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                  November 2007

27.11.2007: The destructive impact of palm oil
Green Peace says that Unilever, Nestle and Proctor and Gamble are driving the destruction of peat lands and rainforests in Indonesia. These companies account for a significant volume of global palm oil use, mainly sourced from Indonesia and Malaysia. [1]

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is an international multi-stakeholder organization dedicated to bringing sustainable palm oil to the marketplace, as both a source of good for those in producing regions as well as for those consuming the end product.
RSPO’s objective is to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil through cooperation
within the supply chain and open dialogue between its stakeholders [2]

In 2001 RSPO was set up to bring the deforestation under control, with members like Unilever as Chair of RSPO and members like Cadbury's, Nestlé and Tesco, Cargill and ADM, the two latest representing 40 per cent of global palm oil trade. The Roundtable established ethical and ecological standards for producing palm oil. The deforestation, however was not stopped, and bad practices such as large-scale forest clearance and taking land from local people without their consent are still continuing. Ac cording to Green Peace the RSPO actually risks creating the illusion of sustainable palm oil, justifying the expansion of the palm oil industry. Palm oil plantations are now the leading cause of rainforest destruction in Malaysia and Indonesia. [3]

See the impressive picture of forested peatlands cleared for oil palm plantations in Riau, Indonesia, Greenpeace/Oka Budhi.  Get the picture
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/forests/faq-palm-oil-forests-and-climate-change

Commitment of governments to increase biofuels by 2020

Clearing forests and draining and burning peatlands t
o grow palm oil will release more carbon emissions
than burning fossil fuels. Green Peace says. [4]
 

EU      10% biofuel
China 15% biofuel
India    20% biofuel


Monocultures like soy bean plantations, sugar cane and castor oil plantations displace small farmers, menace biodiversity and destroy the rain forest of Brazil


1] Green Peace: Cooking the planet. Publication date: 8.11.2007
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/media/reports/cooking-the-climate

[2] The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
http://www.rspo.org/

[3] RSPO Certification Systems. 26 June 2007
http://www.rspo.org/resource_centre/(2)%20RSPO_certification_systems_1_1_.pdf

[4] Green Peace: Biodiesel fuelling palm oil expansion
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/forests/palm-oil



26.11.2007: Risk of disease from animal proteins in feed [1]
According to the EFSA the ruminant epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy was spread in cattle due to feed containing BSE contaminated animal proteins. The practice of feeding animal proteins to cattle and other farmed animals destined for the human food chain had been banned since 2001. The EFSA assessed now the risks certain uses of animal proteins in animal feed.
In their report the EFSA says that no Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) have been identified as occurring in pigs or poultry under natural conditions. The EFSA concluded that the risk of transmitting BSE to pigs utilizing poultry Processed Animal Proteins PAPs and vice versa, that means, feeding pigs with poultry proteins and visa versa is negligible. In this case human risk of BSE would be negligible, as long no future TSE infection is found in pigs and poultry.
The risk of transmitting BSE through small quantities of animal proteins in feed to ruminants can not be excluded and would increase the human exposure the risk of BSE.
The risk of transmitting BSE to non-ruminants is considered to be lower than to ruminants, as long as intra-species recycling is avoided, and the increase in the exposure risk of BSE to humans is negligible.

The Commission may now lift the ban of PAPs in feed between pigs and birds and vice versa.

[1] EFSA: Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Biological Hazards on a request from the European Parliament on Certain Aspects related to the Feeding of Animal Proteins to Farm Animals, The EFSA Journal (2007) Journal number 576, 1-41
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1178659674335.htm

26.11.2007: Canola Protein use as gelation agent [1]
Enzymatic modification with transglutaminase was used to enhance the gelation of canola protein isolate, opening the door to replace some gelation agents which are getting more expensive from day to day.
Pinterits and Arntfield treated canola protein isolate with the transgutaminase  enzyme to enhance gelation. Best gelation was obtained increasing the amounts of protein and transglutaminase and maintaining the temperature close to 40 °C. Gel strength was explained  to cross-linking of subunits.

[1] Pinterits, A.;  Arntfield, S.D. : Improvement of canola protein gelation properties through enzymatic modification with transglutaminase. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 41 (1), p.128-138, Jan 2008 doi: 10.1016/j.lwt.2007.01.011 sciencedirect.com/download

22.11.2007 Measuring the antioxidant activity of phytochemicals
The methods used to evaluate antioxidant activity of phytochemicals such as food extracts, dietary supplements, fruits and juices are:

Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)
simple but sensitive and reliable method of quantitating the oxygen-radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) of antioxidants in serum using a few microliter is described. The ORAC assay determines the total antioxidant capacity of a sample which is estimated by taking the oxidation reaction to completion when all of the nonprotein antioxidants (which include alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, beta-carotene, uric acid, and bilirubin) and most of the albumin in the sample are oxidized by the peroxyl radical. Results are quantified by measuring the protection produced by antioxidants. [1]

When comparing ORAC data, care must be taken to ensure that the units and food being compared are similar. Some evaluations will compare ORAC units per grams dry weight, others will evaluate ORAC units wet weight and still others will look at ORAC units/serving. While ounce per ounce chocolate may have a higher ORAC value, on the comparison of dry weight, we see blueberries have a higher ORAC value. Additionally, considering the ORAC value per calorie could be of some utility, as understanding just how much antioxidizing potential one could incorporate from a product into one's diet would determine the real utility of the product. [2]
Recently, a number of health food companies have capitalized on the ORAC rating, with dozens selling concentrated supplements that they claim to be "the number one ORAC product". Most of these values have never been published in the scientific literature so are difficult to evaluate. [2]

Total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) [3]
According to Bortolotti and colleagues total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) is being proposed to measure antioxidant property of plasma of diabetes patients. It may be either directly measured by a fluorescence-based method (TRAPm) or calculated (TRAPc) by a mathematical formula, taking into account the serum levels of protein-bound SH (thiol) groups, uric acid, vitamin E, and vitamin C.

The authors found decreased TRAP levels in patients suggesting that antioxidant defenses in diabetes are lower than normal. They conclude that TRAP is more reliable than the measurement of each known antioxidants. In their research the authors found a correlation between TRAPc and TRAPc values, and suggest TRAPc, for routine assessment of oxidative stress in diabetic patients.

Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) [4]
The TEAC assay is based on the suppression of the absorbance of radical cations of 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonate) (ABTS) by antioxidants in the test sample when ABTS incubates with a peroxidase (metmyoglobin) and H2O2. If the inhibition time is fixed at 3 min.

There is lack of correlation between TEAC and other assays. This may result from underestimation of overall antioxidant capacity. Underestimation may be related to the effects of dilution and to premature measurement of inhibition percentage at a fixed time of 3 minutes.

Wang and colleagues conclude that the length of the inhibition time for the TEAC assay must be taken into account when determining the total antioxidant capacity of plasma, and that 30 min of inhibition is required for complete suppression of ABTS radical formation in the TEAC assay. The results from the TEAC assay at 30 min were similar and correlated with the results obtained by the ORAC assay over 70 minutes.

Total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) [5]
The total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) is based on the oxidation of alfa-keto-y-methiolbutyric acid (KMBA) by 2,2'-azobis-amidinopropane (ABAP) with the evolution of ethylene as the quantifiable end product.
MacLean and colleagues modified the development of the assay of Winston et al. [Free Radical Biol. Med. 24 (1998) 480] and incorporated a standard curve resulting in a simple but reliable method to quantify the total water-soluble antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plant tissues such as apple fruit.

Peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) [6]
Rui Hai Liu and colleagues developed an assay for assessing peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) of both hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant compounds and food extracts. It is based on the inhibition of dichlorofluorescin oxidation by antioxidants that scavenge peroxyl radicals, generated from thermal degradation of 2,2'-azobis(amidinopropane).

According to the authors the PSC assay is used to analyse or screen both hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants or food extracts and will be a valuable alternative biomarker for future epidemiological studies of chronic diseases.

Ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) [7]
The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay determines directly the reducing capacity of a compound. Firuzi and colleagues used FRAP to study the antioxidant activities of 18 structurally different flavonoids. In this study it was found that the o-dihydroxy structure in the B ring and the 3-hydroxy group and 2,3-double bond in the C ring give the highest contribution to the antioxidant activity. [7]

Woodrow and colleagues used the FRAP assay, standardized against plant flavonoids and ascorbic aci, to quantify total antioxidant power in fruit samples, such as currants (Ribes nigrum), gooseberries (Ribes grossularia), raspberries and blackberries (Rubus spp.). Black currant demonstrated the highest antioxidant activities followed by raspberries and gooseberries. Furthermore, the authors found that some wild Rubus species exhibited activities significantly higher than the cultivars. [8]

DPPH free radical method. [9]
Zheng DeYong and An XinNan presented a method for determining 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity of natural antioxidants. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 21 species of cluster-bamboo's leaf were determined.

New cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay [10]
Kelly Wolf and colleague developed the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay using the bioactivity inside human hepatocarcinoma HEPG2 cells., which relies on cellular biological activity rather than chemical reactions which may not mirror reactions inside a living cell.

In this assay dichlorofluorescin trapped within HEPG2 cells is subjected to oxidation by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (ABAP)-generated peroxyl radicals. During the oxidation fluorescent dichlorofluorescein (DCF) and cellular fluorescence is produced. The difference between the fluorescence of control cells and those which with added solution of the foods on test indicates the antioxidant capacity of the compounds. Results of CAA assay are expressed in micromoles of quercetin equivalents per 100 µmol of phytochemical or micromoles of quercetin equivalents per 100 g of fresh fruit.

The CAA values from phytochemicals decreased from quercentin, kaempferol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), myricetin, luteolin, gallic acid, ascorbic acid, caffeic acid, to catechin.
The CAA values decreased from Blueberries, craberry, apples, red grapes to green grapes.
The authors conclude that the CAA assay is more biologically relevant than known chemical reaction because it considers uptake, metabolism, distribution and location of antioxidant compounds within cells.

[1] Cao, G.; Alessio, H.M.; Cutler, R.G.: Oxygen-radical absorbance capacity assay for antioxidants.
Free Radic Biol Med. 1993 Mar; 14(3):303-11
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=8458588

[2]Wikipedia: Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_radical_absorbance_capacity

[3] Ceriello, A.; Bortolotti, N.; Falleti, E.; Taboga, C.; Tonutti, L.; Crescentini, A.; Motz, E.; Lizzio, S.; Russo A.; Bartoli, E. : Total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter in NIDDM patients. Diabetes Care, Vol 20, Issue 2 194-197
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/20/2/194

[4] Wang, Chi Chiu; Chu, Ching Yan; Chu, Kai On; Choy, Kwong Wai; Khaw, Kim Sun; Rogers, Michael Scott; Pang, Chi Pui: Trolox-Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity Assay Versus Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Assay in Plasma. Clinical Chemistry. 2004;50:952-954.
http://www.clinchem.org/cgi/content/full/50/5/952

[5] MacLean, D. D.; Murr, D. P. ; Deell, J. R. : A modified total oxyradical scavenging capacity assay for antioxidants in plant tissues. Postharvest biology and technology. 2003, vol. 29, nr 2, pp. 183-194 [12 page(s) (article)] (27 ref.)
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=15034568

[6] Adom, Kafui Kwami; Liu, Rui Hai |: Rapid peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) assay for assessing both hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants. J Agric Food Chem. 2005; 53(17): 6572-80
http://vivo.cornell.edu/entity?home=1&id=15461

[7] Firuzi O.; Lacanna, A.; Petrucci, R.; Marrosu, G.: Saso, L.: Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of flavonoids by "ferric reducing antioxidant power" assay and cyclic voltammetry. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2005 Jan 18;1721(1-3):174-84. Epub 2004 Dec 22.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15652192&dopt=AbstractPlus

[8] Woodrow, L.; Luffman, M.; van der Leeuw, S.; Liptay, A.: Antioxidant Activity in Raspberry, Currant and Gooseberry Accessions of the Canadian Clonal Genebank
ISHS Acta Horticulturae 744: I International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables. International Society for Horticultural Science
http://www.actahort.org/members/showpdf?booknrarnr=744_51

[9] DeYong, Zheng; XinNan, An: Determining method of DPPH free radical scavenging activity of bamboo leaf extractives. Journal of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (Natural Science Edition), 2005 (Vol. 34) (No. 1) 59-62
http://www.cababstractsplus.org/google/abstract.asp?AcNo=20053095214


[10] Wolfe, Kelly L.; Hai Liu, Rui
Cellular Antioxidant Activity (CAA) Assay for Assessing Antioxidants, Foods, and Dietary Supplements
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/2007/55/i22/abs/jf0715166.html


21.11.2007: New method to detect BSE infectious mad cow prions [1]
Christina J Sigurdson and colleagues developed a method based on a fluorescent molecule, a conjugated polymer for detecting and characterizing prions. The new method can distinguish between different strains of prions, whereas the classic methods like antibodies detection and the Congo red staining do not make the distinction.

As the disease was narrowed down public concern about BSE ebbed away. New methods of diagnosis are, however, being developed, because scientists are aware of a possible species barrier braking of the disease, what could make them rapidly contagious within the species.
The method was tested on BSE, scrapie and mad elk disease (CWD) infected mice. New strains of prions emerged throughout several generations which could be identified with the new method.

According to the authors the luminescent conjugated polymers (LCPs) method, emit conformation-dependent fluorescence spectra, for characterizing prion strains, helping to detect structural differences among discrete protein aggregates and to link protein conformational features with disease phenotypes.

The method is now being adapted to blood controls as several cases are known of human BSE infected donors have transmitted the vCJD disease to other patients during the blood transfusion. [2]

[1] Sigurdson, Christina J.; Nilsson, K. Peter R.; Hornemann, Simone; Manco, Guiseppe; Polymenidou, Magdalini; Schwartz, Petra; Leclerc, Mario; Hammarström, Per; Wüthrich, Kurt; Aguzzi, Adriano: Prion strain discrimination using luminescent conjugated polymers. Nature Methods. Published online: 18 November 2007; | doi:10.1038/nmeth1131
http://www.nature.com/nmeth/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nmeth1131.html;jsessionid
=0ED2A795CB25F93232293D90C074A862

[2] Health Protection Agency: 4th case of variant CJD infection associated with blood transfusion. 18 January 2007.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpa/news/articles/press_releases/2007/070118_vCJD.htm


21.11.2007:  Enhanced breath-freshening of chewing gums with Magnolia bark extract [1]
Natural botanic extracts such as the two main components, magnolol and honokiol from magnolia bark extract were tested in chewing gum and compressed mints for breath freshening and relief of oral malodour. A strong germ-kill effect against bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, bacteria involved in dental caries formation, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and S. mutans were found.
The authors conclude that extract of magnolia bark has a significant antibacterial activity against organisms responsible for oral malodour and its use in compressed mints and chewing gum for improved breath-freshening is being suggested.

[1] Greenberg, Michael; Urnezis, Philip; and Tian, Minmin: Compressed Mints and Chewing Gum Containing Magnolia Bark Extract Are Effective against Bacteria Responsible for Oral Malodour. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2007, Volume 55, Pages 9465-9469, doi: 10.1021/jf072122h
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/2007/55/i23/abs/jf072122h.html


20.11.2007: Air traffic for “organic” food
Food and ingredients such as flavours transported by air traffic are not “organic”. It does not meet the original meaning of nature preserving farming. Annoying discussion on air traffic for organic foods rises again.

Earthoil exerts pressure on the certifying Soil Association to allow air traffic to fly in tons of organic mint from India and rose petals from Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran. The company is optimistic that Soil Association will weaken the tightness of the proposed certification standards allowing exceptions in air traffic. The position of Soil Association is that carbon emissions from air freighting can be justified in some situations.


Anyhow, most of “organic” costumers look for these produces in supermarkets because of lower prices found in farm or traditional small shops. Their buying inducement are based on low pesticides and personal health advantages. Nature preservation is taken into consideration. The discussion on air traffic ban is therefore of no concern to these customers. It hinders economy.

New definition of ORGANIC
To cope with the mutated meaning of the product, it is being suggested to use the denomination of “ ORGANIC ” or “BIO” for the new mutated generation of products found in supermarkets. It is a big market served by extensive monocultures and modern traffic.


Those product produced by small farm using holistic strategies and sold by the producer itself at its farm, at weekly markets or at nature shops should be called “NATURE FOOD” or “NATURKOST” with no aroma distillates, no air traffic with natural fresh spices and no “organic pizzas” from the deep freezer.

Organic Foods in Canada [1]
Organic industry is now a billion-dollar industry that has moved from small specialty shops to the country's largest supermarket chains.

The federal government of Canada announced in December 2006 the unified regulation plan, after the European Union had threatened to ban Canadian produce.

Canada exports half of its production of organic wheat. Fearing to lose the half a billion dollars deal over the next decade, Canada introduced the regulation plan.

“Natural” in Canada
There are currently no standards on the use of the word "natural" when labelling agricultural products.

[1] CBC News: Food supply Certifying organic
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/food-supply/certifying-organic.html


16.11.2007 Regulatory Framework for nanotechnology
Nanotechnology techniques include micro-encapsulation of antioxidants, minerals or fatty acids to increase body absorption of specific nutrients, as food supplements and functional food ingredients as well as in food packaging. There are already 70 food related practical applications on the market.

The UK's Royal Society launched in October 2007 a global consultation to create a code to guide companies developing, manufacturing and selling nanotechnology-engineered products.
The EU Commission is actively involved to integrate nanotechnology into already existing EU regulatory frameworks, following a revision of the EU Novel foods Regulation and also the revision of the Food Additives and Enzymes Regulations.
The Scientific Committee of the EFSA will held a meeting on nanotechnology to issue a scientific opinion on this matter on 20 and 21 November in Brussel an on 26 in Berlin.


16.11.2007: Nitrites and nitrates in cured meat fruit and vegetable may protect against heart attack
Sodium nitrite E250 produces the pink colour of cured meat. It also retards rancidity and stabilises the flavour.
The third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) on 7,352 subjects over the age of 45, have suggested that increased consumption of nitrites from cured meat could increase the risk of lung disease. [1]
Other studies found nitrite and nitrate to be related to the incidence of cancer due to the formation of nitrosamines.

But recent research has found no convincing evidence that nitrite and nitrate pose a cancer risk. In reality they seem to protect heart cells from death after an heart attack.
The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that nitrites reduce heart cell death in mice by 48 per cent after an heart attack.

Nathan S. Bryan and colleagues report that mice supplemented with 50 mg nitrite per litre of drinking water for seven days had a survival rate of 77 per cent compared to 58 per cent for the mice without supplementation. 

The researchers say that eating nitrite and nitrate rich foods such as fruits and vegetables and some meats in moderation can drastically improve outcome following a heart attack, They suggest to sty the effects of supplementation of nitrite/nitrate in the diet can decrease the incidence and severity of heart attack and stroke in patients with known cardiovascular risk factors.

Bryan suggests the formation of nitric oxide (NO) from nitrites to be considered as being the mechanism of the heart protecting effect of nitrates. Nitric oxide causes the cells of the blood vessels to signal the surrounding muscles to relax. This results in a reduction in blood pressure, reduction of blood clotting and and protection against myocardial infarction and strokes.

[1]Jiang, Rui; Paik, David C.; Hankinson, John L.; Barr, R. Graham: Cured Meat Consumption, Lung Function, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among United States Adults. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 15 April 2007, Volume 175, Pages 798-804
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4085/is_20070415/ai_n19059628

[2] Webb, Andrew; Bond, Richard; Mc Lean, Peter; Uppal, Rakash, Benjamin Nigel; Ahluwalia, Amrita: Reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide during ischemia protects against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion damage. Proceedings of the Naional Academy of Sciences of the Uniteed States of America. PNAS | September 14, 2004 | vol. 101 | no. 37 | 13683-13688
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/101/37/13683?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hit=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext
=Effects+of+dietary+nitrite+and+nitrate+&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT

[3] Bryan, Nathan.S.; Calvert, J.W.;. Elrod, J.W.; Gundewar, S.; Ji, S.Y.; Lefer , David.J.: Effects of dietary nitrite and nitrate on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injuryProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Published on-line ahead of print, 12 November 2007.
http://www.pnas.org/contents-by-date.0.shtml


15.11.2007: The Bayer long grain LL Rice 601 review of incidence handling [1] [2]
The FSA will review its handling in the case of the Bayer long grain LL Rice 601 in 29 November 2007. A judicial review in February 2007 found in favour of the regulatory agency, but unveiled a number of mistakes made by the Agency to avoid any further spread of the GM rice.

GM rice in USA is widespread. The crossover to crops scheduled for export to Europe is highly possible. The European control system is therefore to be strengthened, because US is one major supplier of EU with long corn rice, followed by India, Thailand and Guyana.

[1] FSA: Number FSIS 19/06 November 2006 (revised 17/11/06): Survey of the presence of unauthorised genetically modified rice LL Rice 601 in long grain rice imported from the USA
http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/fsis1906a.pdf

[2] Friends of the Earth; FSA to review GM rice contamination
http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/fsa_to_review_gm_rice_cont_07112007.html


15.11.2007: Two enzymes to fight acrylamide
The formation of cancirogen acrylamide in baked, fried and toasted foods can be reduced or even avoided.

Two enzyme products, Preventase, a DMS enzyme from Aspergillus orysae and Novoenzyme´s Acrylaway from Aspergillus niger convert asparagine into aspartic acid. Aspartic acid does not form acrylamide. Browning and taste of backed foods like chips, bread, biscuits, crackers, formed potato products and crackers remain unaltered. The enzymes are approved in Europe and are considered as GRAS in the USA.


15.11.2007 GM maize, a never ending debate [1]
The Austrian ban of GM maize – MON810 (Monsanto) and maize T25 (Bayer group) was declared illegal by the World Trade Organisation in September 2006, establishing a deadline of 21 November 2007 to lift the ban under the thread of disciplinary action.

Both GM maize types had been authorised by the Commission in 1998 to be placed in the European market for all uses of the product (import, food processing and cultivation).
The maize is cultivated in the EU for animal feed only. It was engineered to be resistant against the European corn borer.

Austria ban was based on the concern about the effects on non-target organisms, the development of resistance to toxins by target organisms, and the risk of crossover with wild relatives and conventional crops. However , Austria failed to presents scientific information to support the banning.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in a study on this matter concluded that these products will not cause any adverse effects for human and animal health or the environment.

The Environment Council in June 2005 and in October 2006 and the Meeting of the EU environment rejected the Commissions proposal to force the ban to be lifted. A final decision must now be taken by the European Commission. The last instance will then be the European Court of Justice.

[1] EU Environment Coucil, Luxembourg, 30 October 2007
http://www.eu2007.pt/NR/rdonlyres/3DA864BC-94AC-4EA8-B268-14714EBE1029/0/96894.pdf

14.11.2007: Bird Flu hits UK again [1]
Birds at a farm in Suffolk UK were found positive on H5N1 flu virus. All animals were culled by DEFRA in additional 4 surrounding farms. Again the fear of a human pandemic rises.

According to the UK Department of Health, EU and UK controls are in place aimed at preventing the spread of bird flu. Nonetheless, it remains a remote possibility that bird flu could be introduced to poultry through the migration of wild birds, the illegal importation of dead chickens for consumption, the illegal importation of live birds or the entry into the UK of a person who has acquired the illness in an infected area.

Status as  avian influenza-free country:  UK looses its status  as avian influenza-free country. The  Article 2.7.12.4. of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2005) says ho to regain it. OIE states that a country may regain its status as an avian influenza-free country three months after “a stamping-out policy (including disinfection of all affected establishments) is applied, providing that surveillance in accordance with Appendix 3.8.9. has been carried out during that three-month period. [2]

Human H5N1 in Indonesia: One death caused by the flu virus Indonesia was confirmed on 6.11.2007. According to WHO  113 cases confirmed  of human infections with H5N1  confirmed  in Indonesia, 91 have been fatal. [3]

[1] UK Department of Health: Bird flu and pandemic influenza: what are the risks?    5.11.2007
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/MinistersandDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/DH_4102997

[2] OIE: Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2007) Chapter 2.7.12 Animal Influenza.
http://www.oie.int/eng/Normes/mcode/en_chapitre_2.7.12.htm

[3] WHO: Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia – update 24. 12.11.2007
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2007_11_12/en/index.html

13.11.2007: Omega Eggs
Egg producers make claims on high Omega-3 contents. FDA permits claims for a possible reduced risk of heart disease linked to only two kinds of omega-3s, DHA and EPA, the agency does not allow such claims for other omega-3s.
According to CSPI the most beneficial omega-3 fatty acids come from fish, fish oil, and algae. The CSPI dampens the euphoria related to omega eggs and stresses that even if eggs had the ‘right’ kind of omega-3s (the DAH), they still contain significant levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, which increase the risk of heart disease. [1]
                                                             Omega 9
Omega-9 are not essential in humans, because humans possess all the enzymes required for their synthesis. They are unnecessary in supplement blends like Omega-3-6-9. [2]
The omega-9 fatty acids are:

Oleic acid (C18:1) cis-9-octadecenoic acid
Eicosenoic acid (C20:19 cis -11-eicosenoic acid
Mead acid (C20:3) all-cis-5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid
Erucic acid (C22:1) cis-13-docosenoic acid
Nervonic acid (C24:1) cis-15-tetracosenoic acid

                                          The minimum intake of EPA and DHA
An intake of about 500 mg of EPA+DHA per day is expected to significantly reduce risk for death from CHD in healthy adults. [3]

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that healthy adults consume at least 2 servings of fish weekly, particularly those that contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The AHA further recommends that individuals with known CVD consume approximately 1 g/day of EPA and DHA and that individuals with elevated TG levels may benefit from 2 to 4 g of EPA and DHA daily, since this dose usually results in TG reduction [AHA, Kris-Etherton 2003]. Note, however, that the FDA does not recommend a dose over 3 g/day of EPA and DHA from food and dietary supplements [FDA letter]. [4]

                                                           The Omega-3-DHA Egg


The Omega-3-DHA Egg has 150 mg DHA/100g in an egg of 62g.
You have to eat 5 eggs/day to achieve 500 mg DHA to follow the AHA recommendation for healthy individuals. You would intake 18g of saturated fatty acids where a maximum of 4g are allowed.


                                                                      The maximum Intake
It should not exceed 3 g/day/person. according to FDA which raised concerns about the consumption of high levels of EPA and DHA, which may increase bleeding time, increase levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and have an effect on glycemic control in non-insulin dependent diabetics. [5]

AHA scientific statement on Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease [6]
The American Heart Association estimate the intake of total omega-3 fatty acids in the US
The intake is 1.6 g/d (0.7% of energy intake). Of this, alfa-linolenic acid, coming from canola and soybean oil, flaxseed, accounts for 1.4 g/d, and only 0.1 to 0.2 g/d comes from EPA and DHA. The extent of conversion of alfa-linolenic acid is modest and controversial, varying from 15% to 0,2%. Fish are the major food source of EPA and DHA.

                                                                           The fatty acids [2]
Fatty acids are straight chain hydrocarbons possessing an acid group (COOH) at one end and a methyl group (CH3) at the other end.
The position of unsaturated bond are given by chemists counting from the acid group. Physiologists start counting from the last , the omega carbon.
Alfa carbon: it is the first carbon after to acid group.
Omega carbon: it is the last carbon seen from the acid group. The physiological properties of unsaturated fatty acids are related mainly to the position of the first unsaturation relative to the end position. which is described as omega minus n . Omega-3 signifies that the first double bond exists as the third carbon-carbon bond from the terminal CH3 end (ω) of the carbon chain.

                                                                          Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids which have a double bond in the omega-3 position. Of these fatty acid EPA and DHA are important and are permitted to be used for claims. ALA despite being an essential fatty acid, is poorly converted to EPA and DHA and should therefore be excluded from claims on heart diseases.

ALA
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (C18:3) octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid.
Studies have found evidence that ALA is related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease which might be related to a modest conversion to EPA and to DHA. The FDA grants no claims on heart diseases to ALA.

Stearidonic acid (C18:4) octadeca-6,9,12,15-tetraenoic acid) is also called moroctic acid. It is biosynthesized from ALA. Sources are hemp seed, blackcurrant seed oil and spirulina.

EPA
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (C20:5) eicosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid) is also named icosapentaenoic acid. It is an important omega 3 fatty acid involved in heart health. Claims on heart health are allowed by FDA.

DPA Docosapentaenoic acid
Clupanodonic acid (DPA)(C22:5) all-cis-7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoic acid commonly called DPA. Seal oil is a good source of DPA.

DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA) (C22:6), It is an important omega 3 fatty acid involved in heart health. Claims on heart health are allowed by FDA.

                                                              Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acids have the first double bond occurs at the sixth carbon from the end of the fatty acid. Their biological effects interacts with the omega-3 fatty acids.
Most seeds and seed oils are much richer in the omega-6 fat linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is also an essential fat, but it, and the other omega-6 fats, compete with omega-3s for positions in cell membranes and have very different effects on human health. Some studies link them to a number of diseases and depression if their ratio to omega-3 is high. Western diets have ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 in excess of 10 to 1, some as high as 30 to 1, meanwhile the optimal ratio is thought to be 4 to 1 or lower.
Omega-6 deficiency symptoms include dry hair, hair loss, However, it is easy to get enough omega-6 fatty acids from canola or soy oil. [7]


LA
Linoleic acid (C18:2) 9,12-octadecadienoic acid is found in vegetable oils such as safflower and sunflower oils. In the body LA must be converted to gama-linolenic acid.

GLA
Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA) (C18:3) 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid is found primarily in vegetable oils and dietary supplement for treating inflammations, and in auto-immune diseases, but its medicinal properties are doubted. It is an isomer of ALA

Eicosadienoic acid (C20:2) 11,14-eicosadienoic acid Their metabolites are associated with anti-inflammatory effects . Eicosanoic are metabolites from Dihomo-gama-Linolenic acid.

DGLA
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) (C20:3) 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid is the elongation of gama-linolenic acid. It has anti-inflammatory effects. Taken orally in a small study, DGLA produced anti-thrombotic effects and increases serum DGLA without increasing serum AA.

AA
Arachidonic acid (AA) (C20:4) 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid is the counterpart to the saturated arachidic acid from peanut oil. It is present in the membranes of the cells and in brain and is a second messenger in cellular signalling Its source are meat, eggs, dairy and is synthesised from linoleic acid. Some animals, like cats cannot convert fatty acids to AA. They must get it from meat in their nutrition. [8]

Adrenic Acid, Docosatetranoic acid (C22:4) 7,10,13,16-docosatetraenoic acid is found in the early human brain.

Calendic acid is being obtained from pot marigold Used in ointments to reduce inflammation, as antiseptic and is wound healing.



[1] Center for Science in the Public Interest: Egg Producers Deceive Consumers, Violate Law with Bogus Omega-3 Claims
http://cspinet.org/new/200706211.html

[2] Wikipedia: Essential fatty acids, Nomeclature and Terminology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_fatty_acid#Nomenclature_and_terminology

[3] ISSFAL- fatty acids, lipids and health studies: ISSFAL Policy Statement 3. For cardiovascular health, a minimum intake of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid combined of: 500 mg/day
http://www.issfal.org.uk/lipid-matters/issfal-policy-statements/issfal-policy-statement-3-2.html

[4] American Heart Association: Fish and omega-3 fatty acids. AHA recommendation.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632

[5] Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug Administration: 21CFR Part 184 (Docket No. 99P-5332) Substances Affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe: Menhaden Oil
http://legalminds.lp.findlaw.com/list/epa-impact/msg07119.html

[6] Kris-Etherton, Penny M. ; Harris, William S. ; Appel,Lawrence J.: AHA Scientific statement: Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3, Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Diseases.
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/106/21/2747

[7] Wikipedia: Omega-6 fatty acid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-6

[8] MacDonald M, Rogers Q, Morris J (1984). Nutrition of the domestic cat, a mammalian carnivore. Annu Rev. Nutr 4: 521-62.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids
=6380542



12.11.2007: Chlorophyll in ripe fruits breakdown to NCC which are strong antioxidants [1]
According to Thomas Müller and colleagues the breakdown compounds of chlorophyll are strong antioxidants. The researchers found the reactions to be similar in leaves and in fruits. The first decomposition products are colourless, polar NCCs (nonfluorescing chlorophyll catabolytes), that contain four pyrrole rings which In ripe pears and apples, NCCs replace the chlorophyll, especially in the peel and the flesh immediately below it.

During the decomposition process chlorophyll is released from its protein complexes becoming phototoxic. At this stage it can transfer energy to oxygen which becomes highly destructive.

The NCCs compounds, on the contrary, are powerful antioxidants in plant and humans.

[1] Müller, Thomas; Ulrich, Markus; Ongania, Karl-Hans; Kräutler, Bernhard: Colorless Tetrapyrrolic Chlorophyll Catabolites in Ripening Fruit Are Effective Antioxidants. Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2007, 46, 8699-8702 doi: 10.1002/anie.200703587
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgibin/abstract/116331819/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0


08.11.2007: CSPI looks behind food frauds revealing dishonest labels and marketing tricks
It discloses 8 Food Frauds: Dishonest Labels on the following products:

    Smucker´s Simply Fruit  Kellogg's Eggo Nutri-Grain Pancakes
    Multigrain Tostitos Gerber Graduates for Toddlers Juice Treats
    Kellog´s Special K Fruit and Yogurt
 Coca-Cola/Nestle Enviga
    Sara Lee Fruits of the Forest Deep Dish Pie Dannon DanActive "Immunity" Dairy Drink
Get the whole story at:         CSPI Nutrition Action: Food Frauds They trick you and rip you off!
http://www.cspinet.org/nah/foodfrauds.html

What you can do
Read carefully everything on the label of the products you buy. If you disagree with what the marketing department of the company wants to persuade you, do not hesitate to write a complaint letter to your official health or food department. Send a copy of the letter to the producer asking him to change labeling.

What to look after
Words of plenty fruits must stand for real plenty fruits and not just two pieces.

Claims on omega fatty acids be based on sufficient omega-3 and omega- 6 from fish. The short chained omega 3 fatty acids of plant oil and dairy are often included in labeling, but they do not  appear to be as beneficial as those found in oily fish,

Milk contains the shorter chain form of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) (ALA), while the forms present in oily fish are the long chain fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). The ALA  from milk or flax mai be transformed to EPA, but this is limited  to about 20% or down. [1]

If the product is claimed as healthy food look at the trans-fatty acids they should be as low as possible, under 2percent and the daily in take should be far under 8 g/d.

Check the UK FSA Food Chopping Card on sugar, fat, saturates and salt
   

      Sugar          Fat     Saturates      Salt 

         
 
     
    
HIGH per 100g         over
        15 g		          over
          20 g		          over
           5 g		       over
      1,5 g


        
         
        
 MEDIUM per 100 g      Between
           5 g
          and
          15 g		       Between
            3 g
            and
            20 g
       Between
          1,5 g
           and
            5 g
    Between
         0,3 g
          and
         1,5 g
     
 LOW per 100 g            5 g
      and below		             3 g
        and below		           1,5 g
       and below
           0,3 g
     and below

Salt intake: Should not exceed 6 g per day  (2,4 g sodium
Calculate salt multiply sodium by 2,5
                                         From Which and Food Standards Agency   Food Shopping Card      Download

                                    Contacts for your complaints
Do you want to report an issue such as poor hygiene practice in a food outlet, or a trading standards issue such as mislabelling?

UK
http://www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/laresource/yourarea/

Germany
http://www.google.de/search?q=VerbraucherBeschwerde+Lebensmittel&hl=de&start=20&sa=N

USA
FDA Food and Drug Administratrion
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/problem.html

USDA U.S.Department of Agriculture: Meat and poultry http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/safety/complaint.htm
Download the FSA Guidance :
FSA: Guidance on food served to adults in major institutions
http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/institutionguide.pdf

[1] FSA: Is organic food and milk more nutritious?
http://www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/farmingfood/organicfood/#h_9


06.11.2007: Folic acid supplementation of bread or flower
The UK Food Standards Agency recommended that bread or flower to be fortified with folic acid to reduce the number of cases of neural tube defects (spina bifida) (March 2007). [1]

The Institute of Food Research (IFR) warns of possible adverse effects of fortifying food with folic acid. According to Anthony Wright and colleagues, folates are metabolised in the gut, and folic acid is metabolised in the liver, which could easily become saturated. Supplementation may result in unmetabolised folic acid to enter the systemic circulation, since human liver's low capacity for reduction may eventually give rise to saturation. [2]
Supplementation of Bread flower and cereals in USA and Canada
The FDA published in 1996 regulations requiring the addition of folic acid to enriched breads, cereals, flours, corn meals, pastas, rice, and other grain products.

Suplementation in UK
The Foof Standards Agency considered mandatory fortification in 2002. However, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) opposed to the fortification and issued an advice on the introduction of mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid at current states saying that it beside reducing the risk of NTD-affected pregnancies in the UK, it would also increase the proportion of people in the population at risk of exceeding folic acid intakes above the UL/day and the number of people aged 65 years and over with low vitamin B12 status at risk of consuming more than 1mg/day of folic acid. The advice was linked to the condition that there be controls on voluntary fortification, and clear guidance be given on the appropriate use of supplements containing folic acid [3] Download the advice

According to Kim and Solomons 2007, recent studies suggest that folic acid supplementation and fortification may promote the progression of already existing, undiagnosed, preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions. These observations are based on the increase in colon cancer diagnoses in the US and Canada. [4]

Unmetabolised folic acid accelerates cognitive decline in the elderly with low vitamin B12 status.
Dietary folates have a protect against cancer, but folic acid supplementation may increase the incidence of bowel cancer and breast cancer in postmenopausal women. [5]

Folic acid and Folate [6]
Folate is a generic term for a family of B-group vitamins. There are large numbers of naturally occurring folates but methyl- and formyltetrahydropteroylpolyglutamates are the main forms found in foods.
Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid) is a synthetic form used in supplements and food fortification. Sometimes it is colled Vitamin B9.

Suplementation with folic acid
The reference nutrient intake (RNI) is the amount of a nutrient that is considered sufficient to meet the requirements of 97.5% of the population. The lower reference nutrient intake (LRNI) is the
amount of a nutrient that is considered sufficient to meet the requirementsof 2.5% of the population.
For adults, the RNI for folate is 200μg/day and the LRNI is 100μg/day. For infants and children, the RNIs are: 0-12 months, 50μg/day; 1-3 years, 70μg/day; 4-6 years, 100μg/day; 7-10 years, 150μg/day; the RNI for children 11 years and above is the same as that for adults. The LRNIs for infants and children are: 0-12 months, 30μg/day; 1-3 years, 35μg/day; 4-6 years, 50μg/day; 7-10 years, 75μg/day; the LRNI for children 11 years and above is the same as that for adults. [3]

Maximum intake
For guidance purposes only, in the general population a supplemental dose of 1 mg/day (equivalent to 0.017 mg/kg bw/day in a 60 kg adult) would not be expected to cause adverse effects. Assuming a maximum intake from food of approximately 0.49 mg/day, a total dose of 1.5 mg/day (equivalent to 0.025 mg/kg bw/day in a 60 kg adult) would not be expected to have any adverse effects. [7]



[1] FSA: Why is folic acid fortification being discussed?
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthissues/factsbehindissues/folicacid/#elem377014

[2] Wright, Anthony J. A.; Dainty, Jack R.; Finglas, Paul M.: Folic acid metabolism in human subjects revisited: potential implications for proposed mandatory folic acid fortification in the UK. British Journal of Nutrition. (2007), 98: 667-675 Cambridge University Press . Doi: 10.107S0007777140
http://www.journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid
=1343244&fulltextType=RV&fileId=S0007114507777140

[3] Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition: Folate and Disease prevention.
http://www.sacn.gov.uk/reports/#


[4] Kim, Young-In; Solomons, Noel W. : Food Fortification with Folic Acid: Has the Other Shoe Dropped; Folic Acid Fortification and Supplementation-Good for Some but Not So Good for Others
Nutrition Reviews: Volume 65, Number 11, November 2007 , pp. 504-511(8)
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ilsi/nure/2007/00000065/00000011/art00004

[5] Institute of Food Researche: Scientists question folic acid fortification.
http://www.ifr.ac.uk/Media/NewsReleases/071030folic_acid_fortification.html

[6] FSA eat well: Folic acid.
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/vitaminsandminerals/folicacid/

[7] EVM Review of Folic Acid.
http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/evm_folicacid.pdf


05.11.2007: Butter flavour diacetyl in Popcorn, Margarine and pastry linked to deadly lung disease
Hundreds of US workers acquired a deadly lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans linked to the inhalation of the a volatile butter-flavouring ingredients diacetyl used as popcorn flavouring. A transplant is the only cure. [1]

US popcorn processors banned the chemical from their formulations to avoid further heavy payments of lawsuits to their sick workers. Strict safety guidelines for industry were issued by the Labour Department OSHA. [2]

The health effects of eating diacetyl in butter-flavoured popcorn, or breathing the fumes from the microwave , as well from Margarine, pastries and confectioneries is unknown. Diacetyl is considered as "generally recognized as safe" but no studied were made.

Two bills to ban the use of diacetyl were introduced in the California Assembly.[3]


EU Regulation [4] [5]
The Committee of Experts on Flavouring Substances of the Council of Europe (CEFS) declared diacetyl as safe for human consumption in 1999 but failed to include inhalation of the chemical in the assessment. The European Food Safety Agency will re-evaluate the chemical.

In 2005 the EU Commission declared that diketones (for example acetyacetone) are like dialcohols and hydroxyketones in that they are in vitro and in vivo genotoxic chemical substances and banned it as nutrition additives. As diacetyl is a diketone (in fact the simplest) it may eventually be subject to this EU regulation.

Flavourings regulation in Europe:
- Council Directive 88/388/EEC of 22 June 1988 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to flavourings for use in foodstuffs and to source materials for their production.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31988L0388:EN:HTML

- 88/389/EEC: Council Decision of 22 June 1988 on the establishment, by the Commission, of an inventory of the source materials and substances used in the preparation of flavourings.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31988D0389:EN:HTML


Codex Alimentarius:
Codex Alimentarius Standards: General Requirements for natural Flavourings
http://www.codexalimentarius.net/download/standards/358/CXG_029e.pdf

United States:
Title 21 – Food and Drugs. Food Additives Permitted For Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption. Subpart F Flavoring agents and related Substances Sec. 172.515 Synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants.
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm

Title 21 – Food and Drugs. Food Additives Permitted For Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption. Subpart F Flavoring agents and related Substances Sec. 172.510 Natural flavoring substances and natural substances used in conjunction with flavors.
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=172.510

[1] CDC: Fixed Obstructive Lung Disease Among Workers in the Flavor-Manufacturing Industry --- California, 2004—2007. 27.04.2007
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5616a2.htm

[2] US Department of Labour. Ocupational Safety and Health Administration: Statement of Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. 24.04.2007
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=TESTIMONIES&p_id=372

[3] Democrats Assembly, California: Lieber Introduces Three-Bill Package To Reduce Toxic Chemicals. 21.02.2007
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/newsline/releases/20070221ad22pr01.htm

[4] COMMISSION DECISION of 18 May 2005 amending Decision 1999/217/EC as regards the register of flavouring substances used in or on foodstuffs.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2005/l_128/l_12820050521en00730076.pdf

[5] Wikipedia: Diketone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Diacetyl_structure.png


03.11.2007: Food pyramids [1]


                                USDA Food Pyramid and MyPyramid Get it here

The U.S. Department of Agriculture created the Food Guide Pyramid and replaced it recently by a new version called MyPyramid. It should be based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. [2]
According to the Harvard School of Public Health the MyPyramid continues to recommend foods that aren't essential to good health, and may even be detrimental in the quantities included in MyPyramid. [1]

                                    Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005  Get it here

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, according to the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) is still being influenced by the food industry. The HSPH cites some points which being considered as not correct: [1].

The guidelines suggest to consume half of grains as refined starch. HSPH consider this as not healthy, since refined starches behave like sugar.
The guidelines do not distinguish between the different type of fat contained in red meat, poultry, fish, and beans (including soy products). It does not recommend to change red meat for a combination of fish, poultry, beans, and nuts, says HSPH.
The recommendation to drink three glasses of low-fat milk or eat three servings of other dairy products per day would bring 300 calories per day encouraging obesity according to HSPH.


             The Healthy Eating Pyramid Get the Healthy Eating Pyramid Get it here

It is founded on:
- Daily exercise and weight control.
- Whole Grain Foods (at most meals) such as oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and brown rice.
- Plant oils such as olive, canola, soy, corn, sunflower, peanut, and other vegetable oils. However, fatty fish such as salmon are also welcome.
- Vegetables (in abundance) and Fruits (2 to 3 times).
- Fish, Poultry, and Eggs (0 to 2 times).
- Nuts and Legumes (1 to 3 times).
- Dairy or Calcium Supplement (1 to 2 times). If you don't like dairy products, calcium supplements may be the roght answer.
- Red Meat and Butter (Use Sparingly): Both contain lots of saturated fat. HSPH recommends to change red meat with fish or chicken, and butter with olive oil.
- White Rice, White Bread, Potatoes, White Pasta, Soda, and Sweets (Use Sparingly):
- Multiple Vitamin: HSPH recommends a daily multivitamine, multimineral supplement as a nutritional back-up.
- Alcohol (in moderation):

                                         Alternative food pyramids  Get them here

Oldways Preservation and Exchange Trust: The Asian, Latin, Mediterranean, and vegetarian pyramids are also good, evidence-based guides for healthy eating. Get it here

[1] Harvard School of Public Health: Food Pyramids.
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/pyramids.html

[2] USDA: Steps to a Healthier You. My Pyramid.
http://www.mypyramid.gov/

[3] US Department of Health and Human Services: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005.
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/default.htm

[4] Oldways: The Asian, Latin, Mediterranean, and vegetarian pyramids
http://www.oldwayspt.org/


03.11.2007: The World Cancer Research Fund's (WCRF) study [1]
The report “Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer”  Download the report. It is based on publications published since 1960. Its  core message is a group of 10 recommendations on how to prevent cancer:

Whole grains: Wholegrain cereals, roots, tubers, and plantains are recommended in the diet.
Consuming relative high amounts of vegetables, fruits, pulses (legumes), nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices were recommended.

Red and processed meat: Red and processed meat causes colorectal cancer up to 30 percent compared with low red meat eaters.The report suggests an average intake of no more than 300g each week of red meat. Fish is recommended to be included in diet. Egg consumption should be limited.

According to WCRF red meat contains haem, a substance derived from red blood cells which causes a reaction in the gut that converts the amino acid glycine into a toxic substance which can damage DNA and can give rise to mutations in genes which may ultimately be necessary for cancer to occur. [2]

Fat and trans-fatty acids: Total dietary fats and trans-fatty acids should be limited.
Salt intake should be limited to no more than 5 to 6 g/day for adults. Intake of sugar should be limited.

Overweight: The body weight should be maintained as low as possible in order to avoid cancer.
Alcohol: The report provides evidences that alcohol may cause cancer.

Dietary supplements: Dietary supplements are not recommended for cancer prevention.
Some studies suggest an increased risk of prostate cancer caused by high doses of calcium and zinc. Some findings suggest moderate protection from vitamin E for smokers, but there was no advantage found in non-smokers. Selenium may be protective [3].


Special foods: Foods rich in folate such as tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts,may reduce the risk for cancer, and diets rich in calcium may reduce the risk for colorectal cancer. 


Salt and sugar: Salt should be reduced to 5 or 6g/day for adults. Sugar schould  be reduced as much as possible.


Water: Water should be chosen as a drink instead of fruit juices, soft drinks, and hot drinks to prevent overweight/obesity and dental damage. Individuals (particularly older people) should consume between 1.5 and 2 litres of water each day to prevent constipation.

Dairy: Low-fat dairy products should be chosen in preference to high-f