VKM also carries out risk assessments on animal health, plant health, animal welfare and cosmetics for the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, and on microbiological products and alien organisms and trade in endangered species (CITES) upon request from the Norwegian Environment Agency.

In addition, the Committee makes environmental risk assessments of genetically modified organisms for the Norwegian Environment Agency.

Risk assessments are made on an independent basis in accordance with internationally established methods.

The Scientific Committee is appointed by the Ministry of Health and Care Services for four years at a time.

VKM is the Norwegian focal point for the European Food Safety Authority.