The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) newly appointed chief executive has vowed to consolidate the organisation’s strengths to help it build a successful future.

Catherine Geslain-Laneelle has been part of EFSA since it was first created and will take over from current ce Geoffrey Podger.

Her appointment follows a raft of criticism that EFSA has not managed to achieve true independence. However, Geslain-Laneelle has pledged to improve the authority over her 5-year term, streamlining operations and encouraging dialogue. She has also announced a commitment to enhancing the transparency of the authority’s processes and to keeping the public informed through effective risk communications.