Agencia Europea para la Seguridad Alimentaria

Today the Italian farmers’ association Coldiretti organised a demonstration in Parma. EFSA’s senior management met with representatives of the organisation.“Today, together with EFSA’s Director, Bernhard Url, we met with representatives of Coldiretti for a discussion about food derived from cell cultures and precision fermentation,” said Alberto Spagnolli, EFSA’s Senior Policy Coordinator.We had a constructive discussion which, in our view, helped to clarify some of the concerns and requests raised by Coldiretti, and EFSA’s approach to safety assessments.We highlighted how Coldiretti’s request to ‘shed light’ matches EFSA’s mission. EFSA always applies the highest standards of scientific assessment, as required by EU law, for  its assessments of the safety of novel foods for human health, including for applications submitted before 1 February 2025. Therefore, EFSA Panel members will use conditions and requirements for the scientific assessment based on the most recent experience of evaluations, as provided for in the new guidelines in force today.  EFSA’s task is precisely to clarify doubts or uncertainties with regards to human health effects, nutritional profiles of these foods, risks linked to the production process or substances used.  The panels in charge will carry out in-depth, case-by-case, evaluations for each product and may use every level of study required (including pre-clinical and clinical tests) to determine safety.  All this is done in a fully transparent manner. All information about the notified products, the studies requested and submitted, and the scientific assessment process is freely available on our website.  At EFSA, we believe that open and transparent discussions are essential when addressing topics that are subject to intense public debate. Our aim as a science agency that supports EU policy and lawmakers is clear: to ensure that any food people choose to eat is safe”.

Tiny killers. Mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on our planet. Millions of humans and animals die each year from diseases spread by mosquitoes and other insects. How do they spread these diseases? And how does climate change affect the trend? Join us as we explore the lives of some of the planet’s least popular insects and learn what we can all do to protect ourselves from bites. We also look at ways health authorities are working to combat these vector-borne diseases. Tune in to find out what the buzz is all about! 

This evaluation focuses on EFSA’s objectives, mandate, tasks, and procedures. As a key part of this process, a public consultation has been launched on the EC Have Your Say webpage. Stakeholders and other interested parties are invited to share their views and experiences with EFSA’s operations by completing the online questionnaire, which is available until 1 April 2025. 

The Chair of EFSA’s Scientific Committee, Susanne Hougaard Bennekou, said: “We are greatly saddened to lose our colleague and friend. Kostas’s humanity as well as his expertise have enlightened the Scientific Committee and guided his past roles, in particular, as a member and the Chair of EFSA’s Panel on Biological Hazards.”EFSA’s Executive Director, Bernhard Url, stated: “On behalf of EFSA, the staff and our community of experts, our heartfelt sympathies at this sad time go to Kostas’s family. We’re deeply sorry for your profound loss. We will also miss him dearly.”

Key findings:A new host plant was identified: the Cantabrian mountain oak (Quercus orocantabrica) was naturally infected in Portugal.For the first time, natural infections of the Pierce’s disease strain – a strain of Xylella fastidiosa that causes disease in vineyards in North America – have been found in grapes, almonds and other plants in Italy’s Apulia region.The total number of confirmed host species has increased to 452 species (from 70 different botanical families) when using the most stringent detection methods.No new sequence types (STs) of Xylella were identified worldwide.BackgroundXylella fastidiosa is a bacterial pathogen that causes severe diseases in a wide range of plants, including olive trees, citrus fruits, grapevines and various ornamental plants. EFSA developed the Xylella spp. host plant database following a request from the European Commission to support risk assessment and management efforts to control Xylella fastidiosa. The database, which has been continuously updated since 2016, serves as an important resource for policy makers, researchers, and plant health authorities.Read the full reportFor more information, contact plants [at] efsa.europa.eu (plants[at]efsa[dot]europa[dot]eu). 

What is the reality of being a female scientist in Europe? In celebration of the International Day of Girls and Women in Science on 11 February, we’re exploring women in science. How far have we come in ensuring women’s voices are the norm in science? What does the journey toward greater female representation look like from the perspective of someone living it every day? To find out, we turned to our own Océane Albert, who shared her experiences as a former researcher, now scientist in EFSA’s novel food team, and a new mum. 

Por primera vez, las cinco agencias de salud y medioambientales de la UE (EFSA, ECDC, ECHA, EEA y EMA)[i], apoyadas por el JRC, examinaron cómo afecta a la salud pública el uso de sustancias azólicas fuera de la medicina humana.Los medicamentos azólicos son esenciales para el tratamiento de la aspergilosis, una infección grave causada por hongos Aspergillus. Sin embargo, estos hongos son cada vez más resistentes a los azoles, lo que hace que el tratamiento sea menos eficaz.Los azoles se utilizan ampliamente en productos de protección fitosanitaria (pesticidas) para controlar las enfermedades causadas por hongos en el ámbito de la agricultura y la horticultura, como medicamentos veterinarios para tratar las micosis en animales, como biocidas en conservantes de la madera, como productos químicos industriales (p. ej., sustancias intermedias y colorantes) y en cosméticos (p. ej., productos anticaspa).El informe conjunto destaca que su uso generalizado fuera de la medicina humana, especialmente en la agricultura, contribuye al riesgo de que el Aspergillus se vuelva resistente a los azoles. La exposición Concentración o cantidad de una sustancia concreta que absorbe una persona, población o ecosistema con una frecuencia específica en un periodo determinado de tiempo a ciertos entornos en los que se utilizan o están presentes los fungicidas azólicos, tales como los residuos agrícolas y hortícolas o la madera recién cortada, podría aumentar el riesgo de infección por Aspergillus spp. resistente a los azoles.Los datos recogidos de los países de la UE y del EEE (2010-2021) e incluidos en el informe detallan el uso de fungicidas azólicos en toda Europa. Los productos de protección fitosanitaria representan la mayor parte de las ventas notificadas en todos los sectores.Bernhard Url, Director Ejecutivo en funciones de la EFSA, ha declarado:«El impacto del uso de fungicidas azólicos en la agricultura y otros sectores ajenos a la medicina humana sobre la resistencia a los antifúngicos pone de manifiesto la necesidad crítica de equilibrar unas prácticas eficaces con la protección de la salud y el medio ambiente. El enfoque «Una sola salud» nos permite aunar diversos conocimientos para hacer frente a este reto y salvaguardar la salud pública para las generaciones futuras.»

“Global developments demand that we stay alert and make sure Europe is prepared to respond to the threat of avian influenza,” said Pamela Rendi-Wagner, ECDC Director.  “ECDC is supporting EU/EEA Member States in preparing, preventing and containing potential future outbreaks in animals and humans. Having strong preparedness plans in place is paramount to protect public health in Europe.” “In 2024, avian influenza viruses expanded their reach, infecting previously unaffected species. Our work identifies key mutations linked to a potential spread to humans, requiring rapid detection and response. Collaboration and data sharing along the chain of actors involved remain essential in tackling emerging situations,” said Bernhard Url, EFSA Acting Executive Director.Experts generated a comprehensive list of mutations, from which they identified 34 genetic mutations that might increase the potential of avian influenza viruses to spread to humans. Using molecular analysis and genomic surveillance, animal and public health laboratories can refer to the list of mutations, which should be continuously updated, to monitor the emergence of strains that could potentially transmit to humans. The scientific opinion also identifies how the adaptation of avian influenza viruses to mammals can be driven by factors such as genetic mutations, the mixing of genetic material between viruses, and the interaction with host immune response, alongside extrinsic factors that can increase the chance of transmission to humans, like human activities and environmental changes that increase contact between wildlife, poultry, livestock, and humans. High-density farming, low biosecurity practices, deforestation, urbanisation, and global trade amplify the risk of spillovers from animals to humans.Key recommendations:Genetic analysis: Use genetic sequencing to detect mutations or virus adaptations to mammals early. Invest in systems to quickly identify emerging viruses and mutations that enable animal-to-human spread. Animal surveillance: Monitor sick or dead mammals linked to infected wild birds, poultry or mammals. Track unexplained illness during high-risk periods and areas with avian influenza. Public health surveillance: Test exposed individuals and routinely send samples to further identify the flu sub-type. During outbreaks in animals, hospitals should enhance surveillance and vigilance, especially during flu season peaks when the risk of mixing of genetic material between viruses rises. Prevention measures:  Implement robust farm biosecurity measures, train staff, vaccinate poultry, and prepare outbreak response plans. Ensure humans at risk follow influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment guidelines.Public health preparedness measures:  Raise awareness among high-risk groups, the general public and train healthcare workers to recognise and manage avian influenza. Ensure coordinated response plans for human cases. Develop guidelines and standard operating procedures for testing of exposed individuals and contacts of patients, including preventive protocols. Ensure coordinated response plans for human cases as part of national prevention, preparedness and response plans.Alongside the scientific opinion, the Agencies also developed a guidance on how to investigate and control outbreaks of avian influenza affecting both humans and animals, using a coordinated One Health approach. Experts developed flowcharts outlining response actions for five outbreak scenarios at the human-animal-environment interface, emphasising the importance of an interdisciplinary response among all stakeholders. This work will support Member States in creating tailored national guidelines. 

Why a toolkit?This toolkit has been developed by EFSA to provide further information on EFSA public consultations and ensure that participation and staying informed is easy and clear.What can I find in the toolkit?The toolkit as been designed to answer frequently asked questions about EFSA public consultations, including how to participate in them and how the process works.In the toolkit you will find information on:EFSA’s work and how you can get involvedWhat are public consultationsBackground information on public consultationsStep by step process of how public consultations work How to participate in a public consultation and provide your input to inform EFSA’s risk assessmentAn overview of the different types of consultationsHow the commenting process works A visual overview of the commenting processInformation on where the consultation outcomes are publishedWhere to find further information and support on public consultationsAn overview of information sources and what type of information can be found at each sourceGuidance on using and navigating Open EFSA, Connect EFSA, the EFSA website and the EFSA JournalWho is the toolkit for?This toolkit can be used by anybody interested contributing to EFSA’s risk assessment by participating in public consultations.

Oceans have long captivated our imagination. Think of swashbuckling pirates or bold explorers seeking far off lands. Today the oceans represent a new frontier. Beneath the seafloor lie precious minerals that could drive technological innovation. Ocean aquaculture could address sustainability issues from farming on land. Climate change is opening new sea routes for trade. But what are the risks for food safety? How could changing uses of the oceans affect our food supply? Join us as we explore the ocean deep!