EFSA explained how scientific opinions are finalised, from the initial mandate given to the European food safety watchdog to the final publication of the opinion. The BEUC delegation received an update on the work of the Panel dealing with dietetic products, nutrition and allergies (NDA), with a focus on EFSA’s opinion on reference intakes and nutrient profiles, and on the guidelines produced by EFSA’s Panel on food contact materials, enzymes and flavourings for the safety assessment of substances used in active and intelligent materials. In addition, EFSA also discussed with BEUC its approach to risk communication and provided an update on its activities in this area.

BEUC is a member of EFSA’s Stakeholder Consultative Platform where it contributes its views on a wide variety of issues related to the work of the Authority. The Platform is composed of 24 EU-wide stakeholder organisations working in areas related to the food chain, representing consumers, food and feed operations, the food industry, food trade and NGOs. The Platform meets twice a year to assist EFSA in developing its overall relations and policy with stakeholders.