Food Regulations Research Articles

Evaluating Delta-8-THC–Induced Psychosis: A Systematic Review

Objectives This study reviews literature on the psychiatric effects of delta-8-THC, particularly psychosis and severe mental health outcomes, to highlight the need for further research and regulation. Background Marijuana, the most widely used illicit drug in the United States, sees increasing use due to legalization. Although moderate use is generally safe, adverse effects can occur, especially in those with preexisting conditions. Delta-9-THC is known for its psychoactive effects and potential to induce psychosis. Delta-8-THC, another cannabinoid, is gaining popularity and has been linked to severe adverse events but remains under-researched. Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science followed PRISMA guidelines to identify studies and case reports on delta-8-THC and psychosis. Articles on delta-9-THC or other cannabinoids were excluded. Relevant studies were screened, and duplicates removed. The included studies were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist for Case Reports. Results The search identified 201 studies, with 12 meeting the inclusion criteria for full-text analysis. Six case reports, involving 9 patients, were reviewed. Most patients were male and in their 20s, with varied psychiatric histories, including no prior psychiatric history, schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Reported symptoms included psychosis, mood lability, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Treatments varied, with different clinical outcomes. Conclusions Delta-8-THC poses significant psychiatric risks despite being less intoxicating than delta-9-THC. The lack of Food and Drug Administration regulation and the availability of delta-8-THC products heighten these risks. More rigorous studies are needed to understand delta-8-THC's impact on mental health and inform regulatory actions.

Review: Application of Protein-Based Raw Materials in Health Foods in China

Raw protein materials are beneficial for human health, so they are being increasingly used in health foods. In recent years, there has been more and more research on and applications of raw protein materials, but few teams have conducted a detailed review of the application status of raw protein materials in China’s health foods, the basis for their compliance and use, and the research on their health care functions. Therefore, this review evaluates the application of animal and plant proteins in China’s health foods, the impact of animal and plant proteins on human health, and future research recommendations for animal and plant proteins. This review analyzes and discusses the data on approved health foods that have been verified to contain raw protein materials (mainly including the number of protein health foods approved over the years, the classification of raw protein materials and types of relevant regulations, the analysis of the frequency of use of raw protein materials, and the functions of approved health foods). Through this process, the application of raw protein materials in health foods in China is systematically reviewed. In short, through data analysis, this study found that in 1996~2024, a total of 1142 health foods containing raw protein materials were approved in China, which are mainly divided into animal proteins, vegetable proteins, microbial proteins, and peptide raw materials, and peptide raw materials comprise the majority. The compliance applications of these ingredients are mainly related to China’s five categories of food regulations. The results show the following for health foods containing raw protein materials: in terms of the dosage form, they are mainly solid preparations; according to their functional claims, they mainly help to enhance immunity, help improve bone density, help improve skin moisture, and relieve physical fatigue; and in the application of raw materials, it is found that the use of raw materials such as casein phosphopeptide, soybean protein isolate, whey protein, collagen, spirulina, and other raw materials in products is relatively high. Finally, based on these studies, this paper discusses suggestions for raw protein materials in the future development of health food in China and also discusses the limitations of the current research in this review.

Detection of aflatoxin M1 in raw cow milk in Perak district

Milk and dairy products are potentially contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), especially in tropical and subtropical regions like Malaysia. This study aimed to detect the concentration of AFM1 in raw cow milk samples by ELISA method. A total of 46 samples of raw cow milk were received from four Milk Collection Centres (MCC) in Perak (A, B, C and D). 13.0% of the samples examined were found to exceed the European Commission (EC) 0.05 µg/kg maximum limit, with samples from MCC B and D accounting for 25.0% and 21.1% respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the mean concentration of AFM1 between the four MCCs at p<0.05. Among all these MCC groups, MCC A-B showed that there was a significant difference in concentration of AFM1 mean value at p<0.0125, while other groups of MCC groups were not significantly different. Nevertheless, all AFM1 concentration values in this study were below the 0.5 µg/kg limit set by the Food Act 1983 (Act 281) & Food Regulation (1985). However, the low concentration of aflatoxin observed in this study does not guarantee its absence in the future. Therefore, improvements especially in the process of handling and storing livestock feed and products (milk and meat) as well as consistent monitoring for the presence of aflatoxin to reduce the risk of aflatoxin toxicity to consumers.

A Hybrid Food Recommendation System Based on MOEA/D Focusing on the Problem of Food Nutritional Balance and Symmetry

With the improvement of people’s living standards, the issue of dietary health has received extensive attention. In order to simultaneously meet people’s demands for dietary preferences and nutritional balance, we have conducted research on the issue of personalized food recommendations. For this purpose, we have proposed a hybrid food recommendation model, which can provide users with scientific, reasonable, and personalized dietary advice. Firstly, the collaborative filtering (CF) algorithm is adopted to recommend foods to users; then, the improved Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Decomposition (MOEA/D) is used to adjust the nutritional balance and symmetry of the recommended foods. In view of the existing problems in the current nutritional balance algorithm, such as slow convergence speed and insufficient local search ability, the autonomous optimization (AO) adjustment strategy, the self-adaptive adjustment strategy, and the two-sided mirror principle to optimize boundary strategy are introduced in the MOEA/D. According to the characteristics of the food nutrition regulation problem, an adaptive food regulation (AFR) adjustment strategy is designed to achieve more accurate nutritional regulation. Based on the above improvements, a food nutritional recommendation algorithm based on MOEA/D (FNR-MOEA/D) is proposed. Experiments show that compared with MOPSO, MOABC, and RVEA, FNR-MOEA/D performs more superiorly in solving the problem of nutritional balance in food recommendation.

Review of Methods for the Detection of Allergens in Novel Food Alternative Proteins

Novel food, defined in the retained food regulations as ‘food that has not been consumed to a significant degree by humans in the EU before 15 May 1997 (EU Regulation 2015/2283),’ is expected to be used to an increasing extent and in a range of food products within the coming decade aiming to feed the growing global population in a more sustainable manner and comprising nutritious forms of protein. The safety aspects of novel foods must be thoroughly assessed before they can reach the market, and this includes assessment of allergenicity risks. FSA have funded this project to review current knowledge of the allergenicity of insect protein and precision fermentation (PF) protein and identify future research needs in this field. This report comprises an unbiased critical literature review (Section 1) coupled with consultations with experts and stakeholders in the field (Section 2) and focussing specifically on insect protein as well as milk and egg protein produced by precision fermentation. Section 3 comprises testing data to determine whether current allergen testing ELISA kits can be used to detect allergens in novel food. The literature review addresses allergenicity considerations of these novel proteins. The expert consultation (allergen testing, innovative methods, protein biochemistry) aimed to gain information on the potential allergenicity of PF and insect proteins, cross-reactivity (insect/shellfish allergens) and to identify knowledge gaps and challenges to recommend future strategies.

Mycology in the agriscience classroom: A curriculum based on wild foraged mushroom certification

AbstractThe overarching goal of this impact project is to make mycology accessible to more agriscience educators and students. Lesson plans were prepared to link core competencies and science standards to the Wild‐Foraged Mushroom certification. Incorporating mycology into the classroom has many benefits, including discussions on food safety and regulation, the role of ecology in agroecosystems, and taxonomic identification skills. Fungi also play many different roles in the ecosystem, including decomposers, mutualists, and parasites. Lesson plans in three topic areas were produced: mushroom identification and fungal ecology, mushroom growth and food safety, and mushrooms as a renewable resource. Examples of hands‐on learning and connections to the Wild‐Foraged Mushroom certification are provided. This certification is available in the state of Michigan; however, lessons could be adapted for use in other regions of the United States. Looking at taxonomy, ecology, food science, and economics through the lens of mycology is an engaging way to motivate students while potentially helping them earn a certification.

Current Insights into Industrial Trans Fatty Acids Legal Frameworks and Health Challenges in the European Union and Spain.

The presence of industrial trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) in processed foods poses significant public health concerns, necessitating comprehensive regulatory frameworks. In this study, the current legal landscape governing iTFA in the European Union and Spain is analyzed, with a particular focus on regulatory effectiveness and implementation challenges. The research methodology combines a systematic review of existing regulations, including EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 and Spanish Law 17/2011, with the analysis of the scientific literature on iTFA health impacts. The results reveal significant regulatory gaps, particularly in enforcement mechanisms and iTFA detection methods. Key challenges are also identified in the present study, including inconsistent compliance monitoring, varying analytical methods for iTFA detection, and contradictions between EU and Spanish regulatory frameworks. Additionally, in this work, the need for harmonized approaches to ultra-processed food regulation is emphasized. Further, the conclusion is that despite the current regulations providing a foundation for iTFA control, it is compulsory to enhance the monitoring systems, and clearer regulatory guidelines are necessary. These would contribute valuable insights for policymakers, food industry stakeholders, and public health professionals working towards effective iTFA regulation.

Perhitungan Angka Lempeng Total Bakteri Jamu Kunyit Asam di Kayuringin Jaya Kota Bekasi

Jamu gendong is not only popular on the island of Java but can also be found on various other islands in Indonesia. Jamu gendong is a trditional medicine favored by the community. Although jamu gendong is not required to have distribution permit, the hygiene of its production process needs to be considered to ensure it is safe for consumption. Kunyit Asam is one of the most popular types among residents. The aim of this study is to determine the Total Plate Count (TPC) of bacteria in kunyit asam in RT 004 RW 012 Kayuringin Jaya, Bekasi City. Samples were taken from three sellers: seller 1, seller 2, and seller 3. The research stages included sample collection, sample preparation, and the total plate count bacterial test. The results of this study showed that for sample 1 and 2, the bacterial count was no more than 105 CFU/ml, while sample 3 had 2x105 CFU/ml. Based on these results, all three of jamu gendong samples meet the quality standards as per the Indonesian Food and Drug Authorithy Regulation Number 12 of 2014 for brewed herbs, with microbial contamination limits (TPC) ≤ 106 colonies/g.

Prevalence of High Fat Sugar Salt Products, Labeling Characteristics, and Categories of Foods Sold within In-Store Restricted Areas: A Survey in 3 UK Supermarkets after the 2022 Implementation of the Food (Promotion and Placement) Regulations

BackgroundRegulations restricting the promotion of some less-healthy products high in fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS) within “restricted areas” (RAs) of supermarkets came into force in October 2022 in England. ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of HFSS products and front-of-pack nutrition labeling (FOPNL) characteristics of foods sold within RAs in a sample of supermarket stores. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of products in RAs in 3 supermarkets was undertaken from November 2022 to February 2023 using photographs, recording the display of FOPNL. Identified via the online supermarket, product nutrition and ingredient data were collected and used to categorize each as “in-” or out-of-scope of the regulations. The UK Nutrient Profiling Model was used to determine product HFSS status and the FOPNL multiple traffic light criteria used to calculate the number of inherent red traffic lights (iRTLs) possessed. Prevalence of HFSS, FOPNL, and iRTLs were calculated as a proportion (%) of total products. Associations between these characteristics were explored using chi-squared tests. ResultsA total of 86 RAs were identified across the 3 stores, of which 32 displayed 679 food products. Most of these products fell into categories considered out-of-scope of the regulations (64%, n = 435) with prevalence of HFSS at 42% (282 of 435 products). For products within in-scope categories, 17% were HFSS (42 of 245). Half of all included products (53%, n = 357) displayed FOPNL, and 16% possessed 1–3 iRTLs, including both HFSS and non-HFSS items. HFSS products in categories in-scope of the regulations were less likely to display FOPNL compared with non-HFSS products (X2 =25, P < 0.001). ConclusionsAfter the implementation of The Food (Promotion and Placement) Regulations, foods sold in RAs of 3 supermarkets included those in categories in- and out-of-scope, variable prevalence of less-healthy (HFSS) products, displayed FOPNL, and possession of iRTLs. Findings and approach support future impact evaluation.

Regulation of household food needs: Affirmation of socio-cultural resilience in preventing stunting incidents in coastal areas

The problem of stunting is not only related to children’s short height, but also has an impact on high morbidity rates, due to long-term nutritional deficiencies. which hinders motor and mental development in children. The objectives of this research are: 1) to understand household food security, 2) to understand the eating habits of pregnant women and toddlers regarding existing belief systems and traditions, and 3) to understand resilience mechanisms in overcoming food emergencies to prevent stunting. The data collection process uses a mixed methods approach by combining qualitative and quantitative research. The research results show that the determining factor for the incidence of stunting in coastal areas of Indonesia is the lack of household food availability due to subsistence economic life which then has an impact on eating behavior in the household, namely the lack of quality and quantity of the types of food consumed. daily. Apart from that, there is still a lack of understanding by pregnant women regarding the importance of providing complementary breast milk food to toddlers, low literacy of food diversity among toddlers, and low public trust in the importance of immunization. Furthermore, the high rate of early marriage in society and the limited awareness of using clean water is caused by a philosophy that still considers rivers as a source of life, so the water is used for consumption. Apart from that, socio-cultural mechanisms as a strategy to resolve the problem of food shortages have not yet been implemented.

Perlindungan dan Pengembangan Bisnis UMKM Melalui Skema Pemberian Izin PIRT di Desa Jarin Kabupaten Pamekasan

UMKM in Jarin Village, Pamekasan Regency face various challenges in developing their businesses. One of the challenges faced is the suboptimal protection and development of their businesses, many of which do not yet have a NIB or even a PIRT. The investigative approach employed is a type of empirical legal inquiry utilizing a field study methodology (Field Research). Data gathering for this investigation involved various techniques such as interviews, observations, and literature reviews. The study's location is situated in Jarin Village, within the Pademawu District of Pamekasan Regency. The data analysis technique applied in this research is descriptive-qualitative. Findings from the study during the MBKM KKNT indicated that the UMKM present in Jarin Village, Pademawu District, Pamekasan Regency are limited in number, only a handful. Among these is an UMKM focused on the Krupuk Opak and Jagung Goreng venture, which maintains a marketing scope that remains at the regional tier. Furthermore, business operators have yet to secure a PIRT certificate, despite the fact that legally, those in the food or snack industry are mandated to acquire PIRT in accordance with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency Regulation Number 4 of 2024 related to Guidelines for Issuing Certificates of Commitment Fulfillment for Home-Processed Food Production, therefore KKNT participants provide assistance to the Pamekasan Regency Health Office for the issuance of PIRT. It is proven that after obtaining a P-IRT permit, the product marketing network has increased and sales have increased and the legality of the business is strong.

Evaluating the prevalence of high fat sugar salt (HFSS) products and labelling characteristics of foods sold in-store Restricted Areas: A survey in three UK supermarkets following the 2022 implementation of The Food (Promotion and Placement) Regulations

Regulations restricting promotion of some High Fat, Sugar, Salt (HFSS) products within “restricted areas” (RAs) (e.g. end of aisles) of eligible supermarket stores came into force in October 2022 in England.To evaluate the prevalence of HFSS products, Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) characteristics and categories of foods sold within RAs in a sample of supermarket stores, with respect to the Food (Promotion and Placement) Regulations 2021.A cross-sectional survey of products in RAs in three supermarkets.Following the manual identification of each supermarket’s RAs, from November 2022-January 2023, these were photographed and the display of products and their Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) recorded. Products were identified using corresponding online supermarket webpages, from which data collected included product name, nutrition, and ingredients. This information was used to allocate each product to a category (e.g. ready meals) that was either in or out of scope of the Regulations. Evaluation of each product’s healthfulness was performed using the UK Nutrient Profiling Model (to determine HFSS status) and UK Multiple Traffic Light criteria to calculate number of inherent (i.e. possessed regardless of their display) Red Traffic Lights (iRTL). Prevalence of HFSS, FOPNL and iRTL were calculated as a proportion (%) of total products displayed in the included RAs. Associations between the prevalence of these characteristics were performed using chi-squared tests.Across the three stores, 86 RAs were identified, with data collected from 32 RAs displaying 679 food products, most of which fell into product categories considered out-of-scope of the Regulations (64%, n = 435). Across included RAs, the prevalence of HFSS products within all in and out-of-scope categories, was 42 % (n = 282). Half of all products (53%, n = 357) displayed FOPNL, and 16% possessed 1, 2 or 3 iRTL, including both HFSS and non-HFSS items. Across those product categories in-scope of the Regulations (n = 245), prevalence of HFSS was 17% (n = 42). These HFSS products were less likely to display FOPNL compared to non-HFSS products (2 = 25.01, p &lt; 0.001).Following the implementation of The Food (Promotion and Placement) Regulations, intended to create healthier food retail environments, products sold across Restricted Areas of three eligible supermarkets included those in categories in and out of scope of Regulations with varied prevalence of less-healthy (HFSS) products, display of FOPNL, and possession of iRTL across both. This study is a first researcher-led evaluation of the recently regulated consumer-facing instore environment, with implications for future policy impact evaluation.

Exploring the food and drink purchases of secondary school pupils in England across the school day

In the UK, ‘The requirements for School Food Regulations, 2014’ specify the ‘type’ and ‘frequency’ of food and drinks that can be provided across the school day.(1) For example, there should be one or more portions of fruit per day. However, there is no monitoring and pupils can choose from a daily selection. Most studies have focused on pupil’s lunch intake(2,3) and there are limited large-scale UK studies. Whilst interventions are needed in schools to improve pupil’s dietary intake, identifying solutions is challenging. This study uses pupil-level purchase data to capture food and drink choices across the school day to identify potential opportunities for intervention development. One aim was to explore the food and drink purchases of UK secondary school pupils across the school day.Ethics was obtained from Newcastle University (ref: 2482/26614). DPIA agreements were obtained from schools.Secondary schools in Northeast England participated. Non-identifiable pupil-level purchase data from a four-week menu cycle were used that included: time, date, individual food and drink item, quantity, cost, and FSM status. Data were encrypted and transferred securely. Data were cleaned and manipulated in excel and Stata V18. Food and drink items were coded to 60 preliminary food and drink groups. Excel and Stata V18 were used for analyses; current analyses are descriptive.Pupil-level purchase data (n = 3466) from five secondary schools were included. FSM pupils accounted for 29% (n = 1015), Year 7 pupils 25% (n = 848) decreasing to Year 11 pupils 17% (n = 580) of the total sample. The two meal types most pupils purchased were ‘Break &amp; Lunch’ combined (58%, n = 2017; FSM 26% n = 524) and ‘Lunch only’ (20%, n = 659; FSM 41%, n = 268).At break, the top five purchased items were: bacon/sausage bun (n = 7871; 21%) pizza snack (n = 5714; 15%), bagel/crumpet (n = 3697; 10%), fizzy fruit juice (n = 3344; 9%) and water (n = 3459; 9%). At lunch, the top five purchased items were: meal deal (n = 12,527; 16%), fizzy fruit juice (n = 7,895; 10%), hot meal (n = 6,963; 9%), biscuit (n = 5,803; 8%), and water (n = 5001; 6%). Food and drink purchases at break and lunch were similar by FSM status.Preliminary findings show most pupils purchase at least one food and/or drink item at both break and lunch. Similar pupil purchasing was found regardless of FSM status. Future interventions need to consider the food and drink choices available at break and lunch. One school had a water only policy, therefore, school context and variation in the food and drink offer may impact findings. More detailed analyses will consider the effect of school, school year, meal type (breakfast, break, lunch) and Free School Meal Status (FSM) on pupil’s food and drink purchases using multi-level logistic regressions.

Knowledge, practices and perceptions of energy labelling of nut products among Australian consumers and stakeholders: an online survey.

Nut consumption in Australia is low, perhaps due to concerns with weight gain. However, nut consumption is not associated with increased weight, in part because of their lower metabolisable energy. Current energy labelling for nuts use Atwater factors, which over-represent the available energy from nuts. Therefore, this research aimed to examine stakeholders' knowledge, practices and perceptions of displaying true metabolisable energy on nutrition labels and its perceived impact on nut consumption. An anonymous and voluntary survey was conducted online. Eligible respondents lived in Australia, were aged 18 years or older and had either no formal nutrition education (consumer group) or had formal training and were working as a stakeholder (stakeholder group; working in nutrition/dietetics, public health, food industry, food regulation or nut growing). Convenience sampling and snowballing were used to recruit respondents primarily via online advertisement. Three hundred and forty-eight respondents (63.2% female; 71.0% aged 18-39 years; 69.0% Bachelor's degree or higher) were included in the analyses. A larger proportion of stakeholders agreed that nut consumption assists with weight management (67.9%) compared with consumers (47.6%). Theoretical food packaging showing both Atwater and metabolisable energy in the nutrition information panel was favoured among consumers and stakeholders, though 62.3% of consumers reported that a lower metabolisable energy of nuts would not impact their consumption. This study indicates a need to further investigate the impact of metabolisable energy labelling on nut intake. Further education about the relationship between nuts and body weight is required for consumers and stakeholders.

Isolation and purification of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts based on a multi-channel magnetic flow device and rapid qualitative and quantitative detection

Rapid isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts during fermentation is of great significance for quality control and regulation of fermented foods. In this study, we prepared a multi-channel magnetic flow device for rapid separation and purification of lactic acid bacteria and yeast, and based on SERS spectrum, we made rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results showed that the synthesized Synthesized Fe3O4-Van antibiotic magnetic beads are paramagnetic; Fe3O4-Van antibiotic magnetic beads achieved capture efficiencies of more than 98.5 % for both L. plantarum and L. lactis at 102–104 CFU/mL, respectively. Separation and purification efficiency of single S. cerevisiae, L. plantarum and L. lactis by multi-channel magnetic flow device all reached more than 98 % with good isolation and purification results. The SERS spectra of the three microorganisms were classified and analyzed using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and the accuracy of the established LDA model was 100 %, which completely differentiated the SERS spectra of the three microorganisms,and realized the qualitative identification of L. plantarum, L. lactis, and S. cerevisiae, and finally, quantitative model was established with the logarithmic values (lg C) of different concentrations of L. plantarum, L. lactis, and S. cerevisiae as the horizontal coordinates, and the Raman intensities at their strongest characteristic peaks of 512 cm−1, 1669 cm−1, and 1125 cm−1, respectively, were used as vertical coordinates to establish a quantitative model, with the lowest detection limit of 10 CFU/mL, and the digital quantification of lactic acid bacteria and yeast were achieved. It provided an effective means for real-time monitoring and tracking of the dynamics of lactic acid bacteria and yeast in the fermentation process and the quality control of fermented foods.

Understanding the Politics of Food Regulation and Public Health: An Analysis of Codex Standard-Setting Processes on Food Labelling.

The importance of the international food regulatory system to global health, is often overlooked. There are calls to reform this system to promote healthy and sustainable food systems centred on the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), the United Nation's (UN's) standard-setting body. Yet this presents a significant political challenge, given Codex has historically prioritized food safety risks over wider harms to public health, and is dominated by powerful food exporting nations and industry groups with a primary interest in trade expansion. To better understand this challenge, we examine who participates and contests Codex standards, using the development of the new Guidelines on Front-of-pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) as a case study. The study involved: (i) collecting Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) documents (2016-2023); (ii) identification, categorization, and enumeration of actors involved in the development of the Guidelines; and (iii) guided by a constructivist framework, analysis of how actors framed and contested key provisions of the Guidelines. Country representation was skewed towards high-income (47.9%). Member state delegations were dominated by non-health ministries (59.8%) and industry actors (16.1%). Industry actors comprised the large majority of observers (84.2%) and civil society actors representing public health interests the least (12.2%). Commercial actors used frames supporting positive FOPNL messages (eg, low in salt) opposing negative ones (eg, "high-in" sugar warnings) and called for product exemptions (eg, sports foods and baby foods). Public health actors used frames supporting simplified FOPNL to reduce consumer confusion, that hold up public health goals, and prevent inappropriate marketing. Participation in the Guidelines development process suggests stronger preferences for trade facilitation and commerce over public health. Ambitions to reform the international food regulatory system may require an examination of who participates and how to address this asymmetrical representation of interests. These results suggest the need to greatly strengthen public health representation at Codex.

Updated Risk Assessment of Cannabidiol in Foods Based on Benchmark Dose–Response Modeling

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic main component of the Cannabis plant, has been approved as a drug in the European Union (EU) under the name “Epidyolex”. However, its approval process as a food ingredient under the Novel Food Regulation was paused by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) due to a lack of safety data. Nevertheless, there is a growing, unregulated market in which CBD is advertised with various health claims and dosage instructions. Of particular concern is its toxic effect on the liver and possible reproductive toxicity in humans. Studies suitable for calculating the benchmark dose were identified from the available data. Animal studies yielded a benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) of 43 mg/kg bw/day, which translates into a safe human dose of approximately 15 mg/day. Only the Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL) of 4.3 mg/kg bw/day could be identified from the human data. This updated risk assessment confirmed a health-based guidance value (HBGV) of 10 mg/day based on human LOAEL. Despite the existing data gaps, preliminary regulation appears advisable because the current form of the gray CBD market is unacceptable from the standpoint of consumer safety and protection.

Commercial determinants of health and cancer prevention in South Africa

Aim Commercial determinants, encompassing marketing strategies, corporate social responsibility, and lobbying, significantly contribute to avoidable cancer deaths globally. In South Africa, 30-50% of cancers are preventable, but SA focuses mainly on tobacco control, ignoring major causes of cancer such as alcohol, obesity, and ultra-processed foods. This paper highlights the role of these commercial determinants in contributing to cancer in SA. It outlines strategies and barriers in addressing these determinants. Approach While conventional approaches focus on individual responsibility relating to risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy diets, the role of industries in promoting these risk factors remains inadequately addressed. The paper explores the marketing and non-marketing methods employed by industries, such as tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed products, to maximise profits while neglecting public health consequences. Findings The article sheds light on industry tactics, including strategic partnerships, sponsorship, and diversionary narratives during crises, aimed at safeguarding profits. It emphasises the less-explored realm of non-marketing strategies, such as political lobbying, industry-funded research, and the ‘revolving door’ phenomenon where industry insiders become policymakers. Conclusions The article advocates for a paradigm shift in cancer prevention policies, urging the government to implement a comprehensive suite of measures that include increased taxation on harmful products, strict restrictions on marketing, enhanced product labelling, and eliminating conflict of interest in health research and policies. Addressing the commercial determinants necessitates not only recognising their impact but also adopting a multi-level governance approach that prioritises public health over corporate profits. The paper concludes by emphasising the urgency of recognising the links between alcohol, food regulation, and cancer prevention. The overarching goal is to shift power relations, fostering governance for the collective good and ensuring equitable access to preventive measures, especially for vulnerable populations.

Process optimization and modeling of Acer truncatum seed oil deacidification by molecular distillation

Acer truncatum seed oil (ATO) is a unique woody oil resource, but its high acid value resulting from traditional pressing methods falls short of meeting the necessary food standards. In this research, molecular distillation (MD) was employed for the deacidification of ATO and compared with conventional techniques such as alkali refining and solvent extraction. Predictive models for MD deacidification were established through single-factor experiments, orthogonal experimental design (OED), response surface methodology (RSM), and genetic algorithm - back propagation artificial neural network (GA-BP-ANN). Using RSM, a fitting model was obtained with R = 0.999 and Rpre = 0.990 through multiple linear regression. The constructed BP-ANN model (3-9-1) exhibited R = 0.998 and Rpre = 0.998, indicating slightly higher prediction accuracy. With GA-BP-ANN, the optimal process conditions are an evaporator temperature of 190 °C, condensation temperature of 40 °C, scraper speed of 324 rpm, yielding an acid value of refined ATO at 0.240 ± 0.001 mg g−1. Therefore, under appropriate conditions, the MD deacidification method can produce high-quality refined ATO. The developed orthogonal, RSM, and GA-BP-ANN models demonstrated excellent capabilities in optimizing and predicting the MD deacidification process, meeting even the strictest food regulations.

Risk-benefit assessment of foods and its role to inform policy decisions: outcome of an international workshop.

Policy decisions in public health require consideration and evaluation of trade-offs for which transparency and science-based evidence is needed. Improvement of decision-support tools is essential to help guide food policy decisions that promote healthy diets and meet the challenges of food systems without compromising food security, food safety, and sovereignty. Risk-benefit assessment of foods (RBA) is an established methodological approach designed to inform policy decisions within the area of nutrition and food safety. Despite methodological developments, translation of RBA findings into policies is still limited. In this context, a stakeholder workshop held in May 2023 gathered RBA experts and food regulators from Europe to identify the challenges, obstacles and opportunities in using evidence generated through RBAs to inform food policy decisions. A structured process was implemented to collect their views through online surveys, breakout groups, and plenary discussions. As a secondary objective, food regulators' views on other approaches for holistic risk assessment fit for food systems analysis were also explored. This paper summarizes the main findings of the workshop and discusses policy implications and future perspectives to improve the area of RBA and its role in food policymaking.