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This study investigated effects of processing technique and varietal variations on the physico-functional, starch pasting and viscoelastic properties of cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) flours using a 3x6 factorial experimental approach. Samples were evaluated for their non-volatile acidity, pH, swelling power, solubility water absorption capacity (27oC and 70oC), colour and starch pasting characteristics of the cassava flours using standard methods. Grating and soaking of the cassava tubers significantly (p

The present opinion deals with the re‐evaluation of alginic acid and its sodium, potassium, ammonium and calcium salts (E 400–E 404) when used as food additives. Alginic acid and its salts (E 400–E 404) are authorised food additives in the EU in accordance with Annex II and Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Following the conceptual framework for the risk assessment of certain food additives re‐evaluated under Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, the Panel concluded that there was no need for a numerical Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for alginic acid and its salts (E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403 and E 404), and that there was no safety concern at the level of the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses of alginic acid and its salts (E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403 and E 404) as food additives. The Panel further concluded that exposure of infants and young children to alginic acid and its salts (E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403 and E 404) by the use of these food additives should stay below therapeutic dosages for these population groups at which side‐effects could occur. Concerning the use of alginic acid and its salts (E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403 and E 404) in ‘dietary foods for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants’ (Food category 13.1.5.1) and ‘in dietary foods for babies and young children for special medical purposes as defined in Directive 1999/21/EC’ (Food category 13.1.5.2), the Panel further concluded that the available data did not allow an adequate assessment of the safety of alginic acid and its salts (E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403 and E 404) in infants and young children consuming the food belonging to the categories 13.1.5.1 and 13.1.5.2.

190 p.-8 fig.-47 tab.-7 appendix tab., The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of glycoalkaloids (GAs) in feed and food. This risk assessment covers edible parts of potato plants and other food plants containing GAs, in particular, tomato and aubergine. In humans, acute toxic effects of potato GAs (a-solanine and a-chaconine) include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. For these effects, the CONTAM Panel identified a lowest-observed-adverse-effect level of 1 mg total potato GAs/kg body weight (bw) per day as a reference point for the risk characterisation following acute exposure. In humans, no evidence of health problems associated with repeated or long-term intake of GAs via potatoes has been identified. No reference point for chronic exposure could be identified from the experimental animal studies. Occurrence data were available only for a-solanine and a-chaconine, mostly for potatoes. The acute dietary exposure to potato GAs was estimated using a probabilistic approach and applying processing factors for food. Due to the limited data available, a margin of exposure (MOE) approach was applied. The MOEs for the younger age groups indicate a health concern for the food consumption surveys with the highest mean exposure, as well as for the P95 exposure in all surveys.For adult age groups, the MOEs indicate a health concern only for the food consumption surveys with the highest P95 exposures. For tomato and aubergine GAs, the risk to human health could not be characterised due to the lack of occurrence data and the limited toxicity data. For horses, farm and companion animals, no risk characterisation for potato GAs could be performed due to insufficient data on occurrence in feed and on potential adverse effects of GAs in these species.

Mycotoxins in food are increasingly a food safety hazard concern in particular in developing countries. This study was performed to determine the occurrence and determinants of aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in rice and maize and to assess health risks through dietary intake exposure among ethnic minority groups in northern Vietnam. A total of 111 rice and 102 maize samples, were tested for occurrence of fungi and mycotoxins, i.e. aflatoxins (AF’s) and fuminisin B (FB). Results showed that 107 (96.4%) rice and 84 (82.4%) maize samples were contaminated by fungi. Aspergillus flavus was found in 68 (61.3%) rice and 30 (29.4%) maize samples, Aspergilus parasiticus in 40 (36.0%) rice and 27 (26.7%) maize samples. AF’s - were detected in 27 rice (24.3%) and 27 maize samples (26.4%) at minimum and maximum levels in rice of 2.06 and 77.8 ng/g and 20.5 and 110 ng/g in maize, respectively. Nine (8.1%) rice and 24 (23.5%) maize samples contained FB at ranges of 2.3–624 ng/g in rice and 5.6–89.8 ng/g in maize. Data collected through interviews and observations in households showed that type of crop, storage duration and presence of fungi, particularly mycotoxigenic fungi were important risk factors for AF’s and FB contamination. Based on daily food consumption data, the estimated average exposure dose of aflatoxin B1(AFB1) from rice was 21.7 ng/kg bw/day for adults and 33.7 ng/kg bw/day for children. For FB, the rice based average exposure amounted to 536 ng/kg bw/day for adults and 1019 ng/kg bw/day for children. The calculated excess risk of liver cancer incidence by ingestion of cereals containing AFB1 was 1.5 per 100,000 adults and 2.3 per 100,000 children per year. The average intake of FB was calculated to be lower than the tolerable diet intake (TDI). Our findings highlight that rice and maize are contaminated with mycotoxins at levels representing actual health hazards for the ethnic minority groups consuming these stable cereals. Proper drying and storage conditions in households are likely to reduce the mycotoxin contamination.

The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of gellan gum (E 418) as a food additive. Following the conceptual framework for the risk assessment of certain food additives re‐evaluated under Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, the Panel considered that adequate exposure and toxicity data were available. Based on the reported use levels, a refined exposure of up to 72.4 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day in toddlers at the 95th percentile was estimated. Gellan gum is unlikely to be absorbed intact and would not be fermented by human intestinal microbiota. There is no concern with respect to carcinogenicity and genotoxicity. No adverse effects were reported in chronic studies at the highest doses tested in mice and rats (3,627 and 1,460 mg gellan gum/kg bw per day, respectively). Repeated oral intake up to 200 mg/kg bw per day for 3 weeks had no adverse effects in humans. The Panel concluded that there is no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) for gellan gum (E 418), and that there is no safety concern at the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses and use levels of gellan gum (E 418) as a food additive. The Panel recommended to better define the specifications of gellan gum including the absence of viable cells of the microbial source and the presence of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), protein and residual bacterial enzymatic activities.

The present opinion deals with the re‐evaluation of the safety of food‐grade carrageenan (E 407) and processes Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a) used as food additives. Because of the structural similarities, the Panel concluded that processed Eucheuma seaweed can be included in the evaluation of food‐grade carrageenan. Poligeenan (average molecular weight 10–20 kDa) has not been authorised as a food additive and is not used in any food applications. In its evaluation of carrageenan (E 407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a), the Panel noted that the ADME database was sufficient to conclude that carrageenan was not absorbed intact; in a subchronic toxicity study performed with carrageenan almost complying with the EU specification for E 407 in rats, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) was 3,400–3,900 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, the highest dose tested; no adverse effects have been detected in chronic toxicity studies with carrageenan in rats up to 7,500 mg/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested; there was no concern with respect to the carcinogenicity of carrageenan; carrageenan and processed Eucheuma seaweed did not raise a concern with respect to genotoxicity; the NOAEL of sodium and calcium carrageenan for prenatal developmental dietary toxicity studies were the highest dose tested; the safety of processed Eucheuma seaweed was sufficiently covered by the toxicological evaluation of carrageenan; data were adequate for a refined exposure assessment for 41 out of 79 food categories. However, the Panel noted uncertainties as regards the chemistry, the exposure assessment and biological and toxicological data. Overall, taking into account the lack of adequate data to address these uncertainties, the Panel concluded that the existing group acceptable daily intake (ADI) for carrageenan (E 407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a) of 75 mg/kg bw per day should be considered temporary, while the database should be improved within 5 years after publication of this opinion.

International audience; The Panelon Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids of the European Food Safety Authority was requested to consider evaluations of flavouring substances assessed since 2000 by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), and to decide whether further evaluation is necessary, as laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. The present revision of this FGE is on the assessment of recently submitted toxicity data on methyl propyl trisulfide [FL-no: 12.020], being the representative for a group of seven additional flavouring substances: diallyl trisulfide [FL-no: 12.009], dimethyl trisulfide [FL-no: 12.013], dipropyl trisulfide [FL-no: 12.023], methyl allyl trisulfide [FL-no: 12.045], diallyl polysulfides [FL-no: 12.074], methyl ethyl trisulfide [FL-no: 12.155] and diisopropyl trisulphide [FL-no: 12.280]. Specifications have been provided for all substances. The Paneldecided that the 90-day study submitted for [FL-no: 12.020] can be considered only once it is clearly demonstrated that the material tested is representative of the material of commerce and that potential reaction products of the components are not of safety concern. Therefore, no conclusion on the safety of the eight flavouring substances [FL-no: 12.009, 12.013, 12.020, 12.023, 12.045, 12.074, 12.155 and 12.280] can be reached. For 2-methyl-4-oxopentane-2-thiol [FL-no: 12.169] and 2-mercapto-2-methylpentan-1-ol [FL-no: 12.241], additional subchronic toxicity data are required. The remaining nine substances [FL-no: 12.088, 12.179, 12.198, 12.212, 12.238, 12.239, 12.255, 12.257 and 12.291] in this FGE are not considered of safety concern under the intended conditions of use.

International audience; The Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids of the EFSA was requested to consider evaluations of flavouring substances assessed since 2000 by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and to decide whether further evaluation is necessary, as laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. The present consideration concerns a group of 22 pyridine, pyrrole and quinoline derivatives evaluated by JECFA (63rd meeting). The revision of this consideration is made since additional genotoxicity data have become available for 6-methylquinoline [FL-no: 14.042]. The genotoxicity data available rule out the concern with respect to genotoxicity and accordingly the substance is evaluated through the Procedure. For all 22 substances [FL-no: 13.134, 14.001, 14.004, 14.007, 14.030, 14.038, 14.039, 14.041, 14.042, 14.045, 14.046, 14.047, 14.058, 14.059, 14.060, 14.061, 14.065, 14.066, 14.068, 14.071, 14.072 and 14.164] considered in this Flavouring Group Evaluation (FGE), the Panel agrees with the JECFA conclusion, 'No safety concern at estimated levels of intake as flavouring substances' based on the Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intake (MSDI) approach. Besides the safety assessment of these flavouring substances, the specifications for the materials of commerce have also been evaluated, and the information is considered adequate for all the substances. For the following substances [FL-no: 13.134, 14.001, 14.030, 14.041, 14.042, 14.058, 14.072], the Industry has submitted use levels for normal and maximum use. For the remaining 15 substances, use levels are needed to calculate the modified Theoretical Added Maximum Daily Intakes (mTAMDIs) in order to identify those flavouring substances that need more refined exposure assessment and to finalise the evaluation.

The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of tragacanth (E 413) as a food additive. In the EU, tragacanth (E 413) has been evaluated by the Scientific Committee for Food (SCF, 1989) and by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA, 1987), who both allocated an acceptable daily intake (ADI) ‘not specified’ for this gum. Following the conceptual framework for the risk assessment of certain food additives, re‐evaluated under Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, the Panel considered that adequate exposure and toxicity data were available. Tragacanth (E 413) is unlikely to be absorbed intact and is partially fermented by intestinal microbiota. No adverse effects were reported in carcinogenicity studies at the highest dose tested and there is no concern with respect to the genotoxicity. Oral daily intake of a large amount of tragacanth up to 9,900 mg tragacanth/person per day (approximately equivalent 141 mg tragacanth/kg body weight (bw) per day) for up to 21 days was well tolerated in humans. The Panel concluded that there is no need for a numerical ADI for tragacanth (E 413) and that there is no safety concern for the general population at the refined exposure assessment of tragacanth (E 413) as a food additive at the reported uses and use levels.

The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids was requested to evaluate N‐(2‐methylcyclohexyl)‐2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluoro‐benzamide [FL‐no: 16.119] in the Flavouring Group Evaluation 302, using the Procedure in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. The substance is intended to be used as a flavour modifier and the current evaluation is only applicable to this use. Information on the ratios of diastereoisomers of the substance has been provided (cis 20–40% and trans 60–80%). Information on the ratio of enantiomers is lacking. The available data on genotoxicity do not preclude the evaluation of the candidate substance [FL‐no: 16.119] through the Procedure. The substance was evaluated through the B‐side of the Procedure. A ‘No Observed Adverse Effect Level’ (NOAEL) of 55 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day could be derived for [FL‐no: 16.119] from a 90‐day subchronic toxicity study in rats. This NOAEL provides an adequate margin of safety of 1.4 × 106, based on the ‘Maximised Survey‐Derived Daily Intake’ (MSDI) of 2.4 μg/capita per day. Based on the ‘modified Theoretical Added Maximum Daily Intake’ (mTAMDI) approach, the Panel concluded that more information is needed on use and use levels. Besides the safety assessment of this flavouring substance, the specifications for the material of commerce have also been considered. Additional information on the stereoisomeric composition of the flavouring substance is required.

The present opinion deals with the re‐evaluation of lecithins (E 322) when used as a food additive. Lecithins (E 322) is an authorised food additive in the EU according to Annex II and Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, and have been previously evaluated by JECFA in 1973 and by the SCF in 1982. Among lecithins, phosphatidylcholine is hydrolysed in choline in the cytidine‐5‐diphosphate‐choline pathway in all cells of the body. Following the conceptual framework for the risk assessment of certain food additives re‐evaluated under Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, the Panel concluded that there was no need for a numerical ADI for lecithins (E 322) and that there was no safety concern for the general population from more than 1 year of age at the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses of lecithins (E 322) as a food additive. The Panel further concluded that there is no safety concern for the exposure to the choline from lecithins (E 322) as a food additive at use and use levels reported by industry. For infants (from 12 weeks up to 11 months of age), the Panel concluded that there was no safety concern at the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses of lecithins (E 322) as a food additive and for the choline from lecithins (E 322) as a food additive at use and use levels reported by industry. For infants and young children consuming foods for special medical purposes, the Panel concluded that there was no safety concern with respect to the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses of lecithins (E 322) as a food additive and for exposure to choline resulting from these uses of lecithins (E 322).

International audience; The Panelon Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids of the European Food Safety Authority was requested to deliver a scientific opinion on the implications for human health of the flavouring rum ether [FL-no: 21.001] in the Flavouring Group Evaluation 500 (FGE.500), according to Regulation (EC) No1331/2008 and Regulation (EC) No1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Rum ether is a complex mixture of volatile substances obtained by distillation of the reaction products of pyroligneous acid and ethyl alcohol under oxidative conditions in the presence of manganese dioxide and sulfuric acid. A total of 84 volatile constituents have been reported by the applicant. It is a colourless liquid with a rum-like odour and flavour. Its major uses are in the food categories beverages, confectionery and baked goods. The Paneldecided to apply a congeneric group-based approach. The 84 reported constituents were allocated to 12 congeneric groups, based on structural and metabolic similarity. For eight of the congeneric groups, the Panelconcluded that there is no safety concern at the intended conditions of use. However, the Panelconcluded that substances in congeneric group 1 (ethanol and acetaldehyde) and congeneric group 12 (furan) are carcinogenic and genotoxic. The Panelalso identified genotoxicity concerns for substances in congeneric group 3 (3-pentene-2-one). The exposure for congeneric group 10 (ethers of various structures) was above the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) applicable for this group, but a point of departure or health based guidance value that covers all the substances in this group could not be identified. The Panelconcluded that according to the overall strategy for the risk assessment of flavouring substances, the presence of genotoxic substances as process-derived constituents of rum ether is of safety concern.

Following a request from European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of locust bean gum (E 410) as a food additive. Locust bean gum (E 410) is an authorised food additive in the EU. Locust bean gum (E 410) as specified in the Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 is derived from the ground endosperm of the seeds of the strains of carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua (L.) Taub. (Family Leguminosae). An acceptable daily intake (ADI) ‘not specified’ was allocated by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in 1981. Although not evaluated by the Scientific Committee for Food (SCF), it was accepted by the SCF in 1991 for use in weaning food, and in 1994, in infant formulae for special medical purposes. Locust bean gum is practically undigested, not absorbed intact, but significantly fermented by enteric bacteria in humans. No adverse effects were reported in 90‐day toxicity and carcinogenicity studies in rodents at the highest doses tested and there was no concern with respect to the genotoxicity and to reproductive and developmental toxicity of locust bean gum (E 410). The Panel concluded that there is no need for a numerical ADI for locust bean gum (E 410), and that there is no safety concern for the general population at the refined exposure assessment for its reported uses as a food additive. However, infants and young children consuming foods for special medical purposes may show a higher susceptibility to gastrointestinal effects of locust bean gum due to their underlying medical condition. The Panel concluded that the available data do not allow an adequate assessment of the safety of locust bean gum (E 410) in these foods for infants and young children.

International audience; The Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) of EFSA was requested to deliver a scientific opinion on the implications for human health of the flavouring substance 40,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone or naringenin [FL-no: 16.132], in the Flavouring Group Evaluation 410 (FGE.410), according to Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The substance occurs naturally in grapefruits, oranges and tomatoes. It is intended to be used as a flavouring substance with flavour-modifying properties in specific categories of food. Information on specifications and manufacturing of [FL-no: 16.132] were considered adequate; however, data on stability in food are incomplete. The Panel noted that the available genotoxicity studies have significant shortcomings and are insufficient to conclude on the genotoxic potential of naringenin. Therefore, [FL-no: 16.132] cannot be evaluated through the Procedure. Additionally, the Panel noted that inhibition of CYP 450 by [FL-no: 16.132] has been clearly demonstrated in animal species in vivo which implies that the substance may interact with the metabolism and elimination of medicines and no convincing information is available that this does not pose a risk to humans at the estimated levels of exposure. To continue with the safety assessment of [FL-no: 16.132], a bacterial gene mutation assay and an in vitro micronucleus assay (according to OECD guidelines 471, 487 and GLP) are required. Even if these studies do not indicate a genotoxic potential, additional toxicological data are needed to finalise the evaluation.

Fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination were evaluated on 114 samples of dried and milled spices such as ginger, garlic and black pepper from southern Benin and Togo collected in November 2008–January 2009. These products are dried to preserve them for lean periods available throughout the year. Fungal contamination was evaluated after plating on selective media with a total of 20 fungal genera identified, ranging from 7 in garlic to 14 in ginger. Ginger and pepper showed high incidence of fungal contamination compared to garlic that had lower levels of fungal contamination. Species of Aspergillus were dominant on all marketed dried and milled spices irrespective of country. Gene characterization and amplification analysis showed that most of the Aspergillus flavus isolates possess the cluster genes for aflatoxin production. Aflatoxin B1 assessment by Thin Layer Chromatography showed that only garlic (1 sample) and ginger (4 samples) were naturally contaminated with aflatoxin B1 ranging from 390 μg/kg to 1045 μg/kg respectively. Previous reports have mostly highlighted the risk of mycotoxin exposure from staple crops and vegetables in Africa, but such risks now need to be evaluated further for other products such as dried and milled spices.

Mycotoxins contamination in some agricultural food commodities seriously impact human and animal health and reduce the commercial value of crops. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that contaminate agricultural commodities pre- or postharvest. Africa is one of the continents where environmental, agricultural and storage conditions of food commodities are conducive of Aspergillus fungi infection and aflatoxin biosynthesis. This paper reviews the commodity-wise aetiology and contamination process of aflatoxins and evaluates the potential risk of exposure from common African foods. Possible ways of reducing risk for fungal infection and aflatoxin development that are relevant to the African context. The presented database would be useful as benchmark information for development and prioritization of future research. There is need for more investigations on food quality and safety by making available advanced advanced equipments and analytical methods as well as surveillance and awareness creation in the region.

Coumarins have been found in many plant species and some have antimicrobial and antifungal activities as well as pharmacological effects. Scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin) is a coumarin compound with antifungal properties that has been isolated from several plant species. Although it is not yet fully understood, the biosynthesis of scopoletin is described. In addition, its induction upon attack by pathogens and abiotic stress as well as its inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi are summarized in this review. The scientific information on the inhibitory effect of scopoletin on storage fungi is scarce.

BACKGROUND: The use of the root crop cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is constrained by its rapid deterioration after harvesting. Chemical and spectroscopic examination earlier revealed the accumulation of the four hydroxycoumarins esculetin, esculin, scopolin and scopoletin derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway, during the time course of postharvest deterioration. In this investigation the scopoletin level in parenchymal samples of four cassava cultivars used in Benin, i.e. Kpaki kpika, Kpaki soan, Logoguesse kotorou and BEN 86052, was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Presence was shown in all four varieties with a mean in fresh roots between 4.1 and 11.1 mg kg−1 dry weight. A strong increase in the content of scopoletin was noticed after a peeling and drying process (6 days) for chip production, the mean content reaching 242.5 mg kg−1 dry weight in the cultivar BEN 86052. After 3 months of storage this had decreased to 0.7 mg kg−1 dry weight. CONCLUSION: Strong accumulation of scopoletin in cassava roots used for chip production in Benin is followed by a decrease in its concentration. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

The third generation cephalosporin cefovecin has been shown to have an exceptionally long elimination half-life in dogs and cats, making it suitable for antibacterial treatment with a 14-day dosing interval in these species. Pharmacokinetic parameters for cefovecin were investigated in juvenile hens and green iguanas, following subcutaneous injections with 10 mg cefovecin/kg bodyweight. Preliminary studies in eight additional species of birds and reptiles were performed and results were compared with the parameters found in hens and green iguanas. The kinetics were characterized by rapid absorption with peak plasma concentration of 6 +/- 2 microg/mL in hens and 35 +/- 12 microg/mL in green iguanas. The mean plasma half-life for cefovecin was 0.9 +/- 0.3 h for hens and 3.9 h in green iguanas. Volume of distribution was 1.6 +/- 0.5 L/kg for hens and 0.3 L/kg for green iguanas and clearance was 1252 +/- 185 mL.h/kg for hens and 53 mL.h/kg for green iguanas. Results from preliminary studies did not differ notably from those seen in hens and green iguanas. Cefovecin is not suitable for the treatment of bacterial infections with a 14-day dosing interval in hens or green iguanas and seems not to be in a number of other bird and retile species either.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a perennial shrub with a bulky storage root. The dry matter content of approximately 35% is mostly made up of starch; protein content being low. Both roots and leaves are used in food preparation. All parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides. Upon processing these are hydrolyzed to release cyanohydrins, which in turn release the toxic HCN. Anti-nutrients and other bioactive agents present in roots/leaves also include coumarins, nitrate, oxalate, phytic acid, saponins, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors. Roots with yellow parenchyma have elevated contents of carotenoids; some with vitamin A effect. Fresh peeled roots may be subjected to one of the following unit processes: drying, soaking (retting, steeping), cooking, frying, size reduction (grating), or fermentation. Leaves may be pounded and cooked. The fate of the cyanogenic glycosides, coumarin, scopoltin, and carotenoids during processing is reviewed.

Cassava roots, a major food in Africa, contain cyanogenic glucosides that may cause toxic effects. Malawian women farmers considered fields of seemingly similar cassava plants to be mixes of both ‘cool’ and ‘bitter’ cultivars. They regard roots from ‘cool’ cultivars as non-toxic. Roots of ‘bitter’ were considered to require extensive traditional processing done by women to be safe for consumption. But curiously, these women farmers preferred ‘bitter’ cultivars since toxicity confers protection against theft, which was a serious threat to the food security of their families. We studied how well these farmers comprehend the effects of genetic variations in cassava when dealing with cyanogenesis in this complex system. Using molecular markers we show that most plants farmers identified as belonging to a particular named cultivar had a genotype typical of that cultivar. Farmers' ethno-classification into ‘cool’ and ‘bitter’ cultivars corresponded to a genetic sub-division of the typical genotypes of the most common cultivars, with four-fold higher cyanogenic glucoside levels in the bitter cultivars. Examining morphology, farmers distinguished genotypes better than did the investigators when using a standard botanical key. Undoubtedly, these women farmers grasp sufficiently the genetic diversity of cassava with regard to cyanogenesis to simultaneously benefit from it and avoid its dangers. Consequently, acyanogenic cassava – the breeding of which is an announced good of some cassava genetic improvement programmes – is not a priority to these farmers. Advances in molecular genetics can help improve food supply in Africa by rapid micropropagation, marker assisted breeding and introduction of transgenic varieties, but can also help to elucidate tropical small-scale farmers' needs and skills.

Mucor circinelloides LU M40 produced 12·2 mU ml−1 of linamarase activity when grown in a 3 l fermenter in the following optimized medium (g l−1 deionized water): pectin, 10·0; (NH4)2SO4, 1·0; KH2PO4, 2·0; Na2HPO4, 0·7; MgSO4.7H2O, 0·5; yeast extract, 1·0; Tween-80, 1·0, added after 48 h of fermentation. The purified linamarase was a dimeric protein with a molecular mass of 210 kDa; the enzyme showed optimum catalytic activity at pH 5·5 and 40 °C and had a wide range (3·0–7·0) of pH stability. The enzyme substrate specificity on plant cyanogenic glycosides was wide; the Km value for linamarin was 2·93 mmol l−1. The addition, before processing, of the fungal crude enzyme to cassava roots facilitated and shortened detoxification; after 24 h of fermentation, all cyanogenic glycosides were hydrolysed.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked by the European Commission to deliver a scientific opinion on ergot alkaloids (EAs) in food and feed. EAs are produced by several members within the fungal orders of Hypocreales and Eurotiales. In Europe, Claviceps purpurea is the most widespread Claviceps species within the Hypocreales. A total of 20 558 analytical results for EAs in 1 716 food, 496 feed and 67 unprocessed grain samples were considered in this opinion. Based on the EAs identified in sclerotia of C. purpurea, and recent literature data, the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) based its risk assessment on the main C. purpurea EAs, namely ergometrine, ergotamine, ergosine, ergocristine, ergocryptine (which is a mixture of a- and ß- isomers), ergocornine, and the corresponding –inine epimers. The CONTAM Panel performed estimates of both chronic and acute exposure for various age groups across European countries. A BMDL10 of 0.33 mg/kg b.w. per day was calculated for the incidence of tail muscular atrophy in a 13-week rat feeding study of ergotamine. This effect was considered representative of the vasoconstrictive effects of EAs and provided a suitable reference point for establishment of a group acute reference dose of 1 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) and a group tolerable daily intake of 0.6 µg/kg b.w. per day. The Panel concluded that whilst the available data do not indicate a concern for any population subgroup, the dietary exposure estimates relate to a limited number of food groups and a possible unknown contribution from other foods cannot be discounted. Estimates of exposure for livestock based on example diets and levels of EAs in cereal grains reported suggest that under normal conditions the risk of toxicosis is low.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked by the European Commission to deliver a scientific opinion on ergot alkaloids (EAs) in food and feed. EAs are produced by several members within the fungal orders of Hypocreales and Eurotiales. In Europe, Claviceps purpurea is the most widespread Claviceps species within the Hypocreales. A total of 20 558 analytical results for EAs in 1 716 food, 496 feed and 67 unprocessed grain samples were considered in this opinion. Based on the EAs identified in sclerotia of C. purpurea, and recent literature data, the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) based its risk assessment on the main C. purpurea EAs, namely ergometrine, ergotamine, ergosine, ergocristine, ergocryptine (which is a mixture of α- and β- isomers), ergocornine, and the corresponding –inine epimers. The CONTAM Panel performed estimates of both chronic and acute exposure for various age groups across European countries. A BMDL10 of 0.33 mg/kg b.w. per day was calculated for the incidence of tail muscular atrophy in a 13-week rat feeding study of ergotamine. This effect was considered representative of the vasoconstrictive effects of EAs and provided a suitable reference point for establishment of a group acute reference dose of 1 μg/kg body weight (b.w.) and a group tolerable daily intake of 0.6 μg/kg b.w. per day. The Panel concluded that whilst the available data do not indicate a concern for any population subgroup, the dietary exposure estimates relate to a limited number of food groups and a possible unknown contribution from other foods cannot be discounted. Estimates of exposure for livestock based on example diets and levels of EAs in cereal grains reported suggest that under normal conditions the risk of toxicosis is low.

Cyanogenic food crops abound in nature with important crops like cassava forming the staple food for over half a billion people. Detoxification by hydrolysis of cassava cyanogenic glycosides often involves acid fermentation, and in some of these processes Bacillus species are encountered. Forty Bacillus spp. (20 Bacillus subtilis, 11 Bacillus licheniformis, 7 Bacillus sonorensis, 2 Bacillus cereus) isolated from acid fermented primary starters to produce Gergoush, a Sudanese fermented snack, were screened for their ability to grow and to hydrolyze linamarin, the major cyanogen found in cassava at pH levels below 5.0; also the cyanogen amygdalin was assessed. The B. subtilis isolates grew in both HCl and lactic acid environments from pH 4.5–6.0 while being able to break down the cyanogenic glycosides. The B. licheniformis and B. sonorensis isolates grew and degraded cyanogens at pH 5.0 in a HCl environment, while two B. cereus isolates used in the study showed no breakdown reaction under all conditions tested. One B. subtilis isolate was observed to have substrate specificity between the breakdown of linamarin and amygdalin. We conclude that some Bacillus spp. isolates are important in the microbiological breakdown of cyanogens in cassava fermentations even at pH 4.5–5.0 though further investigations are required.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked by the European Commission to deliver a scientific opinion on pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) in food and feed. PAs are toxins exclusively biosynthesised by plants. To date, approximately 600 different PAs are known. Results for 13,280 bulk honey and 1324 retail honey samples were provided to EFSA by one Member State and 351 feed samples were provided by a second Member State. The EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) performed estimates of both acute and chronic exposure to PAs through honey for three different age groups. Although there might be other sources of PA exposure, due to lack of data the CONTAM Panel was not able to quantify dietary exposure from food other than honey. A number of PAs were identified as being of particular importance for food and feed. Based on the present knowledge of metabolism, activation, DNA adduct‐formation, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity, the CONTAM Panel concluded that 1,2–unsaturated PAs may act as genotoxic carcinogens in humans. Therefore, the CONTAM Panel decided to apply the Margin of Exposure (MOE) approach. A benchmark dose lower confidence limit for a 10 % excess cancer risk (BMDL10) of 70 µg/kg b.w. per day for induction of liver haemangiosarcomas by lasiocarpine in male rats was calculated as the reference point for comparison with the estimated dietary exposure. The CONTAM Panel concluded that there is a possible health concern for those toddlers and children who are high consumers of honey. There is generally a low risk of PA poisoning in livestock and companion animals in the EU as most PA poisonings reported recently are due to accidental exposure.

BACKGROUND: Feed contamination with mycotoxins is a major risk factor for animals and humans as several toxins can exist as residues in meat and milk products, giving rise to carry-over to consumers via ingestion of foods of animal origin. The starting point for prevention, in this chain, is to eliminate the growth of mycotoxigenic fungi in the animal forage. Ten plant extracts, recommended in Islamic medicine, were evaluated as antifungal agents against mycotoxigenic Aspergilli, i.e. Aspergillus flavus and A. ochraceus, growth in organic maize silage. RESULTS: Most extracts had remarkable antifungal activities using both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods. Cress (Lepidium sativum) seed extract was proven to be the most powerful among the plants examined. Blending of the most effective extracts (garden cress seed, pomegranate peel and olive leaf extracts), individually at their minimal fungicidal concentrations, with maize silage resulted in the reduction of inoculated A. flavus colony counts by 99.9, 99.6 and 98.7%, respectively, whereas silage blending with the combined extracts completely prohibited fungal growth for up to 30 days of incubation under aerobic conditions. CONCLUSION: Besides the health promoting effects, silage blending with the bioactive plant extracts examined could lead to the required protection from pathogenic and mycotoxigenic fungi. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

A survey of methods for the qualitative and quantitative determination of cyanide and cyanogenic compounds is presented. Particular attention is paid to determination in complex matrices. Chromatographic methods able to separate mixtures of closely related structures, such as glycosides of enantiomeric hydroxynitriles or lipids with slightly differing fatty acid spectra, are included, as are highly selective methods of detection, such as enzymic post-column cleavage combined with electrochemical detection as used in high-performance liquid chromatography. Details of thin-layer chromatography, including methods for detection, are given for both straight-phase and reverse-phase systems. The survey includes simple field methods as well as automated laboratory methods for the determination of 'free', 'bound' and 'total' cyanide, for example in processed food products from Manihot esculenta Cranz. Sources of enzymes are listed and attention is given to problems of sample storage and preparation. References are given to review articles which include data from methods such as ultraviolet, infrared and proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies.

Mucor circinelloides LU M40 and Penicillium aurantiogriseum P 35 produce extracellular beta-glycosidases that are active on the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin. From the culture broths of M. circinelloides, only one beta-glycosidase could be identified, while two different enzymes - both having amygdalase activity - were found in culture broths of P. aurantiogriseum. The study of the mechanism of hydrolysis of the beta-bis-glycoside amygdalin with purified enzymes from the two organisms indicated a possible sequential (two-step) reaction. In all cases, the first step of hydrolysis from amygdalin to prunasin was very rapid, while the second step from prunasin to cyanohydrin was much slower. No cyanohydrin lyase activity was found in the culture broths of either fungus.

Grape seed extract (GSE), a by-product from the wine industry, was explored for its use as enrichment to mayonnaise, due to its potential health effects. Mayonnaises were enriched with 0 mg GSE per mL, 0.5 mg GSE per mL (similar to 0.050%), 0.9 mg GSE per mL (similar to 0.10%) and 1.4 mg GSE per mL (similar to 0.15%) during preparation and stored in the dark at room temperature for 8 weeks. The antioxidative capacity of the mayonnaises was evaluated by their ability to scavenge the stable radical TEMPO by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The oxidative stability of the mayonnaises was determined by the content of lipid hydroperoxides (peroxide value, POV), the content of conjugated diene hydroperoxides and the content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The highest antioxidative capacity and the lowest content of lipid hydroperoxides and TBARS were found in the mayonnaise with the highest percentage of GSE (0.15%). Therefore, the oxidative stability of the mayonnaises enriched with GSE was slightly improved through storage. However, mayonnaise without GSE had the highest sensorial acceptability compared to mayonnaise enriched with GSE. In the Artemia salina assay, a fast screening method for overall toxicity, the death rate of brine shrimps larvae was found to increase for increasing percentage of GSE. A level of 0.05% GSE in mayonnaise is concluded not to constitute any toxicological risks, but to provide significant protection against oxidation during storage.

Pomegranate peel powder (PP), a by-product of the pomegranate juice industry rich in polyphenols, was explored for use in bread production, due to its potential health effects. Wheat bread was prepared using different levels for replacement of flour with PP (0 to 10 g per 100 g flour) resulting in antioxidant levels expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values (TEAC) ranging from 1.8 to 6.8 μmol TEAC per g bread for fresh bread. TEAC remained constant during 5 days of storage in polyethylene bags at room temperature. The oxidative stability was evaluated by detection of radicals by direct electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and peroxide value, and the highest capacity of scavenging of radicals (Fremy's salt) and the lowest content of peroxide values were found in bread with the highest percentage of PP. Safety evaluation was performed by the Artemia salina assay. An increased death rate of the brine shrimp larvae was found as a function of the replacement of wheat flour with PP in fortified bread providing a general screening method for the toxicological test of polyphenol fortified bread to be recommended for use in product development in addition to subjective evaluation. Based on both toxicological and subjective evaluations an addition of 2.5% PP is recommended for the actual product.

This scientific opinion of EFSA deals with the risk assessment of the monomer a-dimethyl-3-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)propylsilyloxy,u-3-dimethyl-3-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)propylsilyl polydimethylsiloxane, n=26-50, CAS No. 156065-00-8, REF. No. 16265, FCM substance No. 874, for which the CEF Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the consumer if the substance is only used as comonomer in siloxane modified polycarbonate,and its migration is up to 0.05 mg/kg food. The end-capper eugenol must comply with the restriction on migration set in Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011

A new cyanogenic glycoside isolated from pods of Acacia sieberiana var. woodii has been shown by chemical and spectroscopic methods to be (2S)-2-[(6-O-α- l -arabinopyranosyl-β- d -glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3-methylbut-3-enenitrileo. Acid-catalysed hydrolysis of the glycoside afforded arabinose and proacacipetalin, and base-catalysed double-bond migration gave 2- [(6-O-α- l -arabinopyranosyl-β- d -glucopyranosyl)oxy ]-3-methylbut-2-enenitrile.

In this new design of the picrate test (Guignard Method) for small scale cyanide determination under field conditions, hydrolysis of the cyanogenic compounds is catalysed by ‘β-glucuronidase’, a commercial enzyme preparation from Helix pomatia. The method described facilitates the quantification of small amounts of cyanogenic compounds in plant material, with a detection limit about 60 ng of released HCN (equivalent to 1μg of amygdalin). False positive tests produced by hydrolysis products of glucosinolates could be excluded by inhibition of the myrosinae enzyme system present in plants that contain glucosinolates. The total weight of equipment needed for a total of 1000 determinations (in groups of eight) does not exceed 500 g, thus making the method convenient for field work.

The structure of plantamajoside, a phenylpropanoid glycoside isolated from Plantago major subs major , is deduced from chemical, spectral and other physical evidence, to be 3,4-dihydroxy-β-phenethyl- O -β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 →3)-4- O -caffeoyl-β- d -glucopyranoside. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration value has been evaluated for seven plant pathogenic bacteria and for E. coli (ML 30) and S. aureus (502 A) after preliminary investigations by the agar diffusion method.

Crude extract of Helix pomatia , commercially available as β-glucuronidase, was immobilized on porous glass and packed in a column (50 × 3 mm I.D.). Similarly, β-glucuronidase from bovine liver, immobilized on agarose beads, was used as a post-column reactor in the high-performance liquid chromatography of phenolic glycosides. Electrochemical oxidation by glassy carbon electrodes was used for the detection of the phenolic products formed by the enzymatic reaction and proved to be useful for the identification and sensitive detection of phenolic glycosides. Enzymatic activities were in the range 0.1–1 I.U. The detection limits of various phenolic glycosides were 3–23 pmol. Peak broadening and the linearity of the system were evaluated. The reactor containing immobilized Helix pomatia crude extract was also shown to posses enzymatic activity towards cyanogenic glycosides.

A rapid, simple and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography procedure is described for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of mixtures of cyanogenic glycosides. The separation is achieved by means of a reversed-phase (C8) column eluted with a phosphate buffer, pH 5.0, containing either 15 or 7.5% (v/v) methanol, 7.5% being necessary for resolution of epimeric pairs of the more hydrophilic glycosides. When this separation is combined with enzymatic post-column cleavage and electrochemical detection of the cyanide formed, a highly specific and very sensitive system is obtained. The method was applied to cyanogenic glycosides in crude plant tissue extracts, and compared with both a thin-layer chromatographic method and to a traditional determination of total cyanide released after hydrolysis. Sensitivity, selectivity and accuracy were found sufficient to enable its routine use for analysis of food and fodder samples, for example. Cyanohydrins could be detected qualitatively.

The NADPH-dependent Δ6 desaturation of linoleic acid is decreased by low ionic strength extraction of the microsomal fraction from rat liver. On the other hand, the NADH-dependent desaturase activity is slightly increased. Addition of the extract restores the NADPH-dependent Δ6 desaturase activity of the extracted microsomal fraction. Our results from gel filtration experiments on the extracted proteins show a correlation between the catalase activity of the eluate and the ability of the eluate to stimulate Δ6 desaturase activity. Both the NADH- and NADPH-dependent Δ6 desaturase activity of the extracted microsomal fraction are totally inhibited by exogenous hydrogen peroxide. The inhibitory effect of hydrogen peroxide is partly eliminated by addition of bovine catalase. Neither Superoxide dismutase, tert-butanol nor β-carotene stimulate the Δ6 desaturase activity of the extracted microsomal fraction. The Δ6 desaturase activity of the extracted microsomal fraction is decreased using NADH and NADPH simultaneously as electron donors. On the basis of these results we suggest that the decreased NADPH-dependent desaturase activity of the extracted microsomal fraction is due to a microsomal formation of hydrogen peroxide which possibly inactivates one or more components of the microsomal electron transport system. Furthermore, in the present microsomal fraction the formation of hydrogen peroxide seems to be NADPH-dependent.

A new diol glucoside, 2-β- d -glucopyranosyloxy-2-methylpropanol, the first reported naturally occurring monoglucoside of an aliphatic dihydric alcohol, was isolated from pods of Acacia sieberana var. woodii . Structure elucidation was based on 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy, and enzymatic analyses. The compound was hydrolysed very slowly by almond β-glucosidase, but cleaved by a β-glucuronidase enzyme complex from Helix pomatia .

A new cyanogenic glucoside, isolated from pods of Acacia sieberiana var. woodii, was shown to be (2R)-2- (β- d -glucopyranosyloxy)-3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanenitrile by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The absolute configuration of this glucoside was correlated with that of proacacipetalin by oxymercuration of the latter, followed by borohydride reduction of the product.

Crude and partly purified extracts from Helix pomatia and linamarase from cassava were immobilized on columns packed with porous glass or silica and used as post-column reactors in the high-performance liquid chromatography of cyanogenic glycosides. Sodium hydroxide (2 M ) was added to the flowstream after the enzyme-reactor resulting in the formation of cyanide, which was then detected at a silver electrode by an amperometric measurement at O V with reference to a silver-silver chloride electrode. The selective detection of cyanide allows measurements in a complex matrix. The response is linear and the detection limit is in the low picomole range.

A new method that uses HPLC with a photochemical reactor for enhanced detection was developed and validated for the determination of aflatoxins in cassava flour. Samples were spiked with a mixture of four aflatoxins at 5, 10, and 20 g/kg mixed with either 1 or 5 g NaCl and extracted with methanolwater (80 20, v/v) by shaking for 10 or 30 min. An immunoaffinity column was used for cleanup. HPLC with postcolumn derivatization, for enhancement of aflatoxin fluorescence, and fluorescence determination were used for quantitation of the toxin concentration. The method was validated for recovery, linearity, and precision at the three concentrations tested. Recovery ranges were 5270, 6985, and 8089 for the spiking levels of 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 g/kg, respectively. It appears that the amount of salt (NaCl) and the shaking time are critical factors in this method; optimal performance was obtained when 1 g salt was used and the shaking time was 10 min. The good linearity and precision of the method allowed baseline separation from interferences, e.g., coumarins.