A brief overview of food hygiene legislation.

Following several animal disease outbreaks and food contaminant scandals in Europe in recent years, the European Commission adopted the White Paper on Food Safety in 2000. This White Paper contains a number of recommendations aimed to increase food safety, improve the traceability of food products and regain consumer confidence in the food industry. To this effect a package of new European legislation on food and feed has been prepared with the following characteristics: responsibility of food safety lies with the food business operator, while the competent authority of the Member State verifies correct implementation of the new rules.

Growth factor-like action of lysophosphatidic acid on human B lymphoblasts.

Proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion of B lymphocytes are regulated by specific antigens and numerous accessory immunomodulatory factors. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a glycerophospholipid mediator that is released from activated blood platelets, attains high levels in serum, and exerts potent stimulatory effects on, e.g.

Animal health and the trade in aquatic animals within and to the European Union.

The creation of a single European market has significantly extended the scope of veterinary animal and public health legislation. This extension includes aquatic animals, and a comprehensive set of directives and decisions has been developed to ensure free circulation of aquaculture animals and their products, while guaranteeing a high level of animal health. At the same time, and in the same context, other directives have been adopted which organise checks on animals and products within and to the European Union (EU), as well as accompanying financial measures.