Specific declarations of interest - EFSA

Opinion of 5 June 2009 on a notification for prior checking regarding the "Handling of annual and specific declarations of interest" (Case 2008-737)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) pursues a policy of screening potential conflict of interests. To this end, different categories of data subjects are requested to submit an annual and/or specific declaration of interests. The standard forms for declaring interests request diverse pieces of information. Failing to meet this obligation can lead to further consequences regarding the concerned person.

After carefully examining the information describing the processing operation, the EDPS advises EFSA, among others, to reconsider the data retention period, to ensure the right of access and rectification also regarding the paper files, to display the data protection notice not only in the Guidance Document but also in the first letter communicating with the expert and to improve further its security policy.