The Raw Primary Commodity (RPC) model 2: supporting a flexible use of food consumption data across risk assessment domains

Abstract The Raw Primary Commodity (RPC) model 2 builds on the first version of the RPC model and was developed in response to the availability of new food consumption data, growing complexity of food descriptions and the need for more accurate estimation of dietary exposure to chemicals. It integrates new dietary surveys, the FoodEx2 classification and description system, an enhanced methodological workflow, and expanded input databases on recipes and reverse yield factors. The updated RPC model is designed to support a more efficient usage of dietary surveys in exposure assessment and to be more flexible towards future methodological refinements. The resulting RPC consumption database provides harmonised estimates of RPC, RPC derivative and composite food amounts at the level of individual consumption records, enabling consistent alignment with occurrence data across EFSA's risk assessment areas. While some sources of uncertainty remain – such as those related to probabilistic assignment of foods, recipe representativeness, and yield factor variability – the implementation of dynamic structures, automated procedures, and a transparent versioning ensures that the system remains robust and sustainable.