Das Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung

News

Bf3R Research Funding

Every two years, the German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) awards funds for scientific research projects addressing the 3R principle (Replace, Reduce, Refine). Projects are funded that serve to replace and reduce the use of laboratory animals in areas of medical research or basic biological research, or that aim to identify, classify, and reduce pain, suffering, or harm in laboratory animals and improve husbandry conditions.

Glycerol in slush ice drinks can cause undesirable health effects

The BfR has carried out a health risk assessment of measured glycerol levels in slush ice drinks.

Strengthening existing Indo-German cooperation

BfR President Andreas Hensel visits the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Good and bad bacteria: What microorganisms can do in our food

What do cheese, sauerkraut and yeast dough have in common? In order to discuss current research, the BfR, the German Society for Microbiology and Hygiene (DGHM) and the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM) are inviting researchers to the 19th Food Microbiology Conference in Berlin from 1 to 3 April.

EDKAR study: Data collection on the consumption of energy drinks and their health effects in adolescents completed

First data assessment does not indicate any worrying effects on the heart.

Product Notifications and Poisonings

The Institute

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.

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.

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).

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.