Challenges of quantitative microbial risk assessment at EU level

Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) aims to model the fate of pathogenic micro-organisms along the food chain and the associated health risks. More importantly, it allows the a priori estimation of the impact on public health of interventions in the food chain. The European Food Safety Authority is increasingly asked to provide scientific advice to the European Commission based on QMRA. Its application at the European level poses some unique challenges, both of a scientific and of an organizational nature. On the other hand, collaboration at the European level will lead to more effective use of limited expertise and resources.