On 4 June 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a statement responding to a report by the Office for Risk Assessment & Research of the Netherlands Food and Product Safety Authority (NVWA BuRO) that questioned three EFSA quantitative pest risk assessments. EFSA defended its methodology and conclusions, asserting that its assessments are scientifically robust and transparent.
The statement, issued by EFSA's Plant Health Panel, addresses specific criticisms raised in the NVWA BuRO report regarding risk estimates for three plant pests. EFSA acknowledged the Dutch authority's concerns but argued that the assessments followed internationally accepted standards and were peer-reviewed. The agency emphasized that its risk evaluations are based on comprehensive data and probabilistic modeling, which account for uncertainties.
EFSA's response marks a rare public exchange between the EU risk assessment body and a national authority. The Dutch report had suggested that EFSA's assessments may have underestimated risks for certain pests, potentially affecting phytosanitary measures. EFSA countered that its conclusions are consistent with scientific evidence and that any differences in interpretation stem from methodological choices rather than errors.
The dispute highlights tensions between EU-level and national risk assessment approaches. EFSA reiterated its commitment to transparency and invited further scientific dialogue. The European Commission is expected to review the matter as part of ongoing discussions on plant health regulation.
EU plant health regulators may face pressure to reconcile EFSA and national assessments, potentially leading to revised risk management measures. EU producers of vulnerable crops could see changes in import requirements if risk perceptions shift. National plant protection organizations might gain influence in shaping EU risk assessment practices. The scientific community may benefit from clarified methodological standards.
No prior coverage of this exchange exists in recent records.
← Atlas › News › Agri-food