Das Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung

News

NAMs: More than just "alternatives to animal testing"

In the research project NAMS4NANO scientists have systematically analysed the existing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for application in health risk assessment of nanomaterials.

Nanomaterials: Tiny particles mediate manifold properties

Nanomaterials are a subject of the BfR's scientific risk assessment. In the following, the BfR has compiled selected questions and answers on nanomaterials.

Noroviruses – recognizing and avoiding sources of infection

In the following, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has collected questions and answers about noroviruses, in particular in relation to the route of infection via contaminated foods.

Acrylamide is also produced in the body itself

There is clear evidence that acrylamide is also produced in the body itself - and to a greater extent than previously assumed.

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.

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.