RIFM Panel Opens to Public

The Expert Panel that reviews the scientific research of the fragrance industry is opening its process to the public to emphasize the credibility of its scientific methodology and increase public awareness. The global fragrance industry collectively carries out research on fragrance ingredients through the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM).

Historically, all reviews of RIFM research by the Expert Panel have been published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature and are available to the public; this practice will continue. The decision by the Panel to open its process to the public is in alignment with the fragrance industry’s move towards greater transparency about its ingredients. The Panel has already listed its members on the RIFM web site at www.rifm.org in the “About RIFM” section and will also post information about meetings there.

One approach that the Expert Panel will utilize to enhance dialogue with interested parties will be to request information on fragrance materials under review. Information may be submitted by e-mailing Dr. Ladd Smith, president of RIFM, at [email protected]. A request to present information in-person, if desired, should be included in the e-mail to Dr. Smith.

The Panel is calling for information in anticipation of its next meeting in early May 2010 at which the following materials will be discussed: Macrocyclic Lactones and Lactides, Macrocyclic Ketones and Ketones – Cyclopentanone and Cyclopentenone.

The Expert Panel also provides information to the public through RIFM’s Information Exchange (INFOX). An INFOX is a technical meeting, held periodically at various global sites that are open to non-RIFM members and interested parties, which includes program reviews by RIFM staff and presentations by Expert Panel members and external scientific experts.
The next INFOX will be held in Woodcliff Lake, NJ on May 5.

More info: www.rifm.org