Risk assessment

Risk assessment is a scientific process which includes hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation. Extensive co-operation with industry, research and other authorities is central to risk assessment. The results of the risk assessments are used to support risk management and decision-making. Risk assessment is independent of risk management and decision-making.

The functions of the Risk Assessment Unit are concentrated to the following areas:

Animals

Risk assessments related to infectious animal diseases support the development of disease protection and emergency plans in cases of infectious animal diseases.

• Risk assessment of infectious animal diseases

Food

The exposure of humans to microbes or harmful chemicals can be reduced, and food safety can be improved with the help of microbiological or chemical risk assessment.

• Microbiological risk assessment of food
• Chemical risk assessment of food
• Assessment of risk to the consumer

Plants

Plant health risk assessments are utilised so as to prevent new pests from spreading into Finland to threaten our plant production

• Risk assessment of plant health