Risk science and communication issues and challenges for food: an Australian perspective

From any perspective, whether it be Australia or other countries, the issue of risk and food is one that includes all sectors of the community. The ex pansion of information technology and globalisation is making society as a whole more knowledgeable and expectant of safer foods with minimal risk. Th ere is risk in everything and the basis of risk science is one that involve s a number of established steps such as risk assessment, management and com munication. The evolution of food technology, production and dietary habits , together with changes in trade, will no doubt raise new safety issues and governments need to be abreast of risk science to assess such changes.