How we assess risk
To assess risk means to evaluate how likely it is that a known hazard will cause harm. In addition, we must assess how serious the harm is.
When assessing risk, we review, compile, and evaluate available scientific evidence. We describe the hazard, assess possible effects, and calculate exposure levels.
Scientific results and data that VKM uses in its risk assessments come from peer-reviewed scientific articles and published documents. This includes risk assessments from national or international entities, and from national and international mapping and monitoring. In connection with the evaluation of approval applications, VKM also reviews documentation submitted by the applicant.
VKM follows current international principles and methodologies within the fields that the expert groups are responsible for.
Purpose
The need for risk assessment may arise, for example, where a food product or animal feed is found to contain a high level of a hazardous substance, or where authorities are developing new regulations, or wish to provide advice to consumers.
Plan
In most cases, either the Norwegian Food Safety Authority or the Norwegian Environment Agency initiates a risk assessment. VKM formulates the assignment in dialogue with the client and decides which expert group(s) will conduct the assessment. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority sets many of VKM's commissions out for consultation. In some cases, VKM itself initiates a risk assessment.
Assess
VKM describes the identified hazard, assesses possible effects, and calculates exposure levels. The risk is assessed by combining the probability of harm occurring and the severity of the potential harm.
The expert panels or the Steering Committee are responsible for the risk assessments. External experts are also brought in when needed. Scientific staff in the secretariat are project leaders for the risk assessments.
Publish
The risk assessment is completed and sent to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority or the Norwegian Environment Agency with an embargo deadline. When the embargo expires, the risk assessment is published on VKM's website.
Purpose-formulate the assignment
Notification of assignment
Notification of new assignment from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, and/or the Norwegian Environment Agency.
Prioritising assignments
First draft of the assignment
Dialogue about the assignment
Potential public consultation of the assignment
Final assignment
Planning the work
What and who is needed?
How should the assignment be solved? Which expertise and data is needed?
Appointment of scientific leader, project manager, project team, and peer reviewers
Decision on which expert group(s) will approve the knowledge synthesis
Tagg
Approval of commencement and more
Expert assessment
Find, assess, compile
Scientific documentation
When assessing risk, we review, compile, and evaluate available scientific documentation. We describe the hazard, assess possible effects, and calculate exposure levels.
Make use of
Scientific results and data
Scientific results and data that VKM uses in its risk assessments come from peer-reviewed scientific articles and published documents. This includes risk assessments from national or international entities, and from national and international mapping and monitoring.
Applicant provides documentation
Approval applications
In connection with the evaluation of approval applications, VKM also reviews documentation submitted by the applicant.
Follow international standards
Principles og methods
VKM follows current international principles and methodologies within the fields the expert groups are responsible for.
Evaluation and publication
