Risk Sciences International | Sectors of expertise
Food safety
Food safety is a critical determinant of public health and economic stability. Contaminated food can lead to outbreaks of illness, chronic health effects, and loss of consumer confidence, while also disrupting trade and damaging the reputations of producers and regulators. Risks arise from microbial pathogens, chemical contaminants, allergens, and physical hazards, often exacerbated by complex global supply chains.
Managing food safety requires collaboration across multiple sectors. Regulators set and enforce standards, industries implement quality assurance systems, and scientists work to identify emerging hazards. Civil society and the media contribute to shaping public perception, particularly during high-profile incidents. The global nature of food trade increases complexity, making international harmonization and cooperation essential.
Risk sciences provide the foundation for modern food safety systems. Hazard identification, dose-response assessment, and exposure analysis form the basis of regulatory standards, while probabilistic models help evaluate the likelihood and consequences of contamination events. Risk communication ensures that consumers receive accurate, timely information that supports informed choices and maintains trust in the system.
RSI is committed to advancing food safety, with the expertise and experience needed to support regulators, industry, and communities in protecting public health.
RSI experience in Food safety
RSI, with its long association with a key agency responsible for food safety, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), exemplifies this commitment. RSI’s work involves the development of the CFIA’s risk assessment and inspection process. This process includes comparative risk modelling, consideration of the potential for food fraud within the regulated industry, the effectiveness of risk controls, as well as concerns for animal welfare. These efforts are critical in ensuring that food products are safe for consumption and meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
Beyond Canadian borders, RSI has worked with both the US FDA and EFSA in Europe. Furthermore, RSI has, over the years, received multiple contracts to work with industry on various aspects of their food safety efforts ranging from development and implementation of internal policies to risk assessments and compliance.
