Visit of the EFSA ED to the Czech Republic

EFSA’s Executive Director, Dr.Bernhard Url, visited the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic from 12 to 13 September 2017. Mr Bernhard Url introduced both various forms of cooperation and the importance of cooperation to ensure food security in the EU. Goals of EFSA is to protect consumers by providing independent scientific advice.

He added that EFSA’s work falls into the areas: advice, communication, collaboration, and risk.

EFSA Communications and External Relations Director Barbara Gallani described the importance of communication and cooperation and the necessity of their interdependence. She presented various social media by which EFSA communicates with both experts and the general public.

Delegation from the European Food Safety Authority participated in the bilateral meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Mr. Marian Jurečka. There were discussions on the possibilities of cooperation between EFSA and the Czech Republic and food safety topics (eg. african swine fever, fipronil in eggs, antimicrobial resistance and efforts to reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock, the presence of opium alkaloids in poppy seeds, how to improve RASFF, which serves precisely to report defective food on the European market).

The EFSA Executive Directors visit took place in a very friendly spirit and brought many new impetus to improve food safety.