Science is the cornerstone of EU regulation, says Byrne
Although the limits of scientific knowledge are constantly changing, science is indispensable to effective regulation in Europe, according to Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne. Speaking at the Toxicology Forum in Brussels on 27 May, Commissioner Byrne said that as new scientific discoveries are constantly pushing back the boundaries of our knowledge, 'regulation based on science must invariably be considered a transitory stage, reflecting current knowledge at a given point in time. To base current regulation on the science that prevailed a century ago would be unthinkable.' But he added: 'Despite these uncertainties, there is no reasonable alternative to science. It must, therefore, firmly remain an indispensable and fundamental ingredient, underpinning all regulatory decisions.' The European Union regulates a vast array of substances, products and processes, including food additives and veterinary medicines, based on available scientific and medical opinion. Mr Byrne warned, however, that regulatory decisions can quickly become invalid as they will always depend on the rate of progress in the relevant scientific discipline. 'The scientific basis for a particular regulation that is universally deemed rock solid one day can, like sand, be washed away by the next,' he said. Mr Byrne added that the establishment of the European Food Safety Authority will give a 'tremendous boost' to the role of science within the European regulatory system. He said the current infrastructure for supporting the Commission's scientific committees is no longer adequate, and the EFSA can provide a higher level of independence in the process of risk assessment.