Food Additives: EFSA Launches DIY Exposure Tool
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As of today applicants can make their own estimates of exposure to food additives thanks to a new user-friendly version of a tool called the Food Additives Intake Model (FAIM).
FAIM is based on food consumption data collected by Member States for different population groups. It allows calculation of exposure to new food additives or to additives that are already authorised but for which a new use is proposed. It can also be used for other areas of EFSA’s work, such as novel foods.
“This tool is much awaited by applicants, but it is meant for anyone with an interest in estimating exposure to chemicals added to food, including risk managers and scientific assessors. The use of individual food consumption data will increase the accuracy of exposure estimates,” said Davide Arcella, head of EFSA’s exposure assessment team.
Exposure assessment is one of the major steps in risk assessment. It involves a thorough evaluation of who, or what, has been exposed to a hazard and quantification of the amounts involved.
How does it work?
Enter the occurrence levels for the food additive under evaluation for the relevant food categories. Then, food consumption data for each subject included in the database will allow you to calculate exposure.
This article has been republished from materials provided by the European Food Safety Authority. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.