toxicological profile
A summary of the toxic effects of a particular substance, including the levels of exposure at which these effects occur
A toxicological profile is a structured summary of how a substance can affect health. It describes what harmful effects a substance may cause, which organs or systems are affected, at what doses effects appear, and how the substance behaves in the body, including how it is absorbed, broken down, and eliminated.
EFSA uses toxicological profiles as a core element of food safety risk assessment. By reviewing data from laboratory studies, human data, and other scientific evidence, EFSA builds a toxicological profile for substances such as food additives, pesticides, contaminants, or novel foods. This profile helps EFSA identify critical health effects, select key reference points like NOAELs or benchmark doses, and derive health-based guidance values such as the ADI or TWI. It also supports decisions on safe use levels, legal limits, and risk management measures to protect consumers.