Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had in regard to the UK's continuing membership of the European Food Safety Authority; and when Parliament will be updated on the progress of any such discussions.

The future of the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will be shaped and discussed in the forthcoming UK-European Union negotiations. UK Government Departments are currently working together to understand the impacts that withdrawal from the EU will have on the UK’s relationship with the EFSA. Government Departments are considering a range of options for the future of scientific advice and risk assessment, including risk assessment to support authorisation of regulated products in the UK after exit from the EU. The Food Standard Agency's priority is to maintain the UK’s high standards of food and feed safety, and to ensure we take a risk-based, proportionate approach that prioritises the interests and protection of consumers. Parliament will be updated as and when this is required.