The Food Safety Authority of Ireland represents Ireland on food safety issues in Europe.
Tá leagan Gaeilge den leathanach seo ar fáil anseo.
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 and national level activities are co-ordinated by EFSA by means of close co-operation through EFSA’s Advisory Forum, National Focal Point and Scientific Committees, Panels and Networks. 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.
EFSA News
Expressions of interest for EFSA Management Board members
The European Commission has launched a call for expressions of interest for positions on the EFSA Management Board, specifically for the representatives of civil society and food chain interests.
The call will result in a Commission list of candidates from which the Council, in consultation with the European Parliament, will appoint four members and four alternates. Appointments will be made on the basis of relevant experience and expertise in the field of food chain law and policy, including risk assessment. Members will be appointed for a four-year term of office starting on 1 July 2026.
The deadline for applications is 1 September 2025, 12:00 (CET)
For further details and to apply, see the European Commissbsition website.
Public consultation on the safety assessment of preparations made with sweet and bitter fennel
EFSA is seeking feedback on its draft assessment of the health risks of fennel seed preparations, including herbal infusions.
Fennel seed preparations contain estragole, a naturally occurring compound that is genotoxic (may damage DNA) and carcinogenic.
In the draft assessment EFSA's scientists could not establish a safe level of exposure to estragole based on the available data. They have concluded that consumption of fennel seed preparations may pose a health risk. Preparations where estragole has been removed during the production process or is undetactable are not considered to pose a health risk.
EFSA is now inviting stakeholders, researchers, and members of the public to provide feedback on this draft assessment. Those interested can submit comments on the EFSA Connect portal.
The deadline for submitting comments is 17th September 2025.
EFSA Grants and Procurement
EFSA regularly awards grants or subsidies for projects and activities that contribute to EFSA’s mission in the areas of data collection, preparatory work for scientific opinions, other scientific and technical assistance. Further information on EFSA Grants and EFSA Procurement.
Seconded National Experts Call 2025-2027
EFSA has launched a new call for Seconded National Experts (SNEs). As an SNE, professionals from national administrations will have the opportunity to contribute to EFSA’s work while gaining valuable expertise to bring back to their home institutions. The secondment is open to experts in various fields, from scientific risk assessment to communication and business support.
Interested professionals can read further information and apply via EFSA's website.
BfR World Food Safety Almanac
The online BfR World Food Safety Almanac provides an overview of the administrative structures of various countries in food and feed safety. It is well structured database that enables effective collaboration between organisations working in the field of food safety. Currently, there are profiles from 37 countries in the online World Food Safety Almanac.
EFSA newsletters
EFSA highlights is a free weekly e-newsletter featuring what’s new on the EFSA website.
EFSA's Understanding Science Video Clips
Understanding Science is EFSA’s scientific white board video series in which EFSA staff explain scientific concepts.