mechanism of action
Description:
The process by which a substance produces an effect on a living organism
Context:
In food safety, a mechanism of action is the way a substance—like a chemical, contaminant, or additive—produces its effect in the body. It explains how the substance interacts with cells, tissues, or organs to cause a response, whether harmful or beneficial.
EFSA uses knowledge of mechanisms of action to understand how chemicals or contaminants might affect human health. By studying these mechanisms, EFSA can predict possible risks, identify vulnerable populations, and make more accurate safety assessments. This information helps policy makers set safe intake levels, guide regulations, and protect consumers from potential harm in the food chain.