EU Maximum Levels Research Articles

Aquaculture sludge as feed for black soldier fly: Transfer of chemical and biological contaminants and nutrients

Aquaculture sludge (uneaten feed and faeces) is nutrient rich and has potential as feed for insects. The aim of this study was to investigate the transfer of chemical and biological contaminants, as well as nutrients, from aquaculture sludge to black soldier fly larvae. The larvae were reared on a sludge mixture made of different sludges collected from Norwegian freshwater salmonid facilities. The sludge was spiked with four common salmon pathogens: Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus, Infectious Salmon Anemia virus, Yersinia ruckeri or Mycobacterium salmoniphilum. During the 15 days of growth on sludge, the black soldier fly larvae accumulated valuable nutrients including protein, fat, eicosapentaenoic acid, iron, manganese, zinc and selenium. The larvae also accumulated undesirable substances including cadmium, mercury, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. The concentrations of dioxins exceeded the EU maximum level set for animal feed. None of the salmon pathogens that were spiked to the sludge were detected in the black soldier fly larvae. This study reports low risk of transfer of salmon pathogens from sludge to insect larvae, and showed that the transfer of heavy metals, minerals and metalloids are in accordance with earlier studies. The large variations in levels of heavy metals between batches of sludge can cause levels in BSF exceeding the EU maximum levels, and thus indicate a need for monitoring of the proposed value chain. The transfer of dioxins from sludge to insects, reported for the first time in this paper, would be of special interest for future research, with special focus on risk mitigation.

Accumulation Rate, Depuration Kinetics, and Tissue Distribution of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in Suckler Ewes (Ovis aries).

Understanding the transfer of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in farm animals is essential for ensuring food safety, but such information for suckler ewes (Ovis aries) has been lacking. This work quantifies the accumulation, tissue distribution, and depuration kinetics of PCDD/Fs in these animals. Six suckler ewes (EXP group) were exposed to PCDD/Fs through contaminated hay (2.3-12.7 ng toxic-equivalent kg-1 dry matter) and then allowed to depurate by switching to noncontaminated hay from 29 days of lactation. Four control ewes were fed continuously with noncontaminated hay. At different time points covering depuration, weaning and slaughter, PCDD/F analysis of milk (three time points), blood and sternal adipose tissue (five time points), Longissimus thoracis muscle, liver, and empty body homogenate at slaughter (188 days of depuration) was performed. A relevant PCDD/F bioaccumulation was observed from oral intake in milk and adipose tissue (biotransfer factors of 1.24 and 1.06 day kg-1 lipids for the sum toxic-equivalent, respectively) in the EXP ewes, especially for penta- and hexa-chlorinated congeners. The EXP ewes' adipose tissue started at 10-fold the EU maximum level (ML) and showed depuration below the ML after 130 days. Specific PCDD/F accumulation in the ewe liver was observed, especially for dibenzofurans. These toxicokinetic data can inform recommendations to ensure the chemical safety of sheep food products.

Near infrared hyperspectral imaging as a sorting tool for deoxynivalenol reduction in wheat batches

The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) and chemometrics for classification of individual wheat kernels according to their deoxynivalenol (DON) level. In total, 600 wheat kernels from samples naturally contaminated over the maximum EU level were collected, and the DON content in each individual wheat kernel was analyzed by UHPLC. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was employed for building classification models of DON using the EU maximum level as cut off level, and they were tested on balanced and imbalanced test sets. The results showed that the models presented a balanced accuracy of 0.71, that would allow to obtain safe batches from contaminated batches once the unsafe kernels had been rejected, but often more than 30% of the batch would be rejected. The work confirmed that NIR-HSI could be a feasible method for monitoring DON in individual kernels and removing highly contaminated kernels prior to food chain entry.

Turmeric Powder Counteracts Oxidative Stress and Reduces AFB1 Content in the Liver of Broilers Exposed to the EU Maximum Levels of the Mycotoxin.

The most frequent adverse effects of AFB1 in chicken are low performance, the depression of the immune system, and a reduced quality of both eggs and meat, leading to economic losses. Since oxidative stress plays a major role in AFB1 toxicity, natural products are increasingly being used as an alternative to mineral binders to tackle AFB1 toxicosis in farm animals. In this study, an in vivo trial was performed by exposing broilers for 10 days to AFB1 at dietary concentrations approaching the maximum limits set by the EU (0.02 mg/kg feed) in the presence or absence of turmeric powder (TP) (included in the feed at 400 mg/kg). The aims were to evaluate (i) the effects of AFB1 on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant parameters, histology, and the expression of drug transporters and biotransformation enzymes in the liver; (ii) the hepatic accumulation of AFB1 and its main metabolites (assessed using an in-house-validated HPLC-FLD method); (iii) the possible modulation of the above parameters elicited by TP. Broilers exposed to AFB1 alone displayed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in the liver, which was completely reverted by the concomitant administration of TP. Although no changes in glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were detected in any treatment group, AFB1 significantly upregulated and downregulated the mRNA expression of CYP2A6 and Nrf2, respectively. TP counteracted such negative effects and increased the hepatic gene expression of selected antioxidant enzymes (i.e., CAT and SOD2) and drug transporters (i.e., ABCG2), which were further enhanced in combination with AFB1. Moreover, both AFB1 and TP increased the mRNA levels of ABCC2 and ABCG2 in the duodenum. The latter changes might be implicated in the decrease in hepatic AFB1 to undetectable levels (<LOD) in the TP supplemented group. Overall, our findings further support the use of TP as an effective feeding strategy to prevent AFB1-related adverse effects in broilers.

Formation of pyrolysis-affected PAHs, oxygenated PAHs and MCPDs in home smoked meat

Traditional American home smoking of meat is becoming more and more popular also in Europe due to the positive characteristics of home smoked meat such as flavor, taste and texture. However, the long and intensive smoke exposure leads to the formation of pyrolysis-affected contaminants. Here, the contents of eight oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs), six PAHs, and free 3- and 2-MCPD were investigated in home smoked meat. The meat was prepared under seven different conditions (four replicates, each) defined by smoking device (offset smoker or kettle grill), heating material (beech wood logs or charcoal), smoking material (logs or chips) and sample pretreatment (unsalted and salted). The highest median contents were observed for salted meat prepared on an offset smoker using logs (OPAH4: 31 μg/kg; PAH4: 68 μg/kg; 3-MCPD: 98 μg/kg; 2-MCPD: 7 μg/kg), exceeding the PAH4 EU maximum level for barbecued meat of 30 μg/kg. Salting of meat before smoking had a great effect on the 3- and 2-MCPD content, but not on the OPAHs and PAHs. 3- and 2-MCPD noticeably penetrated the smoked product in contrast to the PAHs and OPAHs. An approximate prediction of the OPAH4 content on the basis of the PAH4 content is possible.

Monitoring Moroccan Honeys: Physicochemical Properties and Contamination Pattern.

The physicochemical traits and an array of organic and inorganic contaminants were monitored in monofloral honeys (i.e., jujube [Ziziphus lotus], sweet orange [Citrus sinensis], PGI Euphorbia [Euphorbia resinifera] and Globularia alyphum) from the Moroccan Béni Mellal-Khénifra region (i.e., Khénifra, Beni Méllal, Azlal and Fquih Ben Salah provinces). Moroccan honeys were in line with the physicochemical standards set by the European Union. However, a critical contamination pattern has been outlined. In fact, jujube, sweet orange, and PGI Euphorbia honeys contained pesticides, such as acephate, dimethoate, diazinon, alachlor, carbofuran and fenthion sulfoxide, higher than the relative EU Maximum Residue Levels. The banned 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) and 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB180) were detected in all samples and quantified in jujube, sweet orange and PGI Euphorbia honeys; while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as chrysene and fluorene, stood out for their higher contents in jujube and sweet orange honeys. Considering plasticizers, all honeys showed an excessive amount of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), when (improperly) considering the relative EU Specific Migration Limit. Furthermore, sweet orange, PGI Euphorbia and G. alypum honeys were characterized by Pb exceeding the EU Maximum Level. Overall, data from this study may encourage Moroccan governmental bodies to strengthen their monitoring activity in beekeeping and to find suitable solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices.

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) used as cleaner fish: Characterization and suitability for human consumption

Farmed lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) is frequently used as cleaner fish in Norwegian salmon aquaculture. During the period in the net cage, the lumpfish feed on salmon lice. After a time, the fish stop eating the lice and are then withdrawn from the net cage without further exploitation. In this study, the nutritional value of lumpfish was characterized to assess its suitability as a human food. The lumpfish were collected from two separate salmon aquaculture facilities and analyzed for proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, environmental pollutants, and heavy metals. The water and protein content were approximately 90 and 6%, respectively. The protein contained all essential amino acids. The fat content ranged from 0.9 to 3.7% with a high level of the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid; 20:5n-3) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid; 22:6n-3). Lumpfish may be a good source of B12 and D3 vitamins, however, the content of several minerals was low. The environmental pollutants and heavy metals were below the EU maximum levels, making the lumpfish safe for human consumption. Overall, our results indicate a potential to exploit the lumpfish, even after its time as a cleaner fish.

Persistent Organic Pollutants Burden, Trophic Magnification and Risk in a Pelagic Food Web from Coastal NW Mediterranean Sea.

The storage capacity, trophic magnification and risk of sixty-two POPs have been evaluated in a well-characterized pelagic food web (including phytoplankton, zooplankton, six fish, and two cephalopods species) from an impacted area in NW Mediterranean Sea. Our results show the high capacity of the planktonic compartment for the storage of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), consistent with their estimated low trophic magnification factors (TMF) of 0.2-2.0 (PBDEs) and of 0.3-1.1 (PCDD/Fs). ∑PBDEs dominated in the zooplankton size-class 200-1000 μm (∼330 ng g-1 lw, median), whereas ∑PCDD/Fs accumulated preferentially in phytoplankton size-class 0.7-200 μm (875 pg g-1 lw, median). In contrast, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were preferentially bioaccumulated in the higher trophic levels (six fish species and two cephalopods) with TMFs = 0.8-3.9, reaching median concentrations of 4270 and 3140 ng g-1 lw (∑PCBs) in Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) and chub mackerel (Scomber colias), respectively. For these edible species, the estimated weekly intakes of dioxin-like POPs for humans based on national consumption standards overpassed the EU tolerable weekly intake. Moreover, the concentrations of nondioxin-like PCBs in S. sarda were above the EU maximum levels in foodstuffs, pointing to a risk. No risk evidence was found due to consumption of all other edible species studied, neither for PBDEs. The integrated burden of POPs in the food web reached ∼18 μg g-1 lw, representing a dynamic stock of toxic organic chemicals in the study area. We show that the characterized food web could be a useful and comprehensive "bioindicator" of the chemical pollution status of the study area, opening new perspectives for the monitoring of toxic chemicals in Mediterranean coastal waters.

Bioanalytical screening of low levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in pig meat (pork) for checking compliance with EU maximum and action levels using highly sensitive \u201cthird generation\u201d recombinant H4L7.5c2 rat hepatoma cells

BackgroundLow maximum and action levels set by the European Union for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in pig meat (pork) have led to a demand for reliable and cost-effective bioanalytical screening methods implemented upstream of gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry confirmatory technology, that can detect low levels of contamination in EU-regulated foods with quick turn-around times.ResultsBased on the Chemically Activated LUciferase gene eXpression (CALUX) bioassay, extraction and clean-up steps were optimized for recovery and reproducibility within working ranges significantly lower than in current bioassays. A highly sensitive “3rd generation” recombinant rat hepatoma cell line (H4L7.5c2) containing 20 dioxin responsive elements was exposed to pork sample extracts, and their PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs levels were evaluated by measuring luciferase activity. The method was validated according to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/644 of 5 April 2017 with spiking experiments performed selectively for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs and individual calibration for PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs and the calculated sum of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs. The resulting performance parameters met all legal specifications as confirmed by re-calibration using authentic samples. Cut-off concentrations for assessing compliance with low maximum levels and action levels set for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs within a range of 0.50–1.25 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat were derived, ensuring low rates of false-compliant results (ß-error < 1%) and keeping the rate of false-noncompliant results well under control (α-error < 12%).ConclusionsWe present a fast and efficient bioanalytical routine method validated according to the European Union’s legal requirements on the basis of authentic samples, allowing the analyst to reliably identify pork samples and any other EU-regulated foods of animal origin suspected to be noncompliant with a high level of performance and turn-around times of 52 h. This was facilitated in particular by a quick and efficient extraction step followed by selective clean-up, use of a highly sensitive “3rd generation” H4L7.5c2 recombinant rat hepatoma cell CALUX bioassay, and optimized assay performance with improved calibrator precision and reduced lack-of-fit errors. New restrictions are proposed for the calibrator bias and the unspecific background contribution to reportable results. The procedure can utilize comparably small sample amounts and allows an annual throughput of 840–1000 samples per lab technician. The described bioanalytical method contributes to the European Commission's objective of generating accurate and reproducible analytical results according to Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/644 across the European Union.

Characterisation and chemometric evaluation of 17 elements in ten seaweed species from Greenland.

Several Greenland seaweed species have potential as foods or food ingredients, both for local consumption and export. However, knowledge regarding their content of beneficial and deleterious elements on a species specific and geographical basis is lacking. This study investigated the content of 17 elements (As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se and Zn) in 77 samples of ten species (Agarum clathratum, Alaria esculenta, Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus distichus, Fucus vesiculosus, Hedophyllum nigripes, Laminaria solidungula, Palmaria palmata, Saccharina latissima and Saccharina longicruris). Element profiles differed between species but showed similar patterns within the same family. For five species, different thallus parts were investigated separately, and showed different element profiles. A geographic origin comparison of Fucus species indicated regional differences. The seaweeds investigated were especially good sources of macrominerals (K > Na > Ca > Mg) and trace minerals, such as Fe. Iodine contents were high, especially in macroalgae of the family Laminariaceae. None of the samples exceeded the EU maximum levels for Cd, Hg or Pb, but some exceeded the stricter French regulations, especially for Cd and I. In conclusion, these ten species are promising food items.

High levels of dioxins and PCBs in meat, fat and livers of free ranging pigs, goats, sheep and cows from the island of Curaçao

Samples of adipose tissue, meat and livers from pigs, cows, sheep and goats from Curaçao were analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and dioxin-like (dl-) and non-dioxin-like (ndl-) PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Levels in many samples of adipose tissue were higher than the EU maximum levels (MLs) for PCDD/Fs and the sum of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs (sum-TEQ), indicating unusually high levels. Median sum-TEQ (Toxic Equivalents) levels for pigs, cows, sheep and goats were 0.9 (range 0.3–35), 3.0 (0.5–14), 5.7 (0.3–28) and 6.5 (0.5–134) pg TEQ g−1 fat. For most samples, the congener pattern pointed to the burning of waste as the major source, in line with the fact that most animals forage outside. MLs for ndl-PCBs were also exceeded in some of the samples, indicating that some areas are additionally contaminated with PCBs. Meat levels showed similar lipid based levels as adipose tissue, contrary to liver levels, which were much higher in most animals. Pigs showed liver sequestration at lower levels in adipose tissue than the ruminants. The relatively high levels observed in this study are likely to result in high exposure of consumers and measures were taken to reduce the contamination of areas where animals forage.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Profile, Chemical Composition and Acceptability of Suya (a West African Grilled Meat)

This study was carried out to investigate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profiles, chemical composition and acceptability of suya. Meats from cow, goat, sheep and chicken were processed into suya samples and analyzed to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profile, proximate composition, quality indices and sensory values. The results showed that benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), benzo[a]anthracene (B[a]A), benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]FA), benzo[ghi]perylene (B[ghi]P) and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DB[a,h]A) suya smples from cow, goat, sheep and chicken meat were 5.74 ± 1.00, 5.72 ± 1.10, 5.87 ± 1.00, 5.91 ± 1.00, 6.19 ± 2.00; 5.29 ± 1.00, 5.38 ± 1.01, 5.52 ± 1.00, 5.03 ± 1.00, 5.73 ± 1.20; 5.32 ± 1.01, 5.49 ± 1.00, 5.41 ± 1.00, 5.12 ± 1.00, 5.91 ± 1.01 and 5.08 ± 1.00, 5.02 ± 1.00, 5.03 ± 1.00, 4.97 ± 1.00; 5.14 ± 1.00 respectively. This study also showed that suya samples prepared from different meat sources contain high concentrations of carcinogenic PAHs, (B[a]P), (B[a]A), (B[b]FA), (B[ghi]P) and (DB[a,h]A) above the EU maximum level of 5.0 µg kg−1 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 835/2011 of 19 August 2011) for B[a]P permitted in grilled or barbecued meat. The high concentrations of carcinogenic PAHs in suya samples could endanger the lives of consumers and therefore of public health concern. However, the quality indices such as peroxide values (mgeq.peroxide/kg), free fatty acidity (%), thiobarbituric acid (mMol/kg), and total volatile base-N (mgN/kg) are also within maximum acceptable limits and legislative standards. The high sensory values obtained for the suya samples also suggested that the suya samples from different meat sources are also acceptable to the consumers.

Arsenic Concentrations and Dietary Exposure in Rice-Based Infant Food in Australia.

Rice-based products are widely used to feed infants and young children. However, the association of rice-based products and high arsenic (As) concentrations have been investigated in a number of studies, but there is limited information from Australia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the As concentration and dietary exposure in infant rice milk, cereal, crackers and pasta as well as to investigate the relationship between As concentration and rice content, rice type and product origin. Total arsenic (tAs) concentrations were determined by nitric acid digestion and ICP-MS while inorganic arsenic (iAs) was determined by acid extraction, followed by ICP-MS with an interfaced hydride generation system. Nearly 75% of samples had inorganic As exceeding the EU maximum levels for infants and children (0.1 mg kg−1) and the mean iAs percentage of total reached as high as 84.8%. High tAs concentration was positively correlated with rice content and also related to brown (wholegrain). Estimates of dietary exposure showed that infants consuming large amounts of rice pasta or crackers will have an increased risk of health impact associated with excess intake of As through dietary exposure. Moreover, the current Australian guidelines for As in rice (1 mg kg−1) are above the WHO or EU guideline and therefore, will be less protective of high sensitivity consumers like infants and children.

Standardisation of near infrared hyperspectral imaging for quantification and classification of DON contaminated wheat samples

Near infrared hyperspectral imaging (HSI-NIR) is considered a promising technique able to replace time-consuming, costly and destructive classic methods to predict and classify deoxynivalenol (DON) contaminated wheat kernels or samples by its concentration and level of contamination, respectively. The main objective of the present study was to standardise the HSI-NIR image acquisition method in naturally contaminated whole wheat kernels to obtain a high accuracy method to quantify and classify samples according to DON levels. To confirm the results, wheat samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography as the reference method to determine their DON levels. Hyperspectral images for single kernels and whole samples were obtained and spectral data were processed by multivariate analysis software. The initial work revealed that HSI-NIR was able to overcome kernel orientation, position and pixel selection. The subsequent developed Partial Least Squares (PLS) prediction achieved a RMSEP (Root Mean Square Error of Prediction) of 405 μg/kg and 1174 μg/kg for a cross-validated model and an independent set validated model, respectively. Moreover, the classification accuracy obtained by Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) was 62.7% for two categories depending on the EU maximum level (1250 μg/kg). Despite of the results are not accurate enough for DON quantification and sample classification, they can be considered a starting point for further improved protocols for DON management.

Occurrence of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in cereals and cereal products from Turkey

This report describes concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) in cereals and derived products collected in Turkey from 2015 to 2018. A total of 240 cereals and cereal products were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) and fluorescence (HPLC-FLD) detectors. The analytical method performance was satisfactory, with limit of quantification (LOQ) values of 46.90–72.30 μg kg−1, and 3.50–3.70 μg kg−1 for DON and ZEA, respectively. Thirteen wheat (58–1092 μg kg−1), two maize (313–331 μg kg−1), three barley (138–973 μg kg−1), seven paddy rice (136–256 μg kg−1), three wheat flour (92–151 μg kg−1), two biscuits (31.2–71.3 μg kg−1) and only one pasta (49.3 μg kg−1) contained DON, but levels were below the EU maximum level (ML). DON was not detected in bulgur and wheat bread. ZEA was found in two wheat, three maize, eleven paddy rice and two wheat flour with a mean middle bound ZEA level of 1.34, 28.0, 42.9, and 2.66 μg kg−1, respectively. Amongst the samples contaminated with ZEA, only one paddy rice exceeded EU ML of 100 μg kg−1. However, barley, bulgur, wheat bread, pasta and biscuit products did not contain ZEA.

Inorganic arsenic in rice and rice products in New Zealand and Australia

ABSTRACTA total of 200 rice and rice products from New Zealand and Australia were purchased from retail outlets during 2017 for inorganic arsenic analysis by ICP-MS. The survey of foods placed a particular emphasis on products marketed specifically for infants and young. A total of 159 samples (80%) gave positive results for inorganic arsenic, with a mean concentration of 0.06 mg/kg and a range of <0.01–0.14 mg/kg. Two products marketed for infants and young children age-cohort had the highest concentrations of inorganic arsenic. Both exceeded the EU maximum level for rice destined for the production of food for infants and young children of 0.1 mg/kg. The mean concentration of inorganic arsenic for only raw rice samples was 0.07 mg/kg, with a range of <0.02–0.12 mg/kg. In general, the concentration of inorganic arsenic in rice and rice products from New Zealand and Australia was low compared to concentrations reported from comparable studies overseas.

Replacing fish meal with insect meal in the diet of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) does not impact the amount of contaminants in the feed and it lowers accumulation of arsenic in the fillet

ABSTRACTInsects are promising sources of protein and lipid in feeds for farmed animals. In the European Union, the use of insect meal (IM) and insect oil is permitted in fish feed. However, the European Food Safety Authority has highlighted the lack of data regarding the chemical safety of insects and products thereof. In this study, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were fed diets in which fish meal (FM) was partially or fully substituted with IM, resulting in four diets with an FM replacement of 0%, 33%, 66% and 100% by IM. The IM was produced from Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae fed media containing 60% seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum). After 16 weeks of feeding, fish fillet samples were collected. The concentrations of undesirable substances, e.g., heavy metals, arsenic, dioxins, mycotoxins, pesticides, in the IM, the diets and fillets were determined. The concentrations of the analysed compounds in the IM were all below EU maximum levels for feed ingredients, except for arsenic. However, for complete feeds the concentrations of these compounds in the feeds, including arsenic, were all below EU MLs. Arsenic was transferred from seaweed to IM, resulting in arsenic levels in IM similar to what has been documented for FM. Transfer of arsenic from feed to fillet was observed; however, total arsenic concentrations in the fillet significantly decreased when fish were fed diets with more IM and less FM. Arsenic speciation analysis of the diets showed that although total arsenic levels were similar, the arsenic species were different. Arsenobetaine was the major organoarsenic species in the diets containing FM, while in diets containing IM several unidentified arsenic species were detected. The results suggest that the lower feed-to-fillet transfer of arsenic when FM is replaced by IM may be due to the presence of arsenic species with low bioavailability in the IM.

Occurrence and Exposure Assessment of Aflatoxins and Deoxynivalenol in Cereal-Based Baby Foods for Infants.

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic to humans and deoxynivalenol causes digestive disorders, and both mycotoxins occur frequently in cereal-based foods. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence and levels of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) and deoxynivalenol (DON) in cereal-based baby foods as well as to calculate the estimated daily intakes (EDI) in different stages of infancy. Sixty samples of infant cereals (wheat-, corn-, rice-, oat-, and mixed grain-based) were collected during a 2-year period and analyzed by validated methods. Aflatoxins were detected in 12 samples (20%), six of which exceeded the EU maximum level for aflatoxin B1 set at 0.10 µg/kg. Deoxynivalenol appeared in 20% of baby food samples, with one sample exceeding the EU maximum level established at 200 µg/kg. There were no significant differences between gluten-free products for babies aged 4–6 months and multi-cereal products for infants aged 7–12 months, nor between whole-grain-based and refined ingredients. However, baby food products of organic origin showed significantly higher levels of deoxynivalenol than conventional ones (p < 0.05). It is proposed for the health protection of infants and young children, a vulnerable group, to establish the lowest maximum level for the sum of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) in baby food.

Aflatoxin M1 Transfer Rate from Milk into Cheese and Whey During the Production of Hard Cheese

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) transfer from naturally contaminated raw milk into cheese and whey, during the production of Livanjski cheese (hard cheese type). Raw milk samples were collected from 4 farms in Serbia. The samples were then tested for AFM1 content and were later used for hard cheese production. Four cheese samples were produced, and the matching whey samples were also collected. The milk samples included two samples containing AFM1 above the EU maximum level (0.077±0.009 and 0.118±0.008 µg/kg) and the other two samples below the maximum level of 0.05 µg/kg (0.021±0.002 and 0.034±0.004 µg/kg). Regarding AFM1 transfer into cheese from the milk samples containing AFM1 above the EU maximum level, the rate was approximately 4-fold (383% and 410%). On the other hand, in the cheese samples made from milk containing AFM1 below the EU maximum level, almost 10-fold levels of AFM1 content in milk were found (transfer rates of 934% and 961%). As for the whey samples, AFM1 levels were below the levels found in the milk samples (transfer rates of 78%, 74%, 68% and 57%). The difference in the transfer rates for the cheese made from the milk samples contaminated at different levels may indicate the possibility that the AFM1 transfer rate from milk into cheese depends on the content of this toxin in milk.

Scientific assistance to assess the detoxification process for dioxins and PCBs in sunflower cake by hexane extraction.

EFSA was requested to provide scientific assistance to the European Commission on a detoxification process for dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from sunflower cake by hexane extraction in an emergency situation, as specified in Article 7 of Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/786. The process entails hexane extraction of sunflower oil from the cake to remove dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)) as well as dioxin‐like (DL‐) and non‐dioxin‐like (NDL‐) PCBs. The data provided by the applicant were assessed with respect to the efficacy of the process, absence of solvent residues and on information demonstrating that the process does not adversely affect the nature and characteristics of the product. According to data provided, the process was effective in producing a sunflower meal that contained concentrations of PCDD/Fs and DL‐PCBs, and NDL‐PCBs (6 indicator PCBs) about 90% lower than in the sunflower cake. The data showed that it is possible to meet the current EU maximum levels with respect to these contaminants using this process. It is unlikely that hazardous substances (i.e. hexane) remain in the final product. The extraction of the oil from the sunflower cake produces sunflower meal, which has a different nutrient content and nutritional value than the original sunflower cake, but is suitable to be used in animal nutrition with no specific legal limitations in the use or the inclusion levels in the diets. The applicant indicated that the crude oil, as well as the co‐products resulting of the processing of this oil, could only be used for technical purposes. No information was provided regarding the disposal or reuse of the hexane. EFSA concluded that the proposed detoxification process to remove PCDD/Fs and PCBs from sunflower cake by means of solvent extraction to produce sunflower meal, met the acceptability criteria provided in Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/786.