screening method
A first step method to establish the presence of a substance in a population for the purposes of estimating risk. Food intake is combined with likely chemical concentration to create an estimate of chemical exposure
In food safety, a screening method is a quick, initial test used to detect the possible presence of a contaminant, pathogen, or chemical in food. These methods are designed to be fast and efficient, identifying samples that may need more detailed testing.
EFSA uses results from screening methods to monitor food and feed across the EU, helping to detect potential risks early. Positive results from screening are usually followed by more precise confirmatory tests to ensure accurate risk assessment and to support regulatory decisions on food safety.