Risk Analysis for a Sustainable Food Chain

Risk analysis is the basis for food safety policy, both nationally and internationally, which ensures sustainable food production and consumption without compromising food safety or quality. The aim of risk analysis is to reduce food related risks throughout the food chain (farm to fork), thereby increasing public health awareness and reducing potential wastage while promoting safe sustainable production. Thus, risk analysis should be considered and performed along the entire food chain to ensure sustainability in food production, processing and consumption. The three elements of risk analysis are risk assessment, risk management, risk communication. These elements integrate at various stages of the food chain (i.e. farm to fork) to reduce food related risks and promote safe food practices. This chapter discusses the various stages of risk analysis and looks at its role in promoting safe, sustainable food production.