The second is the establishment of a new European food authority to complement the reforms and give definitive scientific judgment on all aspects of food safety. Both initiatives are seen as core policy moves set out by the Commission president, Mr Romano Prodi, for his term, and their implementation will be overseen by Mr David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection. Some measures may sound aspirational, as if thrown at a lingering problem peculiar to Europe of food safety crises and scares, but there are ambitious deadlines attached to proposed amendments and additions to existing legislation. It remains to be seen if Mr Byrne can ensure that reform includes a mechanism or moral authority so that scientific advice is not cast aside by the perceived interests of member states. And, equally, harmonisation should not herald a regime that stamps out Europe's unique foods.
European consumers require and are entitled to.
Equally, a more consistent and unambiguous food safety policy in Europe brings the prospect of a trade dividend, and not the risk of a trade war every time the EU takes a stand on a foodstuff. In short, the new authority will assess risk and provide the best scientific advice. There will be an independent footing for the authority, though not the kind of independence requiring a change to the Treaty of Rome. The EU Food and Veterinary Office based in Ireland is to get an enhanced role. It is central to EU food risk management through inspections and audits of food safety procedures.