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"UNCERTAINTIES cannot be reduced to neat numerical probabilities such as risk assessors will have us believe. "The notion of exclusively science-based decisions under uncertainty is an oxymoron." http://lnkd.in/dvFZd9F View in LinkedIn

SOME AMERICANS WANT IT BOTH WAYS. "Twelve public opinion polls conducted over the past 10 years have shown that the public approves of the general policy of banning cancer-causing food additives. However, the public is opposed to a ban for specific substances like saccharin which have perceived benefits." (But is a known carcinogen). http://lnkd.in/dDEqKiw View in LinkedIn

RISK ASSESSMENT places the burden of proof on those who prefer alternatives, and favors those with the most powerful backing. "Precaution offers to level the playing field by inviting the focus not only on risk but also on uncertainty." http://lnkd.in/dvFZd9F View in LinkedIn

THE US DELANEY CLAUSE DEBATE. "Most experts believe that the Clause should be changed but differ significantly on how to change it. Opponents of change argue that the Clause is the most effective way to deal with food additives that may cause cancer since not enough is known about cancer to allow their use." http://lnkd.in/dDEqKiw View in LinkedIn

DRAG ON INNOVATION? "The Precautionary Principle will slow or perhaps stop development or innovation since the burden of proof is on the product/service before it comes to market." A desperate argument. http://lnkd.in/dapcUGN View in LinkedIn

ONE AMERICAN SOLUTION. "Banning chemicals ... is not the answer to the problem of pesticide-related carcinogens in food. A more appropriate way to deal with the issue would be through right-to-know laws that would require the chemical and food industries to disclose on product packaging all hazardous residues that may be present in foods." http://lnkd.in/dJ6jZ2k View in LinkedIn

WTO ALTERNATIVE STANCE. "Risk assessment ... was developed to guide action in the face of incomplete knowledge about risks to health. It focuses on probabilities of hazards occurring, and the probable consequences, because complete knowledge is very rare ... it is virtually impossible to scientifically prove the “safety” of a food or product." http://lnkd.in/dXws2N6 View in LinkedIn

THE DELANEY PARADOX. "A tolerance is allowed for a pesticide on a raw agricultural commodity if the benefits of its use outweigh any risks. Thus, under this regulatory act, a risk-utility test is employed, and where the utility is greater than the risk, the EPA will register the pesticide for use." http://lnkd.in/dv-EN2y View in LinkedIn

EU LAW ADOPTS THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE. "As of 2006 it had been integrated into EU laws "in matters such as general product safety, the use of additives for use in animal nutrition, the incineration of waste, and the regulation of genetically modified organisms." Completely opposite from US regulators' approach. http://lnkd.in/dH8BuwY View in LinkedIn

THE BURDEN OF PROOF adopted in the Precautionary Principle is on the company proposing approval of a new chemical. Common sense dictates that safety testing is a minimal requirement before a new formulation is approved. Sadly, this is very far from reality in some countries. View in LinkedIn