FACILITATING FOOD SAFETY DECISION MAKING
Task Force Information
Objectives
Food chains are evolving under the pressure of climate change and other global transformations. Decision-making in such a context cannot be based on excessive precautionary measures, currently hard-wired in risk assessment methods.
This Task Force will challenge established norms in risk analysis by uniting risk assessment and risk communication disciplines. Expert Groups will focus on designing effective risk assessment methods, and deepening the understanding of how food safety professionals perceive, understand and accept risk assessments.
Task Force Members
| Neil Buck | Corporate Toxicologist | General Mills | CH |
| Keng Ngee Teoh | Manager, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Science | Ajinomoto Europe | FR |
| Sue O'Hagan | Director Scientific Affairs | PepsiCo | GB |
| Evangelia Mavromichali | Senior Manager Regulatory Affairs | Abbott Nutrition | BE |
| Yinghua Xiao | Senior Research Scientist | Arla Foods | DK |
| Ruchi Shah | Scientific Project Manager | ILSI Europe | BE |
Contact Information
For more detailed information, please contact Ruchi Shah at rshah@ilsieurope.be
Activity Overview
In the pipeline
This new Task Force is in its early stages and still developing its roadmap. The first activity is being developed and will be focused on Risk Prioritisation; The Task Force is also considering future activities on Communication and Genotoxicity:
- Risk Prioritisation: This first activity will engage stakeholders in two interactive workshops planned for 2025, and result in a guidance document on risk prioritisation (Black & White report). The expert group aims to outline best practices and offer a structured framework that integrates scientific methodologies to effectively identify, assess, and prioritise risks in various contexts. By leveraging example-based workshops, this guide seeks to enhance stakeholder engagement, ensure alignment of perspectives, and facilitate data-driven decision-making in risk management. Expected kick-off: Q3 2024
- Risk and Uncertainty Communication: Risk uncertainty is often embedded in risk assessments non-transparently, hindering prioritisation and leading to potential mismanagement. There is also limited incentive to improve accuracy in these assessments. The expert group will evaluate how to effectively communicate both risk and its uncertainties in a meaningful way.
- Genotoxicity QRA: Genotoxicity Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) is often viewed as unfeasible from an authoritative standpoint, hindering risk prioritization and potentially leading to inadequate risk management. However, the concept of genotoxic potency is widely accepted. To progress, it is crucial to integrate genotoxic potency into risk prioritization frameworks to improve risk management strategies and address uncertainties effectively.