2. Precautionary principle and reversal of the burden of proof

The precautionary principle is often cited as a founding element of European regulatory instruments. However, it is not clearly and exhaustively defined in the texts.

Two documents are available to illustrate its significance for the application of regulatory texts:

• a partial definition presented in the regulation establishing the European Food Safety Authority ( règlement (CE) n° 178/2002 du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 28 janvier 2002 );

• a communication from the European Commission describing the conditions for applying the precautionary principle