Handling the risk of chemicals in food and feed TOWARDS A NON-TOXIC FUTURE Handling the risk of chemicals in food and feed Guilhem de Seze 24 November 2016 Danish Minister for Environment and Food

EFSA: Trusted science for safe food Risk Assessment Going Granular… Outline EFSA: Trusted science for safe food Risk Assessment Going Granular… …with the Big Picture in mind… …and Closing the Loop Being heard Conclusion 2

450 staff 1500 experts 400 scientific outputs 500 /year Research & University Institutes scientific outputs 500 /year 35 pieces of legislation 80 M © Studio Valle Progettazioni, Studio Valle Progettazioni, Art & Build, Manens -Tifs, Pool Engineering, Art Ambiente Risorse e Territorio

Trusted science for safe food The role of EFSA Trusted science for safe food

EFSA’s Panels Plant Health Animal health and welfare Biological hazards Chemical contaminants Nutrition Plant Protection Genetically modified organisms Animal feed Food additives packaging

EFSA’s Panels involved with chemicals Plant Health Animal health and welfare Biological hazards Chemical contaminants Nutrition Plant Protection Genetically modified organisms Animal feed Food additives packaging

Going Granular-refining Assessment Deriving specific environmental protection goals (EFSA Scientific Committee Opinion, 2015) E.g. considering sub-lethal effects, local environmental conditions Landscape based pesticides risk assessment (EFSA, 2016) Sensitive target groups Infant and toddlers Endangered species (EFSA Scientific Committee Opinion, 2015 , central traits database ) Big data Geographic Information Systems EFSA’s Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database

The BIG PICTURE Multi-chemicals exposure Multiple sources of exposure Pesticides cumulative risk assessment Pesticides co-formulants Non Intentionally Added Substances Multiple sources of exposure Total/Internal Dose: food additive + FCM+ food contaminant+ cosmetics/toiletry + work exposure +… Non EU regulated FCM Multiple stressors, in addition to hazardous chemicals – “One health” GMO, invasive species, climate change, parasites…  Health status of bee colonies

Closing the loop Anticipating environmental and food contaminants (Nano, plastics) Lack of (regulatory) data Challenge of recycled materials –circular economy Pre-market authorization True for food related chemicals but not for industrial chemicals Importance of screening and early warning Post-market monitoring Mandatory under GMO legislation: environmental effects Annual report on pesticide residues in food Substitution The devil you know and the one you don’t

Closing the loop Anticipating environmental and food contaminants (Nano, plastics) Challenge of recycled materials –circular economy Lack of (regulatory) data Pre-market authorization True for food related chemicals but not for industrial chemicals Importance of screening and early warning Post-market monitoring Mandatory under GMO legislation: environmental effects Annual report on pesticide residues in food Substitution The devil you know and the one you don’t

…Otherwise it is all worthless Being heard… …Otherwise it is all worthless Avoiding to (over)work on lower priority substances because of misguided public pressure Communication Between RA /RM actors: Unnecessary/uncontrolled controversies are confusing Transparency Publishing data without harming commercial interest and innovation Engagement “Hackathon” – App to access EFSA's work and Register of Questions MixTox public consultation Power of One – Collaboration between authorities Data Sharing, risk assessment, tools and guidance development ECHA-EFSA Guidance on Endocrine Disruptors

Conclusion CONCLUSION More precise and realistic assessments (targets, mechanisms, exposure) More holistic approach / encompassing assessments “Value is created outside your walls, inside you only have costs!” Peter Drucker

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