The European Food Safety Authority contributes to the safety of the European Union food chain
The European Food and Safety Authority contributes to the safety of the European Union food chain
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) contributes to the safety of the European Union (EU) food chain by providing scientific advice to risk managers who assess the safety of the food we consume.
EFSA continuously works on the identification of actions needed to address food safety issues that may arise in the future. In 2022, Ecorys and Milieu supported EFSA in reaching this goal by performing a horizon scanning exercise on preparedness for future risk assessment requirements and possible challenges in regulatory science. Our report was published on the 26th April 2022.
Six thematic areas have been explored:
1. animal welfare and safety of the food chain;
2. exposure science in risk assessment;
3. nutrition and healthy diets from sustainable food systems;
4. safety assessment of innovative products;
5. sustainable food systems and food safety; and
6. evidence‐based risk communication in the EU Food Safety System.
By applying a horizon scanning methodology and a mapping of ongoing and planned research activities, the study delivered an overview of emerging and upcoming (scientific) developments in these six thematic areas, to enable the anticipation of future work and expertise requirements.
The horizon scan resulted in a set of recommended actions for the six thematic areas that could contribute in EFSA’s preparedness and in preventing future challenges from materialising. The results will be used by EFSA to develop roadmaps for actions. The report also emphasises the need for cooperation between EFSA and its stakeholders. In order to address future regulatory science and policy needs, EFSA should work jointly with other EU agencies and policy makers towards identifying solutions.
The scientific report can be found on the EFSA website.
For more information, please contact Tea Paulovic.
5 May 2022
1 minute read
