European Commission Calls for Creation of Food Authority

BRUSSELS — Nov. 8, 2000 — Following several major food scares that have marred the EU’s reputation, the European Commission is looking to strengthen its food safety regulations.

The EU Commission has proposed creating a European Food Authority as well as identifying fundamental food safety requirements.

According to EU officials, the goal of the of the organization is to streamline the existing rules applied by EU nations to ensure safe foods and to regain public confidence in the European food industry, which has recently been slumping because of incidents such as the recent BSE (mad cow) epidemic and the 1999 Belgian dioxin scare.

Under the commission’s proposal, the authority would consist of nearly 350 members, have access to high-level scientific information and be able to reach agreements on any safety issues which may arise.

The proposal is expected to go before the European Parliament and other officials.

–Jeff VanPelt

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