JECFAFAO

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, commonly abbreviated as JECFA, is an international scientific expert committee. JECFA was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1955. Its primary role is to provide independent scientific advice to governments and the Codex Alimentarius Commission on the safety of food additives, contaminants, and naturally occurring toxicants in food, as well as on veterinary drug residues in food.

JECFA's work involves evaluating the available toxicological data for specific substances. This evaluation helps to establish acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for food additives, which represent the amount of a substance that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without posing a health risk. The committee also assesses potential risks from contaminants in food, such as heavy metals and pesticides, and develops specifications for the identity and purity of food additives.

The findings and recommendations of JECFA are crucial for international food standards and regulations. They inform national regulatory bodies and contribute to the harmonization of food safety requirements worldwide, ultimately aiming to protect public health and ensure fair practices in the food trade. The committee comprises leading scientists from various disciplines, including toxicology, chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine, who are appointed in their individual capacities.