The role of scientific and expert advisory committees in food product research and approval

Scientific and expert advisory committees responsible for food products oft en have the advantage of being relatively unhindered by rigid regulations a nd the simultaneous disadvantage of having few guidelines to clarify their role in directing the research and approval process. Committees can thus mi ss opportunities to function in a proactive advisory capacity, and to assis t in predetermining what research and documentation are necessary for regul atory approval of ii particular food product. This paper examines the ways scientific and expert committees for nutritional products can contribute to formulation of procedures for effective hypothesis and study design develo pment, preparation of well-structured, complete dossiers for product approv al, and transparent interactions with petitioners.