Risk assessmentBfR assesses risks from many areas of daily life. This includes the large spectrum of chemicals as well as foods of plant or animal origin, cosmetics and toys.
Identify risks - Protect HealthThese are the tasks which are incumbent on the Federal Institute for risk assessment (BfR) when it comes to progressive consumer protection. They encompass the assessment of existing and the identification of new health risks.
Scientific excellence as the basis for long lasting confidenceBfR gathers the latest scientific findings through an ongoing international exchange with experts from other scientific institutions but also from its own research.
Listeriosis is rare in humans. However, since they can cause severe illness, foods contaminated with high quantities of listeria are especially problematic.
The Institute was set up in November 2002 to strengthen consumer health protection. It is the scientific agency of the Federal Republic of Germany which is responsible for preparing expert reports and opinions on food and feed safety as well as on the safety of substances and products.
BfR endeavours to constantly undertake topical assessments of the risks associated with foods - be it from heavy metals, pesticide residues, toxic ingredients or the like (substance risks), be it from bacteria, viruses or fungi (microbial risks) or be it risks from novel technologies in food production (novel foods).
For health assessment the decisive factor is whether and, if so, on what scale consumers come into contact with the substances contained in the products and what health risks these might entail. This requires knowledge about the numerous substances, materials and their processing into various products.
Chemicals are encountered in almost all areas of daily life. That's why stiff requirements must be imposed to ensure the safe handling of chemicals. The proper handling of chemicals may not constitute a risk to the health of man or to the environment.
