2024-11 WANTED: HIGH-PERFORMING EFSA FOR THE SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF SPECIALTY FOOD INGREDIENTS!

For the first time since its creation, the European Commission is evaluating the performance of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This is a unique opportunity to foster a cutting-edge and safe specialty food ingredient sector that enhances the global competitiveness and excellence of the European food and beverage industry.

Indeed, to be used in food and beverages most specialty food ingredients must first undergo a pre-market authorisation process that involves safety assessments from EFSA. The speed and consistency of EFSA’s scientific evaluations are essential for maintaining the economic viability and competitiveness of the specialty food ingredients industry in the EU. However, EU business operators are increasingly sceptical about the value of an EU application, as they perceive it as a waste of money and effort. This sentiment is exacerbated by the prevalence of generic authorisations, not easily safeguarded by patents.

Urgent measures are necessary, recognising EU applicants of specialty food ingredients as valuable partners in a competitive international environment. It’s time to act and not let go of this incredible asset!

Read our full position to learn more about this review,  why it is important for EFSA to improve and few quick fixes that could be taken to reassure applicants: https://www.specialtyfoodingredients.eu/wp-content/uploads/media/Wanted_High-performing_EFSA-for-safety-assessment-of-specialty-food-ingredients.pdf