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Introduction
I am very pleased to have the opportunity to address the Scientific Steering Committee on the Commission's White Paper on Food Safety and more specifically on the establishment of a European Food Authority.
Scientific advice is now firmly established as the basis of Community legislation in all measures related to health in conformity with SPS requirements. Your current work and what will be done by the future European Food Authority is the foundation for the Community action in the field of health protection.
Key role of Scientific Committees
On this the first occasion that I have had the pleasure to meet all members of the Scientific Steering Committee, may I use the opportunity to convey my formal thanks and gratitude to you all, and through you, to all of the other Committees for the sterling work that you have undertaken since your establishment. It is not just a question of gratitude on the part of the Commission.
The citizens of the European Union have a huge amount to be grateful for, in the knowledge that scientific risk assessments are being undertaken by the committees in a diligent and professional manner, often under pressure and always on very complex issues.
It is particularly important for us to take the greatest possible benefit of the experience of the scientific committees over the past two and a half years. I am aware that in addition to the important and demanding work that the SSC has done on BSE issues it provides a forum where all the scientific committees can discuss their common problems via their chairpersons.
The excellent report produced by Philip James, Fritz Kemper and Gérard Pascal made a valuable contribution during the drafting of the White Paper on Food Safety and I am sure that the SSC comments will likewise provide a major input for the Commission's final proposal.
Orientations on the European Food Authority
We are envisaging the establishment of a European Food Authority by 2002 as an essential component to the new food safety regime.
The Commission believes that major structural change is required in our system of food safety to assure the twin objectives of assuring the highest standard of food safety and restoring consumer confidence.
Transparency and independence are a prerequisite for confidence in scientific advice. All stakeholders, including consumers, seek a system that is both actually and visibly independent of all vested interests. We must also ensure excellence.
We have made a lot of progress over the past couple of years since the reformed system of scientific advice was established as a consequence of the BSE crisis. However, the Commission believes that much more needs to be done to achieve a robust system, which furthers the need for a proactive approach to food.
I am aware of the thrust of what you will be recommending as a result of your experience and expertise. There is much that I would agree with. I can assure you that the many practical and insightful recommendations and suggestions will find a receptive audience in the Commission.
We envisage that the work of the existing Scientific Committees devoted to food safety will be transferred to the Authority. I am aware of the SSC concerns relating to the interconnection of the global area of public health and food safety on the one hand and on the other hand environment protection. Careful consideration will be given to the need for efficient interconnection in order to ensure a consistent public health approach.
We must also be careful to temper our ambitions with what is practically achievable in the short term. After all politics is the art of the possible.
Ambitious Plans
I, on behalf of the Commission, have already embarked on the most ambitious ever overhaul of the European Union's food safety regime. It is constantly being suggested to me that the plan is over-ambitious. Let me assure you here today of my personal commitment and determination to see it through.
BSE and SRMs
Let me now turn to one area particularly dear to the hearts of the Scientific Steering Committee and that is the whole question of BSE. You have contributed enormously to a greater understanding of this difficult issue. Your opinions have challenged and will continue to challenge policy makers and legislators throughout the EU. It is incumbent on the European legislators to take the necessary action on the basis of your opinions. I am particularly regretful of the fact that there has been such a delay in introducing effective legislation on the removal of Specified Risk Materials throughout the Member States. I am pursuing this matter aggressively and I hope that the Member States can support revised proposals that I intend to make to them very soon. This is for me a fundamental public health issue.
Proactive Food Authority
Turning again to the role I am envisaging for the future European Food Authority -I am proposing that it will be much more proactive than our current regime. Anticipating, rather than reacting. Identifying issues, before they become crises.
This proactive approach should become the hallmark of the Authority.
To be proactive, the White Paper identifies a number of new areas that would be embraced by the Authority. These include a comprehensive information gathering and surveillance function - the co-ordination of scientific information in the EU and - building up strong networks with food safety agencies and bodies in the Member States.
We also envisage a role of the Authority in the operation of an enhanced rapid alert system for food and feed concerns.
The Commission has stressed in the White Paper that it is neither appropriate nor feasible to devolve risk management power to the Authority. We believe that decisions in the risk management area should properly remain the preserve of the Commission, Parliament and Council, as appropriate.
Risk assessment .v. Risk management
This requires that there is no confusion between the specific responsibility of independent scientists and the responsibility of public authorities accountable to the citizens. This will indeed be a major challenge for a new food authority that will have to provide the essential interface between risk assessors and risk managers.
I am sure that the sum of your experience on this important issue will be of great interest and value.
The Authority will be charged with developing networks with national food safety agencies and bodies in the Member States. This is a major task and I expect that your practical expertise can contribute to define some of the means to achieve this objective.
As an integral part of a "value-added" structure, the White Paper proposes that the Authority would have a major role in risk communication. To disseminate complex scientific information in a consumer-friendly way. To be the obvious and indispensable port-of-call for the most up-to-the-minute data on risk. To be highly visible. To tell the positive story about food. To be pro-active.
Conclusion
Thank you for this opportunity to address you today. Although my time is again very limited, I would be pleased to hear your comments and to take a few questions.