The quality and safety of foods is commonly best preserved by delaying the growth of spoilage bacteria
and contamination by bacterial pathogens. However, microorganisms in food can be both harmful and
beneficial. Many microorganisms are integral to various food production processes e.g. the production
of beer, wine and various dairy products. Moreover, the use of some microorganisms in the production
of fermented foods are often claimed to have beneficial effects on food nutrition and consumer health.
Furthermore, food safety interventions leading to reduced public exposure to foodborne pathogens can
be regarded as benefits. The BRA approach integrates an independent assessment of both risks and benefits
and weighs the two using a common currency