pest
A living organism (e.g. an insect, rodent, weed, fungus or virus) that is harmful to plants and/or their products (e.g. seeds, fruits)
In food safety, a pest is any organism that can harm plants, animals, food products, or food production systems. Pests can reduce crop yields, damage stored food, spread plant or animal diseases, and indirectly affect human health and food security.
EFSA assesses the risk that a pest could enter the EU, establish itself, and spread, and evaluates the possible impacts on agriculture, the food chain and the environment. EFSA also identifies high-risk pests, supports early detection through surveillance tools, and provides scientific advice to help EU authorities decide on prevention, control, or quarantine measures. This work helps protect food production, animal health, and ultimately, consumer safety.