Scientific Opinion on re‐evaluation of calcium carbonate (E 170) as a food additive

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance limestone powder (calcium carbonate)

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State Czech Republic for the pesticide active substance limestone powder (calcium carbonate) are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative use of limestone powder in paste form as a repellent in forest plantations and forest tree nurseries (field uses). The reliable endpoints, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. No concerns are identified.

The potency of minerals to reduce oriental fruit fly infestation in chili fruits

Introductions

In many areas, particularly in Asia, the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) causes considerable fruit damage on various plants. The fruit fly causes significant economic losses every year due to reduced fruit quantity and quality as well as export restrictions. This study aimed to examine the potency of minerals in controlling the oriental fruit fly infestation in chili fruits.

Methods

Experiments were conducted under laboratory and semi-field conditions using randomized block design. Ten minerals (i.e. kaolin, talc, zinc oxide, bentonite, sulfur, dolomite, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and zeolite) and an untreated control were tested under laboratory conditions. Twenty chili fruits at a green stage were soaked in each mineral suspension (2%, w/v), air-dried, and placed in a trial cage (23-L plastic container) containing 20 female oriental fruit flies. In a semi-field bioassay using a screen cage (100 cm × 70 cm × 120 cm), 20 female oriental fruit flies were exposed to a fruit-bearing chili plant sprayed with mineral suspension.

Results

Talc and calcium oxide significantly reduced the numbers of visiting fruit flies, oviposition holes, and eggs laid, as well as the percentage of infested chili fruits in a laboratory bioassay. Calcium hydroxide was substantially better than talc in controlling fruit fly infestation in a semi-field bioassay, although it was not significantly different from calcium oxide and calcium carbonate.

Conclusion

Overall, calcium oxide is a viable option for the long-term control of the oriental fruit fly on chili fruits. Calcium oxide could be utilized as the push component of a push-pull strategy to manage oriental fruit fly infestation in chili fruits because of its potential to inhibit the number of visiting fruit flies and oviposition.

Identifying non-hazardous substances in pharmaceutical manufacturing and setting default Health-Based Exposure Limits (HBELs)

Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) that manufacture large, diverse portfolio of chemical and pharmaceutical substances require pragmatic risk-based decisions with respect to the safe carry-over between different chemical entities, as well as for worker protection. Additionally, CDMOs may not have access to primary study data or data is generally lacking for a specific substance. While pharmaceuticals require the establishment of health-based exposure limits (HBELs) (e.g., occupational exposure limits, permitted daily exposure limits), the limits for non-hazardous substances could be set in a protective and pragmatic way by using default values, when internally required. Since there is no aligned definition provided by authorities, nor agreed default values for non-hazardous substances, we provide a decision tree in order to help qualified experts (such as qualified toxicologists) to identify the group of non-hazardous substances and to assign default HBEL values for specific routes of exposure. The non-hazardous substances discussed within this publication are part of the following subgroups: (I) inactive pharmaceutical ingredients, (II) pharmaceutical excipients or cosmetic ingredients, (III) substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and (IV) food ingredients, additives and contact materials. The proposed default limit values are 1 mg/m³ for the OEL, and 50 mg/day for the PDE oral and IV (intravenous) route.

Safety assessment of the substance nano precipitated calcium carbonate for use in plastic food contact materials

The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the substance 'nano precipitated calcium carbonate', FCM substance No. 1087, the particles size of which is in the range of ■■■■■, with a median of ■■■■■. The substance is intended to be used as a filler in all plastics at up to 5% w/w for contact with acidic food and at up to 40% w/w for contact with all other types of food. Articles made with the substance are intended for long-term storage at room temperature or below. The particulate form of the calcium carbonate dissolved rapidly under simulated gastric conditions and, therefore, in accordance with the EFSA Guidance on Particle - Technical Requirements (2021), an assessment of the particles in nanoform is not required and a conventional risk assessment is sufficient. Calcium carbonate, not in nanoform, is authorised for use in plastic FCM without specific migration limit (FCM No. 21) and for use as a food additive (E 170). Migration, from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing 40% of the substance, was below 0.03 mg/kg in isooctane and 95% ethanol, and 5.4 mg/kg in 10% ethanol. For LDPE containing 5% of the substance, corresponding to the maximum intended amount for contact with acidic foods, the migration was 17 mg/kg. Therefore, the CEP Panel concluded that the substance nano precipitated calcium carbonate is not of safety concern for consumers when used as a filler in all types of polymer for all types of food, except for infant food formulae. The Panel noted, however, that for acidic foods, the overall migration limit may be exceeded.

Safety assessment of the substance fatty acid-coated nano precipitated calcium carbonate for use in plastic food contact materials

The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the substance identified by the applicant as 'fatty acid-coated nano precipitated calcium carbonate'. It is intended to be used as a filler in all plastics at up to 5% for contact with acidic food and at up to 40% for contact with all other types of food. Articles made with the substance are intended for long-term storage over 6 months at room temperature and below. No information was provided on the mechanism of coating as to whether there is chemical modification of the surface and/or physical adsorption. The substance was not properly characterised, either as pristine material or when incorporated into plastic. Contrary to the non-coated material, data show that the coated material does not dissolve fully and quickly under pH conditions simulating gastrointestinal tract. Surface analysis with electron microscopy of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) samples before and after migration experiments showed major differences that indicate release of the substance from the surface after the tests with 3% acetic acid and to a lesser extent with 10% ethanol. This is consistent with measurable migrations that were up to 39 mg CaCO3/kg when using an LDPE sample made with 5% of the substance in contact with acetic acid for 64 days at 40°C. The required data on the release of nanoparticles and on the potential toxicity of the substance in nanoform were not provided. Therefore, the Panel could not conclude on the safe use of the substance.

Food Colour Additives: A Synoptical Overview on Their Chemical Properties, Applications in Food Products, and Health Side Effects

Colour is one of the most relevant organoleptic attributes that directly affects consumers' acceptance and food selection. However, as food colouring pigments are generally unstable and become modified during processing, in order to maintain or restore product colour uniformity, colourants are added to food products around the world. In this context, although they are still widely used, synthetic food colorants, due to their potential hazards, are being replaced by those obtained from natural origins. Indeed, numerous side effects and toxicities, at both the medium and long-terms-namely allergic reactions, and behavioral and neurocognitive effects-have been related to the use of synthetic colourants, whereas their naturally-derived counterparts seem to provide a somewhat high-quality and effective contribution as a health promoter. In order to further understand the implications of the use of synthetic and naturally derived food colourants, this review aims to provide a synoptical approach to the chemical characteristics, properties, uses and side effects on health of those which are currently allowed and applied during food processing.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance calcium carbonate

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Spain and co-rapporteur Member State Hungary for the pesticide active substance calcium carbonate are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of calcium carbonate as a repellent on deciduous and coniferous trees in forestry. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. No concerns were identified.

The dietary management of calcium and phosphate in children with CKD stages 2-5 and on dialysis-clinical practice recommendation from the Pediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce

In children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), optimal control of bone and mineral homeostasis is essential, not only for the prevention of debilitating skeletal complications and achieving adequate growth but also for preventing vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease. Complications of mineral bone disease (MBD) are common and contribute to the high morbidity and mortality seen in children with CKD. Although several studies describe the prevalence of abnormal calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D levels as well as associated clinical and radiological complications and their medical management, little is known about the dietary requirements and management of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) in children with CKD. The Pediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce (PRNT) is an international team of pediatric renal dietitians and pediatric nephrologists, who develop clinical practice recommendations (CPRs) for the nutritional management of various aspects of renal disease management in children. We present CPRs for the dietary intake of Ca and P in children with CKD stages 2-5 and on dialysis (CKD2-5D), describing the common Ca- and P-containing foods, the assessment of dietary Ca and P intake, requirements for Ca and P in healthy children and necessary modifications for children with CKD2-5D, and dietary management of hypo- and hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. The statements have been graded, and statements with a low grade or those that are opinion-based must be carefully considered and adapted to individual patient needs based on the clinical judgment of the treating physician and dietitian. These CPRs will be regularly audited and updated by the PRNT.

Machine Learning as a Proposal for a Better Application of Food Nanotechnology Regulation in the European Union

AIMS

Given the current gaps of scientific knowledge and the need of efficient application of food law, this paper makes an analysis of principles of European food law for the appropriateness of applying biological activity Machine Learning prediction models to guarantee public safety.

BACKGROUND

Cheminformatic methods are able to design and create predictive models with high rate of accuracy saving time, costs and animal sacrifice. It has been applied on different disciplines including nanotechnology.

OBJECTIVE

Given the current gaps of scientific knowledge and the need of efficient application of food law, this paper makes an analysis of principles of European food law for the appropriateness of applying biological activity Machine Learning prediction models to guarantee public safety.

METHODS

A systematic study of the regulation and the incorporation of predictive models of biological activity of nanomaterials was carried out through the analysis of the express nanotechnology regulation on foods, applicable in European Union.

RESULTS

It is concluded Machine Learning could improve the application of nanotechnology food regulation, especially methods such as Perturbation Theory Machine Learning (PTML), given that it is aligned with principles promoted by the standards of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, European Union regulations and European Food Safety Authority.

CONCLUSION

To our best knowledge this is the first study focused on nanotechnology food regulation and it can help to support technical European Food Safety Authority Opinions for complementary information.

Traditional materials from new sources - conflicts in analytical methods for calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate (E170) is a common food and pharmaceutical additive/ingredient. In addition to a source of calcium, the carbonate has uses including as a colour, acidity regulator and bulking agent. Globally, a range of regulatory agencies and pharmacopoeia control the analyses and specification of additives in food, supplements, pharmaceutical substances and excipients. Accordingly, a range of specifications and analyses exist for calcium carbonate depending on the application and market of the product. In this contribution, we analyse calcium carbonates from geological, synthetic and biogenic sources, focussing on acid insoluble impurities, a test required by current monographs. Analysis of calcium carbonate from different origins may require modification of existing tests to comply with regulatory bodies, due to the variation of impurities specific to the source of the material. We suggest an analytical approach involving centrifugation that improves analytical efficiency (up to 85% time reduction), especially for calcium carbonate of biological origin.

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3 formed by three main elements: carbon, oxygen, and calcium. It is a common substance found in rocks in all parts of the world (most notably as limestone), and is the main component of shells of marine organisms, snails, coal balls, pearls, and eggshells. CaCO3 exists in different polymorphs, each with specific stability that depends on a diversity of variables.