At a time when consumers are reading product labels ever more closely and worrying about pesticides, additives or ultra-processed foods, one question remains timely: how safe is the food that ends up on our plates? Food safety is one of the most sensitive public health issues, as it affects millions of citizens across Europe every day, Nikolaus Kriz, Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), said in his interview with Phileleftheros.
He explained that, despite the concerns often voiced in public debate, the evidence shows that the European Union has one of the strictest and most comprehensive food control systems in the world. From farm to fork, a web of regulations, scientific assessments and inspections monitors every stage of the production chain, with the aim of protecting consumers’ health and maintaining high quality standards.
At the same time, the food safety system is having to adapt to new challenges. Climate change, global trade, new production technologies and the emergence of resistant microbes are creating a constantly shifting risk environment that requires continuous scientific monitoring and policy adjustment.
– Consumers today are increasingly worried about what is on their plates. From pesticides to ultra-processed foods, can Europeans really be sure that what they eat is safe?
– Absolutely. The good news is that Europeans have strong reasons to feel confident about the food on their plates. People today pay much closer attention to what their food contains. Questions about pesticides, additives or ultra-processed products are part of a broader discussion about health and transparency. But when we look at the data, a clear picture emerges: confidence in the European Union’s food safety system remains high. According to the latest Eurobarometer, almost eight in 10 Europeans believe EU rules keep their food safe, while confidence in the scientists who draw up those rules is similarly high. Interestingly, while people do care about food safety, factors such as cost and taste continue to have a greater influence on their everyday choices. Some 41% of citizens say they do not actively seek out information specifically about food safety simply because they believe food sold in the EU is safe, which points to strong underlying trust.
– Does that also apply to Cyprus?
– Yes, Cyprus reflects that trend. Most Cypriots agree that food safety regulations are in place and that decisions are based on science. According to the latest Eurobarometer on food safety in Cyprus, people in the country are more concerned about cost than food safety, which suggests that they feel protected by the system. And they are right. The EU has one of the safest food supply chains in the world, thanks to harmonised legislation, strict monitoring of processes from farm to fork, and independent scientific risk assessments at EU level. Of course, no system is entirely risk-free. New technologies, climate change and global trade have all introduced new challenges. But that is precisely why the EU system was designed to evolve, with continuous review of food-related risk assessments and close monitoring of any emerging threats. It is a living, evolving safety net.
– Even so, what are the biggest food safety risks facing the EU today?
– Several major risks are keeping us on alert, and they are evolving rapidly. First, food-borne infections remain high on the list. Pathogens such as salmonella, listeria and E. coli can enter the food chain at many different points, so it is vital that we stay ahead of them. EFSA works closely with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the ECDC, to monitor these threats through our joint annual One Health report. That helps us identify trends early and support preventive measures before any problems escalate.
Another major challenge is bacteria becoming resistant to treatment. This is what we call antimicrobial resistance. It affects both human and animal health, since resistant bacteria can spread through food, animals and the environment. The EU has set an ambitious target: to reduce the use of antimicrobials in animals by 50% by 2030. EFSA contributes by providing scientific advice, promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials and supporting good farming practices.
– To what extent are safety standards being observed?
– Let me note that we work closely with the ECDC, the European Medicines Agency and EU member states to monitor resistance levels and ensure that decisions are grounded in robust evidence. In addition, beyond biological risks, we must also ensure that regulated products, from novel foods to feed additives and plant protection products, meet strict safety standards before entering the market. Every product undergoes an assessment based on transparency and science-led evaluation in order to protect consumers.
– With the EU Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, how will EFSA balance sustainability goals with its mission to provide rigorous and independent food risk assessment?
– For us, food safety and sustainability are not competing goals; they are two sides of the same coin. A truly resilient food system must be both safe and sustainable. EFSA’s role is to ensure that sustainability-inspired innovations, whether new foods, new cultivation methods or new technologies, continue to meet the highest safety standards. Our scientific assessments are increasingly giving weight to environmental impact alongside health risks, following the One Health approach, which links people, animals and the planet.
Let me give you two concrete examples. The first concerns plastic recycling for food packaging. We assess whether recycled plastics can be safely used in food and drink packaging. In 2024, we updated our criteria to focus on how effective recycling processes are at removing contaminants. Several processes have already been evaluated under this new approach, and we expect soon to expand into new recycling technologies as well. We are talking about science directly helping shape safer and greener everyday products.
We are also directly supporting the safe distribution of food through donations. Following a request from the European Commission, we developed practical guidance to help small retailers and charities donate food safely. It covers key issues such as shelf-life checks, preserving the cold chain and ensuring good communication between donors and recipients. It is an excellent example of how powerful science can be in supporting sustainability without compromising food safety.
– How does the Mercosur agreement affect food safety in the EU? If implemented, will imported products be as safe as those produced in the EU?
– It does not matter where a product comes from, whether inside or outside the EU: in both cases, the same safety standards must be met for it to be sold on the EU market. Strict import rules on food and feed hygiene, consumer safety and animal health are designed to ensure that all imports meet the same high standards as products originating within the EU itself. Import controls are critical for verifying and ensuring that all food and feed comply with the relevant legislative requirements.
EFSA evaluates scientific evidence relating to possible risks for people, animals and the environment. Our independent experts provide risk managers, such as the European Commission and the competent authorities of EU member states, with the scientific basis they need to make informed decisions. But those decisions, including trade rules and their enforcement, are taken by the relevant authorities, not by EFSA. Put simply: if a product is on the EU market, it must be safe, regardless of where it comes from.
– Data-driven tools, artificial intelligence and digital platforms are transforming agriculture and feed production. How does EFSA plan to integrate such innovations into its risk assessment work?
– We are already doing so. Innovation is part of EFSA’s DNA. That is how we stay ahead of emerging risks and keep Europe safe when it comes to food. We began exploring artificial intelligence in 2017, looking at how it could support risk assessment. Our approach is human-centred: AI helps our experts work faster and focus more on the science, which is what matters most.
AI can speed up evidence analysis, whether that means reviewing data submitted by applicants, scanning the scientific literature or supporting internal processes. We also have projects funded in member states that use AI to harmonise data standards or extract information from images to support sampling activities. These tools help streamline data collection and improve the quality of the evidence on which we rely.
Of course, innovation must also be accompanied by responsibility. That is why we are developing a strong AI governance model to ensure transparency, accountability and compliance. Keeping pace with scientific and technological progress is not optional; it is essential. That is how EFSA continues to deliver value to European society.
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