Following concerns expressed by citizens in a successful European Citizen’s initiative, the European Commission has issued a proposal to improve the transparency of scientific studies in the food safety area.
The proposal, drawing on the Commission's Fitness Check of the General Food Law, which dates back from 2002, will:
- give citizens greater access to information submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on approvals concerning the agri-food chain;
- provide the possibility for additional studies to be requested by the Commission and;
- will involve Member States' scientists more closely in approval procedures.
The Commission is also proposing a targeted revision of the General Food Law Regulation coupled with the revision of eight pieces of sectoral legislation, to bring them in line with the general rules and strengthen transparency in the area of GMOs, feed additives, smoke flavourings, food contact materials, food additives, food enzymes and flavourings, plant protection products and novel foods.