National frameworks establish different types of responsibilities for the risk assessors. These responsibilities are usually specified in the terms of reference for the risk assessment and may include, for example:
- Review of the information provided in the LMO dossier, and in particular the information in the risk assessment provided by the applicant, if available;
- Identify any other relevant scientific information on the subject at hand, including previous risk assessments or new information that has come to light;
- Consider information gaps and scientific uncertainties and possible ways to address them;
- Conduct the risk assessment and prepare a report.
These actions are performed in a process that can be iterative. For example, it is possible that while the risk assessment is being conducted, a new piece of scientific information comes to light and reveals some information gaps that had not been previously identified. In such a case, it may be necessary to identify and engage additional sources of scientific expertise that should be included in the initial risk assessment panel or scientific advisory body.
In reviewing the LMO dossier or at any subsequent steps of the risk assessment, the CNA(s) or the risk assessor(s) may decide that further documentation is needed and may choose to request it from the applicant or to conduct or commission their own testing.
