Sixth Framework Programme

2002-2006

Priority 5 “Food Quality and Safety”

Callum Searle

Research Directorate-GeneralDirectorate E Biotechnology Agriculture and food research, Unit E2

callum.searle@cec.eu.int

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS

includes:

a) Risks linked to the food chain (chemical, biological and physical)

b) Combined exposures (impacts of local disasters/ pollution; emphasis on cumulative risks; transmission routes; long-term low dose; prevention strategies; sensitive groups, particularly children)

FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 2002-2006

Identification of detrimentalenvironmental factors

Understanding themechanisms involved

Determination of how to prevent or minimise these effects and risks

FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 2002-2006

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS

- health outcomes where food is an exposure route but environmental factors are also important (e.g. allergy, cancer, neurotoxicity, uro-genital malformations, etc)

- exposure to substances (e.g. chemical mixtures, pharmaceutical residues, pathogens in water… ), low dose and long-term

* will include interaction with genetic factors (sensitive groups...) and ‘lifestyle factors’ (obesity, exercise, smoking…)

FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 2002-2006

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS

Expression of Interest Outcome:

* Environmental causes and mechanisms responsible for the increase in allergies

* Exposure to environmental chemical residues

* Endocrine disrupters

* Environmental Cancer risks

* Pathogens and toxins in food and water

FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 2002-2006

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS

Challenges:

* publicizing the sub-area

* multidisciplinary - linking environment and health with food

* involving SMEs ( public good = non-traditional area)

* ensuring application to risk assessment / prevention strategies

FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 2002-2006

ANTICIPATING THE EU’S SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL NEEDS - “PRIORITY 8”

Policy Oriented Research

The impact of environmental issues on health

- no overlap with Priority 5

- priorities derived from policy DGs in support of environment, health and safety, public health

- example topics might be: EMF; noise; air pollution

* will utilize traditional instruments only

FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 2002-2006