BfR

The BfR (Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung) is the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, headquartered in Berlin. Established in November 2002, its mission is to protect human health. It is a scientific institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, conducting research, preparing reports and publishing statements related to:

• Food safety (including zoonotic diseases such as Salmonella, microbial toxins, food hygiene, ingredients like coumarin in cinnamon, genetically modified food, and animal feed safety)

• Product safety (e.g. cosmetics, textiles, toys, food packaging)

• Chemical safety (e.g. transport of toxic substances, poisoning, plant protection products, pesticides, and environmental toxins like dioxins)

All materials and products intended for contact with food must comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). BfR’s core objective is to protect human health by improving the safety of food, feed, chemicals, and consumer products.

Purpose and Responsibilities

The main task of BfR is the independent, scientific assessment of health risks associated with food, feed, substances such as pesticides, biocidal products, and industrial chemicals.

Key goals include:

• Enhancing consumer protection and food safety

• Evaluating existing and identifying new health risks

• Developing requirements and recommendations to reduce potential health hazards to consumers

Risk Assessment at BfR

BfR is often considered the German counterpart of the FDA in the USA. It assesses materials approved for contact with food and drinking water. The guidelines published by BfR address potential health risks posed by consumer products, food, or chemicals. Through detailed risk analysis, the institute suggests ways to minimise hazards.

Public Statements and Reports

As an independent authority, BfR is legally empowered to publish all relevant information regarding identified and assessed risks associated with food, feed, consumer products and substances. These assessments are presented clearly and accessibly. BfR has developed a consistent visual indexing system that uses graphics to help communicate the nature of its risk evaluations.

It is important to note that BfR operates under the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), but its scientific work is free from political or economic influence.

Additional Information about BfR

BfR conducts its own research related to consumer health protection and food safety. Research findings are evaluated and shared with the public via official statements. The institute also collaborates with international scientific bodies and institutions. All reports and data gathered are exchanged with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other EU member states.

BfR Departments

BfR consists of the following departments:

• Central Department

• Department of Risk Communication

• Department of Exposure

• Department of Biological Safety

• Department of Food Safety

• Department of Pesticide Safety

• Department of Chemical and Product Safety

• Department of Food Chain Safety

• Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET Division

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