| May 19, 2010 |  |
FDA Transparency Plan a Good Start
Statement by Francesca Grifo, Union Of Concerned Scientists
WASHINGTON (May 19, 2010) – A proposal announced today by the Food and Drug Administration to provide more information to the public would “put the agency at the forefront in the federal government” according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Francesca Grifo, director of UCS’s Scientific Integrity Program at UCS:
“This proposal would put FDA at the front of the pack when it comes to improving transparency in the federal government. The agency is addressing issues that many agencies won't touch—namely, providing reporters access to scientists who are involved in making important decisions about our health and safety. If fully implemented, these recommendations will prompt the agency to publicly release critical health information.
“FDA has finally acknowledged it needs an effective media policy to better explain agency decisions, but the details are conspicuously absent. A strong media policy would give the public more information, but the agency has to spell out new guidelines allowing FDA scientists to talk freely with the press and the public.
“Lastly, the law requires the FDA to allow its scientists to publish their research in a timely manner. The FDA needs to establish a publications policy and include it in its final transparency plan.”
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The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
