Priority topics for the development of risk assessment guidance by EFSA's Scientific Committee in 2016-2018

EFSA asked its Scientific Committee to review its own cross-cutting guidance for scientific assessments in order to identify gaps requiring either new or the revision of existing guidance. Through strategic discussions, the Scientific Committee identified topics to be included in its 2016-2018 work programme without ranking their priority. Three topics were identified for activity leading to the development of new guidance: individual susceptibility and uncertainty factors; interpretation of epidemiological studies; history of use. These will be further discussed and introduced into the rolling work programme as time and resources become available. Work is already underway in three areas which will lead to new or revised cross-cutting guidance: chemical mixtures; follow up on the Threshold of Toxicological Concern approach; nanotechnologies. The Scientific Committee will continue to keep priorities for cross-cutting guidance across EFSA's fields of responsibility under review.