EU: EFSA strikes cooperation deal with national food agencies

The European Union’s (EU) national food regulators have today (29 September) signed a ‘declaration of intent’ committing to developing a detailed cooperation system with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

At a meeting of the EFSA Advisory Forum in Berne, Switzerland, Europe’s food health gatekeepers agreed to draft an agreement by the New Year.

All sides agreed this could include formalising sharing scientific data on specific dossiers; setting up ad-hoc liaison groups on forthcoming risk assessments; circulating draft opinions on issues of particular importance; and creating formal communications channels.

EFSA executive director Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle said the move would “achieve greater coherence in risk assessment in the EU”.