Das Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung

News

Mycotoxins in plant-based drinks: more data required

The Max Rubner Institute (MRI) investigated plant-based drinks for their levels of various mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol (DON) and the toxins T-2 and HT-2.

Button cells: Serious health damage possible for small children if swallowed

If button cells are swallowed, they may get stuck in the oesophagus. This can sometimes lead to severe damage to the mucous membranes.

BfR MEAL study: High acrylamide levels detected in vegetable crisps

As part of the BfR MEAL study (Meals for Exposure Assessment and Analysis of Food), the average occurrence level of substances - including acrylamide - was analysed in various foods.

STEC/EHEC infections from food: recognising and preventing risks

The term STEC stands for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia (E.) coli. These are mainly transmitted through contaminated food. STEC possess the eponymous Shiga toxin (formerly also known as Verocytotoxin).

Product Notifications and Poisonings

The Institute

The Institute was set up in November 2002 to strengthen consumer health protection. It is the scientific agency of the Federal Republic of Germany which is responsible for preparing expert reports and opinions on food and feed safety as well as on the safety of substances and products.

BfR endeavours to constantly undertake topical assessments of the risks associated with foods - be it from heavy metals, pesticide residues, toxic ingredients or the like (substance risks), be it from bacteria, viruses or fungi (microbial risks) or be it risks from novel technologies in food production (novel foods).

For health assessment the decisive factor is whether and, if so, on what scale consumers come into contact with the substances contained in the products and what health risks these might entail. This requires knowledge about the numerous substances, materials and their processing into various products.

Chemicals are encountered in almost all areas of daily life. That's why stiff requirements must be imposed to ensure the safe handling of chemicals. The proper handling of chemicals may not constitute a risk to the health of man or to the environment.