margin of exposure
A tool used in risk assessment to explore safety concerns arising from the presence of a potentially toxic substance in food or animal feed
In food safety, the Margin of Exposure (MOE) is a way to measure how close the amount of a substance people are exposed to is compared with a level that can cause harm. It is calculated by dividing the dose that causes adverse effects (derived from studies) by the estimated human exposure. A larger MOE means a bigger safety buffer, while a smaller MOE indicates a higher potential risk.
EFSA uses the MOE to assess substances such as chemicals and contaminants in food. By calculating the MOE, we can judge whether current exposure levels are likely to be safe or if more action is needed, such as stricter limits, better control measures, or public guidance, helping to protect consumers from potential harm.