The objective of this course is to offer a review of the requirements of food risk analysis as a foundation to food regulatory decision-making and to help position risk assessment as the scientific foundation of such decision-making.

The course defines and introduces the requirements of each pillar of risk analysis and their interconnectivity, focusing on roles and responsibilities of competent authorities operating in each of these areas. Case studies where a risk-analysis approach supported reaching major food regulatory decisions internationally will be used to illustrate this course. Emphasis will be on developing critical thinking to enable integration of science and policy considerations that guide food regulatory decisions made by food regulators.

This competency enhancement program will introduce the foundations to the development of food regulatory policies that underpin regulatory measures in support of food risk management (food safety and nutrition). The program is based on guidance and recommendations established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, in relation with the development, management and implementation of food control systems. It will also include guidance and best practices developed and adopted by leading food regulatory jurisdictions that are part of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), such as Canada, Australia and New-Zealand. We will aim at reviewing recent developments and directions in food regulatory measures internationally, which may have an impact on conditions of food production, development of new products, as well as the food innovation agenda in general.