Published in January this year, the Draft Opinion concluded that meat and dairy products from cloned animals are probably safe for human consumption. Nevertheless, cloning has proved to be a contentious issue for industry and consumers alike.

Yesterday's meeting was designed to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to be briefed by experts on the Draft Opinion, and to have an exchange of views and feedback. It came as part of the current public consultation period, which is open until February 25.

Topics discussed included an overview on the Draft Opinion process, animal cloning in the regulatory context, ethical considerations, and consumer perception of food products from cloned animals.

This was followed by an exchange of views, a question and answer session and a number of discussions around the themes of cloning technology, animal health and welfare issues and food safety and environment aspects. The meeting was chaired by Sue Davies, Chair of the EFSA's Stakeholder Consultative Platform.

Source: foodproductiondaily.com