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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) serves as an impartial source of scientific advice to risk managers regarding the food chain. It aims to protect European consumers from food-related risks, from farm to fork, by providing the scientific basis for laws and regulations. While EFSA doesn’t issue mandatory guidelines in the same way national authorities do, its main suggestions and work revolve around the following key areas:

1. Providing Independent Scientific Advice:

2. Ensuring Food Safety:

3. Contributing to Dietary Recommendations:

4. Promoting Transparency and Cooperation:

In summary, EFSA’s main suggestion is to base food safety and dietary recommendations on the best available science. They provide independent scientific assessments and advice to support policymakers in creating regulations and guidelines that protect consumer health and ensure a safe and sustainable food chain in Europe.


While the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) does not issue specific food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) that are directly applicable to consumers across Europe, it plays a crucial role in shaping national dietary recommendations. EFSA’s main contribution in this area is the establishment of Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for essential nutrients. These DRVs serve as the scientific foundation upon which national authorities in EU Member States develop their own country-specific FBDGs.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of EFSA’s role and the nature of dietary recommendations in the EU:

1. Dietary Reference Values (DRVs): The Scientific Basis

2. Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) at the National Level

In essence, EFSA provides the “what” (the scientifically recommended intake levels of nutrients), and national authorities translate this into the “how” (practical advice on which foods to eat to meet those levels) within their specific cultural and dietary contexts.

Therefore, to find the specific dietary recommendations relevant to you, it’s best to consult the official food-based dietary guidelines issued by the national health authority in your country or region. These guidelines will be based on the scientific advice provided by EFSA, tailored to the local context.


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