Brussels, 08/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - Barely had the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published its new rules on statements of interest (see EUROPE 10568) than, on 8 March, Testbiotech and the Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) highlighted a potential conflict of interests. The two organisations accuse the European Commission of recommending Irishwoman Mella Frewen, lobby chief at FoodDrinkEurope (previously known as the CIAA) and formerly employed by Monsanto, for a seat on the EFSA management board. Frewen features on the shortlist of candidates. When asked about this issue, Frédéric Vincent, spokesman for Health and Consumer Affairs Commissioner John Dalli said: “I don't know anything about this (…). The EFSA management board is not involved in authorisation procedures” for GMOs. (AN/transl.rt)