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New Publication - Sampling Procedures to Detect Mycotoxins in Agricultural Commodities Adherence to regulatory limits for mycotoxins in agricultural commodities is important to safeguard consumers and to permit trade in affected commodities across international borders. Reliable estimates of mycotoxin concentrations are required to implement regulatory decisions on the suitability of lots of produce for consumption or trade.

Collaboration with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has asked the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture of the International Atomic Energy Agency to cooperate in helping to expand EFSA’s database of scientific experts. The Food and Environmental Protection subprogramme has several direct collaborations with EFSA, for example through the provision of expert advice to the BIOHAZ and CEF panels. The EFSA database may be further strengthened, to the benefit of Member States of the EU, IAEA and FAO, by qualified candidates from the Joint Division’s wide network of counterparts and collaborating scientists throughout the world.

EFSA’s database of scientific experts has been set up with the support of EU Members States and is aimed at further reinforcing EFSA’s capacity to deliver high-quality independent scientific advice in the areas of food and feed safety, nutrition, animal health and welfare, plant protection and plant health. The policy for the selection of scientific experts and this database also contribute to EFSA’s responsiveness in providing risk assessment advice to Europe’s decision-makers.

The process for inclusion of experts in EFSA’s expert database is based on the submission and validation of a set of mandatory data, consisting of personal and institutional information, and data describing the expertise of applicants. The eligibility criteria for inclusion in the database are: (1) a university degree, or equivalent, in one or more areas of expertise within the remit of EFSA; (2) relevant professional experience i.e. in risk assessment, data collection on biological or chemical hazards, as appropriate; (3) scientific articles published in peer reviewed journals, technical reports and / or other publications relevant to the expertise declared; (4) ability to communicate and work in at least one Community language; and (5) a completed Annual Declaration of Interests.

For further information and to apply to EFSA’s expert database, visit this link

EFSA may be contacted directly on the email address edbhelp@efsa.europa.eu

Frequently asked questions on the Expert Database

Food Irradiation - Providing Market Access for Food Producers in Developing Countries Food Irradiation Fact Sheet April 2010

Food irradiation is a nuclear technology that enables market access for food producers in developing countries. It has many advantages, from helping to control the incidence of food borne diseases to curbing the spread of transboundary quarantined pests such as fruit flies. Find out more from our Food Irradiation Fact Sheet. [Download PDF]