Risk characterization
Risk characterization is defined as “The qualitative and/or quantitative estimation, including attendant uncertainties, of the probability of occurrence and severity of known or potential adverse health effects in a given population based on hazard identification, hazard characterization and exposure assessment” (Codex Alimentarius Commission, 1999; Haberbeck et al., 2018).
Risk characterization is the final step in the quantitative risk assessment process. It thus integrates the findings from the three previous components presented in this guide. Generic tools can help to integrate the data collected in the risk assessment (see. Appendix 1).
At this stage, specific data related to populations and burden of disease can be integrated according to the output targeted (@fig-risk).