EFSA restates on-going GMO strategy
for co-operation with member states in the risk assessment of
genetically modified (GM) foods, as the EU Environment Council's
discussion on the subject looms into view.
"EFSA hopes that member states will be eager to be more closely involved in EFSA's many on-going and future planned activities in GMO risk assessment," said Dr. Herman Koeter, EFSA's acting executive director.
Last month EFSA held a meeting with scientific experts to address concerns of member states about certain aspects of the risk assessment process for genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The two primary issues raised by the member states were the desire to be more involved in EFSAs assessment approach, as well as a request for feedback on how their comments are taken into account.
And now EFSA has moved to reaffirm its commitment to work with member states, not only in establishing and optimising co-operation, but also in "developing scientific approaches together with member states on GMO risk assessment."
"We have bought together an overview of all EFSA GMO activities and outlined some new initiatives aimed at further developing and enhancing our co-operation," said Koeter.
Optimising current co-operation will be done by enhancing feedback to member states, organizing consultative meetings when issues are of scientific concern, and discussing increased participation of national authorities.
EFSA's GMO panel has also said it will meet national scientific representatives to discuss on-going EFSA projects on animal feeding trials, as well as inviting scientists from member states to attend a scientific colloquium planned for early 2007.
The announcement comes ahead of next weeks EU Environmental Council meeting to discuss GMOs.
