Determination of substances of concern, their adverse effects, target populations, and conditions of exposure, taking into account toxicity data and knowledge of effects on human health, other organisms and their environment. WHO, 1988

The process of determining whether exposure to an agent can cause an increase in the incidence of a health condition.

the detection and identification of hazards.

The identification of biological, chemical and physical agents capable of causing adverse health effects and that may be present in a particular food or group of foods (MRA). [1

the identification of known or potential health effects associated with a particular agent.

The identification of the inherent adverse effects of a substance or preparation

The first step in the risk assessment process. This step includes the identification of a chemical of concern and its potential adverse effects. more

Determining if a chemical or a microbe can cause adverse health effects in humans and what those effects might be.