Risk Management Framework
A Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation defines risk management (RM) as "the process of weighing policy alternatives in the light of the results of risk assessment and, if required, selecting and implementing appropriate control options, including regulatory measures." Risk management decisions typically consider not only the scientific evidence as presented in the risk assessment, but also incorporate, social, cultural and financial factors in establishing policy.
Based on the structure for risk management established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation in the above link, risk management can be broken down into the following steps:
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Risk Evaluation
- Identification of a food safety problem
- Establishment of a risk profile
- Ranking of the hazard for risk assessment and risk management priority
- Establishment of risk assessment policy for conduct of risk assessment
- Commissioning of risk assessment
- Consideration of risk assessment result
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Risk Management Option Assessment
- Identification of available management options
- Selection of preferred management option, including
consideration of an appropriate safety standard
- This step includes weighing various health risks along with economic, political and social factors.
- Final management decision
- Implementation of Management Decision
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Monitoring and Review
- Assessment of effectiveness of measures taken
- Review risk management and/or assessment as necessary
