Brussels, 11/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - Criticised for years for its ties with the food, biotech or chemicals industry, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which hopes to restore confidence in the fact that its work is impartial, has invited all interested parties to a workshop on Wednesday 12 October, in Brussels, to discuss key issues that can help it define its new policy with regard to its impartiality and scientific decision-making processes.
Discussion will be held between 150 participants from civil society, industry, member states, the European Parliament, the Commission and the academic world, on the following questions: - In the scientific field, is there necessarily conflict of interest when interests are at stake? How can Europe promote scientific innovation via public and private initiatives while respecting the need for public authorities to provide independent scientific advice? How can EFSA ensure parties interested are more involved in scientific decision-making processes? How can one improve EFSA's organisational and scientific governance through contributions and collaboration with partners and interested parties?
Speaking on Tuesday, EFSA Executive Director Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle said: “As the key provider of independent scientific advice in the EU, we recognise the need to hold discussions. For the parties interested, this event provides a unique opportunity for contributing to shaping our political future”.
Participants will also debate general questions relating to independence and confidence in science, such as the management of conflicts of interest in public organisations or public commitment and confidence in science. European Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli will close the workshop-debate.
EFSA's initiative comes in the wake of allegations that the agency (management board and panels) has been systematically infiltrated by specialists working for International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), which is sponsored by companies such as Coca Cola, Monsanto, Dow Chemical and Nestlé, a joint press release from the Corporate Observatory Europe and Testbiotech underlines. “With EFSA, we already know of more than a dozen experts dealing with risk assessment of genetically engineered plants, pesticides and food additives who are also working with ILSI. But EFSA has taken no action to protect its panels against these serious conflicts of interest”, states Nino Holland from Corporate Europe Observatory in Brussels. On Wednesday, representatives of the civil society will urge EFSA to bar the way to representatives of industry on its management board and give greater clout to players that represent consumer interests, protection of the environment and animal welfare. (AN/transl.jl)