On March 24, 2017 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opened a public consultation on its draft policy on independence. As reaffirmed in its 2020 Strategy, EFSA is committed to “safeguarding the independence of its experts, methods and data from any undue external influence” (FPF reported). The draft of EFSA’s updated independence policy is based on a review of its current policy that was carried out by a working group established by EFSA’s Management Board. The review focused particularly on “the definition of conflict of interest; the identification of financial or economic interest; a risk-based approach to competing interest management; the evaluation of research funding and scientific activities; and cooling-off periods.” EFSA invites interested individuals and all stakeholders, such as Member State authorities and the scientific community, to submit comments on the draft independence policy by May 5, 2017.
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EFSA (March 24, 2017). “EFSA seeks feedback on draft independence policy.”
EFSA (March 24, 2017). “Draft EFSA’s policy on independence. How the European Food Safety Authority assures the impartiality of professionals contributing to its operations.”
