EFSA and the Focal Point network
EUROPEAN FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY (EFSA)
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is a European Union agency established in 2002 to provide independent scientific advice to risk managers and to communicate risks related to the food chain. Its work supports consistent scientific advice across the EU and provides the scientific basis for legislation to protect European consumers, following a farm to fork approach.
- Collaboration with independent experts and cooperating organisations, based on transparency and open dialogue.
- Commitment to the values of excellence, independence, openness, accountability and cooperation.
- Provision of scientific advice in response to requests from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the EU Member States.
EFSA structure and functioning
The Focal Point Network
The EFSA Focal Point Network was established in 2008 and is composed of representatives from national food safety authorities across Europe. Focal Points serve as key contact hubs and information exchange channels within a flexible, tailored and multiannual framework. Their role is to support the Authority in achieving scientific excellence in risk assessment, facilitate the exchange of views, and gather input from qualified experts across EFSA’s areas of competence.