Risk Assessment
Training Program
Bridging global safety standards with national regulatory excellence. Strengthening scientific competence in food safety.
About The Training
Risk analysis is central to the Codex Alimentarius framework for setting food standards. Within this, Risk Assessment provides the scientific foundation.
While hazard identification is often global (JECFA), exposure assessment must be country-specific, depending on local consumption patterns and contamination levels.
This training strengthens expertise to generate, use, and interpret data to safeguard consumer health and ensure fair trade.
Risk Assessment
Scientific Foundation
Risk Management
Policy Decisions
Risk Communication
Transparent Dialogue
Program Overview
Who Should Attend?
- Chemical Risk Assessors
- Food Monitoring Officials
- Regulators & Policy Makers
- Researchers & Scholars
Program Highlights
- Foundations of Risk Analysis
- WHO Tools & GEMS/Food Data
- Real-world Case Studies
- Establishing MLs and MRLs
Expected Outcomes
- Strengthened Assessment Capacity
- Practical Skills for Codex Support
- Core Group of Trained Mentors
Program Architecture
A dual-phase curriculum designed to transition from global principles to national application.
Curriculum Distribution
Part A: Dietary Exposure
Weeks 1-14 (Jan - May)
Focuses on global frameworks (WHO/FAO), Functional Separation, Statistical rigor, and GEMS/Food database.
Part B: Advanced Risks
Weeks 15-23 (May - Jul)
Focuses on National Application, Microbiological Risk Assessment (MRA), AMR, and commodity-specific risks (Spices, Fisheries).
Inaugural Session
Leadership Address & Context Setting.
Foundations & Part A
Chemical Risk, GEMS/Food, Statistical Tools.
Part B: National Context
MRA, AMR, Genomics, Case Studies.
Strategic Context
The Comprehensive Online Training Programme on Food Safety Risk Assessment is a national capacity building initiative of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) aimed at developing a future-ready cadre of scientific risk assessors aligned with international standards. The programme is designed for officers associated with risk assessment, standards development, and science based regulatory decision making across India’s food safety ecosystem.
Institutional Vision
"This initiative reflects FSSAI’s long-term commitment to strengthening evidence-based food safety systems and developing globally competent risk assessors for the future."
Going forward, this training will be institutionalized as a regular regulatory capacity building practice within FSSAI to ensure continuous strengthening of risk assessment expertise.
The training builds on global best practices in risk analysis and responds to the increasing complexity of food safety arising from novel foods, emerging contaminants, antimicrobial resistance, technological innovations, and evolving dietary patterns. By strengthening scientific competence in risk assessment, the programme seeks to enhance the quality, transparency, and credibility of regulatory decisions while supporting consumer protection and international trade. Going forward, this training will be institutionalized as a regular regulatory capacitybuilding practice within FSSAI to ensure continuous strengthening of risk assessment expertise.
The programme was formally launched as a curtain-raiser during the Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS) 2025, held on 26–27 September 2025, through the FSSAI–WHO Master Class on Food Safety and Risk Assessment. The Master Class brought together global experts from WHO, Codex Alimentarius Commission, WTO, JECFA, JEMRA, JMPR, FAO, and national scientific institutions, and provided the technical foundation and strategic direction for this advanced training initiative.
Structured as an entirely online programme, the training offers in-depth, multidisciplinary learning covering dietary exposure assessment, microbiological risk assessment, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), toxicology, and application of risk assessment in regulatory decision-making. A core module on Dietary Exposure Assessment is delivered with technical support from WHO and former WHO international experts, while modules on Microbiological Risk, AMR, and Toxicology are led by distinguished Indian experts drawn from JECFA, JEMRA, FSSAI Scientific Panels, and FAO regional expert groups.
Through expert led sessions, case studies, and applicationoriented learning, the programme aims to institutionalize scientific risk assessment capacity in India and prepare officers to operate confidently within national and international regulatory frameworks. The initiative reflects FSSAI’s long term commitment to strengthening evidence based food safety systems and developing globally competent risk assessors for the future.
RAS Inaugural Session
Held on Jan 29, 2026 | Virtual
About
On Jan 29, 2026, Shri Rajit Punhani, CEO-FSSAI launched a Comprehensive Online Training Programme on Food Safety Risk Assessment with a dedicated digital portal, in collaboration with WHO.This initiative is the first-of-its-kind pilot training programme jointly developed by FSSAI and WHO, bringing together global expertise to design a structured curriculum ranging from basic to advanced levels of food safety risk assessment. FSSAI aims to institutionalize risk assessment capacity building and strengthen the food safety ecosystem not only in India but also at regional and global levels.
FSSAI–WHO Master Class 2025
Held on Sept 26–27, 2025 | Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Global Experts
- Dr. Moez Sanaa, Senior Epidimeologist, WHO Head Quarters
- Dr. Diego Varela, Former Vice chairperson,Codex Alimentarious Commission
- Mr. Vincet Arbuckle, DDG, New Zealand Food Safety, MPI
- Ms. AwiloOchiengPernet, Former Chairperson, Codex, Swiss federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, Switzerland
- Ms. Christianne Wolf, Secretary, WTO Committee on SPS Committee
- Mr. Raj Rajsekhar, Former, Vice Chairperson, Codex and MPI, New Zealand
- Dr. Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Standards Officer, Codex Alimentarius Commission
- Mr. Hakim B Mufumbiro, UNBS, Uganda
- Mr. Peter Donelam, Deputy Head, STDF, WTO
- Dr. GyanendraGongal, Senior Public Health Officer, WHO
- Mr. Alberto Antonio Sambo, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant,Mozambique
- Mr. Kidane Mariam TadesseHailu, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant,Ethiopia
- Mr. Tinashe Bernard Mudyanadzo, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participants, Zimbabwe
- Mr. Vincent Ngetich, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Kenya
- Mr. Clement Hassan Mwalusamba, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Tanzania
- Mr. Tashi Samdrup, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Bhutan
- Mrs. Chandenie Sanchit, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Suriname
- Dr. Manar Maher ElsebaiiAbdelwahabHelal, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Egypt
- Mrs. Haneen Obaid Khaleefah Khaleefah, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Iraq
- Ms. Ngandwe Chansa, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Zambia
- Mr. Yusufu Athumani Sampuli, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Tanzania
- Ms. Maa Gomez, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Gambia
- Mr. Daud Dungun, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, South Sudan
- Ms. Tulia Yawayawa, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Fiji
- Mr. Issack Barnabas, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Tanzania
- Mr. Ibrahim Adamou Faycal, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Niger
- Mr. Frew Teshale Zewdie, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant,Ethiopia
- Ms. Sok Khornn Phorn, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Cambodia
- Mr. Nileththi Yasendra Jayanath Nileththi, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Sri Lanka
- Dr. Seda Ersus, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Turkey
- Ms. Thi Hue Cao, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Vietnam
- Mr.Yeshi Nidup, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Bhutan
- Mr. Chakravarty Poudel, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant,Nepal
- Mr. Dagoberto Yosiel Ramos Garcia, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Panama
- Mr. Chandradev Goorree, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Mauritius
- Ms. Aroloyeteim Suku, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Nigeria
- Ms. Muslima Amiriddinova, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Uzbekistan
- Ms. Safia Hamadache, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Algeria
- Mr. Enock Simumba, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Malawi
- Mrs. Alice Ocran, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Ghana
- Ms. Menna Allah Adel Mohammed Mohammed Khater, MEA-IIP-ITEC Participant, Egypt
Key Themes
- Sensitize stakeholders to the importance of risk assessment and evidence generation in food safety.
- Share standard procedures for conducting risk assessments within a comprehensive risk analysis framework, clearly defining roles and responsibilities.
- Promote a data-driven, decision-based approach for selecting high-priority risk assessments, considering regulatory requirements, resource availability, and public health priorities.
- Discuss peer review mechanisms to enhance the scientific rigor and acceptance of risk assessments.
- Identify strategies for capacity building, including training, recruitment, contracting, and acquisition of analytical tools to strengthen risk assessment capabilities.
Proceedings
FSSAI, in collaboration with WHO, hosted an expert led platform at the Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS) 2025, namely FSSAI-WHO Master Class on Food Safety and Risk Assessment. This event featured roundtable discussions, technical presentations.
Dashboard
FSSAI-Learning Hub
Full Lecture Schedule 2026
Jan 29
1:00 PM
Inaugural Session
Welcome Address, Keynote & Course Launch
Inaugural Session
Welcome Address, Keynote & Course Launch
Schedule
- 1:00 pm – 1:05 pm
- 1.05 pm-1.15 pm
- 1.15 pm-1.20 pm
- 1.20 pm-1.25 pm
- 1.25 pm-1.30 pm
- 1.30 pm-1.40 pm
- 1.40 pm-1.42 pm
Activity
- Welcome Address
- Context Setting
- Special Address
- Special Address
- Launch of Training Portal
- Inaugural Address
- Vote of Thanks
Dignitaries
- Dr.Alka Rao (Advisor, FSSAI)
- Dr. Simone Moraes Raszl (Scientist, Department of Nutrition, WHO HQ)
- Dr Luz Maria de Regil (Director, Department of Nutrition, WHO HQ)
- Dr Hyo-Jeong Kim (Deputy Head of WHO Country office for India)
- Sh. Rajit Punhani (CEO, FSSAI)
- CEO, FSSAI
- Dr. Rachita Gupta (National Professional Officer Nutrition, WHO India)
PART A: Dietary Exposure Assessment (International Expert Led)
Feb 07
Session 2
General Review of Chemical Risk Assessment
General Review of Chemical Risk Assessment
Roles
- Presenter(s): Moez Sanaa (CEO, IFoRAC) and Sarah Cahill (Codex Alimentarius).
- Facilitator / Moderator: Juliana De Oliveira Mota
- Technical / logistical support: Pankaj Meena (standards@fssai.gov.in)
Learning objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:- Define risk and explain why structured risk analysis is essential.
- Describe the way in which chemical risk assessment supports evidence-based decision making.
- List the four steps of chemical risk assessment.
- Describe the Codex system and the process by which committees make requests for risk assessments to FAO and WHO.
- Explain the importance of problem formulation, data quality, and risk communication.
- Describe how assessment outcomes are used by Codex and in national food-safety policies.
Time Slot (IST)
- 1:00 pm – 1:05 pm
- 1:05 pm - 1:30 pm
- 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
- 2:00 pm - 2:20 pm
- 2:20 pm - 2:30 pm
- 2:30 pm - 2:50 pm
- 2:50 pm - 3:00 pm
Component
- Welcome & Introduction
- Lecture 1
- Lecture 2
- Q&A
- Break
- Live quiz
- Assessment, Quiz,
Next Session Instructions
Topic and Presenter
- Objectives of session 01 - Juliana De Oliveira Mota
- General overview of chemical risk assessment - Moez SANAA.
- The Codex Alimentarius: mandate, governance, and procedures - Sarah Cahill.
- Clarification and discussion on the presentations.
- Short health break.
- Check your knowledge.
- Explanation of the online quiz to be completed by participants (used for learning assessment), including completion deadline and evaluation criteria. Overview of preparatory tasks, required readings, and expectations for the next session – Moez Sanaa
Feb 14
Session 3
Hazard Identification and Characterization
Hazard Identification and Characterization
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Hazard Identification & Characterization basics.
Feb 21
Session 4
General Introduction to Exposure Assessment
General Introduction to Exposure Assessment
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Step-by-step framework for Exposure Assessment.
- Determining "Food Consumption" x "Chemical Concentration".
- Deterministic vs. Probabilistic assessment methods.
Mar 14
Session 5
Statistical Foundations for Dietary Exposure Assessment (Part I)
Statistical Foundations for Dietary Exposure Assessment (Part I)
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Descriptive statistics for occurrence data.
- Distribution fitting (Normal vs. Log-normal).
- Understanding statistical power and sampling bias.
Mar 21
Session 6
Statistical Foundations for Dietary Exposure Assessment (Part II)
Statistical Foundations for Dietary Exposure Assessment (Part II)
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Critical Topic: Handling "Left-Censored Data" (Results < LOD/LOQ).
- Substitution methods (Lower bound, Upper bound, Medium bound).
- Outlier detection and handling.
Mar 28
Session 7
Contamination Data for Exposure Assessment
Contamination Data for Exposure Assessment
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Structure of the GEMS/Food contaminants database.
- Submitting national data (OPAL web tool).
- Extracting global data for gap-filling.
Apr 4
Session 8
Food Consumption Data Used in Dietary Exposure Assessment
Food Consumption Data Used in Dietary Exposure Assessment
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Overview of the FAO/WHO Global Individual Food consumption data Tool (GIFT).
- Harmonization of food categories for international comparison.
- Using FOSCOLLAB to integrate diverse data sources.
- Strategies for countries with limited consumption data.
- Data mapping exercises.
Apr 18
Session 9
Conducting a Dietary Exposure Assessment using Individual Consumptions Data (Part I)
Conducting a Dietary Exposure Assessment using Individual Consumptions Data (Part I)
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Intra-individual vs. Inter-individual variability.
- Chronic vs. Acute exposure assessment methodologies.
- Introduction to Monte Carlo simulations.
Apr 25
Session 10
Conducting a Dietary Exposure Assessment using Individual Consumptions Data (Part II)
Conducting a Dietary Exposure Assessment using Individual Consumptions Data (Part II)
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Practical Workshop: Running an exposure model using provided datasets.
- Interpreting output distributions.
- Sensitivity analysis demonstration.
May 2
Session 11
Exposure Assessment to Veterinary Drug Residues in Food
Exposure Assessment to Veterinary Drug Residues in Food
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Calculation of TMDI (Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake) vs. EDI.
- Establishing Withdrawal Periods.
- JECFA evaluation models for Vet Drugs.
May 9
Session 12
Exposure Assessment to Pesticide Residues in Food
Exposure Assessment to Pesticide Residues in Food
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Setting Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs).
- IESTI (International Estimated Short-Term Intake) calculations.
- Acute reference dose considerations for pesticides.
May 16
Session 13
Establishing Maximum Levels for Contaminants in Food
Establishing Maximum Levels for Contaminants in Food
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- The ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
- Impact assessment of proposed MLs on trade and health.
- Case study
May 23
Session 14
Closing and Evaluation
Closing and Evaluation
Key Content & Learning Outcomes:
- Review of key concepts.
- Final Assessment (Quiz/Exercise).
PART B: Microbiological, AMR & Toxicological Risks (Indian & FAO Expert Led)
May 30
Session 15
Fundamentals of Microbiological Risk Assessment (MRA)
Fundamentals of Microbiological Risk Assessment (MRA)
Content Coverage & Key Techniques:
- Qualitative vs. Quantitative MRA (QMRA).
- Predictive Microbiology: Growth/Survival models (using ComBase).
- Hazard Characterization for pathogens (Dose-Response models).
- Case Study: MRA in the Indian Poultry sector.
Jun 6
Session 16
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Food Chain
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Food Chain
Content Coverage & Key Techniques:
- Codex Guidelines on AMR Risk Assessment (TFAMR).
- One Health Approach: Linking human, animal, and environmental data.
- Drivers of AMR in Indian aquaculture and dairy sectors.
- Interpreting susceptibility testing data.
Jun 13
Session 17
Advanced Toxicology & Genomic Applications
Advanced Toxicology & Genomic Applications
Content Coverage & Key Techniques:
- Regulatory Toxicology: OECD guidelines for toxicity testing.
- Modern approaches: QSAR, Read-across, and ToxTree.
- Application of Next Gen Sequencing (NGS) and OMICS in risk assessment.
- Safety evaluation of novel proteins.
Jun 20
Session 18
Nutrition-Safety Interface & Mycotoxins
Nutrition-Safety Interface & Mycotoxins
Content Coverage & Key Techniques:
- Mycotoxins: Sampling plans for Aflatoxins (Indian context).
- Risk assessment of nutrients utilizing NNMB data for exposure estimates.
- Risk-Benefit Analysis: Balancing nutrient fortification vs. toxicity risks.
Jun 27
Session 19
Risk Assessment in Fish and Fishery Products
Risk Assessment in Fish and Fishery Products
Content Coverage & Key Techniques:
- Chemical Hazards: Histamine formation, heavy metals (Cadmium/Mercury).
- Biological Hazards: Vibrio parahaemolyticus modeling.
- Managing risks for export compliance (EU/USFDA requirements).
- Marine biotoxins (Ciguatera, PSP).
Jul 4
Session 20
Commodity Specific Risks: Spices & Additives
Commodity Specific Risks: Spices & Additives
Content Coverage & Key Techniques:
- Spices: Risk profiling for chemical adulterants (Sudan dyes) and pesticide residues.
- Toxicology and Sustainability: Relevance and Approaches for Suitability of Industrial Chemicals.
- Risk assessment of food additives (colours, Non-caloric sweeteners).
- Determining "Technological Justification" vs. Safety.
Jul 11
Session 21
Veterinary Public Health & Safety Management Systems
Veterinary Public Health & Safety Management Systems
Content Coverage & Key Techniques:
- Modeling zoonotic disease transmission (Farm-to-Fork).
- Integration of animal health surveillance data.
- Food Safety Management: Risk-based inspection and control strategies.
- Role of competent authorities in risk management.
Jul 18
Session 22
Final Capstone & Panel Discussion
Final Capstone & Panel Discussion
Content Coverage & Key Techniques:
- Final Presentation: Participants present their comprehensive risk assessment projects.
- Panel Discussion: "The Future of Risk Assessment in India".
Jul 25
Session 23
Grand Course Valedictory & Certification Ceremony
Grand Course Valedictory & Certification Ceremony
Key Highlights:
- Special Address: Leadership from FSSAI, WHO, and FAO.
- Certification: Awarding of "Certified Risk Assessor" credentials.
- Networking: Interaction between participants, faculty, and leadership.
Participant Consent Proforma
Joint FSSAI - FAO/WHO Training Program
🌍 International Experts
- Juliana De Oliveira Mota Scientist, Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO, Geneva
- Kim Petersen Scientist, Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (JECFA Secretariat), WHO, Geneva
- Luc Ingenbleek Food Safety Expert, FAO / Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
- Milo Bystricky Food Safety Expert (Antimicrobial Resistance), FAO, Rome
- Moez Sanaa Former Unit Head, Standards and Scientific Advice on Food and Nutrition (SSA), WHO, Geneva
- Sarah Cahill Secretary, Codex Alimentarius Commission, Rome
- Simone Moraes Raszl Unit Head, Department of Nutrition and Food, WHO, Geneva
- Sridhar Dharmapuri Senior Food Safety & Nutrition Officer (Food Safety Management), FAO, Bangkok
- Steven Wearne Chairperson, Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) / Director of Global Affairs, UK Food Standards Agency (FSA)
- Søren Madsen Technical Officer, Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (JECFA Joint Secretary - Vet Drugs), WHO
- Tracy Hambridge Principal Specialist, Dietary Exposure Assessments, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
🇮🇳 National Experts
- A.B. Pant Chief Scientist, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment, CSIR-IITR
- Alka Rao Advisor (S&S&R), FSSAI and Principal Scientist, CSIR-IMTECH
- Amit Khurana Programme Director, Food Safety and Toxins, CSE, New Delhi
- Basharat Dar Asst. Prof, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir
- Debabrata Kanungo Chairperson, FSRAC FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Dilip Kumar Nandi Associate Professor & Head, Raja N L Khan Women College, West Bengal
- Geevaretnam Jeyasekaran Director Research, Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Tamil Nadu
- Iddya Karunasagar Consultant, Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO)
- Indrani Karunasagar Director (R&D), Nitte University
- Jatinder Paul Singh Gill Director Research, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana
- Kiran Narayan Bhilegaonkar Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Pune
- M R Sudharshan Chair, Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSH)
- Ramesh V. Bhat Retired Expert, Centre for Science, Society and Culture, Hyderabad
- S. K. Saxena Expert member of the JECFA & Former-Director, Export Inspection Council
- Sheelendra Pratap Singh Senior Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), UP
- Siriguri Vasanthi Scientist 'F', Food Safety, National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad
- Sukhadeo B Barbuddhe Director, ICAR-National Meat Research Institute, Hyderabad
- Vemula Sudershan Rao Deputy Director (Rtd), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad
- Vijay Pal Singh Principal Technical Officer, CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Delhi
- Vinod Pravin Sharma Former-Chief Scientist, Regulatory Toxicology, CSIR-IITR, Lucknow
Digital Tools & Databases
Global Tools (WHO/FAO)
- GEMS/Food: Global Environment Monitoring System
- FAO/WHO GIFT: Global Individual Food consumption data Tool
- FOSCOLLAB: Integrated Food Safety Platform
- ComBase: Microbial Responses to Food Environments
National Data Sources (India)
- IFCT-2017: Indian Food Composition Tables
- NNMB: "What India Eats" Reports
- FSSAI INFoS: Indian Food Laboratory Network
- MPRNL Reports: Pesticide Residues Monitoring
Course Guidelines & Delivery
Standard Lecture Format (2 Hours)
- 1:00 pm-1:15 pm: Recap & Context
- 1:15 pm-2:00 pm: Core Lecture (Theory)
- 2:00 pm-2:10 pm: Break
- 2:10 pm-2:40 pm: Practical Application
- 2:40 pm-3:00 pm: Q&A and Assessment
Pedagogical Rules
- Use Codex definitions.
- Data-driven approach with real-world examples.
- Visual learning with interactive checkpoints.
Assessment & Code of Conduct
Assessment Strategy
- Part A: Online MCQ & Practical Exercise (Week 16)
- Part B: Case Study Presentation (Week 24)
- Certification: Issued upon completion of both parts with min 80% attendance.
Honor Code Pledge
"I pledge to complete all assessments with honesty, respect intellectual property, foster inclusivity, and adhere to attendance requirements."