Publications

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200403,

title = {Monitoring of pesticide amount in water and drinkable food by a fluorescence-based biosensor},

author = {Maria Vittoria Barbieri and Andreia CM Rodrigues and Ferdinando Febbraio},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200403},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200403},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200403},

abstract = {Abstract The identification of pollutants is crucial to protect water resources and ensure food safety. The available analytical methodologies allow reliable detection of organic pollutants such as pesticides; however, there is the need for faster, direct and continuous methodologies for real-time monitoring of pesticides. Fluorescent-based biosensors have been recently proposed as a valid alternative due to their advantage of being easy, cheap and specific. In this context, the aim of the present EU-FORA fellowship programme was to develop and apply a fluorescence-based biosensing device for the detection of organophosphate (OP) pesticides in water samples and drinkable food. The study was addressed using a mutant of the thermostable esterase-2 from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius (EST2-S35C) as a bioreceptor for OP pesticides. The use of EST2 involves some significant advantages including specificity and affinity towards OPs, and high stability over time in a different range of temperatures and pH. The protein was labelled to the fluorescent probe IAEDANS and fluorescence measurements of quenching in solution and in immobilised form were performed. The results showed good stability and sensitivity, reaching low limits of detection and quantification and a constant signal intensity over time. The addition of paraoxon quenched the fluorescence of the complex, reaching a plateau at 100 pmol paraoxon. The decrease of enzymatic activity of EST2-S35C-IAEDANS in the presence of paraoxon correlated the inhibition of the labelled enzyme with the decrease in fluorescence. The results from the application of the biosensor with real samples showed a decrease in fluorescence in surface water samples, contaminated by OPs. The use of the developed fluorescence-based biosensor demonstrated its applicability for real samples monitoring and could ensure the production of large amounts of data in a short period of time which can be used to address environmental and food safety risk assessment.},

keywords = {biosensor, environmental monitoring, esterase-2, fluorescence, organophosphate pesticides, thermostable enzyme},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200404,

title = {Microbiota analysis for risk assessment: evaluation of hazardous dietary substances and its potential role on the gut microbiome variability and dysbiosis},

author = {Klara Cerk and Margarita Aguilera-Gómez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200404},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200404},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200404},

abstract = {Abstract The expansion of fields related to probiotics, microbiome-targeted interventions and an evolving landscape for implementation across policy, industry and end users, signifies an era of important clinical translational changes. Characteristics and perception of traditional probiotics stemmed from the historical long-term use of fermented products. Although the distinction between probiotic microorganisms and fermentation-associated microbes is important, it is often confused as not all fermented foods are probiotic supplements. Current innovation in area of biotechnology and bioinformatics is emerging outside of the classical definitions and new probiotics will emerge from novel sources, challenging scientific as well as regulatory instructions. At the same time, the search for individual and group microbiome signatures – biomarkers in order to predict disease incidence, progression and response to treatment is a key area of microbiological and multidisciplinary research, enabled by efficient and powerful processing of large data sets. However, the regulation of marketed beneficial microbes and probiotics differs among countries and the basic level of classification, which depend on probiotic classification is not globally harmonised. At the same time, the regulation is very demanding to evaluate the safety of products on the market, so that only those products with scientific evidence benefits can obtain positive recognition in ways of health claims. Collaborative experimental and theoretical approaches and case studies have assisted the progress in this crosscutting area of research. There is a requirement to clearly specify criteria and provide details about ways and approaches of achieving those criteria with the intention that manufacturers can benefit from a transparent way of communicating product quality to end users.},

keywords = {biomarkers, bisphenols, knowledge, microbiota, next-generation probiotics, obesity, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200405,

title = {A risk assessment model for Salmonella spp. in swine carcasses},

author = {Athanasios Chalias and Luca Grispoldi and Beniamino Cenci Goga},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200405},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200405},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200405},

abstract = {Abstract Salmonellosis is one of the most important food-borne outbreaks that occurs in the EU/EEA. From the first production stages at slaughter, meat is susceptible to spoilage and can be a substrate for the pathogenic microorganisms growth. Among the pathogens, the presence of Salmonella is mainly due to mishandling during the evisceration stage. For the year 2019, according to the collected data from MSs, on the 17.9% of all food-borne outbursts, the presence Salmonella was confirmed. Pork meat is considered as one of the four most commonly reported foods in cases of salmonellosis. For the training purposes of this project, Salmonella isolation and identification along with RA for carcass contamination, was performed. Pig carcasses were sampled using the non-destructive technique. The sampling took place post dressing and before the stage of chilling. For the Salmonella detection, a three phases process was performed (pre-enrichment, enrichment, isolation). A total of 757 samples were collected, 19 were found to be positive for Salmonella. The most common was found to be Salmonella Derby, which was identified eight times. The main objective of the project was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in swine carcasses. Moreover, certain parameters were evaluated in terms of their influence on the prevalence of Salmonella. A stochastic simulation model was developed in Microsoft Office Excel 2019 by using the add-in @Risk v.8.1. The prevalence was estimated to be 2.6%. For the pigs sampled, the average value of the distance from farm to slaughterhouse was 200.92 km. Additionally, the average weight of the carcasses was 127.97 kg. The prevalence of Salmonella between the samples that came from farms with a distance above the average, was higher by 1.7 units, while the prevalence for the samples with weight above the average was higher by 0.2 units. According to the stochastic model, it is specified that the prevalence is higher with greater distance, and there is an 8.1% probability the prevalence will exceed the legislation’s – hygiene criteria. In addition, the prevalence of Salmonella was shown to increase, as well in the case of samples from weightier animals, but to a lesser extent.},

keywords = {@Risk, Carcass, risk assessment, Salmonella spp., Slaughterhouse, Swine},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200406,

title = {Monitoring AMR in Campylobacter jejuni from Italy in the last 10 years (2011–2021): Microbiological and WGS data risk assessment},

author = {A Conesa and G Garofolo and A Di Pasquale and C Cammà},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200406},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200406},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200406},

abstract = {Abstract Campylobacter jejuni is considered as the main pathogen in human food-borne outbreaks worldwide. Over the past years, several studies have reported antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in C. jejuni strains. In Europe, the official monitoring of AMR comprises the testing of Campylobacter spp. from food-producing animals because this microorganism is responsible for human infections and usually predominant in poultry. Food-producing animals are considered to be a major source of campylobacteriosis through contamination of food products. Concerns are growing due to the current classification of C. jejuni by the WHO as a ‘high priority pathogen’ due to the emergence of resistance to multiple drugs such as those belonging to the fluoroquinolones, macrolides and other classes, which limits the treatment alternatives. Knowledge about the contributions of different food sources to gastrointestinal disease is fundamental to prioritise food safety interventions and to establish proper control strategies. Assessing the genetic diversity among Campylobacter species is essential to the understanding of their epidemiology and population structure. Using a population genetic approach and grouping the isolates into sequence types within different clonal complexes, it is possible to investigate the source of the human cases. The work programme was aimed for the fellow to assess the AMR of C. jejuni isolated from humans, poultry and birds from wild and urban Italian habitats. Given the public health concern represented by resistant pathogens in food-producing animals and the paucity of data about this topic in Italy, the aim was to identify correlations between phenotypic and genotypic AMR and comparing the origin of the isolates. The work programme allowed the fellow to acquire knowledge, skills and competencies on the web-based tools used by IZSAM to process the NGS data and perform bioinformatics analyses for the identification of epidemiological clusters, the study of AMR patterns in C. jejuni isolates, and the assessment of the human exposure to such AMR pathogens. Furthermore, the fellow became able to transfer the acquired knowledge through innovative web-based didactical tools applied to WGS and clustering of specific food-borne pathogens, with particular reference to C. jejuni. To achieve this objective, 2,734 C. jejuni strains isolated from domestic and wild animals and humans, during the period 2011–2021 were analysed. The resistance phenotypes of the isolates were determined using the microdilution method with EUCAST breakpoints, for the following antibiotics: nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamicin, streptomycin, tetracycline. The data were complemented by WGS data for each strain, uploaded in the Italian information system for the collection and analysis of complete genome sequence of pathogens isolated from animal, food and environment (GENPAT) developed and maintained at IZSAM; information like clonal complex and sequence type to understand the phylogenetical distance between strains according to their origins were also considered. This work underlines that a better knowledge of the resistance levels of C. jejuni is necessary, and mandatory monitoring of Campylobacter species in the different animal productions is strongly suggested.},

keywords = {antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Campylobacter, MLST, multidrug resistance (MDR), multilocus sequence typing, resistance genes},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200407,

title = {Improving the risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) along the food/feed chain and from environmental reservoirs using qMRA and probabilistic modelling},

author = {M Niegowska and M Wögerbauer},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200407},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200407},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200407},

abstract = {Abstract Efficient risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in environmental reservoirs, particularly agroecosystems, is critical for predicting threats to animal and human health due to infections unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. However, approaches currently employed for the risk assessment of AMR along the human food chain rarely rely on antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) environmental pathways connected to food production and related quantitative data. The present project aimed at improving the risk assessment related to the spread of AMR along the food/feed chain based on ARG quantification in agroecosystems and interconnected environments. The fellow received training and worked in close cooperation with the team on two ongoing research projects which involved: (i) the monitoring of ARGs in field soils and surface waters to identify and characterise food/feed chain-associated environmental reservoirs of AMR relevant at the national level; (ii) the evaluation of ARG dynamics in relation to agricultural practice within an international project assessing biodiversity as an ecological barrier for the spread of clinically relevant ARGs in the environment. ARG quantification was performed using single/multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with tailor-made primers/probe sets according to in-house optimised and validated conditions. The assessment was completed by a comprehensive revision of available literature data for risk-ranking of ARGs along with a literature review exploring AMR quantitative knowledge gaps and the role of certain AMR determinants encoded on free extracellular DNA (exDNA) in their environmental spread.},

keywords = {agroecosystem, antibiotic resistance genes, Antimicrobial resistance, ARG, extracellular DNA, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200408,

title = {Risk Assessment of Food Contact Materials II},

author = {Edoardo Galbiati and Thomas Tietz and Sebastian Zellmer and Stefan Merkel},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200408},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200408},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200408},

abstract = {Abstract Food contact materials (FCMs) are materials and articles intended to be placed in direct or indirect contact with foodstuffs, or which can reasonably be expected to come into contact with food under normal or foreseeable conditions of use. Substances intentionally used to manufacture FCMs, as well as non-intentionally added substances resulting from impurities, by-products and/or degradation products, can migrate from FMCs into food and, consequently, are taken up by humans. To protect consumers’ health, EU legislation requires that FCMs must be sufficiently inert to prevent substances from being transferred into the food in quantities that could endanger human health. At the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Unit 74 ‘Safety of Food Contact Materials’ deals with the risk assessment of FCMs and provides recommendations on the use of substances for the production of FCMs for which no specific European measures exist yet (e.g. silicone, rubber, paper and board). The BfR ‘Recommendations on Food Contact Materials’ are not legally binding; however, they represent the current state of the scientific and technical knowledge for the conditions under which these materials meet the requirements for consumer safety. As part of the EU-FORA programme, the fellow was involved in the risk assessment tasks and projects undertaken by Unit 74, which include: (i) the scientific evaluation of analytical and toxicological data from dossiers for adding new substances to the database ‘BfR Recommendations on Food Contact Materials’; (ii) the hazard assessment of cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMS) migrating from silicone FCMs into foodstuff; and (iii) in vitro metabolic stability study of cyclic methylsiloxanes in the presence of S9 fraction, performed in the BfR laboratories. Moreover, the EU-FORA fellowship was a great opportunity for the fellow to build a strong network of food safety experts and to be part of an international community of risk assessment professionals.},

keywords = {BfR recommendations, chemical risk assessment, FCM, food contact materials, migration, toxicology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200409,

title = {Seafood safety and food-borne zoonoses from fish},

author = {O Golden and Andreia Juliana Rodrigues Caldeira and LF Rangel and MJ Santos},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200409},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200409},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200409},

abstract = {Abstract Parasitic nematodes of the genus Anisakis are the causative agent of anisakiosis, an important fish-borne zoonosis. Humans are infected through consumption of raw or undercooked fish, contaminated with the parasite. Infection can result in both gastrointestinal and allergic symptoms. There are few reports of anisakiosis in Portugal, but evidence of Anisakis allergy exists, indicating that exposure is occurring in the population. The European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) work programme, entitled: ‘Food safety of fish and zoonoses: fish consumption and microbiological risk assessment and perception, from fisherman to final consumers in Portugal’ was hosted by the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), in Porto, Portugal. It aimed to gather information on risk perception and attitudes in the Portuguese population to contamination of fish with Anisakis spp. and on their knowledge of methods to prevent infection. In addition, it aimed to examine the risk of anisakiosis in the Portuguese population.},

keywords = {Anisakis, fish parasite, food safety, Zoonoses},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200410,

title = {Risk assessment of rare earth elements, antimony, barium, boron, lithium, tellurium, thallium and vanadium in teas},

author = {Ewelina Kowalczyk and Lucas Givelet and Heidi Amlund and Jens Jørgen Sloth and Max Hansen},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200410},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200410},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200410},

abstract = {Abstract In recent years, a great intensification in the use of various elements especially in modern technology can be observed. However, the anthropogenic activities, including industrialisation, urbanisation or intensive agriculture, have led to the release of many of the elements into the environment. The consequence of the accumulation of the elements both in soil and water systems is their presence in the food chain. Inhalation and consumption of the contaminated food and beverages have been indicated as the main pathways of the exposure to many elements. Due to the fact, that tea is considered the second most popular beverage worldwide and its consumption is constantly increasing, it is crucial to evaluate the safety of the product, especially for toxic elements contamination. Thus, the aim of the project was to evaluate the contamination levels of rare earth elements (REEs) including lanthanides, scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y) and also antimony (Sb), barium (Ba), boron (B), lithium (Li), tellurium (Te), thallium (Tl) and vanadium (V) in teas. Subsequently, the risk assessment was carried out. Additionally, the Fellowship provided hands-on training on the evaluation of applications of new biocides and participation in the science-based advises given to the Danish Food and Veterinary Administration, Danish Environment Protection Agency and Danish Medical Agency.},

keywords = {ICP-MS, rare earth elements, risk assessment, tea, toxic elements},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200411,

title = {Appraising diet–disease associations to be used in risk assessment, including an insight in nutritional epidemiology},

author = {Vânia Mendes and Aikaterini Niforou and Androniki Naska},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200411},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200411},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200411},

abstract = {Abstract High consumption of red meat, in particular of its processed products, has been linked to the development of various chronic diseases, and the need to reduce consumption levels of these products has been identified as a public health priority in Europe. Among the potential alternatives, pulses have gained a prominent position in recent years. Stemming from the broader context of the substitution of red meat in the diet with alternative plant-based protein sources, this work programme was developed to address the need of improving the current understanding on the public health impact of potential substitutes. From a training perspective, the main goal was to advance the fellow’s background knowledge in the principles of nutritional epidemiology, while contributing to the harmonisation of food risk assessment practices across Europe. The activities developed comprised a comprehensive learning experience in the different components of the risk assessment framework, giving particular focus to the appraisal of epidemiological evidence within this context (hazard identification and characterisation). The fellow had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with EFSA’s databases among other relevant national and international data sources. The association between the consumption of legumes and risk of cardiovascular disease in particular was extensively explored and described by summarising the available evidence through dose–response meta-analyses. The one-stage approach method was used to explore the shape of the associations, including studies with as few as two levels of exposure, in a weighted mixed-effects model. The analysis was also performed taking into account the potential risk of bias of included studies, assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Upon the completion of the activities carried out, the fellow made significant progress towards the learning outcomes expected to be achieved throughout the duration of the EU-FORA fellowship period.},

keywords = {dose–response association, legumes, plant foods, pulses, risk assessment, risk of bias},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200412,

title = {Study of the different evaluation areas in the pesticide risk assessment process},

author = {Pauline Mombert and Belén Guijarro Díaz-Otero and José Luis Alonso-Prados},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200412},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200412},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200412},

abstract = {Abstract Both chemical and microbial active substances can currently be approved as pesticides in the EU, the provisions of their approval being set under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Although sharing the same legal framework, chemicals and microorganisms used as pesticides have different risk profiles especially because once released into the environment, microbial active substances may produce secondary metabolites, multiply, spread and possibly genetically adapt or transfer antimicrobial resistance genes to other microorganisms. Consequently, the risk assessment process must adjust to the specificities ensuing from the chemical or microbial nature of the active substance. This specific programme focused on the risk assessment of microorganisms used as pesticides, especially on the low-risk criteria linked to antimicrobial resistance and the risk assessment of secondary metabolites. The use of microorganisms in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes was also investigated. In 2020, the recently adopted Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, two important action plans of the European Green Deal, called for a 50% reduction in the use of and risk from chemical and more hazardous pesticides. Many microorganisms are likely to be approved as low-risk active substances, thus representing important tools to achieve this goal. Given the central role that microbial active substances could play towards a more sustainable food system, a need for information regarding the actual production of secondary metabolites by the microorganisms of interest and projects investigating IPM programmes at national and EU levels was identified.},

keywords = {active substance, integrated pest management, low risk, microorganisms, pesticides, plant protection product, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200413,

title = {Meta-analysis and systematic literature review of climate change effects on livestock welfare},

author = {JN Morgado and F Santeramo and E Lamonaca and MG Ciliberti and M Caroprese},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200413},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200413},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200413},

abstract = {Abstract Climate change is a phenomenon that includes different dramatic events that deeply affect the physiology of animal species both directly and indirectly with qualitative–quantitative impacts on livestock performances and health. The implications of climate change on animal welfare and on production demand are complex and call for a multidisciplinary approach which involved both animal science and economic sciences. The current technical report will describe the activities performed by the fellow while placed at the University of Foggia, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Engineering, in Italy. Furthermore, the work programme offered by the hosting site consisted in performing a systematic literature review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Statement, and a quantitative synthesis of the literature on the impact of climate change events (e.g. heat stress) on livestock welfare and productivity and the effect of heat relieving strategies on the animals’ performance.},

keywords = {climate change, heat stress, livestock welfare and production, meta-analysis, systematic literature review},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200414,

title = {Risk–benefit assessment of seaweed Allergenicity risk assessment of novel protein},

author = {Irene Nuin Garciarena and Morten Poulsen and Katrine Lindholm Bøgh},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200414},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200414},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200414},

abstract = {Abstract As the world population rapidly grows, there is a clear need for alternative food sources, particularly for the provision of protein. Seaweed is one such alternative source of protein that requires greater investigation. In this context, a working programme within the European Food Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellowship Programme framework was developed at National Food Institute – Technical University of Denmark. This Programme is an initiative of the EFSA with the aim to build a European risk assessment community. The purpose of this technical report is to describe the activities in which the fellow was involved. As part of the Research Group for Risk–Benefit, the fellow performed a risk–benefit assessment of seaweed Palmaria palmata gaining an in-depth expertise in all the steps. The health impact of Palmaria palmata consumption was estimated, considering its high nutritional value but also highlighting concerns towards some components. Simultaneous to the work on the risk–benefit, the fellow also worked within the Research Group for Food Allergy, specifically on the allergenicity risk assessment of a plant-based novel protein (seaweed protein) using different laboratory assays. Seaweed protein digestibility was assessed, and its digestion products were characterised and assessed for immunogenicity. Finally, the fellow collaborated with the Research Group for Microbial Biotechnology and Biorefining in the development of a novel food (alfalfa protein) application dossier to be submitted to EFSA, gaining expertise in the risk assessment of a novel food. In conclusion, the present working programme, together with additional activities and training provided by different institutions, enabled the fellow to gain a broader perspective in food safety, particularly concerning seaweed, novel foods and the safety assessment of novel proteins.},

keywords = {allergenicity risk assessment, novel food, novel protein, risk–benefit, seaweed},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200415,

title = {Assessment of the possible health risks associated with the consumption of botanical preparations of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom)},

author = {Georgia Papadi and Nadiya Bakhiya and Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200415},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200415},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200415},

abstract = {Abstract The current report summarises the work performed in the context of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA), which included the evaluation of health risks associated with the consumption of botanical preparations of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom). Mitragyna speciosa is a tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves and preparations of the leaves have been used for centuries, among others, as a stimulant or as a traditional herbal medicine. Preparations of the plant have recently gained increasing popularity in other parts of the world, and are presently also accessible via online platforms, e.g. as food supplements. Kratom has been considered a botanical of possible health concern by the FDA and EFSA, which together with its increasing popularity, makes kratom a subject of international concern. Major alkaloids of the plant, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are agonists of the μ-opioid human receptor and are assumed to be mainly responsible for its psychoactive effects. The aim of the present project was to conduct an assessment of potential health risks associated with oral use of kratom-based preparations. The animal and human data that were evaluated in the course of the current assessment indicate that kratom consumption has the potential to not only lead to adverse neurological effects, including addiction and withdrawal syndrome, but also to elicit distinct organ toxicity with respect to e. g. liver and kidney as target organs. Nevertheless, actual risk characterisation is impeded by considerable uncertainties. Such uncertainties, based on the variability in composition of kratom preparations, insufficient information on dose–response relationships and on limited data on long-term use effects, currently do not allow the derivation of distinct health based guidance values for kratom/kratom preparations. Further information from well-designed studies, conducted with kratom preparations that have been clearly defined with respect to their composition, would be required to enable a more refined risk assessment of this botanical.},

keywords = {addiction, food supplement, herb-induced liver toxicity, kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, withdrawal, μ-opioid agonist},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200416,

title = {Training in tools to develop quantitative risk assessment of fresh produce using water reuse systems in Mediterranean production},

author = {Theofilos Papadopoulos and Ana Allende and Jose A Egea and Alfredo Palop Gómez and Pablo S Fernández Escámez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200416},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200416},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200416},

abstract = {Abstract Water resources are increasingly coming under pressure specially around the Mediterranean area, leading to water scarcity and a deterioration in water quality. The use of treated wastewater represents an alternative source to enhance the demand for irrigation water. Water reuse in combination with the promotion of the use of water-efficient technologies in industry and water-saving irrigation techniques could lead to good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface and ground water bodies. Nevertheless, food-borne outbreaks linked to fresh produce irrigated with partially or untreated wastewater caused by bacteria, parasites and enteropathogenic viruses have been widely reported. In the absence of solid scientific understanding of the actual risks involved, consumers are likely less receptive to buy leafy greens irrigated with treated wastewater, also known as reclaimed water. In this study, we aimed to assess the microbiological risks of leafy green vegetables irrigated with treated wastewater in Spain using Norovirus as a model organism to facilitate the development of risk management strategies. A conceptual exposure model was designed to describe the virus fate and transport from the Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) secondary effluent to the consumers' fork. This study is an example of the use of reclaimed water for irrigation of commercial fields producing leafy greens in the south-east of Spain and tries to assess potential microbiological risks to the consumers by establishing their safety.},

keywords = {agriculture, health risks, irrigation of leafy greens, QMRA, Reclaimed wastewater},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200417,

title = {Integration of genomics in surveillance and risk assessment for outbreak investigation},

author = {Vincenzo Pennone and José Francisco Cobo-Díaz and Miguel Prieto-Maradona and Avelino Álvarez-Ordóñez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200417},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200417},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200417},

abstract = {Abstract Keeping food safe is a challenge that needs continuous surveillance for the sake of consumers’ health. The main issue when a food-borne pathogen outbreak occurs is represented by the identification of the source(s) of contamination. Delivering this information in a timely manner helps to control the problem, with positive outcomes for everyone, especially for the consumers, whose health is in this way preserved, and for the stakeholders involved in food production and distribution, who could face enormous economic losses if recalls or legal issues occur. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a tool recently implemented for the characterisation of isolates and the study of outbreaks because of its higher efficiency and faster results, when compared to traditional typing methods. Lower sequencing costs and the development of many bioinformatic tools helped its spread, and much more attention has been given to its use for outbreak investigation. It is important to reach a certain level of standardisation, though, for ensuring result reproducibility and interoperability. Moreover, nowadays it is possible, if not mandatory for Open Science Practices, to share WGS data in publicly available databases, where raw reads, assembled genomes and their corresponding metadata can be easily found and downloaded. The scope of this Fellowship was to provide the Fellow all the training necessary for successfully integrating genomics to surveillance and risk assessment of food-borne pathogens from farm to fork.},

keywords = {Antimicrobial resistance, farm to fork, food safety, outbreak, risk assessment, surveillance, whole genome sequencing},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200418,

title = {Assessment of endocrine disruptive properties of PFOS: EFSA/ECHA guidance case study utilising AOP networks and alternative methods},

author = {Marek Pípal and Linus Wiklund and Sara Caccia and Anna Beronius},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200418},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200418},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200418},

abstract = {Abstract Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are chemical substances that interfere with the endocrine system, adversely affecting human health and environment. Legislation with aim to eliminate and ban EDs have been introduced in EU, but the identification of EDs remains challenging and crucial step towards regulation and risk management. A guidance for ED assessment has been recently established for pesticides and biocides in the EU, which heavily relies on traditional toxicological testing in vivo. Most notably lacking mechanistic methods for some ED modalities and not covering many other modalities that might be affected by EDs. In this project, we focus on the ED assessment according to the valid legislation and explore the possibility to employ alternative methods to bolster the mechanistic understanding of the ED effects and eventually decrease the need for in vivo testing. We selected a well-studied industrial chemical perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) to be a model compound in a case study for ED assessment where the EU criteria were applied in the frame of human health risk assessment with focus on thyroid disruption and developmental neurotoxicity. A systematic literature review has been conducted for these effects (Scopus, Pubmed, Embase), and relevant studies were selected by title/abstract screening (RAYYAN) and full-text examination. Selected studies were assessed for reliability (SciRAP), and all relevant data were extracted into a database and assessed by Weight of Evidence (WoE) approach. The initial analysis showed potential endocrine adverse effects and endocrine activity, meeting the ED criteria. The use of mechanistic and alternative methods enhanced the outcomes of WoE assessment. Also, the study provides a great hands-on experience with the most up-to-date development in the area of risk assessment and EDs.},

keywords = {AOP, endocrine disrupter, NAM, next generation risk assessment, PFOS},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200419,

title = {Monitoring of pesticide amount in fruit and vegetables by a fluorescence-based sensor},

author = {Andreia CM Rodrigues and Maria Vittoria Barbieri and Ferdinando Febbraio},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200419},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200419},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200419},

abstract = {Abstract Faster, sensitive and real-time methods for detecting organophosphate (OP) pesticides are urged for in situ monitoring of these widely spread contaminants. For this reason, several efforts have been addressed for the development of performant biosensors. The thermostable enzyme esterase-2 from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius (EST2), with a lipase-like Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad with a high affinity to OPs, is a promising candidate as a bioreceptor for biosensor development. Within this EU-FORA fellowship project, two different components of the biosensor were evaluated: (i) the use of the enzymatic bioreceptor in solution or immobilised in a solid membrane; (ii) the measurement of fluorescence quenching by direct measurement of the fluorescence probe intensity signal or by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the tryptophans located in the catalytic site of the enzyme to a binded fluorescence probe. Fluorescence spectroscopy is among the most used techniques in analytical chemistry laboratories, mainly due to its high sensitivity and simplicity. To this aim, the developed IAEDANS-labelled EST2-S35C mutant has been used. Fluorometric measurements with both methods showed linearity with increased EST2-S35C concentrations. No significant interference on FRET measurements was observed due to changes in medium pH or due to the addition of other organic components (glucose, ascorbic acid, yeast extract). Both methods presented similar sensitivity towards detecting OPs, with fluorescence quenching due to the presence of paraoxon at environmentally relevant concentrations from 0.09 µM. The obtained results are of high relevance to further development of biosensors for the pesticide monitoring that: (i) decrease the expenses of the analysis; (ii) simplify the procedures for pesticide detection; (iii) reduce the time of response. Furthermore, the use of biosensors for pesticides real-time and in situ detection of pesticides promises to increase the number of samples analysed, providing a larger amount of data for food safety risk assessment.},

keywords = {environmental monitoring, enzymatic bioreceptor, fluorescence-based methods, organophosphate pesticides, thermophilic esterase},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200420,

title = {Benefit and risk assessment of replacing of sodium chloride by other salt/substances in industrial seafood products},

author = {Iga Rybicka and Maria Leonor Nunes},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200420},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200420},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200420},

abstract = {Abstract Sodium (Na) is primarily consumed as salt (sodium chloride, NaCl), which is a critical food ingredient that contributes to improve preservation, shelf-life and sensory attributes (e.g. texture and taste). On the other hand, the excessive Na intake is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases including stroke and heart diseases. The actual NaCl intake in most countries is far above recommended level of 5 g NaCl/day. Therefore, the reduction of NaCl is among top priorities for health authorities around the globe and the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a strategy to reduce NaCl intake by 30% until 2025. Integral part of the reduction strategy is to limit NaCl intake from seafood, which is especially relevant for regions with a significant fish and shellfish consumption. The purpose of the project was to (i) review the current situation of relevant strategies to reducing NaCl content in seafood (literature review), (ii) assess benefit/risk of NaCl replacement with other substances/ingredients in seafood and (iii) disseminate results obtained. In the first phase of the project, the literature review was performed and the review paper was prepared. The second part of the project was focused on the experimental studies on smoked trout which commercially available products can deliver up to 4 g NaCl in 100 g. The aim of this study was to optimise the development process of smoked trout with reduced NaCl content without compromising quality and safety attributes. Another part of the project was related to the dissemination of results which resulted in the preparation of three conference abstracts and two experimental papers.},

keywords = {fish, potassium chloride (KCl), salt reduction, seafood, sodium chloride (NaCl), trout},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200421,

title = {Association between dietary exposure to bisphenols and body mass index in Spanish schoolchildren},

author = {L Stecca and I Moscoso-Ruiz and Y Gálvez-Ontiveros and A Rivas},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200421},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200421},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200421},

abstract = {Abstract The increase in children obesity worldwide has been of particular concern in recent decades. Environmental factors have been proposed as contributors to obesity, and there is a growing concern over obesogens, environmental chemicals with potential obesity-related endocrine-disrupting properties. In this regard, bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues are suspected to have obesogenic properties. Current document report on the activities of the fellow, undertaken during the fourth, 2020–2021 cycle of the EU-FORA programme at the University of Granada, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, in Spain. The work programme offered by the hosting site was related to the extrapolation of bisphenols exposure following the determination of these compounds in food frequently consumed by children and in their biological samples. The fellow has participated in the recruitment of the study population in the health centres. In addition, she has participated in the collection of the children biological samples, anthropometric measurements and dietary surveys and in the optimisation of the laboratory methodology for the extraction of bisphenols in biological samples. All these activities also provided the fellow an opportunity to develop her data science related skills, which will benefit her professional development. In addition, the fellow gained an overview of various topics related to food safety risk assessment by attending the EU-FORA dedicated training modules.},

keywords = {biomonitoring, bisphenols, food consumption, obesity, schoolchildren daily intake},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200422,

title = {Emergent marine toxins risk assessment using molecular and chemical approaches},

author = {Y García-Cazorla and V Vasconcelos},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200422},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200422},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200422},

abstract = {Abstract Cyanobacteria harmful blooms represent a deviation to the normal equilibrium in planktonic communities involving a rapid and uncontrolled growth. Owing to the capacity to produce toxins as secondary metabolites, cyanobacteria may cause huge economic losses in the fishing and aquaculture industries and poisoning incidents to humans due to their accumulation in the food chain. The conditions which promote toxic blooms have not yet been fully understood, but climate change and anthropogenic intervention are pointed as significant factors. For the detection of toxins in edible marine organisms, the establishment of international regulations and compulsory surveillance has been probed as exceptionally effective. However, not regulation nor monitoring have been settled concerning emergent marine toxins. In the light of this scenario, it becomes essential to apply fast and reliable surveillance methodologies for the early detection of cyanobacterial blooms as well as the occurrence of emergent marine toxins. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing has potential to become a powerful diagnostic tool in the fields of food safety and One Health surveillance. This culture-independent approach overcomes limitations of traditional microbiological techniques; it allows a quick and accurate assessment of a complex microbial community, including quantitative identification and functional characterisation, in a single experiment. In the framework of the EU-FORA fellowship, with the final goal of evaluate metagenomics as a promising risk assessment tool, the fellow worked on the development of an innovative workflow through state-of-the-art molecular and chemical analytical procedures. This work programme aims to evaluate the occurrence of emergent marine toxins and the producing organisms in Cabo Verde coastal cyanobacteria blooms. Our results show the outstanding potential of a holistic metagenomic approach for the risk assessment of emergent marine toxins and the producing organisms. Additionally, we have also highlighted its value for the identification and evaluation of secondary metabolites as natural bioactive compounds with biotechnological and industrial interest.},

keywords = {bioinformatics, cyanobacteria, emergent marine toxins, harmful algal blooms, metagenomics, shotgun sequencing, surveillance and risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181101,

title = {Review of Potentially Toxic Rare Earth Elements, Thallium and Tellurium in Plant-based Foods},

author = {Aik Doulgeridou and H. Amlund and J. J. Sloth and M. Hansen},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181101},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181101},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181101},

abstract = {Abstract In the last decades, there is an increasing inclusion of various trace metals and metalloids such as thallium, tellurium and rare earth elements (REEs; lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium) in the composition and production of alloys, in agricultural and medicinal applications, as well as in the manufacturing of hi-tech products. All these activities have led to an accumulation of the aforementioned elements both in soil and water bodies and consequently in the food chain, through discharges from mining and mineral processing, liquid industrial waste or disposal of urban and industrial products. It has been demonstrated that chronic exposure to some of these elements, even at low doses, might lead to a wide range of adverse health effects, even from the early stages of life, such as neurotoxicity, neurodevelopmental toxicity and hepatic alterations. Particularly in children, there have been studies suggesting that some of these elements might negatively affect the children's spatial learning and memory ability indirectly. Such effects are triggered by processes like the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and modulation of antioxidant activities. Nevertheless, the limited data from toxicological studies and their so-far naturally low occurrence levels in the environment acted as a deterrent in measuring their concentrations during routine analyses of metals in foodstuff. Thus, it is important to collect information on their occurrence data both in adults and in children's daily diet. This review sumrises the current knowledge on the concentration of these elements, in plant-based food products to identify whether a potential health risk occurs. As side projects, this Fellowship provided hands-on training on the evaluation of new biocides application and participation in the given advice to the Danish Food and Veterinary Administration, Danish Environmental Protection Agency, the Danish Medical Agency and the European Chemicals Agency.},

keywords = {plant-based food, Rare Earth Element, tellurium, thallium, toxicity, trace element},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181102,

title = {Risk assessment and toxicological research on micro- and nanoplastics after oral exposure via food products},

author = {Sofiya Shopova and Holger Sieg and Albert Braeuning},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181102},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181102},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181102},

abstract = {Abstract Plastics are used ubiquitously and have become part of our everyday life. The global production of plastics is rising, which in consequence is leading to increasing amounts of plastics being released into the environment. Recently, the issue of human exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles and potentially resulting toxicological consequences has been broached, triggered by the discovery of microplastics in foodstuff. In addition to dietary exposure via contaminated food and beverages, other exposure paths such as via air and cosmetics, have to be considered. Currently there is no legislation for microplastics and nanoplastics as contaminants in food. Substantial data gaps with respect to exposure as well as toxicity of such particles impede the risk assessment. Within this EU-FORA fellowship project, a comprehensive data mining approach was followed, focusing on up-to-date knowledge on the occurrence and possible toxic effects associated with micro- and nanoplastics after oral exposure, especially via food products and beverages, in order to provide a basis for risk assessment and to identify important research gaps. The fellowship project was further complemented by practical work aimed at the determination of in vitro toxicity of micro-sized polylactic acid particles.},

keywords = {food, microplastics, nanoplastics, occurrence, risk assessment, toxicity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181109,

title = {Risk Assessment of Food Contact Materials},

author = {Elisa Beneventi and Thomas Tietz and Stefan Merkel},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181109},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181109},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181109},

abstract = {Abstract Food contact materials (FCM) can contain chemicals that could migrate from the material itself to the foodstuff posing health concerns if ingested in non-safe quantities by the consumer. FCM include containers, packaging, machinery or kitchenware and can be made from different materials like plastics, paper and board, metal or glass. Printing inks are also an important part of FCM. FCM have an important role in preventing damage or spoilage of the foodstuff and are essential along the food chain. Therefore, their safety needs to be carefully assessed in order to reduce the exposure to potentially hazardous substances and protect the health of the consumer. At the EU level, the legislation on FCM establishes general safety requirements for FCM. In addition, for certain materials, specific measures concerning usage and release of substances have been set. For materials or articles not specifically regulated in this harmonised framework, safety must be proven on a case-by-case basis. National legislations and lists of substances evaluated by competent authorities are important data sources in this context. One of the most important databases are the ‘BfR Recommendations on Food Contact Materials’ and the soon to come German national regulation on printing inks. BfR Unit 74, besides dealing with chemical risk assessment of FCM, is responsible for the evaluation of application dossiers for including substances into the BfR recommendations on FCM or the substance list of the printing inks regulation. Through the proposed work programme the fellow has been involved in risk assessment of substances that migrate from FCM into foodstuff gaining experience in the methodologies used to perform the scientific data evaluation as well as to support the BfR Unit 74s work.},

keywords = {chemical risk assessment, food contact materials, in silico toxicology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181112,

title = {Risk assessment regarding the use of Annona muricata in food supplements},

author = {Ancuta Cristina Raclariu-Manolica and Nadiya Bakhiya and Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181112},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181112},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181112},

abstract = {Abstract The current risk assessment was performed in the context of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) supported by EFSA and was intended to evaluate possible health risks associated with the consumption of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) and derived food supplements. A. muricata grows as a tree and is native to the Caribbean and Central America. Preparations made from different plant parts of A. muricata (i.e. fruit, leaves, bark, roots) have been used as herbal medicine and are also marketed worldwide as over-the-counter food supplements that have been purported to support general health or to treat a wide range of health conditions, particularly cancer and parasitic infections. However, open questions remain regarding the safety of A. muricata-based food supplements, since Annonaceae have been reported to contain potentially neurotoxic compounds, i.e. acetogenins. The assessment conducted within the present fellowship programme shows that substantial uncertainties exist regarding the safe use of A. muricata-based supplements. The available data provide indications of neurotoxic potential of certain A. muricata preparations. The paucity of adequate studies, particularly related to long-term use of A. muricata supplements, currently does not allow the establishment of a safe intake level. Within this technical report a workflow of the project is presented.},

keywords = {Annona muricata L., annonacin, botanical preparation, food, food supplement, neurotoxicity, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181103,

title = {Training in tools to develop Quantitative Risk Assessment using Spanish ready-to-eat food examples},

author = {Leonidas Georgalis and Alberto Garre and Pablo S Fernandez Escamez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181103},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181103},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181103},

abstract = {Abstract Unsafe food poses global health threats, potentially endangering consumers. The great majority of people will experience a food-borne disease at some point in their lives. Ready-to-eat (RTE) food is the one intended by the producer or the manufacturer for direct human consumption without the need for cooking or other processing effective to eliminate or reduce the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms. Prepared foods are often complex and may contain multiple components that make them vulnerable for growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Among all the pathogenic microorganisms that may be present in RTE foods, Listeria monocytogenes is of special interest because it is the causative agent of listeriosis and it has the ability to survive and replicate at refrigeration and low pH conditions. We performed a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) in RTE dry-fermented sausage to measure the risk of listeriosis associated to the consumption of this product. The starting point of our investigation was the storage at the factory, after the end-product was produced and before distribution to retail. The stochastic model was implemented in MicroHibro, an online tool for QMRA. Because L. monocytogenes concentration and prevalence can vary greatly between different studies and different types of fermented sausages, we tested different scenarios to show the importance of low prevalence and concentration of the pathogen at the final product. Our results show that the risk estimates are very sensitive to the modelling hypotheses used to describe this process. Therefore, the development of accurate probabilistic models describing the initial concentration of L. monocytogenes shall largely reduce the uncertainty associated to the QMRA of listeriosis in this type of product.},

keywords = {food safety, Listeria monocytogenes, QMRA, risk assessment, RTE meat},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181104,

title = {Integration of tools and social science into food safety risk assessments},

author = {R Oakenful and C Thomas and C Tsouli and A Adkin},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181104},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181104},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181104},

abstract = {Abstract The European Food Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellowship work programme ‘Integration of tools and social science into food safety risk assessments’ was proposed and delivered by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), UK. The Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial government department of the UK, responsible for protecting public health in relation to food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The programme was tailored to several different activities to provide an overview of the different tools that can be employed in food safety risk assessment also accounting for the interaction between risk assessment and social science. In order to structure the proposed work, the programme was split into four modules to run over the 12-month period of ‘learning-by-doing’. In the first module, the fellow was introduced to Microbiological Risk Assessment (MRA), in the second to Chemical Risk Assessment (CRA), in the third to Social Science, and finally, in the fourth to the Risk Prioritization Tools and Networks in UK - National Dietary Data (NDNS), collection methodology, coding and analysis. The fellow was assigned to the Risk Assessment Unit within the Science, Evidence and Research Department which brings together specialist expertise from Microbiological, Chemical Risk Assessment, and Analytics Units, under one department together with additional staff from the food allergy and radiological risk assessment fields. The aim was to be fully integrated in the organisation's work gaining first-hand experience, increase knowledge of scientific aspects relevant to food safety risk assessment, and more importantly, to enhance network connection activities in the EU food risk assessment environment.},

keywords = {Exposure assessment, norovirus in lettuce, risk assessment, risk perception},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181105,

title = {Risk assessment of phthalates based on aggregated exposure from foods and personal care products and comparison with biomonitoring data},

author = {Athanasios Gkrillas and Hubert Dirven and Monica Andreassen and Eleni Papadopoulou and Hege Hjertholm and Trine Husøy},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181105},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181105},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181105},

abstract = {Abstract Phthalates are a group of diesters of phthalic acid and have been widely used by the industry as plasticisers giving flexibility and durability to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. Commonly their uses vary from plasticisers in food contact materials and toys to emulsifying agents in personal care products. Phthalates are not covalently bound to PVC, thus they can migrate into the air, skin, water, food and the environment. The omnipresence of phthalates results in human exposure via multiple pathways such as dermal, oral and inhalation for prolonged periods. There is evidence that phthalates can induce disruption in oestrogenic activity, reproductive, developmental and liver toxicity both in experimental animals and potentially in humans. The aim of this technical report is to summarise the activities of the fellow performed at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH). The goals of the work programme were collecting concentration levels on five specific phthalates from the scientific literature and combining them with consumption/use data reported in a biomonitoring study part of a Horizon 2020 project (EuroMix), and finally, estimate the aggregate phthalate exposure from food and personal care products and compare them with the measured phthalate levels in urine samples collected in the biomonitoring study.},

keywords = {cosmetics, exposure, food, Monte Carlo, phthalates, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181106,

title = {Modelling and magnitude estimation of cross-contamination in the kitchen for quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA)},

author = {Maria Francesca Iulietto and Eric G Evers},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181106},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181106},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181106},

abstract = {Abstract In the kitchen of the consumer, two main transmission routes are relevant for quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA): the cross-contamination route, where a pathogen on a food product may evade heating by transmission via hands, kitchen utensils and other surfaces, e.g. to non-contaminated products to be consumed raw; and the heating route, where pathogens remain on the food product and are for the most part inactivated through heating. This project was undertaken to model and estimate the magnitude of cross-contamination in the domestic environment. Scientific information from the relevant literature was collected and analyzed, to define the cross-contamination routes, to describe the variability sources and to extract and harmonise the transfer fractions to be included as model parameters. The model was used to estimate the relative impact of the cross-contamination routes for different scenarios. In addition, the effectiveness of several interventions in reducing the risk of food-borne diseases due to cross-contamination was investigated. The outputs of the model showed that the cutting board route presents a higher impact compared to other routes and replacement of the kitchen utensils is more effective than other interventions investigated; the transfer to other surfaces and objects, which can house bacteria in the environment, is also described. Laboratory cross-contamination trials have been performed to estimate bacterial transfer via cutting, from the external surface of the meat to the cutting surfaces and to the knife. The results, obtained from the laboratory trials, show magnitudes of and differences in the bacterial transfer fraction to the knife and the cutting surface in relation to which side of the meat is contaminated. Despite the complexity of factors which influence bacterial transfer, the combination of laboratory work with mathematical modelling enhanced scientific understanding and appreciation of the uncertainty of the estimates. QMRA methodology results in magnitude estimation of cross-contamination in the kitchen and evaluation of intervention strategies.},

keywords = {cross-contamination, food-borne pathogens, QMRA, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181107,

title = {Identification of risk factors and hotspots of antibiotic resistance along the food chain using next-generation sequencing},

author = {I. Bergšpica and G. Kaprou and E. A. Alexa and M. Prieto-Maradona and A. Alvarez-Ordóñez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181107},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181107},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181107},

abstract = {Abstract Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered to be very alarming following an upward trend and thus posing a primary threat to public health. AMR has tremendous adverse effects on humans, farm animals, healthcare, the environment, agriculture and, thus, on national economies. Several tools have been proposed and adopted by numerous countries after comprehending the need for antimicrobial stewardship and for a rational use of antibiotics. These tools include diagnostics for infections or AMR detection, for measuring and monitoring antibiotic consumption (e.g. surveillance tools) and for guiding medical doctors and veterinarians in selecting suitable antibiotics. In addition, it has been known that the food chain represents a leading vector for the transmission of pathogens to humans via various routes (direct or indirect). Considerable efforts have been made and are still in progress both at international and national levels in order to control and mitigate the spread of pathogens and thus ensure food safety. During the last decades, a new concern has risen regarding the food chain playing a potential major role in the transmission of resistant bacteria as well as resistance genes from the animal kingdom to humans. Several recent studies highlight the role of food processing environments as potential AMR hotspots contributing to this spread phenomenon. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are becoming broadly used in the AMR field, since they allow the surveillance of resistant microorganisms, AMR determinants and mobile genetic elements. Moreover, NGS is capable of providing information on the mechanisms driving and spreading AMR throughout the food chain. In the current work programme, the aim was to acquire knowledge and skills to track AMR genes and mobile genetic elements in the food chain through NGS methodologies in order to implement a quantitative risk assessment and identify hotspots and routes of transmission of AMR along the food chain.},

keywords = {Antimicrobial resistance, food chain, next-generation sequencing, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181108,

title = {Integration of computational tools, data analysis and social science into food safety risk assessment},

author = {Andrea Lorenzoni and Chara Tsoulli and Catherine McCarthy and Amie Adkin},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181108},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181108},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

urldate = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181108},

abstract = {Abstract The EU-FORA Fellowship Programme ‘Integration of tools and social science into food safety risk assessments’ was proposed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the government department responsible for food safety in the UK. The working programme was organised into four modules, covering different areas of risk assessment, including microbiological risk assessment, chemical risk assessment, exposure assessment, risk prioritisation and the integration of risk assessment with social science. During this period, the fellow had the unique opportunity to gain experience in different fields of risk assessment, namely how to conduct a systematic review, to assess the risk of microbiological and chemical hazards, to make use of modelling tools for exposure assessment and risk prioritisation, to write scientific reports for committees and networks at the national level and to understand the role of social science in risk assessment. In addition, the fellow was able to attend several meetings, seminars, courses and workshops that helped him to gain further insight in the field of food science. The complete programme enabled a fast learning curve that allowed the fellow to have an overview of the different tools that can be employed in the wide field of food safety risk assessment, in order to acquire skills and competences that can be used in his future career.},

keywords = {modelling, mycotoxins, risk assessment, social science, systematic review},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181110,

title = {Risk assessment related to food additives and food processing-derived chemical contaminants exposure for the Portuguese population},

author = {Maarja Kukk and Duarte Torres},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181110},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181110},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181110},

abstract = {Abstract The European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) is an initiative by EFSA, aimed at building scientific capacity in food safety risk assessment in the EU. Current paper reports on the activities of this fellow, undertaken in participation of the third, 2019–2020 cycle of the EU-FORA programme while placed at the University of Porto, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, in Portugal. The work programme offered by the hosting site was related to risk assessment on food additives and contaminants. The fellow's hands-on work consisted of two practical exercises, which aimed to assess the exposure to the 10 intense sweeteners authorised in the EU and a process contaminant, acrylamide, for the Portuguese general population.},

keywords = {acrylamide, dietary exposure, food additives, intense sweeteners, process contaminants},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181111,

title = {Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment},

author = {Juan M Martínez and Catherine McCarthy and Rachel A Taylor},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181111},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181111},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181111},

abstract = {Abstract The EUropean FOod Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellowship work programme ‘Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment’, funded by EFSA was proposed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), UK. A scientist with a PhD in Food Science was selected to work within the Biomathematics and Risk Research group, under the guidance of a senior risk assessor. The programme consisted of four different modules that covered a wide range of aspects related to risk assessment (RA). The aims, activities and conclusions obtained during the year are described in this article. The learning-by-doing approach in RA allowed the fellow to discover a broad pool of methodologies, tools and applications while developing his own knowledge in RA, as well as gaining scientific network for future collaborations in the field.},

keywords = {food chain, livestock health, risk assessment, risk ranking},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181113,

title = {Study of the different evaluation areas in the pesticide risk assessment process},

author = {Roberto Molteni and José-Luis Alonso-Prados},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181113},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181113},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181113},

abstract = {Abstract Approval of active substances and authorisation of plant protection products in the EU is made based on a strict risk assessment of the agronomic use of the plant protection products. Regulation 1107/2009 regulates the procedure in the EU with complex procedures involving many actors. ‘The Farm to Fork strategy’ and ‘The Biodiversity for 2030 strategy’, that are the heart of the ‘European Green Deal’, aiming to make food systems fair, healthy, environmentally friendly and put Europe's biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030, for the benefit of people, climate and the planet. Therefore, ‘The Farm to Fork strategy’ and ‘The Biodiversity for 2030 strategy’ represents a challenge for the evaluation and authorisation of plant protection products in which the risk management will constitute a key element on the approval of active substances and authorisation of plant protection products. The aim of the work was to get knowledge of the large body of EU legislation and guidelines in the plant production products, identifying the most critical points of the pesticide evaluation in each of its areas, analysing the complexity and the interaction between these different areas. This study allowed to have a global and clearer vision of these procedures, with the focus on highlighting inconsistency and to propose speed up alternatives. Finally, this work will also facilitate not only the risk assessment but also the decision-making on the approval of active substances and the authorisation of plant protection products.},

keywords = {active substance, approval, authorisation, maximum residue level, pesticide, plant protection products, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170903,

title = {Development of food safety risk assessment tools based on molecular typing and WGS of Campylobacter jejuni genome},

author = {AI Ardelean and P Calistri and A Giovannini and G Garofolo and A Di Pasquale and A Conte and D MorelliD},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170903},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170903},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170903},

abstract = {Abstract The ‘learning-by-doing’ EU-FORA fellowship programme in the development of risk assessment tools based on molecular typing and WGS of Campylobacter jejuni genome was structured into two main activities: the primary one focused on training on risk assessment methodology and the secondary one in starting and enhancing the cooperation between the hosting and home organisations, or other joint activities. The primary activities had three subsequent work packages (WPs): WP1 data organisation, WP2 cluster and association analyses, and WP3 development of risk assessment models. The secondary activities have branched into one workshop and the initiation of a cooperation programme between the hosting and home organisations. In the last quarter, the fellow had contributed to the characterisation of some pathogens in possible response to a changing climate, part of the CLEFSA project. The fellow attended various forms of training: online and on-site courses, and also participated at several conferences and meetings for improving his knowledge and skills, contributing to performing the Campylobacter risk assessment and source attribution.},

keywords = {Campylobacter, risk assessment, source attribution},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170904,

title = {Influence of the geographical origin on substance concentrations in herring as basis for dietary exposure assessments},

author = {C Fechner and S Frantzen and O Lindtner and GH Mathisen and ITL Lillegaard},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170904},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170904},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170904},

abstract = {Abstract Previous investigations on agricultural products showed that geographical origin influences concentrations of selected undesirable substances and ultimately dietary exposure assessment. This could also be relevant for fish from different catching areas, as substance concentrations have been found to vary between catching areas. Herring was chosen as an example. Norwegian and German data on consumption and substance concentrations were considered. To investigate if concentrations of substances are different in Norway and Germany, monitoring data between 2012 and 2017 were used. Norway provided data of commercial catching areas from the Norwegian Spring Spawning (NSS) herring stock, while Germany had market data available. Concentrations of cadmium, mercury and selenium tended to be higher in herring from Norway, while lead concentrations were higher in Germany. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) and non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) tended to have higher concentrations in Germany, while perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) were mostly below quantifiable levels in the two countries. These differences could be attributed to different herring stocks available on the market in Germany and Norway. Country-specific data on consumption and substance concentrations give a basis for a refined exposure assessment covering both the Norwegian and the German situation. This is of special importance if European risk assessments are carried out combining concentration data recorded in several countries without taking origin into account.},

keywords = {catching area, dietary exposure, fish, geographical origin, herring},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170905,

title = {Joint venture on the further development of chemical exposure assessment by use of probabilistic modelling},

author = {Christina Vlachou and Daniela Hofstädter},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170905},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170905},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170905},

abstract = {Abstract Exposure assessment is a fundamental component of the risk assessment process and has a significant contribution to the overall uncertainty of the risk estimates. The aim of the present project, implemented within the framework of the EU-FORA Fellowship, was to develop a structured approach for probabilistic modelling of the dietary exposure to chemical contaminants, which shall be used as a refined alternative to the more conservative deterministic approach or as part of a Tier 2 assessment. The fellow received training and worked in close cooperation with the project team on three case studies of contaminants in food (cadmium, acrylamide and deoxynivalenol). The modelling of the dietary intake was based on relevant EFSA Guidance and employed the Monte Carlo simulation methodology with the use of a standard software tool (Monte Carlo Risk Assessment (MCRA) platform) and/or a tailor-made risk model in the programming language R. The strengths and the limitations of every approach were explored and discussed. The conclusion from the critical comparison of the outputs was that the former can be a tool for the generation of fast preliminary estimates of the usual dietary exposure, whereas the latter may be used by the risk assessors as a more sophisticated, ‘state-of-the-art’ strategy, which will lead to more realistic estimates of the exposure. The outcomes of the project are being currently incorporated in a Guidance Document on probabilistic exposure assessment, which will highly contribute to more informed risk management decisions and to more effective risk communication.},

keywords = {dietary exposure, probabilistic modelling, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170906,

title = {Quantitative risk assessment of Listeria monocytogenes in a traditional RTE product},

author = {Chrystalleni Hadjicharalambous and Luca Grispoldi and Beniamino Cenci Goga},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170906},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170906},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170906},

abstract = {Abstract Ready to Eat (RTE) cooked meat products are among the most consumed RTE food subcategories in the EU. They are also associated with the highest number of listeriosis cases per year. Contamination with Listeria monocytogenes may arise from post-processing and its growth is often supported by the pH and water activity of the product. L. monocytogenes may grow during refrigeration and reach unacceptable levels at the time of consumption, posing a public health risk. The aim of this study was to conduct a Quantitative Microbiological Risk Assessment (QMRA) of L. monocytogenes in a traditional Italian RTE cooked meat product. Data for the risk assessment included prevalence and concentration of the microorganism, temperature-time conditions during transport and storage, information on the growth of the microorganism and its potential for disease (dose–response). These data were obtained from laboratory analysis of product samples (n = 50), a consumer survey (n = 160), recordings of temperatures of domestic refrigerators (n = 60) and were complemented with information from the literature. The data were described with appropriate probability distributions and introduced into a previously described growth model of L. monocytogenes. Based on the above components, a probabilistic model was created to evaluate the growth of L. monocytogenes at each stage of the product pathway (retail storage, transportation and domestic storage) using Monte Carlo simulations. The model design for this pathogen/food product combination, alongside with the findings of the study are included in a separate publication (manuscript under preparation). The results may help risk managers to apply appropriate control measures to minimise the public health risk. The project contributed to further education of the fellow, especially in the use of QMRA risk analysis tools and laid the foundations for future collaborations between the fellow's home institution, the University of Crete, Greece and the University of Perugia, Italy.},

keywords = {head cheese, Listeria monocytogenes, QMRA, risk assessment, RTE meat},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170907,

title = {Insects in food and feed – allergenicity risk assessment and analytical detection},

author = {Cristiano Garino and Jutta Zagon and Albert Braeuning},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170907},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170907},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170907},

abstract = {Abstract Insects and insect-based food products have entered in the European market, carrying along issues of safety and the need of establishing a new legal framework. The consumption of massively reared insects can pose chemical and microbiological risks, and insect proteins are likely to represent a hazard for a subpopulation of allergic individuals. All insect-based products are considered ‘Novel Food’ and fall under EU regulation 2015/2283, according to which a specific application to the European Commission, followed by EFSA scientific evaluation, is needed before the product is put on the market. The recent EU Regulation 2017/893, entered into force on 1 July 2017, allowed a shortlist of seven insect species to be included in the formulation of feeds for aquaculture. Previously, the addition of any insect to any feed for farmed animals was not allowed, due to the risk of prion-derived diseases. The introduction of this new Regulation raises the issue to switch from a classical detection method based on microscopy to a more sophisticated and species-specific method. The overall aims of this EU-FORA project were (i) to set up a new next generation sequencing (NGS)-based molecular method for the identification of insect DNA in feeds for aquaculture; and (ii) to carry out a conceptual work on a probabilistic quantitative risk assessment focused on the allergenicity of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) employed in foods.},

keywords = {allergenicity, Feed, Insect, NGS},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170908,

title = {Application of data science in risk assessment and early warning},

author = {Dimitrios E Pavlidis and Matthias Filter and Anja Buschulte},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170908},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170908},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170908},

abstract = {Abstract The food supply chain has been recognised by the EU as a critical infrastructure, and its complexity is the main cause of vulnerability. Depending on the food matrix, natural and/or deliberate contamination, food-borne diseases or even food fraud incidents may occur worldwide. Consequently, robust predictive models and/or software tools are needed to support decision-making and mitigating risks in an efficient and timely manner. In this frame, the fellow participated in data collection and analysis tasks, so as to provide additional predictive models. The working programme, covered a wide range of aspects related to risk assessment including identification of emerging risks (quantitative), microbiological risk assessment, authenticity assessment, spatio-temporal epidemiological modelling and database formation for hosting predictive microbial models. The training and close integration, in the open-source, in-house (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)) developed software tools under the framework of FoodRisk-Labs (https://foodrisklabs.bfr.bund.de.) for data analysis, predictive microbiology, quantitative microbiological risk assessment and automatic data retrieval purposes allowed for the independent use. Moreover, the fellow actively contributed to the update of the upcoming Yersinia enterocolitica risk assessment, and also in authenticity assessment of edible oils. Over the course of the year, the fellow was closely involved in international and national research projects with experts in the above-mentioned disciplines. Lastly, he consolidated his acquired knowledge by presenting his scientific work to conferences, and BfR-internal meetings.},

keywords = {authenticity, fermented products, KNIME, PMM-Lab, risk assessment, traditional food, Yersinia enterocolitica},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170909,

title = {Nanomaterials in Food – Prioritisation & Assessment},

author = {Eleni Anastasi and Gilles Riviere and Bruno Teste},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170909},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170909},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170909},

abstract = {Abstract Nanomaterials (NMs) are of significant economic interest and have a huge impact on many industries including the food industry. The main application in food industry includes food additives and food packaging. However, the effects of NMs on human health are highly discussed, as well as the need of harmonised analytical methods and risk assessment methodologies. In line with these discussions, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) has started in 2017 a 2-year project focusing on NMs in food, to which the fellow was involved under the framework of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA). This technical report contains a description of the working program, the aims and the activities to which the fellow was involved during this placement. The main aims of the programme were to be involved in different steps of risk assessment process, to improve knowledge regarding food process, analytical and toxicological methods and to learn how to conduct expert assessments. All aims were linked with different kind of activities. Gaining hands-on experience on food risk assessment was achieved mainly by collecting occurrence data and performing exposure assessment calculations for the ‘of concern’ NMs, while scheduled visits to laboratories specialising in analytical methods of nanoparticles and toxicological studies helped to improve knowledge in these fields. Regular participation in the Working Group (GT) related to NMs in food and interaction with experts within ANSES facilitated the learning process of how to conduct collective expertise as well as to be further trained in risk assessment processes. Furthermore, apart from knowledge gained in risk assessment and NMs, the fellow was able to obtain transferable skills and knowledge that can be used to increase the scientific capacity of the fellow's home institute as well as to expand her scientific network, which could lead to collaboration opportunities in the future well beyond this fellowship.},

keywords = {Exposure assessment, food additives, nanomaterials, occurrence data, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170910,

title = {Assessment of combined risk to pesticide residues through dietary exposure},

author = {E Chatzidimitriou and A Mienne and S Pierlot and L Noel and X Sarda},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170910},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170910},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170910},

abstract = {Abstract Plant protection products (PPPs) are preparations intended to protect plants and their products including one or more active substances. The use of PPPs may cause direct or indirect risks. Residues that can remain in or on food might pose a danger to human health through consumption and acute or/and chronic exposure. Authorisation of active substances and PPPs are decided at European and national level, respectively. Risk assessment of dietary exposure to residues of PPPs is regulated by a very extensive legal framework, ensuring consumer safety. The review and evaluation of the residue section of active substance monographs and the dossiers for PPP authorisations within the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) helped gain hands-on experience on food risk assessment, as previewed in the framework of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA). The programme also focused on the cumulative effects of acute exposure to pesticides in food on the human nervous system using probabilistic methodology and it was in continuation of the work carried out by ANSES and the regulated products department residue unit. Using the European Database for processing factors for pesticides in food was one of the main challenges in order to approach a more realistic scenario of exposure. The probabilistic methodology followed was used in accordance with the European Food Safety Authority harmonised guidance.},

keywords = {combined dietary risk assessment, dietary risk assessment, pesticide residues, plant protection products, processing factors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170911,

title = {Risk assessment methodologies in the field of contaminants, food contact materials, technological ingredients and nutritional risks},

author = {Giorgiana M Cătunescu and Ana Ma Troncoso and Angeles Jos},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170911},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170911},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170911},

abstract = {Abstract The programme aimed at training the fellow in the risk assessment guidelines proposed by the EFSA in the field of contaminants, food contact materials, technological ingredients and nutritional risks. It had a modular ‘learning by doing’ approach and a balanced learning/case studies and theory. Module 1 offered an insight into chemical risk assessment and conferred transferable skills for a proper application of the framework. The hands-on activities consisted of three case studies that went from a simple exercise on an official opinion, to working in a team with experts to produce a new opinion, to an individual work to obtain a publishable review manuscript. Module 2 was a training in experimental toxicology designed to create a toxicological basis and to enable the fellow to perform toxicological studies for risk assessment purposes. She joined the team working on cyanotoxins, gained experience with both EFSA and Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines on genotoxicity and an insight into the developing of analytical methods suitable for risk assessment purposes. During module 3, the fellow was trained in nutritional risk assessment and involved in experimental work in chemical characterisation, biomarkers and mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds. This developed the critical perspective when assessing nutritional and health claims related the design of experiments, methods used, interpretation of results and human relevance. Module 4 provided a ‘hand-on experience’ in scientific risk communication as the fellow was encouraged and supported in the participation at local, national and international workshops and congresses presenting the outcomes of the three modules. Thus, the fellow was successfully integrated in the day-by-day workflow of the department, gaining first-hand practical experience in risk assessment in a multicultural and interdisciplinary context. This enabled a productive exchange of good practices and contributed to building a European risk assessment community.},

keywords = {anthocyanins, cyanotoxins, EU-FORA, nanomaterials, nutrition, risk assessment, toxicology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170912,

title = {Livestock, food chain and public health risk assessment},

author = {Irina Smeu and Rachel A Taylor},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170912},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170912},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170912},

abstract = {Abstract The EUropean FOod Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellowship work programme ‘Livestock, food chain and public health risk assessment’, founded by EFSA was proposed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), United Kingdom (UK). A scientist working in the field of food safety was selected to work within the Department of Epidemiological Sciences, under the guidance of an experienced risk assessor. The programme was structured in four different modules that covered a wide range of aspects related to risk assessment (RA). Taken together, all modules ensured a broad overview of the various methodologies, tools and applications of RA. Thus, the learning-by-doing working programme in RA allowed the fellow to develop her knowledge in RA, to diversify her competencies and to extend her scientific network for future collaborations in the field of RA.},

keywords = {food chain, livestock health, risk assessment, risk ranking},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170913,

title = {Chemical risks associated with ready-to-eat vegetables: quantitative analysis to estimate formation and/or accumulation of disinfection byproducts during washing},

author = {Spain Juliana Rodrigues Gadelha and JR Gadelha and A Allende and F López-Gálvez and P Fernández and MI Gil and JA Egea},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170913},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170913},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170913},

abstract = {Abstract Fresh produce can become contaminated with disease-causing microorganisms and chemical contaminants at every step of the production and processing chain and in a variety of ways, including through contact with contaminated process water. Water quality is critical to prevent microbial and chemical risks in any of the postharvest and processing operations related to fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. The wash process requires high volumes of water, which are usually reduced by water reuse. To maintain the microbiological quality of the process water, intervention strategies are needed. Chemical disinfection is the most common method to maintain the microbial quality of process water. However, the use of chemicals leads to the formation/accumulation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which can be absorbed by the washed vegetables. This is the case of trihalomethanes (THMs) and chlorates. The presence of high concentrations of DBPs in vegetables has led to an intensive debate on current disinfection practices and how DBPs may enter the food supply chain, becoming a potential health risk for consumers. To assess the risk associated with the formation/accumulation of DBPs in process water, a quantitative analysis was done. Available data have been used to develop mathematical models to predict the formation/accumulation of DBPs (chlorates and THMs) in process water due to the use of chlorine-derived compounds. Preliminary models have been developed, but adjustments are still needed to refine them. The present study contributes more information related to the development of a mathematical model for the accumulation of chlorates and THMs in process water.},

keywords = {byproducts, Chemical Hazard, Disinfection, Modellisation, Quantitative Risk Assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170914,

title = {Assessment of the endocrine disrupting properties of Bisphenol AF according to the EU criteria and ECHA/EFSA guidance},

author = {Laura Escrivá and Annika Hanberg and Johanna Zilliacus and Anna Beronius},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170914},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170914},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170914},

abstract = {Abstract Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are exogenous compounds that interfere with the hormone system, affecting human health and environment. Specific legislative obligations have been introduced in the European Union (EU) to gradually eliminate EDs in water, industrial chemicals and pesticides. However, identification of EDs is the first and essential step towards regulation and appropriate risk management. Scientific criteria and guidance for ED assessment have recently been established for pesticides in the EU. In this project, the ED properties of the non-pesticide chemical Bisphenol AF (BPAF), analogue and potential substitute of Bisphenol A were evaluated by the application of the EU criteria and guidance in the frame of human health risk assessment. A data dossier was built by a systematic literature review (WOS, Scopus, Pubmed, Embase), title/abstract screening (RAYYAN) and full-text examination. All relevant information was extracted and systematically reported, and reliability and relevance of data were assessed (SciRAP). Data were synthesised into lines of evidence for (i) endocrine activity, (ii) adversity and (iii) general toxicity, and weight of evidence evaluation was applied. The initial analysis of the evidence showed potential endocrine adverse effects and endocrine activity, meeting the ED criteria and leading the assessment to the mode of action (MoA) analysis. The biological plausibility of the link between the adverse effects and the endocrine activity was investigated based on current scientific knowledge. Empirical support for dose–response and temporal concordance was evaluated, and the key events were assessed in terms of essentiality, consistency, analogy and specificity. Finally, an overall conclusion of the ED properties of BPAF was drawn. The EU criteria and guidance for EDs assessment were successfully applied to BPAF demonstrating its endocrine activity and adversity based on weight of evidence methodology and MoA analysis. The Fellow greatly increased her knowledge and hands-on experience on ED assessment in the EU regulatory context contributing to implement transparency and structure in health risk assessment.},

keywords = {bisphenol AF, endocrine disruptor, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170915,

title = {Analysis and Risk Assessment of Seaweed},

author = {M Sá Monteiro and J Sloth and S Holdt and M Hansen},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170915},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170915},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170915},

abstract = {Abstract During the last decade, the interest on the use of seaweed as food or feed, which was before limited to certain European regional subpopulations, has experienced a significant increase in other regions of the EU. In fact, the growing awareness and interest on sustainable and alternative food sources, healthier lifestyles and changes on dietary patterns brought seaweed to the spotlight for the general worldwide cuisine. Due to their high biosorption and accumulation capacity, seaweed can be an important source of increased exposure to persistent and potential harmful elements, such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and inorganic arsenic (iAs), or even some micronutrients, particularly iodine (I), to which an antioxidant role as been described in seaweed. This concentration potential has raised the interest of several Food Authorities regarding the risk of increased exposure to these elements. Moreover, the European Commission requested the collection of monitoring data on their levels aiming to aid the performance of better risk assessments and potentially set maximum levels on the European Legislation. This work aimed to obtain levels of these elements in species of seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus serratus, Fucus spiralis, Fucus evanescens, Saccharina latissima, ulva lactuca and Ccladophora sp.) cultivated and harvested in Denmark, following European Commission's request. Additionally, a collaboration between Denmark, Ireland, France and the Netherlands was initiated to review and collect all the data available on scientific papers regarding the levels of these contaminants in seaweed worldwide. The final result of this work would be the publication of a review article. This Fellowship also provided on-the-job training on the evaluation of applications of new biocides and participation in the science based advises given to the Danish Food and Veterinary Administration, Danish EPA, the Danish Medical Agency and ECHA.},

keywords = {iodine, persistent contaminants, risk assessment, seaweed},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170916,

title = {Risk assessment of exotic disease incursion and spread},

author = {M Cabral and R Taylor and CJ Vos},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170916},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170916},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170916},

abstract = {Abstract This Technical Report describes the activities developed in the scope of the EU-FORA Fellowship, within the work programme of risk assessment (RA) of exotic disease incursion and spread, developed at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR). The programme focused on the work carried out in the Generic risk assessment for introduction of animal diseases (G-RAID) project, which brings together a number of different generic RA tools from multiple European partners. The aim of the fellowship was to gain understanding of veterinary import risk assessment by using different RA tools and to learn how different algorithms can be used to calculate disease incursion risks. G-RAID's tools cover a wide range of RA methodologies; from purely qualitative, to semi-quantitative and fully stochastic quantitative methods, which allowed the fellow to understand a variety of algorithms used to produce the final risk estimate. The fellowship programme provided the fellow with the chance to learn in detail about how generic RAs are performed across Europe, understanding how to deal with the uncertainty and variability involved in RAs and the potential problems of data availability and reliability. The fellow made an inventory of publicly available databases on disease occurrence and international trade that could be used for import RA and assessed their quality and usefulness for the different generic RA tools. The programme also provided the fellow the opportunity to perform several import risk assessments using the RA tools of G-RAID. She completed a RA on African swine fever using the MINTRISK model developed by WBVR. Furthermore, she assessed the risk of foot and mouth disease introduction using the Rapid Risk Assessment Tool (RRAT) model developed by WBVR and the COMPARE model developed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). To this end, the fellow completed a short-term visit to APHA, enabling her to have additional training in quantitative RA and to expand her professional network in this area.},

keywords = {generic model, Import risk assessment, introduction risk, livestock disease, validation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170917,

title = {Risk-Benefit Assessment of Foods},

author = {R Assunção and SM Pires and M Nauta},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170917},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170917},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170917},

abstract = {Abstract Food is an elementary requirement for human life, providing nutrients and essential energy needed for optimal health. But at the same time, food can also be a vehicle of hazardous substances or pathogens that could affect human health negatively. Risk-benefit assessment (RBA) of foods, a relatively new methodology for decision support, integrates nutrition, toxicology, microbiology, chemistry and human epidemiology for a comprehensive health impact assessment. By integrating health risks and benefits related to food consumption, RBA facilitates science-based decision-making in food-related areas and the development of policies and consumer advice. The present work programme aimed to allow the fellow to become acquainted with the process of RBA and the associated tools needed to assess quantitatively the risks and the benefits through three main activities (i) to learn the different methodologies used for RBA; (ii) to apply these methodologies to a specific case-study – RBA of raw milk consumption; and (iii) to participate in the main activities of the Risk-Benefit research group at DTU Food regarding risk-benefit issues. For the RBA of raw milk consumption, microbiological pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli), probiotic bacteria and nutritional components (vitamins B2 and A) were considered, as well as the potential impact of raw milk consumption in the reduction of the allergies’ prevalence. Two major approaches were applied: the bottom-up (estimating the disease incidence due to the exposure) and the top-down (using epidemiological and incidence data to the estimate the number of cases attributable to a certain exposure). Through all the training and hands-on activities performed, the present work programme enabled the fellow to extend the knowledge on the quantitative RBA, specifically in the context of raw milk consumption. EU-FORA programme also provided an exceptional opportunity of networking and establishment of future research lines of collaboration.},

keywords = {food, microbiology, nutrition, raw milk, Risk-benefit assessment, toxicology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16081,

title = {Risk assessment of white willow (Salix alba) in food},

author = {Ewa Matyjaszczyk and Regina Schumann},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16081},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16081},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {16},

number = {S1},

pages = {e16081},

abstract = {Abstract This Technical Report contains a description of the activities within the work programme of the EU-FORA Fellowship on the risk assessment of white willow in food. The bark of different varieties of willow has had a long history of medical use as a means to reduce fever and as a painkiller. Willow bark is also used in weight loss and sports performance food supplements. The labelling of these products usually does not mention any restrictions to the length of use. The recommended doses for foods differ, sometimes exceeding doses recommended for pharmaceuticals. A systematic literature review on adverse effects potentially resulting from oral exposure to white willow (Salix alba) was performed. The aim of the study was to assess the risk for humans when consuming white willow bark in food. The preliminary results show that despite the long history of use only very limited data on toxicity of white willow bark are available. However, anaphylactic reactions in people with a history of allergy to salicylates may occur. Some other adverse effects of salicylates are considered to be of low relevance for the long-time consumption of white willow bark, mainly due to relatively low concentrations of salicin and the presence of compounds with gastroprotective action. However, it seems that the content of heavy metals, mainly cadmium, should be further addressed in risk assessment of white willow bark in food.},

keywords = {bark, cortex, food, food supplements, risk assessment, Salix alba, White willow},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16082,

title = {Novel foods: a risk profile for the house cricket (Acheta domesticus)},

author = {X Fernandez-Cassi and A Supeanu and A Jansson and S Boqvist and I Vagsholm},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16082},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16082},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {16},

number = {S1},

pages = {e16082},

abstract = {Abstract Novel foods could represent a sustainable alternative to traditional farming and conventional foodstuffs. Starting in 2018, Regulation (EU) 2283/2015 entered into force, laying down provisions for the approval of novel foods in Europe, including insects. This Approved Regulation establishes the requirements that enable Food Business Operators to bring new foods into the EU market, while ensuring high levels of food safety for European consumers. The present risk profile tackles the hazards for one of the most promising novel food insects, the house cricket (Acheta domesticus). The risk profile envisages a closed A. domesticus crickets rearing system, under Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and good farming practices (GFP), in contrast with open cricket farms. The methodology used involves screening the literature and identifying possible hazards, followed by adding relevant inclusion criteria for the evidence obtained. These criteria include animal health and food safety aspects, for the entire lifespan of crickets, based on the farm to fork One Health principle. When data were scarce, comparative evidence from close relatives of the Orthoptera genus was used (e.g. grasshoppers, locusts and other cricket species). Nevertheless, significant data gaps in animal health and food safety are present. Even if HACCP-type systems are implemented, the risk profile identifies the following considerable concerns: (1) high total aerobic bacterial counts; (2) survival of spore-forming bacteria following thermal processing; (3) allergenicity of insects and insect-derived products; and (4) the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (e.g. cadmium). Other hazards like parasites, fungi, viruses, prions, antimicrobial resistance and toxins are ranked as low risk. For some hazards, a need for additional evidence is highlighted.},

keywords = {entomophagy, food safety, house cricket, novel foods, risk profile},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}