Dr. Nikolaus Kriz has an important job as the new head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in Parma, Italy. His goal is to make it easier for food tech companies to get their products approved for the vast European market of 440 million consumers.
Kriz is quite passionate about his work. He’s focused on speeding up risk assessments, which he describes as “my lighthouse.” He believes that faster evaluations will benefit consumers without compromising the quality of scientific review. “I see EFSA as the safest food safety system in the world,” he states, emphasizing the need to keep pace with scientific innovation to truly serve European society.
### Speeding Up Approval for Novel Foods
Before leading EFSA, Kriz spent time at the European Medicines Agency and taught at the University of Glasgow. This experience has given him a strong understanding of clinical trials and the importance of thorough risk assessments.
To ensure faster evaluations, Kriz suggests that EFSA should engage more with food tech companies before they submit applications. Many smaller companies, or SMEs, often lack the expertise to navigate the complicated approval process. By increasing pre-submission meetings by 47%, as noted by Kriz, EFSA aims to make the path smoother for these innovators.
He envisions legislation that would allow EFSA to offer more guidance on technical and scientific matters. “This could be a real game changer,” he says.
### Addressing Premature Applications
Another issue he highlights is the frequency of incomplete applications. Many are submitted without all necessary data, causing delays. “Premature applications are like premature babies; they need time in an incubator,” he explains, underscoring the importance of getting it right the first time.
Kriz draws parallels with the medicines sector, where thoroughness is key. A complete application would significantly speed up the approval process.
### Cultivated Meat: A Complex Challenge
One of the novel food categories Kriz is focusing on is cultivated meat. While countries like Singapore and the U.S. have already approved it, Europe is still lagging. Only one application from a cultivated meat company, Gourmey, has been submitted to EFSA. The organization is carefully examining risks like microbial contamination, which are crucial for safe consumption.
### Combating Avian Influenza
Kriz’s responsibilities also include addressing plant and animal diseases that threaten food safety. He knows this field well, having overseen animal health at EFSA earlier in his career. Problems like African swine fever and the Japanese beetle can severely impact food supply chains.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been a major concern. In 2025, the disease led to significant poultry losses across Europe. Different countries manage outbreaks in various ways, from vaccination to culling. Kriz advocates for a preventive approach rather than reactive measures.
### Experience Matters
Kriz’s extensive background gives him unique insights as he leads EFSA. He is deeply committed to improving the organization, viewing it as more than just a job—a true labor of love. With his passion for science and public health, Kriz is dedicated to ensuring food safety for all Europeans.
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