BfR
|
Annual Report 2014
92
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 strength-
en 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 safe-
ty 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 activi-
ties of the BfR are conducted under the responsibility
of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. At the
three BfR locations in Berlin, a staff of about 760, among
them 300 scientists, is being employed to work in the
field of consumer health protection. The scientific exper-
tise needed for its assessment 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 as-
sessments, it seeks to strengthen consumer health pro-
tection. To this end, the Institute offers policy advice,
participates in national and international panels and
disseminates consumer information. An important com-
ponent 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.
