The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gives independent scientific advice to the Commission on all matters directly or indirectly related to food safety. It is a separate legal entity independent from the EU institutions.

	Replacement of one member of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority The final deadline for submission of applications expired on 21.09.2012. On 12 March 2013 the Commission adopted a list of 11 names with a view to the appointment by the Council of 1 member of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority to replace one member whose term of office ends on 30 June 2014.

EFSA rules and procedures

Regulation 178/2002/EC - legal basis for establishment of EFSA

Regulations 1304/2003 and 2230/2004 establish:

• The procedures EFSA applies to requests for scientific opinions referred to it.
  Either EFSA or the Commission, Parliament or EU countries formulate the requests for scientific opinions. The procedures applied to the requests ensure an objective, transparent and functional process.
• Rules on the network of organisations working in the fields of EFSA’s mission.
  National competent organisations, members of the EFSA network must have a high level of scientific or technical expertise in the relevant fields. Their organisational arrangements must include specific procedures and rules to ensure that the tasks EFSA gives them will be performed with independence and integrity.

What does EFSA do?

EFSA’s work covers all stages of food production and supply: from primary production to the safety of animal feed, and the supply of food to consumers.

• Collects information and analyses new scientific developments;
• Identifies and assesses potential risks to the food chain;
• Carries out the scientific assessment on any matter with a direct or indirect effect on the safety of the food supply, including animal health, animal welfare and plant health;
• Gives scientific advice on non-food and feed GMOs and nutrition related to EU legislation;
• Communicates directly with the public on issues within its responsibility.

Archive for the 5 committees transferred to EFSA (May 2003)

• Scientific Committee on Food
• Scientific Committee on Animal Nutrition
• Scientific Committee on Veterinary Measures relating to Public Health
• Scientific Committee on Plants
• Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare

All were established by Commission Decision 97/579/EC.

The Scientific Steering Committee was dissolved and its responsibilities on BSE/TSE were transferred to EFSA. See more information here.