Regulators agree on co-ordinated risk assessment plan
co-ordinate food safety riskassessments across the bloc.
The plan was agreed upon by the advisory forum to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) at ameeting in Helsinki, Finland. All member states national food safety regulators belong to theadvisory forum, a consultative body.
The harmonisation of such assessments could eventually lead to a more consistent approach to foodsafety within the EU, potentially easing some of the regulatory burden for companies that operateacross the 25 member states. EFSA has also said that the co-operation will help ensure that researchand effort is not duplicated across the bloc.
The network will also lead to the early identification and analysis of emerging risks, and a moreconsistent approach toward food safety by national regulators.
Those attending the meeting in Helsinki agreed on furthering developing the plan by increasing the exchange of scientific data and information and build European databaseson food safety. They agreed to share best risk assessment practices and develop harmonised methodologies for risk assessments.
They also agreed to promote coherence in risk communications among themselves and with thepublic.
EFSA's executive director, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, said that strengthening cooperation and networking betweenmember states and the organisation is a top priority for the EU body.
"If we can work together with the national authorities more closely and coherently -- by sharing best practices and harmonising methodologies-- EFSA and the institutes in the member states will help to create an even stronger food safety system inEurope," she said. "This will also help increase consumer protection and confidence in the food we eat across Europe."
In September 2006 EFSA's advisory forum members signed a commitment to share scientificinformation within the bloc through the organisation. The commitment also involves sharing researchinto common food safety problems.
The strategy will be presented to EFSA's management board for possible endorsement at its meeting in Helsinki on19 December. Afterwards it will be circulated and presented to EU institutions, EU and nationalbodies and international organisations among others. EFSA says the strategy will be reviewed within two years.
