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Risk assessment at the BfR: independent and transparent

BfR FAQ, updated on 11 September 2023

Questions and answers on safeguarding the independence of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

The independence of experts from economic, political and social interests is a fundamental requirement for an objective risk assessment based purely on scientific facts. For more than 20 years, the separation of scientific risk assessment from its associated management has proven itself in Germany and at the European level. In keeping with this, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is an independent scientific institution within the portfolio of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It conducts its own research on the basis of its Establishment Act and advises the German federal government and federal states (“Länder”) on issues regarding food, feed, chemical and product safety. The BfR is independent in its scientific assessment, research and communication.

The BfR exchanges information with all relevant stakeholders (NGOs, consumer associations, industry, government, science, media) to fulfil its legal mandate. If there are conflicting scientific positions on an issue, it is important to involve the various stakeholders in the health assessment discussion process using scientific forums and stakeholder conferences. For reasons of independence, the BfR does not accept funding from industry, nor does it financially in such research projects.

The following rules ensure the independence of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.

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09.02.2024
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Why a tiger is a hazard, but not necessarily a risk - The difference between risk and hazard 231.9 KB
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