European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Overview

• Role: Provides scientific advice & communicates on existing & emerging risks associated with the food chain
• Executive Director: Nikolaus Kriz
• Established in: 2002
• Number of staff: 587
• Location: Parma (Italy)
• Website: EFSA

What does EFSA do?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides independent scientific advice on food-related risks.

EFSA issues advice on existing and emerging food risks. This advice informs European laws, rules and policymaking – and so helps protect consumers from risks in the food chain. Its remit covers:

• food and feed safety
• nutrition
• animal health and welfare
• plant protection
• plant health.

EFSA’s work involves:

• gathering scientific data and expertise
• providing independent, up-to-date scientific advice on food safety issues
• communicating its scientific work to the public
• cooperating with EU countries, international bodies, and other stakeholders
• boosting trust in the EU’s food safety system by providing dependable advice.

Who benefits?

• European consumers – among the best protected and informed in the world about food chain risks
• EU institutions and national governments in charge of managing public health issues and authorising the use of food and feed products.

Further information

EFSA news

EFSA events and meetings

Press centre

EFSA Journal

EFSA documents and publications

Career opportunities

EFSA’s scientific process (step-by-step guide)