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The aim is to develop a framework that allows quantitative comparison of human health risks and benefits of foods and food compounds based on a common scale of measurement.
This will be based on the evaluation of changes in the quality/duration of life using a system that allows weighting of data quality and severity of effect, with quantification by QALY or DALY-like methodology.
The framework will take into account how risks/benefits interrelate but will also consider how these relate to the same and different sub-populations, including those defined by genetic polymorphisms. It is intended that the methodology developed is sufficiently transparent to serve as a reference for the harmonisation of the evaluation methods used within the EU and more widely in international evaluation.
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The project follows up the EC FUFOSE, PASSCLAIM and FOSIE projects. The outcome of FOSIE was a risk assessment framework for chemicals in food; FUFOSE and PASSCLAIM specifically focused on benefit assessment. <P>A European network will be set up involving expertise in risk assessment, nutrition, and risk/benefit analysis with representatives from academia, regulatory agencies and the food industry. A methodology group will review and assemble the methodologies available; collaborate with 3 case study groups to integrate the methodological findings in their area and develop a framework applicable to a wide range of foods and food compounds. A total of 3 groups will review the literature to undertake a risk analysis, a benefit assessment, an exposure evaluation and quantitative net health impact assessment on selected cases. <P>
Results will be shared in workshops following each step. Publications are planned after each of these steps: methodological review, 3 worked examples and the proposed framework. Specific measures will be taken to ensure dissemination and provide education to stakeholders and other interested parties, including a workshop convened for this purpose.
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For more information about this project, please visit the <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/research/biosociety/food_quality/projects/133_en.ht…; target="_blank">European Commission Food Quality and Safety in Europe</a> Web site.