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.

R

Food intended by the producer for direct consumption without the need for cooking or other processing.

New plastic goods or materials that have been made from recycled plastic waste.

Value set for energy-yielding macronutrients. It is expressed as the proportion (%) of energy derived from that macronutrient. RIs represent ranges of intakes that are adequate for maintaining health.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.

An internationally accepted approach to reduce the use of animals in research by, wherever possible, requiring studies to use alternative models and/or making refinements to the methods to minimise any distress when animals are used.

An approach to the risk assessment of mixtures of substances in which responses to each of the individual components are determined and added together in order to predict the response to the mixture as a whole. This approach is only valid if the individual components do not interact with each other, i.e. their effects are completely independent.

 A specialised field of applied science that involves reviewing scientific data and studies in order to evaluate risks associated with certain hazards. It involves four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation.

The final stage of risk assessment, in which the likelihood that a particular substance will cause harm is calculated in the light of the nature of the hazard and the extent to which people, animals, plants and/or the environment are exposed to it.

The interactive exchange of information and opinions throughout the risk analysis process, including the explanation of risk assessment findings and the basis of risk management decisions. The levels of interactive exchange include: the dissemination of public information about risks to consumers or other affected groups; the dialogue within and between risk assessment and risk management; engagement with interested parties affected by risk analysis outcomes.

The management of risks which have been identified by risk assessment. It includes the planning, implementation and evaluation of any resulting actions taken to protect consumers, animals and the environment.

A method for prioritising risks according to their likelihood and severity.

A method for weighing up the likely risks (in terms of the incidence and severity) associated with exposure to a substance versus the likely benefits.

A type of nucleic acid found in the body, similar to DNA but single stranded. The best known function of RNA (ribonucleic acid) is transmitting instructions from DNA to the cellular machinery responsible for making proteins. 

The blocking of normal gene activities by RNA molecules. This is a natural process but can also be harnessed by biologists as a way of researching how genes work in the body.

The blocking of normal gene activities by RNA molecules. This is a natural process but can also be harnessed by biologists as a way of researching how genes work in the body.