Re-evaluation of fatty acids (E 570) as a food additive

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance fat distillation residues

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Czech Republic, and co-rapporteur Member State, France, for the pesticide active substance fat distillation residues 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 fat distillation residues as a repellent on seedlings of coniferous and deciduous trees. 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. Concerns were not identified.

Food Additives Associated with Gut Microbiota Alterations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Friends or Enemies?

During the 21st century, the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising globally. Despite the pathogenesis of IBD remaining largely unclear, the interactions between environmental exposure, host genetics and immune response contribute to the occurrence and development of this disease. Growing evidence implicates that food additives might be closely related to IBD, but the involved molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Food additives may be categorized as distinct types in accordance with their function and property, including artificial sweeteners, preservatives, food colorant, emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners and so on. Various kinds of food additives play a role in modifying the interaction between gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation. Therefore, this review comprehensively synthesizes the current evidence on the interplay between different food additives and gut microbiome alterations, and further elucidates the potential mechanisms of food additives–associated microbiota changes involved in IBD.

Octanoic Acid-An Insecticidal Metabolite of Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomopthorales) That Affects Two Majors Antifungal Protection Systems in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera): Cuticular Lipids and Hemocytes

The food flavour additive octanoic acid (C8:0) is also a metabolite of the entomopathogenic fungus Conidiobolus coronatus, which efficiently infects and rapidly kills Galleria mellonella. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of C8:0 in insecticidal fraction FR3 extracted from C. coronatus filtrate. Topical administration of C8:0 had a dose-dependent effect on survival rates of larvae but not on pupation or adult eclosion times of the survivors. Topically applied C8:0 was more toxic to adults than larvae (LD100 for adults 18.33 ± 2.49 vs. 33.56 ± 2.57 µg/mg of body mass for larvae). The administration of C8:0 on the cuticle of larvae and adults, in amounts corresponding to their LD50 and LD100 doses, had a considerable impact on the two main defense systems engaged in protecting against pathogens, causing serious changes in the developmental-stage-specific profiles of free fatty acids (FFAs) covering the cuticle of larvae and adults and damaging larval hemocytes. In vitro cultures of G. mellonella hemocytes, either directly treated with C8:0 or taken from C8:0 treated larvae, revealed deformation of hemocytes, disordered networking, late apoptosis, and necrosis, as well as caspase 1-9 activation and elevation of 8-OHdG level. C8:0 was also confirmed to have a cytotoxic effect on the SF-9 insect cell line, as determined by WST-1 and LDH tests.

Scientific opinion on Prosmoke BW 01

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) was requested to evaluate the safety of Prosmoke BW 01 as a new smoke flavouring primary product, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2065/2003. Prosmoke BW01 is produced by pyrolysis of beechwood (Fagus sylvatica L.) sawdust. Its water content is estimated at 56 wt%, the total identified volatile fraction accounts for 28 wt% of the primary product, corresponding to 64% of the solvent‐free mass, while the unidentified fraction amounts to 16 wt% of the primary product. Analytical data provided for three batches demonstrated that their batch‐to‐batch‐variability was sufficiently low. However, for the batch used for the toxicological studies, there were substantial deviations in the concentration of nearly all the constituents compared to the other three batches. The dietary exposure of Prosmoke BW 01 was estimated to be between 6.2 and 9.2 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, respectively, using SMK‐EPIC and SMK‐TAMDI. Using the FAIM tool, the 95th percentile exposure estimates ranged from 3.2 mg/kg bw per day for the elderly to 17.9 mg/kg bw per day for children. The Panel noted that furan‐2(5H)‐one is present in all batches of the primary product at an average concentration of 0.88 wt%. This substance was evaluated by the FAF Panel as genotoxic in vivo after oral exposure. The Panel considered that the (geno)toxicity studies available on the whole mixture were not adequate to support the safety assessment, due to limitations in these studies and because they were performed with a batch which may not be representative for the material of commerce. Considering that the exposure estimates for furan‐2(5H)‐one are above the TTC value of 0.0025 μg/kg bw per day (or 0.15 μg/person per day) for DNA‐reactive mutagens and/or carcinogens, the Panel concluded that Prosmoke BW 01 raises a concern with respect to genotoxicity.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance rape seed oil

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State the Netherlands and co‐rapporteur Member State Finland for the pesticide active substance rape seed oil and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 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 professional and non‐professional uses of rape seed oil as an acaricide on pome fruit trees (field use), berries, vegetables, ornamentals (greenhouse and field uses) and as an insecticide on potatoes (field use). 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.

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.

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Loaded with Lippia sidoides Essential Oil as a Strategy to Combat the Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris

The emerging pathogen Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that was associated with nosocomial infectious outbreaks. Its worldwide incidence and the emerging multidrug-resistant strains highlight the urgency for novel and effective antifungal treatment strategies. Lippia sidoides essential oil (LSEO) proved antifungal activity, including anti-Candida. However, it may undergo irreversible changes when in contact with external agents without adequate protection. Herein, we encapsulated LSEO in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) through the hot emulsification method followed by sonication. NLC matrix was based on oleic acid and Compritol^® 888, or a combination of carnauba wax and beeswax, stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate. Eight formulations were produced and characterized by the determination of the particle size (213.1 to 445.5 nm), polydispersity index (around 0.3), and ζ-potential (−93.1 to −63.8 mV). The antifungal activity of nanoparticles and LSEO against C. auris and the in vivo toxicity in Galleria mellonella model were also evaluated. Both NLC and LSEO exhibited potent activity against the yeast, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration between 281 and 563 µg/mL, and did not evidence toxicity in the in vivo model. Therefore, this study confirms the viability of NLCs loaded with LSEO in combating drug-resistant pathogens as a potential new therapeutic strategy for managing of candidemia.

Opinion on the re-evaluation of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 471) as food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and follow-up of their re-evaluation as food additives for uses in foods for all population groups

Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 471) was re-evaluated in 2017 by the former EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient sources added to Food (ANS). As a follow-up to this assessment, the Panel on Food Additives and Flavouring was requested to assess mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 471) for its use as food additive in food for infants below 16 weeks of age belonging to food categories 13.1.1 (Infant formulae) and 13.1.5.1 (Dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants). In addition, the FAF Panel was requested to address the issues already identified during the re-evaluation of the food additive in 2017 when used in food for the general population. The Panel considered that there is no indication of adverse effects from the available animal studies at the highest dose tested and from the post marketing data. A comparison was made between the daily exposure to the sum of mono- and di-acylglycerols from breast milk and that resulting from the use of E 471 in the infant formula. The Panel noted that the resulting exposures are in the same order of magnitude. Overall, the Panel concluded that there is no reason for a safety concern when E 471 used as food additive in FC 13.1.1 and 13.1.5.1 and according to the Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The risk assessment for toxic elements and impurities clearly indicated the need to lower the current maximum limits for arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury and to include limits for glycidyl esters, 3-monochloropropane diol and erucic acid in the EU specifications of E 471.

Assessment of Fatty Acid-Specific Lipolysis by In Vitro Digestion and GC-FID

The nutritional relevance of food compositional data could be improved by taking the bioaccessibility of these constituents into account. A lack of routine methods to assess the bioaccessibility of fatty acids (FAs) in food is one of the limiting factors of doing so. An analytical protocol is proposed for routine assessment of the extent of lipolysis via in vitro digestion simulation methods in food products. The established method provides specific information on each FA individually. Steps of the protocol including the Bligh and Dyer chloroform/methanol/water extraction of esterified and free FAs from in vitro digesta, methyl ester derivatization, and GC-FID analysis were specifically tailored to help routine work and were harmonized with the Infogest in vitro digestion simulation protocol (both v1.0 and v2.0). The method was applied to assess the degree of FA-specific lipolysis in a baked fish (carp) meal and the results showed that the FA composition of the original food significantly differed from that of the distribution of FFAs in the digesta. The use of gastric lipase (in Infogest v2.0 protocol) increased total FA release by 9.5% and its specific impact on palmitic acid was the most prominent.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance pelargonic acid (nonanoic acid)

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Greece, and co-rapporteur Member State, Austria, for the pesticide active substance pelargonic acid (nonanoic acid) and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 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 use of pelargonic acid as a herbicide on vineyards, potatoes, paths and places with woody plants, ornamental shrubs, ornamentals lawn, home gardens and allotments, paths and open areas with tree growth, woody ornamentals, decorative lawns, turf (field use). The reliable end points appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Assessments not finalised and missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework are listed.

Natural Compounds With Antibacterial Activity Against Cronobacter spp. in Powdered Infant Formula: A Review

Bacteria from the genus Cronobacter are opportunistic foodborne pathogens capable of causing severe infections in neonates, the elderly and immunocompromised adults. The majority of neonatal infections have been linked epidemiologically to dehydrated powdered infant formulas (PIFs), the majority of which are manufactured using processes that do not ensure commercial sterility. Unfortunately, the osmotolerance, desiccation resistance, mild thermotolerance and wide-ranging minimum, optimum and maximum growth temperatures of Cronobacter spp. are conducive to survival and/or growth during the processing, reconstitution and storage of reconstituted PIFs. Consequently, considerable research has been directed at the development of alternative strategies for the control of Cronobacter spp. in PIFs, including approaches that employ antimicrobial compounds derived from natural sources. The latter include a range of phytochemicals ranging from crude extracts or essential oils derived from various plants (e.g., thyme, cinnamon, clove, marjoram, cumin, mint, fennel), to complex polyphenolic extracts (e.g., muscadine seed, pomegranate peel, olive oil, and cocoa powder extracts), purified simple phenolic compounds (e.g., carvacrol, citral, thymol, eugenol, diacetyl, vanillin, cinnamic acid, trans-cinnamaldehyde, ferulic acid), and medium chain fatty acids (monocaprylin, caprylic acid). Antimicrobials derived from microbial sources (e.g., nisin, other antibacterial peptides, organic acids, coenzyme Q0) and animal sources (e.g., chitosan, lactoferrin, antibacterial peptides from milk) have also been shown to exhibit antibacterial activity against the species. The selection of antimicrobials for the control of Cronobacter spp. requires an understanding of activity at different temperatures, knowledge about their mode of action, and careful consideration for toxicological and nutritional effects on neonates. Consequently, the purpose of the present review is to provide a comprehensive summary of currently available data pertaining to the antibacterial effects of natural antimicrobial compounds against Cronobacter spp. with a view to provide information needed to inform the selection of compounds suitable for control of the pathogen during the manufacture or preparation of PIFs by end users.

Opinion on the re-evaluation of ascorbyl palmitate (E 304i) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and the follow-up of its re-evaluation as a food additive for uses in foods for all population groups

Ascorbyl palmitate (E 304(i)) was re-evaluated in 2015 by the former EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient sources added to Food (ANS). As a follow-up to this assessment, the Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) was requested to assess the safety of ascorbyl palmitate (E 304(i)) for its uses as food additive in food for infants below 16 weeks of age belonging to food categories 13.1.1 (Infant formulae) and 13.1.5.1 (Dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants) and as carry over in line with Annex III, Part 5 Section B to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. In addition, the FAF Panel was requested to address the issues already identified during the re-evaluation of the food additive when used in food for the general population. The process involved the publication of a call for data to allow the interested business operators to provide the requested information to complete the risk assessment. On the basis of the data submitted by interested business operators and the considerations from the Panel, a revision of the existing EU specifications for ascorbyl palmitate (E 304 (i)) has been recommended. Based on in vitro data, the FAF Panel assumed that ascorbyl palmitate fully hydrolyses pre-systemically to ascorbic acid and palmitate. The Panel concluded that the intake of both metabolites, at the MPLs for ascorbyl palmitate as a food additive in infant formula belonging to FC 13.1.1 or in food for special medical purposes belonging to FC 13.1.5.1, does not raise health concerns.

Re-evaluation of acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, mono- and diacetyltartaric acid, mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472a-f) as food additives

The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provided a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, mono- and diacetyltartaric acids, mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472a-f) as food additives. All substances had been previously evaluated by the Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) and by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Hydrolysis of E472a,b,c,e was demonstrated in various experimental systems, although the available data on absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) were limited. The Panel assumed that E472a-f are extensively hydrolysed in the GI tract and/or (pre-)systemically after absorption into their individual hydrolysis products which are all normal dietary constituents and are metabolised or excreted intact. No adverse effects relevant for humans have been identified from the toxicological database available for E472a-f. The Panel considered that there is no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) for E 472a,b,c. The Panel also considered that only l(+)-tartaric acid has to be used in the manufacturing process of E472d,e,f. The Panel established ADIs for E 472d,e,f based on the group ADI of 240 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, expressed as tartaric acid, for l(+)-tartaric acid-tartrates (E334-337, 354) and considering the total amount of l(+)-tartaric acid in each food additive. Exposure estimates were calculated for all food additives individually, except for E 472e and f, using maximum level, refined exposure and food supplements consumers only scenarios. Considering the exposure estimates, there is no safety concern at their reported uses and use levels. In addition, exposure to tartaric acid released from the use of E 472d,e,f was calculated. The Panel also proposed a number of recommendations.

Re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids (E 477) as a food additive

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids (E 477) when used as a food additive. The Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) in 1978 endorsed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 25 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, expressed as propane-1,2-diol, established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in 1974. No adverse effects were observed in short-term studies in rats and dogs at the highest doses tested. The Panel considered that E 477 did not raise a concern for genotoxicity. No chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity studies with propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids were available to the Panel. The Panel considered that any potential adverse effect of propane-1,2-diol ester of fatty acids would be due to propane-1,2-diol, previously re-evaluated as a food additive and for which an ADI of 25 mg/kg bw per day was established. Considering the overall metabolic and toxicity database, the Panel confirmed the previously established ADI for propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids (E 477) of 25 mg/kg bw per day expressed as propane 1,2 diol. This corresponds to an ADI for E 477 of 80 mg/kg bw per day, based on the concentration of free and bound propane-1,2-diol amounting to a maximum of 31% as laid down in the EU specification. The Panel concluded that there would not be a safety concern at the reported use levels for E 477 because exposure estimates from the refined non-brand loyal scenario did not exceed the ADI for E 477 in any of the population groups. However, the Panel aims to explore the feasibility of establishing a group ADI for those food additives that result in an exposure to propane-1,2-diol, such as E 477, E 1520 and E 405. Additionally, the Panel will also consider performing a combined exposure assessment to propane-1,2-diol resulting from the use of these food additives. The Panel also recommended some modifications of the EU specifications for E 477.