Byrne predicts Euro food watchdog by 2001
13 December 1999
Byrne predicts Euro food watchdog by 2001
By FWi staff
AN EU-wide food safety agency could be up and running by 2001, says European commissioner for health and consumer protection David Byrne.
The EU Council of Ministers has been urged to examine a European Commission report on setting up an independent food authority.
He Byrne told AFX news agency that the commission may present this White Paper on Food Safety, as early as 22 December.
Other parties then will have six months to one year to express their views. Information will then be assembled and legislation adopted, the commissioner said.
Mr Byrne said: “It is urgent [to set up an independent food authority], but we have to get it right in order to regain consumers full confidence.”
Independent scientists recommended that the food authority should provide scientific advice on all health issues linked to food, non-food products, environment and public health, with the exception of drugs.
They added that the authority should have key role in crisis management at the European level and effectively monitor European public health.