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Drobac Backović D, Tokodi N. Cyanotoxins in food: Exposure assessment and health impact. Food Res Int 2024; 184:114271. [PMID: 38609248 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114271] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The intricate nature of cyanotoxin exposure through food reveals a complex web of risks and uncertainties in our dietary choices. With the aim of starting to unravel this intricate nexus, a comprehensive review of 111 papers from the past two decades investigating cyanotoxin contamination in food was undertaken. It revealed a widespread occurrence of cyanotoxins in diverse food sources across 31 countries. Notably, 68% of the studies reported microcystin concentrations exceeding established Tolerable Daily Intake levels. Cyanotoxins were detected in muscles of many fish species, and while herbivorous fish exhibited the highest recorded concentration, omnivorous species displayed a higher propensity for cyanotoxin accumulation, exemplified by Oreochromis niloticus. Beyond fish, crustaceans and bivalves emerged as potent cyanotoxin accumulators. Gaps persist regarding contamination of terrestrial and exotic animals and their products, necessitating further exploration. Plant contamination under natural conditions remains underreported, yet evidence underscores irrigation-driven cyanotoxin accumulation, particularly affecting leafy vegetables. Finally, cyanobacterial-based food supplements often harbored cyanotoxins (57 % of samples were positive) warranting heightened scrutiny, especially for Aphanizomenon flos-aquae-based products. Uncertainties surround precise concentrations due to methodological variations (chemical and biochemical) and extraction limitations, along with the enigmatic fate of toxins during storage, processing, and digestion. Nonetheless, potential health consequences of cyanotoxin exposure via contaminated food include gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, organ damage (e.g. liver, kidneys, muscles), and even elevated cancer risks. While microcystins received significant attention, knowledge gaps persist regarding other cyanotoxins' accumulation, exposure, and effects, as well as combined exposure via multiple pathways. Intriguing and complex, cyanotoxin exposure through food beckons further research for our safer and healthier diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damjana Drobac Backović
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia
| | - Nada Tokodi
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia; Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Metabolomics, Gronostajowa 7, Krakow 30387, Poland.
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Premathilaka SH, Westrick JA, Isailovic D. Identification of Serine-Containing Microcystins by UHPLC-MS/MS Using Thiol and Sulfoxide Derivatizations and Detection of Novel Neutral Losses. Anal Chem 2024; 96:775-786. [PMID: 38170221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxic cyclic heptapeptides produced by cyanobacteria, and their structural diversity has led to the discovery of more than 300 congeners to date. However, with known amino acid combinations, many more MC congeners are theoretically possible, suggesting many remain unidentified. Herein, two novel serine (Ser)-containing MCs were putatively identified in a Lake Erie cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB), using high-resolution UHPLC-MS as well as thiol and sulfoxide derivatization procedures. These MCs contain an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl on methyl dehydroalanine (Mdha) residue that undergoes Michael addition to produce a thiol-derivatized MC. Derivatization reactions using various thiolation reagents were followed by MS/MS, and two Python codes were used for data analysis and structural elucidation of MCs. Two novel MCs containing Ser at position 1 (i.e., next to Mdha) were putatively identified as [Ser1]MC-RR and [Ser1]MC-YR. Using thiol- and sulfoxide-modified [Ser1]MCs, identifications were confirmed by the observation of specific neutral losses of the oxidized thiols or sulfoxides in CID-MS/MS spectra in both positive and negative electrospray ionization (ESI) modes. These novel neutral losses are unique for MCs with Mdha and an adjacent Ser residue. Data suggest that a gas-phase reaction occurs between oxygen from adjacent Ser residue and sulfur of the Mdha-bonded thiol or sulfoxide, which leads to the formation and detection of stable cyclic MC ions in MS/MS spectra at m/z values corresponding to the loss of oxidized thiols or oxidized sulfoxides from Ser1-containing MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanduni H Premathilaka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Judy A Westrick
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Dragan Isailovic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
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Rhoades J, Fotiadou S, Paschalidou G, Papadimitriou T, Ordóñez AÁ, Kormas K, Vardaka E, Likotrafiti E. Microbiota and Cyanotoxin Content of Retail Spirulina Supplements and Spirulina Supplemented Foods. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1175. [PMID: 37317149 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051175] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacterial biomass such as spirulina (Arthrospira spp.) is widely available as a food supplement and can also be added to foods as a nutritionally beneficial ingredient. Spirulina is often produced in open ponds, which are vulnerable to contamination by various microorganisms, including some toxin-producing cyanobacteria. This study examined the microbial population of commercially available spirulina products including for the presence of cyanobacterial toxins. Five products (two supplements, three foods) were examined. The microbial populations were determined by culture methods, followed by identification of isolates using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), and by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the products themselves and of the total growth on the enumeration plates. Toxin analysis was carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Several potentially pathogenic bacteria were detected in the products, including Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microcystin toxins were detected in all the products at levels that could lead to consumers exceeding their recommended daily limits. Substantial differences were observed in the identifications obtained using amplicon sequencing and MALDI-TOF, particularly between closely related Bacillus spp. The study showed that there are microbiological safety issues associated with commercial spirulina products that should be addressed, and these are most likely associated with the normal means of production in open ponds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Rhoades
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Department of Food Science and Technology, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatia Fotiadou
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Department of Food Science and Technology, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Paschalidou
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Department of Food Science and Technology, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoti Papadimitriou
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Kormas
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece
- Agricultural Development Institiute, University Research and Innovation Centre "IASON", Argonafton & Filellinon, 38221 Volos, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Vardaka
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Likotrafiti
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Department of Food Science and Technology, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Aparicio-Muriana MDM, Lara FJ, Olmo-Iruela MD, García-Campaña AM. Determination of Multiclass Cyanotoxins in Blue-Green Algae (BGA) Dietary Supplements Using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15020127. [PMID: 36828442 PMCID: PMC9960112 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the consumption of blue-green algae (BGA) dietary supplements is increasing because of their health benefits. However, cyanobacteria can produce cyanotoxins, which present serious health risks. In this work we propose hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) to determine cyanotoxins in BGA dietary supplements. Target toxins, including microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) and microcystin-arginine-arginine (MC-RR), nodularin, anatoxin-a and three non-protein amino acids, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG), were separated using a SeQuant ZIC-HILIC column. Cyanotoxin extraction was based on solid-liquid extraction (SLE) followed by a tandem-solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure using Strata-X and mixed-mode cation-exchange (MCX) cartridges. The method was validated for BGA dietary supplements obtaining quantification limits from 60 to 300 µg·kg-1. Nine different commercial supplements were analyzed, and DAB, AEG, and MCs were found in some samples, highlighting the relevance of monitoring these substances as precaution measures for the safe consumption of these products.
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Turner AD, Beach DG, Foss A, Samdal IA, Løvberg KLE, Waack J, Edwards C, Lawton LA, Dean KJ, Maskrey BH, Lewis AM. A Feasibility Study into the Production of a Mussel Matrix Reference Material for the Cyanobacterial Toxins Microcystins and Nodularins. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:27. [PMID: 36668847 PMCID: PMC9867187 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcystins and nodularins, produced naturally by certain species of cyanobacteria, have been found to accumulate in aquatic foodstuffs such as fish and shellfish, resulting in a risk to the health of the seafood consumer. Monitoring of toxins in such organisms for risk management purposes requires the availability of certified matrix reference materials to aid method development, validation and routine quality assurance. This study consequently targeted the preparation of a mussel tissue reference material incurred with a range of microcystin analogues and nodularins. Nine targeted analogues were incorporated into the material as confirmed through liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with an additional 15 analogues detected using LC coupled to non-targeted high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Toxins in the reference material and additional source tissues were quantified using LC-MS/MS, two different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods and with an oxidative-cleavage method quantifying 3-methoxy-2-methyl-4-phenylbutyric acid (MMPB). Correlations between the concentrations quantified using the different methods were variable, likely relating to differences in assay cross-reactivities and differences in the abilities of each method to detect bound toxins. A consensus concentration of total soluble toxins determined from the four independent test methods was 2425 ± 575 µg/kg wet weight. A mean 43 ± 9% of bound toxins were present in addition to the freely extractable soluble form (57 ± 9%). The reference material produced was homogenous and stable when stored in the freezer for six months without any post-production stabilization applied. Consequently, a cyanotoxin shellfish reference material has been produced which demonstrates the feasibility of developing certified seafood matrix reference materials for a large range of cyanotoxins and could provide a valuable future resource for cyanotoxin risk monitoring, management and mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Turner
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Daniel G. Beach
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, Halifax, NS B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Amanda Foss
- Greenwater Laboratories, 205 Zeagler Drive, Suite 302, Palatka, FL 32177, USA
| | | | | | - Julia Waack
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK
- CyanoSol, School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ, UK
| | - Christine Edwards
- CyanoSol, School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ, UK
| | - Linda A. Lawton
- CyanoSol, School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ, UK
| | - Karl J. Dean
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Benjamin H. Maskrey
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Adam M. Lewis
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK
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Liu H, Zeng X, Wang Y, Losiewicz MD, Chen X, Du X, Wang Y, Zhang B, Guo X, Yuan S, Yang F, Zhang H. Chronic Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Microcystin-Leucine Arginine Causes Lung Barrier Damage through PP2A Activity Inhibition and Claudin1 Ubiquitination. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:10907-10918. [PMID: 36026589 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c05207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), ubiquitous in water and food, is a threat to public health. In the present study, after C57BL/6J mice were fed with environmental concentrations of MC-LR (0, 1, 30, 60, 90, and 120 μg/L) for 6, 9, and 12 months, it was found that MC-LR could enter into mouse lung tissues and cause microstructural damage, as shown by western blotting and HE staining. Electron microscopy examination showed that MC-LR could damage the lung barrier by disruption of the tight junctions, which was confirmed by the decreased expression of tight junction markers, including Occludin, Claudin1, and ZO-1. In addition, MC-LR also increased the ubiquitination of Claudin1, indicating that MC-LR could disrupt tight junctions by promoting the degradation of Claudin1. Furthermore, MC-LR increased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in mouse lung tissues, leading to pneumonia. Importantly, pretreatment with PP2A activator D-erythro-sphingosine (DES) was found to significantly alleviate MC-LR-induced decrease of Occludin and Claudin1 by inhibiting the P-AKT/Snail pathway in vitro. Together, this study revealed that chronic exposure to MC-LR causes lung barrier damage, which involves PP2A activity inhibition and enhancement of Claudin1 ubiquitination. This study broadens the awareness of the toxic effects of MC-LR on the respiratory system, which has deep implications for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450001, Henan, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450001, Henan, China
| | - Yueqin Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450001, Henan, China
| | - Michael D Losiewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio78228, Texas, United States
| | - Xinghai Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio78228, Texas, United States
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450001, Henan, China
| | - Yongshui Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450001, Henan, China
| | - Bingyu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450001, Henan, China
| | - Xing Guo
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450001, Henan, China
| | - Shumeng Yuan
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450001, Henan, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang421001, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha410008, Hunan, China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450001, Henan, China
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LC-MS/MS Validation and Quantification of Cyanotoxins in Algal Food Supplements from the Belgium Market and Their Molecular Origins. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080513. [PMID: 36006175 PMCID: PMC9415669 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080513] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Food supplements are gaining popularity worldwide. However, harmful natural compounds can contaminate these products. In the case of algae-based products, the presence of toxin-producing cyanobacteria may cause health risks. However, data about the prevalence of algal food supplements on the Belgian market and possible contaminations with cyanotoxins are scarce. Therefore, we optimized and validated a method based on Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry to quantify eight microcystin congeners and nodularin in algal food supplements. Our analytical method was successfully validated and applied on 35 food supplement samples. Nine out of these samples contained microcystin congeners, of which three exceeded 1 µg g−1, a previously proposed guideline value. Additionally, the mcyE gene was amplified and sequenced in ten products to identify the taxon responsible for the toxin production. For seven out of these ten samples, the mcyE gene could be amplified and associated to Microcystis sp. EFSA and posology consumption data for algal-based food supplements were both combined with our toxin prevalence data to establish different toxin exposure scenarios to assess health risks and propose new guideline values.
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Erratt KJ, Creed IF, Trick CG. Harmonizing science and management options to reduce risks of cyanobacteria. HARMFUL ALGAE 2022; 116:102264. [PMID: 35710206 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2022.102264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Management of cyanobacteria has become an increasingly complex venture. Cyanobacteria risks have amplified as society moves forward in an era of accelerated global changes. The cyanobacteria management "pendulum" has progressively shifted from prevention to mitigation, with management considerations often put forth after bloom formation. A universal system (i.e., one-size-fits-all management) fails to provide a management path forward due to the inherent complexities of each lake. A tailored management plan is needed: the right species at the right time in the right place (i.e., the three Rs). The three Rs represent a customizable management strategy that is flexible and informed by advances in scientific understanding to lower cyanobacteria-associated risks. Identifying thresholds in risk tolerance, where thresholds are defined by community collectives, is essential to frame cyanobacteria management targets and to decide on what management interventions are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Erratt
- University of Saskatchewan, Department of Biology, Collaborative Science Research Building, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada.
| | - Irena F Creed
- Office of the Vice-Principal Research & Innovation, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada.
| | - Charles G Trick
- University of Saskatchewan, Department of Biology, Collaborative Science Research Building, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada.
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Hendrickson OD, Zvereva EA, Zherdev AV, Dzantiev BB. Ultrasensitive lateral flow immunoassay of phycotoxin microcystin-LR in seafood based on magnetic particles and peroxidase signal amplification. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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10
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Seaweeds as a “Palatable” Challenge between Innovation and Sustainability: A Systematic Review of Food Safety. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13147652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Moderate or severe food insecurity affect 2 billion people worldwide. The four pillars of food security (availability, access, use and stability) are in danger due to the impact of climatic and anthropogenic factors which impact on the food system. Novel foods, like seaweeds, have the potential to increase food yields so that to contribute in preventing or avoiding future global food shortages. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess microbiological, chemical, physical, and allergenic risks associated with seaweed consumption. Four research strings have been used to search for these risks. Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were applied. Finally, 39 articles met the selected criteria. No significant hazards for microbiological, allergenic, and physical risks were detected. Regarding chemical risk, algae can accumulate various heavy metals, especially when harvested in polluted sites. Cultivating seaweeds in a controlled environment allows to avoid this risk. Periodic checks will be necessary on the finished products to monitor heavy metals levels. Since the consumption of algae seems to be on the rise everywhere, it seems to be urgent that food control authorities establish the safety levels to which eating algae does not represent any risk for human health.
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