Scientific examination of questions relating to food: repealing obsolete Directive

The European Parliament adopted by 640 votes to 53, with 6 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council repealing Council Directive 93/5/EEC of 25 February 1993 on assistance to the Commission and cooperation by the Member States in the scientific examination of questions relating to food.

Parliament adopted its position at first reading without making amendments to the Commission proposal.

In December 2012, the Commission launched the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) to ensure a simple, clear, stable and predictable regulatory framework for businesses, workers and citizens. In this context, the Commission has proposed to repeal Council Directive 93/5/EEC.

The aim of Council Directive 93/5/EEC was to ensure the smooth running of the Scientific Committee for Food by promoting the scientific support from the Member States and by organising the cooperation with the relevant national bodies on scientific issues regarding the safety of foodstuffs.