The UK has an interlocking network of expert advisory committees made up of scientists, mainly from universities and research institutes. Committees usually include a consumer representative. Recently, a second layer of three Commissions has been set up over this network to ensure that wider social and ethical issues are taken into account before final decisions are taken by Ministers. All members are independent; they are not salaried but paid only travelling expenses and a small daily allowance to cover preparation for the meetings. Any real or potential conflict of interest by advisory committee members has to be declared before any discussion takes place and they then leave the room.

The competent UK and EU bodes are the Advisory Committee for Novel Foods and Processes (http://www.food.gov.uk/science/ouradvisors/novelfood/) and the European Food Safety Authority (http://www.efsa.eu.int), respectively.

Source:

V. Moses and M. Brannan (2001). One hundred percent safe? GM foods in the UK. CropGen (click to download)

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