OBJECTIVE OF WORKSHOP: The EANS workshop held in 1998 examined the various approaches to determine requirements and safety of vitamins and minerals. The methodology used and approaches taken on both sides of the Atlantic provided the focus of the event. Over three years later, and with risk assessment much advanced, the progress made was reviewed and inadequacies as well as limitations were defined. In addition, this workshop looked beyond assessment to the broader context in which nutrition science operates. What are the particular problems facing risk managers in the light of risk assessment conclusions? To what extent can nutrition research provide the answers that risk managers require and should the nutrition research agenda be shaped by the needs of the policymaker?