EFSA Research Articles

Metabolic and Biochemical Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) on Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Potential Health Benefits in Obesity and Future Perspectives.

Obesity is defined as a complex, systemic disease characterized by excessive and dysfunctional adipose tissue, leading to adverse health effects. This condition is marked by low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic abnormalities, including mitochondrial dysfunction. These factors promote energy dysregulation and impact body composition not only by increasing body fat but also by promoting skeletal muscle mass atrophy. The decline in muscle mass is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with this disease. The European Food Safety Authority approved pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a natural compound, as a dietary supplement in 2018. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential role of PQQ, based on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in addressing dysfunctional adipose tissue metabolism and related disorders.

Artificial intelligence-based data extraction for next generation risk assessment: Is fine-tuning of a large language model worth the effort?

To underpin scientific evaluations of chemical risks, agencies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) heavily rely on the outcome of systematic reviews, which currently require extensive manual effort. One specific challenge constitutes the meaningful use of vast amounts of valuable data from new approach methodologies (NAMs) which are mostly reported in an unstructured way in the scientific literature. In the EFSA-initiated project ‘AI4NAMS’, the potential of large language models (LLMs) was explored. Models from the GPT family, where GPT refers to Generative Pre-trained Transformer, were used for searching, extracting, and integrating data from scientific publications for NAM-based risk assessment. A case study on bisphenol A (BPA), a substance of very high concern due to its adverse effects on human health, focused on the structured extraction of information on test systems measuring biologic activities of BPA. Fine-tuning of a GPT-3 model (Curie base model) for extraction tasks was tested and the performance of the fine-tuned model was compared to the performance of a ready-to-use model (text-davinci-002). To update findings from the AI4NAMS project and to check for technical progress, the fine-tuning exercise was repeated and a newer ready-to-use model (text-davinci-003) served as comparison. In both cases, the fine-tuned Curie model was found to be superior to the ready-to-use model. Performance improvement was also obvious between text-davinci-002 and the newer text-davinci-003. Our findings demonstrate how fine-tuning and the swift general technical development improve model performance and contribute to the growing number of investigations on the use of AI in scientific and regulatory tasks.

Dietary exposure assessment to mycotoxins from traditional meat products in Croatia

Mycotoxins may be present in traditional meat products (TMPs) due to production of moulds overgrowing their surface during ripening or due to contaminated spices or meat used in their production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the human exposure to the mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFs) B1, B2, G1 and G2 (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), citrinin (CIT) and sterigmatocystin (STC), which may be present in TMPs, using 288 samples available on the market in relation to the consumption data of Croatian citizens. AFs and CIT weren't detected in any sample, so the exposure to these mycotoxins in TMP can be considered negligible. The determined exposure to STC was 0.011–0.020 ng/kg bw/day far below the exposure of low health concern set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The determined exposure to CPA was up to 5.75 ng/kg bw/day, but there isn't yet a health-based guideline value (HBGV) for the consumer risk associated with CPA in food. The determined exposure to OTA was 0.043–0.121 ng/kg bw/day, and according to the margin of exposure (MoE) approach, in the case of the upper bound (UB) scenario, for neoplastic effects a low concern was identified in 0.12% of consumers, while for non-neoplastic effects a potential health concern was identified in 4.15% of consumers. Among the TMP categories, dry-fermented sausages contributed the most to consumer exposure for all three mycotoxins detected. Results indicate that mycotoxins presence should be monitored over a longer period of time where different data can be expected in order to observe the trend of human exposure.

Comparative study of dietary selenium sources on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata): Growth, nutrient utilization, stress response and final product quality

Selenium (Se) is a crucial trace mineral in human nutrition, known for its various health benefits, including the enhancement of antioxidant defenses. Enrichment of fish fillets with Se is seen as an interesting strategy to reduce the risk of Se deficiency in human diets. While inorganic sources have been traditionally used to supplement Se in fish diets, organic Se forms have demonstrated superior bioavailability and efficacy in managing oxidative stress and tissue retention rates compared to their inorganic counterparts.The main objective of this study was to assess the performance, stress resistance, and product quality of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in response to diets supplemented with 0.2 mg kg−1 of Na2SeO3 (CTRL), Zn-L-SeMet (AVSe) or OH-Se-Met (ORGSe), complying therefore with the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) maximum allowed supplementation of organic Se (0.2 mg kg−1). Diets were formulated to be similar in their protein (48% DM) and lipid content (17% DM), and hand-fed to apparent satiety to quadruplicate groups of 20 fish (initial body weight ∼ 75 g) gilthead seabream juveniles for 137 days. Fish were kept in a recirculating saltwater system (salinity 35‰, 22 ± 1 °C) until they reached commercial size (>250 g). At the end of the growth trial, all fish were individually weighed and measured, with 4 fish per tank sampled for whole-body composition analysis. Fillet yield, muscle lipid and mineral composition, and hepatic oxidative stress indicators were assessed (n = 12). Lipid peroxidation, muscle pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), color, and texture were evaluated on days 7 and 14 (n = 8), while sensory analysis was conducted on 20 fish. Additionally, 12 fish per treatment were subjected to overcrowding (100 kg m−3) for 5 min and air exposure for 1 min. After a 1-h recovery period, plasma and liver samples were collected from these fish, and results were compared to those of the non-stress group. All diets yielded equivalent growth performance, ensuring low feed conversion ratio. Fish fed the AVSe diet exhibited higher whole-body protein content compared to those fed the CTRL diet. Regarding mineral utilization, increased Se retention and gain in fish fed AVSe and ORGSe diets led to higher Se content in these fish compared to the CTRL. Additionally, the AVSe diet has also resulted in significantly increased Se deposition in the muscle compared to the other tested Se sources, contributing with 34% of the Se Daily Recommended Intake (DRI). The assessed flesh quality parameters and overall consumer acceptance did not reveal significant differences among the groups. Exposure to an acute stress was found to decrease the activities of Glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, which in turn has increased the level of oxidized glutathione, particularly in the AVSe group. Compared to OH-Se-Met and Na2SeO3, Zn-L-SeMet was more effective in promoting response to stress and nutritional value of gilthead seabream as an important source of protein and Se in human diet.

Health Hazard Associated with the Presence of Clostridium Bacteria in Food Products.

Clostridium bacteria were already known to Hippocrates many years before Christ. The name of the Clostridium species is owed to the Polish microbiologist, Adam Prażmowski. It is now known that these Clostridium bacteria are widespread in the natural environment, and their presence in food products is a threat to human health and life. According to European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reports, every year, there are poisonings or deaths due to ingestion of bacterial toxins, including those of the Clostridium spp. The strengthening of consumer health awareness has increased interest in consuming products with minimal processing in recent years, which has led to a need to develop new techniques to ensure the safety of microbiological food, including elimination of bacteria from the Clostridium genera. On the other hand, the high biochemical activity of Clostridium bacteria allows them to be used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. Awareness of microbiological food safety is very important for our health. Unfortunately, in 2022, an increase in infections with Clostridium bacteria found in food was recorded. Knowledge about food contamination should thus be widely disseminated.

Prevalence of perfluoroalkyl substances in paired batches of precooked and canned bovine meat and their implication on consumer safety

Meat is a highly nutritious food but there is a lot of significant evidence of negative health outcomes related to its excessive consumption, especially for processed one. Among the variety of emerging contaminants of concern for human health, a key role is played by poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which show adverse effects in humans who are exposed to them through diet. In the present study, for the first time, 70 paired batches of pre-cooked and canned bovine meat were analysed by Liquid Chromatography coupled to High Resolution Mass Spectrometry to evaluate the presence and concentration of 18 PFASs. These data were used to assess Italian consumers’ health risks by performing the PFAS intake evaluation. PFBA and PFOS were detected in the precooked and canned meat samples, with PFBA mean concentration of 0.22 ± 0.36 ng g−1, and <LOQ, respectively, and PFOS mean concentration of <LOQ in both. No PFASs were found in the jelly. The comparison between the PFBA levels in precooked and canned meat showed a significant difference. The PFAS intake evaluation showed an Estimated Daily Intake by far lower than the Tolerable Daily Intake for the average Italian consumer suggested by the European Food Safety Authority.

Development and Application of a Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Analysis of 20 Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Fruit and Vegetables at Sub-Parts-per-Trillion Levels.

In response to the European Food Safety Authority's establishment of a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for the sum of PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOS, a method was developed to quantify and confirm 20 PFASs at the sub-parts-per-trillion level in fruit and vegetables. Improved sensitivity was achieved by (i) increasing the sample intake, (ii) decreasing the solvent volume in the final extract, and (iii) using a highly sensitive mass spectrometer. Except for PFTrDA, target PFASs could be quantitatively determined with an apparent recovery of 90-119%, limits of quantitation down to 0.5 ng/kg, and a relative standard deviation under within-laboratory reproducibility conditions of <28%. The method was successfully applied to 215 fruit and vegetable samples obtained from local grocery stores and markets. Leafy vegetables prove to be the main vegetable category responsible to PFAS exposure, mainly of PFOA, followed by PFHpA and PFHxA.

The Probiotic Enterococcus Lactis SF68 as a Potential Food Fermentation Microorganism for Safe Food Production.

Due to the reports describing virulent and multidrug resistant enterococci, their use has become a topic of controversy despite most of them being safe and commonly used in traditionally fermented foods worldwide. We have characterized Enterococcus lactis SF68, a probiotic strain approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for use in food and feed, and find that it has a remarkable potential in food fermentations. Genome analysis revealed the potential of SF68 to metabolize a multitude of carbohydrates, including lactose and sucrose, which was substantiated experimentally. Bacteriocin biosynthesis clusters were identified and SF68 was found to display a strong inhibitory effect against Listeria monocytogenes. Fermentation-wise, E. lactis SF68 was remarkably like Lactococcus lactis and displayed a clear mixed-acid shift on slowly fermented sugars. SF68 could produce the butter aroma compounds, acetoin and diacetyl, the production of which was enhanced under aerated conditions in a strain deficient in lactate dehydrogenase activity. Overall, E. lactis SF68 was found to be versatile, with a broad carbohydrate utilization capacity, a capacity for producing bacteriocins, and an ability to grow at elevated temperatures. This is key to eliminating pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms that are frequently associated with fermented foods.

Assessment of the 2022 post-market environmental monitoring report on the cultivation of genetically modified maize MON 810 in the EU.

Following a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessed the 2022 post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) report on the cultivation of Cry1Ab-expressing maize event MON 810. Overall, the 2022 PMEM report provides no evidence of adverse effects of maize MON 810 cultivation. It shows a high level of compliance with refuge requirements by Spanish and Portuguese farmers growing maize MON 810, but uncertainty remains on compliance in areas where the clustered surface of maize MON 810 farms exceeds 5 ha. There are no signs of practical resistance to Cry1Ab in the field in corn borer populations collected in north-eastern Spain in 2022, although a decrease in Cry1Ab susceptibility in Mediterranean corn borer populations from this area cannot be excluded. Information retrieved through farmer questionnaires in Spain and from the scientific literature reveals no unanticipated adverse effects on human and animal health or the environment arising from the cultivation of maize MON 810. Uncertainties remain on whether 'very highly' and 'extremely' sensitive non-target lepidoptera are potentially exposed to harmful amounts of MON 810 pollen. EFSA notes that several recommendations made in the frame of the assessment of previous PMEM reports remain unaddressed and identified additional shortcomings in the 2022 PMEM report that require further consideration by the consent holder in future annual PMEM reports. Particularly, EFSA emphasises the urgent need to increase the sensitivity of the insect resistance monitoring strategy and implement mitigation measures to ensure that the exposure of non-target lepidoptera to maize MON 810 pollen is reduced to levels of no concern.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State, The Netherlands for the pesticide active substance Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus as an insecticide on tomato (field and greenhouse uses) and on potato (field use) via spraying (tractor drawn or knapsack sprayers) or overhead irrigation. The reliable endpoints, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance triclopyr (variant triclopyr-butotyl).

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Poland and co-rapporteur Member State Hungary for the pesticide active substance triclopyr (variant triclopyr-butotyl) and the assessment of applications for maximum residue levels (MRLs) are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of triclopyr (variant triclopyr-butotyl) as a herbicide on established pasture and non-recreational amenity grassland (field use). MRLs were assessed in rice. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment and the proposed MRLs, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are reported where identified.

Exposure to bisphenol A in European women from 2007 to 2014 using human biomonitoring data – The European Joint Programme HBM4EU

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA; or 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol) is an endocrine disrupting chemical. It was widely used in a variety of plastic-based manufactured products for several years. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently reduced the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for BPA by 20,000 times due to concerns about immune-toxicity. ObjectiveWe used human biomonitoring (HBM) data to investigate the general level of BPA exposure from 2007 to 2014 of European women aged 18–73 years (n = 4,226) and its determinants. MethodsFifteen studies from 12 countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) were included in the BPA Study protocol developed within the European Joint Programme HBM4EU. Seventy variables related to the BPA exposure were collected through a rigorous post-harmonization process. Linear mixed regression models were used to investigate the determinants of total urine BPA in the combined population. ResultsTotal BPA was quantified in 85–100 % of women in 14 out of 15 contributing studies. Only the Austrian PBAT study (Western Europe), which had a limit of quantification 2.5 to 25-fold higher than the other studies (LOQ=2.5 µg/L), found total BPA in less than 5 % of the urine samples analyzed. The geometric mean (GM) of total urine BPA ranged from 0.77 to 2.47 µg/L among the contributing studies. The lowest GM of total BPA was observed in France (Western Europe) from the ELFE subset (GM=0.77 µg/L (0.98 µg/g creatinine), n = 1741), and the highest levels were found in Belgium (Western Europe) and Greece (Southern Europe), from DEMOCOPHES (GM=2.47 µg/L (2.26 µg/g creatinine), n = 129) and HELIX-RHEA (GM=2.47 µg/L (2.44 µg/g creatinine), n = 194) subsets, respectively. One hundred percent of women in 14 out of 15 data collections in this study exceeded the health-based human biomonitoring guidance value for the general population (HBM-GVGenPop) of 0.0115 µg total BPA/L urine derived from the updated EFSA’s BPA TDI. Variables related to the measurement of total urine BPA and those related to the main socio-demographic characteristics (age, height, weight, education, smoking status) were collected in almost all studies, while several variables related to BPA exposure factors were not gathered in most of the original studies (consumption of beverages contained in plastic bottles, consumption of canned food or beverages, consumption of food in contact with plastic packaging, use of plastic film or plastic containers for food, having a plastic floor covering in the house, use of thermal paper…). No clear determinants of total urine BPA concentrations among European women were found. A broader range of data planned for collection in the original questionnaires of the contributing studies would have resulted in a more thorough investigation of the determinants of BPA exposure in European women. ConclusionThis study highlights the urgent need for action to further reduce exposure to BPA to protect the population, as is already the case in the European Union. The study also underscores the importance of pre-harmonizing HBM design and data for producing comparable data and interpretable results at a European-wide level, and to increase HBM uptake by regulatory agencies.

Effect of the killing method and developmental stage on cricket (Acheta domesticus) composition and chitin recovery

Abstract After receiving a positive safety assessment as a novel food by the European Food Safety Authority, Acheta domesticus (house cricket) was extensively studied due to its recognised high nutritional value. However, the nutritional quality of crickets depends on several factors related to the insect itself (e.g. metamorphic stage, gender, habitat, and diet) or processing (e.g. killing methods). These variables also influence the isolation of the insect’s main components: proteins, lipids, and chitin. Notably, chitin purification is particularly challenging in insects. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of two killing methods (blanching and freezing) and five developmental stages (hatching, three nymphs, and adult) on the nutritional composition of crickets. The impact of these factors was also assessed in terms of chitin purification. Different macronutrients were found to be maximised at different developmental stages, suggesting that the stage can be selected based on the target nutritional value. Chitin with a higher purity was obtained from 28-day crickets because of the lowest percentage of protein bound to chitin. In the chitin samples of the crickets in the middle stages killed by blanching, the proteins bound to chitin were lower than in the freezing one, possibly due to lower activation of the melanisation and sclerotization pathways. In addition, these residual proteins had a defined amino acid composition, suggesting the presence of cuticular proteins capable of binding chitin.

Fast and economic method for chlorpropham residues screening in potato peel

Chlorpropham is a selective and systemic herbicide extensively used to control sprouting, a major process affecting the quality of stored potatoes. Main concern about the usage of chlorpropham arises from the fact that chlorpropham degrades to toxic aniline-based metabolites during thermal processing of potatoes. The issue has led to chlorpropham withdrawal from the treatment practices, however, cross contamination from storage facilities requires ongoing monitoring of pesticide residues for a prolonged period. This study offers a fast and economic method suitable for chlorpropham screening in potatoes. The developed method targets the potato peel, simply prepared and analyzed by GC/MS. The method performance and cost-effectiveness were compared to that of the official method for chlorpropham analysis approved by the European Food Safety Authority. The method was used for the targeted analysis of potato samples from southeastern Serbia.

Risks associated with the presence of PFAS in FCM: An investigation of the Belgian market

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that have been widely used by various industries, including the food contact material industry. These substances are favoured for their ability to repel oil and resist moisture. However, exposure to PFAS has been linked to several health problems, including effects on the immune system. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), food contact materials (FCM) are likely to contribute to human exposure to PFAS. Therefore, this study investigated the exposure to PFAS from FCM. One hundred and ten FCM made of paper and board (e.g. straws, cups, bowls, boxes etc.), sugar cane or wheat pulp-based FCM, called paper analogues (e.g., cup, bowls, plates, hamburger boxes etc.) were carefully selected on the Belgian market and investigated using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometery. Out of the 25 PFAS targeted, 11 were detected in the samples, mainly perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, PFTrDA) and PFOS. It was found that all of the paper analogue samples contained PFAS, while 43% of the paper and board samples showed the presence of these chemicals. Except for one sample, most detections suggest contamination rather than intentional use. Finally, a risk assessment was conducted, which revealed potential risks for consumers related to a coffee cup made of paper and board and a food tray made of sugar cane.

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Barrier Layers to Inhibit Mutagenic Effects of Recycled LDPE Films, Using a Miniaturized Ames Test and GC-MS Analysis

To fulfil the European Green Deal targets and implement a circular economy, there is an urgent need to increase recycling rates of packaging materials. However, before recycled materials can be used in food contact applications, they must meet high safety standards. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a worst-case scenario must be applied and unknown substances must be evaluated as being potentially genotoxic. The Ames test, which detects direct DNA-reactive effects, together with chromatographic analysis is very promising to complement risk assessment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of functional barriers in ten different samples, including virgin and recycled LDPE foils. FT-IR analysis did not show major differences between virgin and recycled films. Light microscopy revealed differences in quality and an increased number of particles. GC-MS analysis detected and quantified 35 substances, including eight unknowns. Using a miniaturized version of the Ames test, four of ten samples tested positive in two individual migrates up to a dilution of 12.5%. All virgin LDPE materials tested negative; however, recycled material F showed an increased mutagenic activity, with an n-fold induction up to 28. Samples with functional barriers lowered migration and reduced mutagenicity. Nonetheless, further investigations are needed to identify possible sources of contamination.

Low levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in drinking water in Norway, but elevated concentrations found near known sources

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous contaminants which are also found in drinking water. Concentration levels in drinking water vary widely and range from a very low contribution to total daily exposure for humans to being the major source of uptake of PFAS. PFAS concentrations in Norwegian drinking water has been rarely reported. We investigated concentrations of 31 PFAS in 164 water samples, representing both source water (i.e., before drinking water treatment) and finished drinking water. Samples were taken from 18 different water bodies across Norway. The 17 waterworks involved supply drinking water to 41 % of the Norwegian population. Only four of the waterworks utilised treatment involving activated carbon which was able to significantly reduce PFAS from the source water. Samples of source water from waterworks not employing activated carbon in treatment were therefore considered to represent drinking water with regards to PFAS (142 samples). All samples from one of the water bodies exceeded the environmental quality standard (EQS) for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) according to the water framework directive (0.65 ng/L). No concentrations exceeded the sum of (20) PFAS (100 ng/L) specified in the EU directive 2020/2184 for drinking water. Several EU countries have issued lower guidelines for the sum of the four PFAS that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established as the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for PFOS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Denmark and Sweden have guidelines specifying 2 and 4 ng/L for the sum of these PFAS. Only one of the 142 drinking water samples exceeded the Danish TWI and contained a sum of 6.6 ng/L PFAS. A population exposure model, for individuals drinking water from the investigated sources, showed that only 0.5 % of the population was receiving PFAS concentrations above the Danish limit of 2 ng/L.

Limitations of recent cellulose studies: How overzealous dispersion technique, fluorescence labeling and interpretation limit the findings of recent safety assessments for cellulose materials

Microfibrillated, nanofibrillated, and nanocrystalline cellulose materials are next-generation biobased cellulose materials with applications in the food industry as food contact materials and functional ingredients. Manufacturers have adopted a proactive approach to demonstrate the safety of these cellulose materials as they contribute toward a more sustainable economy. Animal studies and alternative testing approaches are needed to fill data gaps in the literature for the physicochemical and toxicological characterization of cellulose materials. Recently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) funded a project that used New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to assess the hazards of nanofibers, including methods to evaluate simulated gastrointestinal digestion, cellular uptake, local effects via simulated oral exposure, and gut-on-a-chip toxicity models. Upon review, we identified methodological and analytical limitations in these studies, which may affect the study conclusions that oral exposure to cellulose materials is associated with adverse effects. The aim of this Short Communication is to discuss the limitations of the reported findings in the NAM study and provide a balanced perspective of the study and of the safety of cellulose materials. This Short Communication highlights a major concern that the NAM study was published in the public domain without any peer review from cellulose experts. We identify and discuss several major limitations, including an unrealistic dispersion method, lack of controls in fluorescent labeling, lack of proper control groups in the experimental design, incomplete reporting of statistical analyses, bias toward reporting adverse effects, and inconsistent explanations of discordant results within the greater scientific literature.

A systems-based analysis to rethink the European environmental risk assessment of regulated chemicals using pesticides as a pilot case

A growing body of scientific literature stresses the need to advance current environmental risk assessment (ERA) methodologies and associated regulatory frameworks to better address the landscape-scale and long-term impact of pesticide use on biodiversity and the ecosystem. Moreover, more collaborative and integrative approaches are needed to meet sustainability goals. The One Health approach is increasingly applied by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to support the transition towards safer, healthier and more sustainable food. To this end, EFSA commissioned the development of a roadmap for action to establish a European Partnership for next-generation, systems-based Environmental Risk Assessment (PERA). Here, we summarise the main conclusions and recommendations reported in the 2022 PERA Roadmap. This roadmap highlights that fragmentation of data, knowledge and expertise across regulatory sectors results in suboptimal processes and hinders the implementation of integrative ERA approaches needed to better protect the environment. To advance ERA, we revisited the underlying assumptions of the current ERA paradigm; that chemical risks are generally assessed and managed in isolation with a substance-by-substance, realistic worst-case and tiered approach. We suggest optimising the use of the vast amount of information and expertise available with pesticides as a pilot area. It is recommended to as soon as possible adopt a systems-based approach, i.e. within the current regulatory framework, to spark a step-wise transition towards an ERA framed at a system level of ecological and societal relevance. Tangible systems-based and integrative steps are available. For instance, the rich sources of existing data for prospective and retrospective ERA of pesticides could be used to reality-benchmark existing and new ERA methods. To achieve these goals, collaboration among stakeholders across scientific disciplines and regulatory sectors must be strengthened.

Prevalence of Dehydration in Egyptian Primary School Children and its Impact on their Cognitive performance

Abstract Background More than 75% of children do not meet the water intake recommendations by the Institute of medicine. In addition, more than 80% of children in many European countries do not achieve the water intake recommended by the guidelines of the European food safety authority. Studies have revealed a correlation between hydration status and cognitive achievements in visual attention, immediate memory span, semantic flexibility, and automatic application of arithmetic operations in school children living in hot climates. Aim of the Work Assessment of the hydration status in Egyptian primary school children and determining the relationship between hydration status and cognitive function. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 200 children, the age group was from 9 to 13 years old. Data collection included the governmental, private and international schools in Cairo. The questionnaire was fulfilled during school time. A child-friendly “fluids and liquid food” diary was designed to prospectively record the volume of total fluid intake including water, sugar sweetened beverages and fruit juices in the previous day and during school day. Hydration status was assessed by self-reported urine colour using eight-point colour scale. The students were asked to answer four cognitive function tests that were designed to test the cognitive skills which were known to be affected by dehydration (Visual attention, Visual memory, Visual search, Visuomotor performance). Results 54 children (27%) had “Satisfactory knowledge” i.e. the children who met the criteria in the self- answered questionnaire and 146 children (73%) of them had “Unsatisfactory knowledge of proper total fluid intake. 166 children (83%) reported low total fluid intake and 34 children (17%) had adequate total fluid intake (according to the guidelines of the European food safety authority), 118 children (59%) were dehydrated, and 34 children (17%) were severely dehydrated. There was a statistically significant higher total fluid intake in international school regarding the amount of total fluid intake during school time and the amount of total fluid intake per day. In our study, the most consumed fluids after water were sugar sweetened beverages and fruit juices. There was a highly statistically significant positive correlation between total fluid intake and cognitive function regarding visual attention, visual memory, visual search, visuomotor performance and total score of cognitive functions, with p-value (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion We concluded that there was a significant correlation between school students’ hydration status and total fluid intake and their cognitive functions regarding their Visual attention, Visual memory, Visual search, Visuomotor performance. That calls for the importance of corroboration of our study results with studies that further explore students’ awareness and perception about their daily need of water and benefits of proper hydration.