Glossary
This multilingual glossary provides easy-to-understand definitions for the main scientific terms used on this website in the risk assessment domain. Terms and their definitions are referenced in our communication products as pop-up notes to explain concepts to the public with no specialist knowledge.
Standard English spelling is used throughout. Acronyms are capitalised. Terms are presented in lower case. Entries are translated into all 24 EU official languages.
The glossary is a living document subject to regular updates. Relevant missing terms may be suggested by using the Ask A Question online form.
Disclaimer: Definitions in the glossary are intended solely to help this website's users understand scientific terminology. Definitions may differ from those given in European Union legislation and in the EFSA Journal.
M
A calorie-containing component of food (e.g. fat, protein, carbohydrate) which is needed in significant quantities for normal growth, development and maintenance of health.
A tool used in risk assessment to explore safety concerns arising from the presence of a potentially toxic substance in food or animal feed.
The gap between the actual intake of a substance by a given population and the estimated daily dose over a lifetime that experts consider to be safe.
The maximum amount of a contaminant, naturally occurring toxin or nutrient allowed in foods or animal feeds.
The maximum amount of a pesticide residue allowed in foods or animal feeds, expressed as milligrams per kilogram.
The process by which a substance produces an effect on a living organism.
The specific sequence of events explaining how a substance causes a toxic effect.
A statistical method which enables the results of similar studies to be pooled in order to determine any significant trends.
The total sum of physical and chemical processes that occur within living organisms.
Substance formed as a consequence of metabolism in an organism.
The study of an organism's metabolic state through the systematic analysis of its metabolites within cells or biological fluids (e.g. blood, urine).
Nutrient required by the body in tiny amounts for normal growth, development and maintenance of health; for example, vitamins and minerals.
A naturally occurring inorganic element (e.g. calcium, iron) that is needed in the diet for normal growth, development and health.
A sequence of events, identified by research, which explains an observed effect.
The margin of exposure (MOE) is a tool used in risk assessment to explore safety concerns arising from the presence of a potentially toxic substance in food or animal feed.
A way of identifying specific strains of organisms by looking at their genetic material. Often used to characterise bacteria or viruses.
The maximum amount of a pesticide residue allowed in foods or animal feeds, expressed as milligrams per kilogram.
The capacity to cause permanent, typically negative, changes to an organism and any offspring by altering the structure of its DNA.
A permanent, typically negative, change in the genetic material in a cell which, in most cases, can be passed onto any offspring.
Toxin produced by certain species of mould which are dangerous to humans and animals.