Risk assessment
Risk assessment is a scientific process which includes hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation.
The functions of the Risk Assessment Research Unit are concentrated to the following areas:
- Animals
Risk assessment of infectious animal diseases - Plants
Risk assessment of plant health - Food
Microbiological risk assessment of food
Chemical risk assessment of food
Assessment of risk to the consumer (food)
The results of the risk assessments are used to support risk management and decision-making. Risk assessments related to infectious animal diseases support the development of disease protection and emergency plans in cases of infectious animal diseases. The exposure of humans to microbes or harmful chemicals can be reduced, and food safety can be improved with the help of microbiological or chemical risk assessment. Plant health risk assessments are utilised so as to prevent new pests from spreading into Finland to threaten our plant production
Risk assessment is independent of risk management and decision-making. However, extensive co-operation with industry, research and other authorities is central to risk assessment.
