European food authority remains key - even while waiting for a permanent home
As the establishment of the European food authority (EFA) approaches its final stages, with the predicted adoption of its regulation by the next Agriculture Council on 21 January, EU Commissioner David Byrne emphasised that it has a fundamental role to play in food safety. Speaking in Berlin during Green Week on 12 January, he said that he is considering a new approach to official food controls in Member States, a move which he said added a 'third pillar' to the Community's food safety policy, the first and second pillars being the European food authority and effective food safety legislation. 'It is only when we have all three pillars in place that we can be reasonably assured that we can have a safe supply of food from farm to table,' he said. This sentiment has been echoed by Spain, which opened its own food safety agency as it took on the Presidency. It has pointed out that in addition to discussing food safety at the two Internal Market, Consumer and Tourism Councils, a ministerial seminar entitled 'Dialogue on consumption' will take place on 6 and 7 June in Santiago de Compostela. The seminar is designed to address environmental, competition and transparency issues in food preparation and consumption. The adoption of the EFA regulation will lead to a period of recruitment, largely of scientists and management staff. It has been recommended that the initial staff numbers be kept low, as the EFA will temporarily operate from Brussels, while discussions continue among EU leaders over its final location. The original proposal made by the Belgian Presidency was Helsinki, but this was opposed by Italy's premier, Silvio Berlusconi, who favoured Parma. The incumbent Presidency, Spain, has suggested that it should be located in Barcelona. Scientific staff will be needed for the eight scientific panels within the EFA. These are genetically modified organisms; biological hazards; animal health and welfare; plant protection products and their residues; additives and products or substances used in animal feed; food additives, flavouring, processing aids and materials in contact with food; dietetic products, nutrition and allergies; and contaminants in the food chain. Initial tasks, due to the small number of staff, will focus on preparing a strategy to inform the public about the EFA's activities.