Das Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung

News

International Commission for Tattoo Inks convened at the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

Press release of BfR and BMUV: New BfR Commission advises on questions concerning the composition of tattoo inks and the assessment of health risks

Glutamic acid and glutamates (E 620-E 625): Assessment of health effects through their use as food additives

The use of glutamates as food additives is permitted throughout the EU. It should be noted, however, that glutamic acid also occurs naturally in food as a component of proteins and in free form. The BfR continues to advise against using glutamate as a substitute for table salt.

BfR Committee for Tattoo Inks

The new international BfR commission for tattoo inks advises the BfR on relevant questions about tattoo inks and provides support with expert knowledge. The first meeting will take place on March 23, 2023.

Expertise needed: EFSA Advisory Panels recruit new members

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a call for expressions of interest for the renewal of its Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee. Scientists who would like to be considered for membership in one of EFSA's ten Scientific Panels or Scientific Committee have until 3 April 2023 to apply.

Bild zur Kooperation des BfR mit dem Versuchszentrum Laimburg

What happens when plant protection products are applied nearby? BfR and South Tyrolean Laimburg Research Centre cooperate in research

The BfR and the Laimburg Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry based in South Tyrol, Italy, have signed a cooperation agreement. The aim of the cooperation, which is initially intended to run for four years, is to work together in the fields of applied research and development, supervision of student research projects and theses (bachelor's/master's theses and doctoral dissertations), and events such as training courses and workshops.

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.