A FAO/WHO expert consultation on principles and guidelines for incorporating microbiological risk assessment in the development of food safety standards, guidelines and related texts was held in Kiel, Germany from 18-22 March 2002. The consultation was hosted by the Institute for Hygiene and Food Safety of the Federal Dairy Research Centre in collaboration with the German Ministry for Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture, and the Federal Institute for Health Protection of Consumers and Veterinary Medicine. The consultation was opened by Dr. Hans Bohm, Head of the Division of Food Hygiene in the Federal Ministry for Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture, who reinforced the importance of risk assessment in the design and implementation of food safety measures for microbiological hazards. Publisher's description.