The Food Safety Authority of Ireland represents Ireland on food safety issues in Europe.
Tá leagan Gaeilge den leathanach seo ar fáil anseo.
The Authority has regular contact with the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The FSAI consults on and assists in the development of well founded and effective European food law, taking into account the principles of better regulation.
European and national level activities are co-ordinated by EFSA by means of close co-operation through EFSA’s Advisory Forum, National Focal Point and Scientific Committees, Panels and Networks. This structure allows Member States and EFSA to work together to exchange scientific information and data, co-ordinate work programmes, pool resources and co-operate on joint projects.
EFSA News
Scientific opinion on the health risks from plant lectins in food
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA has assessed the public health risks related to the presence of plant lectins in food. Its scientific opinion on the topic has now been published.
Lectins are naturally occurring proteins found in many plants, including legumes (such as beans, lentils and peas). While most lectins are harmless, if they are undercooked or raw some can cause illness. EFSA concluded that consumer exposure to lectins in undercooked beans indicates a health concern. Following recommended cooking practices is essential to prevent illness.
The scientific opinion has been published in the EFSA journal, along with a plain language summary and a news article on the EFSA website.
EFSA Grants and Procurement
EFSA regularly awards grants or subsidies for projects and activities that contribute to EFSA’s mission in the areas of data collection, preparatory work for scientific opinions, other scientific and technical assistance. Further information on EFSA Grants and EFSA Procurement.
Seconded National Experts Call 2025-2027
EFSA has launched a new call for Seconded National Experts (SNEs). As an SNE, professionals from national administrations will have the opportunity to contribute to EFSA’s work while gaining valuable expertise to bring back to their home institutions. The secondment is open to experts in various fields, from scientific risk assessment to communication and business support.
Interested professionals can read further information and apply via EFSA's website.
BfR World Food Safety Almanac
The online BfR World Food Safety Almanac provides an overview of the administrative structures of various countries in food and feed safety. It is well structured database that enables effective collaboration between organisations working in the field of food safety. Currently, there are profiles from 37 countries in the online World Food Safety Almanac.
EFSA newsletters
EFSA highlights is a free weekly e-newsletter featuring what’s new on the EFSA website.
EFSA's Understanding Science Video Clips
Understanding Science is EFSA’s scientific white board video series in which EFSA staff explain scientific concepts.