population threshold
Description:
A level set within a population to indicate when a significant change in risk occurs; for example, the point at which a certain number of people has been exposed to a chemical
Context:
In food safety, a population threshold is a level of exposure to a hazard (like a contaminant, chemical, or pathogen) that is considered safe for a population. It represents the point below which almost everyone in a defined group is unlikely to experience harmful effects.
EFSA uses population thresholds to assess risks and guide regulatory decisions. By combining data on exposure and toxicity, EFSA determines safe levels for substances in food and feed, helping policymakers set limits and protect public health across the population.