Expert involvement
The White Paper is very vague on the subject of the involvement of experts by the so-called "circles concerned".. To avoid any misunderstanding we wish to state explicitly that independence must be one of the fundamental principles of the work of the authority. However, independence must not preclude experts in the circles concerned from playing any part in the authority's deliberations. On the contrary: it should make maximum use of specialist knowledge at every stage of the food chain. Clear structures must be created enabling the "circles concerned" to make an input without compromising the authority's independence. In this connection we would once more refer to the study by Professors James, Kemper and Pascal.
In conclusion we should like to emphasise once again that a European food authority could fulfil an important role in matters of risk assessment and risk management. It will be crucially important to create an authority at the highest possible scientific level and of impeccable reputation, which will inspire both consumer and industry confidence by providing irrefutable scientific advice to serve as the basis for responsible political decision-making.
