WRITTEN QUESTION E-1130/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority.
13. 2. 2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 46 E/129 (2001/C 46 E/142) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1130/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission (11 April 2000) Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food safety. The Authority will be responsible for scientific advice and it has to acquire the status of a visibly appreciated point of reference. It must be available to give consumers information on developments in food safety. Finally, it has to work in close collaboration with national bodies and network with them. 1. What form will cooperation on providing information to consumers between the EFA and the national information bodies take? Will the Authority and the national bodies have clearly defined powers in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity? 2. What form will cooperation on scientific advice take between the Authority and the national information bodies? Will the Authority and the national bodies have clearly defined powers in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity? (2001/C 46 E/143) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1131/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission (11 April 2000) Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food safety. The Commission believes that the Authority should have legislative status in order to perform its tasks independently, to maximise its impact on protection of the health of consumers and to be independent of the EU Institutions. Does the intended independent position give the Authority the power to ask the Commission for an interpretation of policy decisions reached in the light of opinions from the Authority? If not, why does the Commission not think it necessary for the Authority to be able to inquire into the follow-up to, or implementation of, its opinions? (2001/C 46 E/144) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1132/00 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission (11 April 2000) Subject: White Paper on Food Safety and the European Food Authority The White Paper on Food Safety (COM(1999) 719 final) was published in January 2000. Chapter 4 is concerned with establishing a European Food Authority (EFA). Chapter 5 considers legislation on food safety. The Commission does not rule out an extension of the Authorityís competencies in the future (section 40). 1. What new competencies does the Commission have in mind? 2. When will this extension of competencies take place?