Press Release: European Food Safety Authority adopted – Council agrees key legislation putting a new European-wide food safety system in place

The Council of Agriculture Ministers adopted the Regulation setting up the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and a new framework for EU food law on 21 January 2002. The adoption of this key legislation marks a record-time agreement between all Member States in the Council and all political groups in the European Parliament on a major overhaul of the EU food safety system and the way scientific advice feeds into policy making. It completes the first phase of the wide ranging reform of the EU food law launched by the Prodi Commission in its January 2000 White Paper on Food Safety. Commissioner Byrne announced at the Council meeting that this fast-track adoption of the Regulation clears the way for immediate action to get the Authority fully operational at its temporary Brussels' location this year.

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/food/fs/efa/index_en.html http://ec.europa.eu/comm/food/fs/efa/index_en.html

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/dgs/health_consumer/library/press/press135_en.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/comm/dgs/health_consumer/library/press/press135_en.pdf

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