Welcome to the section of the Institute “BIOR” website dedicated to our collaboration with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The Institute for Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” is the official EFSA National Focal Point (FP) in Latvia.
Our role is to act as a bridge between EFSA’s scientific work at the European Union (EU) level and Latvian food chain stakeholders, policymakers, scientists, and consumers. We ensure effective two-way communication, promote the participation of Latvian experts in EFSA’s scientific networks and working groups, and disseminate the latest information on food and feed safety, animal health and welfare, and plant health.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides independent scientific advice on food-related risks. EFSA’s advice informs European laws, rules, and policymaking.
EFSA National Focal Points are an integral part of EFSA’s system of cooperation with EU Member States. They have been established in all EU Member States, as well as Iceland and Norway, with representatives from Switzerland and EU candidate countries also participating as observers.
The Institute “BIOR” has been performing these functions since January 24, 2013, based on a cooperation agreement with EFSA.
The main objective of the Focal Point network is to:
Our goal as the EFSA Focal Point is to ensure effective and targeted cooperation and information exchange between EFSA and all interested parties in Latvia – state institutions, scientists, food industry representatives, non-governmental organizations, and consumers.
Ensuring a timely and targeted flow of scientific and technical information between EFSA and Latvian competent authorities (especially those mentioned in Article 36 of EFSA Regulation (EC) No 178/2002), scientific communities, industry representatives, and other interested parties.
Disseminating EFSA’s scientific opinions, guidance, reports, and other materials to the Latvian audience.
Informing about EFSA’s mission, tasks, working methods, and the significance of its scientific results.
Organizing informational events, seminars, and training on current EFSA issues and areas of activity.
Clarifying EFSA’s areas of competence and answering questions about EFSA’s activities.
Providing information on opportunities to get involved in EFSA’s work: participation in scientific panels and working groups, applications for procurement and grant competitions, participation in public consultations, and career opportunities.
Stimulating the active participation of Latvian scientists and experts in EFSA’s scientific work.
Promoting cooperation between EFSA, Latvian competent authorities, and national focal points in other countries.
Coordinating the collection and submission of scientific data from Latvia to EFSA.
Providing access to the latest information on EFSA’s scientific opinions, publications, news, procurements, and grants.
If you have questions about EFSA’s work, need information on specific risk assessments, or want to learn more about cooperation opportunities, please contact us!
General Focal Point Information:
Lejupes iela 3, Rīga, LV-1076, 
+371 67620513
