ESC opinion: COST Agreement on concerted action projects in the field of food science (FLAIR):
The Economic and Social Committee (ESC) adopted on 27 November 1991 an opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision concerning the conclusion of a Multilateral Cooperation Agreement "Community -European cooperation in the field of scientific and technical research (COST)" on eleven concerted action projects in the field of food science and technology (FLAIR programme) between the European Economic Community and COST third States (COM(91) 289 of 25 July 1991). The eleven concerted actions of the Cooperation Agreement covered by the proposal are explicitly provided for in the Council Decision establishing the FLAIR programme (1989-1993). They concern: - Spectroscopic techniques for the rapid direct measurement of food quality; - Relating sensory, instrumental and consumer choice studies; - Predictive modelling of microbial growth and survival in foods; - Prevention and control of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in poultry meat processing; - Food safety and quality based on the application of combined processes and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP); - In vitro toxicological studies and real time analysis of residues in food; - Improvement of food safety and quality via interactive and competitive bindings of food lectins and bacterial adhesions in the gut; - Measurement of micronutrient absorption and status; - Physiological implication of the consumption of resistant starch in man; - Improvement of quality and comparability of food consumption and food composition data in Europe; - Information flow on food technology, food safety and healthy eating for SMEs and consumers. The ESC endorses the agreement, and urges that provision be made for appraisals of the social, human and economic consequences of the research carried out in the participating States in the eleven fields concerned, together with appraisals of any technological hazards involved.