Vulnerability risk analysis

What We Do

The food system is a complex, system of systems that is dynamically changing each day. Vulnerabilities in the system can lead to catastrophic infrastructure failures that adversely affect human and animal health and create economic consequences. The Food Protection and Defense Institute identifies and quantifies these vulnerable points in the system to aid in prioritizing risk management resources.

Risk analysis establishes innovative strategies to assess, manage, and mitigate risk in the food supply. As defined by the World Health Organization, risk analysis is made up of the three components to accomplish the risk-based management of hazards in food:  1) Risk assessment is the scientific evaluation of known or potential adverse health effects resulting from human exposure to foodborne hazards;  2) Risk management is the process of weighing policy alternatives to accept, minimize, or reduce assessed risks and to select and implement appropriate options; and 3) Risk communication is an interactive process of exchange of information and opinion on risk among risk assessors, risk managers, and other interested parties.

How We Work

The Food Protection and Defense Institute utilizes real-time food system data to assess vulnerabilities from those within facilities to those impacting the global infrastructure of food. Emerging threat information is utilized to assess the dynamic risk to the system. Utilizing food experts and supply chain software developed at the Institute, we have assessed over 700 food systems. From udder to butter and boat to throat, our team has analyzed commodities and systems to best understand where to mitigate risk in our food supply. 

Our Capabilities

The Institute's vulnerability risk analysis experts provide a range of consultative services from assisting food manufacturers in conducting vulnerability assessments to evaluating macro-level food system vulnerabilities. Our experts work with stakeholders to propose feasible and cost-effective mitigation strategies and broader food system improvements to ameliorate the vulnerabilities.Our experts work with stakeholders to propose feasible and cost-effective mitigation strategies and broader food system improvements to ameliorate the vulnerabilities.

Expertise

We have spent our tenure understanding risk to the system and the vulnerabilities that exist. As a dynamic infrastructure, it is critical to understand the nuances of differing food types and system structures. Our team and collaborating partners collaborate to understand where we must protect the food system. 


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Food Protection and Defense Institute

University of Minnesota
1365 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108 

[email protected]
612-624-2458