ABSTRACT
Risk assessment has evolved from straightforward identification of hazards to complex models incorporating probability distributions and uncertainty of knowledge. Each discipline brings different methods, models, and data sources to risk assessment. The mix of the disciplines (such as decision science, engineering, economics, food science, and epidemiology) involved in building a risk assessment for foodborne pathogens is likely to influence the design and implementation of the model. By examining models used in engineering and other disciplines, food safety risk assessors can learn about model structure
and variables affecting reliability. Knowledge about the food industry and plant practices is also needed, so a food safety Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) team is wise to include food scientists, veterinarians, and economists along with modelers.
