Introducing webinars: EFSA takes dialogue with stakeholders to another level
EFSA has added webinars to its list of services for applicants. The online information sessions should prove to be a highly efficient way of sharing information and enhancing dialogue with applicants, Member States and other interested parties. The initiative is part of EFSA’s continuous commitment to engage with its stakeholders.
The webinars will enable direct interaction between EFSA and interested parties through presentations and live question-and-answer sessions. Webinars can host up to 500 participants, and are therefore an effective way to reach large audiences, eliminating the usual logistical barriers.
The introduction of webinars is part of a multi-annual project to strengthen the customer-oriented approach of EFSA on regulated products, responding to stakeholder needs for more opportunities for dialogue.
Karine Lheureux, head of EFSA’s Application Helpdesk, said: “Webinars are a modern communication tool, enabling us to reach wide audiences and enhance direct communication with applicants and interested parties during the application process. This new initiative will improve the support we provide on regulated products, promoting a better understanding of the risk assessment A specialised field of applied science that involves reviewing scientific data and studies in order to evaluate risks associated with certain hazards. It involves four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation. process.”
The first webinar will take place on 19 November 2015 and will present practical scenarios using the calculation tool annexed to the pesticides guidance document on non- dietary exposure For the purposes of risk assessment, measurement of the amount of a substance consumed by a person or animal in their diet that is intentionally added or unintentionally present (e.g. a nutrient, additive or pesticide). of workers and bystanders to pesticides.
EFSA will hold three more webinars in 2016 and six in 2017.
Regulated products require scientific risk assessment by EFSA before they can be authorised for use on the EU market. These include substances used in feed and food (such as additives, enzymes, flavourings, nutrient An element or compound needed for normal growth, development and health maintenance. Essential nutrients cannot be made by the body and must, therefore, be consumed from food. sources, processing aids), food contact materials and pesticides as well as GMOs. EFSA's regulated products mandate also includes the scientific substantiation of nutrition The science of how diet relates to the body's need for sustenance. and health claims.
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