The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) held a meeting today (16 May) in Brussels which brought together scientific representatives from the 25 European Union countries, along with Switzerland and Norway, to discuss how to strengthen scientific co-operation in the risk assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
At the meeting, EFSA gave a detailed overview of its present risk assessment and consultation process, and discussed with the delegates how the countries could be further involved in the future. EFSA reiterated its commitment to communicate clearly the scientific assumptions underlying its GMO risk assessments.
“We are very happy to meet with Member State experts, share views and receive input on the GMO risk assessment process,” said acting EFSA executive director Herman Koëter. “EFSA is already co-operating with Member States and since its establishment has developed specific tools and processes to maximise their input. We listened carefully to what Member States had to say today and I am glad that we agreed to meet on a regular basis and discuss GMO scientific issues, including long-term studies and the environmental safety aspects of GMOs.”
EFSA also discussed the possibility of making stronger use of its Advisory Forum, which is made up of Member State representatives, and using the procedure provided for in Article 30 of EFSA’s Founding Regulation should any substantive divergences in opinion between EFSA and Member States arise in the future.
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