European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Committed since 2002 to ensuring that Europe's food is safe



EFSA’s 2011 Annual Report on crisis preparedness & response: procedures tried, tested and fit for purpose In order to share experience and lessons learned, EFSA has published its third annual report on crisis preparedness & response. In 2011, EFSA was requested to provide urgent advice on the German and French STEC outbreak, likely resulting from sprout consumption. Prior to this outbreak, EFSA had collaborated closely with Member States, the European Commission and the European Centre for Disease prevention and Control, to train staff on crisis response. The report highlights the value of securing good relations with key stakeholders during peace times and the importance of having a unit dedicated to crisis response. 2011 Annual Report on crisis preparedness & response EFSA Journal Editorial: EFSA’s Food and Feed Safety Crisis Preparedness and Response	Understanding science What are food-borne zoonotic pathogens?? Why are they important for public health? What are food-borne zoonotic pathogens? Why are they important for public health? EFSA's work in context Topic: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli outbreak(s) FAQ: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) Fact sheet: Zoonotic diseases: Zoonotic E. coli (STEC)

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Health claims: guidance on bone, joints and oral health EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies has published guidance on the scientific requirements for health claims related to bone, joints and oral health. The guidance, which is based on the Panel’s experience of evaluating claims in these areas, focuses on two key issues: the assessment of claimed beneficial effects; and studies/outcome measures which are considered appropriate for the substantiation of claims.
EFSA Management Board Chair resigns Upon request of EFSA, Diána Bánáti has resigned on 8 May as member and Chair of the Management Board, effective immediately. She has decided to take up a professional position at the International Life Sciences Institute which is not compatible with her role as member and Chair of the EFSA Management Board.	EFSA statement on European Parliament’s vote to postpone its 2010 budget discharge The European Food Safety Authority respectfully takes note of the decision taken on 10 May 2012 by the European Parliament to postpone the Authority’s 2010 budgetary discharge. EFSA understands that in voting for a postponement, the European Parliament is seeking reassurance on some specific points. In upholding its commitment to transparency, EFSA will continue to work with the European Parliament in the coming months.