Abstract
Risk analysis is a framework developed and used in the European Union, USA and international organizations for addressing food safety issues. Codex establishes maximum levels for mycotoxins in foods and codes of practice for prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination in agricultural products basing on risk analysis principles. EU countries and USA also manage health risks resulting from mycotoxin contamination using the same principles. In order to ensure the safety of agricultural products consumed in Japan, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has introduced risk analysis framework into the preventive control of mycotoxins. Under the risk analysis framework we should base risk management options primarily on risk assessment and scientific data such as myocotoxin surveillance data in agricultural products.
