EU-FORA series on EFSA Journal: a simplified risk assessment toolkit for rapid detection of emerging risks

Results of multi-actor collaboration in risk analysis: a simplified risk assessment toolkit for rapid detection of emerging risks are published on EFSA Journal

The results of the pilot action implemented in the FS4EU FSOLab 1 are presented by Celine Meerpoel, together with Sarah De Saeger, Biancamaria Ciasca, Nunzia Cito and FSOLab participants. FoodSafety4EU acted as a hosting site within the EU-FORA fellowship programme and further explored the multi-actor approach in risk analysis.
The EU-FORA fellowship programme was dedicated to a multi-actor collaboration addressing risks of the unregulated mycotoxins T-2 and HT-2 toxins in oats. Critical gaps in risk assessment procedures were identified, leading to a joint effort to develop a strategy for rapid data collection and risk assessment, including the development of a risk assessment toolkit comprising of a training manual and two intuitive Microsoft® Excel files. The toolkit enables efficient data collection and processing, facilitating risk assessment calculations and rapid risk detection. Applying the toolkit to assess T-2 and HT-2 toxin risks in Belgian oats revealed minimal concerns, except for children aged 3–9 years, likely due to an overestimation.

The toolkit is available on the FoodSafety4EU Platform and will be refined based on user feedback, promoting better risk assessment practices. This approach empowers stakeholders, from professionals to policymakers, fostering collaboration and enhancing food safety practices.