Risk communication as defined by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

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One of the tasks of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is risk communication with the aim of providing citizens with information on food safety and product safety according to the three principles of transparency, reliability and openness.

definition

Differentiation from the general term

In a general sense, risk communication includes all communication that relates to the identification, assessment, assessment and management of risks.

Risk communication is defined by the European Union (EU) in relation to food as follows:

"Risk communication refers to the interactive exchange of information and opinions about hazards and risks, risk-related factors and risk perception between risk assessors, risk managers, consumers, food and feed companies, scientists and other interested parties, including the explanation of the results of the risk assessment and the basis for risk management decisions. "

Risk communication in the sense of the BfR is defined as a continuous and interactive process and characterized by a participatory dialogue with various target groups. The early information of the public about possible health risks as well as the knowledge and results obtained by the BfR in the area of ​​food, chemical and product safety forms the basis for this dialogue.

Principles and goals

The BfR's risk communication should follow the principles of transparency, reliability and the greatest possible openness in order to strengthen the trust of all those involved in the risk assessment process. According to the BfR, the aim of risk communication is to determine whether there are differences in the perception, assessment and handling of risks among the various target and interest groups. At the end of such a dialogue, there can be consensus on assessments and options for action, as well as dissent. The result should provide important information for risk managers and their decisions.

Structure of the risk communication department

The risk communication department is divided into four specialist groups:

  • Risk research: perception, early detection, impact assessment,
  • Crisis prevention and coordination,
  • Press / public relations,
  • BfR Academy.

The task of the crisis prevention and coordination specialist group in the context of crisis prevention includes contact with relevant stakeholders , such as industrial associations, NGOs and political actors. The specialist group is the interface between the BfR and the institutions involved through the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) . The tasks include setting up the BfR situation center, coordinating the crisis, coordinating the commission system (network of experts) and advising the commission on fundamental issues.

The specialist group on risk research, risk perception, early risk detection and risk consequence assessment researches questions of risk perception, risk early detection and risk assessment . This includes u. a. the different risk perceptions of individual groups. The aim is to inform target groups so that they can make appropriate decisions. In addition, this specialist group is in dialogue with the relevant stakeholders to resolve problems and a. to find out in conferences or technical discussions.

The press and public relations specialist group fulfills the legal mandate of informing the public (Section 2 (1), No. 12 BfRG). Not only are the results published in a generally understandable way, but also the path or process that led to them. The specialist group uses various communication channels for communication with the general public, the specialist public and the media, such as B. Press releases and brochures (see “Dialogue with all target groups” for more information).

The implementation of events relating to consumer health protection is the task of the BfR Academy . This includes the event concept, organizational and technical implementation, documentation, evaluation and coordination of the BfR commissions. The events should also enable the interactive exchange between the stakeholder groups.

The risk communication department is also shown in the organizational chart as part of the BfR.

legal framework

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment works in the BMEL division on scientific topics relating to consumer health protection. The BfR is the national partner of the European Food Safety Authority ( EFSA ).

The BfR has the legal mandate to communicate risks. According to the mandate, the public must be informed by the BfR about any identified and estimated health risks. The research results must be presented in a comprehensible, complete and transparent manner for all citizens.

In its research, its assessments, its recommendations and its communication, the BfR should be legally independent of economic, political and social interests.

Focal points in the work of risk communication at the BfR

overview

The tasks of the Risk Communication department at the BfR include:

  • Implementation and coordination of research projects for the perception of risks, early risk identification and the assessment of their consequences,
  • Scientific risk assessment of food and feed as well as substances and products by means of the BfR's dialogue with social groups,
  • Use of the results of the risk assessment as a basis for consumer health protection by the Federal Government,
  • Solving problems in finding the right recommendations for risk limitation in a dialogue, because different assessments and risk perceptions result from scientifically contradicting data or from problems of their normative assessment,
  • Prioritization of risks by various social interest groups. Representative surveys , consumer conferences, Delphi surveys and focus groups are used as instruments,
  • Informing the public in an understandable form about possible health risks and the underlying research results in the field of food, chemical and product safety,
  • Investigation of changes in the eating habits of consumers after risk communication,
  • Targeted expansion of the national and international networking of the institutions responsible for consumer health protection in politics and science.

Research and third-party funded projects

Research projects of the BfR are specified in the research plan of the superordinate BMEL. In 2016, it participated in 20 EU and 30 national projects, for which € 3.7 million in third-party funding was acquired. In addition, funding comes from federal funds in order to guarantee the independence of the institute. There is no breakdown of the funding for the individual priorities.

Research on risk communication as a focus includes research into perception, early detection and impact assessment of risks. The aim is to develop the scientific basis for risk communication and to improve communication, especially with consumers. The projects continue to aim to identify the risks resulting from the introduction of new technologies, to analyze the behavior after the communication of the risks and to prioritize the risks according to the interests of the stakeholders. The relevant specialist group is responsible for implementing the research projects. An expansion to include research projects from the crisis prevention and coordination group is planned.

The most important research area is the work on public risk perception . With the help of representative surveys, analyzes of scientific studies and reporting, as well as expert interviews, it is investigated how various interest groups, consumers and the media subjectively perceive risks, to what extent they accept them and which factors influence it. These include

  • Characteristics of risk,
  • Extent and likelihood of occurrence of possible damage,
  • Freedom of choice for people in relation to risk,
  • Risk-benefit considerations and knowledge of specific risks,
  • Trust in institutions and organizations,
  • Type of risk communication.

The work of the BfR focuses on topics in which the subjectively perceived risk deviates from the objectively assessed risk, or on those that have only recently been included in the public discourse and on which no social opinion has yet been formed. This is necessary because with the former there is a risk that the interest groups either underestimate an objectively serious risk or overestimate a subjectively serious risk. In the latter, however, unbalanced reporting and non-transparent risk communication can negatively affect risk perception and lead to a loss of confidence. Since these are often new technologies or concepts such as nanotechnology or veganism , the media play a decisive role. Risk communication tools can be developed and improved on the basis of research on risk perception. While the research projects generally deal with risk perception, third-party funded projects from this area are assigned to the focus “Nanotechnology research: detection, toxicology , risk assessment and risk perception”.

Another focus in risk communication is the early detection of risks , among which the early identification, description and quantification of possible risks is understood. In addition to risk communication, there is also a separate research focus on “risk detection, early detection and minimization”, so this research field also focuses on the aspect of communication with stakeholders . The objectives of the research projects located here include the identification of new risk areas and the derivation of risk management measures. Furthermore, the development and implementation of methods such as the screening of data streams, Delphi procedures, scenario analysis and the scientific processing of past crises are being promoted. The BfR works closely with the Emerging Risks Exchange Network ( EREN ) and the European Food Safety Authority .

The third focal point is the risk impact assessment , which examines the consequences of a risk or risk communication. Based on the communication of risks, changes in behavior on the part of consumers or other stakeholders can result. This can result in new risks, as the target group underestimates or avoids the risk and instead resorts to other risky behaviors.

Current and completed projects (completion in brackets) are:

  • "Safer food through changed consumer behavior: Effective tools and products, information strategies, education and a food safety policy reducing health burden from foodborne illnesses" (04/2022),
  • “Analytical and Characterization Excellence in nanomaterial risk assessment: A tiered approach” (12/2020),
  • “Developing and Enabling Nanotechnology Awareness-Building through the Creation and Exchange of enhanced Communication and Visualization Tools and Guidance for 'Seeing at the Nanoscale'” (11/2016),
  • "Evaluation of international population surveys and a representative survey in Germany on the perception of nanotechnology" (09/2012),
  • “Analysis of media coverage: pesticides and pesticide residues in food in the mirror of the print media” (06/2012),
  • "Risk factor evasive behavior: status analysis and consumer survey to identify determinants for harmful evasive measures after risk assessments and media reports on food and product safety" (06/2012),
  • "Establishing an indexing system to categorize the results from the risk assessment" (12/2011),
  • “Target group-specific risk communication on the subject of dietary supplements” (12/2011).

Risk profile

With the help of the BfR risk profile, evaluations for food, consumer products and chemicals are clearly presented. The risk profile consists of a table that contains the following five characteristics:

  • Affected people,
  • The likelihood of adverse health effects from exposure,
  • Severity of health impairment in the event of exposure,
  • Significance of the available data,
  • Risk control opportunities.

The standardized, clear and transparent representation makes it easier to understand the risk assessment.

Target groups and dialogue

The BfR is legally obliged to inform the public about possible health risks. It picks up on different assessments and perceptions, evaluates the risks in order to finally draw up recommendations for action and regularly enter into discourse with various dialogue partners and target groups. The dialogue partners are actively involved in the communication processes using different dialogue formats. In principle, the BfR communicates with all of the following target groups who are directly or indirectly affected by certain decisions:

  • Government institutions (in particular federal and state ministries, authorities at local, state and federal level),
  • Industry and trade associations, consumer associations and other interest groups,
  • Scientific institutions,
  • National and international bodies and organizations ( NGOs )
  • Media,
  • Consumer.

In addition to the media, important contact persons for the public are consumer advice centers and the Stiftung Warentest .

Dialogue with all target groups

In order to provide recommendations for action for all target groups or to pass on risk-relevant information quickly, the BfR uses the following one-way communication dialogue measures:

  • BfR website: The BfR publishes all relevant results from its theoretical and practical work on its own website www.bfr.bund.de and reports transparently to the public on its work. Publications are announced on a daily basis via newsletters or RSS feeds.
  • BfR statements: The BfR refers to assessment reports as BfR statements. In the statements, a risk assessment is carried out, which shows the uncertainties and their causes, and strategies and goals are formulated to avoid or reduce the risk. With the help of a generally understandable summary and the reproduction of a risk profile, readers can quickly grasp the facts of the risk assessed.
  • Press work: Notices regarding acute health risks and the latest findings from risk research are given via press conferences, interviews and press conferences.
  • Twitter : Topic events and publications are announced via the company's own Twitter channel @BfRde.
  • Videos: Questions about consumer health protection can be asked on the BfR website. The consumers can then vote on which questions the BfR should answer in a video. The video is then published on the BfR website and via the BfR YouTube channel.
  • F requently Asked Questions ( FAQ 's): The FAQs on the BfR website are also frequently deposited asked relevant questions and answers accordingly
  • Infographics, brochures, leaflets and consumer tips : The BfR provides compact information on the effects, prevention and spread of diseases and the avoidance of poisoning, in particular for the target group of consumers and, for example, medical specialists. These can be downloaded free of charge from the BfR website. More detailed information on the results of the risk assessment will be sent free of charge as a brochure on request.
  • Apps for smartphones and tablet PCs: Apps provide specific information on poisoning accidents in children, the ingredients of chemical products, medicines, plants and mushrooms, the poisoning picture and first aid measures. In the event of poisoning, the apps can be used to obtain medical advice immediately via the poison control center

Dialogue with consumers

In particular, the BfR would like to use the dialogue with consumers to raise awareness of the health risks posed by food, cosmetics, textiles, toys, etc. The exchange of communication also serves as a response option. On the basis of feedback from the consumer, information and communication needs can be recorded. In addition to the dialogue measures already mentioned, which address all target groups, consumers are also specifically addressed by the following dialogue measures by the BfR, thus promoting the direct exchange of communication between the BfR and the consumers or establishing two-way communication:

  • International Green Week (IGW) : At the IGW in Berlin, consumers are informed annually through exhibitions and short lectures by scientists on topics relating to nutrition, agriculture and horticulture
  • Open day / days of action: The BfR uses the open day to convey information in direct contact with consumers. Consumers have the opportunity to talk to BfR experts on site about various topics.
  • Public lectures by BfR employees: The BfR offers experts from all specialist areas on health topics of consumer protection as speakers for public events. This is intended to provide laypersons with a lecture on the health risks of food, toys, etc., and give consumers the opportunity to discuss with the experts.

Dialogue with external risk experts

The dialogue with external experts is of great importance to the BfR. The exchange serves in particular to comprehensively clarify evaluation questions and areas of uncertainty and contributes to balanced recommendations for action and forecasts. The experts usually come from all the departments involved within an authority and between authorities and risk assessors or risk managers. One type of communication is the "Marienfeld Talks". These enable the exchange of information such as the improvement of risk assessments and risk management within the investigation offices as well as the possibility of discussion and coordination between the BfR, food safety (BVL), the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and the federal states.

The BfR provides the following additional dialogue measures for the exchange with risk experts:

  • BfR committee meetings : BfR commissions are formed from scientific expert bodies, consisting of external independent experts from universities and authorities, who hold meetings to advise in the areas of food and feed as well as product and chemical safety. This bundling of the highest scientific level enables external quality assurance.
  • Scientific Advisory Board: The scientific advisory board is made up of honorary and renowned scientists from various research institutions in the fields of food safety and hygiene, food chemistry and technology, toxicology, pharmacy, educational research and occupational physiology. The main task of the Scientific Advisory Board is to provide advice in the research area for the BfR. The Scientific Advisory Board also supports the BfR in building networks for international research institutions.
  • Scientific symposia : The gathering of scientists from different specialist areas serves to provide a comprehensive presentation and discussion of risk topics and their current scientific status.
  • BfR Stakeholder Conferences : At these conferences, socio-political issues from risk research, risk assessment and risk communication are discussed by speakers from the fields of business, science and politics.
  • BfR Consumer Protection Forum: The BfR Consumer Protection Forum is a two-day event at which experts present the current state of knowledge on consumer protection issues and, on the second day, discuss the issues with consumer interest groups and develop recommendations for action.

Dialogue with industry associations and NGOs

In addition, the BfR communicates with various stakeholders such as industry associations and NGOs and involves them in drawing up recommendations for action for consumer health protection and in assessing and dealing with risks. This enables the BfR to acquire additional knowledge and industry data in particular and to use this to manage crises and assess risks. The BfR endeavors to continuously expand the communication network in order to increase the reach to stakeholders in the event of a crisis and to strengthen communication. For this reason, meetings with associations, foundations, associations and interest groups take place once a year.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Wiedemann, Peter M. & Mertens, Johannes: Social psychological risk research; from Technology Assessment - Theory and Practice, p. 42. Tatup Journal - Technology Assessment - Theory and Practice No. 3, Volume 14, December 2005, accessed on July 9, 2018 .
  2. ↑ Official Journal of the European Communities: Article 3.13 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down Food safety procedures. 2002, accessed July 9, 2018 .
  3. ^ BfR: Risk communication at the BfR. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  4. ↑ BfR: Risk Communication Department. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  5. ↑ BfR: Specialist group crisis prevention and coordination. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  6. ↑ BfR: Specialist group on risk research, risk perception, early risk detection and risk assessment. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  7. ^ BfR: Press and Public Relations Section. Retrieved July 11, 2018 .
  8. ^ BfR: BfR Academy Section. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  9. ↑ BfR: Organigram. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  10. ↑ BfR: Structure. Retrieved July 11, 2018 .
  11. ↑ BfR: Risk Communication Department. Retrieved July 9, 2018 .
  12. ↑ BfR: Research on Risk Communication. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  13. ↑ BfR: BfR annual report compact. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  14. ↑ BfR: Specialist group crisis prevention and coordination. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  15. ^ BfR: Safer food through changed consumer behavior. Retrieved July 10, 2018 .
  16. ↑ BfR: Analytical and Characterization Excellence in nanomaterial risk assessment. Retrieved July 10, 2018 .
  17. ↑ BfR: Third-party funding project of the BfR in 2016. Accessed on July 10, 2018 .
  18. ↑ BfR: Evaluation of international population surveys and a representative survey in Germany on the perception of nanotechnology. Retrieved July 10, 2018 .
  19. ^ BfR: Analysis of media coverage. Retrieved July 10, 2018 .
  20. ↑ BfR: Risk factor evasive behavior. Retrieved July 10, 2018 .
  21. ↑ BfR: Establishment of an indexing system to categorize the results from the risk assessment. Retrieved July 10, 2018 .
  22. ↑ BfR: Target group-appropriate risk communication on the subject of dietary supplements. Retrieved July 10, 2018 .
  23. ↑ BfR: BfR risk profile. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .
  24. ↑ BfR: Risk Communication of the BfR in Practice. Retrieved July 7, 2018 .