Statement issued on ten years of EFSA

The organisations, which make up EFSA’s Advisory Forum, say that since EFSA’s establishment in 2002 it has enhanced consumer protection and provided support to member states.

The statement adds that they will continue to strive to ensure that scientific risk assessment evolves and develops to meet future challenges.

'In the space of a decade European food safety has made resounding progress and to mark this milestone we hereby recognise the crucial contribution EFSA has made. ESFA has enhanced consumer protection, provided vital support to Member States and proved to be a crucial resource in times of food crises.

'The Advisory Forum has confidence in the independence and scientific decision-making process of EFSA and has worked in cooperation with the Authority over the past ten years to strengthen EU risk assessment and all measures to ensure the objectivity of scientific advice.

'Our members reaffirm their endorsement of the independent experts who contribute to EFSA’s scientific work and the vital role they play in the risk assessment process.

'The competent national food safety bodies in Europe that make up the Advisory Forum declare their continued commitment to the strengthening of science-based policy-making. Looking forward, we will strive to ensure that scientific risk assessment evolves and develops to meet the critical challenges that lie ahead in an ever-changing environment.

'We will build upon the progress made since 2002 and continue to champion this partnership of trust to secure the safety of food and feed in Europe.'

The statement was made at the 45th meeting of the EFSA Advisory Forum, Parma, 27 September 2012.