Positive assessment of food safety policy research

Behind food safety policy lies an extensive network of research, analyses, and knowledge development. This information helps the government substantiate policy decisions and fulfill national and European obligations. An evaluation of the statutory research tasks (WOT) in the field of food safety shows that this support has been carried out effectively and efficiently in recent years. As a result, the assessment of the WOT Food Safety Policy programme is positive.

Research meets objectives

Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, consultancy firm Dialogic evaluated the implementation of the WOT Food Safety Policy programme over the period from 2021 through 2025. The researchers conclude that the programme has been implemented both efficiently and effectively. According to the report, the WOT Food Safety Policy programme directly contributes to the development of knowledge, information, and data that underpin food safety policy.

Projects and reports are delivered to satisfaction, according to the evaluation. Objectives are being achieved, and budget overruns remain limited. The researchers also point to strong governance and structured coordination among the parties involved.

Support for government

The WOT Food Safety Policy programme supports, among others, the ministries of LVVN and VWS, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), and NVWA-BuRO. Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR) carries out these statutory research tasks. Activities include serving as a reference laboratory, maintaining crisis preparedness, developing methodologies, and developing and maintaining knowledge, models, data, and analytical methods. In addition, variable tasks are carried out, such as surveys, policy support studies, and exploratory research.

Areas for improvement in the next period

Dialogic makes several recommendations for the years ahead. These relate, among other things, to cooperation between commissioning parties, researchers, and advisory committees. The researchers also call for greater attention to knowledge transfer and a stronger connection between policy and research.

Minister Jaimi van Essen describes the evaluation results as positive and has adopted the recommendations. These points will be incorporated into preparations for the new implementation agreement, which is scheduled to take effect during 2026. RIVM will also be invited to participate in relevant consultations, and the existing requirements regarding independence will remain in place.