EFSA guidance outlines step-by-step approach for environmental risk assessment of GM animals

New guidance from EFSA provides applicants and risk assessors with a clear framework to evaluate the potential adverse effects of living genetically modified (GM) animals on the environment, including those on human and animal health. The document, which describes how to carry out environmental risk assessments of GM fish, insects, mammals and birds, was developed following a request from the European Commission.

EFSA calls on Romanian, Bulgarian and Cypriot scientists

Representatives of EFSA were in Bucharest to engage with scientists from Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and neighbouring countries on the Authority's work and to encourage them to join its Scientific Panels dealing with the safety of food ingredients and food packaging. The call for renewal of the ANS and CEF Panels is open until 17 June 2013.

Register for upcoming 12 June Stakeholder Consultative Platform

The second of three meetings of the Platform, EFSA's main forum for stakeholder engagement, takes place in Brussels in June. The Platform meetings provide a forum for dialogue, exchange of ideas, information and views. Those wishing to attend as observers are invited to register by 3 June.

Flavouring substance raises safety concerns

The flavouring substance 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene is genotoxic (that is, it can damage DNA, the genetic material of cells) and therefore a safety concern for human health. Genotoxic substances should not be intentionally added to the food chain. In the coming days, EFSA’s scientific advice will help to inform EU risk managers’ decisions regarding the possible removal of 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene from the EU list of authorised flavouring substances.

Experts debate bee health at EFSA Colloquium

More than 100 bee experts met in Parma, Italy, this week to debate the latest scientific developments regarding the risk assessment of multiple stressors in bees. EFSA’s 18th Scientific Colloquium was convened in response to the growing consensus among scientists about the multifactorial origins of bee colony losses and mounting evidence that stressors in bees – such as parasites, diseases, malnutrition and the effects of products such as pesticides – may act in combination as well as independently.

Register for the FEEDAP and ANS Plenary meetings

Registrations for those interested in attending as Observers the Plenary meetings of the FEEDAP and ANS Panels close respectively on 3 June 2013 and 17 June 2013. As part of EFSA’s commitment to openness and transparency, the Authority is giving access to some scientific plenary meetings either in total or in part in its 2012/2013 programme.