Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 220, Revision 1 (FGE.220Rev1): alpha, beta‐Unsaturated ketones and precursors from chemical subgroup 4.4 of FGE.19: 3(2H)‐Furanones

Modification of the terms of authorisation regarding the maximum inclusion level of a feed additive consisting of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylfuran-3(2H)-one for cats and dogs (V. MANE FILS)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the proposed modification of the terms of the authorisation regarding the maximum inclusion level of a feed additive consisting of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylfuran-3(2H)-one for cats and dogs. 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethylfuran-3(2H)-one is currently authorised for use as a sensory additive (functional group: flavouring compounds) for cats and dogs at a recommended maximum content of 5 mg/kg complete feed. The applicant is requesting a modification of the authorisation to increase the recommended maximum content of the additive up to 25 mg/kg complete feed for cats and dogs. Based on the toxicological data available, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylfuran-3(2H)-one is safe for dogs at 25 mg/kg feed and for cats at 18 mg/kg feed. The additive is irritant to skin, eyes and to the respiratory tract and is a skin sensitiser. No further demonstration of efficacy is necessary.

Baseline effects of non-flavored e-liquids in the in vitro micronucleus assay

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDSs; e.g. e-cigarettes) are being developed as potentially reduced-risk alternatives to the continued use of conventional tobacco products. They typically comprise a device that heats an e-liquid to generate inhalable vapor. E-liquids and ENDS-derived vapor have been the focus of toxicological assessment; in particular, their DNA-damaging potential has been investigated with varying outcomes and conclusions. In vitro genetic toxicology assays have formed a part of these assessments. However, they are susceptible to producing misleading or false positive results, especially under extreme conditions. In the present study, we evaluated a series of six neat (non-vaporized) non-flavored e-liquids (NFEL-A to F) in a flow cytometry version of the in vitro micronucleus assay in order to characterize their baseline effects on Chinese hamster ovary cells under hazard identification conditions. The NFELs induced cytotoxicity universally despite differing in propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and nicotine content. In addition, significant genotoxic responses were also detected with the PG-predominant e-liquids NFEL-A, D, and F but not with NFEL-B, C, or E, which contained higher proportions of VG. All six NFELs induced extreme cell culture conditions (i.e. increases in pH and osmolality) at the concentrations assessed. They also exhibited nonbiologically relevant effects on the mechanistic endpoints (i.e. cell cycle and phosphorylated histones H2AX and H3). In conclusion, although the PG component of the NFELs drove micronucleus formation in the assay, data on the complementary mechanistic endpoints suggest that this apparent DNA damage is potentially misleading and of negligible biological relevance as a risk for DNA integrity. In future assessments, any adverse changes (such as signatures of micronuclei induction, G2M arrest, and increases in γH2AX) relative to this reference data set might indicate a possible genotoxic hazard and would prompt further investigations for exploring the extent of risk.

Safety and efficacy of eight compounds belonging to different chemical groups when used as flavourings for cats and dogs

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of 23 compounds belonging to different chemical groups. This opinion concerns eight out of the 23 compounds, which are currently authorised for use as flavours in food. The Panel concludes that the eight additives are safe for cats and dogs at the proposed use level: phenylmethanethiol [12.005] and benzyl methyl sulfide [12.077] at 0.05 mg/kg complete feed; 2‐pentylthiophene [15.096] at 0.1 mg/kg complete feed; tridec‐2‐enal [05.078] and 12‐methyltridecanal [05.169] at 0.5 mg/kg complete feed; 2,5‐dimethylphenol [04.019] at the 1 mg/kg complete feed; hexa‐2(trans),4(trans)‐dienal [05.057] at 1.5 mg/kg complete feed; 2‐ethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐3(2H)‐furanone [13.084] at 2.25 mg/kg complete feed. In the absence of studies to assess the safety for the user, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety for the users when handling the additives. Since all eight compounds are used in food as flavourings, and their function in feed is essentially the same as that in food no further demonstration of efficacy is necessary.

Simultaneous determination of acrylamide and 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone in baby food by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of acrylamide and 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF) in baby food. The sample preparation involves acetonitrile-based extraction combined with dispersive primary secondary amine (PSA) cleanup and cation-exchange solid-phase extraction (SPE), which promotes efficient removal of matrix interferences. Analytical selectivity and sensitivity were achieved for the quantification of acrylamide and HDMF in complex matrices such as fruit, cereal and milk-based baby foods; furthermore, adequate linearity (range 10-300μgkg^-1) in solvent and matrix-matched calibration curves, and appropriate recoveries (94-110%) and precision (RSD≤10%), under repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility conditions, were also obtained. Expanded measurement uncertainty was estimated at the 20μgkg^-1 level (limit of quantification) on the basis of data obtained from in-house validation, with values of 25.5 and 16.5% for acrylamide and HDMF, respectively. The fitness for purpose of developed method was verified by analyzing 15 commercial baby foods available in the Brazilian market. Acrylamide was detected in one plum-based baby food (35μgkg^-1) while HDMF in 67% of the samples analyzed (levels between 25 and 262μgkg^-1).