The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the agency of the European Union
(EU) that provides independent [disputed] scientific advice and communicates on existing and
emerging risks associated with the food chain. EFSA was established in February 2002, is
based in Parma, Italy, and has a budget for 2016 of €79.5 million, and a total staff of 447.
The work of EFSA covers all matters with a direct or indirect impact on food and feed
safety, including animal health and welfare, plant protection and plant health and
nutrition. EFSA supports the European Commission, the European Parliament and EU
member states in taking effective and timely risk management decisions that ensure the
protection of the health of European consumers and the safety of the food and feed chain.
EFSA also communicates to the public in an open and transparent way on all matters
within its remit.
Structure
Based on a regulation of 2002,the EFSA is composed of four bodies:
Management Board
Executive Director
Advisory Forum
Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels
The Management Board sets the budget, approves work programmes, and is responsible
for ensuring that EFSA co-operates successfully with partner organisations across the EU
and beyond. It is composed of fourteen members appointed by the Council of the
European Union in consultation with the European Parliament from a list drawn up by the
European Commission, plus one representative of the European Commission.
The Executive Director is EFSA's legal representative and is responsible for day-to-day
administration, drafting and implementing work programmes, and implementing other
decisions adopted by the Management Board. They are appointed by the Management
Board.
The Advisory Forum advises the Executive Director, in particular in drafting a proposal
for the EFSA's work programmes. It is composed of representatives of national bodies
responsible for risk assessment in the Member States, with observers from Norway,
Iceland, Switzerland and the European Commission.
The Scientific Committee and its Scientific Panels provide scientific opinions and advice,
each within their own sphere of competence, and are composed of independent scientific
experts. The number and names of the Scientific Panels are adapted in the light of
technical and scientific development by the European Commission at EFSA's request.
The independent scientific experts are appointed by the Management Board upon a
proposal from the Executive Director for three-year terms.
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.
How does EFSA work?
EFSA’s scientific work is led by its scientific committee and its 10 panels, made up of
leading scientists.
If more specialised knowledge is needed, a panel may set up a working group. These
groups include both EFSA scientists and external experts.
EFSA also works closely with other EU agencies active in the field of health and safety
issues relating to humans, animals and the environment:
European Medicines Agency (EMA)
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
European Environmental Agency (EEA)
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.
