Feed Chain Research Articles

Production and Growth Performance of Nannochloropsis oculata (Droop) Hibberd in the Helical Photobioreactor

Phytoplankton species preferred in marine fish farming are the primary food source in the larval and young stages of bivalve mollusks, along with some fish and shellfish larvae. For this reason, selecting the appropriate phytoplankton and production technique for feeding marine fish larvae is crucial. Nannochloripsis oculata microalgae species, widely used in rearing sea bream and sea bass larvae and feeding rotifers, has an essential place in our country. N. oculata microalgae species, which is used in rearing sea bream and sea bass larvae and feeding rotifers, was produced in a helical photobioreactor by applying a continuous production technique at 30 ‰ salinity, and its growth performance was aimed to be investigated. In the study, N. oculata was grown in a helical photobioreactor at 30‰ salinity by applying the continuous production technique for two weeks, and the daily cell number and specific growth rate were determined. The study was repeated three times. The supply of live feed for marine fish fry and hatcheries established for this purpose is one of the most critical problems. The latest technology in the production of microalgae, which is the primary link of the live feed chain in this sector, is continuous algae production in helical tubular reactors. The helical tubular reactor used in the study consists of a transparent hose system consisting of a completely tubular helical reactor designed for microalgae production. The helical tubular continuous production system offers more efficient and economically more convenient alternatives than existing production systems. One of the most essential advantages of this system is that the system can be designed without requiring significant capital. The continuous culture technique allows the application of long-term and safe algae cultures. With this system, besides providing continuity in production, the negativities in batch production can be eliminated with adequate light. Since the algae production with the continuous method in the spiral photobioreactor remains in the maximum growth phase for a longer time than the batch production, it is a system with high production efficiency and quality, and production capacity is guaranteed. In addition, the algae product harvesting in the continuous system ensures the daily harvesting of algae as much as half of the system volume. A helical reactor enables automation in algae production and high-quality production over long periods. In the study, the sowing density of N. oculata was determined as 1.068x106 ±0.006 cells/mL. Algin cell growth increased logarithmically during the first five days. From the 5th day to the 15th day, the increase in the number of cells was determined as 12.35x106±0.165 cells/mL at the highest and 8.76x106±0.709 cells/mL at the lowest. However, on the 13th day, it was determined that the increase in algin cells was 12.35x106±0.165 cells/mL, and the specific growth rate decreased by 0.189±0.016 divisions/day. As a result of the study, the number of cells of N. oculata algae 5-15 increased. It was determined that it increased 10 times between days. In this context, it was possible to harvest half of the reactor volume of algae daily at maximum cell density for long periods in the helical reactor

Behaviour and fate of Ag-NPs, TiO2-NPs and ZnO-NPs in the human gastrointestinal tract: Biopersistence rate evaluation.

This study aims to provide information on the behaviour and biopersistence rate (BP) of metallic nanoparticles (Ag-NPs, TiO2-NPs, ZnO-NPs) naturally occurring in canned seafood and subjected to static in vitro digestion. Single particle ICP-MS analysis was performed to determine NPs distribution and concentrations in oral, gastric, and intestinal digests. Depending on the conditions of the digestive phase and the sample matrix, the phenomena of agglomeration and dispersion were highlighted and confirmed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technique. In standard suspensions, Ag-NPs had lower biopersistence (BP) than ZnO and TiO2-NPs (BP 34%, 89% and >100%, respectively). Among Ag-NPs and TiO2-NPs naturally present in the food matrix, those in canned tuna were more degradable than those in canned clam (BP Ag-NPs 36% vs. > 100%; BP TiO2-NPs 96% vs. > 100%), while BP ZnO-NPs showed high biopersistence in both seafood matrix (>100%). The biopersistence rates were higher than the recommended limit set by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (12%), referred to nanotechnologies to be applied in the food and feed chain, thus the investigated naturally occurring NPs cannot be considered readily degradable.

Environmental life cycle assessment of Finnish broiler chicken production – Focus on climate change and water scarcity impacts

The production and consumption of poultry meat increases in Finland, but no updated information on the impact of broiler production on climate change has been available, and the impacts of broiler production on water scarcity have never been studied. The Life Cycle Assessment methodology was applied to quantify the climate change and water scarcity impacts of Finnish broiler chicken meat. For water scarcity, the AWARE method was applied for the first time as a characterisation method in broiler chicken production. To harmonize the LCA calculation, the European Commission's Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) guidelines were followed when applicable. The comprehensive primary data accounted for 89% of Finnish broiler chicken production in 2018. The climate impact of Finnish broiler chicken meat was found to be 2.37 kg CO2 eq./kg of carcass weight (CW), including the effect of land use change (LUC), and 1.82 kg CO2 eq./kg of CW, excluding LUC. The relative share of the feed chain of the climate change impact of Finnish chicken meat was almost four fifths (79%). The water scarcity impact of Finnish chicken meat was 0.55 m3 eq. (AWARE)/kg CW. More than four fifths (82%) of the water scarcity impact of broiler production are formed in the feed chain. In addition to the national-level results, farm-specific results were calculated for 20 farms to indicate the variation and targets for improvements. In this study, we demonstrated that feeds were even more important in the water scarcity impact category.

Influence of Biotreatment on Hordeum vulgare L. Cereal Wholemeal Contamination and Enzymatic Activities

Crop contamination with mycotoxins is a global problem with a negative impact on human and animal health as well as causing economical losses in food and feed chains. This study was focused on the evaluation of the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain (Levilactobacillus brevis-LUHS173, Liquorilactobacillus uvarum-LUHS245, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-LUHS135, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei-LUHS244 and Lacticaseibacillus casei-LUHS210) fermentation on the changes in the level of deoxynivalenol (DON) and its conjugates in Fusarium spp.-contaminated barley wholemeal (BWP). Samples, with different contamination of DON and its conjugates, were treated separately (for 48 h). In addition to mycotoxin content, enzymatic activities (amylolytic, xylanolytic, and proteolytic) of BWP (before and after fermentation) were evaluated. It was established that the effect of decontamination depends on the LAB strain used, and a significant reduction in DON and the concentration of its conjugates in Lc. casei fermented samples was achieved: the amount of DON decreased on average by 47%, and the amount of D3G, 15-ADON and 3-ADON decreased by 82.4, 46.1, and 55.0%, respectively. Lc. casei also showed viability in the contaminated fermentation medium and an effective production of organic acids was obtained. Additionally, it was found that enzymes are involved to the detoxification mechanism of DON and its conjugates in BWP. These findings indicate that fermentation with selected LAB strains could be applied for contaminated barley treatment in order to significantly reduce Fusarium spp. mycotoxin levels in BWP and improve the sustainability of grain production.

A computational study on the biotransformation of alkenylbenzenes by a selection of CYPs: Reflections on their possible bioactivation

Alkenylbenzenes are aromatic compounds found in several vegetable foods that can cause genotoxicity upon bioactivation by members of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family, forming 1′-hydroxy metabolites. These intermediates act as proximate carcinogens and can be further converted into reactive 1′-sulfooxy metabolites, which are the ultimate carcinogens responsible for genotoxicity. Safrole, a member of this class, has been banned as a food or feed additive in many countries based on its genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. However, it can still enter the food and feed chain. There is limited information about the toxicity of other alkenylbenzenes that may be present in safrole-containing foods, such as myristicin, apiole, and dillapiole. In vitro studies showed safrole as mainly bioactivated by CYP2A6 to form its proximate carcinogen, while for myristicin this is mainly done by CYP1A1. However, it is not known whether CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 can activate apiole and dillapiole. The present study uses an in silico pipeline to investigate this knowledge gap and determine whether CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 may play a role in the bioactivation of these alkenylbenzenes. The study found that the bioactivation of apiole and dillapiole by CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 is limited, possibly indicating that these compounds may have limited toxicity, while describing a possible role of CYP1A1 in the bioactivation of safrole. The study expands the current understanding of safrole toxicity and bioactivation and helps understand the mechanisms of CYPs involved in the bioactivation of alkenylbenzenes. This information is essential for a more informed analysis of alkenylbenzenes toxicity and risk assessment.

Study of Impact of Mycotoxins on the Human Health

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi and are capable of causing various diseases in humans and animals. They are naturally occurring chemical substances and are chemically stable which is why they pose a great threat to public health. Accumulation of mycotoxins in the food chain can cause hazardous effects in human. The gut microbiota has a bidirectional relationship with mycotoxin, being the leading cause of the development of mycotoxicosis. These fungal toxins exhibit a number of adverse health effects in animals, even at very low concentrations, and have been associated to cases of acute and chronic poisoning of humans and farm animals since historical times. Preventive measure for controlling contamination should be adopted both before and after harvest. Mycotoxin occurrence cannot be completely avoided, but a number of measures aiming at minimizing mycotoxin levels and mycotoxin exposure can be implemented at multiple points in the food and feed chains.

Prevalence and stakeholders’ perception of mycotoxins in the Ghanaian poultry feed value chain

The poultry sector in Ghana has the potential to contribute significantly to domestic food and nutrition security. There is limited information regarding the knowledge of feed industry stakeholders on the presence of mycotoxins in poultry feed. This work was aimed at assessing the prevalence of aflatoxin and fumonisin in poultry feed, and mycotoxins awareness among stakeholders of the poultry feed value chain in Ghana. Three hundred and fifty (350) respondents consisting of 255 commercial poultry farmers, 85 feed processors and 16 feed vendors were involved in the study. AgraStrip® Quantitative test from RomerLab, USA was used to quantify total fumonisin and aflatoxin levels in the prepared feed samples. The study revealed that commercial feed producers, feed mills operators and on-farm feed processors are the three main sources of feed and ingredients for commercial poultry farmers in Ghana. The study identified a high level of mycotoxin contamination of feed and ingredients. Feed samples from the commercial feed processors recorded significantly lower aflatoxin levels (21.63+7.05 ppb, p<0.008). However, the threshold of 15 ppb for the Ghana Standards Authority, FAO/WHO maximum permissible limit of 30 ppb and EU regulatory limit of 20 ppb for poultry feeds were exceeded by 70% of all the samples. Fumonisin levels were less than the 30mg/kg FDA guidance levels for maize and maize by-products intended for consumption by breeding poultry. From the study, a majority of the farmers (85%), vendors (87.5%) and all of the feed processors have their own feed storage facilities or warehouses. Storage problems identified by these stakeholders included pest infestation and mold development, which usually occur after a few weeks of storage to the end of the storage period. Sanitation was poor along the feed chain, particularly during feed formulation and storage. Awareness of mycotoxins and their effect on animal and human health was low among the respondents. Some of those who have heard about aflatoxins were not aware of what it is and its effect on the health of humans and animals. This threatens the management of mycotoxins in the poultry feed chain. Key words: aflatoxin, fumonisin, mycotoxin contamination, mycotoxin awareness, sanitation, poultry feed, feed processors

Update of the list of qualified presumption of safety (QPS) recommended microorganisms intentionally added to food or feed as notified to EFSA

The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) provides a generic pre-assessment of the safety of microorganisms intended for use in the food or feed chains, to support the work of EFSA's Scientific Panels. QPS assessment allows a fast track evaluation of strains belonging to QPS taxonomic units (TUs): species for bacteria, yeast, fungi, protists/microalgae and families for viruses. QPS TUs are assessed for their body of knowledge and safety. Safety concerns related to a QPS TU are reflected, when possible, as ‘qualifications’, which should be tested at strain and/or product level. Based on the possession of potentially harmful traits by some strains, filamentous fungi, bacteriophages, oomycetes, streptomycetes, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli and Clostridium butyricum are excluded from the QPS assessment. Between October 2019 and September 2022, 323 notifications of TUs were received, 217 related to feed additives, 54 to food enzymes, food additives and flavourings, 14 to plant protection products and 38 to novel foods. The list of QPS-recommended TUs is reviewed every 6 months following an extensive literature search strategy. Only sporadic infections with a few QPS status TUs in immunosuppressed individuals were identified and the assessment did not change the QPS status of these TUs. The QPS list has been updated in relation to the most recent taxonomic insights and the qualifications were revised and streamlined. The qualification ‘absence of aminoglycoside production ability’ was withdrawn for Bacillus velezensis. Six new TUs received the QPS status: Bacillus paralicheniformis with the qualification ‘absence of toxigenic activity’ and ‘absence of bacitracin production ability’; Bacillus circulans with the qualifications for ‘production purposes only’ and ‘absence of cytotoxic activity’; Haematococcus lacustris (synonym Haematococcus pluvialis) and Ogataea polymorpha, both with the qualification ‘for production purposes only’; Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis; Geobacillus thermodenitrificans with the qualification ‘absence of toxigenic activity’.

Update of the list of qualified presumption of safety (QPS) recommended microbiological agents intentionally added to food or feed as notified to EFSA 17: suitability of taxonomic units notified to EFSA until September 2022.

The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach was developed to provide a regularly updated generic pre-evaluation of the safety of microorganisms, intended for use in the food or feed chains, to support the work of EFSA's Scientific Panels. The QPS approach is based on an assessment of published data for each agent, with respect to its taxonomic identity, the body of relevant knowledge and safety concerns. Safety concerns identified for a taxonomic unit (TU) are, where possible, confirmed at the species/strain or product level and reflected by 'qualifications'. In the period covered by this Statement, new information was found leading to the withdrawal of the qualification 'absence of aminoglycoside production ability' for Bacillus velezensis. The qualification for Bacillus paralicheniformis was changed to 'absence of bacitracin production ability'. For the other TUs, no new information was found that would change the status of previously recommended QPS TUs. Of 52 microorganisms notified to EFSA between April and September 2022 (inclusive), 48 were not evaluated because: 7 were filamentous fungi, 3 were Enterococcus faecium, 2 were Escherichia coli, 1 was Streptomyces spp., and 35 were taxonomic units (TUs) that already have a QPS status. The other four TUs notified within this period, and one notified previously as a different species, which was recently reclassified, were evaluated for the first time for a possible QPS status: Xanthobacter spp. could not be assessed because it was not identified to the species level; Geobacillus thermodenitrificans is recommended for QPS status with the qualification 'absence of toxigenic activity'. Streptoccus oralis is not recommended for QPS status. Ogataea polymorpha is proposed for QPS status with the qualification 'for production purposes only'. Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis (new species) is included in the QPS list.

Screening Soybean Germplasm for Presence of Cda1 Allele Involved in Low Cadmium Accumulation Using Molecular Markers

Soybean is an important source of plant protein used in human diets. Cadmium (Cd) from agricultural soil is a toxic metal for plants, including soybean. Furthermore, the cadmium is taken up to seeds of soybean and becomes a risk for animals and human by feed and food chain. A method to avoid this risk is represented by the selection and breeding soybean lines/cultivars with genetic potential to minimized cadmium accumulation. This work reports an approach assisted by DNA-markers for selection of soybean cultivars with low Cd-accumulation. In this study, we screened the alleles of Cda1 gene, in 22 soybean cultivars, using three DNA markers (SSR-Sack149, Gm-dCAPS-HMA1 and Cda1-KASP). The results showed that 11 genotypes carried the allele for low cadmium accumulation, 8 genotypes had the allele for high cadmium accumulation and three genotypes were heterozygous/heterogenous. All three markers classified the soybean genotypes in the same manner but KASP marker is more efficient in marker-assisted selection/breeding for Cda1. This study offers valuable information to breeders and other researches regarding the selection of soybean germplasm with low cadmium accumulation in the pursuit of reducing the Cd-accumulation and assuring the food safety worldwide.

基于模态试验的揉碎机振动特性分析

Aiming at the problems of large vibrations and noise of a working stalk rubbing machine, this paper took the 9R-60 rubbing machine as the research object and used the B&K modal test system and the vibration test system to analyse the modal and no-load conditions of the whole machine. Through analysing modal test data, it was concluded that the first five natural frequencies of the machine were 95.262 Hz, 144.386 Hz, 288.198 Hz, 313.719 Hz and 326.140 Hz. The results showed that spindle rotation had a more significant effect on the vibration than the feed chain rotation; the maximum vibration acceleration occurred at the small motor frame at a spindle speed of 1700 r·min-1 and a feed chain speed of 0.65 m·s-1, which was 135.539 m·s-2. The distribution of the amplitude statistical characteristics of the vibration signals follows the normal distribution and belongs to the stationary random process. The vibration was a self-excited vibration of the rotating machinery caused by the rotation of the main shaft and a forced vibration excited by the rotation of the same shaft. The research provides a direction for further research on the vibration characteristics of the rubbing machine under load conditions, and provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent vibration reduction design.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Data for Six Lactic Acid Bacteria Tested against Fifteen Antimicrobials

Antimicrobial resistance is a rising threat in the agrifood sector. The misuse of antibiotics exerts selective pressure, driving resistance mechanisms in bacteria, which could ultimately spread through many routes and render treatments for infectious diseases inefficient in humans and animals. Herein, we report antimicrobial susceptibility data obtained for six lactic acid bacteria, the members of which are commonly used in the food and feed chain. Fifteen antimicrobials were considered for the phenotypic testing: ampicillin, gentamicin, kanamycin, tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, vancomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, bacitracin, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, linezolid, and rifampicin. The reported dataset could be used for the comparison, generation, and reconsideration of new and/or existing cut-off values when considering lactic acid bacteria, particularly lactobacilli and pediococci.

Biodegradation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy prions in compost

To reduce the transmission risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy prions (PrPBSE), specified risk materials (SRM) that can harbour PrPBSE are prevented from entering the feed and food chains. As composting is one approach to disposing of SRM, we investigated the inactivation of PrPBSE in lab-scale composters over 28 days and in bin composters over 106–120 days. Lab-scale composting was conducted using 45 kg of feedlot manure with and without chicken feathers. Based on protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA), after 28 days of composting, PrPBSE seeding activity was reduced by 3–4 log10 with feathers and 3 log10 without. Bin composters were constructed using ~ 2200 kg feedlot manure and repeated in 2017 and 2018. PMCA results showed that seeding activity of PrPBSE was reduced by 1–2 log10 in the centre, but only by 1 log10 in the bottom of bin composters. Subsequent assessment by transgenic (Tgbov XV) mouse bioassay confirmed a similar reduction in PrPBSE infectivity. Enrichment for proteolytic microorganisms through the addition of feathers to compost could enhance PrPBSE degradation. In addition to temperature, other factors including varying concentrations of PrPBSE and the nature of proteolytic microbial populations may be responsible for differential degradation of PrPBSE during composting.

Optimization and validation of a quick and responsive LC-ESI-MS/MS method to evaluate tetracycline residues in processed animal proteins (PAPs).

Following the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2001, processed animal proteins (PAPs) reintroduction is envisaged in non-ruminant feed thanks to their high protein content, easy availability and cost-effective characteristics. PAPs must be submitted to rendering practices, providing sterilization of products, under standardized conditions of temperature and pressure, according to Regulation (EC) No 142/2011. However, the chemical risk associated to these raw materials has been never evaluated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a reliable liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination and quantification of tetracycline residues in PAPs at µg kg-1 level. The LC-MS/MS method performances were evaluated in terms of specificity, linearity (25-500µgkg-1), limit of quantitation (LOQ) (25µgkg-1), accuracy and precision (CV% < 25%), uncertainty, recovery (80-120%) and ruggedness. All the evaluated parameters fulfilled the analytical performance criteria, and the validated LC-MS/MS method fits for purpose as confirmatory method on the occurrence of residues (µg kg-1) of tetracyclines in PAPs. PAPs are a powerful product which could be used both as raw materials in feed and in organic fertilizer production in a circular economy context. Therefore, the lack of regulation and control over antibiotic occurrence should be implemented to avoid a misuse and an increment of antibiotic resistance pressure over the environment and to ensure safety of the feed and food chain.

How can we possibly resolve the planet's nitrogen dilemma?

Nitrogen is the most crucial element in the production of nutritious feeds and foods. The production of reactive nitrogen by means of fossil fuel has thus far been able to guarantee the protein supply for the world population. Yet, the production and massive use of fertilizer nitrogen constitute a major threat in terms of environmental health and sustainability. It is crucial to promote consumer acceptance and awareness towards proteins produced by highly effective microorganisms, and their potential to replace proteins obtained with poor nitrogen efficiencies from plants and animals. The fact that reactive fertilizer nitrogen, produced by the Haber Bosch process, consumes a significant amount of fossil fuel worldwide is of concern. Moreover, recently, the prices of fossil fuels have increased the cost of reactive nitrogen by a factor of 3 to 5 times, while international policies are fostering the transition towards a more sustainable agro-ecology by reducing mineral fertilizers inputs and increasing organic farming. The combination of these pressures and challenges opens opportunities to use the reactive nitrogen nutrient more carefully. Time has come to effectively recover used nitrogen from secondary resources and to upgrade it to a legal status of fertilizer. Organic nitrogen is a slow-release fertilizer, it has a factor of 2.5 or higher economic value per unit nitrogen as fertilizer and thus adequate technologies to produce it, for instance by implementing photobiological processes, are promising. Finally, it appears wise to start the integration in our overall feed and food supply chains of the exceptional potential of biological nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen produced by the nitrogenase enzyme, either in the soil or in novel biotechnology reactor systems, deserves to have a 'renaissance' in the context of planetary governance in general and the increasing number of people who desire to be fed in a sustainable way in particular.

Residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs in diets of dairy cattle from conventional and organic farms in Austria

Modern agriculture depends highly on pesticides and pharmaceutical preparations, so controlling exposure to these substances in the feed and food chain is essential. This article presents the first study on residues of a broad spectrum of pesticides and veterinary drugs in the diets of dairy cattle. One hundred and two representative samples of the complete diets, including basal feed rations and additional fed concentrate, were collected in three Austrian provinces (Styria, Lower and Upper Austria) in 2019 and 2020. The samples were tested for >700 pesticides, veterinary drugs and related metabolites using a validated method based on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI–MS/MS). In total, 16 residues (13 pesticides and three veterinary drug residues) were detected. > 90% of the diets contained pesticide residues and <10% veterinary drug residues, whereas banned pesticides were not found. The most frequent pesticide residues were fluopyram (62%), piperonyl butoxide (39%) and diethyltoluamide (35%). The following pesticides exceed the default EU maximum residue level (MRL) (10 μg kg−1) for products exclusively used for animal feed production: Benzovindiflupyr (proportion of samples > MRLs: 1%), bixafen (2%), fluopyram (6%), ipconazole (1%) and tebuconazole (3%). Three residues (dinitrocarbanilide, monensin and nicarbazin) of veterinary drugs were identified, all below the MRLs. Over 60% of the evaluated samples contained mixtures of two to six residues/sample. Only one pesticide (diethyltoluamide) presented a significant difference among regions, with higher concentrations in Upper Austria. Brewery's spent grains were the dietary ingredient that showed the strongest correlation to pesticide residues. These findings evidence the realistic scenario of highly occurrent low doses of pesticides cocktails in the feed/food chain, which may affect the animal, human and environmental health. Since the risk assessments are based on single pesticides, the potential synergistic effect of co-occurring chemicals (“cocktail effect”) requires further investigations.

Vertically Printable Evanescent Mode Filters

This work presents a new topology of evanescent mode filter (EMF) that allows for its efficient additive manufacturing (AM). Chamfered ridges which avoid the appearance of undesired supports when printed vertically (i.e., along the propagation axis of the filter) are considered. This strategy ensures accurate tolerances, reduced cost and it also enables monolithic manufacturing of the EMF as part of a feed chain. A circuit model is developed to explain the behavior of the new ridges as well as to speed up the overall filter design. The proposed concept and methodology are validated experimentally through the manufacturing and measurement of a prototype.

Assessing global fungal threats to humans.

Fungi are an integral part of the earth's biosphere. They are broadly distributed in all continents and ecosystems and play a diversity of roles. Here, I review our current understanding of fungal threats to humans and describe the major factors that contribute to various threats. Among the 140,000 or so known species out of the estimated six million fungal species on Earth, about 10% directly or indirectly threaten human health and welfare. Major threats include mushroom poisoning, fungal allergies, infections of crop plants, food contamination by mycotoxins, and mycoses in humans. A growing number of factors have been identified to impact various fungal threats, including human demographics, crop distributions, anthropogenic activities, pathogen dispersals, global climate change, and/or the applications of antifungal drugs and agricultural fungicides. However, while models have been developed for analyzing various processes of individual threats and threat managements, current data are primarily descriptive and incomplete, and there are significant obstacles to integration of the diverse factors into accurate quantitative assessments of fungal threats. With increasing technological advances and concerted efforts to track the spatial and temporal data on climate and environmental variables; mycotoxins in the feed and food supply chains; fungal population dynamics in crop fields, human and animal populations, and the environment; human population demographics; and the prevalence and severities of fungal allergies and diseases, our ability to accurately assess fungal threats will improve. Such improvements should help us develop holistic strategies to manage fungal threats in the future.

Elimination of Deoxynivalenol, Aflatoxin B1, and Zearalenone by Gram-Positive Microbes (Firmicutes).

Mycotoxin contaminations in the feed and food chain are common. Either directly or indirectly, mycotoxins enter the human body through the consumption of food of plant and animal origin. Bacteria with a high mycotoxin elimination capability can reduce mycotoxin contamination in feed and food. Four Gram-positive endospore-forming bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis AMK10/1, Lysinibacillus boronitolerans AMK9/1, Lysinibacillus fusiformis AMK10/2, and Rummeliibacillus suwonensis AMK9/2) were isolated from fermented forages and tested for their deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and zearalenone (ZEA) elimination potentials. Notably, the contribution of bacterial cell wall fractions to the observed outstanding ZEA elimination rates was demonstrated; however, the ZEA elimination differed considerably within the tested group of Gram-positive bacteria. It is worth noting that the purified cell wall of L. boronitolerans AMK9/1, L. fusiformis AMK10/2 and B. thuringiensis AMK10/1 were highly efficient in eliminating ZEA and the teichoic acid fractions of B. thuringiensis AMK10/1, and L. fusiformis AMK10/2 could also be successfully used in ZEA binding. The ZEA elimination capacity of viable R. suwonensis AMK9/2 cells was outstanding (40%). Meanwhile, R. suwonensis AMK9/2 and L. boronitolerans AMK9/1 cells produced significant esterase activities, and ZEA elimination of the cell wall fractions of that species did not correlate with esterase activity. DON and AFB1 binding capabilities of the tested bacterial cells and their cell wall fractions were low, except for B. thuringiensis AMK10/1, where the observed high 64% AFB1 elimination could be linked to the surface layer (S-layer) fraction of the cell wall.

Update of the list of QPS-recommended microbiological agents intentionally added to food or feed as notified to EFSA 16: suitability of taxonomic units notified to EFSA until March 2022.

The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach was developed to provide a regularly updated generic pre‐evaluation of the safety of microorganisms, intended for use in the food or feed chains, to support the work of EFSA's Scientific Panels. The QPS approach is based on an assessment of published data for each agent, with respect to its taxonomic identity, the body of relevant knowledge, safety concerns and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. Safety concerns identified for a taxonomic unit (TU) are, where possible, confirmed at the species/strain or product level and reflected by ‘qualifications’. In the period covered by this statement, no new information was found that would change the status of previously recommended QPS TUs. Of the 50 microorganisms notified to EFSA in October 2021 to March 2022 (inclusive), 41 were not evaluated: 10 filamentous fungi, 1 Enterococcus faecium, 1 Clostridium butyricum, 3 Escherichia coli and 1 Streptomyces spp. because are excluded from QPS evaluation, and 25 TUs that have already a QPS status. Nine notifications, corresponding to seven TUs were evaluated: four of these, Streptococcus salivarius, Companilactobacillus formosensis, Pseudonocardia autotrophica and Papiliotrema terrestris, being evaluated for the first time. The other three, Microbacterium foliorum, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Ensifer adhaerens were re‐assessed. None of these TUs were recommended for QPS status: Ensifer adhaerens, Microbacterium foliorum, Companilactobacillus formosensis and Papiliotrema terrestris due to a limited body of knowledge, Streptococcus salivarius due to its ability to cause bacteraemia and systemic infection that results in a variety of morbidities, Pseudonocardia autotrophica due to lack of body of knowledge and uncertainty on the safety of biologically active compounds which can be produced, and Pseudomonas fluorescens due to possible safety concerns.