Scientific Panels

EFSA aims to deliver the best science at the right time and in the most appropriate manner. EFSA’s Scientific Committee and Panels deliver scientific advice for Europe’s decision-makers in the areas of food and feed safety, nutrition, animal health and welfare, plant protection and plant health. Within its remit, EFSA also assesses environmental safety. A growing part of the Authority’s work relates to the safety assessment of regulated products, substances and claims submitted for authorisation in the EU, thereby supporting agrofood innovation.

EFSA’s Scientific Panels are responsible for EFSA’s risk assessment work including delivering scientific opinions. Each Panel focuses on a different area of the food and feed chain. The Scientific Committee has the task of supporting the work of the Panels on cross-cutting issues and scientific matters of a horizontal nature. It focuses on developing harmonised risk assessment methodologies in fields where EU-wide approaches are not yet defined.
 

The Scientific Committee and the Panels are composed of independent scientific experts with a thorough knowledge of risk assessment from universities, research institutions and national food safety authorities. All members are appointed through an open selection procedure on the basis of proven scientific excellence, including experience in risk assessment and peer-reviewing scientific work and publications.

EFSA’s Scientific Panels:


The Scientific Committee and Panels are supported by three scientific directorates comprised of EFSA staff. EFSA’s scientific units may also produce scientific outputs on behalf of the Authority, for instance in response to urgent requests for scientific advice.