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Scientific Committee Meeting - 17 December 2020

Minutes of the Meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on Thursday 17th December 2020 at 2pm by video conference

Present

  • Prof. Albert Flynn (Chair) [AF]
  • Prof. Brian McKenna [BMcK]
  • Ms Ita Saul [IS]
  • Dr Donal Sammin [DS]
  • Dr Mark Fenelon [MF]
  • Dr Geraldine Duffy [GD]
  • Dr Michael O’Keeffe [MOK]
  • Prof. Kevin Cashman [KC]
  • Mr Ray Parle [RP]
  • Mr John Keegan [JK]
  • Ms Paula Barry Walsh [PBW]
  • Dr Eleanor McNamara [EMcN]

In Attendance

  • Dr Wayne Anderson [WA]
  • Dr Pamela Byrne [PB]
  • Ms Eileen Lippert [EL]
  • Dr Mary Flynn [MFL]
  • Ms Oonagh Lyons [OL]
  • Dr Cristina Arroyo-Casabona [CAC]
  • Dr Lisa O’Connor [LOC]
  • Ms Dorothy Guina Dornan [DGD]
  • Ms Nuala Collins [NC]
  • Ms Judith Giles [JG]

Apologies

  • Dr Margaret O’Sullivan [MOS]
  • Dr PJ Cullen [PJC]
  • Mr Pat O’Mahony [POM]
  • Mr John Matthews [JM]

1. THANKS TO THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Noted: Pamela Byrne, CEO, thanked the members for their commitment, dedication and loyalty to the Scientific Committee. She noted the years of service given by members, especially the very long service given by Albert and Brian. The Committee has published 13 reports to date this term, with a further two on the agenda for discussion today. PB wished everyone a happy and safe Christmas. Wayne added his thanks, particularly to the Chairs of all the subcommittees for their work, to the FSAI staff who formed the technical secretariat and to Eileen and Judith for their work as secretariat to the Committee.

2. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

Noted: There were no disclosures of interest.

3. AGREE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (4 December)

Noted: The draft minutes were agreed.

4. MATTERS ARISING

Noted: A draft letter of reply to the Baby Feeding Law Group Ireland relating to the Food-based Dietary Guidelines for 1-5 Year Olds report was discussed and agreed. The report will be amended shortly.

Noted: WA noted the Risk Ranking of Microbiological Hazards WG are finalising their report. The report does not require further sign off by the Scientific Committee.

Action: WA to issue the letter to the Baby Feeding Law Group Ireland.
Action: MF/OL to make factual amendments the FBDG for 1-5 Year Olds report.

5. MAP AND THE POSSIBLE LINKS TO CROHN’S DISEASE

Noted: DS noted that the key points made at the last meeting were addressed. There were some final comments, clarifications and suggestions made on the report relating to Q2 and Q3. The report was agreed by the Scientific Committee subject to the amendments being made. The final version of the report will be circulated, and a standstill period of reflection will apply. The Chair and DS thanked all involved in drafting the report.

Action: DS/MFL/CAC to finalise and circulate the report.

6. SCIENTIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOOD-BASED DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR OLDER ADULTS

Noted: IS noted that the suggested amendments were made to the report. MFL explained that sections on salt and drinks were added. Some suggestions were made to the text in the report. KC noted two reports published today by NICE and SACN and text will be added to the report on these. There are no changes to the recommendations in the report. OL asked about updating the Vitamin D report and it was agreed this wasn’t necessary, but WA will consider how best to link the two reports on the website. The report was agreed by the Scientific Committee subject to the amendments being made. The final version of the report will be circulated, and a standstill period of reflection will apply. The Chair thanked IS, MF and OL for their work and asked them to pass on thanks to the PHN Subcommittee members as well.

Action: IS/MFL/OL to finalise the report and circulate.

7. CORRESPONDENCE

Noted: There was no correspondence received.

8. AOB

Noted: The Chair thanked the Committee for all their work over the past five years, noting the important contributions they have made to work of the FSAI. He wished everyone a Happy Christmas.