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Technologies that increase the efficiency and sustainability of food animal production to provide meat for a growing population are necessary and must be used in a manner consistent with good veterinary practices, approved labeled use, and environmental stewardship. Compounds that bind to beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR), termed beta-adrenergic receptor ligands (β-ligands), are one such technology and have been in use globally for many years. Though all β-ligands share some similarities in structure and function, the significance of their structural and pharmacological differences is sometimes overlooked. Structural variations in these molecules can affect absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as cause substantial differences in biological and metabolic effects. Several β-ligands are available for use specifically in cattle production. Ractopamine and zilpaterol are beta-adrenergic agonists approved to increase weight gain, feed efficiency, and carcass leanness in cattle. They both bind to and activate β1- and β2-AR. Lubabegron is a newly developed selective beta-adrenergic modulator with unique structural and functional features. Lubabegron displays antagonistic behavior at the β1- and β2-AR but agonistic behavior at the β3-AR. Lubabegron is approved for use in cattle to reduce ammonia emissions per unit of live or carcass weight. Additionally, lubabegron can withstand prolonged use as the β3-AR lacks structural features needed for desensitization. Due to these unique features of lubabegron, this new β-ligand provides an additional option in cattle production. The individual properties of each β-ligand should be considered when making risk management decisions, as unique properties result in varying human food safety profiles that can determine appropriate safe β-ligand use.

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EFSA depends on a system of scientific panels, working groups and the expertise of its staff to perform its role in providing high-quality scientific opinions through food safety risk assessment. The centralisation of the evaluation at the EU level not only intends to increase efficiency, but also may represent a challenge with regard to maintaining and developing expertise in the areas of food, feed, plant, animal and environmental risk assessment. The food risk assessment requires a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach: excellence in relevant fields of science is a prerequisite, although knowledge of the full risk analysis process, the EU food law, consumer behaviour, international relations and skills in risk communication is also needed. To handle future challenges regarding food safety risk assessment in an ever-changing and increasingly complex environment, the appropriate expertise needs to be identified and a model of specialised and continuous training is required. The state of the art and the future of education in risk assessment are presented. The following issues are put forward in this special issue: new technologies implemented in risk assessment training; current developments in higher education and training on food safety risk assessment and regulatory science in the EU and worldwide; challenges in training on general risk assessment, food safety risk assessment and environmental risk assessment; best practices and techniques; future developments in capacity building for risk assessment training; and the increased need for training of professionals.

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