Monthly Newsletter on Food Safety, Health and Consumer Policy

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May - 2006 Edition Sunscreens: Never 100% protection – Commission consults on product labelling EU and US exchange Good Practices on Diet, Physical Activity and Health BSE: Embargo on UK beef ends European Parliament agrees on Health and Nutrition Claims European Commission launches new Health Portal EU-China cooperation for safer toys May - 2006 Special Edition on Obesity Uniting key players to fight obesity in the EU The EU-US Conference on Best Practice for Diet, Physical Activity and Health – Brussels, 11-12 May, 2006 The launch of a dynamic process A whole range of EU initiatives on nutrition Concrete projects against obesity April - 2006 Edition Test your breath: EU anti-smoking campaign “HELP” coming to a city near you! Commission proposes improvements to the way Decisions on GMOs are taken Tobacco advertising ban: Commission acts against four Member States Commission publishes new EU Guidelines on Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Pandemic Flu: Commission publishes evaluators’ report on test exercise Avian Flu – latest updates: Ten key facts on avian flu for the public New outbreaks of avian flu March - 2006 Edition World Consumer Day 2006 - A word from the Commissioner BSE: UK beef embargo to be lifted Genetically modified maize - your chance to comment Commission requests further tests on three possible cases of TSE in sheep European Commission holds international workshop on accident and injury data collection Avian Influenza: Confirmed in 13 Member States February - 2006 Edition Avian influenza in Europe: the EU takes action Food and health-related risks: Europeans worry but trust EU action EU sets maximum levels for dioxins and PCBs in food and feed Child-resistant lighters to be imposed in the EU Commission adopts animal welfare action plan January - 2006 Edition Our priorities in 2006 Beijing International Conference on avian flu : US $1.9 billion pledged by international community Outbreak of avian flu in Turkey European Commission hosts meeting on promotion of mental well-being Ban on antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feed enters into effect December - 2005 Edition EU launches debate on how to tackle obesity World AIDS Day: EU acts to combat a resurging epidemic Chemical ITX in baby milk does not pose a threat to public health, says EFSA EU upgrades plans to fight influenza pandemic and other health threats EU and Chile progress with joint actions on animal welfare Survey shows success of EU anti smoking advertisements Upgraded food and feed legislation enters into effect on 1st January Commission holds annual conference with consumer groups November - 2005 Edition Commission adopts Green Paper on Mental Health European health experts take stock of influenza pandemic preparedness Avian influenza: European Commission earmarks 30 million euro for Asia Nanotechnology: Commission launches consultation on how to assess risks EU and China strengthen co-operation on product safety EU seeks to improve animal by-product rules The Commission issues a report on Pesticide Monitoring in 2003 October - 2005 Edition EU allows return of beef on the bone Avian influenza: EU tightens measures as H5N1 spreads EU takes further steps to ensure safe blood transfusions Commission adopts revised proposal on consumer credit Commissioner Kyprianou calls for better consumer law-making September - 2005 Edition EU acts to contain avian flu Stepping up preparation for a flu pandemic Commission to develop training on EU food policy and safety Commission proposes new rules on the health of farmed fish Tobacco advertising ban takes effect 31 July Second wave of EU anti-smoking TV adverts begins European Commission commits 4.5 mio euro to prevent FMD in Europe New EU health statistics published July - 2005 Edition BSE: slowly back to normal European Commission proposes Roadmap Influenza experts coordinate Europe’s pandemic response EU ministers agree on health claims EFSA officially inaugurated in Parma CPVO celebrates 10th anniversary Standing Committee backs proposal on microbiological criteria in foodstuffs Commissioner Kyprianou opens Cypriot consumer centre UK at the helm of the Council EU publishes new health data June - 2005 Edition EU proposes measures to improve welfare of broiler chickens EU-wide survey shows consumers concerned about animal welfare Accession of the European Community to Convention for the protection of new plant varieties agreed EU launches anti-tobacco TV campaign to “ridicule” smoking EU disease control agency inaugurated in Stockholm EU ministers call for better use of technology in healthcare May - 2005 Special Edition on Tobacco The EU continues its fight against tobacco “HELP: For a life without tobacco” Tobacco control policies and their impact on smoking prevalence Picture warnings on cigarette packs EU measures to fight tobacco Smoking ban in public places May - 2005 Edition EU proposes new measures to prevent Avian Influenza Commissioner Kyprianou reports on progress against influenza pandemic Members of the Advisory Group on the Food Chain and Animal and Plant Health announced Commission requires certification of US exports to stop unauthorised Bt10 entering the EU EC publishes a report on the functioning of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) in 2004. EU health ministers agree on increased cooperation April - 2005 Edition Healthier, safer and more confident Europeans Commissioner Kyprianou marks Consumer Day Consumers assess the euro EU and Canada agree to simplify imports of pork products and bovine semen Commission extends Sudan dye measures and reminds food operators of their responsibilities EU-Russia deal safeguards trade in plant products EU confirms quality of European GMO legislative framework April - 2005 Special Edition on Obesity Fight against obesity in the EU: European Commission catalyses voluntary action by stakeholders Obesity on the rise, especially among children Key elements of the Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health Examples of existing initiatives to tackle obesity in the EU - Public Health Projects Examples of existing initiatives to tackle obesity in the EU - Advertising, Promotion and Marketing March - 2005 Edition New EU anti-smoking campaign launched Commissioner Kyprianou pledges action as data shows more children overweight Some EU food processors may still use the forbidden dye ‘Sudan I’, warns Commissioner Kyprianou EU reinforces air passengers’ rights EU and US to strengthen cooperation on product safety Commissioner Kyprianou discusses export certificates and HIV/AIDS in Moscow European Union delays rules on wood packaging for one year February - 2005 Edition Mental illness is Europe's unseen killer, says Commissioner Kyprianou Markos Kyprianou urges food industry to combat obesity The new European healthcare agenda EU confirms the first case of BSE in a goat New EU guidelines to facilitate food law implementation Commission President sets agenda for the coming years January - 2005 Edition EU establishes research platform on animal health EU agrees to harmonise pesticide residues limits EU supports battle against disease in Tsunami hit regions Hungarian named Director of new EU health agency G7 calls for common action against two major health threats - bioterrorism and avian flu New guidelines on dangerous products Forum launched to support EU contract law initiative December 2004, Edition Commissioner Kyprianou sets out his priorities for the coming five years EU sets stricter rules for animal transport EU protects consumers against rogue traders Young Europeans face an increased HIV/AIDS risk November 2004, Edition EU unveils picture warnings to put off cigarette smokers Governments meet to update global infectious disease control rules EU mandates experts to test French goat for BSE risk EU dispels consumers concerns after Dutch dioxin contamination EU allocates 188 million euro to fight animal diseases in 2005 Learn how to assert your consumer rights! October 2004, Special Edition - Commissioner David Byrne Five years of progress Achievements in Public Health Achievements in Food Safety Achievements in Consumer Affairs October 2004, Edition EU and neighbouring countries pledge common action against HIV/AIDS A new agency to respond to health threats has been launched in Stockholm EU wants to promote good mental health among young people EU-Russia trade in animal products continues without disruption Where next for consumer policy? Consumer associations invited to workshop on product safety monitoring September 2004, Edition Good health for all - the future of health in Europe EU acts to tackle obesity EU promotes consumer rights in the new Member States Stakeholders invited to join EU contract law network Markos Kyprianou proposed as next Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection July 2004, Edition Business and consumers work to ensure safe products on the market EU confronts the threat of an AIDS epidemic in Europe Europe acts to protect children's health Byrne calls on the EU to make good health for all a reality EU signs a revised Convention on animal transport Enjoy your holidays - and know your rights! June 2004, Edition Football players at EURO 2004 say �no� to smoking EU works to reduce diseases caused by a polluted environment On holiday with our pets EU bans pressure selling Keep infectious animal diseases out of the EU ! May 2004, Edition EU food trade with developing countries - a win-win situation EU strengthens rules on hygiene and food and feed control EU approves import of canned GM-sweet corn Europe embraces e-Health EU creates network of national consumer watchdogs April 2004, Edition EU newcomers comply with food safety standards The British have the most trust in food New International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources New EU rules on GM food in force e-confidence policy crucial EU helps patients to use healthcare across borders Byrne and Telicka to attend Open Health Forum March 2004, Edition Byrne calls for worldwide animal welfare standards Parliament votes to improve food and feed controls AIDS conference in Dublin EU sets common quality and safety standards for human tissues and cells "Feel free to say no" anti-smoking campaign hits the road again March 2004, Special Edition on Risk Perception Irrational fears or legitimate concerns? Getting risk in perspective Independent food safety agencies – a major component of governance Can a positive message make headlines? Different cultures, different perception of risk There is no zero risk society Perception of risk – socio-psychological model February 2004, Edition European Commission fights against Avian Influenza European Parliament backs new health agency European Commission backs GM sweetcorn Food for thought - EU and US consumers debate diet and health Dangerous products in the spotlight Czech Commissioner to work with Byrne January 2004, Edition Commission priorities for 2004 Irish presidency priorities Safety first - new rules for products EU acts against avian influenza New Director-General for Health and Consumer Protection December 2003, Edition EU ministers back a series of Commission initiatives Facilitating cross-border healthcare Travelling with pets The European Commission proposes "intelligent" packaging David Byrne, Renate K�nast and Miguel Arias Ca�ete open EU conference on risk perception November 2003, Edition New Member States must focus on food safety New borders of the European Union EU Regulations on animal by-products, BSE and other TSEs Abattoirs and food processing plants Pesticide residues and residues of veterinary medicines in food Myths and misunderstanding about food, drink and EU enlargement October 2003, Edition July 2003, Edition July 2003, Special Edition on Unfair Commercial Practices June 2003, Edition May 2003, Edition April 2003, Special edition on GMOs February 2003, Edition 2/03 January 2003, Edition 1/03 December 2002, Edition 10/02   November 2002, Edition 9/02 October 2002, Edition 8/02 September 2002, Edition 7/02 August 2002, Edition 6/02 July 2002, Edition 5/02 June 2002, Edition 4/02 April 2002, Edition 3/02 February 2002, Edition 2/02 January 2002, Edition 1/02 - EFSA Special December 2001, Number 5 November 2001, Number 4 October 2001, Number 3 September 2001, Special edition 1 July 2001, Number 2 June 2001, Number 1