Science on the Menu: A Food Safety Podcast by EFSA

Microplastics are everywhere, from the oceans to our food, but what do we really know about their impact on our health? In this episode, we take a closer look at where microplastics come from, how they end up in food and drinking water, and what happens to them once they enter our bodies. Together with EFSA expert Elena Rovesti, we explore what science can already tell us, why so many uncertaintie...

Science doesn’t end when the research is done. In this episode, we explore why how we talk about science matters just as much as the science itself. From food safety scares and fake news to insects, microplastics and AI, we look at how trust, transparency and audience awareness shape effective science communication. Joined by Barbara Gallani, EFSA’s Head of Communication and Partnerships, we discu...

How do young professionals from across the globe get a job at one of the world's leading food safety bodies? How did they turn challenges into opportunities for learning new skills and building lasting friendships? In this episode, we meet Simone, Santiago and Aeris — trainees in science, strategy and communication — who share their stories and tips for thriving in Italy’s food valley. Plus, hear...

Keeping pace with change is a challenge for risk assessors. How are they innovating? How can they speed up their work? On this episode, we get a unique insight from Nik Kriz, head of the EU’s food safety agency. We hear his views on the EU’s food system, trust in science and how the top EU food assessor intends to stay relevant in an increasingly noisy and confusing world. From vet to science mana...

Access to documents is a crucial ingredient of open science. But how do lawyers assess what requires protecting and what to release? When do the courts intervene? In this episode, we explore how the law plays a fundamental role in our daily meals. We look at how the independence of scientists is evaluated and cases where intellectual property rights may be overridden. And we investigate how artifi...

Legumes, mealworm powder and duck cell biomass produced in a lab may seem worlds apart but they all feature in conversations about how our food system is evolving. We look at why so-called alternative proteins are getting so much interest across the world and why their future is such a hot topic. Together with our guest Ermolaos Ververis we discuss how their safety is assessed and bust some common...

How we prepare our food influences its taste, aroma and appearance, but most importantly its safety. This is especially true for legumes such as beans and lentils, which contain substances called lectins that can be harmful to humans. Which type of lectins are the most damaging, and what can we learn from our ancestors when it comes to preparing traditional recipes safely? Join us as we explore sa...

What’s most important to you when you buy food? Is it how much it costs, how it tastes, where it comes from or something else? In this episode, we’re exploring the results of our latest Eurobarometer survey , how the survey is conducted and what it tells us about our food choices. We’ll look at where we get our information about food and whether concerns over food safety vary across Europe. And we...

Apple seeds contain cyanide, a deadly poison. And yet, eating an apple will not kill you. In fact, it’s considered a healthy snack! That’s because it’s not just about what’s toxic but how much of it you are exposed to. In this episode, we take a closer look at the differences between hazards and risks and what that means for dangers that may be lurking in our food and drinks. We will also discuss...

What do Europeans eat? On this episode, we’re talking food consumption data – how it is collected, what it shows and why it’s so important. Come explore with us why good data is crucial for shaping nutrition policies and keeping food safe. We’ll put some stereotypes to the test - is it true that Italians eat the most pasta? And who eats the most chocolate? And we’ll hear why the future of food dat...

Barbecues have been popular for centuries. Traditions vary around the world, but shared enjoyment of slow-cooked food is universal. Whether you prefer to cook over charcoal, woodchip, gas or an electric grill, food safety remains critical. In this episode, we look at how the safety of our BBQ equipment is assessed and tips for staying safe when grilling. We also discuss our favourite BBQ recipes a...

What are food supplements and do we need them? From sprays and soluble vitamins to fortified foods, we explore different ways to supplement our diets and the importance of sticking to recommended doses. Tune in to find out what supplements can and cannot do, and how their safety is assessed to help you make informed choices.  Your opinion matters! Please take this brief survey to share your though...

What do regulatory scientists do every day? Where are their lab coats? As we celebrate World Food Safety Day on June 7 and this year’s theme of Science in Action, we’re hearing from the scientists who help keep food safe.  Come join us as we surprise them at their desks to see what they’re working on. We’ll explore whether regulatory science can keep pace with new research and innovation, and we’l...

With the arrival of spring comes another episode celebrating festive foods! This time, we are diving into one of the most widely consumed products across Europe – eggs. Whether decorative, chocolate, or boiled, eggs play a central role in many springtime celebrations. Curious about how to dye an egg? Or how to win at a game of egg tapping? Join us as we explore these traditions and share tips on s...

Tiny killers. Mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on our planet. Millions of humans and animals die each year from diseases spread by mosquitoes and other insects. How do they spread these diseases? And how does climate change affect the trend? Join us as we explore the lives of some of the planet’s least popular insects and learn what we can all do to protect ourselves from bites. We also...

What is the reality of being a female scientist in Europe? In celebration of the International Day of Girls and Women in Science on 11 February, we’re exploring women in science. How far have we come in ensuring women’s voices are the norm in science? What does the journey toward greater female representation look like from the perspective of someone living it every day? To find out, we turned to...

Oceans have long captivated our imagination. Think of swashbuckling pirates or bold explorers seeking far off lands. Today the oceans represent a new frontier. Beneath the seafloor lie precious minerals that could drive technological innovation. Ocean aquaculture could address sustainability issues from farming on land. Climate change is opening new sea routes for trade. But what are the risks for...

Food is always a key part of the festivals we celebrate at the end of the year. But what’s the meaning behind the traditions we attach to them? What foods are thought to bring wealth and good fortune? Why are some foods avoided? Join us as we journey through different countries and their culinary traditions. Listen in for some curious facts and even a few red herrings. You’ll also gather food safe...

We’ve been looking for ways to preserve food for millennia. Salt helped many civilisations develop. We pickled food in vinegar and stored fruit in honey. But for what purpose are food additives used today? And how did the emergence of supermarkets change this? What about health risks? Join us as we take some foods off the shelves to investigate! Listen out for tips on maintaining a healthy diet an...

Olive trees are an iconic feature of the landscape and cultural heritage in southern Italy. But a deadly bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa, has left parts of the Apulia region looking like a wasteland. Is there any hope? Millions of trees are dead, and the bacterium threatens to spread further north, to other plant species too. What’s being done to stop its spread? What lessons can we learn? Join us t...

We love our pets. But how well do we understand their diets? What role do additives play in their feed? From improving animal nutrition and welfare, to boosting production on farms, to changing an animal’s appearance, feed additives have a huge range of uses and are a fascinating element of our animal’s diets. They even provide hope in the fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas em...

Avian flu has decimated poultry and wild birds around the globe in recent years. The virus has now spread extensively among mammals, affecting more than 50 species from cats to sea lions. The disease was recently discovered in dairy cows in North America and some farm workers were infected, causing widespread alarm. Could this be the next pandemic? Can we stop it spreading? Will vaccination help?...

The EU has one of the safest food systems in the world. But food safety incidents can always happen. If they do, the EU is prepared to react quickly with immediate action. Identifying the source of foodborne disease outbreaks is crucial and national authorities act to ensure consumers are protected. Preparing for the unexpected is the theme of this year’s world food safety day. Join us to learn ab...

Over 5 million people in the EU live with celiac disease, a condition for which the only treatment is a gluten-free diet. Why do some people have it? We still don’t fully know. A tool for screening for proteins in foods is a new milestone. As we celebrate celiac disease awareness day, join us on this exploration of the gut and how research is shedding new insight into our diets, which could give h...

Food safety has come a long way since the years of numerous crises in the 1990s. The EU established an independent risk assessor at EU level and developed new ways of working. But is the current system enough to manage future threats to the health of humans, animals and the environment? Fake news, new technologies, future pandemics – what challenges and opportunities do they bring? Tune in to hear...