New Methods for Estimating Risk

With the advance of knowledge and techniques it is possible to recognize and detect an increasing amount of contaminants and pollutants. The toxicological examination of these substances one by one is time-consuming and expensive, and requires animal experiments and human resources. Therefore researchers are investigating new techniques which in case of contaminations occurring in specifically small quantities help evaluate safely without testing their permissible input value. In certain countries it is already legally possible to apply the theory of the so-called Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC), while other countries and international organizations (e.g. the European Union) are considering its practicability. However, this theory cannot be used in the case of genotoxic carcinogen substances where it cannot be stated with safety that even their least amount is harmless. The European Food Safety Authority introduced the concept and theory of Margin of Exposure (MoE) for these substances. All these tools and methods may help simplify the application of food regulations, the determination of risk assessment priorities, and a more effective communication.