Brussels, 13/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - The professional agricultural organisations Copa and Cogeca have welcomed the European Commission's "White Paper" on food safety. They state that safety and consumer confidence must be absolute priorities for all operators in the food chain and for al national and European authorities. The action plan contained in the White Paper has to take the form of operational measures as soon as possible. The setting up of the European Food Authority is, here, of vital importance. Copa and Cogeca place emphasis on the food safety standards set by the EU also being applicable to imports from third countries, and want to be consulted when drawing up legislative proposals.