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27.03.2008:Calorie load responsible for activation of the food reward system increasing obesity
According to Andrews and Horvath 2008 food palatability acts on the dopaminergic reward system to override homeostatic control. The authors support the study of Ivan Araujo and colleagues 2008 which lifts questions on the dopamin theory. [1]
The study of Araujo and colleagues used trpm5−/− mice which have no capacity for sweet taste. They found that these mice developed preference for a sugar solution based only on the caloric content and dopamin was secreted, but not when clear water was ingested. Dopamin was not secreted when the sugar solution was sucralose sweetener solution lacking calories.
The authors concluded that calorie-rich nutrients can directly influence brain reward circuits that control food intake independently of palatability or functional taste transduction. [2]
A better control of obesity could therefore be attained reducing calories content of foods, being the taste of foods independent of the craving. This speaks for an urgent reduction of fat, sugar and caloric load in diet to avoid overweight. Fruits, vegetables and low caloric foods are therefore highly recommended.
[1] Andrews, Zane B. Horvath; Tamas L.: Tasteless Food Reward. Neuron, 2008, 57:6:806-808
http://www.neuron.org/content/article/abstract?uid=PIIS0896627308002171
[2] Araujo, Ivan; Oliviera-Maia, Albino; Sotnikova, Tatyana; Gainetdinov, Raul; Caron, Marc; Nicolelis, Miguel; Simon, Sidney: Food Reward in the absence of taste receptor signalling. Neuron. Vol 57, 930-941, 27 March 2008. Doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.01.032
http://www.neuron.org/content/article/abstract?uid=PIIS0896627308001190
21.03.2008: Shape and size gene of tomatoes identified which may also be applied in other plants [1]
Esther van der Knaap studied US the SUN gene from the tiny round wild
ancestor and compare it with the actual elongated tomato varieties
Furthermore, the gene encodes a member of the IG67 domain of
plant proteins, called IQD12 - a family of proteins whose discovery
is relatively new.
The
authors found that one of themajor
genes controlling the elongation of tomato,
encode a member of theIQ67
domain-containing family, resulting in an unusual gene duplication event
mediated by the long terminal repeat retrotransposon RIDER. This
resulted in the increased fruit
size and variation in fruit shape of domesticated tomatoes.
Introducing the gene in the wild small tomato, the plant produced
big, elongated tomatoes. Small original tomatoes were produced after
removal of the gene.
The
scientists hope to control
the shape of other very diverse crops, such as peppers, cucumbers and
gourds when more researches are done on this matter.
[1]
Xiao,
Han; Jiang, Ning; Schaffner, Erin; Stockinger, Eric; van der Knaap,
Esther: A Retrotransposon-Mediated Gene Duplication Underlies
Morphological Variation of Tomato Fruit. Science. 14 March 2008:
Vol. 319. no. 5869, pp. 1527 – 1530. doi: 10.1126/science.1153040
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/319/5869/1527
21.03.2008: Encapsulation: Oxidised corn and amarath starches as a substitute of gum arabic [1]
Rekha S. Singhal and colleagues 2007 compared oxidised starches prepared from corn and waxy amaranth starch with gum arabic and a known substitute of gum arabic (amiogum 688) for encapsulation of a model flavour compound, vanillin. Recovered percentage of encapsulated vanillin using these encapsulation agents were found by the authors to differed marginally.
The authors suggest therefore,the use of oxidised starch as a substitute for gum arabic in encapsulated flavours with advantages such as freedom from hygroscopicity and similar encapsulation efficiency.
[1] Kshirsagar, Amol C.; Singhal, Rekha S.: Preparation of hydroxypropyl corn and amaranth starch hydrolyzate and its evaluation as wall material in microencapsulation. Food Chemistry.Volume 108, Issue 3. 1 June 2008. Pages 958-964. 10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.11.074 ScienceDirect
21.03.2008: The Portman Group's Fourth edition of the Code of alcoholic drinks into effect since January 2008 [1]
The fourth edition of the Code of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks came into full effect on 1 January 2008. The Code seeks to ensure that products are marketed in a socially responsible way and only to an adult audience.
The Code applies to all pre-packaged alcoholic drinks and covers the drink's naming, packaging, point-of-sale advertising, brand websites, sponsorship, branded merchandise, advertorials, press releases and sampling. Television, radio and non-broadcast advertisements are regulated by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The Portman Group's Code is consistent with the ASA's rules.
[1] The Portman Group’s Code of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks
http://www.portmangroup.co.uk/assets/documents/4th%20Ed%20of%20Code.pdf
21.03.2008: Milk from the Himalayas healthier than milk from dairy cattle fed grain-based diets [1]
Mamun Or-Rashid and colleagues 2008 compared the fatty acid composition of cheese from yak (Bos grunniens) from Nepalese Himalayas with that of Canadian dairy cow Cheddar cheese.
The authors found that the yak cheese had a higher level of total long-chain saturated fatty acids and a 3.2 times higher content of total n-3 PUFA than cow cheese. The total conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in YC was 2.3% of total fatty acids compared to 0.57% in DC. The cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer in YC constituted 88.5% of the total CLA.
CLA from dairy products such as milk, cheese and meat are formed by bacteria in ruminants that convert plant linoleic acid into conjugated linoleic acid.
The researchers concluded that cheese from yak, grazed on Himalayan alpine pastures, may have a more healthful fatty acid composition compared to cheese manufactured from dairy cattle fed grain-based diets.
This may support studies claiming the milk from organically reared cows at mountain pastures to be healthier compared with conventional rearing at lower altitude.
[1] Or-Rashid, Mamun M.; Odongo, Nicholas E.; Subedi, Bhishma; Karki, Pralhad; McBride, Brian W: .Fatty Acid Composition of Yak (Bos grunniens) Cheese Including Conjugated Linoleic Acid and trans-18:1 Fatty Acids Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Volume 56, pp 1654 - 1660; (Article). Doi: 10.1021/jf0725225
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/2008/56/i05/abs/jf0725225.html
20.03.2008: Glass bottling of wine at destination reduces emission compared with PET bottling [1]
Significant savings in emissions are possible by changing the way how wine is imported.
The UK is the largest importer of wine in the world, Bulk delivery is significantly more cost effective than bringing in bottled wine.
Glass or PET?
The study says that manufacturing glass is less carbon intensive than manufacturing PET. The lower weight of PET bottle compared with glass bottle this impacts the transport calculation in favour to PET. Comparing carbon emission of both, there is no gain at any side.
Wrap suggests therefore the transportation of Australian wine in bulk to archive a significant CO2 emission.
Transportation in bulk
Significant reductions in CO2 emissions from the transportation of wine can be achieved by converting wine from shipping in the bottle to bulk importation reducing emissions by 30% to 40%. In addition, lighter glass bottles can also achieve reductions of up to 30%. WRAP's suggestion ist to bulk shipping and bottling in the UK into the lightest 300g bottles can result in 375g CO2 savings for every 75cl bottle of wine.
Recycling and rail transportation whenever possible is being suggested for a further emission reduction.
A cost and carbon savings from adopting either or both of these options is available at http://winebottles.wrap.org.uk
[1] Wrap: CO2 emissions for wine imported to the UK can vary significantly, largely based on
two key elements - transport and weight of packaging used.
http://www.wrap.org.uk/docs/15149-07_BottlingWine_CS_lr.pdf
20.03.2008: Chocolate as beauty treatment [1]
Emma Little, a beauty therapist, introduced the chocolate beauty skin treatment. The treatment is a facial mask consisting of cacao butter, shea butter and high content of antioxidants rich melted chocolate. Their customers say that the skin is soft and smooth claiming it to be an effect of the cacao butter and the antioxidants of chocolate.
[1] Women find a way to indulge their passion for chocolate this Easter
without gaining an ounce.
http://tvscripts.edt.reuters.com/2008-03-19/232df844.html
20.03.2008: New animal model to evaluate drug efficacy of genistein [1]
Raymond Bergan and colleagues found that genistein inhibits prostata cancer cell detachment and cell invasion in vitro by blocking activation of p38 MAP kinases molecules. The authors developed and animal model to evaluate the antimetastatic drug efficacy of genistein. Using this model genistein was found to decreased metastases by 96%, but did not alter tumor growth. Dietary concentrations of genistein can inhibit prostata cancer cell metastasis. Studies of antimetastatic efficacy in man are warranted and are under way.
[1] Lakshman, Minalini; Xu, Li ; Ananthanarayanan, Vijayalakshmi; Cooper, Joshua; Takimoto, Chris H.; Helenowski, Irene; Pelling, Jilland; Bergan, Raymond: Dietary Genistein Inhibits Metastasis of Human Prostate Cancer in Mice. Cancer Research 2008;68(6):2024-32
Doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-1246
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/6/2024
20.03.2008: Food waste
Wheat waste conversion to biomass or biogas [1]
Environmental growing concerns and rising food prices turn the possible uses of waste is of great importance to optimise the conversion of wheat, barley and oat waste into useful materials such as biomass, biogas/biofuel, animal feed and composting.
Arvanitoyannis and colleagues recommend the conversion of wheat waste into biomass or biogas in view of the energy problems and the extended pollution of the environment due to release of carbon dioxide compared with other methods such as incineration.
Corn and rice waste treatment [2]
Corn and rice waste are of great volume. Arvanitoyannis and Tzerkzou published a review for most of the waste treatment techniques (composting, pyrolysis, gasification, combustion), to reduce its volume and/or toxicity and to make the waste safer for disposal and uses of treated corn and rice waste such as fertilisers, biomass and biogas/biofuel.
Uses of treated fish waste [3]
Fish waste has great impact on the marine environment and EU regulations include it within the frame of Integrated Coastal Management. Arvanitoyannis and colleagues 2008 summerise the application of fish waste as animal feed, biodiesel/biogas, dietic products (chitosan), natural pigments (after extraction), food-packaging applications (chitosan), cosmetics (collagen), enzyme isolation, Cr immobilisation, soil fertiliser and moisture maintenance in foods (hydrolysates).
Meat waste treatment [4]
According to Arvanitoyannis and colleagues meat waste materials like blood, hair, tail, horns and bones are a high pollution factor of meat production. Methods like aerobic and anaerobic composting like windrows, aerated static piles and bins or aerated chambers are discussed. According to the authors meat and bone meal are increasingly being used in animal nutrition as a protein source in place of proteinaceous feeds.
Disposal of wast from olive oil [5]
The olive oil industry continues to be one of the most heavily polluting ones among the food industries. various thermal processes, such as pyrolysis, combustion and gasification, were investigated. Another crucial issue is the fate of treated waste. Arvanitoyannis and colleagues 2007 present a review of various thermal treatment waste methodologies and summarise the uses activated carbon and briquette production.
[1] Arvanitoyannis, Ioannis S.;Tserkezou, Persefoni: Wheat, barley and oat waste: a comparative and critical presentation of methods and potential uses of treated waste. International Journal of Food Science & Technology. Volume 43 Issue 4 Page 694-725, April 2008 Doi:10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.01510.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.01510.x
[2] Arvanitoyannis, Ioannis S.;Tserkezou, Persefoni: Corn and rice waste: a comparative and critical presentation of methods and current and potential uses of treated waste. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, OnlineEarly Articles Published article online: 21-Dec-2007. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2621.2007.01545.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2007.01545.x
[3] Arvanitoyannis, Ioannis S.; Kassaveti, Aikaterini : Fish industry waste: treatments, environmental impacts, current and potential uses. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, Volume 43, Issue 4, Page 726-745, Apr 2008, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.01513.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.01513.x
[4] Arvanitoyannis, Ioannis S.; Ladas, Demetrios: Meat waste treatment methods and potential uses. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, Volume 43, Issue 3, Page 543-559, Mar 2008, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.01492.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.01492.x
[5] Arvanitoyannis, Ioannis S.; Kassaveti, Aikaterini; Stefanatos, Stelios: Current and potential uses of thermally treated olive oil waste: International Journal of Food Science & Technology, Volume 42, Issue 7, Page 852-867, Jul 2007, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.01296.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.01296.x
19.03.2008: The Malaysian cocoa beans antioxidants study 2007 [1]
Amin Ismail and colleagues 2007 investigated the antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of cocoa beans from Malaysia, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sulawesi. They analysed the water extract to measure the antioxidant activity based on β-carotene bleaching assay, while the ethanolic extract was used to measure the scavenging and ferric reducing activities.
The researchers reported that Ghanaian cocoa beans had the highest antioxidant and scavenging activities, followed by Ivory Coast, Malaysian and Sulawesian. Malaysian and Sulawesian beans were found in this study to have the highest ferric reducing activity, compared to the other beans. The highest phenolic content was found in Malaysian beans, followed by Sulawesian, Ghanaian and Ivory Coast.
The authors concluded that antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of Malaysian cocoa beans were comparable to Ghanaian, Ivory Coast, and Sulawesian beans.
Ghana cocoa hybrids nutrition and polyphenols study [2]
The yields of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in Ghana is decreasing. New hybrids to be introduced in the near future were developed to improve yields, resist to diseases and improve pest resistance.
Gregory Tucker and colleagues 2008 studied the nutrients and polyphenols in these hybrids.
The authors found that the hybrid beans had significantly higher antioxidant capacities found in the hybrids Amazon/Trinitario hybrids, two different Amazon/Amazon hybrids, and Amazon/Amelonado hybrids than in the traditional beans for most of the hybrids under scrutiny. The authors concluded that these hybrid varieties were either similar to, or higher in polyphenols compared with traditional beans, the introduction of these new varieties will not impact detrimentally on nutritional components of the beans.
Polyphenols from cocoa bean, such as different catechins, as well as procyanins, anthocyanins, and flavone and flavonol glycosides are linked to health issues such as cardiovascular health, diabetes and skin health. These researches are therefore supported by the chocolate industry such as Nestl\'e, Barry Callebaut and Mars eager to improve the health image of chocolate strongly associated with high saturated fats, high sugar and high calories profile.[3]
[1] Othman, Azizah; Ismail, Amin; Ghani, Nawalyah Abdul; Adenan, Ilham: Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of cocoa beans. Food Chemistry, Volume 100, Issue 4, 2007, Pages 1523-1530 . Doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.12.021 ScienceDirect
[2] Jonfia-Essien, W.A.; West, G.; Alderson, P.G.; Tucker, G.: Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of hybrid variety cocoa beans. Food Chemistry 108 (2008) 1155-1159. Doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.12.001 ScienceDirect
[3] Cooper, Karen A.; Donovan, J.L.; Waterhouse, A.L.; Williamson, G.: Cocoa and health: a decade of research. British Journal of NutritionPublished on-line ahead of print. Doi: 10.1017/S0007114507795296
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=1590848
19.03.2008: Diacetyl from butter flavours damages lung [1]
Daniel Morgan and colleagues 2008 evaluated the respiratory toxicity of diacetyl in mice.
The authors report that depending on the route and duration of exposure, diacetyl causes significant epithelial injury, peribronchial lymphocytic inflammation, or fibrohistiocytic lesions in the terminal bronchioles, a condition that can lead to the lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), a thickening and scarring of the lungs.
The authors concluded that workplace exposure to diacetyl contributes to the development of BOS in humans.
The EU Commission has declared that diacetyl is legal for use as a flavouring substance in all EU states. [2]
The butter flavour diacetyl is used in the production of popcorn, confectioneries, bakeries and margarine. US popcorn Pop Weaver and ConAgra announced to eliminate diacetyl in their butter flavours.
[1] Morgan, D.; Flake, G.; Kirby, P.;Palmer, S.: Respiratory Toxicity of Diacetyl in C57BI/6 mice. Toxicological Sciences ToxSci Advance Access published online on January 27, 2008 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfn016
http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/kfn016v1
[2] 1999/217/EC Commission Decision of 23 February 1999 adopting a register of flavouring substances used in or on foodstuffs drawn up in application of Regulation (EC) No 2232/96 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 October 1996 (notified under number C(1999) 399)
(text with EEA relevance)
http://www.fsai.ie/legislation/food/eu_docs/Flavourings/Dir99.217.pdf
18.03.2008: Ug99 fungus, other crop pests and drought are threatening food security of large population groups.
Ug99 has also known as TTKS is a race of black stem rust (Puccinia graminis tritici)
which has jumped from eastern Africa and is now infecting wheat in Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), countries in the predicted, immediate pathway grow more than 65 million hectares of wheat, accounting for 25 percent of the global wheat harvest. [1]
According to Ravi P. Singh and colleagues 2006 the stem or black rust, caused by Puccinia graminis tritici is of high importance because most wheat cultivars currently grown in its likely migration path, i.e. to North Africa through Arabian Peninsula and then to Middle East and Asia, are highly susceptible to this race. The long-term strategy should focus on rebuilding the ‘Sr2-complex’ to achieve long-term durability. A Global Rust Initiative has been launched to monitor the further migration of this race. [2]
Fighting crop pests and drought [3]
Dr Lesley Boyd at the John Innes Centre identifies the genetic resistance to stem rust. Stem rust has the potential to wipe out 40-70% of wheat yields and has already caused a painful spike in wheat prices. The Centre says that for farmers who cannot afford to use expensive fungicides, resistance is the only defence.
The centre is also focused on food security for poor rural population developin feasible solutions for crop pests:
Armyworm control: Armyworm (Pseudaletia unipuncta Haworth) may ne controlled with the use of a naturally occurring virus as a biological pesticide. The African armyworm is an insect which feeds on cereal crops.
Witchweed famine threat: Witchweed (Striga asiatica) is a parasitic plant that attacks some of the most important crops such as corn, sorghum, sugar cane, and rice, reducing drastically yields . Witchweed rob nutrients and moisture by tapping directly into the host’s root system. Consequently, the host spends energy supporting witchweed growth at its own expense. The Centre is developing resistant crops.
Improving pearl millet resistance to drought: Pearl millet provides food security for half a billion people in Africa and Asia. The researchers are improving pearl millet’s genetic tolerance to drought caused by climate change.
Fighting root-knot nematodes with fungus: Root-knot nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on plant roots, stunting their growth. The researchers are looking for a natural soil fungus to destroy the worms' eggs.
Reducing arsenic levels in rice: Irrigation with arsenic contaminated groundwater, pollution resulting from mining and the use of municipal solid waste as fertilizer causes rice to have high content of toxic arsenic. Researchers are searching for types of rice which have lower take-up levels of inorganic arsenic.
[1] Global Rust: Dangerous wheat disease jumps Red Sea
Devastating fungal pathogen spreads from eastern Africa to Yemen, following path scientists predicted. 17.January 2007.
http://www.globalrust.org/images/IR2007_002_GRI.pdf
[2] Singh, Ravi P; . Hodson, David P;. Jin, Yue; Huerta-Espino, Julio; Kinyua, Miriam G.; Wanyera, Ruth; Njau, Peter; Ward, Rick W.: Current status, likely migration and strategies to mitigate the threat to wheat production from race Ug99 (TTKS) of stem rust pathogen. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources 2006 1, No. 054.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/ad_hoc/36400500Publications/YJ/PAV054.pdf
[3] University of the Free State in South Africa, John Innes Centre: Major scientific push to tackle agricultural productivity and food security in developing world. February 2008.
http://www.jic.ac.uk/corporate/media-and-public/current-releases/080221SARIDLesleyBoyd.htm
17.03.2008 Southampton team responds to EFSA evaluation [1]
The researcher of the Southampton study on hyperactivity caused by certain colourings and preservative, leaded by Jim Stevenson, Donna McCann, Edmund Sonuga-Barke and John Warner, responded to the EFSA evaluation of their study. They say that despite EFSA saying there is no justification from this research to change the limits on these additives, that does not mean there are no grounds for action at all.
The team stresses that since the colours being tested in this study are of no nutritional value, even the small overall benefit of removing them from children's diets would come at no cost or risk to the child, and a benefit, even a small one, would be worthwhile achieving.
According to the authors added weight is given to this conclusion because other important influences on hyperactivity in children, such as genetic factors, are difficult to address while the risk arising from exposure to food colours can be regulated.
[1] University of Southampton: Southampton response to EFSA evaluation of study on food additives and children's behaviour. Ref: 08/50 14 March 2008
http://www.soton.ac.uk/mediacentre/news/2008/mar/08_50.shtml
17.03.2008: Rising taxes on alcohol in UK
UK announced a lift of taxes on alcohol. Also this lift is cost factor bounded and not explicitly the health situation, groups promoting responsible health lifestyles welcomed the action as part of a fight against irresponsible drinking.
A discussion paper on the EU strategy on alcohol focused primarily at alcohol and driving and under-age drinking, including binge drinking. [1]
The alcohol industry, especially the highly protected vine industry is taking a lot of measures to avoid any setback on alcohol sells, fearing a similar situation as happened with smoking.
However addressing parliament with his budgetary speech yesterday, the UK chancellor stressed that it was cost factors and not explicitly health that had encouraged him to lift taxes on drink. The UK Wine and Spirit Association condemns government's action calling it an attack on consumers. [2]
[1] EC.Europa: Discussion Paper on the EU Strategy on Alcohol. 2005
http://ec.europa.eu/comm/health/ph_determinants/life_style/alcohol/documents/ev_20050307_rd01_en.pdf
[2] Wine and Spirit Trade Association: WSTA Condemns Government's Attack on Consumers 112.03.2008.
http://www.wsta.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=296&Itemid=74
17.03.2008: French Cheese under safety concern
Various types of French cheese are prepared from raw milk. The definition of Camembert dated December 1986, says that temperatures not higher than 37°C may be used during production process and only milk from cattle which tuberculosis and brucellosis free may be used. [1]
Safety concern which were nourished by a series of cheese poisoning by Listeria monocitogenes and salmonella made some producers like Lactalis to apply a mild heat of 60°C (thermised milk), which may inactivate these pathogens. The AOC do not approve this safety measure claiming that quality and flavour of the camembert will be compromised. The AOC members voted to keep the definition of 1986 unaltered . It is expected that official ruling will forbid the use of raw milk for cheese production in France. [2]
[1] AOC: Définition du Camembert
http://veritable.camembert.free.fr/pages/aoc.htm
[2] Food Safety Consortium , Iowa State University: FRANCE: Raw milk camembert poses safety concern says manufacturer. 14.03.2008.
http://www.foodsafety.iastate.edu/news/
16.03.2008: Additives and plasticisers migration from PVC gasket seals
Koni Grob and colleagues 2006 tested the migration of plasticizers from PVC gaskets into oily foods packed in glass jars oil at standard conditions (pasteurization/sterilization followed by 10 days at 40°C), and found migration far below that observed in reality; after 20 days at 60 °C, migration was above average in reality, but still did not reach the worst case required by legislation. ESBO, DEH, DEHS and ATBC, Citroflex A were included in testing. [1]
Ezerskis and colleagues 2007 tested foods and gaskets and found epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO) to be the principal plasticiser in 53% of the tested gaskets. Polyadipate in 27% and Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) in 20%.
ESBO hat the highest migration rate, with concentrations in food up to 281.9mg/kg (max allowed= 60 mg/kg).
The authors found also high migration rates of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), up to 8.7 mg/kg (max allowed= 3 mg/kg) in 40% of the food samples.
Total polyadipate (PA) concentrations of 16.3 mg/kg in average (maxPA allowed= (30 mg/kg) were found to be acceptable.
The authors suggest the polyadipates, having the lowest migration rates of the tested platicisers, as plasticisers for PVC gasket seals used in food industry. [2]
Koni Grob and colleagues 2007 support the findings of studies saying that polyadipates seem to be the only acceptable plasticizers for PVC gaskets. They suggest dilute the plasticizers with others of low viscosity for a better handling. According to the authors storage test for two years showed migration of polyadipate clearly below the limits and the migration of ESBO was found several times higher. [3]
Linolenic acid free ESBO was suggested to reduce toxicity [4]
According to Koni Grob and colleagues 2006 epoxidized soy bean oil (ESBO) was found to be toxic for rats, but the toxic constituent is unknown. Analysing the components of ESBO the authors found a possible effect of epoxy oleic acid to be negligible. Diepoxy linoleic acid was found similar to the exposure from oxidized fats and oils of normal diet. Only triepoxy linolenic acid from ESBO exceeds that from normal food by around two orders of magnitude. The authors suggest therefore the use of an epoxidized edible oil virtually free of linolenic acid.
Method for testing ESBO in foods [5]
Koni Grob and colleagues 2005 wrote that the migration of epoxidized soy bean oil (ESBO) from the gasket in the lids of glass jars into foods, particularly those rich in edible oil, often far exceeds the legal limit (60 mg/kg) and propose a method of testing ESBO in foods. According to the authors the new method has a detection limit between 2-5 mg/kg, depending on the food, with uncertainty of the procedure being below 10%.
Analytical procedure for plasticisers in strech-type films [6]
A single analytical procedure is presented for determination of so-called monomeric plasticisers such as di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, polymeric plasticisers such as poly(butylene adipate), and secondary plasticisers such as epoxidised soybean oil, in stretch-type films. The combined method offers significant savings in time compared with the separate analytical methods published earlier for monomeric and polymeric poly(vinyl chloride) plasticisers.
[1] Fankhauser-Noti, Anja; Koni Grob: Migration of plasticizers from PVC gaskets of lids for glass jars into oily foods: Amount of gasket material in food contact, proportion of plasticizer migrating into food and compliance testing by simulation. Trends in Food Science & Technology, Volume 17, Issue 3, March 2006, Pages 105-112. Doi:101016/j.chroma.2005.05.057 ScienceDirect
[2] Ezerskis, Z.; Morkunas, V.; Suman, M.; Simoneau, C. : Analytical screening of polyadipates and other plasticisers in poly(vinyl chloride) gasket seals and in fatty food by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Analytica Chimica Acta. Volume 604, Issue 1, 26 November 2007, Pages 29-38. Doi:10.1016/j.aca.2007.04.047 ScienceDirect
[3] Biedermann, Maurus; Fiselier, Katell; Marmiroli, Giuseppe; Avanzini, Giampietro; Rutschmann, Ernst; Pfenninger, Susanne; Grob Koni: Migration from the gaskets of lids into oily foods: first results on polyadipates. European Food Research and Technology. Published online: 7 June 2007. Doi:10.1007/s00217-007-0670-4
http://www.springerlink.com/content/4u21567n323w821m/
[4] Fankhauser-Noti, Anja; Fiselier, Katell; Biedermann-Brem, Sandra; Grob Koni: Assessment of epoxidized soy bean oil (ESBO) migrating into foods: Comparison with ESBO-like epoxy fatty acids in our normal diet
Food and Chemical Toxicology, Volume 44, Issue 8, August 2006, Pages 1279-1286 Doi:10.1016/j.fct.2006.02.005 ScienceDirect
[5] Fankhauser-Noti, Anja; Fiselier, Katell; Biedermann-Brem, Sandra; Grob Koni: Epoxidized soy bean oil migrating from the gaskets of lids into food packed in glass jars: Analysis by on-line liquid chromatography–gas chromatography
Journal of Chromatography A, Volume 1082, Issue 2, 5 August 2005, Pages 214-219. DOI:101016/j.chroma.2005.05.057 ScienceDirect
[6] Castle, Laurence; Jickells, Sue M.; Nichol, Janet; Johns, Sue M.; Gramshaw, John W.: Determination of high- and low-molecular-mass plasticisers in stretch-type packaging films
Journal of Chromatography A, Volume 675, Issues 1-2, 22 July 1994, Pages 261-266 Doi:10.1016/0021-9673(94)85283-9 ScienceDirect
16.03.2008: Official method for compliance testing of lids is dissatisfying [1]
Koni Grob and colleagues 2008 says that the official method for testing migration from the gaskets of lids into oily foods is not suitable for compliance testing of lids.
The official method
A glass jar containing oil is closed with the caps to be tested, turned on its lid and heated 1 hour at 100°C and 1 hour at 130°C, simulating pasteurisation and sterilisation respectively. Prediction of migration during 5 years storage is performed measuring the migration after 10 days at 40°C.
Critics on the method
Keeping the jar turned on its lid gets the whole content of the jar in contact with the lid and equilibrium of migration is completed involving all oil and not just 30 ml sticking to the lid under normal conditions.
Speed of migration at 40°C accelerated only by a factor of 2.4 the platicizer such as ESBO and and 3.9 for polyadipate, variation occur with the oil used , while migration measured with coconut oil being 2-3 times that with olive oil. ESBO was found by the authors to be left behind a layer of PVC which stops the migration during the test.
The authors concluded that the described official method is not suitable to extend the 10-day testing to a prediction for years in general manner and they call for testing under a more realistic scenario.
[1] Biedermann, Maurus; Fiselier, Katell; Grob, Koni: Testing migration from the PVC gaskets in metal closures into oily foods. Trends in Food Science and Technology. Volume 19,Issue 3 March 2008, Pages 145-155. Doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2007.08.008 ScienceDirect
15.03.2008: Testing for unapproved Genetically Modified Organisms rice BT63 will enter into force on 15th May [1]
The European Commission decided today to require compulsory certification for the imports of Chinese rice products that could contain the unauthorised GMO Bt63. The decision has been taken after rice products -originating in, or consigned from, China and containing the unauthorised genetically modified rice "Bt 63" were discovered in the EU market between 2006 and 2007.
The presence of the unauthorised Bt63 was first discovered in the United Kingdom, France and Germany in September 2006. Despite measures announced by the Chinese authorities in 2007, alerts concerning the presence of the unauthorised genetically modified rice "Bt 63" were reported until late 2007.
EU emergency measures
The emergency measures adopted by the Commission mean that, as of April 15, only consignments of the rice products indicated in a specific Annex of the Decision can enter the EU. These consignments must be tested by an official or accredited laboratory using a specific testing method and accompanied by the analytical report assuring they do not contain Bt63.
Responsible parties for the controls
China is responsible for ensuring that Bt63 does not enter the EU food chain and that imports are certified as free from this unauthorised GMO. Member State authorities are responsible for controlling the imports at their borders and for preventing any contaminated consignments from being placed on the market. In addition, they should carry out controls on products already on the market, to ensure that they are free from Bt63.
Business operators importing rice products from China are also responsible for ensuring that Bt63 does not enter the EU food chain and that imports are certified as free from this unauthorised GMO, in accordance with the EU food law principle that operators are responsible for the safety of the food or feed that they place on the market.
Bayer CropScience puts rice industry in distrust [2]
According to Green Peace a series of scandals erupted in 2006 as world rice supplies were discovered to be contaminated with unapproved genetically engineered (GE) rice varieties. Field trials of GE rice in the US and the illegal sale of rice seed in China led to unapproved GE rice entering global food supply chains. Contaminated food stocks were found and pulled from shelves in European stores. Widespread bans on US-produced rice were enacted.
The latest GE contamination scandal shows that once GE organisms are released into the environment, the consequences for consumers, farmers and traders are enormous. As a result, farmers, millers, traders and retailers around the globe are facing massive financial costs, including testing and recall costs, cancelled orders, import bans, brand damage and consumer distrust-distrust that could last for years.
Lawsuits have been filed by US rice farmers against Bayer CropScience already, as farmers struggle to protect their livelihoods from GE contamination.
On the other side,WTO has published a ruling on a case brought against the EU by the US, Canada and Argentina over Europe imposing restrictions on the importing of GE food.
[1] European Commission: Commission requires certification for Chinese rice products to stop unauthorised GMO from entering the EU. IP/08/219 Date: 13.02.08
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/219&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN
[2] Green Peace: Rice Industry in Crisis. 2006
http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/eu-unit/press-centre/reports/rice-industry-in-crisis-2.pdf
14.03.2007: The Southampton Study on hyperactivity does not warrant an ADI change of colour and preservative says EFSA.
McCann et al. (2007), the Southampton study on hyperactivity [1]
The Southampton study by McCann et al. (2007) on the effect of two mixtures of certain food colours and the preservative sodium benzoate on children’s behaviour suggested a link between these mixtures and hyperactivity in children. The additives included in the two mixtures given to the children were Tartrazine (E102), Quinoline Yellow (E104), Sunset Yellow FCF (E110), Ponceau 4R (E124), Allura Red AC (E129), Carmoisine (E122) and sodium benzoate (E211).
The UK COT review of the Southhampton Study [2]
The UK Committee on Toxicity COT reviewed the Sothhampton Study concluding that the study provided supporting evidence suggesting that artificial food colours together with the preservative sodium benzoate are associated with an increase in hyperactivity in children from the general population.
According to the COT report increases in mean levels of hyperactivity observed in this study were small relative to normal inter-individual variation and that changes in behaviour were not evident in all children in any one group and were not consistent across age groups or across the different mixtures used in the study. Therefore it is not possible to draw conclusions on the implications of the observed changes at the population level. It is also not possible to extrapolate the findings to additives other than the specific combination in the mixtures used in this study.
The COT concluded that the results of this study are consistent with, and add weight to, previous published reports of behavioural changes occurring in children following consumption of particular food additives.
The EFSA review of the Southhampton Study released on 14.03.08 [3]
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) AFC Panel concluded that this study provided limited evidence that the mixtures of additives tested had a small effect on the activity and attention of some children. However, the effects observed were not consistent for the two age groups and for the two mixtures used in the study.
Considering the overall weight of evidence and in view of the considerable uncertainties the Panel concluded that the findings of the McCann et al study could not be used as a basis for altering the ADI of the respective food colours or sodium benzoate.
Although the findings from the study could be relevant for specific individuals showing sensitivity to food additives in general or to food colours in particular, it is not possible at present to assess how widespread such sensitivity may be in the general population.
The Panel noted that the majority of the previous studies used children described as hyperactive and these were therefore not representative of the general population.
{1} McCann et al (2007) : The Southampton Study
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607613063/abstract
[2] Committee on Toxicity: COT statement on research project (TO7040) investigating the mixtures of certain food colours and a preservative on behaviour in children
http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/committee/colpreschil.pdf
[3] Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Food Contact Materials (AFC) on a request from the Commission on the results of the study by McCann et al. (2007) on the effect of some colours and sodium benzoate on children’s behaviour. The EFSA Journal (2008) 660, 1-5
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1178694648892.htm
14.03.2008: Development of second generation technology needed to avoid biofuel to compete increasingly with food sources. [1]
The increase in food prices hit at most bread, dairy and meat being biofuel blamed for an important reason of food shortfall. To reverse this trend Europabio presented at the World Biofuels Markets in Brussels on 13.03.2008 its future contribution to sustainable energy.
In its press release the association stresses the importance of a measure in order to stimulate the transition towards biofuels with high greenhouse gases savings, and proposes a "stepwise approach"starting with a relatively low greenhouse gases savings threshold and increasing in time, or a system where a moderate threshold could be set as basis, coupled with an “incentivisation system” rewarding additional greenhouse gases savings.
The association claims that in five to seven years biofuel of second generation using waste such as straw as source could help to reduce the negative effects on food supply in Europe and third countries, by reducing biofuel of the first generation which rely on corn and other starch sources. The moratorium on biofuel of the Friends of the Earth targets this period of first generation biofuels [4].
European COM 2008 30 [2]
EuropaBio refers to the European directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (COM 2008 30) where the rules are critical in order to ensure that the environmental benefits of using biofuels outweigh any possible environmental disadvantages. At the same time, the Commission is committed to promoting in all its policies the rapid development of second generation biofuels. It will closely monitor market developments and their effects on food,
feed, energy and other industrial uses of biomass, and take appropriate action if needed.
Four pillars of sustainability [3]
EuropaBio says that it is important that the emerging biofuels sector be built on sound sustainability principles do not stand in the way of food production, forest protection, soil degradation prevention and sound water supplky.
EuropaBio’s pillars of sustainability include:
- The development of a credible and robust certification scheme on an EU or global basis to guarantee that biofuels are produced in an environmentally sustainable way.
- The development of a credible and robust certification scheme on an EU or global basis to guarantee that biofuels are produced in an environmentally sustainable way.
- The development of sustainability criteria for the biomass used for fuel production as well as for all (energy) applications.
- The support of a threshold value for greenhouse gas savings, restrictions on land use to avoid major reduction in carbon stocks and biodiversity loss from land use change.
[1] EuropaBio: Get the facts on biofuels – how do you determine whether biofuels are sustainable or not?
http://www.europabio.org/Biofuels/Biofuels_PressBrief.htm
[2] European Commission.: COM(2008) 30 final. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 20 20 by 2020. Europe's climate change opportunity. Brussels, 23.1.2008
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0030:FIN:EN:PDF
[3] EuropaBio: European biotech industry sets the record straight on biofuels
and outlines contribution of biotech to a low-carbon society
http://www.europabio.org/Biofuels/PressBrief/PR_WorldBiofuelsMarkets_13%20March.pdf
[4] Friends of the Earth: Out of the laboratory and on to our plates: Nanofood in the Grocery Aisles: Miller Light, Cadbury and Other Brands Have Toxic Risks. March 2008.
http://www.foe.org/pdf/nano_food.pdf
13.03.2008: Moratorium on the use of nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the control of matter on the atomic and molecular scale, normally 1 to 100 nanometres and the fabrication of devices with critical dimensions that lie within that size range. [1]
Nanofood
The term ‘nanofood’ describes food which has been cultivated, produced, processed or packaged using nanotechnology techniques or tools, or to which manufactured nanomaterials have been added (Joseph and Morrison 2006). Examples of nano-ingredients and manufactured nanomaterial additives include nanoparticles of iron or zinc, and nanocapsules containing ingredients like Omega 3, or producing stronger flavours and colourings.
Nanopackaging for foods
In food packaging, nanoparticles are used to detect bacterial contamination, absorb oxygen or release preservatives to food, surface coating of bottles for Ketchup or dressings and more.
Nanoparticles and food safety [2]
The Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration, (ETC Group), in its document "Down on the Farm " in November 2004 call on governments to keep the Precautionary Principle, all food, feed and beverage products (including nutritional supplements) incorporating manufactured nano particles to remove from the shelves until such time as regulatory regimes are in place that take into account the special characteristics of these materials, and until the products have been shown to be safe.
The Moratorium on nanotechnology [3]
Friends of the Earth in Europe, the US and Australia made a similar call for a temporary halt on using nanotechnology in the food chain The authors say that nanotechn