Risk assessment

Regarding Regulation (EC) No 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, food and feed controls must be based on risk assessment.

Risk Analysis:

• Risk Assessment - scientifically based process consisting of four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure assessment, risk characterization;
• Risk Management - process distinct from risk assessment, of weighing policy alternatives in consultation with interested parties, considering risk assessment and other legitimate factors, and, if need be, selecting appropriate prevention and control options;
• Risk Communication - interactive exchange of Information and opinions through out the risk analysis process as regards hazards and risks, risk related factors and risk perceptions, among risk assessors, risk managers, consumers, feed and food businesses, the academic community and other interested parties including the explanation of risk assessment findings and the basis of risk management decisions.

The aim of risk assessment is to promote consumers confidence in the decision making process and entire food safety system.

Scientific advice provided by the National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute (Food risk assessment and Veterinary risk assessment units) are considered to be a basis for risk management decisions. In the frame of competence the Insitute performs scientifically based risk assessments, proposes ways of limiting potential risks and communicates this process. Risk assessment is based on the available scientific evidence and undertaken in an independent objective and transparent manner. EFSA's and BfR's guidelines for Risk Assessment are being used.