Bomb scare at EFSA offices under investigation

Alarm bells were raised when a suspicious package was sent to EFSA’s offices in Parma, Italy yesterday, where over 500 people are employed.

After carrying out inspections, local authorities found the package contained “a small amount of potentially explosive material”. ​

The package was later “neutralised” ​by authorities.

Local media reported that suspicions were roused when it was found the package was addressed to someone who did not work at EFSA.

An X-ray then revealed it contained a battery and wires and a bomb squad was called in to dispose of the device in a square near the EFSA building, according to the local newspaper Gazzetta di Parma. ​

European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis took to Twitter to say “science would not be intimidated”.​ ​

Appalled by the explosives sent @EFSA_EU today. In full solidarity w colleagues. Science will not be intimidated. @EU_Commission

— Vytenis Andriukaitis (@V_Andriukaitis) June 7, 2016

EFSA confirmed to us that nobody at the office had been harmed and work had resumed.

However the spokesperson declined to comment on the origin of the package since investigations were on-going.

The bomb scare comes at a time of high alert in Europe following explosions in its de facto capital city Brussels in March, killing 35 people and injuring 330. 

Two of the ISIS-coordinated bombings happened at Brussels Airport in Zaventem while another happened at Maalbeek metro station, located in an area famous for European Parliament, Commission and Belgian Government buildings.

The time line ​

EFSA’s Twitter account details how the events unfolded yesterday. 

Here follows a chronological accounts of today’s events at EFSA’s premises (1/7)

— EFSA (@EFSA_EU) June 7, 2016

A package was received this late morning by the EFSA's post office. Regular security screening revealed the package was suspect (2/7)

— EFSA (@EFSA_EU) June 7, 2016

As per EFSA's procedures, local authorities were duly informed (3/7)

— EFSA (@EFSA_EU) June 7, 2016

Local authorities, carrying out inspections determined that the package contained a small amount of potentially explosive material (4/7)

— EFSA (@EFSA_EU) June 7, 2016

As a precautionary measure, so to allow local authorities to perform required actions, the kitchen of the EFSA canteen was closed (5/7)

— EFSA (@EFSA_EU) June 7, 2016

The package was neutralised by the local authorities. EFSA's canteen has been re-opened soon after (6/7)

— EFSA (@EFSA_EU) June 7, 2016

Local authorities are investigating the issue. EFSA continues its activities (7/7)

— EFSA (@EFSA_EU) June 7, 2016