Episodes
S01 /
E38
- 11 March 2026
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 a...
S01 /
E37
- 12 February 2026
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...
S01 /
E36
- 14 January 2026
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....
S01 /
E35
- 10 December 2025
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 l...
S01 /
E34
- 19 November 2025
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,...
S01 /
E33
- 15 October 2025
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...
S01 /
E32
- 17 September 2025
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...
S01 /
E31
- 13 August 2025
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 B...
S01 /
E30
- 15 July 2025
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 assesse...
S01 /
E29
- 06 June 2025
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...
About Science on the Menu: A Food Safety Podcast by EFSA
Is it safe to eat insects? How many cups of coffee can I have per day? How are human, animal and plant health connected? Can we determine animal welfare standards based on scientific evidence? Take a closer look at some of the key topics that EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, works on to ensure safe food, through providing independent scientific advice to policy makers.