Food Safety

Rauth et al 2012 report that prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos, measured in umbilical cord blood,  is associated with neurobehavioural deficits in humans and animals. Affected are, alertness, emotions, control of impulse and social relationship. Rauth and colleagues found in their study more than  4,39 Pikogramm Chlorpyrifos/gram umbelical blood., which is   even rather low, compared to samples of the blood bank of Cincinnati whhich present an average 9,9 Pikogramm pro Gramm. [1]

Scientists call for 50% reduction in mean per capita meat consumption in the developed world [1]

The US company Planetary Resources announced that it will combine space exploration with mining of natural resources of asteroids, aiming to generate trillions of Dollars and promote material welfare of mankind. [1]

Mining increases water scarcity in Ecuador endangering food security of the region. Rural population  from all parts of Ecuador claim that the traditional usage of natural water resources is the basis of their existence. The free access to natural and clean water resources is considered a human right, which was even stipulated in the constitution of Ecuador in 2008. [1]

According to Sir Bob Geldof, speaking at the Gulf Intelligence Food Security Forum in Abu Dhabi at March 15, 2012, it is possible to bring the world population growth to a halt giving free contraceptives to 200 million  women, stopping 80 million unintended pregnancies. [1]

Every growing season bacterial and viral outbreaks linked to cantaloupe are reported. Food poisoning outbreaks linked to CantalupCantaloupe-linked infections are top 5 of the list of fruits and vegetables for outbreaks. This is largely due to their growing conditions and the potential to support the growth of bacteria.

Verticillium wilt in olive plants may cause significant yield losses. Jiménez-Díaz et al. 2012 described the disease aetiology, epidemiology, and disease control strategies and measures. [1]

In potato tubers, 30-80% of the solanine develops in and close to the skin. Greening of potatoes  suggests solanine build-up, although each process can occur without the other. A bitter taste in a potato is another, potentially more reliable indicator of toxicity.  The symptoms of solanine poisoning are mainly vomiting and diarrhea, and the condition may be misdiagnosed as gastroenteritis. [1]

According to Soto et al. 2011 the misfolding of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, and their accumulation in the brain, triggers the Alzheimer's disease, The researchers look now for the mechanisms responsible for the initiation of Aβ accumulation. The authors report that Aβ deposition can be induced by injection of AD brain extracts into animals. The disease spreads to other brain sections, even distant from injection point. [1]

The Guidance on risk assessment of nanoscience in food and feed  Guidance on risk assessmentof nanoscience in food and feed focusing on  the physico-chemical characterisation requirements of engineered nanomaterials used e.g. as food additives, enzymes, flavourings, food contact materials, novel foods, feed additives and pesticides. [1]