BfR Annual Report 2015

BfR

Annual Report 2015

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) 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 matters, as well as on the safety of chemicals

and products. By doing so, the institute plays an important role in improving consumer protection and food

safety. In its research, assessments, recommendations and communication, the BfR is free from economic,

political and social interests, and it provides them in a way that can be easily understood by the general public.

Objectives and mission

Every day, the employees at the BfR prepare around a

dozen reports and opinions assessing the health risks of

foods and feeds, consumer goods and chemicals. The

institute communicates its findings and recommenda-

tions to policymakers and the general public. The opin-

ions of the BfR serve the federal government as a basis

for maintaining consumer health protection. Today, the

BfR employs roughly 800 people in nine departments at

three locations in Berlin.

The tasks of the BfR include the assessment of existing

and the identification of new health risks, the drawing up

of recommendations on risk reduction, and the commu-

nication of this process. The results of its work serve as

the basis for scientific advice to the relevant federal min-

istries and other agencies, such as the Federal Office of

Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) and the Fed-

eral Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA).

The work results and recommendations of the BfR serve

all interested parties as a decision-making aid for tak-

ing the necessary measures. With its science-based risk

assessment, the BfR provides important stimuli for con-

sumer health protection both in Germany and abroad.

In its risk assessment and research work, the BfR is ad-

vised by a network of scientific experts made up of com-

mittees and the Scientific Advisory Board. As the central

national contact or Focal Point of the European Food

Safety Authority (EFSA), the BfR is also integrated into

European consumer protection.

With its work, the BfR makes a decisive contribution to

consumer health protection.