back to menuThe European Union Commissioner responsible for Consumer Affairs, David Byrne, visited London in July. He had a very busy 'day, a morning meeting with business leaders, a press conference where, judging by the next day's papers, questions centred on food safety, and an afternoon with consumer organisations.
The Consumers in Europe Group had invited members, and the National Consumer Council invitation included consumer council leaders, so Commissioner Byrne had quite a large audience which he addressed on his planned work programme laid out in his five year strategy.
The three areas he chose to talk about were e-commerce, food safety and GMOs. He told us that he wants to reassure Internet shoppers and ensure trouble free transactions.
There is to be a European network forum, which will aid cross border disputes and mediate on on-line problems. We were pleased to note that he is stressing the importance of redress being available in the customer's own member state.
He outlined the development of a European Food Safety Agency which should restore integrity in food production and processing in Europe. The EU FSA (not another FSA! - Ed) will undertake risk assessments, and national bodies will 'micro-manage' surveillance and enforcement.
Commissioner Byrne is keen to resume authorisation of genetically modified organisms based on scientific advice and to monitor food and feed and seed. He sees stakeholders being involved in this process.
He was asked questions about protecting children on the Internet, food law and enforcement, and how research into consumer perceptions could aid in setting questions for scientists. There was a brief run through of the role of the EU Consumer Committee and how consumer interests can be integrated into other areas being considered such as transport and investments.
We hope that the meeting helped the Commissioner to take account of consumer priorities for the UK.
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