EFSA and FAO sign three-year MoU to deepen regulatory science collaboration

The European Food Safety Authority and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have signed a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation on regulatory science and reinforcing science-based approaches to food safety and innovation.

• EFSA and FAO have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on regulatory science and public health protection.

• The agreement has covered plant and animal health, pesticide risk assessment, sustainable agriculture, nutrition and data methodologies.

• The partnership has also included emerging areas such as novel food, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and microbiome research.

The agreement has formalized closer collaboration between the two organizations at a time of rapid technological change and increasing regulatory complexity across global food systems.

According to EFSA and FAO, the partnership reflected a shared objective of ensuring that innovation supported competitiveness while maintaining high safety standards. The cooperation has been aligned with One Health principles and aimed at promoting science-based solutions for safe, sustainable and resilient food systems.

Under the terms of the MoU, cooperation will span plant and animal health, pesticide risk assessment, sustainable agricultural practices and nutrition. The agreement has also included cross-cutting work on data, methodologies and communication, as well as joint efforts to address emerging issues.

Novel food, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and microbiome research have been specifically identified as areas of collaboration, reflecting the growing influence of advanced technologies in food production and risk assessment.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, attended by H. E. Ambassador Martin Selmayr, Head of Delegation of the European Union in Rome, EFSA Executive Director Nik Kriz highlighted the significance of the agreement.

“I am very proud to see this partnership with FAO take shape. By combining our expertise, we will be better prepared to face emerging challenges and strengthen safe, innovative, and sustainable food systems. I am confident that, together, we can deliver real benefits for public health,” Kriz said.

The MoU has provided a structured framework for the two bodies to share expertise and coordinate work across regulatory science domains. As food systems evolve to incorporate new technologies and respond to climate and sustainability pressures, the agreement has signaled an intention to reinforce cooperation at the international level.

By aligning efforts across data, methodology and emerging scientific fields, EFSA and FAO have sought to strengthen the scientific foundations that underpin food safety oversight and regulatory decision-making.