In the EFSA Work Plan 2008, the Agency underlined priorities such as:
to streamline the EFSA procedures
to adapt the EFSA working practices to meet the target outputs of scientific opinions and statements to the highest quality standards
to increase its presence and visibility in the EU Member States and consolidate the network of national bodies.
New challenges for EFSA in 2008 will include:
nanoparticles in food
animal cloning
application of Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) in microbiological risk assessment.
EPHA welcomes EFSA’s target to further enhance its internal systems to manage and promote the principles of transparency, openness and independence.
In the EFSA 2008 Work Plan, EFSA mentions 4 main goals for this year:
1. Risk assessment and scientific advice
The EFSA nine Scientific Panels, Working Groups and Scientific Committee will continue to apply the most current scientific knowledge and methodologies. EFSA decided to replace in 2008 the Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC Panel) by two new Panels, one dealing with food additives and nutritional substances and the other Panel dealing with food contact materials, flavourings, food enzymes and processing aids.
2. Co-operation with Member States
The EFSA Strategy to encourage co-operation with Member States includes the establishment of Focal Points. By the end of 2008, EFSA will have established Focal Points in all 27 EU Member States. The EFSA Strategy also inlcudes the implementation of Article 36 which enables EFSA to work together with competent Member State organisations. These Member State organisations can assist EFSA in its activities and calls for proposals that will be issued in 2008.
3. Partners and Stakeholders
EFSA highlights once again in its 2008 Work Plan that transparency and open dialogue are essential for building confidence and mutual understanding with its stakeholders. During 2008, EFSA will prepare a stakeholder strategy on the basis of the review undertaken in 2007. EFSA will consolidate existing stakeholder activities such as public consultations and meetings of the Stakeholder Consultative Platform where EPHA is represented. EFSA mentioned that it will also involve stakeholder groups in strategic meetings on its medium and long term strategy. EPHA will question these comments in the Work Plan in the next EFSA Stakeholder Consultative Platform meeting in April 2008.
4. Communication
EFSA will focus with its Communication Department on enhancing visibility, improving clarity and relevance of EFSA risk communications.
If you would like to read more about EFSA’s work, please visit the EFSA website
