No L 52/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 3. 93 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL 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 THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100a thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), In cooperation with the European Parliament (3, Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), Whereas the completion and smooth operation of the internal market for foodstuffs make it necessary to examine and evaluate scientific questions relating to food, particularly when these questions concern human health ; Whereas consumers are entitled to a Community food policy which promotes safe food particularly regarding nutritional, microbiological and toxicological issues ; Whereas in order to assist with this task the Commission set up a Scientific Committee for Food by Decision 74/234/EEC (% ; Whereas consultation of this Committee is currently required, in relation to questions of public health, by a 0 O_] No C 108, 23. 4. 1991, p..7 and OJ No C 107, 28. 4. 1992, 13. (G] OJ No C 94, 13. 2. 1992, p. 286 and Decision of 20 January 1993 (not yet published in the Official Journal). % O] No C 14, 20. 1. 1992, p. 6. (9 OJ No L 136, 20. 5. 1974, p. 1. number of Directives such as those on dietetic foodstuffs, materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs, additives, flavourings and extraction solvents ; .Whereas the Scientific Committee for Food should be involved much more widely in Community policies that affect food, »diet and public health ; Whereas the process of achieving a satisfactory scientific base for matters relating to food safety must, in the inte- rests of consumers and industry be independent, transpa- rent and effective and must reflect the situation existing in all Member States ; Whereas in order to ensure the smooth running of this Committee the Community needs scientific support from the Member States; Whereas the Community also needs scientific support for other questions of public interest essential to the opera- tion of the internal market, such as the handling of inci- dents involving food contamination and in general where it is necessary to lay down new rules concerning food- stuffs which may affect human health ; Whereas, in order to ensure that these tasks are carried out, the Commission must have access to the information and assistance available in the Member States, which must facilitate the accomplishment of its tasks; Whereas in the Member States there are various bodies whose task is to provide their governments with scientific back-up on questions concerning foodstuffs ; whereas it is necessary to use these resources effectively to support Community activities through cooperation ;