Image source:
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is an important institution in the European Union dedicated to ensuring the safety of food and feed supplies in Europe. Established in 2002, EFSA is an independent agency that provides scientific advice and communication on food and feed safety.
Location and Facilities
EFSA is headquartered in Parma, Italy. This central location in Europe allows it to effectively coordinate with member states and relevant stakeholders across the continent. The authority employs experts from various disciplines to provide a comprehensive approach to risk assessment and other food safety-related tasks.
Financial Indicators
EFSA operates on a budget allocated by the European Union. For the year 2023, the budget was approximately €118 million. This budget supports its operations, including scientific research, risk assessments, and outreach activities.
Important Events
One of the significant recent events for EFSA is its involvement in providing scientific support for managing foodborne outbreaks, including in the dairy sector. EFSA's readiness to assist in managing such outbreaks highlights its pivotal role in ensuring consumer safety.
Role and Activities
EFSA's primary tasks include conducting risk assessments and providing scientific advice on existing and emerging risks related to the food chain. This encompasses microbiological and chemical hazards, nutrition, animal welfare, and plant health. The authority also aids the European Commission, EU Member States, and the European Parliament by delivering advice that is crucial for policy-making and legislations concerning food safety.
Company Plans
EFSA plans to continue enhancing its risk assessment methodologies and increasing its cooperation with national authorities and international organizations. This involves continuous updates to their scientific methods and collaboration networks while investing in improved technology to better predict and manage potential risks.
References
Modified: 2025/05/08