Launch of new JRC Institute for Health and Consumer Protection
A new Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (HCP), which will form part of the Joint Research Centre, was launched by the European Commission on 1 October 1998. The aim is to develop clear standards for the protection of consumers, as well as to develop and validate methods to guarantee the origin, safety and quality of commercial goods, such as processed foods, animal feed, cosmetics, drugs and chemicals, that are in everyday use. In opening the new Institute, the Director-General of the JRC, Mr Herbert Allgeier, stated that the creation of this new Institute highlights the EU's commitment to improving the quality of life of all European citizens. The Institute will respond to increasing consumer concern about the quality of food, beverages and goods by supporting the development of a secure and predictable regulatory environment in this field. Specific tasks to be addressed by the Institute include: - Assessing and validating advanced test methods; - Assessing, managing and controlling any risks that may be posed by existing and newly developed chemical substances; - Creating and maintaining databases for reference on new and existing chemical substances; - Identifying and assessing the effect of environmental contaminants on human health; - Controlling fraud by authenticating the purity of drinks and checking compliance with product labelling legislation; - Assessing compliance of foodstuffs with current legislation, by evaluating test methods used; - Developing methods and tools to protect consumers' economic interest; - Assessing and validating systems to improve the quality of life and health.