Risk-based approaches and tools
Food safety risk analysis
Risk analysis is a structured, internationally accepted framework that provides national food safety authorities with a systematic, disciplined approach for making evidence based food safety decisions. It consists of three interactive components risk assessment, risk management and risk communication – which serve to develop an estimate of the risks to human health and safety, to identify and implement appropriate measures of risk control , and to communicate with stakeholders about the risks and the measures applied.
Supporting national food safety authorities to apply risk‑based approaches
FAO helps develop the capacity of national food safety authorities and regulators in:
- understanding internationally accepted approaches applied in chemical and microbiological risk assessments as a basis for evaluation of domestic food safety risks;
- ensuring the risk analysis approach is used appropriately to address the specific food safety challenges and agreed priorities in order to ensure consumer protection and foster the development of the agroprocessing and food trade sectors;
- strengthening national efforts to generate the data required to support sound risk assessments appropriate to the specific context;
- applying risk analysis to support national level decision making in food safety management;
- promoting transparency, stakeholder involvement and better coordination among government agencies involved in food safety issues at the national level, and coordination with other relevant stakeholders (private sector, civil society and trading partners);
- facilitating harmonization of regulatory measures and standards among countries and across regions.
Food safety risk analysis resources
Explore a curated collection of reference materials including infographics, guidelines, publications, tools and toolkits designed to support practical application of the risk analysis paradigm by national competent authorities. It also includes examples of FAO training programmes that can be further adapted to specific contexts and deployed upon request.
Risk resources conceptual map
Click on the image to download the Risk analysis resources organized in a conceptual map in PDF.
Connect directly to the thematic resources pertaining to the risk analysis paradigm, as per the Procedural Manual of the Codex Alimentarius Commission:
Risk analysis: A process consisting of three components: risk assessment, risk management and risk communication.
Risk assessment: A scientifically-based process consisting of the following steps: (i) hazard identification, (ii) hazard characterization, (iii) exposure assessment, and (iv) risk characterization.
Risk management: The process, distinct from risk assessment, of weighing policy alternatives, in consultation with all interested parties, considering risk assessment and other factors relevant for the health protection of consumers and for the promotion of fair-trade practices, and, if needed, selecting appropriate prevention and control options.
Risk communication: The interactive exchange of information and opinions throughout the risk analysis process concerning risk, risk-related factors, and risk perceptions, among risk assessors, risk managers, consumers, industry, the academic community, and other interested parties, including the explanation of risk assessment findings and the basis of risk management decisions.
