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Food Safety

Selected e-articles

Abstract: Recognizing the vulnerabilities that arise in the spices’ supply chain for food fraud, determining which products and food fraud types to assess is crucial for ensuring food quality and food safety. In this study, we developed a data driven food fraud vulnerability assessment approach based on a Bayesian Network (BN) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to predict the food fraud vulnerability level for products entering Europe including the food fraud types and potential adulterants for each step in the supply chain. The BN model was developed using a dataset based on spice-related fraud cases reported in the European Union (EU) Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) over the period 2005–2020. Three use cases were explored in the study: chilli, black pepper, and turmeric. The model showed a prediction accuracy higher than 95%. The vulnerability factors in the spices’ supply chain having the highest prediction accuracy for fraud are closely associated with the product concerned, the site of intervention and the country of origin of the product. A food fraud vulnerability assessment approach developed in this study could support the food industry and authorities to be more efficient in resource allocation for monitoring and verification whilst maximising their opportunity in detecting a fraudulent product.

Abstract: In view of a continuous trend in replacing synthetic feed additives and especially flavouring compounds by botanical preparations, different aspects of the safety evaluations of plants and plant-derived preparations and components in feed are discussed. This includes risk assessment approaches developed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for phytotoxins regarding unintentional exposure of target animals and of consumers to animal derived food via carry-over from feed. Relevant regulatory frameworks for feed additives and feed contaminants in the European Union are summarised and the essentials of existing guidelines used in the safety evaluation of botanicals and their preparations and components in feed are outlined. The examples presented illustrate how the safety of the botanicals, their preparations and components present in feed is assessed. An outlook on possible future developments in risk assessment by applying new in vitro and in silico methodologies is given.

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a pathogenic bacteria able to grow at refrigerated temperatures, widely distributed in the environment. This bacteria is susceptible to contaminate various food products of which refrigerated ready-to-eat foods (RTEF) may pose a risk for public health. In Europe, food business operators (FBOs) shall ensure that foodstuffs comply with the relevant microbiological criteria set out in the Regulation (EC) N◦2073/ 2005. Food safety criteria for Lm are defined in RTEF throughout their shelf-life. FBOs should implement studies to demonstrate that the concentration of Lm does not exceed 100 CFU/g at the end of the shelf-life, taking into account foreseeable conditions of distributions, storage and use, including the use by consumers. However, this last part of the cold chain for food products is the most difficult to capture and control. For this purpose, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Lm (EURL Lm) launched an inquiry to its National Reference Laboratory network and reviewed the scientific literature from 2002 to 2020. The outcomes were integrated in the technical guidance document of the EURL Lm to assess shelf-life of RTEF which resulted in the recommendation to use 10 ◦C as the reference temperature to simulate the reasonably foreseen storage conditions in domestic refrigerators.

Abstract: The current food system, which is responsible for about one third of all global gas emissions, is considered one of the main causes of resource depletion. For this reason, scientific research is investigating new alternatives capable of feeding an ever-growing population that is set to reach 9–11 billion by 2050. Among these, cell-based meat, also called cultured meat, is one possible solution. It is part of a larger branch of science called cellular agriculture, whose goal is to produce food from individual cells rather than whole organisms, tracing their molecular profile. To date, however, cultured meat aroused conflicting opinions. For this reason, the aim of this review was to take an in-depth look at the current European legislative framework, which reflects a ‘precautionary approach’ based on the assumption that these innovative foods require careful risk assessment to safeguard consumer health. In this context, the assessment of possible risks made it possible not only to identify the main critical points during each stage of the production chain (proliferation, differentiation, scaffolding, maturation and marketing), but also to identify solutions in accordance with the recommendations of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Further, the main challenges related to organoleptic and nutritional properties have been reviewed.. Finally, possible future markets were studied, which would complement that of traditional meat, implementing the offer for the consumer, who is still sceptical about the acceptance of this new product. Although further investigation is needed, the growing demand for market diversification and the food security opportunities associated with food shortages, as well as justifying the commercialisation of cultured meat, would present an opportunity to position cultured meat as beneficial.

Abstract: Digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to modernize official food safety control. Shift from paper- to digital-based systems enable recording and reporting data directly in digital format and further analyze and disclose inspection data. Further to this, digital technologies enable the automatization of processes through rule-based instructions, a fact that could positively influence the consistency of official control. Nevertheless, the extent of the use of digital technologies during official food safety control inspections by competent authorities (CAs) of European Union (EU) countries is not known. For this reason, the aim of this study was to assess the level of use of a digital environment during inspections at retail establishments. This was performed by administering a questionnaire to CAs from EU countries. A total of 88 national, regional or local CAs from 15 EU countries responded to the questionnaire. Of them, 62.5% (55/88) used a digital environment during inspections, the majority to standardize data collection and reporting. CAs autotomize processes through digital technologies related to the management of official control and generation of inspection results, but to a lesser extent to automatize decision-making during inspections. Of the CAs not using a digital environment (37.5%; 33/88), technological constraints and lack of economic resources were the two most prevalent reasons for not using such an environment. The use of digital technologies as decision support tools to standardize official controls and improve consistency and efficiency should be enhanced for the benefit of society.

Abstract: This paper reports a quantitative and structural analysis of data gathered on the food issues reported by the European Union members over the last forty years. The study applies statistical measures and network analysis techniques. For this purpose, a graph was constructed of how different contaminated products have been distributed through countries. The work aims to leverage insights into the structure formed by the involvement of European countries in the exchange of goods that can cause problems for populations. The results obtained show the roles of different countries in the detection of sensitive routes. In particular, the analysis identifies problematic origin countries, such as China or Turkey, whereas European countries, in general, do have good border control policies for the import/export of food.

Abstract: Human health and animal health risk assessment of combined exposure to multiple chemicals use the same steps as single-substance risk assessment, namely problem formulation, exposure assessment, hazard assessment and risk characterisation. The main unique feature of combined RA is the assessment of combined exposure, toxicity and risk. Recently, the Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published two relevant guidance documents. The first one “Harmonised methodologies for the human health, animal health and ecological risk assessment of combined exposure to multiple chemicals” provides principles and explores methodologies for all steps of risk assessment together with a reporting table. This guidance supports also the default assumption that dose addition is applied for combined toxicity of the chemicals unless evidence for response addition or interactions (antagonism or synergism) is available. The second guidance document provides an account of the scientific criteria to group chemicals in assessment groups using hazard-driven criteria and prioritisation methods, i.e., exposure-driven and risk-based approaches. This manuscript describes such principles, provides a brief description of EFSA’s guidance documents, examples of applications in the human health and animal health area and concludes with a discussion on future challenges in this field.

Abstract: Background: New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) comprise in silico and in vitro methods applied as alternative to animal testing. Even though NAMs are already fully implemented as research tools, their use in regulatory risk assessments (RA) is limited currently. To promote the regulatory uptake/acceptance of NAMs, a paradigm shift in risk assessment approaches, and a proper dialogue between risk assessors and risk managers is needed. Scope and approach: Several reviews addressed the use of NAMs for chemical RA in generic terms, but without providing specific considerations on their use for food/feed safety assessments. Therefore, in this review, we give insights on the potential use of NAMs for regulatory purposes in the EU. We summarise relevant projects and activities on NAMs coordinated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which is the agency of the European Union that contributes to the safety of the European food and feed chain. The review informs on future developments on the use of NAMs in human health chemical RA, and touches on their use for the assessment of protein toxicity and allergenicity, as well as environmental risks. Main findings and conclusions: Reducing animal testing and filling some RA gaps via NAMs is almost a reality. Moreover, there is a growing body of evidence confirming that the inclusion of mechanistic information improves risk assessments. EFSA’s projects address the main challenge of using intermediate effects observed in non-animal models for safety assessments, especially those linked to adverse effects that are insufficiently covered or uncovered by animal apical endpoints.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to examine some of the issues related to qualitative food safety within the framework of European Union legislation. The development of a multidimensional regulatory system at European level, which has necessarily included international sources, regulations and European Union laws, also relating to national and regional legislations, has rendered finding a balance between the legitimate interests of food producers and consumers problematic. In recent years, the ethical dimension of food has progressively developed, which has led to a greater attention to the way food is produced and consumed, while respecting health protection, food quality and European and international trade dynamics. On the consumer side, however, there has been a growing awareness of the possible risks linked to food and an attention to the issues of food safety. Such awareness is intensified by the use of certain technologies in the food sector. Consumers are increasingly looking to buy commercial products capable of minimizing damage to their health. Consumers consciousness has also influenced the industry, which has increasingly felt the need to pay greater attention to the entire production cycle, thus encouraging production carried out by following the correct methods of supply, processing, up to the final stages of packaging, storage, processing and distribution, in accordance with the “Good Agricultural Practices” (GAP). In conclusion, the important monitoring path of product traceability that has led to a significant increase in the commitment to EU legislative supervision, risk assessment and review of the substances used in food production.

Abstract: Except in rare cases, the determination of the shelf-life of food products is left up to the food business operator. The extension of this period, which for years has been the subject of debate among the various actors in the food chain, has become a topic of fundamental importance also following the recent economic/financial, environmental, and health crises, which have had an inevitable impact on consumption and food waste. While there is no requirement to indicate durability for some categories of food products, for example, those not directly intended for consumers, this debate has raised questions and perplexities about the potential re-evaluation of the origin conditions established by the manufacturer, particularly when it comes to maintaining the guarantees for the consumer in terms of health and hygiene. In addition, the increasing consumer demand for accurate information has prompted the European authorities to request a public consultation on the actual understanding and perception of the mandatory terms on labels such as use by or date of minimum durability of a food, provided for by Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, often not correctly understood, which can assume great significance in the application of rules to reduce food waste. In this regard, it is useful to remember that the recent measures adopted by the European Union legislator, together with the case law of recent years, have led the judges of merit to comply with the principles and requirements of food safety laid down since 2002 in Regulation (EC) No. 178, thus paying greater attention to the analysis, assessment, and management of the risk of the entire production chain. The purpose of this work is to provide technical-legal elements to encourage a possible extension of the shelf-life of food products while ensuring the safety of consumers.

Abstract: The European Union (EU) has one of the strictest pesticide policies. As one component of the regulatory framework, Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 sets harmonised maximum residue levels for pesticide residues in food and feed in the European Union to ensure high levels of consumer protection. Under certain circumstances, a notification in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is released for pesticide residues exceeding a specific or a default maximum limit. Despite being a major food hazard in the European Union, no detailed analysis of notifications on pesticide residues over a longer period is available to date. Thus, an analysis of notifications on pesticide residues in food submitted in the RASFF between 2002 and 2020 was conducted. A total of 5211 notifications, including 15.8% alert notifications, 36.5% information notifications and 47.8% border rejections, were analysed with a focus on concerned products, causative pesticides and involved countries of origin. The notifications often concerned vegetables (53.8%) and fruits, tree nuts (24.2%) and reported a total of 7413 residues involving 251 pesticides in products mainly originating from third countries (82.4%), with multiple residues in 22.0% of notifications. Overall, the notifications on pesticide residues in food appear to be linked to the regulatory framework and selected risk management measures. While import controls and border rejections appear to be an effective means of protecting European consumers from non-compliant and potentially harmful products from third countries, the problem of unauthorised pesticide residues in products from EU/EFTA countries and of products not available at the time of publication in the RASFF might require further measures for food safety in the European single market.

Abstract: While it is a consumer’s prerogative to be offered all kinds of food products they can choose from, it is also a consumer’s own responsibility as to what kind of products they choose. It is still argued that free choice is only an illusion due to the general decline in food quality; in this context, the extent of free choice that the consumer has is considered, as well as the factors affecting it. These include fundamental European Union principles that demand strong science to prove safety, observe the lowest applicable quality standards and by extent offer a wide leniency range to food manufacturers when it comes to food quality. Another main factor stems from a food law that intensely focuses on securing food safety, while somehow disregarding quality. In addition to that, major efforts have been concentrated on strengthening food information for the purpose of enabling consumers to make healthier choices by both simplifying information on the front of packaging and increasing it on the back, while no direct changes targeting the composition of food have been proposed. As a result, what healthy food choices are left on the market and how accessible are they to consumers?

Abstract: European food production systems have become very efficient in terms of high yield, quality and safety. However, these production systems are not sustainable since, amongst other reasons, a significant proportion of the production is wasted or lost in the supply chain. One of the strategies of the European Union is to achieve climate neutrality by moving towards a circular economy with better waste management. This includes, reducing food waste and losses, and reusing or recycling by-products of the food and feed production systems. A circular economy would greatly improve the sustainability of the European food systems, but attention must be paid to the emergence of (new) food safety hazards. New or not well-known hazards can occur because by-products are reintroduced into the system or new processing steps are used for recycling, and/or known hazards can accumulate in the food production chain due to the reuse of (by-)products. This review addresses food safety hazards in the circular biobased economy, covering the domains of plant production, animal production, aquaculture, and packaging. Instead of an exhaustive list of all potential hazards, example cases of circular food production systems are given, highlighting the known and potential emerging food safety hazards. Current literature covering emerging food safety hazards in the circular economy shows to be limited. Therefore, more research is needed to identify food safety hazards, to measure the accumulation and the distribution of such hazards in the food and feed production systems, and to develop control and mitigation strategies. We advocate a food safety by design approach.

Abstract: The purpose of this polemical article is to answer two research questions: (i) What is the place of food safety culture in EU law? (ii) Is the Polish food control system prepared to verify its implementation in food businesses? To achieve this goal, the authors conducted a review and critical analysis of literature sources, EU law, in particular concerning food safety, including national law, private standards for food safety management systems, and official reports, and they applied the method of synthesis and logical concluding. The article refers to important changes in EU law initiated by amendments to the Codex Alimentarius regarding food safety culture. The establishment and maintenance of a positive food safety culture is fundamental to the successful functioning of any food safety management system, because of its important impact on human behaviour in providing safe and adequate food. The article indicates the role of private food law in this regard, the implementation of which, although optional, is often essential to meet the market requirements. The authors doubt whether Polish food control institutions are ready to expand the scope of their activities by verifying the implementation of food safety culture in food businesses. A serious obstacle to making such significant changes is the major weakness of the food control system, which has been observed for years, and serious problems related to food safety hazards and threats in Poland. The authors constructively critique – for the first time – the organizational and legal circumstances for implementing and verifying food safety culture in the Polish food industry and its environment. [Article in Polish]

Résumé: Les agences réglementaires sont aujourd’hui au cœur des politiques de protection des populations et de l’environnement, en France comme en Europe. À chaque fois que les effets sanitaires d’un produit font l’objet d’une controverse publique (bisphénol A, benfluorex, glyphosate), ces agences sont mises en accusation : leurs procédures de gestion des conflits d’intérêts et leurs politiques de transparence seraient insuffisantes. Les débats qui ont récemment entouré les évaluations divergentes du Centre international de recherche sur le cancer (CIRC) et de l’Autorité européenne de sécurité des aliments (EFSA) sur la cancérogénicité du glyphosate suggèrent cependant une situation plus complexe. Plutôt qu’un problème de « conflit d’intérêts », les critiques formulées à l’égard de l’EFSA sont liées au fait que les questions qui lui sont posées, les protocoles sur lesquels elle s’appuie, et les données qu’elle utilise, le sont dans un contexte bien particulier : celui de l’évaluation réglementaire de produits en vue de leur commercialisation.

 

Resumen: La producción global agroalimentaria se encuentra estructurada en cadenas sobre las que los grandes grupos de distribución (marcas, supermercados) ejercen un estrecho control. En las últimas décadas, los estándares privados de calidad y seguridad se han convertido en una de las formas más importantes de gobernanza de estas cadenas. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la estructura institucional desde la que se diseñan estos requisitos de calidad y seguridad y los procedimientos de evaluación. La hipótesis que planteamos es que el poder de los grandes distribuidores aumenta gracias al control de esa estructura institucional, que denominamos régimen tripartito de los estándares (Loconto y Busch, 2010). Para dar cuenta de ello analizaremos los estándares privados mercantiles que predominan en una de las regiones exportadoras de frutas y verduras más importantes de Europa, la Región de Murcia. Mostraremos que el régimen tripartito de los estándares privados de los grandes distribuidores (Global GAP, IFS, BRC) presenta tres características principales: la hibridación de lo público y lo privado en el ámbito de la regulación; la burocratización por medio de profesionales expertos, conocimientos especializados y procedimientos procedentes de actores privados; y el control de los grandes distribuidores sobre todo el proceso de estandarización.

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