Since June 1997, the names and affiliations of the members, as well as the draft agendas of plenary committee meetings have been available on the homepage of the Commission. The committee s opinions are also made available on the homepage, within a few days of their meetings. These opinions include any minority opinions expressed by individual members. When scientific advice concerns commercial products a balance between transparency and scientific confidentiality is found. Since November 1997 these committees have issued over 300 opinions.
Some opinions are short, routine papers.
Others are complex reports. The Scientific Committee of Food in the EU has addressed health-related effects from food contaminants. Broader assessments of risks to consumer health from anti-microbial resistance have also been made. The new committee system has, without doubt, improved the quality of scientific assessment, as well as the consumer s perception of the major role played by scientists in public policy. Much remains to be done, however, particularly insofar as food safety is concerned.