Brussels, 28/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 24 January, the European Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Poland, calling on the country to transpose in full all directives relating to human tissue and cells. Human tissue and cells, such as bone marrow, tendons, ovocytes and corneas, are used to treat patients and various diseases. However, the taking of tissue and cells can transmit diseases. European legislation, therefore, lays down rules guaranteeing the quality and harmlessness of tissue and cells, in order to give European citizens the assurance that they are receiving viable materials, but leaving it up to national legislation to define the use these may be put to. However, Poland has failed to transpose all directives in this area. It does not apply the quality and safety rules listed for three categories of tissue and cells covered by European legislation: reproductive cells, embryonic tissue and foetal tissue. The Polish authorities now have two months to take the measures and necessary and to inform the Commission of these. If they fail to do so, the country could be brought before the Court of Justice of the EU. (IL/transl.fl)