It will involve the training of experts and technicians in food analysis and monitoring methods, in microbiology and chemistry; comparison of standards in Europe and in China, in context of revision by the CFSA and risk assessment methodologies.
Exchanging scientific information, joint research projects and studies, and the cross-participation of experts in scientific seminars organised by the parties, will also be covered.
Offers an ‘interesting opportunity’
The French food safety agency said the creation of the CFSA offers an ‘interesting opportunity’ to strengthen cooperation initiatives and promote development of exchanges between the two countries in the farming and agri-food sectors.
Areas of cooperation include microbiological food safety (including food virology, emerging risks and new detection technologies) and chemical food safety (including chemical additives, food contact materials and chemical contaminants).
The two countries will also look at food monitoring and control, conducting studies on consumer exposure to contaminants and novel foods, food allergies and intolerances.
ANSES labs in Maisons-Alfort, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Ploufragan, Fougères and Brest cover the range of food products and develop analysis methods for official quality controls of products placed on the market.
CFSA role
CFSA is a public body created two years ago to revise the standards applicable in China to ensure food safety.
The centre is in charge of the risk assessment of all emerging topics with its reference laboratories.
The agreement was signed in Beijing at the end of January as part of Manuel Valls, the French Prime Minister’s, official visit to China, by Marc Mortureux, ANSES director general and Jinfeng Liu, director general of the CFSA.
Last year, the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) signed a memorandum of understanding around food safety with the CFSA.
Jørgen Schlundt, director of DTU Food, said the agreement benefitted China and Denmark.
“Our Chinese partners stand to gain from DTU Food’s experience regarding risk assessment of foods and nutritional studies, while we have the opportunity to forge strong links in the Chinese research environment.”
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also partnered with CFSA in late 2013.