EFSA has published the results of its two pilot assessments on the risks posed to humans by residues of multiple pesticides in food. The assessments – one considering chronic effects on the thyroid system and the other acute effects on the nervous system – are the culmination of a multi-year collaboration between EFSA and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the...

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EFSA has published a scientific opinion on public health risks related to the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in food – a mycotoxin naturally produced by moulds that can be found in a variety of foodstuffs including cereals, preserved meats, fresh and dried fruit, and cheese. New data that have become available since the last assessment in 2006 suggest that OTA can be...

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The globalisation of trade combined with the boom in travel and movement of people mean that plant pests can travel from one side of the globe to the other in a matter of days. So how do risk assessors and plant health officers keep track of the pests of tomorrow? The answer is horizon scanning. In collaboration with the European Commission's Joint Research...

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EFSA has assessed the risks to public health from Listeria contamination of vegetables that are blanched – scalded in hot water or steam for a short time – before they are frozen. They conclude that the risks associated with the consumption of these products is lower than for ready-to-eat foods such as smoked fish, cooked meat, sausages, pâté, soft cheese – which are usually associated with listeria...

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EFSA has published its annual report on pesticide residues found in food in the European Union. The report is based on data from the official national control activities carried out by EU Member States, Iceland and Norway and includes both targeted and random sampling. A total of 91,015 samples were analysed in 2018, 95.5% of which fell within legally permitted levels. For the subset...

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What are priority pests? The 20 pests on the list published by the European Commission in October 2019 are quarantine pests that have been identified as top priorities for EU Member States based on the severity of the economic, social and environmental problems they can cause. They include Xylella fastidiosa, the Japanese beetle, the Asian long-horned beetle, citrus greening and citrus black spot. Why did the European Commission draw up this list?...

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“The whole EU territory is at risk from Xylella fastidiosa, and the more the scientific community works together on this issue, the quicker we’ll be to find solutions to tackle this pest.” That was how Claude Bragard, chair of EFSA’s Panel on Plant Health, summed up the importance of the conference on X. fastidiosa held in Corsica this week. Around 350 plant health specialists from around...

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To mark the International Year of Plant Health, EFSA has launched a special website highlighting the work it is doing with its partners to combat plant pests and protect Europe’s cultivated and wild plants. The website will be updated throughout the year with news and information on activities aimed at raising awareness about plant health in Europe and beyond. Take a look: Working together...

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EFSA’s website is now available in Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The addition of Spanish means that all EFSA’s essential information, news stories and background materials are accessible in five languages – the content is already available in English, French, German and Italian. The launch of a Spanish version of the website marks the beginning of the gradual introduction...

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EFSA evaluates the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) before they can be authorised for use as food or feed and/or for cultivation in the EU. This includes GM plants, GM microorganisms and GM animals. Applications are submitted to the national competent authority of a Member State, which forwards the application to EFSA. The technical dossier of an application must be compiled according...

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EFSA assesses the scientific basis of nutrition and health claims submitted for authorisation in the EU. Work in the area of nutrition related to applications also includes the evaluation of novel foods, infant formulae and food allergens. The European Commission and Member States then decide whether to grant authorisation. In the case of health claims applications are submitted to the national competent authority of a...

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Salmonella and Campylobacter are becoming increasingly resistant to ciprofloxacin, one of the antibiotics of choice for treating infections caused by these bacteria. The conclusion is part of the latest report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonoses released today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which also presents some positive trends in the animal sector. The latest data from...

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A balanced diet is one that provides adequate amounts of various nutrients to maintain health and well-being. Protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals and water are all nutrients. Each nutrient has a particular function in the human body. The amount of each individual nutrient needed to maintain an individual’s health is called the nutrient requirement. Nutrient requirements vary depending on age and gender. Level...

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The welfare of adult rabbits kept in conventional cage systems is worse than that of those housed in other systems used in the EU, EFSA has concluded. The main welfare issue they experience is restricted movement. The findings are part of a comprehensive comparison of the different rabbit housing systems used in the EU. EFSA’s scientific opinion is based on an extensive survey...

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Some substances belonging to a group of plant ingredients known as hydroxyanthracene derivatives can damage DNA and may cause cancer, said EFSA after assessing their safety when added to food. This group of substances naturally occurs in plants such as aloe or senna species. Extracts containing them are used in food supplements for their laxative effect. In 2013, EFSA found that hydroxyanthracene derivatives...

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EFSA has assessed the safety of green tea catechins from dietary sources, following concerns regarding their possible harmful effects on the liver. EFSA concluded that catechins from green tea infusions and similar drinks are generally safe. When taken as food supplements, however, catechin doses at or above 800 mg/day may pose health concerns. Green tea is widely consumed for its purported health benefits, but...

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EFSA evaluates the safety of regulated food ingredients before they can be authorised for use on the European market. Food ingredients are chemical substances which are used as food additives, food enzymes, flavourings, smoke flavourings and sources of vitamins and minerals added to food. EFSA assesses the safety of new substances and of new proposed uses for currently authorised substances. There are different...

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EFSA evaluates the safety and/or efficacy of additives, products or substances used in animal feed before they can be authorised for use in the EU. The European Commission decides whether or not to authorise the feed additive application following EFSA’s evaluation. The procedure for feed additive applications requires submission of: An application to the European Commission A technical dossier to EFSA (electronic format...

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Enzymes are protein molecules that are present in all living things. They speed up and target chemical reactions, in many cases increasing the rate of reaction millions of times. For example, they aid digestion, metabolise and eliminate waste in humans and animals, and play a crucial role in muscle contraction. Enzymes have been used unknowingly in food production, e.g. dough making, for centuries....

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Scientific advice on safety of food additives, enzymes, flavourings, processing aids and other substances intentionally added to food; safety of food packing and other food contact materials; and safety of food-related processes including recycling of plastic for use in food contact materials. All this scientific advice forms part of market authorisation procedures. Scientific advice on safety of food additives, enzymes, flavourings, processing aids...

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