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



EFSA has started work on a new risk assessment of bisphenol A, a chemical that is used in food contact materials, focusing on the exposure of vulnerable groups. Scheduled for completion in May 2013, the scientific opinion will evaluate dietary and non-dietary exposure to BPA. In support of its new risk assessment, EFSA invites Member States, research institutions, academics, food business operators, packaging business operators and other stakeholders to submit data on BPA, in particular concerning its: occurrence in food and beverages, migration from food contact materials, and occurrence in food contact materials. Deadline: 31 July 2012 Call for Bisphenol A occurrence data	Experts will have the opportunity to discuss the possible low-dose effects of BPA at EFSA’s international scientific colloquium on low-dose effects in toxicology and risk assessment. The colloquium takes place on 14-15 June 2012. Scientific colloquium EFSA's work in context Topic: Bisphenol A FAQ: Chemicals in Food Scientific report: Scientific report of EFSA’s Endocrine Active Substances Task Force

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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.