Byrne says EFA to play key role in ensuring high quality EU food safety research
EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne has said that the proposed European Food Authority, due to be established next year, will play a key role in ensuring high quality European food safety research. Speaking at a round table on 'Food quality, safety and production' in London on 29 October, Commissioner Byrne said that while he does not expect the EFA to undertake food safety research itself, he expects it 'will have a key interest in ensuring the very best research is carried out in Europe in this arena.' Mr Byrne also underlined the importance of scientific work to the risk management process, explaining: 'Food safety research is absolutely crucial if we are to develop the technological means to address known and unknown safety concerns.' He added that the research must be carried out to 'the highest and most rigorous standards, including ethical standards,' with validation by reference laboratories and peer reviews. Commissioner Byrne was in London as part of a series of Member State stakeholder consultations to gather views on food quality, safety and production.