biodiversity

In food safety, biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, that make up ecosystems linked to food production, such as farms, forests, soils, and aquatic environments. Biodiversity helps support healthy food systems by contributing to pollination, soil fertility, natural pest control, and ecosystem stability.

EFSA considers biodiversity when assessing the environmental impacts of food-related activities, such as the use of pesticides, genetically modified organisms, or other substances released into the environment. By evaluating how these factors may affect different species and ecosystems, EFSA helps ensure that food production is safe and sustainable, and that risks to both public health and the environment are properly managed.