From 1 June 2022, the heel prick test for Dutch newborns will also screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a serious hereditary muscle condition. Detecting this disease at an early stage enables early treatment.

Commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), RIVM has developed a new methodology to calculate the period for which workers must wear gloves to mitigate the risk of re

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a provisional health-based guidance value for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.

The German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM have signed a cooperation agreement, focused on developing new sci

The European Commission, Member States and EFSA have taken a major step forward in their work on assessing the cumulative risks from exposure to pesticides in food.

On 26 October 2015, heel prick screening started for all newborns on St Eustatius and Saba.

As of November 1, Prof. Hans Verhagen will join the European Food Safety Authorithy (EFSA) in Parma, Italy as Head of the Risk Assessment and Scientific Assistance Department (RASA).

It is nearly impossible to get an overdose of potassium from natural food sources.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are natural toxins occurring in a wide variety of plants, including herbs.