FAO FOOD AND NUTRITION PAPER   70

Cover
The application of risk communication to food standards and safety matters

CONTENTS


Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation
Rome, 2–6 February 1998


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M-82
ISBN 92-5-104260-8


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WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Rome, 1999 © FAO and WHO


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CONTENTS

1.   INTRODUCTION

2.   BACKGROUND

3.   ELEMENTS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF RISK COMMUNICATION

Introduction and definition
The goals of risk communication
Risk communication as an integral part of risk analysis
Roles and responsibilities for risk communication
Elements of effective risk communication
Principles of risk communication

4.   BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE RISK COMMUNICATION

Barriers within the risk analysis process
Barriers within the Codex process
Barriers to communication in all contexts

5.   STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE RISK COMMUNICATION

General considerations for effective risk communication
Points to consider regarding public concerns
Strategies for risk communication in non-crisis situations
Strategies for risk communication during a food safety crisis
Specific guidelines for communication within the risk analysis process
The need for evaluation of communication activities

6.   CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The risk analysis process
Codex and international agencies
National governments

7.   REFERENCES

ANNEXES

1.   List of participants
2.   Risk communication in the development of Codex standards
3.   Action plan for Codex-wide development and application of risk analysis principles and guidelines
4.   Bibliography for further reading