Progress in Toxicological Testing: Reduction and Refinement Issues

Abstract

This is the report of a meeting organised jointly by the UK Government and the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), a unit of the European Commission (EC) Joint Research Centre, based at Ispra, Italy. The meeting, on Progress in Toxicological Testing, was held in London, UK, on 12–13 May 1998, to coincide with the UK Presidency of the European Union (EU). The principal aim was to reach agreement on ways to further reduce and refine the use of animals in the toxicity testing of chemicals and pesticides within the current regulatory framework, without compromising human safety. The meeting was organised to promote discussion on the use of animals in toxicological testing, and to define the number of specific and realistic recommendations which could feasibly be achieved within a relatively short time-scale, via the appropriate European and/or international authorities. The meeting arose from discussions between the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and ECVAM. It was felt that there would be some value in organising a relatively informal meeting between some of the key individuals in the EU Member States who are active in promoting reduction and refinement aspects in relation to the use of animals for toxicity testing, outside of the formal EC Competent Authority meetings. The meeting was organised by an HSE-led working group, which included representatives of key UK Government departments (HSE, the Home Office, and ATLA 26, 619–627, 1998 619