It is composed of representatives of national bodies responsible for risk assessment in the Member States, with observers from Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and the European Commission.

The independent scientific experts are appointed by the Management Board upon a proposal from the Executive Director for three-year terms.

[7] According to author Blánaid Ní Chearnaigh, prior to 2018, only some EFSA documents were accessible to the public, such as risk assessments for specific chemicals.

"[8] Chearnaigh concludes that the public's demands for direct transparency from the EFSA resulted in the creation of Regulation (EU) No.

This legal document outlines the importance of inclusive communication regarding chemical risk assessment to all parties involved: both government bodies and citizens.

This additional information includes specific conditions for use, food items the chemical may be found in, and restrictions on the amount that can be used.

Although the FICR handles more of the legislative side of these transparency policies, the EFSA is consulted because the overall public health is involved.

[13][10] Any substance used to benefit an athletic performance or fitness goal is considered a sports food supplement, also known as an ergogenic aid.

Both the EFSA and other research organizations "have previously studied the characteristics of the different substances added or isolated in supplements, as well as the safety of their consumption."

[25] EFSA has also been criticised by the NGO CHEM Trust for misrepresenting the results of their expert committee's report on bisphenol A (BPA) in January 2015.

[28] EFSA have argued that use of 'no health concern' in their press release and bisphenol A briefing is to ensure these materials are accessible, though this rationale is disputed by CHEM Trust.