Even though food in the Netherlands has become safer than ever the last few decades we should be alert to new threats. This is one reason for RIVM in the Netherlands to investigate food safety for the population in general and for certain groups, such as children, the elderly and pregnant women in particular. Research results are used by the RIVM to advise the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Food infections 
Food harbouring pathogenic microorganisms can become contaminated during production and preparation. RIVM’s task is to investigate the extent of food infections in the Netherlands, along with the risk of people becoming infected after eating contaminated food and the effect of such infections on health.

Food substances
Food may contain substances harmful to health. These are either inherent in the food or may arise during the production or handling process. RIVM’s task is to determine what concentrations of these substances can be ingested from foods without risk to health.
  
Food allergies
Some people are overly sensitive to certain substances present in the food they eat. RIVM’s role is to identify these substances, so-called allergens, and determine the concentrations to which an allergic reaction can occur.
 
Modern foods 
The last few years have seen the development of new foods, known as functional foods and supplements. RIVM investigates the extent to which these foods are consumed in the Netherlands and what effects they have on human health. Besides this, RIVM carries out research on genetically modified foods and food elements as well as the effect these modified foods have on the environment.