ARCHIVE: BSE: Risk analysis

Risk Analysis includes assessing the risk (Risk Assessment) managing the risk (Risk Management) and communicating the risk (Risk Communication). These terms are defined in Regulation (EC) No.178/2002.

Risk assessment

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was established under Regulation (EC) No.178/2002. EFSA’s functions include risk assessment. EFSA publishes TSE-related risk opinions from its biological hazards (BIOHAZ) panel.  Further information is available on the EFSA website.

The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) provides independent scientific advice on TSE risks to the UK Government. Further details of SEAC’s terms of reference and SEAC publications are available on the SEAC website.

Risk management

The European Commission’s DG-SANCO works with governments of EU Member States to manage the risk of TSEs.

The European Commission’s TSE Roadmap 2, published in July 2010, outlines possible future amendments to the EU TSE measures for the period 2010-2015.
Defra consulted on priorities arising from the TSE Roadmap 2.

Risk communication

Risk assessment bodies, such as EFSA and SEAC, work with governments and with stakeholders to communicate TSE risks. The Food Standards Agency provides advice to UK consumers on food safety issues.

Page last modified: 5 October, 2010