The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientific institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany. It advises the Federal Government and Federal Laender on questions of food, chemical and product safety. Risk assessment is done on the basis of internationally recognised scientific assessment criteria. Based on the risk analysis results the Institute formulates, where appropriate, management options for risk reduction.

The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks and cooperates with other institutions, particularly those in the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the EU member states, the European Food Safety Authority and International partner countries. BfR plays a role in the definition of research strategies and funding priorities, underpinning the world-wide connections of the institute. The institute employs a quality management system in line with international standards both in the area of practical laboratory work, in its scientific assessment processes and in the field of administration. In its scientific assessment and research work the Institute is independent.

The Department of Biological Safety deals with health risks for humans which may arise more particularly from micro-organisms, the toxins formed by them and other microbial metabolites. They include bacteria, yeast and mould but also viruses, parasites and TSE pathogens. The Department is involved in establishing the cause of outbreaks of foodborne diseases and zoonoses (statutory task anchored in the Protection Against Infection Act). The Department has a number of reference laboratories for the diagnosis and fine typing of pathogens, antibiotic resistance and the microbiological contamination of foods (a task anchored in food and zoonosis legislation).