EFSAJECFA

EFSAJECFA is a proposed collaborative framework that would unite the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) to coordinate risk assessment of food additives, contaminants, and related substances. The goal is to harmonize assessment methodologies, share data, and align outputs to support decision-making at both European and international levels.

The initiative envisions joint governance, including a steering committee and scientific panels composed of experts from EFSA and JECFA, along with joint meetings and common risk assessment guidelines. It would facilitate coordinated evaluations of additives, contaminants, and exposure scenarios, as well as the development of international reference standards.

Advocates argue that EFSAJECFA could reduce duplication of work, improve consistency between EU risk assessment practices and international standards, and enhance transparency in how conclusions are drawn. It might also strengthen data exchange and methodological convergence on topics such as exposure assessment, toxicology, and permissible intake levels.

Status and reception: As of now, EFSAJECFA exists primarily as a subject of policy discussion rather than an established entity. Debates focus on governance, funding, and conflicts of interest, as well as the compatibility of EU regulatory processes with a unified international framework.

See also: European Food Safety Authority, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, risk assessment, food safety governance.