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 Unit are concentrated to the following areas:

• Animals 
  Risk assessment of infectious animal diseases
• Food 
  Microbiological risk assessment of food 
  Chemical risk assessment of food
• Risk assessment of plant protection products.  
  Assessment of risk to the consumer (food) 
  Physical-chemical properties of plant protection products

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. The aim of risk assessment of plant protection products is to determine the safety of the active agents in plant protection products for the consumers, workers and the environment in conjunction with other authorities (SYKE, Valvira, EFSA).

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.