Risk Analysis: Risk Analysis of Hazards in Food: An Overview

Risk analysis provides an internationally accepted framework for assessing and managing risk posed by hazards in the food supply. Risk analysis consists of risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication. The risk assessment process consists of four components, namely hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. Similarly, risk management also consists of four components, namely risk evaluation, option assessment, option implementation, and monitoring and review. However, risk communication links all of the processes together from the critical exchanges between risk assessors and risk managers to the important dialog with industry, consumers, and other stakeholders. The approach provides a logical framework for making complex public health decisions in the context of economic, social, and political considerations.