December 11, 2001 — STRASBOURG, Germany — The European Parliament this week approved the creation of the European Food Safety Authority, an independent organization that will work to ensure food safety in Europe, despite having no rule-making powers.

The Parliament however did not decide where the organization will be based. That decision will be made at a European Union summit in Belgium later this week.

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 group will be fully operational in early 2002.

Finland and Italy are currently seen as the most likely candidates to host the EFSA, with France and Spain also in the running.