Codex Alimentarius Commission Research Articles

Microbiological survey and physicochemical analysis of Moroccan durum, soft and red wheat landraces

Morocco possesses a significant genetic diversity of wheat cultivars in the form of landraces conserved by local farmers in several regions. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of refined flour and bran derived from 75 samples of Moroccan durum, soft, and red wheat landraces and to estimate their microbiological stability for controlling and preventing undesirable microbial proliferation. Various microbial and physicochemical parameters were evaluated according to ISO and AOAC standards, and results were interpreted based on Codex Alimentarius Commission regulation. Compliance of the analyzed refined flour and bran samples with current regulatory limits and satisfactory microbiological quality were observed. The phenotypic characterization revealed the identification of 16 yeast species belonging to the genera Trichosporon, Candida, Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, and Saccharomyces, which had not been previously explored. Furthermore, the biodiversity of lactic acid bacteria is notably characterized by the predominance of Pediococcus acidilactici and Lactobacillus plantarum species. The analysis of moisture content and water activity exhibited values falling below the maximum limits defined by international standards, demonstrating the effectiveness of the implemented processing and storage practices. The neutral pH recorded confirms the absence of excessive proliferation of the assessed microbial contaminants. The abundant availability of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and minerals creates a favorable non-competitive environment essential for maintaining their functional stability in the analyzed samples. These findings hold significant implications for the agricultural and food industries, providing insights into preserving indigenous wheat varieties and producing safe wheat-based products with high nutritional quality.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Contamination and Quality of Locally Produced Crude Palm Oil in South-South Zone, Nigeria

Background: Oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq is a perennial crop mainly cultivated for its vegetable oil. The fatty acid composition of crude palm oil (CPO) is mostly composed of palmitic, stearic oleic, and linoleic acids. Objectives: This study evaluated the quality of locally produced CPO from six states of South-South zone, Nigeria. Methods: The parameters of CPOs were characterized by specific gravity (SG), acid value (AV), percentage of free fatty acid (%FFA), and saponification value (SV) and peroxide value (PV). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in CPO were quantified using standard procedures, the related risk due to daily consumption of 25 g was characterized by lifetime cancer risk (LCR) and margin of exposure (MOE). Results: The study observed that the mean values of the parameters were 0.931 SG; 5.01 mgKOH g-1 AV; 2.28% FFA; 177.27 mgKOH g-1 SV and 29.65 meqO2 kg-1 PV. Apart from %FFA, the others did not meet the requirements recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the joint WHO/FAO. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs suggested a mixture of petrogenic and pyrogenic origins. The MOEs showed low health concern while 16PAH-LCR values which ranged from 2.48E-04 - 4.48E-04 were unacceptable. The screening value 0.003 was significantly (p> 0.05) lower than the computed total BaP equivalent (BaPeq) values indicating potential human health concerns. It is recommended that CPO processing and storage methods should be properly monitored to prevent quality reduction and contamination, which might have adverse effect on consumers.

Critical vulnerabilities of food selections based on nutrient content claims and reference amounts of food and creating a reliable procedure

Computing the food component (nutrient) amount in 100 kilocalories, 100 grams or 100 milliliters, the reference amount customarily consumed (RACC), or 50 grams of food demonstrates the food component amount of some foods unsuitably. So, selecting some foods based on them may elevate the hazards of some chronic diseases. Computing the food component amount and assessing suitable levels of food components and the nutritional quality according to the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the suggested procedure were implemented on 8,596 food cases, 29 food components, and 25 food categories. Selecting some foods under the FDA and CAC to reach sufficient intakes of positive food components surpassed energy demands. Selecting some foods under the CAC did not satisfy the demands of positive food components. Some foods that satisfied the demands of positive food components were not suitable food selections under the CAC. Selecting some foods under the FDA or CAC surpassed the demands of negative food components (including cholesterol, energy, fat, saturated fat, and sodium). Some foods that did not surpass the demands of negative food components were not suitable food selections under the CAC or FDA. Due to the vulnerabilities of selecting foods on the basis of the reference amounts of food, fast foods under the CAC and FDA in serving size (the serving size or serving is obtained from the RACC), spices and herbs under the CAC in 100 grams or 100 milliliters, and vegetables and vegetable products under the CAC in 100 kilocalories obtained the highest average scores for nutritional quality based on positive food components (including vitamins, protein, dietary fiber, and minerals, excluding sodium) among food categories for children aged four years and older and adults.Graphical

Vendors' handling practices of edible long-horned grasshoppers (Ruspolia differens) products and implications on microbial safety.

Edible grasshopper, Ruspolia ruspolia, has nutritional and cherished cultural and economic importance to people from diverse cultures, particularly in over 20 African countries. It is consumed at home or commercially traded as sautéed, deep-fried, or boiled products. However, there is limited information on the hygiene practices of the vendors and the implications on the microbial safety of the final product. This research aimed at assessing the food safety knowledge, handling practices and shelf life of edible long-horned grasshopper products among vendors and the microbial safety of ready-to-eat products sold in 12 different markets in Uganda. Samples of raw, deep-fried and boiled grasshoppers were randomly collected from 74 vendors (62% street and 38% market vendors) and subjected to microbial analysis. Over 85% of the vendors surveyed had no public health food handler's certificate and >95% had limited post-harvest handling knowledge. Total aerobic bacteria (7.30-10.49 Log10 cfu/g), Enterobacteriaceae (5.53-8.56 Log10 cfu/g), yeasts and molds (4.96-6.01 Log10 cfu/g) total counts were significantly high and above the acceptable Codex Alimentarius Commission and Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) limits for ready-to-eat food products. Eight key pathogenic bacteria responsible for foodborne diseases were detected and these isolates were characterized as Bacillus cereus, Hafnia alvei, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, S. xylosus, S. scuiri, S. haemolyticus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Findings from this study highlight the urgent need to create local and national food safety policies for the edible grasshopper "nsenene" subsector to regulate and guide street and market vending along the value chain, to prevent the transmission of foodborne diseases to consumers.

Residues determination, risk assessment, and dissipation behavior of myclobutanil formulation on apple.

This study aimed to investigate the dissipation pattern, risk assessment, and waiting period of myclobutanil on apple fruit (Malus domestica Borkh.) under temperate conditions in Kashmir, India. The study involved the application of myclobutanil 10 WP at a single recommended dosage (125 g a.i.ha-1) and double dosage (250 g a.i.ha-1) on Red Velox apple trees, 2 months before harvest. GC equipped with an electron capture detector was used to analyze myclobutanil residues in fruit samples. The study revealed that myclobutanil, at both recommended and double recommended doses, dissipated rapidly and became nondetectable after 55 and 60 days, respectively. The waiting period for myclobutanil application was determined to be 12.41 days for the single dose and 25.58 days for the double dose, respectively. These waiting periods were based on the maximum residue limit of 0.6 ppm as prescribed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and European Commission. The study concludes that myclobutanil 10 WP is safe for consumers at both recommended and double recommended doses when applied 2 months before harvest. Risk assessment, considering the average daily apple consumption in India and theoretical maximum residue contributions (TMRCs), indicates negligible health hazards even at double the recommended dosage. The calculated TMRC values at Day 0 were significantly below the maximum permissible intake. For average and maximum myclobutanil residues at single and double doses, the TMRC values were found to be 0.0069 and 0.0070 mg day-1 person-1 and 0.0105 and 0.0106 mg day-1 person-1, respectively. These results indicate that myclobutanil, when used according to recommended dosages and waiting periods, poses minimal health risks to consumers. The study emphasizes the importance of prudent fungicide use to minimize fungicide residues on fruits, thereby ensuring their safety for consumption.

Enhancing global food safety standards through international collaboration and policy harmonization

In an increasingly interconnected world, ensuring the safety of the global food supply has emerged as a paramount concern. With foodborne illnesses affecting millions annually and international trade in food products reaching unprecedented levels, the need for robust food safety standards has never been more pressing. This abstract explores the vital role of international collaboration and policy harmonization in enhancing global food safety standards, with a focus on the mechanisms, challenges, and potential solutions involved. At the heart of global food safety efforts lie collaborative endeavors among nations facilitated by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. These entities serve as platforms for harmonizing food safety regulations by developing science-based standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. Through regular consultations, expert committees, and consensus-building processes, these organizations foster agreement on key principles and practices governing food safety across diverse national contexts. However, achieving harmonization in food safety policies poses significant challenges. Divergent regulatory frameworks, varying levels of institutional capacity, and disparities in resources among countries can impede efforts to establish uniform standards. Moreover, geopolitical tensions and trade disputes may hinder cooperation, leading to fragmentation in global food safety governance. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to build trust, enhance communication, and promote transparency among stakeholders. Technological innovations offer promising avenues for overcoming barriers to international collaboration and policy harmonization in food safety. Blockchain technology, for instance, enables transparent and tamper-proof recording of food supply chain data, enhancing traceability and accountability. Internet of Things (IoT) devices provide real-time monitoring of food storage and transportation conditions, helping to prevent contamination and spoilage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms analyze vast datasets to identify emerging food safety risks and inform regulatory decision-making. By leveraging these technologies, countries can strengthen their capacity to implement harmonized food safety standards and improve compliance with international regulations. Furthermore, public-private partnerships play a crucial role in advancing global food safety initiatives. Collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, academia, and civil society organizations facilitates knowledge sharing, capacity building, and resource mobilization. By pooling expertise and resources, these partnerships enable more effective surveillance, response, and mitigation of food safety risks on a global scale. Moreover, they promote information exchange and best practice dissemination, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in food safety management. Policy harmonization efforts must also embrace risk-based approaches to prioritize interventions and allocate resources effectively. By identifying and assessing food safety hazards based on their likelihood and severity, countries can tailor their regulatory measures to address the most significant risks. Moreover, regular monitoring, evaluation, and review of food safety policies are essential to ensure their relevance, effectiveness, and adaptability in the face of evolving threats and challenges. Enhancing global food safety standards requires sustained international collaboration and policy harmonization. By fostering consensus, leveraging technology, and fostering partnerships, the international community can strengthen the resilience of the global food system, protect public health, and promote equitable access to safe and nutritious food for all.

Recovery of Omega-3-Rich Lipids: Toward the Sustainable Valorization of Sea-Bass Industry Side Streams

This study pertains to the selection of the appropriate process parameters of lipid extraction aimed at the valorization of sea-bass gutting and filleting side stream biomass. A comparative kinetic study between an environmentally friendly polar (ethanol) and a conventional non-polar solvent (hexane) was implemented to determine the effect of temperature, solvent to solid ratio and time, providing insights in terms of the yield recovery and quality of omega-3 fatty acids. Maximum recovery yield (43.8 and 34.0 g/100 g of dried gutting and filleting by-products, respectively) was achieved within 10 min. In gutting by-products, ethanol achieved full lipid recovery at 35 °C and a 50:1 ratio, while for hexane, the maximum yield was 83%. In the case of filleting side-streams, hexane achieved exhaustive recovery at a 50:1 ratio and 20 °C compared with ethanol, where a higher temperature (50 °C) was needed for exhaustive recovery to be achieved. Differences were attributed to the diverse fatty acid profiles among the two by-products, with 27.3% and 40.8% polyunsaturated fatty acids in viscera and fish frames, respectively. All extracts at 20 °C and 35 °C remained below the oxidation limit set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (peroxide value < 5 meqO2/kgoil; p-anisidine value < 20). Therefore, green solvents could assist conventional extraction, combining high efficiency and an improved environmental impact.

Tetracycline and sulphonamide residues in farmed fish in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and human health risk implications

ABSTRACT In Africa, antibiotic residue investigations in animal food have primarily been focused on meat, neglecting farmed fish. This cross-sectional study conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, aimed to assess sulphonamide and tetracycline residues in farmed fish, comparing levels with Codex Alimentarius Commission’s acceptable daily intake (ADI) and maximum residue limits (MRLs). A total of 84 farmed fish were sampled and analysed in the presence of tetracycline and sulphonamide residues. All samples were positive for sulphonamide residues (100%; n = 84), and 2.4% (n = 2) were positive for tetracycline and consequently also positive for both compounds. Tetracycline levels were below ADI and MRL, 28.5% (n = 24) surpassed the ADI, and 6% (n = 5) of the samples exceeded the MRL for sulphonamide. Regular monitoring of antibiotic residues in aquaculture products is crucial to mitigate health risks and expanding assessments to include other commonly used compounds is warranted.

International Standards for Regulatory Deference Relating to National Food Control Systems: More to Do?

AbstractThis paper describes how the development of texts on regulatory deference by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) addresses relevant recommendations of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and supports Member countries of CAC in their negotiation and implementation of equivalence agreements. We consider the role and function of CAC within a rules-based multilateral framework, particularly in relation to the development and implementation of equivalence concepts. We then consider whether, through use of equivalence agreements, trade facilitation outcomes have been realised. Our hypothesis is that international standards on regulatory deference promote fair but aspirational standards and support fair practices in the trade of safe food – both vital outcomes for global food security and the achievement of many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We test this hypothesis against the framework provided by decisions of the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee. We argue that the equivalence concepts and guidelines developed by CAC are appropriate but underutilised tools available for Member countries to strike a balance between their right to regulate to protect human, animal or plant life and health and to fulfil legitimate objectives whilst meeting their WTO obligations to avoid measures that constitute unnecessary barriers to trade.

Physicochemical and Fatty Acid Profile of Refined Tuna Fish Oil By-Product from Canning and Meal Fish Industries

Fish oil by-product (FOB) recovered from the precooking process in the cannery industry and the pressing process in fish meal production are potential resources. However, this fish oil still needs a refinery process to improve the quality of fish oil. This study aimed to identify the physicochemical characteristics of the initial fish oil by-product, the physicochemical profiles, and fatty acids of the fish oil by-product after degumming neutralization and bleaching (bentonite, zeolite, and carbon adsorbents) processes from the cannery and fish meal industry. Results showed the initial physicochemical characteristics of fish oil waste from fish flour have lower quality than canned products (acid value, free fatty acids, PV, AV, TOTOX value, viscosity, and refractive index) but are inversely proportional to the iodine value. Results showed degumming (D) and neutralization (N) processes from the Fish oil canning process (FCP) and Fish oil meal process (FMP) could improve the quality parameters of fish oil by-products by reducing the acid value (7.90, 0.65, 9.17, 0.58 mg KOH/g), respectively; free fatty acid (3.97, 0.33, 4.60, 0.29 % oleic) respectively; peroxide value (PV) (15.18, 7.38, 17.64, 7.10 mEq/kg), respectively; anisidine value (AV) (14.36, 6.61, 14.64, 6.51) respectively; total oxidation (TOTOX) value (44.72, 21.37, 49.64, 20.71) respectively; and iodine (167, 153, 163, 155 mg/100 g), respectively as well as increasing the lightness (23.80, 25.70, 20.65, 26.00), respectively. In the bleaching process (B), zeolite (15 %) was an effective adsorbent to obtain oil with the best quality parameters due to zeolite possessed greater polarity and surface area at a higher concentration, which resulted in the acid value for FCP and FMP (0.26, 0.22 mg KOH/g); free fatty acid (0.13, 0.15 % oleic); PV (2.44, 5.71 mEq/kg); AV (2.5, 4.9); TOTOX value (7.16, 9.11); and iodine (138, 151 mg/100 g) as well as increasing the lightness (37.08, 36.74) that are appropriate to International Fishmeal & Oil Manufacturers Association (IFOMA), Codex Alimentarius Committee (CAC), and International Fish Oils Standards (IFOS) standards (p < 0.05). All adsorbents effectively increase the brightness of the FOB. The higher the concentration of adsorbents, the higher the clarity of the FOB. For zeolite absorbents, there was an increase of 16.73 - 32.3 % for FCP and 15.39 - 32.69 % for FMP, but the viscosity decreased with a range of 24.50 - 36.50 cPs. FCP contains 14 fatty acids, while FMP contains 12 fatty acids. The number of SFA and MUFA detected in FCP is lower than in FMP. In contrast, the amount of PUFA in FCP is relatively higher than in FMP. The percentage of EPA and DHA in FCP is lower than in FMP. Overall, the refining process affects the fatty acid composition of fish oil by-products both in the canning process and in fish meal. HIGHLIGHTS Fish oil by-product (FOB) of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the fish canning process (CP), and fish meal process (MP) streams were successfully purified through a chemical process which was by IFOMA, CAC, and IFOSH standards Zeolite resulted in the best fish oil quality at higher concentrations The Final Fish oil canning process (FCP) was mainly composed of linoleic, whereas the Fish oil meal process (FMP) was highly distributed in oleic and palmitic acid The sum of PUFA in FCP after bleaching was relatively higher than in FMP GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

NGOs and Global Business Regulation of Transnational Alcohol and Ultra-Processed Food Industries

Abstract The intensification of efforts by state and nonstate actors to address issues affecting global health has produced a patchwork of transnational regulatory governance. Within this field, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are expected to perform authoritative roles in holding business actors to account and enhance the democratic legitimacy of institutions via their participation in governance processes. While there exists a large body of conceptual and empirical research on global business regulation and private authority, we surprisingly know little about the governance functions of NGOs engaged in influencing the practices of corporations that produce health-harming commodities. This knowledge gap is especially pronounced in the issue area of noncommunicable diseases. This article begins to address this gap by mapping the networks of NGOs that engage in regulatory activities (rule-setting, monitoring, and enforcement) related to the (ultra)processed food and alcohol industries. We identify the networks of NGOs involved in global policy making across health, regulatory standards, and multistakeholder initiatives using nonstate actor submissions to consultations held by World Health Organization, UN Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), and the UN Global Compact. This paper examines NGO governance functions and their patterns of engagement and participation across institutional spheres. Overall, the article makes a twofold contribution to existing debates. First, we identify the governance functions through which NGOs attempt to hold corporations to account, contrasting their “watchdog” function with other governance functions. Second, we examine the representation of NGOs, highlighting asymmetries in participation of NGOs in the Global North and South.

Assessment of flusilazole residues on apples: Detection, quantification and health risk implications.

Apple, a major fruit of temperate Himalayas, is sprayed with chemical pesticides around 12 times during the cropping season. Various systemic and contact fungicides are applied for the management of major diseases. In order to manage disease, flusilazole 40 EC is frequently used. However, excessive chemical application has been found to be detrimental for consumer safety. Keeping in view consumer safety, risk assessment, the half-life and waiting period for flusilazole 40 EC were evaluated on the Red Velox variety of apple. The QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method and high-performance liquid chromatography were adapted for sample processing and analysis, respectively. The recovery percentages of flusilazole at three fortification levels (0.04, 0.09 and 0.50 mg kg-1 ) were 98.85, 99.83 and 98.98%, respectively. Flusilazole at the recommended dose (80 g a.i.ha-1 ) left an initial deposit of 0.733 mg kg-1 , which dissipated by 93.45% in 60 days and was non-detectable beyond this period. Meanwhile flusilazole at double the recommended dose (160 g a.i.ha-1 ) left an initial deposit of 0.913 mg kg-1 , which dissipated by 93.43% in 70 days and was non-detectable beyond this period. Based on the maximum residue limit of 0.3mg kg-1 as prescribed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a waiting period of 28.74 and 46.03 days was recorded for single and double doses, respectively. Moreover, in order to assess the consumer risk, theoretical maximum residue contributions (TMRCs) were derived using flusilazole residues (average and maximum) recorded at various time intervals and compared with the maximum permissible intake, which was found to be 0.42 mg per person per day. Based on the average per capita daily consumption of 6.76 g apple in India, the TMRC values were computed. Although the values of TMRC decreased below maximum permissible intake at the first day after application, indicating minimal consumer health risks, fruits sprayed with a double dose of flusilazole carried the risk even up to the tenth day after flusilazole application. The results of the present study will be valuable for safe and timely use of flusilazole on apple.

Lead exposure from honey: meta-analysis and risk assessment for the Arab region

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has adopted a maximum level for lead in honey (0.1 mg/kg). Despite representing a population of more than half a billion, exposure and risk assessments for lead specific to the Arab region are lacking. The aim of this work was to collect analytical data for lead in honey available in Arab countries and to assess the risk caused by exposure to lead from these samples for local consumers. A regional mean lead concentration in honey, obtained through a meta-analysis of 57 studies, was used in deterministic risk assessments for adults (nephrotoxicity and cardiovascular effects) and young children (developmental neurotoxicity). A regional pooled mean concentration of 0.12 mg/kg [95%CI: 0.07–0.21] (0.13 mg/kg, if non-detects are considered at their highest possible value) was obtained. Margins of exposure of 363 [71–17182] and 865 [168–40909] were calculated for adults, and of 48 [9–2273] for children, indicating potential concern for the latter population subset. These values were produced using GEMS consumption data, and considering the same intake for both children and adults, potentially overestimating the risk for children. Nevertheless, food competent authorities should consider measures to reduce lead concentration in honey available for sale in the region to prevent trade constraints and to better protect vulnerable populations.

Pesticide Residues in Greenhouse Leafy Vegetables in Cold Seasons and Dietary Exposure Assessment for Consumers in Liaoning Province, Northeast China

Excessive pesticide application in greenhouses leads to elevated levels of pesticide residues, especially in cold seasons, thereby posing a potential dietary exposure risk to the residents’ health. This study aimed to investigate 65 pesticides in 469 leafy vegetable samples collected from greenhouses in Liaoning province between October 2018 and May 2020. Overall, the pesticide levels in 96.4% (452/469) of the samples were below the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The detection rate of 65 pesticides ranged from 0.2% to 11.9%. Multiple pesticide contamination was common, with dimethomorph being the most recurrent contaminant. The dietary risk assessment study revealed obvious differences in chronic and acute exposure risk values. The chronic risk quotients (RQcs) for leafy vegetable samples were 0.001%–3.993%, indicating an acceptable public health risk for the residents. As two leafy vegetables highly consumed in cold seasons in northeast China, the acute risk quotients (RQas) of Chinese cabbage samples were significantly lower than 100%; however, pakchoi samples exhibited RQa values ranging from 0.159% to 580.529%, showing an unacceptable acute dietary risk. This highlights that, compared to the chronic dietary risks, the potential acute dietary risks induced by the pesticides are higher in greenhouse-grown leafy vegetables during cold seasons.

Updated reasoned opinion on the toxicological properties and maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the benzimidazole substances carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl.

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA received from the European Commission in 2020 a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the toxicological properties and maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the benzimidazole substances carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl. Specifically, EFSA was asked to assess whether thiophanate-methyl or carbendazim has clastogenic potential and, in case clastogenic potential can be excluded, to derive toxicological reference values necessary for consumer risk assessment and assessment of maximum residue levels (MRLs). Although these active substances are no longer authorised within the European Union, MRLs were established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits; CXLs), and import tolerances are in place. Based on the assessment of the available data, toxicological reference values and MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Some information required by the regulatory framework was found to be missing and a possible acute risk to consumers was identified. Hence, the consumer risk assessment was considered indicative only and all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers. In October 2022, to ensure that MRLs derived by EFSA in its assessment of 2021 are safe for consumers also in view of endocrine-disrupting properties, EFSA was requested to carry out a follow-up assessment taking into account the scientific criteria for identifying endocrine disruptors (ED). Based on the outcome of the assessment, the experts agreed that the reference values are also covering the concern related to the identified hazards indicative of endocrine disruption for thiophanate-methyl. No further considerations on the impact of the ED assessment on the current reference values were needed for carbendazim since the ED criteria are not met for this substance. Therefore, the risk assessment and the MRL recommendations derived in 2021 are confirmed.

Heavy metal status in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) soils and beans: the case of Abuakwa North Municipality of Eastern Region, Ghana.

In recent times, public concerns over the potential accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils and crops due to the excessive use of agrochemicals are increasing. This study was conducted in the Abuakwa North Municipality of Eastern Region, Ghana, to assess the status of heavy metals in cocoa soils and beans. Cocoa farms aged between 10 and 20years and have received agrochemicals for at least 5years were selected, and their adjacent forests were used as controls. Soil samples and cocoa pods were collected randomly and processed for laboratory analysis. The study discovered that across the sampling sites, heavy metal concentrations in soil were below permissible limits. However, contamination factor and geo-accumulation index results revealed that Tontro cocoa farms were considerably contaminated and moderately polluted respectively with Cu, probably due to long-term fungicide application. The concentrations of Fe (39.3-47.1mgkg-1) and Zn (54.8-70.0mgkg-1) in the cocoa beans across the communities were below the FAO/WHO's safe limit of 99.4mgkg-1 and 73.0mgkg-1 respectively. Lead (0.03-0.06mgkg-1) and Cd (0.12-0.20mgkg-1) concentrations were below the EU's maximum allowable level and Codex Alimentarius Commission's limit of 1.0mgkg-1 respectively. However, bean Cu content in the Tontro farm (51.5mgkg-1) was slightly above the EU's recommended maximum limit of 50.0mgkg-1, possibly due to the continuous application of copper-based fungicides. The study showed that, overall, agrochemicals used for cocoa farming in Abuakwa North Municipality of Ghana did not cause serious harm to the soils and beans, since the mean metal concentrations were not alarming and guarantee public health safety.

Method Validation and Measurement Uncertainty Estimation for Determination of Multiclass Pesticide Residues in Tomato by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Method validation is an essential technique for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of an analytical method. This study aimed to optimize and validate a fast, reliable, and accurate method for quantitatively determining pesticide residues of diverse chemical classes in the tomato matrix. Various method performance characteristics were tested and compared with predefined criteria. Twenty-six different pesticides of diverse chemical classes were selected based on their use in tomato cultivation and the availability of reference materials. The pesticide residues in tomato samples were extracted with the QuEChERS technique with some modifications, followed by injection into an LC-MS/MS system operating in an optimized method. The validated method demonstrated reasonable specificity, as there were no interferences from matrix components at the retention times of pesticides. The calibration curves for all pesticides exhibited excellent linearities, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.99. No significant matrix effect was observed for all pesticides in tomatoes, as the values fell within the range of ±20%. All pesticides were quantified successfully at a concentration of 5 μg/kg except for carbaryl, with an average recovery of more than 70% and a relative standard deviation of less than 20%. Similarly, measurement uncertainties were also estimated based on the validation data, and the values were found below the default limit of 50%. Subsequently, the validated method was applied to analyze 52 locally collected tomato samples. Study findings revealed that only four of the studied pesticides were detected in these samples, and their concentrations were below the maximum residue limits (500 µg/kg each for carbendazim, imidacloprid, and metalaxyl) established for tomatoes by the Government of Nepal and the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Changes in quality and bacterial profiles of Tualang and Kelulut honeys preserved by post‐harvest maturation

SummaryPost‐harvest maturation of two Malaysian honeys, the Tualang and Kelulut was studied by measuring changes in physicochemical and antioxidant properties, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) contents and bacterial profiles at room temperature of 23–26 °C. After maturation at the recommended period of 26 weeks, water activity of both honeys increased between 0.89% and 2.34% while free acidity increased between 2.05% and 2.24%. Results suggested the prominence of fermentation reactions in honey during post‐harvest maturation as fructose concentration reduced by 10.6% and 1.05% for the Tualang and Kelulut honey, respectively, while HMF concentrations were kept at a safe limit of 48.00 and 61.23 mg/kg honey. The total phenolic content of Tualang and Kelulut honey increased significantly by 12.61% and 54.66% respectively. The highlight of this post‐harvest maturation process for Kelulut honey was the improvement found in antioxidant properties of DPPH radical scavenging activity by 10.01%–54.74% and also the probiotic‐like potential in terms significant increase in relative abundance of the Bacillus genera to 2.6% and Lactobacillus to 6.25% at 26 weeks. The prolonged maturation process up to 1 year however revealed continuous accumulation of HMF to values above 80 mg/kg honey, surpassing the limits by the Codex Alimentarius Commission despite improvements of antioxidant properties and bacterial profiles.

Study of HACCP (Hazard Analysis And Critical Control Point) identification in anchovy sago noodles processing

Noodles are a practical food product that the people of Indonesia love. Many efforts to diversify noodle products by substituting non-gluten ingredients such as sago. The pilot plant of the Research Center for Appropriate Technology, Subang is one of the models for processing sago flour into dry noodle products fortified with anchovy flour. In its operation, it is necessary to apply the HACCP system. The HACCP identification study was conducted using the HACCP Plan Preparation Guide, with its preparation following the principles of the HACCP system recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and Indonesian National Standards. The results of the study showed that the process stages set as CCP in the manufacture of anchovy flour is drying. In addition, the process stages set as CCP in making anchovy sago noodles is tempering. All of these CCPs must receive optimal supervision including adequate temperature and drying time of fish and environmental humidity.

APMP.QM-S19: Toxic elements in seafood

Main textSeafood is one of the major food resources for human consumption in the world. The CODEX Alimentarius Commission and many jurisdictions have set maximum levels of metallic contaminants in seafood. The use of reliable methods for measurement of metallic contaminants is important in safeguarding the quality of these products and public health.The Supplementary Comparison APMP.QM-S19: Toxic Elements in Seafood was coordinated by the Government Laboratory, Hong Kong, China (GLHK). Four measurands (arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead) in seafood were chosen. The last CCQM or RMO key comparison / supplementary comparison in the area of metallic contaminants in seafood was organized by GLHK in 2011 (APMP.QM-S5). Hence, it was timely to organize another comparison that covers different measurands. This Supplementary Comparison (APMP.QM-S19) offers different analytical challenges (e.g. in analysis of mercury and a different range of measurands) as compared to the previous comparison. Moreover, it enabled National Metrology Institutes / Designated Institutes (NMIs/DIs) that did not participate in the previous comparisons to demonstrate their measurement competencies.Nineteen institutes participated in APMP.QM-S19. Most participating NMIs/DIs employed microwave-assisted acid digestion for sample dissolution. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), including triple quadrupole and sector field, were the most commonly used instrumental techniques. Results of all participating NMIs/DIs were evaluated against the supplementary comparison reference value (SCRV). The SCRV and associated uncertainty were determined from results of NMIs/DIs that participated in the supplementary comparison using methods with demonstrated metrological traceability. Median was used as estimator of the SCRVs. For arsenic, the SCRV was 1.342 mg/kg calculated from 15 participating NMIs/DIs. For arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead, the SCRVs were 1.342 mg/kg, 0.3630 mg/kg, 0.1230 mg/kg and 0.4101 mg/kg, respectively, calculated from 15, 14, 13 and 11 participating NMIs/DIs.Participating NMIs/DIs that have successfully participated in APMP.QM-S19 have demonstrated measurement capabilities in determining inorganic elements, in a mass fraction range from 0.02 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg in high organic content matrix, including seafood of animal origin and high protein food.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).