EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/354

(2004/C 88 E/0360)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1400/03

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(16 April 2003)

Subject: Seat of the European Food Safety Authority

It was reported a few days ago in the Italian press that the future European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) may be split between two seats, each being assigned different tasks and functions.

Under such an arrangement there would be one seat in Helsinki dealing with health and scientific matters and the study of nutritional policy and GMOs, and another in Parma concerned with quality control, product origin, the agri-food sector, and the promotion of European food and wine.

However, the committee promoting Parma's candidacy to host the Authority (made up of representatives of the municipal and provincial authorities, banking institutions and Parma University) and major Italian farmers' associations have expressed astonishment at the possibility of the Authority having two seats, as Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (1), which establishes the Authority, only provides for one. Moreover, such a step would necessitate a long and complex legislative process delaying still further the establishment of the future second Authority.

Despite this the Commissioner for Agriculture, Franz Fischler, has expressed his support for the idea, declaring that it would be technically possible for there to be two seats. Even the Italian Minister for Agriculture, Giovanni Alemanno, has stated that the two seats would be equal and independent.

In light of the above, can the Commission state:

1. what tasks will be assigned to these two Authorities, and whether it will be possible in practice to divide their areas of responsibilities as outlined above;

2. on what legislative and legal basis the second Authority, based in Parma, will be founded; and

3. what the timetable will be for the setting up of the two Authorities, given that Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 only provides for one?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2003)

The Honourable Member is kindly asked to refer to the Commission's answer to written question P-1395/03 from Mr Colom I Naval (2) concerning the establishment of the seat of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

As regards the establishment of the EFSA and the distribution of tasks between food safety and quality, the Commission can provide the following information:

— under Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (3) establishing the EFSA, the Authority's scientific mission covers all issues which may have a direct or indirect effect on the safety of the food chain, including all areas relating to animal health and welfare and plant health. The Authority will also provide scientific opinions on genetically modified organisms even if they are not food and feed, and on nutrition;

— consequently, the brief of the EFSA and its sphere of responsibility in no way include the aspects of quality or the protection of the origin of food products;

— the EFSA is already operating. Accordingly, its Management Board began work in September 2002, and, at the beginning of 2003, its Executive Director took up his duties and the Advisory Forum began functioning. The Scientific Committee and the standing Scientific Panels of the EFSA are currently being set up. Finally, an initial core of staff, especially scientists, has been set up, and further recruitment is expected in the near future;

— there are currently no plans to set up an agency for designations of origin, geographical indications and certificates of specific character.

(1) OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1.

(2) OJ C 242 E, 9.10.2003, p. 228.

(3) Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety, OJ L 31, 1.2.2002.