Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) The BfR's remit encompasses scientifically based risk assessments as part of administrative procedures, for instance marketing authorisations for plant protection products, and policy advice. The BfR risk assessments are used by the BMEL, BMU and regional/local public authorities as the basis for management measures. Without being influenced by scientific, political or social interests, the BfR has the task of assessing risks, identifying new health risks and drawing up risk minimisation recommendations. In this context, the BfR draws on the support of 15 independent expert committees with around 200 committee members overall. In its capacity as a scientific body, the BfR enjoys independence in respect of the results of its opinions, and prepares expert reports on risk assessment. The BfR's remit includes novel foods and food ingredients, feed, residues of plant protection products and veterinary medicinal products, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), food supplements, zoonoses, food contact materials and mineral waters. Other main areas of its work are research and transparent communication with the public at large, scientific circles and other stakeholders. 13 National Reference Laboratories are attached to the BfR pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2017/625. In addition to food safety, the BfR is also responsible for risk assessments in the area of safety of consumer products, cosmetics, biocides and chemicals (REACH). The BfR also collects notifications of intoxication caused by chemicals. Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) The main focus of the BVL is on risk management. In the field of food safety the BVL supports the cooperation between the BMEL, BMU and the federal states. Together with the federal states, the BVL coordinates programmes for inspection and control of food to ensure comparable results and procedures in all 16 federal states of Germany. The BVL is the regulatory authority for novel foods and food ingredients, plant protection products and veterinary medicinal products. In its decision-making process the BVL normally draws on BfR risk assessments. Based on risk assessments by other authorities, the BVL decides on applications for the experimental scientific cultivation of genetically modified plants. Furthermore, the BVL is involved in the EU marketing authorisation of GMOs in food and feed. Four National Reference Laboratories are attached to the BVL pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2017/625. Robert Koch Institute (RKI) The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is a federal institute within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). The RKI is responsible for the identification, prevention and control of diseases, especially infectious diseases. The tasks at the RKI include the legal obligation to compile scientific findings as a basis for political decisions concerning health issues. The RKI provides information and advice to the competent federal ministries – especially the BMG – and to the general public.