BfR | Annual Report 2013
100
Do nanoparticles promote the development of allergies?
Does apple juice contain harmful aluminium? The Federal
Institute for Risk Assessment – in short BfR – is respon-
sible for questions to do with the health assessment of
food, consumer products and chemicals. In its work it
makes an important contribution to rendering food, prod-
ucts and the use of chemicals safer in Germany.
The BfR was established in November 2002 to strengthen
consumer health protection. It is the scientific body of the
Federal Republic of Germany that prepares expert reports
and opinions on questions of food and feed safety and
the safety of substances and products. In doing so, the
Institute assumes an important task in improving consumer
health protection and food safety. The activities of the BfR
are conducted under the responsibility of the Federal Min-
istry of Food and Agriculture. At the three BfR locations in
Berlin, a staff of about 770, among them 300 scientists,
is being employed to work in the field of consumer health
protection.The scientific expertise needed for its assess-
ment and research activities is provided on a nonpartisan
basis.
Short Portrait of the BfR
In our globalised world it is important for the institutions
involved in consumer health protection to be part of inter-
national networks. The BfR is the national Focal Point of
the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and a partner
of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). It cooper-
ates with a number of national and international, govern-
mental and non-governmental agencies.
The BfR sees itself as the advocate of consumer health
protection in a context in which many stakeholders
make their voices heard. On the scientific basis of its
risk assessments, it seeks to strengthen consumer
health protection. To this end, the Institute offers policy
advice, participates in national and international panels
and disseminates consumer information. An important
component in its risk assessment activities has consisted
in risk communication and the various forms it can take.
Risk communication has been provided by BfR by means
of various projects and events.
Thanks to the high standard of its work, its scientific inde-
pendence and its transparent assessments, the Institute
has become a recognised player and important driver
of consumer health protection on both the national and
international stage. Consumers know they can trust its
judgements.
