Here's the latest from EFSA

European Commission launches call for EFSA's new Executive Director

The European Commission has launched a call for the next Executive Director of EFSA. Eligible candidates are invited to apply by 27 September 2024. The Executive Director leads and manages the agency and has the overall responsibility for its operations. The appointment is for a period of five years, renewable once for an additional period of five years. For the detailed job description, requirements and how to apply, please see the vacancy notice.

EFSA identifies 12 bark and ambrosia beetle species posing high risk to EU plant health

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in collaboration with the University of Padua (Italy), has identified 12 species of bark and ambrosia beetles that pose a high economic or environmental risk to plant health in the EU territory. The beetles, which attack broadleaved trees, are currently absent or not yet widespread in the EU and meet the criteria for classification as potential Union quarantine pests (QPs).

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) consist of a large group of man-made chemicals used for their water-, grease-, and stain-resistant properties in products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foams. The active substances in pesticides can also be PFAS. Check out the new topic page!

Risk assessment of plant commodities in the EU

Countries outside the EU intending to export plants and plant products to the EU must follow the EU's Plant Health Law to protect Europe's agriculture and environment from harmful pests and diseases. Some high risk plants and plant products must undergo a thorough risk assessment before they can be imported. As part of this process EFSA carries out commodity risk assessments of these potential imports. Discover our factsheet!

Vibrio bacteria in seafood: increased risk due to climate change and antimicrobial resistance

The prevalence of Vibrio in seafood is expected to increase both globally and in Europe because of climate change, especially in low-salinity or brackish waters, according to EFSA’s latest assessment. Additionally, resistance to last-resort antibiotics is increasingly found in some Vibrio species.

EFSA launches new webtool to calculate dietary exposure to food enzymes

EFSA has released an innovative new webtool designed to support industry operators and consumers estimate exposure to food enzymes through the diet. The Food Enzyme Intake Model (FEIM) webtool brings together data on the use of food enzymes in various manufacturing processes with information about the exposure of different population groups to food enzymes.

Episode 20 – Fowl threat: is avian flu going viral?

Avian flu has decimated poultry and wild birds around the globe in recent years. The virus has now spread extensively among mammals, affecting more than 50 species from cats to sea lions. The disease was recently discovered in dairy cows in North America and some farm workers were infected, causing widespread alarm. Could this be the next pandemic? Can we stop it spreading? Will vaccination help? Check our latest podcast episode!

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