Biotech Updates

EFSA Develops Database of External Scientific Experts

June 13, 2008

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will develop a database of external scientific experts to help it carry out risk assessments and enhance the transparency of the expert recruitment process. The European Union’s scientific risk assessment body on food and feed safety, nutrition, animal welfare, plant protection and health has been criticized for its perceived bias toward genetically modified organisms and its growing workload.

Rebutting this perception, EFSA's Alun Jones said that  "We need more scientific experts across the whole range of EFSA'a activities." The experts will not be hired as members of scientific panels but will provide support for the panel members in preparing their opinions. The aim is to enhance transparency so as "to take into account as many views as possible".

See the article at http://www.euractiv.com/en/cap/eu-food-safety-agency-aims-transparency/article-173171.