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<P>Research Approach: This study aims to address this requirement by developing and testing a framework for the qualitative expression of uncertainties. A review of existing approaches for qualitative evaluation of uncertainties in risk assessment will be undertaken, the potential suitability of these approaches will be evaluated, and the most promising approach (or combination of approaches) identified and incorporated into the framework.</P>
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Forty to fifty experts will be invited to provide a direct and thorough test of the applicability and usability of the identified framework using one of four case studies, based on previous COT statements. This will be achieved as part of a workshop on evaluation and expression of uncertainties in risk assessment, held in conjunction with the COT's annual out-of-town meeting.</P>
<P>In 2007 The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) published its report on variability and uncertainty in toxicology. The COT report concluded there was a need to develop a framework for the transparent expression of uncertainty in hazard characterisation which would enable COT, and other committees that perform toxicological evaluations, to improve communications to a wide range of stakeholders including the public with regards to the sources of variability and uncertainty in their risk assessments.</P>
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.