The combined agency, which the French Government said will be “a clearly identifiable player on the international scene”, will be operational by 1 July, 2010.
The new body, which is yet to be given a permanent name, will “pursue the major areas of interests of the original agencies” to promote better handling of issues common to both groups, said a joint AFSSA/ AFSSET statement. The evaluation of emerging risks will be a priority along with issues relating to water, exposure to chemicals and European REACH legislation.
The new agency will establish an ethics committee to act as an appeal body to examine any allegations of improper behaviour and conflicts of interest. A board of directors made up of five groups – including public authorities, companies, trade bodies and non-governmental organisations will also carry out an oversight role.
Special policy making committees in the fields of environmental health, food safety, and nutrition as well as animal and plant health will be introduced.