Assessing and reporting uncertainties in dietary exposure analysis – Part II: Application of the uncertainty template to a practical example of exposure assessment. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tennant, David; Bánáti, Diána; Kennedy, Marc; König, Jürgen; O'Mahony, Cian; Kettler, Susanne
• Is Part Of: Food and chemical toxicology. Volume 109:Part 1(2017)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 80
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Dietary exposure assessments -- Uncertainty analysis -- Deterministic and probabilistic models -- Reporting of uncertainties -- Uncertainty tables -- Graphical representation; ADI Acceptable Daily Intake -- ANS The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food -- EFSA European Food Safety Authority -- EC European Commission -- EU European Union -- FAIM Food Additives Intake Model -- FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations -- JRC Joint Research Centre -- MPL Maximum Permitted Level -- P95 95th percentile of distribution -- t-TDI temporary Tolerable Daily Intake -- WHO World Health Organization; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Food poisoning -- Periodicals; Food Poisoning -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Toxicologie -- Périodiques; Intoxications alimentaires -- Périodiques; Food poisoning; Toxicology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.07.061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-6915

Abstract

Abstract: A previous publication described methods for assessing and reporting uncertainty in dietary exposure assessments. This follow-up publication uses a case study to develop proposals for representing and communicating uncertainty to risk managers. The food ingredient aspartame is used as the case study in a simple deterministic model (the EFSA FAIM template) and with more sophisticated probabilistic exposure assessment software (FACET). Parameter and model uncertainties are identified for each modelling approach and tabulated. The relative importance of each source of uncertainty is then evaluated using a semi-quantitative scale and the results expressed using two different forms of graphical summary. The value of this approach in expressing uncertainties in a manner that is relevant to the exposure assessment and useful to risk managers is then discussed. It was observed that the majority of uncertainties are often associated with data sources rather than the model itself. However, differences in modelling methods can have the greatest impact on uncertainties overall, particularly when the underlying data are the same. It was concluded that improved methods for communicating uncertainties for risk management is the research area where the greatest amount of effort is suggested to be placed in future. Highlights: Practical applications illustrate a standard template to capture uncertainties. A spreadsheet template is provided as a practical tool for risk assessments. Deterministic & probabilistic models of aspartame dietary intake are considered. Alternative graphical formats for communicating uncertainties to risk managers.