Organisational structure

EFSA's organisational chart (16/05/2012) (0.1 Mb)

Reorganisation of the Authority

EFSA has grown quickly since its creation in 2002. In order to ensure that EFSA can respond to and anticipate changes in its environment and growing demands, the Authority started an internal restructuring programme in 2011.

The aim of the reorganisation is to improve efficiency and effectiveness while optimising the use of the Authority’s resources. The overall objectives are to:

  • Consolidate resources for public health priorities, such as chemical and biological contaminants, and for animal and plant health.
  • Reflect the increasing workload on applications and improve the service to applicants.
  • Reinforce strategic coordination and support of scientific activities for cross-cutting issues.
  • Reinforce the strategic approach to communications activities.
  • Optimise the use of resources by building on internal scientific expertise, consolidating related activities and centralising some support activities.

The first two phases of this reorganisation were completed as of January 2012.

EFSA organisational structure

The European Food Safety Authority is organised in five directorates overseen by EFSA’s Executive Director:

  • Science directorates:
    • Risk Assessment and Scientific Assistance
    • Scientific Evaluation of Regulated Products
    • Science Strategy and Coordination
  • Communications Directorate
  • Resources & Support Directorate.

The scientific directorates support the work of EFSA’s Scientific Committee and Panels. EFSA employs approximately 450 staff members.

Risk Assessment and Scientific Assistance

The Risk Assessment and Scientific Assistance Directorate (RASA) carries out risk assessments on general health and safety priorities in areas such as biological hazards, chemical contaminants, plant health and animal health and welfare. Its units focus on the following specific areas:

  • Animal health and welfare, including support to the AHAW Panel
  • Biological hazards, including support to the BIOHAZ Panel
  • Biological monitoring
  • Contaminants, including support to the CONTAM Panel
  • Dietary and chemical monitoring
  • Plant health, including support to the PLH Panel
  • Scientific assessment support

Scientific Evaluation of Regulated Products

The Scientific Evaluation of Regulated Products Directorate (REPRO) supports EFSA’s work in the evaluation of substances, products and claims intended to be used in the food chain in order to protect public, plant and animal health as well as the environment. Its units focus on the following specific areas:

  • Feed, including support to the FEEDAP Panel
  • Food ingredients and packaging, including support to the ANS Panel and CEF Panel
  • GMO, including support to the GMO Panel
  • Nutrition, including support to the NDA Panel
  • Pesticides, responsible for the EU peer review of active substances used in pesticides, scientific advice on setting Maximum Residue Levels and support to the PPR Panel

Science Strategy and Coordination

The Science Strategy and Coordination Directorate (SCISTRAT) takes strategic leadership of EFSA’s scientific activities and the implementation of the Authority’s science strategy. It coordinates, together with the two operational scientific Directorates, EFSA’s risk assessment activities and manages cross‐cutting scientific issues. The Directorate organizes and relies on the work of the Scientific Committee and the Advisory Forum. It also fosters cooperation with national and international partners by supporting cooperation with EU Member States and at the international level as well as by consolidating dialogue with stakeholders. Its units focus on the following specific areas:

  • Advisory Forum & scientific cooperation
  • Emerging risks
  • Scientific Committee

Communications

The Communications Directorate (COMMS) is responsible for risk communication - a central part of EFSA’s core business. By communicating on risks associated with the food chain in an open and transparent way based on the independent scientific advice of its scientific expert panels and its own expertise, the Authority contributes to improving food safety in Europe and to building public confidence in the way risk is assessed. EFSA communicates with risk managers, national authorities, stakeholders and the public at large using on- and offline communications tools, such as the corporate website, publications and information materials and information for the media. Its units focus on the following specific areas:

  • Editorial & media relations
  • Communication channels

Resources and Support

In order to successfully carry out its mission, EFSA depends upon the administrative and support services provided by the Resources and Support Directorate (RESU). Key services include a strategic approach to human capital and knowledge management, developing efficient IT systems in support of the scientific work, and providing sound financial management and procurement services in support of, for instance, networking with competent organisations across the EU. Its units focus on the following specific areas:

  • Accounts
  • Corporate services
  • Finance
  • Human capital & knowledge management
  • IT systems
  • Legal & regulatory affairs