December 17, 2001 — BRUSSELS — European Union leaders failed to decide on a base of operations for the forthcoming European Food Safety Authority.

EU members were set to vote on the issue at an EU summit this weekend, only days after the European Parliament approved the creation of the highly-touted agency. But infighting over several issues – including the where to locate the EFSA – brought the meeting to an early end.

The goal of the EFSA is to streamline the existing rules applied by EU nations to ensure safe foods and to regain public confidence in the European food industry. Officials say the organization will consist of 14 independent scientists provided by EU member states and one provided by the European Commission, as well as a staff of up to 300. The agency will have access to high-level scientific information and be able to reach agreements on any safety issues that may arise.

The EU will again attempt a vote on the issue at its next summit in the spring. In the meantime, the EFSA will temporarily be housed in Belgium, one of the countries that had been vying for the right to host the agency.