invasive species
Animal, plant or other organism introduced by man into places out of its natural range of distribution
In food safety, invasive species are organisms—like plants, insects, or pathogens—that are introduced to a new area where they are not normally found and can cause harm to agriculture, food production, or the environment. They may damage crops, spread diseases, or disrupt ecosystems, indirectly affecting the safety and availability of food.
EFSA works on invasive species by assessing the risks they pose to plant health, animal health, and the food chain. We evaluate how likely these species are to enter, establish, and spread in the EU, and what economic or environmental damage they could cause. EFSA also provides guidance and tools for monitoring and controlling these species, supports early detection of emerging threats, and advises EU authorities on measures to prevent or manage invasions, helping protect food safety and public health.