The European Commission wants to see greater progress in frontier technologies, particularly life sciences and biotechnology, and has set out a clear strategy to achieve this aim.
Speaking in New York at the World Economic Forum earlier this week, David Byrne, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, said:
"We are taking the lead in setting our vision for the future in this key area. This area represents, in our view, the next, exciting, wave of future growth potential. It is essential that it is exploited fruitfully."
On the controversial topic of biotechnology Byrne maintained that the Commission is committed to achieving progress on the issue of resuming the authorisation of Genetically Modified Organisms.
"We intend to pursue this within the context of new legislation coming into force next October, by developing further regulatory responses and by consensus building. This is, and will be, no easy task. But a multi-dimensioned approach is required," Byrne continued.
Byrne also stressed the role of food manufacturers in the context of new foods and health.
"The food manufacturing sector, both in Europe and globally, is at the forefront of the development of new foods and new manufacturing processes. Some of these have the prospect of contributing significantly to consumer lifestyle and health concerns."
Health foods are currently hampered by differing legislation across the 15 Member States. Byrne maintained that he would examine this area 'from a regulatory point of view'.
No speech by the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection would be complete without a reference to food safety. The World Economic Forum was no exception for Byrne when he revealed how hopes are pinned on the new European Food Safety Authority.
"I am particularly proud of the fact that we now have the legislation enacted that will underpin the establishment of a new European Food Safety Authority.
"Many of you will have heard me speak about my ambitions for this Authority. I now want to see them realised by its speedy establishment this year.
"Not alone will it make a major contribution to food safety in Europe, I expect that its reach will be much wider in terms of its impact," said Byrne.
He further stressed the implications of health foods on global trade and regulatory issues. "In time I see a clear need for greater rigour at the global level in the whole sphere of scientific assessment and the development of sound regulatory responses.
"This will have important consequences for global health and trade. We all need to give greater thought as to how we should be setting about to achieve this type of global governance in the food area."