EUPHA recommends

Ensure expert retention and institutional capacity to maintain scientific excellence within EFSA.
Accelerate peer review processes and strengthen crisis coordination with EU partners.
Streamline the Transparency Regulation while preserving accountability across all levels.
Anchor EFSA within the EU’s resilience and food security agenda to enhance its strategic impact.
Align food safety with broader health, environmental, and digital policy goals to ensure a holistic approach to European public health and safety.

EUPHA has submitted its valuable input to the European Commission’s public consultation regarding the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a cornerstone of the EU’s food safety framework. This contribution is built on EUPHA’s expertise in public health and was developed with the collaboration of the Food and Nutrition Section.

EFSA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of food within the European Union, especially as climate change and geopolitical tensions pose increasing challenges. The EUPHA contribution highlights the need for EFSA to evolve, not only in assessing risks but also in anticipating challenges, coordinating across systems, and providing leadership.

Why this matters

Food safety is fundamental to ensuring public trust, stability, and security across the EU. As external pressures continue to rise, EFSA’s role must expand beyond traditional risk assessment. It must become a proactive force, ensuring that Europe is prepared and resilient in the face of emerging challenges.

EUPHA recommendations:

Ensure expert retention and institutional capacity to maintain scientific excellence within EFSA.
Accelerate peer review processes and strengthen crisis coordination with EU partners.
Embed structured stakeholder engagement in EFSA’s governance to improve inclusivity and transparency.
Streamline the Transparency Regulation while preserving accountability across all levels.
Anchor EFSA within the EU’s resilience and food security agenda to enhance its strategic impact.
Align food safety with broader health, environmental, and digital policy goals to ensure a holistic approach to European public health and safety.

EFSA stands at a pivotal point in its development. Its future success will depend on its ability to bridge sectors, foster innovation, and navigate the complexities of today’s global challenges.

We invite you to read the full contribution here.

A special thank you to EUPHA’s Food and Nutrition Section for their essential work in shaping this contribution.