First outbreak of ciguatoxin poisoning after eating fish in Germany now confirmed by analytical methods

18-04-2013

As a rule, the first symptoms experienced are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Most people suffering from ciguatoxin poisoning later also suffer from extremely unpleasant sensations such as burning, tingling, and pain on contact with cold. These symptoms can continue for weeks or even months. ...

more

About 200 experts met at the BfR to discuss new scientific insights into how to prevent food-borne infections

29-11-2012

In early summer 2011, EHEC in raw sprouts made headlines in Germany, followed by headlines about a norovirus found on frozen strawberries in autumn 2012. These two major outbreaks again alerted the public to the significance of illnesses transmitted via food. "Although we are observing a ...

more

The BfR is involved in a European research project for harmonised exposure estimation

15-11-2012

How much dioxin or acrylamide do we ingest from food on average? Are consumers in Portugal or Iceland exposed to the same amounts as consumers in Germany? Are the substance contents in foods similar and the risks therefore comparable across Europe? Answers to these questions form the basis ...

more

First joint appointment by BfR and Charité

08-10-2012

As of 1 October 2012, Professor Dr. Gilbert Schönfelder heads the Experimental Toxicology Department and ZEBET at the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). In the Department, toxicologists will closely cooperate with the National Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives ...

more

05-10-2012

The BfR has scientifically assessed the publication by Séralini et al. (2012). The authors’ conclusion that rats fed with genetically modified NK603 maize throughout their life have a shorter lifespan than animals fed with conventional maize is not sufficiently corroborated by experiments. ...

more

Together with ANSES (France) and the National Food Institute of the Danish Technical University, the BfR is organising a symposium on the topic of how to handle and prevent crises

14-09-2012

The EHEC outbreak 2011 resulted in over 50 deaths and was one of the most severe food-borne crises in Europe for a long time. Incidents like these can reoccur at any time. How can crises be overcome? What can be done to prevent them? What lessons are learned by government and society from ...

more

Starch balls can make their way into the respiratory tract and impair breathing

24-08-2012

Bubble Tea has developed into a trend drink that is very popular with children and teenagers in particular. The colourful drink consists of sweetened green or black tea with added milk or fruit syrup. As a special feature, little balls of starch (bubbles) filled with a sweet liquid are added ...

more

Leaflet: Protection against Infections with Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)

19-06-2012

EHEC pathogens are naturally found in the intestine of cattle and other ruminants. Humans can become infected with the germ through direct contact with animals or via raw foods of animal origin. EHEC can also be transmitted via fruit and vegetables, although their occurrence in these foods is ...

more

The BfR recommends that smoking of e-cigarettes should be banned in smoke-free areas

08-06-2012

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) assessed some typical substances present in e-cigarette liquids such as nicotine, fumigation agents, additives and flavoring substances: the fumes from these substances can be detrimental to the health when inhaled by e-smokers. Presently, risks ...

more

20-04-2012

About 10 % of all children are sensitised to nickel. Even to fragrances, a not inconsiderable proportion of children (roughly 2 %) are sensitised. In case of renewed contact with the allergen, sensitised persons can react with a contact allergy. Contact allergy means: the skin reacts to ...

more