🔗

📚 Areas of Focus

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is EFSA?

Agency Overview

Establishment and Scope

Operational Scale

Organizational Structure

Core Bodies

Management Board

Executive & Advisory Roles

Scientific Expertise

Public Transparency

Foundational Principle

Enhancing Access

Transparency in Practice

Focal Point Network

Collaborative Framework

Network Members and Observers

Key Areas of Operation

Sports Food Supplements

Chemical Safety

EFSA Journal

Scientific Dissemination

Criticism and Scrutiny

Conflicts of Interest

Transparency Concerns

Related Topics

Areas of Focus

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice