92000E0231

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0231/00

by Nicole Thomas-Mauro (UEN) to the Commission

(4 February 2000)

Subject: White Paper on Food Safety

The White Paper on Food Safety contains plans to establish a network of contacts between the European Food Authority and similar agencies, namely national agencies and institutions with responsibility for food safety. What form will such cooperation take, however? To what extent will divergent opinions expressed by national agencies be heeded?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2000)

The white paper on food safety(1) adopted by the Commission on 12 January 2000 contains an outline for the structure and functioning of the future European food authority. The Commission has called for comments before the end of April 2000. In the meantime, reflections continue in order to refine the concepts contained in the white paper. In any event, the European food authority will need to work in close co-operation with other scientific bodies in the Member States and elsewhere. By implementing the principles of independence, excellence and transparency, the Authority should progressively command trust and respect and to achieve recognition as the most authoritative source of advice and information.

(1) COM(1999) 719 final.