EFSA and RIVM Enhance Crop Protection Analysis

In pursuit of a safer European food chain, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have joined forces. The outcome? An advanced computational model named Monte Carlo Risk Assessment (MCRA) capable of calculating the combined risks of crop protection agents in food.

These agents, designed to protect crops from threats like insects, fungi, and weeds, can occasionally leave residues in our food. When multiple residues coexist in food, they may produce a cumulative effect known as mixture toxicity. The MCRA model now offers a method to analyze this intricate interplay, marking a stride forward in consumer protection.

The introduction of MCRA heralds a new era for risk assessors across Europe. To ensure its wide acceptance and application, RIVM has provided training sessions for professionals tasked with safety assessment. Furthermore, a helpdesk has been established to aid in calculations.

Recommendations for Use

In their joint report, RIVM and EFSA emphasize the transparency and compliance of MCRA with European regulations, offering guidelines for its application. Thanks to this collaboration, the future of food safety in Europe looks brighter.

rivm.nl/en