About us
What does the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment do?
An introduction to the BfR
Our tasks
‘Identify risks – protect health’ – the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) has adopted this guiding principle for its work in the field of consumer health protection. We assess the health risks of food, everyday products and chemicals, identify new health risks and develop recommendations for risk minimisation. We communicate the risk assessment process transparently.
Our topics
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment examines the risk perception and risk behaviour of the population. To inform the public about health risks, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment talks to various stakeholders in society.
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment investigates ingredients and their release from products such as cosmetics, toys, clothing or food packaging and containers, and assesses whether the contained substances could be a hazard to human health.
Whether it is a matter of ingredients or additives, residues, contaminants or germs and parasites – the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment assesses food and feed on the basis of internationally recognised criteria, taking into account toxicological, microbiological and nutritional aspects.
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment also assesses health risks of chemicals, plant protection products, biocide products and hazardous materials to quickly identify undesirable effects.
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment performs the tasks of the “German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R)” and coordinates all activities countrywide with the goal of restricting animal experiments and ensuring the best possible care for laboratory animals.
Facts and figures
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. In this context, the Institute plays an important role in improving consumer protection and food safety.
BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment reports to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMELshort forGerman Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture). It enjoys independence in respect of its scientific assessments and research.
Tasks
Its tasks include the assessment of existing and the identification of new health risks, the drawing up of recommendations on risk reduction, and the communication of this process. The results of its work serve as the basis for scientific advice to the relevant federal ministries and other agencies, for instance the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVLshort forGerman Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety) and the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA). In its assessments and recommendations BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is not influenced by any economic, political or social interests. It presents them in such a way that they can be easily understood by the general public.
A scientific advisory council and several expert committees support BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in its work.
Risk assessment
Risk assessment is done on the basis of internationally recognised scientific assessment criteria. Based on the risk analysis results the Institute formulates, where appropriate, management options for risk reduction.
Risk communication
BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has the statutory task of informing the public about potential, identified and evaluated risks which foods, substances and products may entail for consumers. The assessments are presented in a transparent and easily comprehensible manner. Whilst respecting the confidentiality of protected data, the results are readily accessible for the general public on its website. At expert hearings, scientific meetings and consumer fora the Institute enters into a dialogue with important stakeholders from politics, the sciences, associations, the business community and non-governmental organisations.
Research
BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts its own research on topics which are closely related to its assessment tasks in consumer health protection and food safety.
Cooperation
BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment engages in scientific cooperation with international institutions and organisations and with the institutions of other countries involved in consumer health protection and food safety. One focus of its work is its cooperation with the European Food Safety Authority, EFSAshort forEuropean Food Safety Authority.
The history of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment at a glance
Careers at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
More than 1,100 people with different professions and experiences work at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. A third of them work in a scientific capacity.
