30.10.2008: Study of Lang 2008 linking bisphenol A to morbidity in adults [1]
Lang an colleagues 2008 raises suspicion that higher urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations were associated with cardiovascular diagnose. diabetes but not with other studied common diseases and that higher bisphenol A concentrations can be associated with clinically abnormal concentrations of the liver enzymes gamma-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The authors concluded that higher bisphenol A exposure, reflected in higher urinary concentrations of bisphenol A, may be associated with morbidity in adults.

Statement of the EFSA on the Lang and colleagues 2008 Study [2]
A Statement of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) related to the Study of Lang 2008 correlating urinary bisphenol A concentrations to medical disorders in adults, concluded that there is no need to revise the 2006 TDI of bisphenola A of 0.05 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day.

The EFSA says that the study of Lang 2008 uses of the existing US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2003-2004 (CDC, 2004), which comprises measurements of BPA in urine samples of individuals. [3]

These data have no information on exposure during the time needed for development of diseases.
The observed association between urinary BPA elimination and the conditions mentioned above may have been a chance finding or may be due to non-identified confounders.

The EFSA concludes that this single study does not provide sufficient proof for a causal link between exposure to BPA and the health conditions mentioned above. Therefore, EFSA considers that there is no need
to revise the TDI as derived by the AFC Panel in 2006.

[1] Lang, I.A.; Galloway, T.S.; Scarlett, A.; Henley, W.E.; Depledge, M.; Wallace, R.B.; Melzer, D.: Association of urinary bisphenol A concentration with medical disorders and laboratory abnormalities in adults. JAMA. 2008 Sep 17;300(11):1303-10. Epub 2008 Sep 16.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18799442

[2] Statement of EFSA prepared by the Unit on food contact materials, enzymes, flavourings and processing aids (CEF) and the Unit on Assessment Methodology (AMU) on a study associating bisphenol A with medical disorders. The EFSA Journal (2008) 838, 1-3.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/Statement/cef_ej838_statement%20on%20bpa_medical%20disorders_statem_en.pdf?ssbinary=true

[3] Calafat; A.M.; Ye X.; Wong, L.Y.; Reidy, J.A.; Needham, L.L.: Exposure of the U.S. population to bisphenol A and 4-tertiary-octylphenol: 2003-2004. Environ Health Perspect. 2008 Jan;116(1):39-44.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18197297

29.10.2008: USDA Database for Proanthocyanidins 2004 [1]
Proanthocyanidins, also known as procyanidin oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), pycnogenol, leukocyanidin and leucoanthocyanin, they are flavanols. Proanthocyanidins are polymers of flavan-3-ols, also referred to as 'Condensed Tannins', with astringent flavour. Their free radical scavenging properties may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, blood clotting and certain types of trimeric PAs may protect against urinary tract infections. USDA provides a database for proanthocyanidins for epidemiologists and health researchers to estimate the intakes and to investigate relationships between intakes and reduction in the risks of various diseases.

The database contains values for 205 food items for proanthocyanidins listed as monomers, dimers, trimers, 4-6 mers (tetramers, pentamers and hexamers), 7-10 mers (heptamers, octamers, nonamers and decamers) and Polymers (DP>10)

Synergistic effect of polyphenols from skind and seed from grape inhibit platlet aggregation [2]
Polyphenols composed of more than one phenol unit or building block per molecule. Polyphenols are generally divided into hydrolyzable tannins (gallic acid esters of glucose and other sugars) and phenylpropanoids, such as lignins, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. (see chemical formulas at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphenolics)
Reed and colleagues 2002 found that combining extracts of grape seed and grape skin, rich in grape polyphenolics, individually shown to inhibit platelet aggregation , might enhance their individual antiplatelet effects. Feeding the extracts individually did not affect platelet aggregation, whereas feeding them in combination in combination as found in in red wine, grape juice exhibit a greater antiplatelet effect than when present individually.

Anticancer and urinary antibacterial properties of cranberry fruit [3]
Catherine C. Neto reviewed the existing research on the anticancer properties of fruit of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). The author found that polyphenolic extracts rich in proanthocyanidins inhibit the growth and proliferation of breast, colon, prostate, lung, and other tumors, as do flavonols, proanthocyanidin oligomers, and triterpenoids isolated from the fruit. The unique combination of phytochemicals found in cranberry fruit may produce synergistic health benefits.
The proanthocyanidins of cranberry also prevent urinary tract infections, inhibiting the adhesion of Escherichia coli bacteria. Also inhibition of the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric mucus was noted, reducing the risk  of gastric cancer.

Grape seed procianidins reduces liver cancer risk [4]
Quesada and colleagues 2007 found that procianidins inhibit the metallothionein gene expression in the liver by 70 per cent. Inhibition of the metalothionein genes expression was found dose dependent to grape seed procyanidins extract used in the study. The authors stress that metallothione in genes are direct targets of procyanidins action, both in vivo and in vitro, in hepatic cells. The authors elucidate the mechanisms how procyanidin achieves the beneficial effects.

Metallothionein plays an important role in transcription factor regulation. Increased expression of metallothioneins were found in some cancers of the breast, colon, kidney, liver, lung, nasopharynx, ovary, prostate, mouth, salivary gland, testes, thyroid and urinary bladder. Lower levels of metallothioneins were found in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver adenocarcinoma. [5]

Grape seed extracts protect from cardiovascular diseases [6]
Woodward and colleagues 2004 stress that the French have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease than Americans. Researchers say this is an effect of grape polyphenolic of red wine consumed by French. The authors, however do not recommend red wine, neither red grape juice, because of the pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory effect of alcohol in wine and the high sugar content of the juice which might harm diabetic or promote obesity. The authors recommend therefore polyphenolic extracts of grapes as an alternative to wine or purple grape juice.

Grape seed extract have anti ageing effect and are potent antioxidants [7]
John Shi and colleagues 2003 point out that grape seeds contain 5-8 per cent of polyphenols, proanthocyanidins including flavonoids, such as gallic acid, the monomeric flavan-3-ols catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, and epicatechin 3-0-gallate, and procyanidin dimers, trimers, and more highly polymerized procyanidins. The antioxidant effect of Proanthocyanidins is 20 times greater than vitamin E and 50 times greater than vitamin C. The most abundant phenolic compounds isolated from grape seed are catechins, epicatechin, procyanidin, and some dimers and trimers.

Seeds and marcs from the mao plant are a good source of proanthocyanidins [8]
Puangpronpitag and colleagues 2008 analysed the seeds and marcs of Antidesma thwaitesianum Müll. Arg. or mao which, a waste product of the production of juice and wine in Thailand. The authors looked on the polyphenolic content and their radical scavenging activities of the polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. The researchers found that the protective effect of seeds and marcs of mao on lipid peroxidation is as strong as grape seed proanthocyanidin extract, and stress that mao waste products may be a good source of polyphenolics.

Marjoram volatile oil and grape seed extract are strong antioxidants [9]
El-Ashmawy and colleagues 2007 studied the antioxidant effect of Marjoram volatile oil (Origanum majorana L., Lamiaceae) and grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera L., Vitaceae), when simultaneously administratedwith ethanol. They found that the ethanol toxicity induced significant alterations in the histological structures of the testis, liver and brain, an increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in the level of glutathione in the testis, liver and brain. The co-administration of marjoram volatile oil and grape seed extract reduced significantly the effects of ethanol toxicity on male fertility, liver and brain tissues. The authors concluded that the extracts of both plants are indicated to control oxidative damages.

Proanthocyanidins of grape seed prevent skin cancer [10]
Meeran and Kativar report that dietary grape seed proanthocyanidins prevent photocarcinogenesis in mice. The authors stress that grape seed proanthocyanidins possess chemotherapeutic potential against human epidermoid carcinoma cells in vitro. They call for more studies to verify the chemotherapeutic effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins in skin cancers.

Polyphenols of red grape skin and grape seed extracts prevent cardiovascular diseases [11]
Hanne Frederiksen report that polyphenols in red grape skin and seed extract had positive effect on the development of atherosclerosis. In their study the authors found that grape skin and seed extract had no significant effects in females rabbits but was associated with transient less hypercholesterolemic response to semisynthetic diet. The development of aortic atherosclerosis in males was retarded.

Non-nutrient dietary constituents may present useful bioactive effects [12]
Rosemary Carpenter and colleagues 2006 determined the concentration of compound that inhibited cell growth by 50% (IC50) of a range of phytochemicals and plant extracts and to investigate their antioxidant and genoprotective effects. The authors found that resveratrol presented the highest IC50 value of 13.7 µg/mL, and Echinacea the lowest at 9,400 µg/mL. Oxidative stress was strongly reduced by olive leaf extract and bearberry, grapeseed polyphenols and bearberry strongly protected against H2O2- and DNA damage. The authors concluded that non-nutrient dietary constituents may present important bioactive effects. Extracts of bearberry, grapeseed polyphenols, and olive leaf extract, protect against oxidative stress.

[1] USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory: USDA Database for the Proanthocyanidin Content of Selected Foods - 2004
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/PA/PA.pdf

[2] Shanmuganayagam D, Beahm M R, Osman H E, Krueger C G, Reed J D and Folts J D,”Grape seed and grape skin extracts elicit a greater antiplatelet effect when used in combination than when used individually in dogs and humans”, J. Nutr. (2002), 132: pp. 3,592–3,598.
http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:12468593

[3] Neto, Catherine C. : Supplement: International Research Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Cancer. Cranberry and Its Phytochemicals: A Review of In Vitro Anticancer Studies. The American Society for Nutrition J. Nutr. 137:186S-193S, January 2007
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/137/1/186S

[4] Quesada, I.M.; Del Bas, J.M.; Bladé, C.; Ardèvol, A.; Blay, M.; Salvadó, M.J.; Pujadas, G.; Fernández-Larrea, J.; Arola, L.: Grape seed procyanidins inhibit the expression of metallothione in genes in human HepG2 cells. Genes Nutr. 2007 Oct;2(1):105-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18850154

[5] Wikipedia: Metallothionein
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallothionein

[6]Woodward , Derrick L.; Shanmuganayagam , Dhanansa yan; Folts, John D.: Grape Extracts and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease. US Cardiology 2004
http://www.touchcardiology.com/files/article_pdfs/5242.pdf

{7} Shi, John; Yu, Jianmel; Pohorly, Joseph E.; Kakuda, Yukio: Polyphenolics in Grape Seeds - Biochemistry and Functionality. Journal of Medicinal Food. December 2003, 6(4): 291-299.
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/109662003772519831

[8] Puangpronpitag, D.; Areejitranusorn, P.; Boonsiri, P.;Suttajit, M.; Yongvanit, P.: Antioxidant Activities of Polyphenolic Compounds Isolated from Antidesma thwaitesianum Müll. Arg. Seeds and Marcs. Journal of Food Science Published Online: 13 Oct 2008
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121451875/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

[9] El-Ashmawy, Ibrahim M.; Saleh, Amal; Salama, Osama M.: Effects of Marjoram Volatile Oil and Grape Seed Extract on Ethanol Toxicity in Male Rats. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. Volume 101 Issue 5, Pages 320 - 327 Published Online: 3 Sep 2007
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118500575/abstract

[10] Meeran, Syed M.; Katiyar, Santosh K.: Grape seed proanthocyanidins promote apoptosis in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells through alterations in Cdki-Cdk-cyclin cascade, and caspase-3 activation via loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Experimental Dermatology. 2007, Vol. 16, No. 5: 405
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17437483

[11] Frederiksen, Hanne; Mortensen, Alicja; Schroder, Malene; Frandsen, Henrik; Bysted, Anette; Knuthsen, Pia; Rasmussen, Salka E.: Effects of red grape skin and seed extract supplementation on atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2007, Vol. 51, No. 5: 564
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/114211524/abstract

[12] Carpenter, Rosemary; O'Callaghan, Yvonne C.; O'Grady, Michael N.; Kerry, Joseph P.; O'Brien, Nora M.: Modulatory Effects of Resveratrol, Citroflavan-3-ol, and Plant-Derived Extracts on Oxidative Stress in U937 Cells. Journal of Medicinal Food. Jun 2006, Vol. 9, No. 2: 187-195
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2006.9.187

26.10.2008: Melamine found in Chinese eggs  [1]
Eggs and probably meat from China are tainted with melamine from feed. After tainted milk also eggs of China's Dalian Hanwei Enterprise Group were found with 4.7 parts per million of melamine. Under the Harmful Substances in Food (Amendment) Regulation 2008 of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the legal limit for melamine in food is 2.5 ppm.

Liquid as well as dehydrated egg yolk and egg white are exported in bulk container for the production of mayonnaise, sauces, marshmallow fluff or marshmallow crème, bakeries and confectioneries. All these products  are made with egg yolk or egg white. [2]

Chinese food scandals such as using cancer causing Sudan Red to adjust the colour of egg yolk, kidney failure causing melamine tainted dog and cat feed and dairy products demonstrates that countries with low production costs endanger quality and safety. Global enterprises should keep in mind that profits from low production costs may entangle the enterprise in a food scandal with destructive outcomes.

The first company outside of China entangled in this scandal is the Philippine company Croley Foods MFG. Corp whose Blueberry Cream Sandwich whose crackers were found to be tainted with melamine, probably traced back to the Chinese egg products.

[1] China.org.cn: Hong Kong finds egg, biscuit samples tainted with melamine. October 26, 2008
http://www.china.org.cn/health/2008-10/26/content_16667938.htm

[2] Wikipedia: Marshmallow-creme
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshmallow_creme


26.10.2008: Glucosinolate from broccoli and reduction of cancer risk [1]
According to several studies related to biological activities of broccoli claim that isothiocyanates and indoles, released from glucosinolates by the enzyme myrosinase reduce the risk of cancer.
The glucosinolates are a class of organic compounds that contain sulfur and nitrogen and are derived from glucose and an amino acid.

                                                                                                                   Source: Wikipedia
Many studies found that broccoli is rich on glucosinolates and other bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acid esters, carotenoids, folates and vitamin C. Interactions amongst these compounds may enhance their biological effect. Cooking is also likely to affect bioactivity.

Because the use of glucosinolate-containing crops as primary food source for animals was shown to have negative effects, food crops have been developed that contain very low amounts of glucosinolates (e.g double zero canola variety). Extracts of plants high in glucosinolates can serve as natural pesticides. However, in lower levels they have health benefits.

Effect of cooking improves the cancer protecting effect of bloccoli [2]
Glucosinolate, their degradation products and other phytochemicals with biological activity may contribute to health benefits of crucifer vegetables such as broccoli. The authors studied the effects of extracts of broccoli derived from broccoli that had been heat treated to different extents on Caco-2 cancer cells exposed to glucosinolates and their degradation products after microwave cooking. The authors found that thermal degradation products formed during the cooking process increased the cancer protecting effect of broccoli.

Isothiocianate from broccoli is inhibith Helicobacter pylori and blocks gastric tumor [3]
Fahey and colleagues 2002 found that sulforaphane [(-)-1-isothiocyanato-(4R)-(methylsulfinyl)butane], an isothiocyanate abundant as its glucosinolate precursor in certain varieties of broccoli and broccoli sprouts, is a potent bacteriostatic agent against stomach infectious with Helicobacter pylori. Sulforaphane was also found to block benzo[a]pyrene-evoked forestomach tumors in mice. The authors concluded that sulforaphane inhibiting Helicobacter infections and blocking gastric tumor formation act synergistically and provide a diet-based protection against gastric cancer in humans.

[1] Wikipedia: Glucosinolate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosinolates

[2] Furniss, C.S.; Bennett, R.N.; Bacon, J.R.; LeGall, G.; Mithen, R.F.: Polyamine metabolism and transforming growth factor-beta signaling are affected in Caco-2 cells by differentially cooked broccoli extracts. J Nutr. 2008 Oct;138(10):1840-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18806090

[3] Fahey JW, Haristoy X, Dolan PM, Kensler TW, Scholtus I, Stephenson KK, Talalay P, Lozniewski A.: Sulforaphane inhibits extracellular, intracellular, and antibiotic-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and prevents benzo[a]pyrene-induced stomach tumors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 May 28;99(11):7610-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12032331


25.10.2008: Quercentin reduces susceptibility to influenza infection [1]
Quercetin is an antioxidant found in red onions, the skins of apples, grapes, blueberries, broccoli, tea and red wine. Quercentin is known for its chronic disease-fighting benefits and reduction in blood pressure.
Davis and colleagues 2008, found that quercentin may boost the immune systems and protect against flu. According to the authors exercise stress is associated with increased risk of infections of the upper respiratory tract. The researchers used the influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) to infect mice after stressful exercise. The authors report that gavage of quercetin (12.5 mg/kg) 7 days before viral challenge reduced morbidity, mortality, and symptom severity of respiratory infections after stressful exercise.

Quercentin extraction methods [2]
Hu Wei and collegues 2003 improved the extraction of quercenti. The authors report that pre-dispersed solvent extraction (PDSE) was used to extract quercentin from its diluted solution. Compared with traditional extraction techniques under the same condition, a higher extraction productivity can be obtained by this method. The stability of colloidal liquid aphrons plays an important role in this process. Furthermore, the authors improved the analytical method by using ultraviolet spectrometer to determine the concentration of quercentin.

[1] Davis, J. M.; Murphy, E. A.; McClellan, J.L.; Carmichael, Gangemi, J. D.: Quercetin reduces susceptibility to influenza infection following stressful exercise. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 295: R505-R509, 2008. First published June 25, 2008; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.90319.2008
http://ajpregu.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/295/2/R505

[2] Wei, Hu; Ying, Sun; Ruiang, Ye; shushen, Wu; Honglai, Liu: Separation of Quercentin by Pre-dispersed Solvent Extraction. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2003, Vol 11; Part 3, pages 367-370 .
http://www.cqvip.com/qk/84275X/200303/8153385.html


20.2008: Extract of algae may reduce risk of cancer [1]
Kwang Hyun Cha, Song Yi Koo and Dong-Un Lee 2008 studied the antiproliferative activity of carotenoids from marine Chlorella ellipsoidea and freshwater Chlorella vulgaris. The authors found that the main carotenoid from C. ellipsoidea was composed of violaxanthin with two minor xanthophylls, antheraxanthin and zeaxanthin, and Chlorella vulgaris contained lutein.

The extract of Chlorella ellipsoidea presented a 2.5 stronger apoptosis on HCT116 cells (colon cancer cells) compared with extracts of Chlostridium vulgaris. The authors concluded that extracts of Chlostridium ellipsoidea might be useful in the prevention of human cancers.
The extracts had a more powerful anti-cancer effect when used in combination than used alone. The authors stress that their results support the theory tht β-carotene and lycopene, may interfere with the development of cancer.

Cha, Koo and Lee commented former studies of Wu and colleagues [2] which reported in 2005 that Spirulina extracts inhibited human liver cancer cells, HepG2, but Chlorella extracts produced only a minor result. Cha and colleagues say that a poor result for Chlorella was probably to be related to the water extract used by Wu, whereas the actual study was performed with organic solvents giving better results.

A foregoing study by Chew and colleagues 2003, had already reported that mice fed with dietary lutein, especially at 0.002% presented inhibition of mammary tumor growth by selectively modulating apoptosis and by inhibiting angiogenesis. [3]

[1] Cha, K.H.; Koo, S.Y.; Lee, D.U.: Antiproliferative Effects of Carotenoids Extracted from Chlorella ellipsoidea and Chlorella vulgaris on Human Colon Cancer Cells.
J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Oct 23. [Epub ahead of print]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18942838

[2] Wu, Li-chen; Ho, Ja-an Annie; Shieh, Ming-Chen; In-Wei Lu, In-Wei: Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Spirulina and Chlorella Water Extracts. pp 4207 - 4212; (Article) DOI: 10.1021/jf0479517
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/2005/53/i10/abs/jf0479517.html

[3] Chew, B.P.; Brown, C.M.; Park, J.S.; Mixter, P.F.: Dietary lutein inhibits mouse mammary tumor growth by regulating angiogenesis and apoptosis. Anticancer Res. 2003 Jul-Aug;23(4):3333-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12926072


24.10.2008: Help for small food businesses: Guide to Inspections of Foods [1]
These guide are valuable instruments of food safety from farm to the end-consumer. The were made for investigators, however may also be used by food processors to check their own work or to revise the current HACCP system. This is very useful for small business which cannot afford expensive certifications. Applying these guides to inspection, a high level of safety may be achieved.

The FDA Guides to Inspections are reference material to investigators and other FDA personnel. They are not binding, and an alternative may be used if such an approach satisfies the applicable statutes, regulations of both.

The Guides include topics like allergen contamination, aseptic packaging, nutritional labelling, grain products, farm investigation, dairy products, low acid canned foods, acidified food, traceback of food risks in fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs and poultry.

[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Regulatory Affairs: Guide to Inspections of Foods Cosmetics.
http://www.fda.gov/ora/Inspect_ref/igs/iglist.html#FOODS


24.10.2008: Three major competing hypotheses exist to explain the cause of the Alzheimer disease (AD) [1]
The cholinergic hypothesis, proposes that the disease is caused by reduced synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. However, treating acetylcholine deficiency is not effective. Other cholinergic effects have also been proposed, for example, initiation of large-scale aggregation of amyloid leading to generalised neuroinflammation.

The amyloid hypothesis says that amyloid beta deposits are the fundamental cause of the disease. The gene for the amyloid beta precursor (APP) is located on chromosome 21, and people with trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) who thus have an extra gene copy almost universally exhibit AD by 40 years of age. Also APOE4, the major genetic risk factor for AD, leads to excess amyloid buildup in the brain before AD symptoms arise.

The tau hypothesis says that the hyperphosphorylated tau protein begins to pair with other threads of tau. Eventually, they form neurofibrillary tangles inside nerve cell bodies. When this occurs, the microtubules disintegrate, collapsing the neuron's transport system ending in the death of the nerve cells.
However, epidemiological studies have proposed relationships between certain modifiable factors, such as diet, cardiovascular risk, pharmaceutical products, or intellectual activities among others, and a population's likelihood of developing AD. Only further research, including clinical trials, will reveal whether, in fact, these factors can help to prevent AD.
The components of a Mediterranean diet, which include fruit and vegetables, bread, wheat and other cereals, olive oil, fish, and red wine, may all individually or together reduce the risk and course of Alzheimer's disease. Several vitamins such as B12, B3, C or folic acid have been found in some studies to be related to a reduced risk of AD but other studies indicate that they do not have any significant effect on the onset or course of the disease and may have important secondary effects. Curcumin from the curry spice turmeric has shown some effectiveness in preventing brain damage in mouse models.
There is still no conclusive therapy for the disease. Much research is being done on this disease.

Omega-6 arachidonic fatty acid may increase risk of Alzheimer's disease [2]
Rene O Sanchez-Mejial and colleagues 2008 suggest that raised levels of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid may be linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to the study in a  mouse model

Fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid are part of the  phospholipids that form the protecting membranous barrier from the nerve cells.

The researchers found an increase in arachidonic  acid and related metabolites in the brain of Alzmeimer mice. Arachidonic acid is released in the brain from phospholipids  by  enzymes of the phospholipase A2 (GIVA-PLA2) which were found to be elevated in the memory centre located in  the hippocampus of diseased mice.

Reduction, or removal of the PLA2 enzyme in Alzheimer's mice by genetic engineering prevented memory deficiency and other behavioural abnormalities in these mice. The authors believe that arachidonic acid cause is likely to cause  excitation and neurons dysfunction. Normal function of the neurons may be restored by lowering the levels of arachidonic acid.

The study suggests that reducing dietary omega-6 fatty acids from intake of  poultry, cereals, eggs, nuts, vegetable oils and evening primrose oil, and developing medication to reduce the PLA 2 enzime activity may benefit treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.


Glutaminyl cyclase [3]
Dr Hans-Ulrich Demuth of the company Probiodrug. Steffen Roßner from the University of Leipzig and colleagues 2008 studied the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase which is responsible for the production of the protein that cause blockages in the brain of Alzheimer's patients. The researchers want to shut off production of the glutaminyl cyclase enzyme to stop the production of these proteins. The authors added an enzyme inhibitor to the food of diseased mice which started to produce up to 80 per cent less build-up of Alzheimer-causing proteins in their brains.

Gamma-secretase modulators [4]
A new class of drugs, gamma-secretase modulators (GSM) is told to reduce harmful long proteins and promote levels of shorter protein elements protecting against the disease.

[1] Wikipedia: Alzheimer's disease
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimer

[2] Sanchez-Mejial, Rene O.; Newman, John W.; Tohl, Sandy; Yu1, Gui-Qiu; Zhou1, Yungui; Halabisky1, Brian; Cisse1, Moustapha; Scearce-Levie1, Kimberly; Cheng1, Irene H.; Gan1, Li; Palop1, Jorge J.; Bonventre, Joseph V.; Mucke1, Lennart: Phospholipase A2 reduction ameliorates cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Nature Neuroscience. Received 24 July; published online 19 October 2008; doi:10.1038/nn.2213
http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/pdf/nn.2213.pdf

[3] Schilling S, Zeitschel U, Hoffmann T, Heiser U, Francke M, Kehlen A, Holzer M, Hutter-Paier B, Prokesch M, Windisch M, Jagla W, Schlenzig D, Lindner C, Rudolph T, Reuter G, Cynis H, Montag D, Demuth HU, Rossner S.: Glutaminyl cyclase inhibition attenuates pyroglutamate Abeta and Alzheimer's disease-like pathology. Nat Med. 2008 Oct;14(10):1106-11. Epub 2008 Sep 28.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18836460

[4] Imbimbo B.P.: Therapeutic potential of gamma-secretase inhibitors and modulators.
Curr Top Med Chem. 2008;8(1):54-61.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18220933


22.10.2008: Nanomaterials and food safety [1]
EFSA is launching a public consultation on its draft scientific opinion on the Potential Risks Arising from Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies on Food and Feed safety and the Environment. Deadline is 01/12/2008. EFSA's opinion will help inform consideration of any future EU measures in relation to nanotechnologies in the food and feed area.

Regulatory Aspects of Nanomaterials [2]
Current legislation covers in principle the potential health, safety and environmental risks in relation to nanomaterials. The protection of health, safety and the environment needs mostly to be enhanced by improving implementation of current legislation. The Commission and EU Agencies will therefore in the first place review current documents that support implementation, such as implementing legislation, standards and technical guidance with regard to their applicability and appropriateness to nanomaterials.

Commission's Joint Research Centre. Activities are coordinated with international partners and stakeholders in the appropriate fora, such as the OECD and ISO.

Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006; concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) [3]
There are no provisions in REACH referring explicitly to nanomaterials. However, nanomaterials are covered by the "substance" definition in REACH.
Under REACH, manufacturers and importers will have to submit a registration dossier for substances that they manufacture or import at or above 1 tonne per year. At or above 10 tonnes/year, the registrant will be obliged to produce a chemical safety report. Furthermore, if deemed necessary for the evaluation of the substance the European Chemicals Agency can require any information on the substance, independent of the minimum information requirements of REACH When an existing chemical substance, already placed on the market as bulk substance, is
introduced on the market in a nanomaterial form (nanoform), the registration dossier will have to be updated to include specific properties of the nanoform of that substance. The additional information, including different classification and labelling of the nanoform and additional risk management measures, will need to be included in the registration dossier. The risk management measures and operational conditions will have to be communicated to the supply chain.

In order to address the specific properties, hazards and risks associated with nanomaterials, additional testing or information may be required. To determine specific hazards associated with nanomaterials, current test guidelines may need to be modified. Until specific test guidelines for nanomaterials exist, testing will have to be carried out according to already existing guidelines. The Commission will carefully monitor the implementation of REACH with respect to
nanomaterials. [1]

Call for tighter nanotechnology regulations [4]
Calls for tighter regulation of nanotechnology have occurred alongside a growing debate related to the human health and safety risks associated with nanotechnology. Further, there is significant debate about who is responsible for the regulation of nanotechnology.

Bowman and Hodge 2006 point to the fact that there are gaps between different the work of different regulatory agencies. The authors stress that unlike earlier technologies, the impacts of nanotechnology should to be analysed before it spreads on market. [5]

International Nanotechnology Standards [6]
The Institute for Food and Agricultural Standards of the Michigan State University proposed international standards for nanotechnology. They also propose that NGOs and other citizen groups should participate in the development of these standards. The international commitment to nanotechnology makes the creation of international standardisation of the matter imperious.

Saudi Arabian commitment to nanotechnology [7]
King Abdullah received an honorary doctorate degree from King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh in 21.10.08, and emphasized his support for nano technology. The King wants to hear daily news on the developments in the field of nanotechnology. King Abdullah had approved the establishment of an institute for nano technology at KSU. According to the report nano technology sales in the world are expected to reach $3 trillion by 2015.

The National Nanotechnology Initiative [8]
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) provides a multi-agency framework to ensure U.S. Leadrership in nanotechnology that will be essential to improve human health, economic well being and national security. The initiative offers wide spread informations about the nanomaterials. http//:www.nano.gov.

[1] Public consultation on the Draft Opinion of the Scientific Committee on the Potential Risks Arising from Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies on Food and Feed safety and the Environment.Deadline: 01/12/2008
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902132298.htm

[2] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, The Council and the European Economic and Social Committee: Regulatory Aspects of Nanomaterials
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0366:FIN:EN:PDF

[3] Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006; OJ L 396 of 30.12.2006
, concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, and its Corrigenda from 30.December 2006
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:136:0003:0280:EN:PDF

[4] Wikipedia:Nanotechnology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology

[5] Bowman, Diana; Hodge, Graemene (2006): Nanotechnology: Mapping the Wild Regulatory Frontier. Futures 38: 1060–1073. doi:10.1016/j.futures.2006.02.017

[6] An Issues Landscape for Nanotechnology Standards: Report of a Workshop 11-12 September 2006. March 2007.
http://ifas.msu.edu/NSWorkshopReport.pdf

[7] Arab News: ‘I’m awaiting nano technology’ 22.10.2008
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=115704&d=22&m=10&y=2008

[8] National Nanotechnology Initiative
http://www.nano.org

22.10.2008: A probiotic effect is strictly restricted to one defined strain [2]
Seksik and colleagues 2008 reviewed the literature related to the use of probiotics ion the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The authors concluded that a probiotic effect is strictly restricted to one defined strain and cannot be generalized from one to another. According to Seksik and colleagues, some probiotic drugs are useful in pouchitis (VSL#3), and in the prevention of recurrence of ulcerative colitis (Escherichia coli Nissle 1917), however, efficacy of probiotic drugs in Crohn's disease and dietary ecological treatments is still low.

Immunologic effects of probiotics: Deshpande, Rao and Patole 2007 reported in a review that the risk of necrotising enterocolitis, one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in premature babies, may be cut by 74 per cent by probiotic supplementation [3]. Carlo Caffarelli and Sergio Bernasconi stressed that more research is needed, because each bacterial strain used as probiotics is believed to have specific immunomodulatory properties. Different probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L casei GG, L bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, B breve, B infants, B lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Present different imunologic effects and cannot be generalised. [4]

Amanda Cox and colleagues 2007 studied the Lactobacillus fermentum VRI 003 (PCC)strain on its effect to boost the immune health of high performance athletes such as long distance runners. The authors found that the bacterium boosted T cells and activated the immune system, reducing the number of days and severity of respiratory illness of these athletes. [5]

Antiallergic effect of probiotics: Kamal Ivory and colleagues 2008 studied the antiallergic effect of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS). The authors found that the bacterium modulated the immune response to grass pollen, and helped hay fever sufferers. [6]

Tamura and colleagues 2006 studied the antiallergic effect of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) in fermented milk on patients allergic to Japanese cedar pollen. The authors found that Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) did not prevent Nasal and ocular allergic symptoms, but may delay the occurrence of allergic symptoms [7]

Xiao and colleagues 2006 studied the antiallergic effects of another bacterium, the Bifidobacterium longum BB536 in the treatment of Japanese cedar pollinosis. The authors found a significant decreases in rhinorrhea and nasal blockage in patients receiving the BB536 strain which was caused probably through the modulation of Th2-skewed immune response. [8]

Other effects of probiotics: Bekkali and colleagues 2008 studied the effect of a probiotic mixture on children aged 4–16 years with constipation. The probiotic mixture (Ecologic Relief) containing Bifidobacteria (B.) bifidum, B. infantis, B. longum, Lactobacilli (L.) casei, L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus was used. The authors found that a mixture of probiotics, has positive effects on symptoms of constipation and call for more studies on this matter. [9]

Hickson and colleagues 2007 found that L casei, L bulgaricus, and S thermophilus can reduce the incidence of antibiotic associated diarrhoea and C difficile associated diarrhoea. The authors recommend such mixture for elderly patients [10].  These findings are, however being challenged by Wilcox and Sandoe. They are concerned about the conclusion of Hickson that a probiotic yoghurt drink, given during and after antibiotic treatment, has the potential to decrease morbidity, healthcare costs, and mortality if used routinely in patients aged over 50. Wilcox and Sandoe say that the data are not widely applicable. [11]

[2] Seksik, Philippe; Dray, Xavier; Sokol, Harry; Marteau Philippe: Is there any place for alimentary probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics, for patients with inflammatory bowel disease?
Volume 52 Issue 8, Pages 906-912. Special Issue: Nutrition and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Published Online: 2 Apr 2008
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/117952031/abstract

[3] Deshpande, Girish; Rao, Shripada; Patole, Sanjay: Probiotics for prevention of necrotising enterocolitis in preterm neonates with very low birthweight: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Lancet. 2007 May 12;369(9573):1614-20. Review. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60748-X
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17499603

[4] Caffarelli, Carlo; Bernasconi, Sergio: Preventing necrotising enterocolitis with probiotics
The Lancet, Volume 369, Issue 9573, 12 May 2007-18 May 2007, Pages 1578-1580

[5] Cox, Amanda J.; Pyne, David B.; Saunders, Philo U.; Fricker, Peter Allen: Oral administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-003 and mucosal immunity in endurance athletes. Br J Sports Med. Published Online First: 13 February 2008. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2007.044628
http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/bjsm.2007.044628v1

[6] Ivory, K.; Chambers, S.J.; Pin, C.; Prieto, E.: Arqués, J.L.; Nicoletti, C.: Oral delivery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen-induced immune responses in allergic rhinitis. Volume 38 Issue 8, Pages 1282-1289. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03025.x) Published Online: 28 May 2008
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18510694

[7] Tamura M, Shikina T, Morihana T, Hayama M, Kajimoto O, Sakamoto A, Kajimoto Y, Watanabe O, Nonaka C, Shida K, Nanno M.: Effects of probiotics on allergic rhinitis induced by Japanese cedar pollen: randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2007;143(1):75-82. Epub 2006 Dec 29.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17199093

[8] Xiao JZ, Kondo S, Yanagisawa N, Takahashi N, Odamaki T, Iwabuchi N, Miyaji K, Iwatsuki K, Togashi H, Enomoto K, Enomoto T.: Probiotics in the treatment of Japanese cedar pollinosis: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Clin Exp Allergy. 2006 Nov;36(11):1425-35.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17083353

[9] Bekkali, Noor-L-Houda; Bongers, Marloes E.J.; Van den Berg, Maartje M.; Liem, Olivia; Benninga, Marc A: The role of a probiotics mixture in the treatment of childhood constipation: a pilot study. Nutrition Journal 2007, 6:17doi:10.1186/1475-2891-6-17
http://www.nutritionj.com/content/6/1/17

[10] Hickson, Mary; D'Souza, Aloysius L.; Muthu, Nirmala; Rogers, Thomas R.; Want, Susan; Rajkumar, Chakravarthi; Bulpitt, Christopher J.: Use of probiotic Lactobacillus preparation to prevent diarrhoea associated with antibiotics: randomised double blind placebo controlled trial.BMJ 2007;335:80 (14 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.39231.599815.55 (published 29 June 2007)
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/335/7610/80

[11] Wilcox, Mark H.; Sandoe, Jonathan A.: Letters. Probiotics and diarrhoea. Data are not widely applicable. BMJ 2007;335:171 (28 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.39283.396285.1F
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/335/7612/171



19.10.2008: Propylene glycol monostearate for better ice cream  [1]
Aleogon, Frochot and Goff 2008 studied the effectiveness of propylene glycol monostearate (PGMS) to inhibit ice recrystallization in ice cream and frozen sucrose solutions. They found that 0.3 per cent of PGMS reduced ice crystal sizes in such solutions when frozen in a scraped-surface freezer. The crystal morphology was highly irregular. No effect was found in quiescently frozen solutions, such as ice pop or ice lollies. The authors say that shear during freezing is necessary to distribute PGMS around the ice and cover the surface of the crystals. Danisco has a patent on this matter.

Propylene glycol monostearate esters of fatty acids (E477) are classified as emulsifiers,the authors, however, found the emulsifying effect of PGMS to be poor.

[1] Aleong,J.M.; Frochot, S.; Goff, H.D.: Ice Recrystallization Inhibition in Ice Cream by Propylene Glycol arate Journal of Food Science. Published Online: 13 Oct 2008. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00954.x
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121451877/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0


18.10.2008: Climate change on food, water safety and nutrition, World Food Day 2008  [1]
The FAO and the EFSA and WHO in a joint seminar in Rome discussed the health effects of climate change on food and water safety and nutrition in Rome in October 2008. on the World Food Day, addressing the challenges of climate change and bioenergy.

According to the organizations, the challenges to nutrition food and water safety are projected to grow with climate change. The WHO estimates that more than 60 million people in the eastern part of the WHO European Region live in absolute poverty which will be hit the most. The global cost of climate change is projected to be up to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of this century.

Consensus is growing on the necessity to implement effective measures to reduce risks and adopt strong measures to reduce the effects of climate change and help people cope with new threats. Such measures should include:

Scientific advice on emerging food safety risks linked to climate-related changes recent outbreaks, such as the bluetongue disease in Europe, are increasingly important. Changing patterns and practices of crop production could lead to the increased use of agrochemicals presenting new risks. The distribution and spread of plant and animal diseases could also be affected and must be observed.

The WHO says that health systems should strengthen disease control and health protection. Action includes ensuring clean water and sanitation, safe and adequate food, disease surveillance and response, and disaster preparedness; increasing health professionals’ awareness of climate-related diseases; delivering accurate and timely information to citizens; and advocating to other sectors reduced emissions that can benefit health.

FAO extended the EMPRES [Emergency Prevention System for Transboundary Animals and Plant Pests and Diseases] programme to include food safety to enable the FAO an early detection of food safety problems and to develop guidance for managing emerging risks. [2]

The Italian Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Policy expressed his concern about the impact of climate change on health, water safety and nutrition in Italy, resulting from disease vectors entering the country. He cited also that a 14% drop in precipitation in the last five decades increased water scarcity. The rise in sea level will entail risks for Italian coastal areas to floods.

In the European Region, food productivity is projected to decrease in the Mediterranean area, south-eastern Europe and central Asia, where food security is at risk. Crop yields could decrease up to 30% in central Asia by the middle of the 21st century.

Climate change also raises the issue of food safety. Higher temperatures favour the growth of bacteria in food. Infections with Salmonella spp. rise by 5–10% for each one-degree increase in weekly temperature, at ambient temperatures above 5 °C, and in some areas new diseases may arise.

Water stress is projected to increase over central and southern Europe and central Asia by 2080. Projected reductions in summer water flows of up to 80% will result in the loss of fresh water and increased potential for contamination. The quality of coastal water is endangered, putting bathers and seafood eaters at risk of infection. Only 25% of the rural population in Central Asia have access to safe water, leading to the diarrhoea-related deaths of 13 500 children every year.

Nutrition and Bioenergy [3]
Biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel offer only a very small gain in energy efficiency and their production minimally reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Research is underway to develop cellulosic biofuels from low value non-food crops, such as grasses or wood, but these are more difficult to process than starch or sugar crops and it is not clear that their production will expand significantly in the near future.

Biofuel production can have negative impacts on nutrition through increased greenhouse gas emissions, direct effects on health and sanitation and reduced food availability and associated price effects. Biofuel production can exacerbate climate change because of the burning of forests to clear land for bioenergy, water shortages and contamination. Use of sugarcane as a feedstock is particularly water-intensive.

Increasing prices are leading to the diversion of food and feed crops to biofuel production. This can reduce food availability and may consign food and feed production to less productive land, reducing yields.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) estimates that rising bioenergy demand accounted for 30 percent of the increase in weighted average grain prices between 2000 and 2007. The impact was 39 percent of the real increase in maize prices. IFPRI projects that in 2020, if biofuel development proceeds at or exceeds its current pace, calorie availability will decline and child malnutrition will increase substantially, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Reducing Emission
WHO stresses that it is important to advocate to other sectors to reduce emissions to benefit health, environment and food security. However, no feasible alternative for fossil energy is being presented by governments and NGO's.
Solar energy, from the desert may be the solution to desalinate water, provide clean electricity, and deliver hydrogen for CO2-free fuel for transportation. [4]

[1] EFSA: World Food Day event to discuss health implications of climate change 14.10.2008.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902127685.htm

[2] FAO Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES)
http://www.fao.org/EMPRES/default.htm

[3] Cohen, Marc J.; Tirado, Cristina; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Thompson, Brian: Impact of Climate Change and Bioenergy on Nutrition. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and FAO. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2008.
http://www.fao.org/ag/agn/agns/files/HLC2_Food_Safety_Bioenergy_Climate_Change.pdf

[4] Hydrogen from solar energy
http://www.desertenergyproject.net


16.10.2008: Strong public concern related to animal cloning for food [1]
The Eurobarometer survey on public attitutes toward animal cloning revealed a strong public concern related to cloning for food production such as meat and milk. Animal cloning has already been introduced in the US food industry and the European Commission expects that meat and milk from cloned animals will be worldwide on the shelves of retailers by 2010.

The European Commission will decide on cloning based on the results of the Eurobarometer survey and a report of the EFSA on the safety of foods from cloned animals.

The Eurobarometer survey on consumers' perception of animal cloning
Main outcomes of the Eurobarometer survey: Animal cloning is the creation of a genetically identical copy of an existing or previously existing animal. The Flash Eurobarometer survey asked citizens of the EU about their perception on cloning: to clarify their attitudes towards animal cloning, and its perceived effects on a number of areas including food safety, ethical and animal welfare concerns

A large majority of EU citizens (81%) said they new the meaning of animal cloning.

The vast majority of EU citizens agreed that the long-term effects of animal cloning on nature were unknown, animal cloning might lead to human cloning, animal cloning was morally wrong, and cloning might decrease the genetic diversity within livestock populations.

The majority of EU citizens would not accept animal cloning for food production purposes, food industry would ultimately be benefited, only a quarter of the population trust


25% of the interviewees selected scientists as the most trusted source for information. about the safety of cloned animals.

A majority of EU citizens said that it was unlikely that they would buy meat or milk from
cloned animals, even if a trusted source stated that such products were safe to eat.

Eight out of 10 EU citizens (83%) said that special labelling should be required if food products
from the offspring of cloned animals become available in the shops.

Opinion of the European Food Safety Agency [2]
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. The EFSA in its opinion on the safety of foods from cloned animals stated: “There is no indication that differences exist in terms of food safety for meat and milk of clones and their progeny compared with those from conventionally bred animals. However, such a conclusion is based on the assumption that meat and milk are derived from healthy animals which are subject to relevant food safety regulations and controls.
Only pigs and cattle are addressed in this opinion: the two species of animals where adequate data were available.” The agency, however, stressed that data were limited, samples were of small size and log time observation was not available.

The EGE opinion [3]
The The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies to the European Commission (EGE) said in a Report in January 2008 that it did not see "convincing arguments to justify the production of food from clones and their offspring.
 
Considering the current level of of animal clones, the EGE find it ethically not justified to clone animals for food supply considering suffering and health problems of the animals. At present, the EGE does not see convincing arguments to justify the production of food from clones and their offspring.

The EGE explains that the Somatic Cell Nuclear Technique (SCNT) used for animal cloning is via three main steps:
   1) enucleation of an oocyte, performed mechanically by fixing the oocyte and aspirating the nucleus by using a sharp glass pipette.
    2) transfer of the nucleus from the donor cell into the fertilized enucleated oocyte by using a
micro-manipulator and a microscope and applying a short electrical impulse.
    3) activation and reprogramming of the reconstructed embryo. The exact mechanisms are still unknown.
When the cloned embryo resulting from SCNT starts to develop it is transferred to a surrogate
mother, which carries out the pregnancy. So far, around a dozen animal species have been cloned
via SCNT. Animal clones that are relevant for the food market include sheep, goats, bovines
and pigs.

According to the EGE report 20% of cloned calves die in the first 24 hours of birth and a further 15% before weaning. Those that survive the early stages are likely to suffer in later in life through high mortality rates, ill health and susceptibility to multiple organ failure. Cloned foetuses are also often 25% heavier than normal which causes severe problems for surrogate mothers when giving birth.

MEP Intergroup on Animal Welfare. [4]
According to Neil Parish, chairman of the Agriculture Committee, and Member of the European Parliament, the current animal cloning technology is considered primitive and many clones die in the early stages of life. Parish concludes that cloned animals suffer from many more ailments and generally live far shorter lives. From an agricultural perspective, there are serious questions over the effect of this on the gene pool, making cloned animals far more susceptible to disease.

The European Commission should move to ban animal cloning for food until the science has proven it is safe for them to enter the food chain,

US Center for Food Safety [5]
According to the Center for Food Safety the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) in January 2008 determined that milk and meat from cloned animals are safe for sale to the public. In addition, the FDA is requiring no tracking system for clones or labelling of products produced from clones or their offspring.

In its risk assessment of cloned food, the FDA claims to have evaluated extensive peer reviewed safety studies to support its conclusion, yet a recent report issued by CFS shows the assessment only references three peer-reviewed food safety studies, all of which focus on the narrow issue of milk from cloned cows. [6]

Recent opinion polls show the majority of Americans do not want milk or meat from cloned animals in their food.

The Centre for Food Safety welcomes the Mikulski-Specter amendment of the Farm Bill addresses the gaps and inadequacies of the FDA's current risk assessment. The amendment requires a rigorous and careful review of the human health impacts of allowing clones food into America's food supply to be conducted by the National Academy of Science before any food products from clones are marketed. It also directs the USDA to examine consumer acceptance of cloned foods and their likely impact on domestic and international markets. [7]


[1] Eurobarometer surveys: Europeans' attitudes towards animal cloning conducted by The Gallup Organization, Hungary upon the request of Directorate General Health and Consumers
http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_238_sum_en.pdf

[2] EFSA: EFSA adopts final scientific opinion on animal cloning. 24.07.2008.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902019762.htm

[3] EGE: Ethical aspects of animal cloning for food supply . Opinion No 23. 16.01.2008.
http://ec.europa.eu/european_group_ethics/activities/docs/opinion23_en.pdf

[4] Neil Parish MEP: Animal cloning: poll highlights consumer concerns. Wednesday, 8.10.2008
http://www.neilparish.co.uk/article.asp?id=378

[5] Center for Food Safety Praises Opinion; Calls for Swift Passage of Farm Bill Mandating Examination of Economic Risks to US Agriculture. 17.01.2008.
http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/CloningEFSA_PR01_18_08.cfm

[6] The Center for Food Safety: Not Ready for Prime Time: FDA’s Flawed Approach To Assessing The Safety Of Food From Animal Clones . March 2007
http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/pubs/FINAL_FORMATTEDprime%20time.pdf

[7] Senator Barbara Mikulski: Mikulski Stalls FDA Approval of Cloned Food on U.S. Shelves 14.12.2007
http://mikulski.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=289130

14.10.2008: Low vitamin D may be linked to Parkinson's disease [1]
Marian Evatt and colleagues 2008 report that Fifty-five per cent of patients with Parkinson's disease had insufficient levels of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D). The authors wrote that low vitamin D levels may contribute to the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

The group with Parkinson's disease in this study presented a vitamin D serum level of 31.9 ng/ml compared with 34.8 ng/ml of a group of Alzheimer's disease and 37.0 ng/ml of healthy groups. The authors concluded that vitamin D insufficiency may have a unique association with Parkinson's.

The researchers continue their study to see if a dietary supplement, or increased exposure to sunlight may help alleviate symptoms or even retard progression of the disease

[1] Evatt, Marian L. ; DeLong, Mahlon R.; Khazai, Natasha; Rosen, Ami; Triche, Shirley; Tangpricha, Vin: Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Patients With Parkinson Disease and Alzheimer Disease. Arch Neurol. 2008;65(10):1348-1352.
http://archneur.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/65/10/1348

12.10.2008: Cashew nut allergenic reaction are not altered during food processing [1]
Dr Shridhar Sathe and colleagues 2008 studied the allergenic proteins of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.). They found that the three cashew nut allergens Ana o 1, Ana o 2 and Ana o 3 were good marker proteins for the detection of cashew in foods such as snacks, bakery products, deserts and sauces.

Searching for appropriate detection methodology of traces of cashew nuts in these foods, the authors found that specific mouse monoclonal antibodies responded for the three cashew nut allergens even after normal food processing, like sterilisation, pasteurisation, microwaving and gamma irradiation. Ana o 2 was found by the authors to be the most stable, and was also the major allergen of cashew. Ana o 2 is therefore being suggested as best marker protein for cashew detection. [2]

[1] Venkatachalam M, Monaghan EK, Kshirsagar HH, Robotham JM, O'Donnell SE, Gerber MS, Roux KH, Sathe SK.: Effects of processing on immunoreactivity of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) seed flour proteins. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Oct 8;56(19):8998-9005. Epub 2008 Sep 17.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18795784

[2] Wang F, Robotham JM, Teuber SS, Sathe SK, Roux KH.: Ana o 2, a major cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut allergen of the legumin family. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2003 Sep;132(1):27-39.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14555856

12.10.2008: Pesticide in guar gum from India detected again [1]

The Czech Agricultural and Food Inspection (CAFIA) detained one 10 ton guar gum batches (E412) destined for the market in October 2008. The detained guar gum contained 0.046 mg/kg - ppm pentachlorophenol, a pesticide and wood preservative. It is toxic to liver interferes in reproduction, development and rises body temperature. Since 5 May 2008 all charges of guar gum and guar gum products have to be tested by the Indian authorities, or by food operators to enter the EU [2]. Guar gum producing plants are cultivated in India and Pakistan, producing up to 85 per cent of global demand.

Very low levels of pentachlorophenol in contaminated indoor and outdoor air, food, drinking water and soil are present as a result of uninhibited use of the chemical in the past.

In August 2007 and March 2008 dioxin had been detected in guar gum charges and resulted in import safety regulations of testing guar gum. The high dioxin levels were linked to contamination of the guar gum with pentachlorophenol (PCP). Although there was no immediate risk to health, large numbers of food products, including yoghurts and fruit drinks, were withdrawn from sale all over Europe. [3]

[1] Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority: Analyses detected a consignment of guar gum originating from India containing higher levels of pentachlorophenol. 3 Oktober 2008.

http://www.szpi.gov.cz/eng/news/article.asp?id=63053&cat=2215&ts=2ec6

[2] 2008/352/EC: Commission Decision of 29 April 2008 imposing special conditions governing guar gum originating in or consigned from India due to contamination risks of those products by pentachlorophenol and dioxins (notified under document number C(2008) 1641)

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:117:0042:0044:EN:PDF

[3] FSA: New EC measures on guar gum. 10.03.2008

http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2008/mar/gum