The Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) are intensifying their long-standing cooperation. The Director of BIOR, Dr Olga Valciņa, together with the President of the BfR, Prof Dr Andreas Hensel, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote scientific dialogue and to build a closer network in the field of risk assessment.

The agreement provides for enhanced cooperation aimed at strengthening food safety and improving consumer protection in Latvia and Germany. As part of the collaboration, both institutes commit to carrying out joint scientific research and projects, offering training for experts, promoting the exchange of experience, and organising seminars on current issues related to food safety.

The close cooperation between BIOR and the BfR has existed for more than ten years and includes numerous international projects. It enables the early identification and prevention of risks in food safety and animal health, while also strengthening the qualifications of BIOR’s researchers and experts. Dr Olga Valciņa emphasises that this scientific exchange has opened up new opportunities in research and technology.

The signed memorandum strengthens scientific capacity, fosters innovation, and contributes to protecting the health and safety of consumers in both countries.

During the visit, Prof Dr Hensel also met with Māris Balodis, Director General of the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service, to discuss current developments in the field of food safety. In addition, more than 70 students from LBTU had the opportunity to attend a lecture in which the Professor shared his insights into trends and causes of foodborne disease outbreaks today — a topic that sparked great interest and lively discussion.