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The establishment of the permissible levels for the use of additivesin foods must be ba&ed on the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). A method that may be applied for this purpose is the Danish Budget Method which estimates the maximum amount of the additive that may be added tothe food based on the functional properties of the additive, and on the categories of the food in which the additive will be used. Based on the latest information Bar and Wurtzen propose some modifications to the original Budget Method, one of which is the addition of a correction factor which takes into account the competition between different food additives with the same functional properties. In the present paper, both the Budget Method and the Bar and Wurtzen-modified method were applied to evaluate whether the maximum levels of food colours use exceeded their ADI or not. Apply the original Budget Method, the results showed that the colours Sunset Yellow, Amaranth, Erythrosine, Ponceau 4R and Cochineal possibly exceeded the ADI; while applyingthe modified method only the colours Erythrosine and Cochineal wouldexceed the ADI. Brazilian regulatory authorities should be advised to establish maximum limits of use for the following categories of colours: Caramel, Inorganic, Natural and Artificial Colours Identical tothe Natural Ones, where ADIs have been evaluated by JECFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selected carbohydrate-rich foods available on the Brazilian market (111 samples representing 19 product categories) were analysed for acrylamide content using a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. A limit of detection of 10 µg kg–1, a limit of quantitation of 20 µg kg–1 and mean recoveries ranging 100 to 115% were obtained during a laboratory validation procedure. The concentration of acrylamide in the samples ranged from <20 to 2528 µg kg–1, with a considerable variation between individual foodstuffs within the same food product class. The highest levels were found in potato products processed at high temperature and in instant coffee, while the lowest concentrations were detected in cassava- and maize-based products, bread and beer. These results are comparable with those reported in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection was used for the quantification of ivermectin residues in bovine milk intended for human consumption. After liquid–liquid extraction of ivermectin and purification of the extract, the compound was derivatized with 1-methylimidazol in N,N-dimethyl formamide to form a fluorescent derivative, which was separated by HPLC, using reversed-phase C 18 , with methanol&ThickSpace;:&ThickSpace;water (96&ThickSpace;:&ThickSpace;4 v/v) mobile phase at a flow rate 0.7&ThickSpace;ml&ThickSpace;min -1 . The excitation and emission wavelengths of the fluorescence detector were adjusted at 360 and 470&ThickSpace;nm, respectively. The linearity of the method was in the range 10–100&ThickSpace;ng ivermectin ml -1 . Based on a sample of 5.0&ThickSpace;ml, the limit of detection and the limit of quantification for ivermectin in milk were 0.6 and 2&ThickSpace;ng&ThickSpace;ml -1 , respectively. The recovery rate varied from 76.4 to 87.2%, with an average of 77.9&ThickSpace;±&ThickSpace;3.2%, at four fortification levels. The inter-day precision of the method was 13% ( n &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;5). Of 168 samples analysed, 17.8% contained ivermectin above the limit of quantification. Nevertheless, none of the samples contained ivermectin above the maximum residue limit (10&ThickSpace;ng&ThickSpace;ml -1 ) established by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field trials were conducted in commercial agricultural areas in Brazil to determine the variability of residues of parathion methyl, diazinon and methidathion in individual units of large crops treated twice with a mixture of the three pesticides. Over 120 random samples were collected, extracted with ethyl acetate and residues determined by GC/FPD. The recoveries and their coefficient of variation were, in general, within the acceptable levels during sample analyses. Residues in papaya and mango were not affected by the position of the fruits in the plant, apparently more or less exposed to the pesticides. Variability factor ? , defined as the 97.5th percentile divided by the mean of residues in all samples taken from a field ranged from 2.0–2.6. The variability of residues within the plant contributed to about 34–61% of the field variability. The results found in this study support the variability factor of 3 adopted by the FAO/WHO for the deterministic estimation of dietary acute intake of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1 ) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) were determined in 48 samples of grade A–C and ultra-high-temperature (UHT)-treated fluid commercial milk from São Paulo, Brazil, from July to December 2004. AFM 1 and CPA determinations were carried out by HPLC. Results showed 37 (77.1%) positive samples for AFM 1 at levels of 0.011–0.251?µg?l –1 milk, which were below the tolerance limit for AFM 1 in milk as adopted by Brazilian regulations. Mean levels of AFM 1 in grades A–C and UHT milk were 0.060?±?0.080, 0.056?±?0.063, 0.064?±?0.041 and 0.075?±?0.048?µg?l –1 , respectively. CPA was detected in two samples (4.2%) of grade A milk at levels of 6.4 and 9.7?µg?l –1 . This is the first report of the occurrence of CPA in milk in Brazil. It was concluded that the incidence of AFM 1 in milk traded in São Paulo is low, but the simultaneous occurrence of CPA, even at low levels, warrants concern about AFM 1 in milk and milk products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because infants are more susceptible to the adverse effects of mycotoxins, this work was carried out to determine aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OA) in milk from the Human Milk Bank of the Southern Regional Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil. Analytical methods were first established and evaluated. The methods involved the extraction of AFM1 with methanol and OA with 1% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and methanol, clean-up with immunoaffinity columns having antibodies specific for each mycotoxin and quantification by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The method established for AFM1 had mean recovery percentages of 94, 77 and 82% and coefficients of variation of 17.5, 3.4 and 4.2% at 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05?ng?ml -1 , respectively. For the OA method, the corresponding values were 84, 84 and 75% for recovery and 14.1, 3.7 and 4.0% for the coefficient of variation. The limit of quantification for both methods was 0.01?ng?ml -1 . Of a total of 50 samples analysed, only one was contaminated with AFM1, at 0.024?ng?ml -1 , and two with OA, at 0.011 and 0.024?ng?ml -1 . Although the incidence observed was low, it is recommended that the study be extended to other milk banks of the city of São Paulo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to conduct a dietary risk assessment of pesticides registered in Brazil up to 14 January 2004. The theoretical maximum daily intake (TMDI) was calculated for 275 compounds using the Brazilian maximum residue limits (MRL) and food consumption. The chronic dietary risk assessment was conducted by comparing the TMDI with the Brazilian acceptable daily intake (ADI) or, when not available, with the ADI from other sources. The TMDI was higher than the ADI (%ADI>100) in at least one Brazilian region for eight pesticides, including five organophosphorus insecticides. For these compounds, the higher TMDI (expressed as %ADI) ranged from 140 (metam sodium) to 14 000 (methyl bromide). Rice, beans, citrus and tomato were the commodities that contributed most to ingestion. Change in pesticide use patterns and the establishment of ADIs by the Brazilian government have reduced the number of compounds for which the TMDI exceeded the ADI in the last 4 years. Risk assessment methodology based on TMDI calculation, however, is conservative as it assumes that the food supply is always treated with all the registered pesticides for that crop and that one always consumes food containing residues at the tolerance level. Furthermore, for six compounds with TMDI exceeding the ADI, a more realistic estimation of the pesticide daily intake was conducted using monitoring residue data from the Brazilian National Pesticide Residue Program. For these compounds, the higher refined intakes ranged from 2% (dimethoate) to 180% (fenitrothion) of the ADIs. The implementation of a national pesticide residue monitoring programme by the government was important to allow the refinement of the risk assessment. However, adequate daily food consumption data are still needed to assess better the public health risk to Brazilian consumers from food produced from crops treated with pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mycological survey was carried out on 115 samples of whole dried black pepper seeds, from two main production regions of Brazil (Pará and Espírito Santo). A high incidence of contamination was verified in both regions when 99.1% of the samples showed filamentous fungi contamination. A total of 497 species of nine different genera were isolated (Aspergillus, Eurotium, Rhizopus, Penicillium, Curvularia, Cladosporium, Absidia, Emericella and Paecilomyces). The genus Aspergillus was the predominant (53.5%) followed by species from the Eurotium genus (24.5%). Eurotium chevalieri (16.4%) was the most predominant species followed by A. flavus (14.6%) present on 55 samples of black pepper (47.8%) analysed. Twenty-five samples (21.7%) were contaminated with aflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus . In relation to the types of aflatoxins produced by mycotoxigenic strains, it was observed that 25 strains (44.6%) of 56 isolated of A. flavus produced aflatoxins. From 12 samples, A. ochraceus species were isolated in low frequency (3.5%). Two strains of A. ochraceus from 16 isolated were producers of ochratoxin A. With respect to the aflatoxins and ochratoxin A natural contamination, none of the samples presented detectable levels of these mycotoxins using thin-layer chromatographic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee is produced in tropical countries around the Equator where climatic conditions are favourable for fungal development and mycotoxin production; however, mycotoxins do not only occur in the tropical countries. The aim was to evaluate the mycoflora and possible incidence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in 60 samples of green coffee beans from Brazil. The mycological evaluation was carried out using a conventional method and the OTA was determined using sequential phenyl silane and immunoaffinity column cleanup followed by HPLC. The detection limit was 0.2 μg kg -1 . Practically all samples (91.7%) were contaminated with moulds. The dominant fungal genus was Aspergillus, including A. niger (83.3%), A. ochraceus (53.3%) and A. flavus (25.0%). The occurrence and the levels of the genus Cladosporium (16.6%) and Penicillium (10.0%) were substantially lower than Aspergilli. Twenty samples (33.3%) of 60 were contaminated with the toxin at levels ranging from 0.2 to 7.3μg kg -1 . The average concentration was 2.38 μg kg -1 . All positive samples showed OTA levels below the limit suggested by the European Union (8 μg kg -1 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the recently introduced Brazilian government programme for monitoring pesticide residues in six major agricultural products is described. Residues found from the analysis of samples of tomatoes and strawberries are discussed in detail. The much greater frequency of detection of pesticide residues, many of which are not approved for use in Brazil, in produce being sold on the domestic market, as opposed to that produced for export, is of major concern. It is perceived that this new monitoring programme will become permanent and be used to underpin enforcement actions that will need to be taken to reduce the numbers of incidents of illegal residues occurring, particularly in fresh fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of cereals and grains in the formulation of pet foods suggests the need to control aflatoxin contamination in these foods. The objective of the study was to analyse domestic pet food to determine the occurrence of aflatoxins as well as their risk to animal health. One hundred food samples (45 for dogs, 25 for cats, 30 for birds) were collected at random from pet shops in Alfenas city, south-east Brazil. Thin-layer chromatography was used for separation, identification and quantification of the compounds after validation of the method. Aflatoxins were detected in 12.0% of the samples. Levels of aflatoxins (B[sub 1] + B[sub 2] + G[sub 1] + G[sub 2]) above the maximum limit established in Brazil (50 µg kg[sup -1]) for animal food were detected in five of the 12 positive samples (41.7%). The concentration of total aflatoxins was 15-374 µg kg[sup -1] (mean 131 µg kg[sup -1]). All samples containing peanuts were positive for aflatoxin B[sub 1]. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and their consumption might be a risk for domestic animal health. The high prevalence of aflatoxin B[sub 1] in foods prepared for birds, species highly susceptible to aflatoxins, shows the need for the re-evaluation of the use of peanuts (present in seven of the eight samples positives for aflatoxin) and/or the addition of fungicides to the food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The daily intakes of benzoates and sorbates from selected food categories were estimated in Brazil in 1999. The Budget method was used as a first screening procedure for the estimation of the safety aspects of the maximum permitted levels of benzoates and sorbates established by the Brazilian food legislation. This screening indicated that benzoates should be further investigated. In a second step, the daily intakes of these preservatives were assessed by combining measured levels of these additives with national food consumption data derived from a household economic survey and a packaged good market survey. Benzoate and sorbate levels in soft drinks, fruit juices, margarine, yoghurt and cheese were determined by HPLC with a photodiode array detector (detection at 228 nm for benzoic acid, 260 nm for sorbic acid). The estimated intakes of benzoates and sorbates for the average consumer were below the ADIs, ranging from 0.3 to 0.9 and 0.2 to 0.3 mg kg[sup -1] body weight, respectively. Soft drinks were identified as the main source of benzoates representing >80% of the estimated intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the co-occurrence of aflatoxins, zearalenone and fumonisin in Brazilian corn. Determination on the contamination level of the substance; Effects of mycotoxins in corn products; Importance of corn in food and feed production.

The natural co-occurrence of fumonisins and aflatoxins was investigated in freshly harvested corn kernels (150 samples, 62 hybrids), acquired from the Central-Southern (27 samples, 21 hybrids), Central-Western (86 samples, 51 hybrids) and Northern (37 samples, 18 hybrids) regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fumonisins were detected in 147 (98%) samples at a concentration range of 0.096 to 22.6 μg/g, while aflatoxins were detected in 17 (11.3%). All the aflatoxinpositive samples (range 38.0-460.0 ng/g) came from the Central-Western region and were co-contaminated with fumonisins. Fumonisin contamination was higher in corn from the Northern (9.85 μg/g) and Central-Western regions (5.08 μg/g), when compared with the Central-Southern region (1.14 μg/g). The overall evaluation detected 62% samples with fumonisin levels ≤ 5.0 μg/g. Regional differences affected fumonisin levels in the same hybrid, regardless of Fusarium count and moisture content, suggesting interference from climatic conditions, in addition to the local predominance of toxigenic strains of the Fusarium biotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) and tenuazonic acid (TEA) are secondary metabolites of Alternaria species. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is produced by fungi belonging to the ubiquitous genera of Penicillium and Aspergillus and has been found in a wide range of foods. These toxins were searched for by liquid chromatography with diodearray detection in tomato products processed and sold in Brazil. Eighty samples of tomato products were examined (juice 11, pulp 22, purée 22, paste 24 and whole stewed tomato 1). Eleven brands sold nationwide were covered. TEA was found in seven samples of tomato pulp (39-111ng/g) and four samples of tomato purée (29-76ng/g). CPA was found in six samples of pulp (64-178ng/g) and two samples of purée (36- 117ng/g). Co-occurrence of TEA and CPA was found in two samples of purée and one of pulp. This is the first time that the presence of CPA has been reported in tomato products. Neither AME nor AOH were detected in the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of zearalenone (ZEA) in corn from various regions of Brazil was carried out by the analysis of 380 corn samples, of which 30 samples (7.8%) were found to be contaminated in the range of 46.7-719 mu g/kg. ZEA was extracted with acetonitrile-water (84:16, v/v), cleaned-up on a Romer Mycosep[sup TM] 224 column, separated, detected and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The in-house method characteristics of linearity, accuracy, precision, and detection limit were defined by means of recovery tests with spiked corn samples in the range of 35.8-716 μg/kg and the analysis of a naturally-contaminated sample (n=7). The mean recovery for ZEA was 99.4% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) varied from 0.7 to 26.6% in the range studied. The method has been shown to be accurate, quick and reliable for determination of zearalenone in corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-four samples of roast and ground coffee, 14 samples of instant coffee and two samples of decaffeinated instant coffee were collected in markets and supermarkets in the city of Campinas, Brazil, and analysed for ochratoxin A using immunoaffinity columns for clean-up and HPL C with fluorescence detection for quantification. The limit of detection was 0.2ng/g ochratoxin A. Twenty-three samples of ground and roast coffee were found to be contaminated with the toxin at levels ranging between 0.3 and 6.5ng/g. The average concentration in all 34 samples was 0.9ng/g. All samples of instant coffee contained ochratoxin A at levels ranging from 0.5 to 5.1ng/g, with an average figure of 2.2ng/g. Roast and ground coffee is the type of coffee most used by Brazilians for the preparation of the beverage. Considering that an average Brazilian adult takes five cups of coffee per day, which corresponds to 30g of roast and ground coffee, the probable daily intake of ochratoxin A by a 70kg adult would be 0.4ng/kg bw, which is far below the current Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake of 14ng/kg bw for ochratoxin A as set by the Codex Alimentarius. To study the transfer of ochratoxin A into coffee brew, the beverage was prepared by two methods: (a) the drip method and (b) the Brazilian country style method. No significant difference was observed between the two methods in terms of extraction of the toxin using five contaminated samples containing between 0.8 and 6.5ng/g ochratoxin A. The drip method extracted 86 ± 15% and the Brazilian country style 74 ± 20 % of the ochratoxin A initially present in the roast and ground coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out with a group of pre-school children staying at the central nursery of the University of Sao Paulo and with a group of elderly living in private institutions in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with the aim of evaluating the contents of toxic elements present in thediets of these groups. For sampling, the duplicate portion techniquewas used, which consisted of collecting all the foods and beverages consumed during three consecutive days. A radiochemical separation procedure was developed and applied to the determination of As, Cd, Sb,W, Th and U, by means of retention of these elements in the resin Chelex 100 and inorganic exchanger tin dioxide in an appropriate medium. The elements analysed presented levels of ingestion below the maximum levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and thus can be considered as not presenting any health hazard to the individuals studied in the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]