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BfR | German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment @bfren

News from German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. Tweets by BfR press team | t1p.de/jjqr | Follow us in German as well: @bfrde | Newsletter: t1p.de/y0i1

Joined June 2009
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Coming soon: The new issue of our science magazine, BfR2GO. This time, the cover story focuses on "forever chemicals" (PFAS). Also featured: viruses in food, lead, raw milk, food colorings, iodine, chemicals in clothing, and much more. Subscribe for free: bfr.bund.de/en/publications/…
Coming soon, the new isseu of BfR2GO.

ALT Coming soon, the new isseu of BfR2GO.
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The 47th Mycotoxin Workshop is held at the BfR. Over the course of three days, international experts will present their latest work and results. Learn more: bfr.bund.de/en/notification/…
Focus on mycotoxins. Which analytical methods can help to better investigate mycotoxins in food, and how can artificial intelligence assist in mycotoxin research in the future? These and other questions will be discussed from 1 to 3 June 2026 at the 47th Mycotoxin Workshop at the BfR.

ALT Focus on mycotoxins. Which analytical methods can help to better investigate mycotoxins in food, and how can artificial intelligence assist in mycotoxin research in the future? These and other questions will be discussed from 1 to 3 June 2026 at the 47th Mycotoxin Workshop at the BfR.

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Madeleine Plötz from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover on mycotoxins in cheese toppings such as edible flowers, pepper, or herbs.
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Michail Evgeniou on the influence of weather on mycotoxin contamination in crops.
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BfR Vice President Tewes Tralau spoke on May 21 & 22 at the international conference “Risk Assessment Driving Food Safety: Europe & Latin America,” organized by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) in Madrid. The two agencies have been cooperating since 2016.
BfR Vice President Tewes Tralau during his presentation

ALT BfR Vice President Tewes Tralau during his presentation

BfR Vice President Tewes Tralau during his presentation

ALT BfR Vice President Tewes Tralau during his presentation

group photo of conference participants on stage.

ALT group photo of conference participants on stage.
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The results of the symposium have now been published in the journal ‘Environment International’. Learn more: bfr.bund.de/en/notification/…
Health hazards posed by “genotoxic substances”. Genotoxic substances are strictly regulated in the EU. An international group of experts discussed at a symposium at the BfR how, in future, new experimental methods and assessment strategies can be used to arrive at a more nuanced scientific judgement in health risk assessment of genotoxic substances.

ALT Health hazards posed by “genotoxic substances”. Genotoxic substances are strictly regulated in the EU. An international group of experts discussed at a symposium at the BfR how, in future, new experimental methods and assessment strategies can be used to arrive at a more nuanced scientific judgement in health risk assessment of genotoxic substances.

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The study was published as a fast-track article in the journal ‘Archives of Toxicology’ to make the results quickly available to researchers, health authorities and other stakeholders. Learn more: bfr.bund.de/en/notification/…
How much mould toxin from cattle feed ends up in milk? Dairy cows with high milk yields release significantly more aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a mould toxin, into their milk than cows with lower milk yields. Researchers at the Feed Centre of the BfR have now developed a mathematical model that can be used to determine the relationship between milk yield and the transfer of aflatoxin into milk.

ALT How much mould toxin from cattle feed ends up in milk? Dairy cows with high milk yields release significantly more aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a mould toxin, into their milk than cows with lower milk yields. Researchers at the Feed Centre of the BfR have now developed a mathematical model that can be used to determine the relationship between milk yield and the transfer of aflatoxin into milk.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Important – but in moderation Read our new FAQ: bfr.bund.de/en/service/frequ…
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. The best-known examples are alpha-(α)-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is important for the normal development and growth of the foetus and the breastfed infant. Therefore, an adequate supply of DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding is particularly important.

ALT Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. The best-known examples are alpha-(α)-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is important for the normal development and growth of the foetus and the breastfed infant. Therefore, an adequate supply of DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding is particularly important.
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Methylmercury: Why pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid certain types of fish The BfR has compiled FAQ on the topic: bfr.bund.de/en/service/frequ…
Methylmercury accumulates primarily in fish and seafood. It can, among other things, disrupt neurological development. In particular, pregnant and breastfeeding women should therefore avoid eating types of fish that contain high levels of methylmercury.

ALT Methylmercury accumulates primarily in fish and seafood. It can, among other things, disrupt neurological development. In particular, pregnant and breastfeeding women should therefore avoid eating types of fish that contain high levels of methylmercury.

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The conference is organized by the Society for Mycotoxin Research in collaboration with the BfR and will take place at the BfR site in Berlin-Marienfelde. Find further information, the scientific program and registration (until April 30, 2026) here: mycotoxin-workshop.eu/
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The 14. BfR-Summer Academy is a professional expert training course on risk assessment & risk communication in the area of food safety. The digital event is open to participants from public institutions engaged in risk assessment of food. Apply by 31 May: bfr-akademie.de/english/even…
14th BfR Summer Academy 2026. Lecture series from 15 to 19 June 2026.

ALT 14th BfR Summer Academy 2026. Lecture series from 15 to 19 June 2026.
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Read the essay here: bfr.bund.de/en/release/the-m…
"The myth of the poisonous apple". How plant protection products (PPPs) are tested for health risks – and why they are safe when used as intended, despite all the criticism. An essay by BfR President Andreas Hensel.

ALT "The myth of the poisonous apple". How plant protection products (PPPs) are tested for health risks – and why they are safe when used as intended, despite all the criticism. An essay by BfR President Andreas Hensel.

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The Pesticides Safety Department at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has a new head: Dr Vera Ritz is a biologist specialising in molecular genetics, pharmacology and toxicology and has been working at the BfR since 2006. More: bfr.bund.de/en/notification/…
Dr Vera Ritz appointed head of the Pesticides Safety Department. The picture shows her together with BfR President Andreas Hensel.

ALT Dr Vera Ritz appointed head of the Pesticides Safety Department. The picture shows her together with BfR President Andreas Hensel.
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The German Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has been investigating the incidence of animal poisoning by biocidal products for years. To this end, the BfR has analysed data from three poison centres (PCs) from different periods. Learn more: bfr.bund.de/en/notification/…
How dangerous are toxins for dogs and cats? The BfR evaluates data from German poison centres

ALT How dangerous are toxins for dogs and cats? The BfR evaluates data from German poison centres
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A total of over 200 research institutions and authorities from 28 countries participate in PARC - the “European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals”. Read our FAQ to learn more about the project: bfr.bund.de/en/service/frequ…
PARC: Identifying risks faster together: “PARC” stands for the “European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals”, which was founded in 2022. This research partnership aims to help more quickly identify and minimise risks to humans and the environment posed by chemicals. This FAQ answers important questions about the partnership and the role of the BfR.

ALT PARC: Identifying risks faster together: “PARC” stands for the “European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals”, which was founded in 2022. This research partnership aims to help more quickly identify and minimise risks to humans and the environment posed by chemicals. This FAQ answers important questions about the partnership and the role of the BfR.

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Results of the BfR-MEAL study on lead in food recovered food groups substantially contributing to total intake in the German population More: bfr.bund.de/en/opinions/resu…
BfR-MEAL study on lead in food. Lead is released into the environment through both natural processes and human activity, which is how it enters the environment and the food chain. In this opinion, the BfR addresses intake via food. The data on the occurrence of lead in food come from the BfR-MEAL study, the first total diet study in Germany

ALT BfR-MEAL study on lead in food. Lead is released into the environment through both natural processes and human activity, which is how it enters the environment and the food chain. In this opinion, the BfR addresses intake via food. The data on the occurrence of lead in food come from the BfR-MEAL study, the first total diet study in Germany
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