Unit Food Hygiene and Technologies, Supply Chains, Food Defense

The unit compiles assessments on microbiological risks for various food matrices (meat, fish, milk, plant-based foods, etc.). Further work priorities involve pathogen behaviour in foods, taking into account food hygiene and technological aspects, the assessment of concepts for the production of safe and high-quality foods and the development of software solutions to support assessment tasks using mathematical models.

The specifically developed scientific software tools support the research fields of predictive microbiology and quantitative microbial modelling (QMRA), the specification of global food supply chains, as well as the avoidance of food fraud and support for food defense.

The management of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Commission for Biological Risks and Hygiene is also housed in the unit.

Further work priorities involve research activities with national and international partners, as well as the development of training concepts and the implementation of international training courses on the subject of risk assessment for other official international bodies active in the field of food safety or risk assessment.

The unit furthermore represents the interests of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in national and international bodies and committees.