FSAI in Europe
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland represents Ireland on food safety issues in European. The Authority has regular contact with the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The FSAI consults on and assists in the development of well founded and effective European food law, taking into account the principles of better regulation.
European Food Safety Authority
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was formally set up in 2002 as an independent source of scientific advice and communication on risks associated with the food chain. Its remit is to help rebuild consumer confidence following a series of food crises in the 1990’s. EFSA operates in a legal framework where risk assessment is carried out separately from risk management. Its job is to provide impartial advice to risk managers - the European Commission, Member States and the European Parliament - while at the same time communicating its findings to all interested parties.
EFSA’s tasks cover food and feed safety, nutrition, animal health and welfare, plant protection and plant health.
To date, EFSA has delivered hundreds of scientific opinions on issues as diverse as BSE/TSE, food additives, pesticides, Avian Influenza, nanotechnology and animal cloning.
All opinions are based on science and not influenced by political considerations.
European and national level activities are co-ordinated by EFSA by means of close co-operation through EFSA’s Advisory Forum. This structure allows Member States and EFSA to work together to exchange scientific information and data, co-ordinate work programmes, pool resources and co-operate on joint projects.
Ireland’s Contribution to EFSA
National Focal Point
The national focal points are considered EFSA’s ‘ambassadors’ in the Member States. In Ireland, the FSAI is named as the national focal point. They serve as relay contacts between risk managers, national authorities, research institutes, stakeholders and consumers in the Member States and ensure the adequate and timely two-way exchange of all relevant information. The role of the focal point is to keep EFSA and Advisory Forum members informed of national risk assessment and scientific developments. The network of focal points coordinate communications with risk assessment institutes in the Member States and are closely involved in work programmes conducted by EFSA and by national authorities.
You can contact the FSAI Focal Point by emailing: focalpoint@fsai.ie
Advisory Forum
EFSA’s Advisory Forum connects EFSA with the national food safety authorities of all EU Member States. Its members represent each national body responsible for risk assessment in the EU. Professor Alan Reilly, CEO, FSAI represents Ireland on the Advisory Forum.
The Forum is at the heart of EFSA’s collaborative approach to working with the EU Member States. Through it, EFSA and the Member States can join forces in addressing European risk assessment and risk communications issues.
Members use the Forum to advise EFSA on scientific matters, its work programme and priorities, and to address emerging risk issues as early as possible.
Scientific Committee and Panels
EFSA’s Scientific Committee and Panels are composed of highly qualified experts in scientific risk assessment, with a breadth of expertise allowing EFSA to address all aspects of its remit: from food and feed safety to nutrition, animal health and welfare, plant protection and plant health. Members of EFSA’s Scientific Committee and Panels are appointed through a rigorous selection procedure on the basis of proven scientific excellence. The scientists work for EFSA in an independent capacity bringing their expertise and experience from a diverse range of backgrounds together in a joint assessment result.
The Irish members of EFSA’s Scientific Committee and Panels are as follows:
Dr Iona Pratt, Consultant Toxicologist, FSAI, is a member of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food.
Professor Albert Flynn, Professor of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, is Chair of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies and a member of the EFSA Scientific Committee.
Professor John Daniel Collins, Emeritus Professor of Farm Animal Clinical Studies, College of Life Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin is a member of the EFSA TSE Sub-committee.
Dr James William Choiseul, Agricultural Inspector, Plant Health Division, Department of Agriculture and Food, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, is a member of the Panel on Plant Health.
Dr John Griffin, Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector, Department of Agriculture and Food, Dublin, is a member of the Scientific Panel on Biological Hazards.
What’s on the menu in Europe?
EFSA and national food safety agencies plan for a pan-European food consumption survey
See the EFSA website for more information
Moving Together
Moving Together is a cooperation newsletter between EFSA and Member States. It provides overviews on current cooperation projects and updates on the results and milestones achieved.
Issue 8, December 2011
Issue 7, December 2010
Issue 6, July 2010
Issue 5, December 2009
Issue 4, July 2009
Issue 3, December 2008
Issue 2, July 2008
Issue 1, December 2007
Last reviewed: 20/1/2012