Das Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung

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Dry ice: carbon dioxide poisoning is possible

Alongside its long-lasting cooling properties, which are utilised for the storage, shipping and transportation of fresh and frozen goods, commercially available dry ice is also used to create fog effects at events such as private parties or concerts. The BfR is publishing this Opinion on the health risks of dry ice to consumers.

Even before the new corona rules come into force, many have become more cautious

BfR-Corona-Monitor: Respondents reduce contacts and stay at home more frequently.

Laboruntersuchung mit Hilfe von Nährmedien

Can the new type of coronavirus be transmitted via food and objects?

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has updated his most important questions and answers on the topic.

Titelbild zum BfR-Verbrauchermonitor 08/2020

Population currently sees coronavirus as the greatest health risk

The BfR publishes the eleventh Consumer Monitor on the perception of health risks. The coronavirus is currently the population's main concern.

Nahrungsergänzungsmittel in einer Blisterpackung

Vitamin D: consumption of high-dose food supplements is unnecessary

From the perspective of nutritional science, the daily consumption of vitamin D preparations containing a 50 µg or 100 µg dose is not necessary. On the other hand, the BfR considers it unlikely that impairments to health will result from the occasional consumption of such high-dose preparations.

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.