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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EFSA has expanded its food consumption database with a new batch of data collected under the EU Menu project. The new release includes nine additional dietary surveys carried out in six countries – Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, the Netherlands and Slovenia. The surveys provide new information in all age groups covered by the EU Menu – infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, the elderly,...

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Introduction Climate change poses significant challenges to global food safety. Long-term changes in temperature, humidity, rainfall patterns and the frequency of extreme weather events are already affecting farming practices, crop production and the nutritional quality of food crops. The sensitivity of germs, potentially toxin-producing microorganisms and other pests to climate factors suggests that climate change has the potential of affecting the occurrence and intensity of...

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The food consumption database is said to play a key role in the evaluation of the risks related to possible hazards in food, allowing estimates of consumers’ exposure to such hazards. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has expanded its food consumption database with a new set of data collected under the EU Menu project. The aim of the EU Menu project is to...

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The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Food Price Index rose again in January 2020, mainly driven by increases in the costs of vegetable oils, sugar and wheat. World food prices rose for the fourth consecutive month in January 2020. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Food Price Index averaged 182.5 points during the month, up 0.7 percent from December...

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