The row between the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) over replacing executive director Geoffrey Podger has been settled in the Commission’s favour.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


It had wanted job candidates assessed and nominated by its officials, a move angering the food agency, as “undermining confidence in EFSA as an independent body”.


However, the agency relented after Brussels insisted it should follow standard European Union institution appointment procedures protecting the Commission’s role. EFSA has now announced that the executive director will be appointed by its management board, “on the basis of a list of candidates proposed by the Commission”. Mr Podger leaves EFSA in November.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact