European Food Safety Authority approved

A chronology of outbreaks of foodborne disease and food scares, notably bovine spongiform encephalopathy and dioxins in animal feed, has damaged consumer confidence in the safety of the food supply and the ability and commitment of the regulatory agencies to ensure that food is safe. In November 2000, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a Regulation laying down the general principles of food law and establishing the European Food Authority (1).