Highlights
Data visualization
EFSA at a glance
EFSA at a glance: check out #EFSA new interactive tool
Data visualization
DRV finder (updated with new tolerable upper intake levels in November 2024)
The Dietary Reference Values tool gives quick and easy access to EFSA's DRVs for nutrients and allows you to easily find values needed to make nutrition recommendations.
Podcast
Episode 22 – Fighting Xylella, the silent plant killer
Xylella is a ruthless killer. Millions of Italian olive trees are dead. Will the bacterium spread further and to other plants? Join us to find out how scientists are fighting back!
Infographic
EFSA’s Climate Suitability Analysis for New and Emerging Plant Pests and Diseases
Keeping plant pests out by profiling geographical areas at risk When new plant pests like insects, fungi, bacteria and viruses arrive in Europe they threaten our local plants and our biodiversity...
News
Navigating Novel Foods: what EFSA’s updated guidance means for safety assessments
Ermolaos Ververis, scientific officer in EFSA’s Nutrition and Food innovation Unit, walks us through the recent updates to the guidance for novel food applications.
News
Extended Deadline: European Commission call for EFSA’s next Executive Director
The European Commission (EC) has extended the deadline for its call for the next Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Eligible candidates are invited to apply by 11 October...
Podcast
Episode 21 – Purrfect nutrition: What's on our animals' menus?
We love our pets. But how well do we understand their diets? What role do additives play in their feed? Come explore what’s on our animal’s menus and why this matters!
News
EFSA identifies 12 bark and ambrosia beetle species posing high risk to EU plant health
The beetles, which attack broadleaved trees, are currently absent or not yet widespread in the EU.
News
Nanotechnology – promoting uses of new assessment methods
A new report by EFSA’s partners in the NAMs4NANO project proposes a system for promoting New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to assess the potential food safety risks of nanoparticles.
News
European Commission launches call for EFSA’s next Executive Director
The European Commission (EC) has launched a call for the next Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Eligible candidates are invited to apply by 27 September 2024.
Infographic
Risk assessment of plant commodities in the EU
Find out more about the step-by-step process of risk assessment of imported plant commodities in the EU and EFSA's role.
News
Vibrio bacteria in seafood: increased risk due to climate change and antimicrobial resistance
This is the finding of EFSA’s opinion on public health aspects of Vibrio spp. related to the consumption of seafood in the EU.
News
EFSA launches new webtool to calculate dietary exposure to food enzymes
The Food Enzyme Intake Model (FEIM) webtool support industry operators and consumers estimate exposure to food enzymes.
Podcast
Episode 20 – Fowl threat: is avian flu going viral?
Could avian flu be the next pandemic? Can we stop it spreading? Will vaccination help? Join us to investigate why avian flu is making headlines and what we can do about it.
News
Avian flu: cases on the decline in Europe, surveillance recommended in view of upcoming season
Europe has recorded the lowest number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases in poultry and wild birds since 2019/2020 and the risk to the general public remains low.
News
EFSA recruits leading scientists to panels for 5-year term
On 1 July 2024, 180 leading experts joined the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) scientific panels for a new 5-year term. EFSA’s experts provide independent scientific advice to protect EU...
News
On-farm killing of sheep and goats: welfare issues identified
If not effectively stunned, small ruminants such as sheep and goats can experience severe pain and fear during killing. Improvements can be made to this procedure to reduce pain and fear, according to...
News
EFSA updates Independence Policy
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has updated its Independence Policy, further strengthening the measures it has in place to manage the interests of the scientific experts and professionals...
Factsheet
EFSA's Independence Policy
In June 2024, EFSA’s Management Board approved a new Independence Policy, further strengthening the way in which the Authority manages the interests of its scientific experts and all professionals...
News
Prepare for the unexpected - EFSA marks World Food Safety Day 2024
This year’s World Food Safety Day focuses on food incidents and on the crucial need for preparedness for unexpected events. EFSA is marking the day by releasing new material also in the framework of...
Podcast
Episode 19 - Prepared for the unexpected
Food safety incidents can always happen. Join us to learn about the teams in place that respond to food safety incidents and how we stay prepared for the unexpected.
News
African swine fever: significant increase in EU pigs in 2023
In 2023, 14 Member States were affected by African swine fever (ASF) and it caused a five-fold increase in outbreaks in domestic pigs compared to the previous year. These are the main findings of the...
Podcast
Episode 18 - Celiac disease: living without gluten
Why do some people have to avoid gluten? Could we eradicate allergies? Discover the complex world of our guts and how new research is transforming what we know.
Campaign
#PlantHealth4Life
A broad coalition of partners from across Europe have joined forces to launch today the second year of the #PlantHealth4Life campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the deep links between plant...
News
The #PlantHealth4Life campaign is back, bigger and better! Europe unites to support plant health, biodiversity, and the economy
A broad coalition of partners from across Europe have joined forces to launch today the second year of the #PlantHealth4Life campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the deep links between plant...
News
Bernhard Url appointed as EFSA Acting Executive Director
The Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has appointed Dr. Bernhard Url as the Authority’s Acting Executive Director, effective from 1 June 2024. The appointment, which was...
Campaign
Safe2Eat
#Safe2EatEU aims to help you discover more about food safety in Europe and how you can make well-informed decisions about what food to buy, eat and enjoy safely and healthily every day.
News
One Health: a joint framework for action published by five EU agencies
Today, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Environment Agency (EEA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the...
News
'Safe2Eat' 2024 Campaign: empowering consumers across Europe
From 'EUChooseSafeFood' to 'Safe2Eat': EFSA and its partners in EU Member States return with renewed commitment and expanded participation across Europe.
Podcast
Episode 17 - A life leading on food safety
Is food better today? Could new technologies change the way we eat? What lessons did we learn for food safety from the pandemic? Hear from one of one of the EU's leading figures on food safety!
News
Pesticide residues in food: latest figures released
EFSA’s latest report on pesticide residues in food in the European Union is now available. It gives a snapshot of the residue levels found in a selection of commonly consumed products.
News
Many farmed fish parasite-free but more data needed
Many of the most commonly farmed and consumed fish in the EU/EFTA show no evidence of parasites that can infect humans. However, parasites were found in some farmed species and more data is needed.
News
Avian influenza: post-vaccination surveillance key for safe movement of birds
Post-vaccination surveillance is crucial for promptly detecting outbreaks of avian influenza and proving disease freedom, enabling the safe movement of birds.
News
Horizon scanning in plant health: EFSA and ANSES organise first international workshop
EFSA and ANSES brought together global expertise to foster collaboration and shape the future of horizon scanning.
News
Avian influenza: One Health surveillance is key to prevent virus evolving
New report by EFSA and ECDC assesses risk factors that could determine the evolution of the AI virus and possible mitigation measures.
Podcast
Episode 16 - Joining forces for humans, animals, environment: One Health (II)
Join us for part II of our episode on One Health. Humans, animals and the environment – we are one. Discover why a One Health approach is vital!
News
Veterinary drug residues in animals and foods remain low
Levels of residues from veterinary drugs found in animals and animal-derived food remain low in the European Union.
News
Continued efforts needed to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and animals
Resistance of Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria to commonly used antimicrobials continues to be observed frequently in humans and animals, according to the latest EFSA and ECDC report on AMR.
News
Multi-agency report highlights importance of reducing antibiotic use
Countries that have decreased their consumption of antibiotics in both animals and humans have seen a reduction in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This is according to the fourth joint JIACRA report by...
Podcast
Episode 15 - Joining forces for humans, animals, environment: One Health
Humans, animals and the environment – what affects one affects all. Discover why the One Health approach is vital for our future!
News
Novel protein production processes - take part in our survey!
EFSA scientists routinely evaluate the safety of novel proteins in the GMO and novel foods areas. Our evaluations include the safety of the production process used to manufacture the product under...
News
Inorganic arsenic in food – health concerns confirmed
This is the finding of EFSA’s opinion on the public health risk linked to the presence of inorganic arsenic in food, confirming the outcome of EFSA’s previous assessment from 2009.
Podcast
Episode 14 - Mice or men: Beyond animal testing
Advances in data modelling offer a more ethical alternative. Could we end animal tests?
Podcast
Episode 13 – Alien (species) vs plants: beware of the invaders
They’re not from space but live among us! What are invasive alien species and what is their impact?
News
Avian Influenza: delay in rise of detections, higher risk still expected in upcoming months
In recent weeks, detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in wild birds in Europe have risen, although the increase began later than in previous years. This is possibly due to a...
News
Multi-country outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to fish products
Ready-to-eat fish products, mainly smoked salmon, are the likely source of an ongoing multi-country outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes.
News
Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis still below pre-pandemic levels; West Nile virus infections on the rise
Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis were the most frequently reported zoonotic diseases in humans in the EU in 2022. However, the number of cases was still lower than during the pre-pandemic years...
Infographic
Focal Point Network
Established in 2008, the Focal Point (FP) Network consists of representatives from the national food safety authorities of the Member States (MSs), Iceland and Norway, as well as observers from...
News
Now available: Call for evidence on beef cattle and turkeys, event on farmed animals for fur production
In October 2023, the European Commission sent two mandates to EFSA to deliver scientific opinions on the welfare of turkeys and beef cattle on farms.
News
Safeguarding celiac disease patients in Europe
EFSA’s scientific experts have investigated the causes of celiac disease and developed a tool for screening proteins in food and food ingredients that might cause symptoms in patients.
News
More food safety insights from EU pre-accession countries
“We are extremely pleased to include - for the first time - all seven pre-accession countries in this follow-up survey to our 2022 Eurobarometer on food safety,” said Barbara Gallani, Head of EFSA’s...
Podcast
Episode 12 – Toxic tastings: contaminants in food
Contaminants can enter our food in different ways. Discover more about the risks.
News
Smoke flavourings: Q&A with Wim Mennes, EFSA’s working group chair on flavourings
Smoke flavourings serve as an alternative to traditional smoking, a long-standing practice used to preserve certain foods such as fish, meat, and dairy products. The smoking process also changes their...
News
Introducing TKPlate - food safety without animal testing?
Historically, safety assessments of chemicals in food and feed (as well as for medicines, consumer products, industrial and other chemicals) have relied on evidence from animal experiments. This core...
News
One Health: EFSA joins forces with EU agencies
EFSA and its sister agencies providing scientific advice on environment, public health and food safety have published a joint statement to express their common commitment to support the One Health...
News
Multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis in chicken meat and chicken meat products
Between January and October 2023, 14 EU/EEA countries, the UK and the US reported 335 cases related to this outbreak.
Podcast
Episode 11 – Material matters
Join us on a journey from plastic to metal to bamboo, from recycling to new intelligent materials.
News
Vaccination of poultry against highly pathogenic avian influenza – Available vaccines and vaccination strategies
Background to the scientific opinion The European Union (EU) has experienced an epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild and domestic birds in recent years. Areas with dense...
News
Avian influenza: EFSA recommends increased protection of farms from wild birds
As the autumn migratory season starts, the protection of poultry and other farmed animals from wild birds should be prioritised. Biosecurity should be enhanced in fur animal farms.
Podcast
Episode 10 – From lab to fork
How is lab-grown meat developed? Could it be an alternative to traditional meat?
News
Plant pests on the horizon? New EFSA dashboard to spot them
In collaboration with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), EFSA systematically screens...
Data visualization
Plant Health: Horizon Scanning Dashboard
EFSA dashboards are an interactive way of providing scientific information on EFSA topics. Click here to check out the latest data on plant pests.
News
EFSA: Cats and dogs should not be kept permanently in boxes, cages and crates
To improve the welfare of cats and dogs in commercial breeding establishments, EFSA recommends avoiding the permanent use of boxes, cages and crates. EFSA’s new scientific report supports potential...
Infographic
Mineral oil hydrocarbons in food
Check out our infographic on mineral oil hydrocarbons in food. It shows in which foods they can be found, their potential impact on human health and how different actors in the EU work closely to...
News
4th European Conference on Xylella: ‘Research is advancing; preparedness and early detection remain key’
These are the main conclusions of the 4th European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa organised by EFSA, which brought together hundreds of scientific experts from around the world in Lyon, France.
Podcast
Episode 9 – Thirsty work
Find out what happens to us when we get dehydrated and how can we prevent it.
News
4th European Conference on Xylella, 20 August 2023: Livestream available
Join us online for the 4th European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa to take place in Lyon, France, on 20 August 2023, as a satellite event of the International Congress on Plant Pathology (ICPP2023).
News
EFSA, European Commission and EU Member States launch #PlantHealth4Life campaign
EFSA, the European Commission (EC) and their partners in Member States of the European Union (EU) are launching the #PlantHealth4Life campaign. The campaign promotes awareness of plant health and its...