41. The 10th Session of the CCRVDF considered[22] a discussion paper prepared by the Delegation of France on the application of risk analysis to the work of this Committee. The Committee agreed to refer its main findings to the Commission, but noting forthcoming Consultations on risk analysis, indicated its intention to circulate a revised paper for comment incorporating the issues raised and the outcome of these Consultations and of the Commission's deliberations (also see Agenda Item 4b). The Committee encouraged delegations to send comments on the discussion paper directly to France, and welcomed their offer to revise the document accordingly for discussion at its current meeting.
42. The Commission noted[23] the activities on risk assessment in the CCRVDF, and the Chairperson of the Committee added that the Committee's deliberations on this issue were still at an early stage and substantial time would be needed to clearly separate risk assessment and risk management components of its work, which had been combined at present.
43. The revised paper was presented by Dr J. Boisseau (France). He noted that the paper had been expanded to take into account the recommendations of the FAO/WHO consultations, particularly those on risk management and risk communication. He reviewed the three elements of risk analysis as they pertain to this Committee and in particular, noted that issues related to risk assessment would require the development of risk assessment policies. In the interest of transparency, these policies should be made explicit.
44. Several delegations congratulated the French Delegation on its excellent work. Due to the late availability of the document, an in-depth discussion of the paper was not possible. The Committee agreed to append the document to its report (see Appendix IX) for circulation and comment, with the understanding that France would take the lead in revising the paper on the basis of the above discussions and comments submitted for further consideration at its next meeting. The delegations of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States and representatives of Consumers International, COMISA, WHO and WVA agreed to assist France in this effort. In revising the paper, the Committee also requested that the document include specific risk assessment policy issues that may need to be addressed.
