www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

Scientific experts from European Union member states yesterday met with the
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to discuss ways to strengthen
scientific co-operation in the risk assessment of GMOs, May 2006 by
Lorraine Heller.

The meeting was set up to address concerns of member states about certain
aspects of the risk assessment process for genetically modified organisms
(GMOs).

The two primary issues raised by the member states were the desire to be
more involved in EFSAs assessment approach, as well as a request for
feedback on how their comments are taken into account.

"We are very happy to meet with member state experts, share views and
receive input on the GMO risk assessment process. EFSA is already
co-operating with member states and since its establishment has developed
specific tools and processes to maximize their input," said Dr Herman Koter,
EFSAs acting executive director.

At the meeting, EFSA explained how it takes member states views into
consideration and discussed how this input could be addressed in a more
visible way in its opinions. It also agreed to explain in more detail the
scientific rationale behind its risk assessments.

"This was the first meeting of this level and scale with scientific experts
from member states. This is the beginning of a process, we want to maximize
our degree of co-operation as were always open to new comments and new
ideas," said EFSA spokesperson Alun Jones.

It was agreed that EFSA and member state representatives will meet on a
regular basis in order to discuss specific themes such as the assessment of
long-term effects of GMOs, environmental risk assessment and post market
environmental monitoring of GMOs.

"This is all about science which constantly evolves, and we want to continue
to be at the forefront. We want to make sure we talk to member states when
they have comments, there is no doubt lots we can learn from them," Jones
told FoodNavigator, adding that EFSAs own risk assessment will nevertheless
continue to be independent.

EFSA said it will now take stock of what was covered in the meeting, and
will come back with a proposal on how to involve member states in the pre
risk evaluation process.

A summary of the main outcome will be available on its website next Monday.

In February, EFSA held a meeting with environmental non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) to discuss the future development of genetically
modified (GM) food within the EU.

At the summit, members of the EFSA GM panel presented a closer look at the
risk assessment process of GMOs, focusing in particular on the scientific
basis for evaluating food and feed safety, environmental impact and
monitoring. The summit took place just days after a WTO ruling backed the
US, Canada and Argentina in their efforts to open Europe up to GM food.

EFSA had said that the meeting illustrated its willingness to dialogue with
interested parties on scientific matters in line with its policy on openness
and transparency. The authority said it is committed to exchange and
collaboration with all of its stakeholders, including those who may hold
different views.

[www.foodnavigator.com]

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