Dr. Marta Hugas, Ph.D., is the chief scientist for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In this role, Marta oversees the development of EFSA's scientific strategic direction, manages scientific matters, facilitates the understanding of science, fosters scientific cooperation, and leverages connections and networks to promote EFSA's research priorities. Since joining EFSA in 2003, Marta has led the agency's Biological Hazards Unit, the Risk Assessment and Scientific Assistance Department, and the Biological Hazards and Contaminants Unit. Before joining EFSA, Marta worked for the Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology in Spain where she was head of the Food Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit. There, she led a research group on applied research on meat and food safety. Marta earned her bachelor's degree in biological sciences, a Master's degree in genetics and microbial biotechnology, as well as a Ph.D. in food microbiology. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Marta [19:35] about: Identifying the needs and gaps that shaped the agency's plans for the next 5–10 years. The Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe initiatives Relying on more alternative and sustainable production systems for future food safety success Balancing and improving risk and assessment with new innovations in the food industry Involving various subject matter experts when exploring a new food safety question or issue Working toward climate neutrality The importance of communicating all research and data to the public, even when that information can be difficult for the general public to comprehend The Eurobarometer consumer survey The three ingredients of risk assessment EFSA's partnerships, grants, and procurements Related Content Editorial: Food Safety Regulatory Research Needs 2030 Call Launch: Supporting the Food Safety Systems of the Future Climate Change and Food Safety 2019 Eurobarometer on Food Safety in the EU EU-ANSA Agencies' Engagement in the European Union Research Knowledge Cycle: An Overview News Mentioned in This Episode FDA Begins Year-Long Assignment to Test Romaine Lettuce for Pathogens [9:54] UPDATE: Cluster of E. coli Illnesses Linked to Romaine Lettuce Salads [13:05] Lawmakers Demand More Transparency When Meat Plants Are Linked to Foodborne Outbreaks [13:49] Keep Up with Food Safety Magazine Follow Us on Twitter @FoodSafetyMag and on Facebook Subscribe to our magazine and our biweekly eNewsletter We Want to Hear From You! Please share your comments, questions, and suggestions. Tell us about yourself—we'd love to hear about your food safety challenges and successes. We want to get to you know you! Here are a few ways to be in touch with us: Email us at [email protected] Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at [email protected]

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.