New Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) strengthens cooperation between EFSA and FAO

The agreement reflects a common objective: ensuring that innovation drives competitiveness while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Amid rapid technological change and increasing complexity, the three-year partnership will promote science-based solutions for safe, sustainable, and resilient food systems, aligned with One Health integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems principles. 

Under the MoU, cooperation will cover areas such as plant and animal health, pesticide Substance used to kill or control pests, including disease-carrying organisms and undesirable insects, animals and plants risk assessment A specialised field of applied science that involves reviewing scientific data and studies in order to evaluate risks associated with certain hazards. It involves four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation and sustainable agricultural practices, nutrition The science of how diet relates to the body's need for sustenance and cross-cutting work on data, as well as methodologies and communication. The partnership will also promote joint efforts on emerging issues and fields such as novel food Foodstuff or food ingredient that was not used for human consumption to a significant degree within the European Union before 15 May 1997, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and microbiome research.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, which was attended by H. E. Ambassador Martin Selmayr, Head of Delegation of the European Union in Rome, EFSA’s Executive Director, Nik Kriz, underlined the importance of the agreement: “I am very proud to see this partnership with FAO take shape. By combining our expertise, we will be better prepared to face emerging challenges and strengthen safe, innovative, and sustainable food systems. I am confident that, together, we can deliver real benefits for public health”.