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Food e-News

Edition 437: 06 – 13 May 2009
Update on fatty acid esters of 3-MCPD
Effect of processing method on soybean polyphenols
Antioxidant vitamins could negate benefits of exercise
Pesticides Forum publishes annual report
Probiotics may aid weight loss in pregnant women
COT report on the safety of glucosamine supplements
Vitamin D production in mushrooms stimulated by UV light
Product recalls
Food safety
Legislation
Other headlines

Update on fatty acid esters of 3-MCPD

In the 1970s, 3-monochloropropane 1,2-diol (3-MCPD), a potential carcinogen, was identified as a process contaminant, formed during the manufacture of acid hydrolysed vegetable proteins and non-fermented soy sauce. More recently, fatty acid esters of 3-MCPD have been found in a number of foods including infant foods and even breast milk.  Last week, methods of analysis for 3-MCPD esters were discussed at the Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Oil Chemist’s Association (AOCS).

 

Although the mechanisms involved in its formation have not been fully elucidated, 3-MCPD is thought to form as the result of a reaction between a source of chlorine and a lipid, driven either by a thermal  process or by a lipase–catalysed one. It is also possible that the known carcinogen, glycidol (2,3-epoxy-1-propanol), could be a precursor. Because 3-MCPD is potentially carcinogenic, a tolerable daily intake of 2 μg/kg of bodyweight has been recommended.  Fatty acid esters of 3-MCPD were discovered in the early 1980s in Spanish rapeseed oil which had been treated with aniline and refined with hydrochloric acid.  The presence of 3-MCPD esters in processed foods was first described in 2004, with their determination in refined, bleached and deodorised vegetable oils in 2006, and in breast milk in 2008.  The list of foods and ingredients in which 3-MCPD esters have been detected includes bread, toasted bread, coffee, coffee creamers, non-hydrolysed-vegetable-protein seasonings, cheese, cooked meat, salami, infant formulae, margarine, French fries and doughnuts. In 2008, Germany supported by the European Commission and Canada, asked the WHO/FAO’s Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (JECFA) to undertake full toxicological and exposure assessments on 3-MCPD esters. Although JECFA agreed to add them to its list, it declined to assign them to the high priority category due to a lack of available data.

 

Despite the fact that, so far, there has been no direct indication of risk from 3-MCPD bound into fatty acid esters, in 2007 the German Federal Risk Institute (BfR) called for levels of 3-MCPD esters to be reduced in oil-containing foods, margarines and deep-frying fats. In its assessment, the BfR assumed that 100% of the bound 3-MCPD and its related isomers, were released from the esters during hydrolysis in the gut. This assumption was based on a study with human intestinal Caco-2-cells, which showed that a high percentage of 3-MCPD esters were hydrolysed. However, Walburger and colleagues from the Nestlé Research Centre at Lausanne in Switzerland, used an in vitro lipolysis model to show that 3-MCPD was released far more slowly from diesters, and that the ratio of 3-MCPD mono- to diesters meant that the esters may contribute only marginally to overall exposure to free 3-MCPD.

 

One of the problems for chemists working on 3-MCPD is a lack of satisfactory analytical methods. Writing in the AOCS magazine Inform, Catherine Watkins cites the case of a technical manager who regularly sent samples for analysis and got back results which, even for the same sample, sent on different occasions, to the same laboratory, gave different results. 3-MCPD can be formed or lost during its extraction from food products if strict protocols are not followed. Methods of analysis rely on GC-MS and can analyse total 3-MCPD after saponification or the full spectrum of 3-MCPD mono- and diesters.  Both methods require the use of isotopically labelled standards. (From an AOCS update on 3-MCPD esters in food, which includes a list of literature references).

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Effect of processing method on soybean polyphenols

Soybeans and soy-based foods contain numerous polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds generally assumed to contribute to their perceived health benefits. Disadvantages of soy products include their beany flavour and the presence of trypsin inhibitors and flatulence causing compounds, both of which necessitate thermal treatments.  In an article in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistryopens in a new window, Baojun Xu (Purdue University, US) and Sam K C Chang (North Dakota State University) describe experiments designed to find out how much ultra-high temperature (UHT) and traditional steam injection methods affected the levels of health giving compounds in soy milk, made from three varieties of soybeans. 

 

One black and two yellow soybean varieties were used for the study. (One of the yellow soybeans was a lipoxygenase-null type). They were processed into raw soy milk and then cooked by indirect and direct UHT methods (both at  143 oC for 60 seconds) and traditional stove cooking and steam injection methods (both at 100 o C for 20 minutes). The total content of phenolics, flavonoids,  phenolic acids, isoflavones, flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins were determined. In addition, free radical scavenging activity, was measured by DPPH (2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). 

 

A large amount of  tabulated data are presented and discussed by Xu and Chang. When compared with the raw soy milk, the results showed that all types of thermal processing significantly reduced the total phenolic content and increased the total flavonoid content, for all three soybean varieties. All processing methods increased DPPH and FRAP values in the soy milks derived from both the yellow soybeans, whilst UHT processing increased their ORAC values and traditional methods reduced them. In the case of the soy milk from the black soybeans, all processing methods reduced the ORAC values compared with the raw milk.  According to the authors’ summary, thermal processing caused significant increases in 7-O-beta-glucosides and acetylglucosides, but caused significant decreases in malonylglucosides and aglycones.  Indirect UHT processing (using heat exchangers) transformed more isoflavones from malonylglucosides into 7-O-beta-glucosides than did direct UHT (using steam injection). Overall, in all three soybean varieties, traditional steam injection and direct UHT processing methods caused smaller losses in total phenolic contents and yielded higher antioxidant capacities than traditional stove cooking and direct UHT treatments.

 

Also on the subject of soya, writing in The Independentopens in a new window (05/05/09), Helen Brown examines the conflicting results of research some of which suggests soy products can help beat cancer, whilst others indicate that they may actually increase cancer risk.

 

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Antioxidant vitamins could negate benefits of exercise

Bad news this week for people who take vitamins C and E to help improve their performance at the gym. Michael Ristow from the University of Jena in Germany and colleagues from other institutions in Germany and the US have found evidence that taking supplements containing the antioxidant vitamins C and E may reduce the health-promoting effects of physical exercise.

 

One of the key features of type 2 diabetes is an increase in insulin resistance. While physical exercise has been shown to have numerous beneficial effects on general health, it has also specifically been shown to improve glucose metabolism in the insulin-resistant state. Such beneficial effects of exercise on insulin resistance involve multiple mechanisms including the activation of mitochondrial metabolism. Mitochondria, are however, the main source or reactive oxygen species (ROS, free radicals) due to oxidative glucose metabolism. Muscle tissue during exercise is therefore a generator of ROS, and studies in non-primate models have suggested that ROS may mediate some health promoting effects.

 

Ristow et al. evaluated the effects of a combination of  vitamin C (1000 mg/day) and vitamin E (400 international units (IU)/day) on insulin sensitivity in 19 healthy but untrained and 20 healthy but pre-trained young men. Insulin sensitivity was determined in terms of glucose infusion rates (GIR)  during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clampopens in a new window. This technique, for quantifying insulin resistance, measures the amount of glucose necessary to compensate for an increased insulin level without causing hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Before and after a 4-week experimental period of physical exercise, GIR was determined.  Muscle biopsies were performed on the men to allow changes in gene expression to be examined, and blood plasma samples were examined for adiponectin and fasting insulin levels. Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived secretory protein which has been shown to be a marker of insulin sensitivity.

 

In terms of gene expression, following 4 weeks of training, there was a strong induction of  peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its two co-activators PGC1α and PGC1β in the skeletal muscle of previously untrained young men who had not taken antioxidant supplements. In contrast, subjects treated with antioxidants showed a markedly reduced exercise-related induction of these genes. There was a similar induction of PPARγ,  PGC1α and PGC1β in the pre-trained individuals in the absence of antioxidants. Again, the antioxidant vitamins C and E prevented this gene induction. Molecular mediators of endogenous ROS defence enzymes (superoxide dismutases 1 and 2; glutathione peroxidase)  were also induced by exercise, but blocked by antioxidant supplementation. Adiponectin levels, which rose in both the untrained and pre-trained subjects after exercise, did not show any significant change after exercise in individuals who had taken the antioxidant supplements.

 

Hormesis is a process whereby repeated exposure to sub-lethal stress has been proposed to lead to enhanced stress resistance and ultimately increased survival rates. By analogy, for sub-lethal ROS-dependent processes occurring in the mitochondria, the term “mitohormesis” has been coined.  The authors indicate that they believe their current work supports the idea that mitohormesis, induced by physical exercise, leads to an amelioration in insulin resistance in humans. An amelioration which is suppressed in the presence of antioxidants when consumed in supplement form.  (Ristow et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), doi:10.1073/pnas.0903485106opens in a new window (open access); summary in BBC Health Newsopens in a new window 11/05/09).

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Pesticides Forum publishes annual report

A lengthy 48 page report by the Pesticides Forum entitled “The 2008 report on the impacts and sustainable use of pesticidesopens in a new window” has found that pesticides are not impacting adversely on the health of UK citizens or the environment.  The Pesticides Forum was set up in 1996 and advises the UK  government on policy relating to the responsible use of pesticides and best practice.

The report looks at the impact of pesticides on human health and environment, amateur usage and issues for pest and weed control and vegetation management. Section A of the report is on “the wider context” and includes details on pesticide usages including sales, pesticides use on oilseed rape and fungicide use on wheat. During 2007 there was a significant increase in pesticide sales, with an increase in the amount of pesticides applied in the autumn, mainly due to a 13% increase in cereal plantings compared to the year before.  There also was an increase in fungicide use, probably due to the presence of mildew and blight in vegetables and potatoes caused by warm weather and higher than average rainfall in late spring/early summer. 

 

Section B of the report reviews the activities supporting the UK Government’s Pesticides Strategy, covering risk assessment strategies for assessing how human health may be impacted by the use of pesticides, including the consumption of  foods containing residues and living near pesticide-prayed fields.  The report graphically depicts the percentage of tested samples of fresh fruit and vegetables which contained detectable residues over the Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) in all samples, UK samples, EC samples and Non-EC samples for 2007 and the previous two years.  In 2007 nearly 5% of non-EC samples contained over the MRL this being less than the previous 2 years (over 6% in 2006 and nearly 8% in 2007).  UK and EC samples exceeding the MRL had increased considerably to just over 3% and just over 2.5%, respectively, in 2007 compared to approximately 1% for both in 2005 and 0.1% and just under 2%, respectively, in 2006.  The report notes, however, that consumption of food with residues in excess of an MRL does not necessarily constitute a health risk. This section also shows the number of biopesticide products and active substances approved for use by year.  Whilst the number of products has fallen since 1996, the number of active substances has gradually been rising. The report states that biopesticides are increasingly becoming available for the purposes of biological control across a wide range of edible and non-edible crops. 

 

The risk to water in the UK from the nine most commonly used pesticides and the percentage of samples of surface water breaking the threshold of 0.1grams/litre are also discussed . The results from over 10,500 samples taken at more than 1000 sites shows that in 2007 5.98% of samples were above the threshold compared to 6.49% and 7.98% in 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Other data on individual pesticides found in surface water are also provided, as is information on pesticide pollution incidents occurring each year since 1999, particularly their effect on selected farmland bird species.

 

Section C of the report looks ahead to 2009 and beyond and considers pesticide use and the work of the EU Thematic Strategy for Pesticides, the Pesticide Residue Committee and the Pesticide Forum.  Section D discusses the objectives of the Pesticide Forum in overseeing the UK’s Government’s Pesticide Strategy and other areas.  

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Probiotics may aid weight loss in pregnant women

A study presented at the 17th Congress on Obesityopens in a new window in Amsterdam and conducted by researchers from the University of Turku, Finland has found that probiotic supplements, taken by pregnant women may help prevent obesity following childbirth. The study by Laitinen et al  is thought to be the first to show the effect of probiotic supplementation on adiposity.

 

Probiotics are defined by FAO/WHO as being live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts deliver a health benefit to the host.  These microorganisms have been associated with maintaining a healthy balance in the digestive tract and play a role in reduction of inflammation.  Previous studies have investigated their potential to aid in the prevention of intestinal diseases and more recent studies examined whether bacterial imbalances might lead to obesity.

 

In the presence work, 256 women, in their first trimester of pregnancy, were randomly divided into three groups. The first group received dietary counselling consistent with recommendations for healthy weight gain and foetal development and were given daily capsules of probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.  The second group received the same counselling and placebo capsules, whilst a third group received placebo capsules and no counselling. The capsules were given until the women stopped exclusive breast feeding up to a maximum of six months after childbirth. The women were weighed at the start and the end of the study and additionally had their waste circumference and skin fold thickness measured at the end of the study, a year after childbirth. 

 

Laitinen et al found that 25% of the women in the probiotics group were classed as having central obesity.  This is defined as a BMI of 30 or more or a waste circumference of over 80cms.  This compared with 43% of women in the counselling only group and 40% in the third group who received neither probiotics nor counselling.  The researchers also found that the average body fat percentage in the probiotics group was 28% compared to 29% and 30% in the counselling only and third group, respectively.  Laitinen was quoted as saying that the women who got the probiotics fared best. One year after childbirth they had the lowest levels of central obesity as well as the lowest body fat percentage.  She added that additional research would be needed to confirm the role of probiotics in prevention of obesity and indicated that the she and her colleagues were to continue to monitor the participants and their children to see if supplementation had any effect on the health of the children. 

 

The researchers note that studying pregnant women allows the effects to be seen not only in the women but also in their children and that the impacts of obesity can be immense particularly during pregnancy.  Bacteria are passed to newborns via the birth canal and breast milk.  Previous studies have shown that early nutrition may affect the risk of obesity later in life, so this research may provide a new approach on the prevention of obesity.  Laitinen says that based on previous experiments they had hypothesised that the maternal diet would influence both glucose metabolism and weight in the children.  Limitations of the study were a failure to control for the womens’ weight before pregnancy and a lack of waist circumference measurements at the start of the study. 

 

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COT report on the safety of glucosamine supplements

Following a small number of case reports, the Committee on Toxicity (COT) has published its view on whether the food supplement glucosamine can cause hepatitis. COT considered a range of information, including case reports, data from trials in human volunteers and studies in laboratory animals and concluded that the available data on glucosamine do not indicate that glucosamine damages the liver.

Hepatitis is a general term for inflammation of the liver and presents itself in range of clinical manifestations varying in duration, severity and eventual conclusion. In the UK, the most common causes of liver injury are fatty infiltration of the liver as a result of a bad diet/lifestyle or through viral infection. Toxicants (including alcohol), genetic storage diseases and autoimmune processes can also lead to liver damage. 

 

Glucosamine is an amino monosaccharide found in glycocoaminoglycans and chitin. Glycosoaminoglycans (e.g. Chondroitin sulphate) are large complexes of negatively charged carbohydrate chains which are incorporated into mucous secretions, connective tissue, skin, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. The endogenous production of glucosamine in humans is in the range of 4-20g/day, and is not present in a normal diet to any significant extent. The commercially available glucosamine supplements are generally sulphate or hydrochloride salts and are derived from shellfish or fungal sources.

 

Most human studies of glucosamine have been conducted on patients with osteoarthritis and lasted from two to three years in duration. Few studies reported results of glucosamine treatment in full, leaving it unclear if there were any elevations in liver enzyme levels in specific individuals that may have not significantly affected the group means. However, in those studies where data was analysed individually, no adverse affects of glucosamine treatment were apparent. For example, in a study where 15 patients were given injections of 400mg glucosamine sulphate for one week followed by two weeks of oral doses of the supplement in conjunction with patients given the same treatment with placebos, there was found to be no difference in specific indicators of liver inflammation between the groups. The largest randomised trial conducted gave patients a placebo glucosamine, chondroitin, glucosamine and chondroitin or celecoxib for 24 weeks. The results were not fully reported, however, it was stated that adverse events were mild and evenly distributed between groups.

 

The fact that glucosamine supplements are derived from shellfish poses the question that they could trigger an allergic reaction in shellfish-allergic individuals. Furthermore, due to the extraction process there is sufficient allergen protein present to pose a threat to particularly sensitive individuals. A couple of small studies showed no positive reaction to skin-prick experiments and no signs of immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions in shellfish-allergic subjects.

 

Data from the numerous trials in human volunteers and the more limited animal toxicology data indicate little evidence of adverse effects of glucosamine on the liver. There are, however, a small number of individual case reports linking glucosamine to hepatitis.  In these cessation of the supplement intake led to an improvement of the patient’s condition. However, hepatitis is not specific and it is possible that other unidentified exposures could have been involved in these case reports. If hepatitis is caused by glucosamine, it would appear to be through an idiosynchratic mechanism and would require an extremely large human study to demonstrate the hazard due to the rarity of the outcome and numerous other confounding factors such as the use of other medication. (Food Standards Agencyopens in a new window).

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Vitamin D production in mushrooms stimulated by UV light

A team of Australian researchers have reported that the use of UV light when growing mushrooms results in a crop which is a rich source of vitamin D. Whilst the main source of vitamin D in humans is exposure to sunlight, it can also be found in a variety of foods including oily fish. Vitamin D deficiency results in impaired bone mineralization, and leads to bone softening diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

The researchers from the University of Western Sydney published their findings in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistryopens in a new window and are supported by the Australian Mushroom Growers’ Associationopens in a new window and Horticulture Australia Ltdopens in a new window. Vitamin D deficiency can be problem even in sunny countries.  People affected by vitamin D deficiency include bedridden elderly people and dark-skinned veiled women and their children.

Mushrooms naturally contain a high level of the vitamin D precursor ergosterol.  Because of indoor production methods and the absence of sufficient sunlight the ergosterol is not converted to vitamin D. The researchers therefore  irradiated Agaricus bisporus mushrooms for periods varying from 2 seconds to 30 minutes with UV-C radiation from a xenon lamp, which when positioned appropriately, had no impact upon mushroom colour. 

The technology has been available in the US since 2008 and the Australian team reported that the vitamin D produced has been found to be stable under both ambient and refrigerated conditions for up to 8 days, a key requirement by regulators. A spokesperson for the International Society for Mushroom Science and also the Australian Mushroom Growers Association suggested that a 100g serving of irradiated mushrooms could provide approximately the adult recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin D and that there were plans to market the product in Australia by the end of 2009. The findings have been greeted with a mixed response from nutritionalists who have commended the work for providing a further food source for vitamin D, but have warned that this may be to the detriment of B group vitamins which are sensitive to UV radiation.

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Product recalls

**From Australia and New Zealand
**From Canada
**From the US
**European Rapid Alerts for week 19
**Links to recall web sites
**Recall web sites for halal and kosher foods

**From Australia and New Zealand

Haigh’s Manufacturing Pty Ltd is conducting a voluntary recall of Chocolate & Almond Cookie manufactured by Baylies of Strathalbyn due to it containing undeclared gluten. This product is only sold through Haigh’s stores.

 

**From Canada

 

**Pistachios and Salmonella contamination

See the CFIA Websiteopens in a new window for recalls linked to Salmonella associated with pistachios supplied by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.

 

**From the US

 

At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals have seized more than $1.5 million worth of food products, including herbs and botanicals, stored under filthy conditions at the American Mercantile Corporation of Memphis, Tenn.  American Mercantile stores and processes food ingredients, which are then sold to and used in the dietary supplement and herbal tea industries. The seized articles include food products, such as sarsaparilla, spearmint leaves, cornstarch, sweet orange peels powder, liquorice powder, sassafras, and salt.

 

Leclerc Foods has initiated a limited voluntary recall of a single lot of Market Pantry Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bar packages with UPC Code 85239 20124 and a “Best By” date of 18JAN2010.  The recall was initiated as a precautionary measure after it was discovered that product was mispackaged and the retail units may also contain Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars and S’more Bars.

 

**Pistachios and Salmonella contamination

See the FDA Websiteopens in a new window for recalls linked to Salmonella associated with pistachios supplied by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.

 

**European Rapid Alerts for week 19
The results of rapid alerts for week 19opens in a new window (up to 06/5/2009) are now available on the Europaopens in a new window web site.

 

**Links to recall web sites
For more information on UK product recalls visit the Food Standards Agencyopens in a new window (FSA) web site. For US product recalls visit the Food Safety and Inspection Service opens in a new window(FSIS) or the Food and Drug Administration opens in a new window(FDA) web sites. For information on product recalls in Australia and New Zealand visit the FSANZ opens in a new windowweb site, for Canada go to The Canadian Food Inspection Agency opens in a new window(CFIA), and for Ireland the Food Safety Authority of Irelandopens in a new window (FSAI).

 

**Recall web sites for halal and kosher foods
Food e-News does not cover product recalls and mislabelling alerts for Kosher or Halal products. If you need information on these please go to the London Beth Din Kashrut Divisionopens in a new window where there is a facility on the home page to subscribe (free of charge) to a kosher alerts system.  For US Kosher alerts please go to  Kashrut .comopens in a new window  and follow the link labelled ‘Consumer Kashrut Alerts’ for Kosher alerts. For Halal alerts go to the Muslim Consumer Groupopens in a new window web site.

 

RSSL’s Emergency Response Serviceopens in a new window (ERS) helps customers deal with a wide range of product emergencies and offers advice on crisis management. It operates 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.  To request an ERS presentation or find out more please contact Customer Services on Freefone 0800 243482 or e-mail enquiries@rssl.com opens in a new window

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Food safety

**UK report on chemical cocktail’s risk to male fertility
**Thai police investigate the deaths of two female tourists

**Carbofuran pesticide residues on food banned by EPA

**Unhygienic restaurants should be named

**Guidelines to protect workers handling pigs being drawn up by WHO

**Young people warned of the risk of excessive caffeine intake

**Minnesota bans BPA in baby bottles

**Glucosamine and hepatitis - FSA

**FDA fails to meet inspection audit target

**FSA report on Campylobacter infections in Scotland
**EFSA opinion on bacteriophages
**EFSA reports that nicotine makes wild mushrooms unsafe
**EFSA annual report for 2008
**Persistent organic pollutants in fish oil supplements

**Spices caused mass poisonings in China
**Animal diseases updates and food poisoning outbreaks
**The Food Safety Network

 

**UK report on chemical cocktail’s risk to male fertility
Professor Richard Sharpe, of the UK’s Medical Research Council, has warned that hormone-disrupting chemicals are "feminising" boys in the womb. He linked them to rising rates of birth defects and testicular cancer and falling sperm counts.  The compounds particularly highlighted by Professor Sharpe’s study are Phthalates: found in vinyl flooring, plastics, soaps, toothpaste; Bisphenol A : found in babies' bottles, food can linings. mobile phones, computers; Pesticides including pyrethroids, linuron, vinclozolin and fenitrothion.  The report  was commissioned by the CHEM Trustopens in a new window, a charity which works to protect humans and wildlife from harmful chemicals. Much fuller details of the reportopens in a new window can be accessed from the CHEM Trust web site. (BBC Health Newsopens in a new window 13/05/09)

 

**Thai police investigate the deaths of two female tourists

According to CNNopens in a new window,  the Thai authorities are investigating the deaths of two female tourists.  Police sources suspect that the women may have died from food poisoning.   Both women died just over a week ago at the same resort on Phi Phi Island.  Poisoning from a nearby water treatment plant had been investigated by the police but this has been ruled out.  They are now investigating whether the women died from food poisoning, either from food or beverages. The owner of the Laleena guesthouse where the women were staying has said that he believes the women may have died from drinking heavily. The results of the autopsies have not been released by police.

 

**Carbofuran pesticide residues on food banned by EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that traces of the pesticide carbofuran can no longer remain on food sold in the United States.  This applies to both domestic and imported food. The EPA are quoted as saying that all products containing carbofuran generally cause unreasonable adverse effects on humans and the environment and do not meet safety standards, and therefore are ineligible for re-registration. The environmental agency has registered carbofuran to be used to control pests in soil and on leaves in a variety of field, fruit, and vegetable crops.  According to the article the EPA is cancelling all remaining carbofuran registrations, or licenses, which will address risks to pesticide applicators and birds in treated fields.  (Environmental News Service)opens in a new window

 

**Unhygienic restaurants should be named

Unhygienic restaurants have been asked by the State Ombudsman to explain why they should not be named and shamed to warn the public about their poor hygiene standards.  A rule is in place in Adelaide City, Australia, and other councils which protects the secrecy of restaurants.  They claim it is in the public interest and will not release the data.  Under the Freedom of Information legislation, this has resulted in an investigation.  Seven restaurants who were the worst offenders between 2006-2008 are being asked why they should not be named.  These restaurants continue to serve food.  During this period the council reported four restaurants which were responsible for disease outbreaks and the public were not warned of these.  There were 9 Salmonella cases between October 2006 and January 2007 linked to semi-cooked eggs, 46 people were infected with Salmonella in March 2007, 1 norovirus case in July 2007 and 2 groups of people poisoned by an unknown bug in March 2008. (Adelaide Nowopens in a new window)

 

* *Guidelines to protect workers handling pigs being drawn up by WHOopens in a new window

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that meat from pigs with the swine flu virus should not be used for human consumption and guidelines are being drawn up to protect people who handle pigs. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) the disease is not food-borne and has not been identified in dead animal tissue.  Jorgen Schlundt, director of WHO's Department of Food Safety, Zoonoses and Foodborne Diseases is quoted as saying that whilst it is possible for influenza viruses to survive the freezing process and be present on thawed meat, there are no data available on the survival of Influenza A/H1N1 on meat nor any data on the infectious dose for people.  He also goes on to say that the likelihood of influenza viruses being in the blood of an infected animal depends on the specific virus. Blood (and meat-juice) from influenza H1N1-infected pigs may potentially contain the virus, but at present, this has not been demonstrated. (AlertNet – Reutersopens in a new window)

 

**Young people warned of the risk of excessive caffeine intake

After an investigation by Argyll and Bute Council in Scotland, young people are being warned of the risks of excessive caffeine intake.  According to reports children as young a 11 are taking NRG Now caffeine capsules along with energy drinks such as Red Bull and Relentless. This could lead to anxiety, sleep loss and an increased heart rate.   The capsules carry a warning message against consumption by under 18s but retailers are selling these to customers under this age.  Donald McIntosh of Argyll and Bute Council is quoted as saying that the effects of taking these capsules with caffeinated drinks are potentially serious and he urges young people not to put themselves at risk in this way. (BBCopens in a new window)

 

**Minnesota bans BPA in baby bottles

From the beginning of next year manufacturers of baby bottles and sipper cups containing bisphenol A (BPA) cannot sell then in Minnesota. Minnesota has become the first US state to ban the use of BPA in baby bottles.  A report by the Food and Drug Administration found that BPA was safe although this has been criticised and the FDA is reassessing the chemical.  Scientists suspect that BPA mimics the effects of the female hormone, estrogen, and could be associated with serious health problems.  California, New York and Connecticut are considering similar bans on the use of BPA in baby bottles. (Food Production Dailyopens in a new window). The Canadian Government classified BPA as a dangerous chemicalopens in a new window in 2008.

 

**FDA fails to meet inspection audit target

A recent report in US Todayopens in a new window has revealed that the FDA did not meet its targets for auditing food safety inspections carried out by individual states on behalf of the FDA. The FDA aims to audit at least seven percent of these inspections but failed to do so in 22 of the 39 states it pays to perform inspections. The report indicates that the figures however have improved as in 2006/7, the FDA failed to meet the 7% target in 21 out of 37 states and carried out no audits at all in 8 states. In 1998, the report indicated that no audits were made in 21 out of 38 states. This comes at a time when state inspections are under scrutiny following the salmonella outbreak linked to the PCA plan in Georgia. The FDA indicated that they had not inspected the plant in 2007 or 2008 but that the inspections had been contracted out to Georgia state officials who found only a few violations. Officials from Georgia defended their inspections and indicated that they have far fewer resources than the FDA and while the state officials take two or three hours to examine a plant, the FDA’s later examination of the plant following the outbreak involved up to seven inspectors over a period of 14 days.  (Food Quality Newsopens in a new window)

 

**FSA report on Campylobacter infection in Scotland
A 151-page  reportopens in a new window has been published by the FSA Scotland (FSAS), based on research that was led by Dr Ken Forbes, Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Aberdeen. The report investigated the main sources of Campylobacter infection in Scotland and was carried out to assist in the development of strategies to reduce the levels of food poisoning caused by this organism. The study identified retail chicken as the single largest source of Campylobacter food poisoning in Scotland and also suggested a role for farm cattle and sheep as potential infection sources. (Food Standard Agencyopens in a new window).

 

**EFSA opinion on bacteriophages
In a recent opinionopens in a new window, the European Food Safety Authority’s BIOHAZ Panel concluded that under specific conditions, bacteriophages may be very effective in the elimination of specific pathogens from foods. Bacteriophages are viruses which kill bacteria. They are naturally present in the environment and consequently in food.

 

**EFSA reports that nicotine makes wild mushrooms unsafe
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has provided scientific advice to the European Commission on the risks of eating wild mushrooms following reports of nicotine contamination in samples from the 2008 crop of dried wild mushrooms, mainly from China. This follows an urgent request received from the Commission on 27 April. EFSA evaluated the risks related to the presence of nicotine in fresh wild mushrooms up to 0.5 mg/kg and concluded that this level is not safe. Any effects of eating contaminated wild mushrooms are likely to be mild and would be short term, possibly including increased heart rate, dizziness and headaches. EFSA advised the Commission on risks associated with different levels of contamination in order to help risk managers decide on any appropriate follow-up action. (From Flex-News.com 11/05/09). Full details on the EFSA web siteopens in a new window.

 

**EFSA annual report for 2008
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its Annual Report for 2008opens in a new window – a year in which it doubled its scientific output, launched its 5-year Strategic Plan and significantly expanded scientific networks for sharing and exchanging information across Europe and beyond. EFSA in 2008 finalised 489 scientific opinions, reports, guidance documents and statements. Scientific cooperation networks were expanded to include 1,200 experts, 30 national food safety bodies and 400 scientific organisations.

**Persistent organic pollutants in fish oil supplements

Canadians are interested in improving their diet through the consumption of fish oil food supplements, which are marketed to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids. However, fish oils are known to be contaminated with various organic pollutants.  So Rawn et al  collected thirty samples of omega-3 enriched dietary supplements Vancouver, Canada, between 2005 and 2007. All of the omega-3 supplements were analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and, although every sample was found to contain detectable residues of PBDEs, only 24 samples were found to have PCDD/F concentrations above the level of detection. PCDD/F concentrations ranged from 0.05 pg TEQ/g lipid to 45.7 pg TEQ/g lipid in salmon and shark oils, respectively. Maximum PBDE concentrations similarly were observed in shark oil (113 μg/kg lipid), however, most supplements had concentrations below 5 μg/kg lipid. Average PCDD/F and PBDE intake estimates, based on consumption of maximum supplement dose following product label recommendations, were 4.32 pg TEQ/d and 25.1 ng/d lipid, respectively. (Authors’ summary in Rawn et al. Journal of Food Scienceopens in a new window, 2009, 74 (4):T31-T36).

 

**Spices caused mass poisonings in China

According to officials at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Lanzhou, the provincial capital, the food poisoning that left 186 ill in Gansu Province has been traced to tainted spices in a snack food, The food poisoning, which was reported on 29 April 2009 in three villages in Yuzhong County, was caused by D-group Salmonella.  Fifty-five of the 186 people affected were hospitalized, but all have been discharged.   Health authorities in Yuzhong County said the villagers became ill after eating niangpi, a local snack.  Police have arrested the vendor, surnamed Tie. (Shanghai Dailyopens in a new window 08/05/09).

 

**Animal diseases updates and food poisoning outbreaks
Regular global updates on food poisoning outbreaks and animal diseases, such as avian influenza, foot and mouth, Ebola, SARS, and Anthrax can be found on the International Society for Infectious Diseases ‘ProMED-mail’opens in a new window web site. 

 

**The Food Safety Network
The International Food Safety Networkopens in a new window (iFSN) at Kansas State University provides research, commentary, policy evaluation and public information on food safety issues.  An international repository of food safety-related information, FSN offers consumer, student and industry outreach services, information research, on-line resources, collaborative projects, evaluation and analysis, and a capacity to address current and emerging food safety concerns.

 

RSSL's scientists are able to assist food businesses to manage food safety issues more effectively. The laboratories have considerable experience in the detection and identification of foreign bodies, heavy metals, allergens, toxins and chemical residues. For more information on any of these services and RSSL's Emergency Response Service, please contact Customer Services on Freefone 0800 243482 or e-mail enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

 

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Legislation

**FSA consults on fish labelling regulations
**Testosterone-boosting supplements seized in US
**TSG application for ‘Skilandis’
**PGI application for ‘Marrone Di Combai’
**PGI application for “Cornish Sardines”
**PDO application for ‘Formaggio Di Fossa Di Sogliano’
**Amendments to PDO for Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage
**FSA comes up with irrelevant conclusion on FOP labelling
**LGC appointed as reference lab for GM food and feed
**FDA takes issue with Cheerios health claims
**Latest EFSA documents and opinions **EFSA flavouring group evaluations

 

**FSA consults on fish labelling regulations

The Food Standards Agency Scotlandopens in a new window is carrying out a consultation on the draft Fish Labelling (Scotland) Regulations 2009, and in particular the Schedule that adds new commercial designations and gives extra labelling options for other species already on the list. Comments should be sent to Russell Napieropens in a new window, Food Standards Agency Scotland, Tel: 01224 285155; Fax: 01224 285168, by 3 August 2009. Consultations are also taking place on similar Regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

 

**Testosterone-boosting supplements seized in US

At the request of the US Food and Drug Administrationopens in a new window, U.S. Marshals seized more than 23,300 bottles of three dietary supplement products distributed by LG Sciences LLC, of Brighton, Michigan. The seized products were marketed for use by body builders and distributed on the Internet and in retail stores under the names Methyl 1-D, Methyl 1-D XL, and Formadrol Extreme XL.  Based on laboratory tests, the FDA determined that the products contained one or more unapproved food additives and/or new dietary ingredients for which there is inadequate information to assure that the ingredients do not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Specifically, the condemned Methyl 1-D and Methyl 1-D XL contained 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione, also known as “ATD” or 1,4,6-etioallocholan-dione. The condemned Formadrol Extreme XL contained ATD and 3,6,17-androstenetrione (also known as “6-OXO”). Both of these substances are steroids that inhibit the activity of the enzyme aromatase and may be found in dietary supplements promoted to boost testosterone levels. 

 

**TSG application for ‘Skilandis’
An applicationopens in a new window has been made for traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG) status to be applied to a special Lithuanian meat product called Skilandis. ‘Skilandis’ is a smoked meat product in a natural casing, bound with string, with an uneven, rough surface, in the shape of a compressed tear or smallish courgette. Home- made skilandis is usually made from pork only, whereas meat-processing companies use both pork and beef in its production.

 

**PGI application for ‘Marrone Di Combai’

An application has been made for a protected geographical indication (PGI ) for ‘Marrone Di Combai’opens in a new window which is a chestnut ecotype that has developed in the typical environment of the Treviso foothills of the Alps.

 

**PGI application for “Cornish Sardines”
An application has been made for a protected geographical indication (PGI ) for Cornish Sardinesopens in a new window, which  is the name given to the pelagic fish of the species Sardina pilchardus which have been caught up to six miles off the Cornish Coast, landed and processed in the county of Cornwall. The colloquial name given to the fish is pilchard.

**PDO application for ‘Formaggio Di Fossa Di Sogliano’

An application has been made for a protected designation of origin (PDO) for ‘Formaggio Di Fossa Di Sogliano’opens in a new window, which is an Italian speciality cheese-pit cheese made from either ewes’ or cows’ milk. The area of production of the ‘Formaggio di Fossa di Sogliano’ PDO cheese lies on the slopes of ridges

along the Apennines between the Romagna and Marche regions.

 

**Amendments to PDO for Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage

Commission Regulation (EC) No 387/2009opens in a new window of 12 May 2009 approving minor amendments to the specification of a name registered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage (PDO)).

 

**FSA comes up with irrelevant conclusion on FOP labelling

Marketing Magazineopens in a new window provides a fairly damning assessment of the Food Standards Agency’s  research into front-of-pack (FOP) labellingopens in a new window. After 18 months of research into various labelling schemes, the report recommends a system using a combination of traffic lights, guideline daily amounts and the words “high, “medium” or “low”. The report was due to be discussed at the Agency’s Open Board Meeting on 12/05/09, but because it had been circulated late to board members this did not happen.  Notes on the FOP reportopens in a new window were included amongst the FSA Board Meeting Papers.

 

**LGC appointed as reference lab for GM food and feed
The Food Standards Agencyopens in a new window has appointed the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) as the UK's National Reference Laboratory for genetically modified food and feed.

 

**FDA takes issue with Cheerios health claims
US Federal regulators have scolded the maker of Cheerios, saying the company made inappropriate claims about the popular cereal's ability to lower cholesterol and treat heart disease.  The Food and Drug Administration said in a warning letter to General Mills that language on the Cheerios box suggests the cereal is designed to prevent or treat heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Regulators say that only FDA-approved drugs are allowed to make such claims. (Quoted direct from  USA Todayopens in a new window 13/05/09)

 

**Latest EFSA documents and opinions
The latest EFSA documentsopens in a new window accessible on the web site are as follows:

**Species-specific welfare aspects of the main systems of stunning and killing of farmed tuna - AHAW Panel opinion.

**Inability to assess the safety of silicon-enriched yeast added for nutritional purposes as a source of silicon in food supplements and the bioavailability of silicon from this source, based on the supporting dossier - ANS Panel statement

**Inability to assess the safety of iron glycerophosphate added for nutritional purposes as a source of iron in food supplements and the bioavailability of iron from this source, based on the supporting dossier - ANS Panel statement

**Inability to assess the safety of iodine-enriched yeast added for nutritional purposes as a source of iodine in food supplements and the bioavailability of iodine from this source, based on the supporting dossier - ANS Panel statement

**Inability to assess the safety of calcium amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, magnesium amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate and zinc amino acid chelate added for nutritional purposes to food supplements based on the supporting dossiers - ANS Panel statement.

**Assessment of the safety of cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate added for nutritional purposes as a source of cobalt in food supplements and the bioavailability of cobalt from this source - ANS Panel statement

 

**EFSA flavouring group evaluations

Flavouring Group Evaluation 57opens in a new window (FGE.57): Consideration of two structurally related pulegone metabolites and one ester thereof evaluated by JECFA - CEF Panel opinion.

Flavouring Group Evaluation 201opens in a new window: 2-Alkylated aliphatic acyclic alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehydes and precursors with or without additional double bonds from chemical subgroup 1.1.2 of FGE.19 - CEF Panel opinion.

Flavouring Group Evaluation 202opens in a new window: 3-Alkylated aliphatic acyclic alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes and precursors with or without additional double bonds from chemical subgroup 1.1.3 of FGE.19 - CEF Panel opinion

Flavouring Group Evaluation 54opens in a new window, Revision 1 (FGE.54Rev1): Consideration of benzyl derivatives evaluated by JECFA (57th meeting) structurally related to benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, a related acetal, benzoic acids and related esters evaluated by EFSA in FGE.20Rev1 (2009)

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Other headlines

** Congenital heart disease after folic acid fortification of grain products
**”DASH" diet lowers risk of heart failure
**Vitamin B6 and colorectal cancer
**Acrylamide not linked to increased brain cancer risk
**Improving the shelf-life of truffles
**HPLC methods for separating beneficial curcuminoids from turmeric
**Folic acid supplements may help reduce premature births
**Rocket may be good for gastric ulcers
**Dephytinization of infant cereals
**Low GI diet may reduce eye disease risk
**More folate linked with less allergic disease

** Congenital heart disease after folic acid fortification of grain products

According to a study by scientists from McGill University in Montreal and the University of Alberta Edmonton, adding folic acid to bread and pasta reduces heart defects in babies by six per cent.   The study published in the British Medical Journalopens in a new window looked at the number of children in Quebec, Canada who were born with heart defects (between 1990-2005) before and after mandatory fortification of bread and pasta products in Canada in 1998. Ionescu-Ittu et al. found that there 1.3 million births in Quebec and of these 2,083 infants were born with severe heart defects. This corresponded to an average birth prevalence of 1.57 per 1,000 births.  The researchers state that there was no change in the birth prevalence of severe birth defects in the nine years before folic acid was added to bread, while in the seven years after fortification there was a significant six per cent decease per year.  (Telegraph.co.ukopens in a new window, 13/05/09) ‎

 

**”DASH" diet lowers risk of heart failure
A study by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston, US,  has suggested that following a DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) could result in up to a 51% reduction in the risk of heart failure, with a 12% reduction being achieved simply through its effect on blood pressure.  A high intake of fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy products and whole grains are all central to the diet, resulting in a high potassium, calcium and fibre consumption, combined with a low fat consumption and a moderate protein consumption all of which are considered to contribute towards preventing or fighting against hypertension.  Further benefits of such a diet could also include effects from the chemoprotective phytochemicals found in fruit and vegetables which can help lessen the effects of oxidative stress and lead to a reduction in fatty acids and glucose in the blood. (Reutershealth.comopens in a new window 05/05/09).

 

**Vitamin B6 and colorectal cancer

A recent Harvard study investigating a correlation between sufficient levels of vitamin B6 and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer has suggested that the vitamin can reduce the risk of cancer by up to 60%. (Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Preventionopens in a new window, April 2009. Summary in Cancer Monthlyopens in a new window)

 

**Acrylamide not linked to increased brain cancer risk

Dietary intakes of the process contaminant, acrylamide, do not appear to increase the risk of developing brain cancer. This is the finding of a team at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, and follows similar revelations (covered in Food e-News Edition 435, other headlinesopens in a new window) in relation to lung cancer risk and acrylamide. The data showed that at intake levels commonly consumed in the Dutch diet, acrylamide intake had no impact on the risk of brain cancer in a cohort of 58,279 men and 62,573 women who were enrolled in the Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Preventionopens in a new window. More details in FoodNavigator.com 07/05/09.

 

**Improving the shelf-life of truffles

The aim of this study was to devise a method to improve the shelf life of fresh truffles, a hypogeous fungi, which is highly prized but very perishable as well. The microbial ecology of the fresh product was investigated and the effect of irradiation at different doses on the microbial and sensorial parameters of black truffles was assayed. Data showed that fresh truffles were strongly contaminated with different groups of microorganisms and that irradiation was able to dramatically reduce the growth of such microbes. Results showed that treatments at 5 and 10 kGy doses produced the highest microbial decontamination but negatively influenced the sensory quality of the truffles. Irradiation at a 1.5 kGy dose was shown to be the best way of improving their shelf life. (From authors’ summary in Reale et al.  Journal of Food Scienceopens in a new window, 2009, 74 (4): M196-M200. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01142.x).

 

**HPLC methods for separating beneficial curcuminoids from turmeric
Development of methodology for qualitative analysis and quantitative separation of individual curcuminoids in curcumin removed turmeric oleoresin (CRTO) and study of antioxidant activity of individual curcuminoids have been achieved in the present study by a team from Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India. A simple HPLC protocol was outlined for optimal resolution of curcuminoids (I), (II), and (III) on an Exil-NH2 column using isocratic elution with a mixture of isopropanol and water. CRTO is shown to be good source for the compounds II and III, as they are in an enriched form. The authors claim that the new HPLC method is simple to perform and is an improvement over the standard AOAC method which estimates only total curcuminoids. The free radical scavenging capacity of pure curcuminoids I, II, and III, as determined by the DPPH (2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) method at 100 ppm concentration was 88%, 80%, and 68% with IC50 values being 56, 62, and 73 ppm, respectively. (Naidu et al. Journal of Food Scienceopens in a new window, 2009, 74 (4): C312-C318).

 

**Folic acid supplements may help reduce premature births

A large team of authors from various American academic institutions present data which suggest that preconceptional folate supplementation is associated with a 50%–70% reduction in the incidence of early spontaneous preterm birth. The risk of early spontaneous preterm birth is inversely proportional to the duration of preconceptional folate supplementation. Preconceptional folate supplementation was specifically related to early spontaneous preterm birth and not associated with other complications of pregnancy. (Bukowski, et al. PLoS Med 6(5): e1000061. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000061opens in a new window.

 

**Rocket may be good for gastric ulcers
A group of Saudi Arabian researchers have concluded that an extract of Rocket (Eruca sativa) (EER) has anti-secretory, cytoprotective and anti-ulcer properties which could act against experimentally-induced gastric lesions.  Gastric ulcers affect a large number of people worldwide and whilst treatment of the condition has advanced in recent years, the drugs used can have adverse side effects and resistance to drugs can develop.  At the current time, there is no complete cure for this disease and the search for new, more effective and safe treatment continues.  The study has found that the ethanolic extract of EER can reduce gastric acid secretion, titratable acidity and ruminal ulceration, suggesting that it holds great potential as an anti-ulcer herb medicine in the future.  (Eurekalert.orgopens in a new window ).

 

**Dephytinization of infant cereals
Although cereals are considered a rich plant source of carbohydrate, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, they are also believed to be rich in anti-nutrients, which decrease the absorption of critical nutrients.  Research carried out at the University of Murcia (Spain) tested whether removing phytate (dephytinization) from three different commercial infant cereals had a beneficial effect on iron, calcium, and zinc bioavailability. The in-vitro study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (2009)opens in a new window replicated the gastrointestinal conditions of a 6-month-old infant in which mineral uptake, cell retention and transport from infant cereals were measured.  The results showed that Dephytinization of infant cereals significantly increased the cell uptake efficiency of calcium, the uptake and retention of zinc and the uptake, retention efficiency, and transport efficiency of iron. 

 

**Low GI diet may reduce eye disease risk
A diet that includes key nutrients and low-glycemic index foods is likely to reduce risks for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to the results of a new study. AMD is the leading cause of blindness for people over 55 years old in the West.  A recent study, published in this month’s edition of the journal of the  American Academy of Ophthalmologyopens in a new window showed the beneficial results from evaluating the relationship between eye health and specific food intake patterns. The analysis involved over 4000 food intake reports from patients with age-related eye disease (AEDS) and measured levels of AMD-protective nutrients, including vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), as well as low-GI foods.  Chung-Jung Chiu, of Tufts University, leading the research stated that specific dietary recommendations should be made only after these results have been confirmed by clinical trials or prospective studies.

 

**More folate linked with less allergic disease

People with high folate levels in their blood tend to have lower levels of IgE antibodies (produced in response to allergic disease) and a reduced risk of developing an allergic reaction according to a study in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunologyopens in a new window. The study was based on data from over 8000 subjects (average age 38 years) who participated in the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) where blood levels of folate, total IgE, and IgE antibodies were measured.  Results showed that a high total IgE level and allergic response during the previous year decreased with increasing levels of folate in the blood.  The researchers recommend that future studies should try to define more clearly the relationship between blood folate levels, allergy and asthma.  Lower folic acid levels have been implicated in a variety of inflammation-mediated diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis, and therefore it is possible that folate might mitigate against, rather than promote, allergic diseases, which are also inflammation mediated.

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This Newsletter was posted on: 13 May 2009

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