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Kuklya A, Poelke B, Michna K, Lehmann S, Kappenstein O, Sarvan I, Luch A, Roloff A, Bruhn T. A multi-technique approach for the quantification of 60 plasticizers and selected additives using GC- and LC-MS/MS and its application for beverages in the BfR MEAL study. Food Chem 2024; 446:138874. [PMID: 38460277 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The development of multi-analyte methods is always challenging, especially when the target compounds derive from many different substance classes. We present an approach to analyze up to 60 additives - mainly plasticizer - including 28 phthalates and 32 further compounds such as sebacates, adipates, citrates, fatty acid amides, among others. Our multi-analyte multi-technique approach combines a single sample preparation step with one GC-MS/MS and two LC-MS/MS quantification methods. We demonstrate the applicability for beverages by a full validation in tomato juice matrix and determining the recoveries in apple juice, mulled wine, and spirits. The approach features good reproducibilities and high precisions with limits of quantification in the low µg·kg-1 food range, enabling the method to be applied for enforcement and especially for exposure investigations. In course of the BfR MEAL study, 16 pooled beverage samples were examined and - if at all - analytes were found only in very low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriy Kuklya
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Birte Poelke
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaudia Michna
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Saskia Lehmann
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Kappenstein
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Safety in the Food Chain, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Irmela Sarvan
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Exposure, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Roloff
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Bruhn
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
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Stadion M, Blume K, Hackethal C, Lüth A, Schumacher DM, Lindtner O, Sarvan I. Germany's first Total Diet Study - Occurrence of non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in foods. Food Chem X 2024; 22:101274. [PMID: 38524778 PMCID: PMC10957405 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of persistent organic pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food represents a public health concern. The BfR MEAL Study was initiated to generate a comprehensive data base of occurrence data for chemicals in the most consumed foods in Germany. Non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) and PBDEs were analysed in 300 foods, purchased and prepared representatively for the eating behaviour of the population in Germany. Highest levels of NDL-PCBs and PBDEs were detected in spiny dogfish, cod liver, herring, and eel. High NDL-PCB and PBDE levels were observed in other oily fish, wild boar meat, sheep liver, and high-fat dairy products. The comparison of food from conventional and organic production revealed higher NDL-PCB values in the food group 'meat and meat products' if produced organically. Occurrence data of this study will improve future dietary exposure and risk assessments in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Stadion
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Blume
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christin Hackethal
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Lüth
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - David M. Schumacher
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Lindtner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Irmela Sarvan
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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Sarvan I, Jürgensen A, Greiner M, Lindtner O. How long can you store vitamins? Stability of tocopherols and tocotrienol during different storage conditions in broccoli and blueberries. Food Chem X 2024; 22:101444. [PMID: 38756470 PMCID: PMC11096863 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences between the stability of α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol as well α-tocotrienol stored at -20 °C and -80 °C were studied in broccoli and blueberry samples. Before storage up to 28 days, they underwent different initializing processes such as freezing quickly with liquid nitrogen and freeze-drying, followed by homogenization. While α-tocopherol levels in blueberries did not significantly differ, levels in broccoli were substantially higher after homogenization of freeze-dried samples compared to fresh broccoli samples. This might be caused by higher extractability of α-tocopherol from the changed cell structure. Storage of fresh broccoli samples at -20 °C led to decreasing α-tocopherol levels. Nevertheless, the deviation between freeze-dried samples to the initial fresh samples and fresh samples frozen with liquid nitrogen stored at -20 °C for 7 days were in the same order of magnitude. In conclusion, storage up to 7 days for vitamin relevant samples before analysis seemed to be justifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmela Sarvan
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anton Jürgensen
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Greiner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Lindtner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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Kung HC, Wu CH, Huang BW, Chang-Chien GP, Mutuku JK, Lin WC. Mercury abatement in the environment: Insights from industrial emissions and fates in the environment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28253. [PMID: 38571637 PMCID: PMC10987932 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury's neurotoxic effects have prompted the development of advanced control and remediation methods to meet stringent measures for industries with high-mercury feedstocks. Industries with significant Hg emissions, including artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM)-789.2 Mg year-1, coal combustion-564.1 Mg year-1, waste combustion-316.1 Mg year-1, cement production-224.5 Mg year-1, and non-ferrous metals smelting-204.1 Mg year-1, use oxidants and adsorbents capture Hg from waste streams. Oxidizing agents such as O3, Cl2, HCl, CaBr2, CaCl2, and NH4Cl oxidize Hg0 to Hg2+ for easier adsorption. To functionalize adsorbents, carbonaceous ones use S, SO2, and Na2S, metal-based adsorbents use dimercaprol, and polymer-based adsorbents are grafted with acrylonitrile and hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Adsorption capacities span 0.2-85.6 mg g-1 for carbonaceous, 0.5-14.8 mg g-1 for metal-based, and 168.1-1216 mg g-1 for polymer-based adsorbents. Assessing Hg contamination in soils and sediments uses bioindicators and stable isotopes. Remediation approaches include heat treatment, chemical stabilization and immobilization, and phytoremediation techniques when contamination exceeds thresholds. Achieving a substantially Hg-free ecosystem remains a formidable challenge, chiefly due to the ASGM industry, policy gaps, and Hg persistence. Nevertheless, improvements in adsorbent technologies hold potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Chieh Kung
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
- Center for General Education, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 833301, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Wun Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Institute of Mechatronic Engineering, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung City, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Ping Chang-Chien
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Justus Kavita Mutuku
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ching Lin
- Department of Neuroradiology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
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Lim GS, Er JC, Bhaskaran K, Sin P, Shen P, Lee KM, Teo GS, Chua JMC, Chew PCF, Ang WM, Lee J, Wee S, Wu Y, Li A, Chan JSH, Aung KT. Singapore's Total Diet Study (2021-2023): Study Design, Methodology, and Relevance to Ensuring Food Safety. Foods 2024; 13:511. [PMID: 38397488 PMCID: PMC10887509 DOI: 10.3390/foods13040511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A total diet study is often used to evaluate a population's baseline dietary exposure to chemical hazards from across the diet. In 2021-2023, Singapore carried out a TDS, and this article presents an overview of the study design and methodological selections in Singapore's TDS, as well as its relevance to ensuring food safety. A food consumption survey was conducted on Singapore citizens and permanent residents, where food consumption patterns of the Singapore population were identified. The selection of chemical hazards and foods for inclusion in Singapore's TDS, as well as principal considerations on sampling, food preparation, and analytical testing are discussed. Commonly consumed foods by the Singapore population in food categories such as grain and grain-based products, meat and meat products, fish and seafood, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products were included in this study, and mean concentrations of chemicals tested in each food category were reported, with food categories possessing higher levels identified. Future work will include dietary exposure assessments for the population and analysis of the contributions by food and cooking method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Songlen Lim
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Jun Cheng Er
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Kalpana Bhaskaran
- School of Applied Science, Temasek Polytechnic, 21 Tampines Ave 1, Singapore 529757, Singapore (P.S.)
| | - Paul Sin
- School of Applied Science, Temasek Polytechnic, 21 Tampines Ave 1, Singapore 529757, Singapore (P.S.)
| | - Ping Shen
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Kah Meng Lee
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Guat Shing Teo
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Joachim Mun Choy Chua
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Peggy Chui Fong Chew
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Wei Min Ang
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Joanna Lee
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Sheena Wee
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Yuansheng Wu
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Angela Li
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Joanne Sheot Harn Chan
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Kyaw Thu Aung
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore (G.S.T.); (P.C.F.C.); (J.L.); (K.T.A.)
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr, Singapore 637551, Singapore
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Kolbaum AE, Ptok S, Jung C, Libuda L, Lindtner O. Reusability of Germany´s total diet study food list upon availability of new food consumption data-comparison of three update strategies. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:794-804. [PMID: 36725925 PMCID: PMC10541319 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00522-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The German total diet study (TDS)-BfR MEAL Study-established its food list in 2016 based on food consumption data of children (0.5-<5 years) and adults (14-80 years). The list consists of 356 foods selected for analysis in order to ensure ≥90% coverage of the diet. Recently, new food consumption data for children (0.5-<6 and 6-<12 years) in Germany became available, which raised the opportunity to evaluate the applicability of the MEAL food list 2016 on new data. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypotheses that the MEAL food list 2016 also covers ≥90% of the diet of the new collected food consumption data, and that the selection of foods from younger children and adults was sufficient to also cover the middle age group (6-<12 years). Strategies for updating the existing food list were assessed. METHODS Three approaches evaluated the reusability and potential adjustment strategies of the existing food list. Approach 1 applied the existing food list to new food consumption data. Approach 2 allowed the extension of the existing food list to improve coverage of food consumption. Approach 3 set up a new food list based on the new data. RESULTS The MEAL food list 2016 covered 94% of the overall diet of the new collected food consumption data. The diet of the middle age group was sufficiently covered with 91%. However, coverage on main food group or population subgroup level was <90% in some cases. Approach 3 most accurately identified relevant modifications to the existing food list. 94% of the MEAL food list 2016 could be re-used and 51 new foods were identified as potentially relevant. SIGNIFICANCE The results suggest that a high investment in the coverage of a TDS food list will lower the effort and the resources to keep data updated in the long-term. IMPACT There is no established approach to update a TDS food list. This study provides comparative approaches to handle newly collected food consumption data for follow-on TDS activities. The results provide useful information for institutions planning or updating a TDS. Furthermore, new food consumption data for children in Germany recently became available and are here presented for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Elena Kolbaum
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
- Paderborn University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Warburger Straße 100, 33098, Paderborn, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Ptok
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Jung
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Libuda
- Paderborn University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Warburger Straße 100, 33098, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Oliver Lindtner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
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Al-Sulaiti MM, Al-Ghouti MA, Ramadan GA, Soubra L. Health risk assessment of methyl mercury from fish consumption in a sample of adult Qatari residents. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:617. [PMID: 37103641 PMCID: PMC10140118 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11194-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Fish constitutes an essential source of high-quality protein and is, at the same time, the source of exposure to many hazardous contaminants, namely mercury and methyl mercury (MeHg). This study aims at assessing the risk that MeHg poses to the health of adult Qatari residents through fish consumption. Data on fish consumption were collected using a self-administered online survey composed of three sections that collected information about the fish-eating patterns of the participants. The fish species that were reported to be consumed by ≥ 3% of the respondents were sampled and analyzed for their total mercury (T-Hg) content levels. MeHg concentrations were derived from T-Hg content levels using a scenario-based approach. Disaggregated fish consumption and contamination data were combined using the deterministic approach to estimate MeHg intakes. The average, 75th, and 95th percentiles of the MeHg intake estimates were determined and compared to the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) set by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) (1.3 μg·kg-1·w-1). All fish samples contained T-Hg at levels ˂ 0.3-0.5 µg/g with a mean value of 0.077 µg/g. The study population had an average fish consumption of 736.0 g/week. The average estimated weekly intakes of MeHg exceeded TWI for some fish consumers including females of childbearing age and those following a high-protein diet. Our study highlights the need to establish regulatory guidelines and dietary advice based on risk/benefit ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maetha M. Al-Sulaiti
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, State of Qatar
| | - Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, State of Qatar
| | - Gouda A. Ramadan
- Central Food Laboratories, Public Health Department, P.O. Box 42, Doha, Qatar
- Agricultural Research Center, Central Laboratory of Residue Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, 12311 Egypt
| | - Lama Soubra
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, State of Qatar
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Kolbaum AE, Sarvan I, Bakhiya N, Spolders M, Pieper R, Schubert J, Jung C, Hackethal C, Sieke C, Grünewald KH, Lindtner O. Long-term dietary exposure to copper in the population in Germany – Results from the BfR MEAL study. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 176:113759. [PMID: 37028745 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The German Total Diet Study (BfR MEAL Study) measured copper in 356 foods. In 105 of these foods copper was determined separately for conventionally and organically pooled samples. Mammalian liver, nuts, oilseeds, cocoa powder and chia seeds contained the highest copper levels. Organically produced foods tended to have higher levels compared to conventionally produced foods. Children's copper exposure was between 0.04 mg/kg body weight per day (mg/kg bw/day) and 0.07 mg/kg bw/day (median). High exposure (95th percentile) ranged between 0.07 mg/kg bw/day and 0.11 mg/kg bw/day. Adult's exposure ranged between 0.02 mg/kg bw/day (median) and 0.04 mg/kg bw/day (95th percentile). Grains and grain-based products were main contributors for all age groups. Copper intake was about 10% higher in a scenario where consumers select the organically produced variants. Children's median and high exposure was above the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.07 mg/kg bw/day set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, according to EFSA's evaluation this is not of concern due to higher requirement related to growth. For adults, frequent consumers of mammalian liver exceeded the ADI in median and 95th percentile. Intake of copper-containing dietary supplements may also lead to exceedance of the ADI in all age groups.
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Stadion M, Hackethal C, Blume K, Wobst B, Abraham K, Fechner C, Lindtner O, Sarvan I. The first German total diet study (BfR MEAL Study) confirms highest levels of dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in foods of animal origin. Food Chem X 2022; 16:100459. [PMID: 36185103 PMCID: PMC9523095 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Presentation of PCDD/F and dl-PCB data in 300 foods prepared as consumed in Germany. By wet weight, highest levels in fish products, fatty fish, sheep liver, and butter. By fat weight, highest levels in game, dairy products, and sheep meat. MEAL foods did not exceed EU maximum levels. Evaluation of the impact of regions and type of production.
The first German Total Diet Study, called the BfR MEAL Study, generated a comprehensive dataset of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in foods representative for the consumption habits in households in Germany. PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs are persistent organic pollutants. Dietary intake is considered to be the most relevant exposure pathway for humans. Levels were examined in 300 foods that were prepared as typically consumed by the population in Germany. Highest PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels were detected in animal-based foods such as fish, butter, dairy products, liver, and meat. The comparison of conventionally and organically produced foods revealed a trend to slightly higher contents in organically produced foods. Sampling discriminated by region and season showed no major differences. Analysed occurrence data will improve future dietary exposure and food safety assessments in Germany.
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Becks S, Berg T, Scherfling M, Drößer C, Ptok S, Weißenborn A, Lindtner O, Sarvan I. Results of the BfR MEAL Study: Highest levels of retinol found in animal livers and of β–carotene in yellow-orange and green leafy vegetables. Food Chem X 2022; 16:100458. [PMID: 36203952 PMCID: PMC9530835 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Data of retinol and β-carotene in 333 and 271 foods prepared as consumed in Germany. Highest levels of retinol were found in liver and liver-based food. High β-carotene levels occurred in orange/green leafy vegetables and fruit nectars. In some foods, levels varied significantly based on production type and seasonality. Margarine represents a food often fortified voluntarily with retinol and β-carotene.
This Total Diet Study (TDS) provides representative data on substance levels in foods, prepared as typically consumed by the population in Germany for future dietary exposure assessment. Vitamin A is essential and must be obtained from the diet, either as preformed vitamin A or as provitamin A carotenoids. Levels of retinol and β-carotene were analysed in 333 and 271 foods, respectively. Highest mean retinol levels were found in cod liver (25,000 µg∙100 g−1), followed by other animal livers, liver-based products, butter, eel and fortified margarine. In contrast, highest mean β-carotene levels were found in carrots (4,650 µg∙100 g−1), followed by other yellow-orange fruits and vegetables, green leafy vegetables and fortified fruit nectars. Sampling by production type and seasonality revealed differences in retinol and β-carotene levels in individual foods. This TDS expands the existing data for β-carotene and vitamin A extensively by providing representative data on most consumed foods.
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Nowak N, Diouf F, Golsong N, Höpfner T, Lindtner O. KiESEL - The Children's Nutrition Survey to Record Food Consumption for the youngest in Germany. BMC Nutr 2022; 8:64. [PMID: 35836299 PMCID: PMC9284799 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-022-00527-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With KiESEL, the Children’s Nutrition Survey to Record Food Consumption, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) collected representative food consumption data for children aged six months up to five years. KiESEL was one of five modules of KiGGS Wave2 (German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents) conducted by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The objective was to update the consumption data for children in Germany and to fill a data gap for the age group of five-year-old children. The study provides an up-to-date and comprehensive database that will be used for exposure assessment, as part of risk assessment of Germany’s youngest consumers. Methods In the years 2014 to 2017, 1104 children from all over Germany participated in KiESEL. During home visits, survey staff conducted a questionnaire-based interview including a food propensity questionnaire (FPQ) on seldom eaten foods and questions concerning consumption outside home, dietary habits and diet during first year. The interviewer measured the children’s height and weight. Families and childcare workers filled out a food record, covering three consecutive days and one independent day. Data are based on the FPQ and present consumption frequencies. Depending on the question, socioeconomic status (SES) and migration background were considered. Results 1104 participants had an interview and filled out the questionnaire on usual food intake, seldom eaten foods and consumption away from home. They were included in sample1. 1008 of these participants additionally reported food consumption of at least three days (sample2). 91.2% of the children follow no special diet and 0.8% are vegetarians. 7% of the older children consuming soya-drink. For some foods differences in consumption across SES or migration status were noted. Children from families with higher SES consume more often soya-based substitute milk as families with lower SES (p < 0.00005). Conclusions KiESEL gathered up-to-date consumption data for more than 1000 children living in Germany, aged six month up to including five years. The data will be used for risk assessments of the BfR and provided to national and international partners. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-022-00527-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Nowak
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Nadine Golsong
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Höpfner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Lindtner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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Fechner C, Hackethal C, Höpfner T, Dietrich J, Bloch D, Lindtner O, Sarvan I. Results of the BfR MEAL Study: In Germany, mercury is mostly contained in fish and seafood while cadmium, lead, and nickel are present in a broad spectrum of foods. Food Chem X 2022; 14:100326. [PMID: 35601214 PMCID: PMC9114524 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cd, Pb, Hg, and Ni were measured in 356 foods prepared as consumed in Germany. Cd, Pb, and Ni were found in a broad food spectrum; Hg was found in fewer foods. Highest Hg levels were found in fish; Boletus contained high levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg. Cocoa powder and chocolate contained high levels of Cd, Pb, and Ni. Sampling by region, season, and production type showed minor differences in levels.
The BfR MEAL Study provides representative levels of substances in foods consumed in Germany. Mercury, cadmium, lead, and nickel are contaminants present in foods introduced by environmental and industrial processes. Levels of these elements were investigated in 356 foods. Foods were purchased representatively, prepared as consumed and pooled with similar foods before analysis. Highest mean levels of mercury were determined in fish and seafood, while high levels of cadmium, lead, and nickel were present in cocoa products and legumes, nuts, oilseeds, and spices. The sampling by region, season, and production type showed minor differences in element levels for specific foods, however no tendency over all foods or for some food groups was apparent. The data on mercury, cadmium, lead, and nickel provide a comprehensive basis for chronic dietary exposure assessment of the population in Germany. All levels found were below regulated maximum levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Fechner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Christin Hackethal
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Nutritional Science (IEW), University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Tobias Höpfner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jessica Dietrich
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorit Bloch
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Lindtner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Irmela Sarvan
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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Kolbaum AE, Jaeger A, Ptok S, Sarvan I, Greiner M, Lindtner O. Collection of occurrence data in foods – The value of the BfR MEAL study in addition to the national monitoring for dietary exposure assessment. Food Chem X 2022; 13:100240. [PMID: 35498969 PMCID: PMC9039998 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The German National Monitoring and the BfR MEAL Study are systematically compared. Adding Total Diet Study data to Food Monitoring data enhances consumer safety. BfR MEAL Study substantially extends the food list for > 250 substances. National Monitoring is needed when variability or regulatory limits are in focus. BfR MEAL Study provides total dietary exposure data for representative consumer habits.
Two different data sets of occurrence data are available in Germany at present: the German National Food Monitoring and the BfR MEAL Study. To determine the suitability of each data set for exposure assessment and to develop concepts for a target-oriented selection and application of data, possibilities, limitations and scope of substance as well as food selection is quantitatively compared. The National Monitoring data provides comprehensive information on the variability of substance levels. This enables short- and long-term exposure assessment and consumer-loyal scenarios. The BfR MEAL Study supplements the monitoring data set with > 100 substances or by complementing the food spectrum for substances already included in the National Monitoring. The study design benefits especially the long-term dietary exposure assessment for the German population including the total diet. Using both programmes enables case-dependent selection of the appropriate dataset and in combination both sets can contribute to enhanced consumer safety.
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Results of the BfR MEAL Study: The food type has a stronger impact on calcium, potassium and phosphorus levels than factors such as seasonality, regionality and type of production. Food Chem X 2022; 13:100221. [PMID: 35498977 PMCID: PMC9039896 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of calcium, potassium and phosphorus in 356 foods of the BfR MEAL Study. High mean levels were found in milk, cheese, nuts, legumes, spices and oilseeds. Differences in organic and conventional foods were determined for some MEAL foods. Lower potassium levels were determined in boiled compared to fried potatoes. Similar levels of phosphorus were found in most foods sampled regionally/seasonally.
The BfR MEAL Study aims to provide representative levels of chemical substances in foods consumed by the population in Germany for dietary exposure assessment. Calcium, potassium and phosphorus (Ca, K, P) are essential to obtain physiological functions in humans. Levels were investigated in 356 foods. Foods were purchased representatively, prepared as typically consumed and pooled before analysis. High mean levels were found in milk, dairy products, legumes, nuts, oilseeds and spices as well as chia seeds (Ca, K, P), chewing gum (Ca) and cocoa powder (K). Different levels comparing organically and conventionally produced foods were determined among others in cereal cracker (puffed), olives and tofu. Higher K levels were found in fried compared to boiled potatoes. Similar P levels were mainly found in regionally and seasonally sampled foods. These data provide a substantially improved basis to address dietary exposure assessment of the population in Germany for Ca, K and P.
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