Effective Food Risk Communication: A Case Study from the Hellenic Food Authority

Risk communication is an essential part of the risk analysis paradigm. Risk communication is an interactive process of exchange of information and sharing of knowledge as regards hazards and risks when conducting the risk assessment and/or when willing to communicate to the consumers. Depending on the scope of the risk communication, the players in risk communication shall involve all interested parties such as risk assessors, data providers, food businesses, risk managers and consumers.

Public information is a prerequisite for national authorities with competence on the control food safety. In particular, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a food or feed may present a risk for human or animal health. Depending on the nature, seriousness, and extent of that risk, public authorities shall take appropriate steps to inform the general public of the nature of the risk to health. Public authorities must identify, to the fullest extent possible, the food or feed, or type of food or feed, the risk that it may present, and the measures which are taken or about to be taken to prevent, reduce or eliminate that risk.

Several factors can influence the effectiveness of a risk communication strategy. The main goal is to bridge risk assessment and the science into clear and understandable messages in a manner that helps consumers make well-informed decisions.