FOOD SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk management consists of identifying, evaluating, selecting, and implementing specific management measures to mitigate risk potential. As such, it is the realm of the policy maker, not the risk analyst. The risk analyst identifies risk and may counsel alternatives. Decisions on preventive measures belong to the public health policy maker and, ultimately in many instances, her political boss in local, state, or national government.

In line with this, food industry sets its own preventive system and corresponding solutions to avoid errors in handling, preparation and serving of food.

THE STAGES OF FOOD RISK MANAGEMENT	APPLYING KEY PRINCIPLES
1. Setting the Agenda	> Getting the facts right
2. Assessing the risk	> Keeping an open mind
3. Deciding what action to take	> Applying rigor
4. Implementing the decision	> Acting openly
5. Monitoring and reviewing the impact of the decision	> Involving stakeholders

GUIDELINES:

Identifying a risk

1. Are we being slow in identifying new risks? Are we adequately tracking emerging information on known risks?

2. Are we taking account of those with different views to our own? Are we prepared to reopen issues where new facts emerge?

3. Are we assessing priorities for attention, and allocating our time sensibly between them?

4. Are we being open and honest about our agenda?

5. Are we checking with relevant stakeholders what information they have?

Assessing the risk

1. Are we using our in-house scientific expertise? Are we consulting scientific experts representing all major viewpoints? Are we taking steps to clarify areas of scientific uncertainty?

2. Are we taking account of conflicting views?

3. Are we undertaking a formal risk assessment? Are we distinguishing adequately between known risk and areas of scientific uncertainty?

4. Are we publishing our risk assessment, and the facts underpinning it? Are we being open and honest about areas of uncertainty?

5. Are we asking stakeholders to contribute to the risk assessment?

Deciding what action to take

1. Do we have all the relevant (including economic) facts available?

2. Are we listening to all interest groups – consumers, enforcement agencies, producers, special interest groups – before deciding what action is appropriate? Is there a case for reconsidering our decision? Do we need to do so?

3. Are we considering all the relevant options for action? Are we weighing up their costs and benefits rigorously? Are we considering their practicality and enforceability?

4. Are we publishing our decision, and the assessments underpinning it?

5. Are we explaining to stakeholders why we have decided on the particular action?

Implementing the decision

1. Are we taking steps to find out about the impact of our decision?

2. Are we allowing for changes in light of experience?

3. Are we following through our decision rigorously and effectively? Are we ensuring that it is clearly understood by consumers, producers and enforcers?

4. Are we publishing our implementation plans?

5. Are we allowing for feedback from stakeholders?

Monitoring and reviewing the impact of the decision

1. Is the decision having the intended effect? Do we need to review it?

2. If it is not having the intended effect, is that now important? Have the circumstances which led to the decision changed since it was made?

3. Is the implementation of the decision being rigorously enforced if appropriate?

4. Are we publishing the results of the enforcement? Are we being open about the impact of the decision?

5. Are we obtaining feedback from stakeholders on the impact of the decision? Are we consulting stakeholders on any review of the decision?

SOURE: http://depts.washington.edu/foodrisk/management.html