77Finally, it must be noted that it may prove impossible to carry out a full scientific risk assessment because of the inadequate nature of the available scientific data. However, that does not prevent the competent public authority from taking preventive measures in accordance with the precautionary principle. It is important, in such a situation, that scientific experts carry out a scientific risk assessment notwithstanding the existing scientific uncertainty, so that the competent public authority has available to it sufficiently reliable and cogent information to allow it to understand the ramifications of the scientific question raised and decide upon a policy in full knowledge of the facts (see, to that effect, Pfizer Animal Health v Council, cited in paragraph 68 above, paragraphs 160 to 163, and Alpharma v Council, cited in paragraph 68 above, paragraphs 173 to 176).
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