Using Risk Analysis to Inform Microbial Food Safety Decisions

CAST papers are the foundation of CAST’s science communication work. Developed by expert-led task forces, these peer-reviewed publications translate agricultural science into trusted insights that inform policy, guide public understanding, and fuel CAST programs, dialogues, and educational initiatives.

Search Publications

June 24, 2006
Issue Paper

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62300/fq2t6v57

Task Force Chairs

Lee-Ann Jaykus

North Carolina State University, Raleigh

Sherri Dennis

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland

Authors

Dane Bernard

Keystone Foods, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

H. Gregg Claycamp

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland

Daniel Gallagher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia

Arthur J. Miller

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland

Morris Potter

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Atlanta, Georgia

Mark Powell

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.

Donald Schaffner

Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey

Toby Ten Eyck

Michigan State University, East Lansing

Abstract

Protecting the public from food safety risks, while maintaining a viable agricultural and food industry in an open society, is a daunting task. Risk analysis provides a systematic and transparent process for gathering information, estimating risks, weighing options, drawing conclusions, and communicating information to arrive at decisions that meet broad societal needs. This paper identifies and defines the components of a valid microbial risk analysis and focuses attention on risk assessment strategies, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each.

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