European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides the European Commission with independent scientific advice on all matters with a direct or indirect impact on food safety. It is a separate legal entity, independent from the other EU institutions.

The establishment of EFSA was one of the key measures contained in the Commission’s White Paper on Food Safety, which was published in January 2000. The Regulation 178/2002/EC providing a legal basis for the Authority was formally adopted on 28 January 2002.

EFSA’s work covers all stages of food production and supply, from primary production to the safety of animal feed, right through to the supply of food to consumers. It collects information and analyses new scientific developments so it can identify and assess any potential risks to the food chain. It can carry out scientific assessment on any matter that may have a direct or indirect effect on the safety of the food supply, including matters relating to animal health, animal welfare and plant health.

EFSA also gives scientific advice on non-food and feed GMOs as well as on nutrition in relation to EU legislation. It can communicate directly with the public on any issue within its area of responsibility.

Source: European Commission

>> Download the document: BRUSSELS EUROPEAN COUNCIL - 12 AND 13 DECEMBER 2003 - PRESIDENCY CONCLUSIONS

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