Risk Assessment

 

Regarding Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules, food and feed controls must be based on risk assessment.

 Following EU request Department of Risk Assessment and Science was established October 1, 2007. Using risk analysis approach Department performs risk assessment in the field of food and feed safety, animal health and welfare.

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 Department is considered to be a basis for risk management decisions. In the frame of its competence the Department 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.