The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is an independent organization within the European Union (EU) that operates in response to requests for scientific advice from the European Commission. They also carry out research of their own directive and their pursuits are generally focused on food-chain research.
It’s independence is protected by its internal Management Board, made of members appointed by the Council of the European Union and Parliament. The EFSA maintains strict guidelines to separate itself from corporate interests such that it’s pursuit of research is solely for the benefit of the general public.
Guiding Values
The EFSA operates under a set of guiding values that are described as such (R):
- Scientific Excellence
- Independence
- Openness
- Innovation
- Cooperation
Operational Management
The EFSA Management Board is tasked with assuring the EFSA runs smoothly and remains within the purview of its guiding values. The board contains 15 appointed members each of whom have selective expertise within the consumer food supply chain. These members are not representative of government interest.
The scientific work produced by the EFSA is published in the journal EFSA Journal, accessible through the Wiley Network of publications. This outlet contains an ongoing record and [limited] public access to the results of the EFSA’s most recent scientific endeavors.