EFSA executive director to step down
a new post as chief executive of the British Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) on 28 November 2005, writes Anthony
Fletcher.
"It is a great honour to be asked to lead the Health and Safety Executive and I look forward to this new appointment," said Podger.
"At the same time, I would like to thank all my colleagues at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) who have worked with me to set up EFSA. Through their hard work and the support of the EFSA Management Board and the National Food Authorities, we have been able to create a body of real value in Food Safety to the European Union."
Geoffrey Podger became the first executive director of the European Food Safety Authority on 1February 2003 and was appointed by the EFSA management board following an open competition across the European Union.
Since his appointment, he has had to deal with the authority's move to Parma, Italy and ongoing criticism that EFSA cannot achieve true independence. He has consistently remained confident that the EFSA can significantly contribute to food safety within the EU.
""EFSA has been through the tricky stage, and has now established itself as an independent entity," he told FoodNavigator.com earlier this year.
Essentially, EFSA rests on four pillars: the management board, the executive director, an advisory forum composed of member states, and the scientific committee and eight panels. The job of the experts, selected from around the globe, is to carry out an extensive risk assessment, from which to formulate a scientific opinion.
Once created, the opinion returns back to the risk managers, such as the European Commission or European Parliament. While the majority of questions have so far emanated from the Commission, Parliament and member states have started to approach EFSA.
The authority has already provided evidence on a range of issues such as sodium intake, the safety of aspartame, farmed fish and various food additives.
"I will be leaving Parma with much regret," said Podger. "I am very grateful for the high level of support which we have received from all levels of the Italian authorities and the local community.
"I am sure that this local support will continue to help EFSA to flourish in its new location in Parma."
Dr. Stuart Slorach, chair of EFSA's management board, said that he was grateful toPodger for his success in setting up EFSA during its first years.
"EFSA's Management Board will now be asking the European Commission to make arrangements for the selection of his successor as soon as possible," he said.
The HSE is the British Executive Agency for health and safety covering a broad range of healthand safety issues, including occupational safety and health and nuclear safety amongst others.
