Insects, algae or cell-cultured meat: what do the protein sources of the future look like? The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment invites you to discover, participate and ask questions at Grüne Woche 2026
What it's about:
From 16 to 25 January 2026, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) will once again be participating in the Grüne Woche fair. The exhibition stand will be dedicated to the topic of alternative protein sources – a domain that is becoming increasingly important for nutrition, the environment and health. The focus will be on plant proteins, insects, algae, fermented products and cell-cultured meat, among other things. “Alternative protein sources are being discussed in the media, some are already in use, but further research is also being conducted. At the same time, there are many questions – for example, regarding food safety, health assessment, labelling and public acceptance.,” says BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment President Professor Andreas Hensel. “The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment offers scientifically sound guidance in this area and makes it transparent as well as understandable at Grüne Woche.” The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment stand (No. 307) can be found in Hall 3.2, “ErlebnisBauernhof”.
The stand concept is based on the External Link:BfR's science comic on alternative protein sources. The scientific content of the comic is further developed spatially, visually and interactively at the exhibition stand and made accessible to a broad audience.
Scientific findings are communicated in an understandable, fact-based and interactive way at the stand. In a specially designed interactive world, visitors can discover what alternative protein sources are available, what properties they have and where potential health risks lie. Interactive exhibits, playful elements and visual storytelling make complex content tangible. Among other things, guests can correctly classify various food and feed at the “switchboard”, obtain interesting facts about protein sources at the “protein scanner” or cast their vote on which foods they would be willing to eat.
A special highlight is the show kitchen: in regular live cooking shows, TV chef Tino Schmidt prepares dishes using alternative protein sources such as pulses, mushrooms and insects. In dialogue with BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment scientists, questions about food safety, the health risk assessment of certain ingredients and the possible use of alternative protein sources are addressed. The prepared dishes can be tasted on site.
Information about the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment at Grüne Woche:
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment stand is located in Hall 3.2 “ErlebnisBauernhof” (Adventure Farm), No. 307.
Grüne Woche will take place in Berlin from 16 January to 25 January 2026.
External Link:The BfR Academy
External Link:Grüne Woche website
Further information from the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment on alternative protein sources:
External Link:Questions and answers on health risk assessment
About the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). It protects people's health preventively in the fields of public health and veterinary public health. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment provides advice to the Federal Government as well as the Federal States (‘Laender’) on questions related to food, feed, chemical and product safety. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts its own research on topics closely related to its assessment tasks.