The Austrian Agency for Health & Food Safety (AGES) was established in 2002 following a series of crises in the food sector in the late 1990s. One of the key responsibilities of AGES is the assessment of risk along the entire food chain. This is why, in 2007, the Division for Data, Statistics & Risk Assessment (DSR) was set up. In close cooperation with other specialist divisions of AGES, federal ministries, and public authorities, DSR draws up independent scientific assessment reports to safeguard a high level of protection of human, animal, and plant health.

In fulfilling its key responsibility, i.e., carrying out risk assessments along the entire food chain, DSR maintains a comprehensive risk database capable of combining and linking up data from diverse areas using statistical methods, and it analyzes these data in the light of current scientific knowledge. Based on these findings, recommendations are issued, risk management strategies defined, and a responsible risk communication carried out.

DSR has three main areas of activity:

Data Management – providing valid data

Statistics – using statistical methods

Risk Assessment – based on scientific principles

The Data Management team analyzes the databases maintained by AGES, links relevant databases, and develops uniform interdisciplinary catalogues and nomenclatures. An important prerequisite for being able to fulfil these tasks is the Laboratory Information System, a unique system run by AGES.

The Statistics team offers what may, in brief, be summarized as statistical advice. The team draws up experimental and investigational plans as well as risk-based sampling plans, analyses data using biostatistical methods, and establishes geographical connections via Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The Risk Assessment team coordinates and compiles individual and overall risk assessments, and it issues recommendations on risk assessment, risk management, risk communication. Key responsibilities include the identification and evaluation of risks along the food chain and the early detection of new hazards and related risks.

To maintain a continually high level of technical know-how, DSR offers a comprehensive program of basic trainings and continued education in the areas of nomenclature, statistics, GIS, and risk assessment.

In addition to being Austria’s EFSA Focal Point, DSR functions as the AGES point of contact for all matters related to research, Twinnings, and international cooperation.

For more information, please contact:

Univ.Doz. DI Dr Klemens Fuchs

Bereich: Daten, Statistik und Risikobewertung
Telefon: +43(0)5 0555 61400
Adresse: 8010 Graz, Beethovenstrasse 8
klemens.fuchs@ages.at

In research-related matters, please contact:

Dipl.Ing. Johann Steinwider

Bereich: Daten, Statistik und Risikobewertung
Telefon: +43(0)5 0555 25702
Adresse: 1220 Wien, Spargelfeldstrasse 191
johann.steinwider@ages.at

• Risk Assessments
• EFSA One of the most important partners of AGES in Europe is the European Food Safety Authority.
• Publications 2010
• Publications 2009
• Publications 2008
• Publications 2007
• Publications 2006

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