The incapacity of European leaders at the Laeken summit this weekend to make a decision on the location of the new European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) means that the new food safety edifice will, for the moment, be based in Brussels.
David Byrne, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection commented: "The Commission has already rented office space in Brussels in order to get the EFSA operational as soon as possible. With this provisional decision on location, the recruitment of personnel for the agency can proceed rapidly for Brussels.
I have also already taken steps to ensure the continuity of the existing scientific advice while the Authority is being set up."
The legislation establishing the new Authority has almost completed its passage through the European Parliament and Council of Ministers. The decision on the location, options being Lille, Parma, Barcelona and front runner Helsinki, will be taken at some point in 2002.
Europe's new edifice to food safety will employ up to 250 people after three years, with a budget of approximately €40 million. This will be reviewed after 3 years.
The EFSA will have six main tasks: to provide independent scientific advice on food safety issues and other related matters; to provide advice on technical food issues to underpin policy development and legislation related to the food chain; a collection and analysis of data on dietary, exposure and other information relevant to any potential risks necessary to monitor safety along the food chain in the EU; identification and early warning of emerging risks; support to the Commission in case of crisis; and communication to the general public on all matters within its mandate.
For further details visit http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/efa/index_en.html and Questions and Answers about the European Food Safety Authority at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/health_consumer/library/press/press135_en.pdf