Brussels, 26/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - BEUC, the European Consumers' Organisation, has said in a press release that it welcomes the resolution on breast implants (see EUROPE 10602), in particular the provisions for stricter market surveillance, improved traceability, increased cooperation between the relevant authorities and encouraging patients and healthcare professionals to report incidents. “European consumers are not 'guinea pigs' for medical devices. … We hope the European Commission will fully take into account the Parliament's recommendations when finalising its proposals for the revision of the medical devices legislation”, BEUC says. It calls on the Commission to strengthen pre-market assessment and to explore the possibility of introducing a form of market authorisation for high-risk devices. It says, too, that it is important to better regulate what it calls the “jungle” of easily available aesthetic products. BEUC Director General Monique Goyens said that the PIP breast implants scandal has revealed loopholes in the current legislation that put consumers' health at risk. In this specific case, women have been receiving diverging advice and information depending on the country in which they live. “Consumers should be provided with better information regarding the risks associated with cosmetic implants including the fact that they might have to be replaced after a period of time. When safety concerns arise, the information and the preventive measures should be coherent and consistent across the EU in order to prevent inequalities”, she stated. (IL/transl.rt)