Statistical Risk Assessment in Food Safety Control

Risk assessment is a method used to estimate a public’s increased risk of health problems as a result of exposure to different hazards. Risk assessments cannot be completely accurate because they contain estimates and assumptions, which lead us to conclusion that risk assessment is not an exact science. Scientists use the best available data on what is occurring, or could occur and apply their judgment to calculate the risk associated with particular event. Results of risk assessments are probabilities and certainties. Experts responsible for risk assessment should be selected in a transparent manner on the basis of their expertise, experience and their independence with regard to the interest involved. Uncertainties and assumptions having an impact on the risk assessment should be explicitly considered at each step in the risk assessment and documented in a transparent manner. Expression of uncertainty or variability in risk estimates may be qualitative or quantitative, but should be quantified to the extent that is scientifically achievable. The conclusion of the risk assessment including a risk estimate, if available, should be presented in a readily understandable and useful form to risk managers and made available to other risk assessors and interested parties so that they can review the assessment.