Principles of risk analysis as applied to microbial food safety concerns

摘要

This contribution describes the different steps of a microbiological risk analysis from the risk assessment through to the risk management of food safety. The precise description and the systematic measuring of risk in a given framework are important as these risks relate directly to health concerns and public health goals. Therefore, decisions concerning food safety must be based on firm scientific data. Different organizations like the International Commission of Microbiological Specification of Foods (ICMSF), the Codex Commission of Food Hygiene (CCFH) and the Joint FAO/WHO Meetings on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) ensure the exchange and standardization of guidelines, which serves the international trade, the legislative authorities and the consumer as well.