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Food e-News

Edition 490: 19 - 26 May 2010
Pistachio nuts may lower cholesterol
Lipid saturation and satiety
Toxic compounds from adhesives may leach into foods
Beetroot Juice may boost stamina
Reducing Niacin Intake Can Prevent Obesity
Vitamin D as effective in orange juice as in supplement
Protecting coffee against pests
Probiotic yoghurt and child health
Sugar-sweetened beverages and blood pressure
Product recalls and alerts
Food safety
Legislation headlines

Pistachio nuts may lower cholesterol

Compared to other nuts, pistachios are high in lutein (important in vision and healthy skin), β-carotene (the precursor to vitamin A), and γ-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E).  A randomised, crossover controlled feed study published in the Journal of Nutritionopens in a new window has investigated doses of pistachios on serum antioxidants and biomarkers of oxidative stress in 28 hypercholesterolemic adults.  For two weeks the participants consumed a Western diet which consisted of 35% total fat and 11% saturated fat.  The participants then consumed 3 isoenergetic diets for 4 weeks each.  The control diet was a diet without pistachios and about 25% total fat and 8% saturated fat. The second diet was the control diet with 10% energy supplied by pistachio nuts (1 portion around 32-63g/day), 30% total fat and 8% saturated fat.  The third diet was the control diet with 20% of the energy supplied by pistachio nuts (2 portions around 63-126g/d), 34% total fat and 8% saturated fat.  Kris-Etherton et al. found that after consuming the enhanced pistachio nuts diets participants had higher plasma lutein, α-carotene and β-carotene than after the Western diet.  Compared to the control diet the pistachio-enriched diets produced higher blood plasma levels of lutein and after both pistachio-enriched diets, the participants had lower serum oxidised LDL concentrations than after the control diet.  After the 2 pistachio portions per day diet, the participants had greater amounts of γ-tocopherol relative to the control and also had lower serum oxidised LDL concentrations than following the baseline diet period.  When Kris-Etherton el al. controlled for the change in LDL-cholesterol produced by the pistachio enriched diets, increases in β-carotene and γ-tocopherol were still associated with decreased oxidised LDL for the 2 portion per day diet.  In conclusion the researchers state that their results indicate that a ‘heart healthy’ diet including pistachios helped to decrease serum oxidised LDL levels, in part through cholesterol lowering, with the antioxidants in pistachios an added benefit. 

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Lipid saturation and satiety

A study published in the Nutrition Journalopens in a new window has investigated the effects of change of fatty acid saturation on post-ingestion satiety and energy intake at a subsequent meal.   Strik et al. indicate that some previous studies had led them to hypothesize that following consumption of an energy- balanced high fat meal, polyunsaturated fat may give higher feelings of satiety than saturated fat, but that saturated fat would give a higher feeling than mono-unsaturated fat.  To investigate this hypothesis, 18 healthy lean men were randomly assigned in a cross-over design to receive 3 treatments of a high fat breakfast containing 26g lipids. The breakfast consisted of 2 savoury muffins which were high in one form of the three fats, saturated (65 per cent of lipids), mono-unsaturated (76 per cent), or polyunsaturated (76 per cent).  Hunger and fullness before and after the breakfasts were assessed along with a series of palatability markers immediately after the meal using visual analogue scalesopens in a new window.  Subsequent energy intake during the day was also measured and participants were given at least 3 days between each test. Strik et al. state that, after statistical analysis,, the study found no difference in pleasantness, visual appeal, smell, taste and palatability overall between the three meals.  Additionally they report there were no differences between the meals for hunger, fullness or satisfaction ratings following the breakfast and over the course of the day.  Subsequent energy and micronutrient intake also did not differ significantly, there being less than 2% difference in energy intakes between the treatments.  In conclusion, the authors state that the study found no evidence of a difference in post-ingestion satiety or subsequent energy intake, between the saturated, mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated meals in the group tested which they state is consistent with some, but not all, previous studies on this subject.

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Toxic compounds from adhesives may leach into foods

The results of a study by a research group based at the University of Zaragosa in Spain has raised concerns that toxic compounds may be leaching from the adhesives used in food packaging labels.  Cristina Nerín, lead author, and her colleagues point out that while food contact plastics are covered by specific EU regulations, adhesives are only controlled under the framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004opens in a new window.  However, even under this regulation no food contact material or article should transfer its constituents to food at levels which could: (i) endanger human health; (ii) bring about an unacceptable change in the composition of the food; or (iii) bring about a deterioration in the organoleptic characteristics of the food.  In their article in the Journal of Materials Chemistry, Canellas et al. describe how they studied four different acrylic adhesives and examined 11 of the compounds found therein in detail.  Some were solvents, while others were residual monomers or impurities remaining from manufacture.  Of the 11 compounds, four migrated into the food simulant, with two being higher present at higher levels than recommended by the International Life Sciences Instituteopens in a new window Europe( ILSI), who investigate food safety and toxicology. One of these, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyldec-5-yne-4,7-diol, which is used as a non-ionic surfactant, has high concentrations in some adhesives, and this, together with its high toxicity( according to Cramer rulesopens in a new window) indicate that it should be studied further. (Canellas et al, J. Mater. Chem., 2010. DOI: 10.1039/c0jm00514bopens in a new window).

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Beetroot Juice may boost stamina

The consumption of beetroot juice may boost stamina by making muscles more fuel-efficient, according to a study carried out by researchers from the School of Sport and Health Sciencesopens in a new window at the University of Exeter.  Beetroots are rich in nitrates, which may improve stamina.  The study observed 7 males aged 19-38 who consumed 500 ml per day of either nitrate-rich beetroot juice or a placebo for six consecutive days.  The beetroot juice contained 5.1 mmol of nitrate (NO3), while the placebo drink had negligible nitrate content.  The purpose of this study was to investigate further how a short-term diet of nitrate might result in muscles using less oxygen during exercise.  The subjects were tested at the same time of day with two different tests: a test of metabolism (using a special form of magnetic resonance imaging in which the concentrations of chemicals in the body, such as the phosphates involved in energy metabolism in muscles, can be directly measured) and a test of oxygen uptake in the lungs as a response to exercise.  On the last 3 days of the study, the beetroot juice groups had a significant increase in plasma nitrite (a result of the breakdown of nitrate by the body).  The study had some limitations (i.e. no participation of women, other differences between beetroot juice and the placebo such as sugar levels, which may affect how the body responds to exercise), but will be of interest to sports scientists working in the area.

RSSL's Functional Ingredients Laboratoryopens in a new window can determine nitrates in food products. For more information please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

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Reducing Niacin Intake Can Prevent Obesity

A reduction in the consumption of niacin may help tackle the prevalence of obesity, according to a study conducted by a research team in China and published in the World Journal of Gastroenterologyopens in a new window.  Dietary factors have long been known to play a major role in the development of obesity.  However, the effect of long-term exposure to excess niacin on human health remains to be unclear.  Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is one of between forty and eighty essential human nutrients.  Niacin is found in variety of foods including liver, chicken, beef, fish, cereal, peanuts and legumes and is also synthesized from tryptophan, which is found in meat, dairy and eggs.  The research team examined the role of excess nicotinamide (the amide of nicotinic acid) in glucose metabolism using co-loading of glucose and nicotinamide test on a study of five healthy young male volunteers aged 20-24 years old.  The research concluded that the appetite-stimulating effect of nicotinamide appears to involve oxidative stress.  Excess niacin consumption may be a major factor in the increased prevalence of obesity.  The study also revealed for the first time that the obesity prevalence among US children and adolescents increased in parallel with the increase of the per capita niacin consumption with a 10-year lag, in which niacin fortification-induced sharp increase in niacin contents in grain products may play a major role.  It seems that the long-term safety of niacin fortification needs to be carefully evaluated. 

RSSL's Functional Ingredients Laboratoryopens in a new window provides vitamin analysisopens in a new window in a wide range of matrices including drinks, fortified foods, pre-mixes and multi-vitamin tablets.  It provides a full vitamin and mineral analysis service to assist with labelling, due diligence, claim substantiation and stability. For more information please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

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Vitamin D as effective in orange juice as in supplement

Bearing in mind that about 49% of Americans drink at least one glass of juice every day, it seemed a suitable vehicle for improving the vitamin D status of the population, but it was not known if vitamin D added to fruit juice would be as bioavailable as that consumed in supplements.    Vitamin D has now been shown to be involved in the prevention of many serious and chronic diseases, yet many people, particularly in the Northern hemisphere due to a lack of sunlight, are deficient in vitamin D.  Furthermore, milk which is often fortified with vitamin D, at least in the USA, is no longer consumed by those suffering from lactose maldigestion.  A team of scientists from Boston University Medical School, US, therefore compared the bioavailability of vitamins D2 and D3 from orange juice with both forms of the vitamin delivered as  1000 IU (international units) in capsules manufactured by the Tishcon Corp.  Placebo capsules from Tishcon were also included in the trial involving 105 subjects aged 18 – 79 years old.  At the start of the study 64% of the subjects were deficient in vitamin D. Results showed that there were no significant difference for either vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)between subjects who consumed the fortified orange juice or the vitamin D supplement capsules. The authors also note that there was no significant overall difference in parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations between the orange juice and supplement groups. (A previous 1 year study had found that fortification of bread with 5000 IU vitamin D/serving had significantly reduced PTH levels). Biancuzzo and her colleagues, therefore, suggest that adding vitamin D to orange juice would be a cheap and effective way of providing vitamin D supplementation to adults who were at risk of a range of diseases, ranging from diabetes to osteoporosis.  (Am. J. Clin. Nutr,  2010, 91 (6): 1621-1626opens in a new window).

RSSL's Functional Ingredients Laboratoryopens in a new window provides vitamin analysisopens in a new window in a wide range of matrices including drinks, fortified foods, pre-mixes and multi-vitamin tablets, including the analysis for  Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3.  It provides a full vitamin and mineral analysis service to assist with labelling, due diligence, claim substantiation and stability. For more information please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

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Protecting coffee against pests

Researchers in Brazil have isolated a protein from coffee that is similar to legumin (a protein found in legume seeds). Several reports elsewhere have shown globulins, such as legumin, acting as plant defences against insects and other herbivores. Thus far there have been no reports of the insecticidal properties of the seed proteins in coffee.  However, in a study reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry ,opens in a new window the Brazilian team purified legumin-like proteins from Coffea. arabica and C. racemosa seeds, characterized their physicochemical properties, and for the first time, tested their effects on the development of Callosobruchus. maculatus larvae, a bruchid used as a model in studies to test insecticidal activity of isolated proteins. The isolated proteins were also evaluated for their susceptibility to digestion by proteolytic enzymes present in the midgut of this weevil species.  All coffee legumin concentrations tested significantly altered the parameters of C. maculatus larvae when compared to control larvae. It is not known how these proteins become toxic to insects, but it is believed that they interfere with nutrient uptake by binding to chitin in the peritrophic membranes of the larval midgut.  The researchers are now turning their attention to differences in resistance of different coffee species to the coffee seed borer Hypothenemus hampei, proposing that compositional differences in the legumin-like proteins might explain differences in resistance.

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Probiotic yoghurt and child health

A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled allocation concealment clinical trial suggests that daily intake of a fermented dairy drink containing the probiotic strain L. casei DN-114 001 shows 'some promise in reducing overall incidence of illness in children'. However, this conclusion is some way short of newspaper headlinesopens in a new window claiming that "Daily probiotic yogurt drink 'can help protect young children against infections' " The study reported in the European Journal of Clinical Nutritionopens in a new window involved 638 children of 3–6 years old. They were fed either a fermented dairy drink containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 or matching placebo with no live cultures for 90 consecutive days. Two primary outcomes were assessed: incidence of Common Infectious Diseases and change of behaviour because of illness (both assessed by parental report). The rate of change of behaviour because of illness was similar among active and control groups. However, the incidence rate for CIDs in the active group (0.0782) was 19% lower than that of the control group (0.0986) (incidence rate ratio=0.81, 95% CI: 0.65, 099) P=0.046. The researchers note this difference was primarily driven by gastrointestinal infections. They conclude by noting that the results of their clinical trial 'support the effectiveness of this product with an important patient-oriented outcome, CID, most specifically in gastrointestinal illness. However, it is important to recognize that this trial studied a specific probiotic strain, dose, and age group, and our findings cannot be extrapolated for other strains or outcomes.'

RSSL's Product and Ingredient Innovation Team, has considerable experience in developing or re-formulating products to include probiotics.  Using RSSL can help speed up your development cycle considerably.  For more information contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.com

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Sugar-sweetened beverages and blood pressure

Previous research has associated an increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages with a high risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.  A prospective study published in the Journal of American Heart Association has investigated the relationship between changes in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and changes in blood pressure amongst 810 adults.  Chen et al. used data from prehypertensive and stage 1 hyertensive adults who participated in the PREMIER Study.  This was an 18 month behavioural invention trial which focused on weight loss, exercise and a healthy diet as a means of preventing and controlling high blood pressure.  At baseline and at 6 and 18 months, dietary intake and blood pressure were measured.  Sugar-sweetened beverage intake at baseline was on average, 10.5 fl oz/d (equivalent to just under one serving per day) and mean systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure was 134.9/84.8 mm Hg.  Chen et al. state that after adjusting for potential confounders, a reduction of 1 serving per day of sugar-sweetened beverage over 18 months was associated with around 1.8-mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure and around 1.1-mm Hg reduction in diastolic blood pressure.   The study reports that after additional adjustments for weight change over the same period, there was still a significant associated reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.  The study found no association between caffeine intake and diet beverage consumption and blood pressure.  The researchers indicate that this suggests that sugars may contribute to the association between sugar sweetened beverages and blood pressure.  Chen is quoted in Science Dailyopens in a new window as saying that although the participants were mostly overweight and many with hypertension, they believe that reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may benefit others. 

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Product recalls and alerts

**Nestlé recalls some Nescafé Collections coffee
**From Ireland
**From Canada
**From the US
**European Rapid Alerts
**Links to recall web sites
**Recall web sites for halal and kosher foods

 

**Nestlé recalls some Nescafé Collections coffee
Nestlé is recalling its Nescafé Collections coffee (100g jars only), because these products might contain small pieces of glass. The Food Standards Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.  Product recall notices will appear in national press. The Food Standards Agencyopens in a new window has issued a food alert.

 

**From Ireland

 

·         Salmonella Anatum has been detected in a batch of organic sesame seeds from Bolivia and packed and distributed by Independent Irish Health Foods Ltd. The batch is being recalled together with a batch of organic mixed seeds called "Four Seed Mix". The seeds have been distributed widely within the Republic of Ireland, whilst some clearly show the name Independent Irish Health Foods Ltd on the packs, others have been packed for independent retailers (eg. health stores) but these state "packed by Independent Irish Health Foods" on the front of the pack.

·         Salmonella was detected in a batch of Forest Feast Nuts and Seeds Sesame Seeds packed by Kestrel Foods Ltd., Craigavon, Co. Armagh, distributed to Superquinn.  The batches have been recalled from sale by Superquinn but consumers who may have already purchased the implicated seeds should not consume them.

·         Due to possible contamination with small pieces of glass, Nestlé UK and Ireland Ltd is recalling all batches and best before dates of coffees in the 100g Nescafé Collections Range


**From Canada

 

·         The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and MRS. Dunster’s Inc. are warning people with allergies to milk proteins not to consume certain MRS. Dunster’s Old Fashioned Ginger Snaps. The affected product contains milk which is not declared on the label.

·         The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Nestlé Canada are warning the public not to consume the Nescafé brand Espresso instant coffee because the product may contain small fragments of glass.

·         The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume certain Fresh Express brand Romaine-based Salads because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

 

**From the US

 

·         Caldwell Fresh Foods, of Maywood, CA, is voluntarily recalling all alfalfa sprouts manufactured under the Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature's Choice, and California Exotics brands, because the alfalfa sprouts may be contaminated with Salmonella.

·         Rise 'N Roll Bakery of Middlebury, IN, is recalling all varieties of its 20 ounce jars of Rise ‘N Roll Specialties "Gourmet Cookie Mixes" because they may contain undeclared Milk products.

·         Rise ‘N Roll Bakery of Middlebury, IN, is recalling its 16 ounce jars of "Peanut Butter Spread" because they may contain undeclared Egg products.

·         VanLaw Food Products, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of VALU TIME brand Ranch Dressing with code date of Use by APR 21 11. The back label was mislabeled with VALU TIME Light Ranch Dressing and in particular the label is missing an egg allergen declaration.

·         Salinas, California – Fresh Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chiquita Brands International, is voluntarily recalling a specific selection of Fresh Express Romaine-based ready-to-eat salads with the expired Use-by Dates of May 13th through May 16th and an "S" in the Product Code because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

  

**EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)

The database of rapid alert notificationsopens in a new window hosted by the European Commission has recently changed format. The weekly list of notifications has been replaced by a database, searchable by week number.  The latest notifications, or updates to previous notifications are for 25 May 2010.

 

**Links to recall web sites
For UK product recalls visit the Food Standards Agency’s  Food Alertsopens in a new window and Allergy Alertopens in a new window web sites.
For US product recalls visit the USDA’s  Food Safety and Inspection Serviceopens in a new window (FSIS) or the Food and Drug Administrationopens in a new window (FDA) web sites.
For product recalls in Australia and New Zealand visit the FSANZ web siteopens in a new window.
For Canada go to The Canadian Food Inspection Agencyopens in a new window (CFIA)
For Ireland go to 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 access the  kosher alerts systemopens in a new window.  For US Kosher alerts please go to  Kashrut.com  and follow the link labelled 'Consumer Kashrut Alerts'opens in a new window for Kosher alerts. For Halal alerts go to the Muslim Consumer Groupopens in a new window web site, which also outlines the criteriaopens in a new window used to judge if products are halal or not.

 

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.comopens in a new window

 

Emergency Response Service

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Food safety

**New method for detecting food allergies being developed
**15 people dead after consuming adulterated food and contaminated water
**FSA ‘Annual report of incidents 2009’
**Vitamin B12 deficiency may result from common diabetes drug
**GM soy fed hamsters showed sterility
**Street vendor’s food may cause food poisoning
**E. coli O145 infections linked to shredded Romaine lettuce
**Boy may need kidney transplant after suffering from E. coli poisoning
**Report suggest climate change may increase food poisoning cases
**Animal diseases updates and food poisoning outbreaks
**The Food Safety Network

**New method for detecting food allergies being developed
According to a study commissioned by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), around 5% of Americans suffer from a food allergy although up to 30% believe they do. The difference may be part in due to false positives produced by skin and blood tests that measure antibodies to a given allergen. The presence of the antibody does not necessarily mean however that the patient is allergic. A new technique being developed at MIT may allow for accurate measurement of cells responses to allergens. Immune calls produce small proteins called cytokines when an allergic response starts. In this method, white blood cells are exposed to an allergen and the cytokines produced by T-cells are precisely measured. The creator of the technique, Christopher Love, is now working with colleagues at Children's Hospital Boston to identify the exact relationship between cytokines and allergic reason. Amal Assa'ad, a professor of paediatric immunology and allergy at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is quoted as saying that the ability to measure the cytokine production of individual cells is a great advance but she added clinical studies will be needed to demonstrate the ability to accurately diagnose food allergies. (Science Dailyopens in a new window)

 

**15 people dead after consuming adulterated food and contaminated water

Officials have stated that in the last 10 days more than 15 people in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district have died after consuming adulterated food and contaminated water.   State government are now directing a sanitation drive and have instructed health authorities to also check the sale of adulterated food items.  The chief medical officer has stated that contaminated and substandard ingredients used in ice-creams and chaats, as well as water-borne illnesses are responsible for most of the deaths in the villages. Also the villages that have been affected lack proper sanitation and waste disposal mechanisms. (Sifyopens in a new window)

 

**FSA ‘Annual report of incidents 2009’

The Food Standards Agency has published its ‘Annual report of incidents in 2009’opens in a new window.  The report provides details of over 1200 investigations into food incidents.  It also outlines proposals for the future.  The Agency defines an incident as “any events where based on the information available, there are concerns about actual or suspected threats to the safety or quality of food that could require intervention to protect consumers’ interests.”  The report breaks down the incidents into a number of major categories and states that microbiological contamination accounted for 18% of incidents, environmental contamination 17%, natural chemical contamination 12%, and on-farm incidents 12%.  The report also states that in 2009, the Agency issued 91 Alerts of which 49 were Allergy Alerts. 

 

**Vitamin B12 deficiency may result from common diabetes drug

A study by scientists from the Netherlands and published in the British Medical Journal has indicated that patients treated for a long time with a drug used commonly to treat diabetes, metformin, may develop vitamin B12 deficiency. The researchers note that sufferers from vitamin B12 deficiency show symptoms including fatigue, anaemia and neuropathy but in diabetes sufferers, these can often be attributed to the diabetes and it complications. Lead researchers Coen Stehouwer is quoted as saying that the study provides a strong case for routine assessment of vitamin B12 levels during long term treatment with metformin. The study looked at 390 patients with type 2 diabetes. Around half were given metformin for more than four years while the others were given a placebo. Stehouwer found that those taking metformin showed a 19% reduction in vitamin B12 levels compare to those on the placebo, who showed little change. Stehouwer added that the study shows that it is reasonable to assume harm will eventually occur in some patients with metformin-induced low vitamin B12 levels. (Reutersopens in a new window)

 

**GM soy fed hamsters showed sterility

Food Consumer is reporting details of a study by Russian biologist Alexey Suroy and colleagues that indicates GM soy may lead to sterility in hamsters. The researchers fed four groups of hamsters a normal diet but with no soy, a non GM soy, GM soy or higher amounts of GM soy.  The animals were fed these diets for two years over three generations and the team found that after this time most of the GM soy fed third generation had lost the ability to reproduce. Suroy et al. also report that the GM soy fed hamsters suffered from slower growth and that the pups showed a high mortality rate. The study is not expected to be published for three months. (Food Consumeropens in a new window)

 

**Street vendor’s food may cause food poisoning

An investigation in to the food sold from street vendors in Mumbai has suggested that there may be a connection between this food and the headaches or stomach pain that many locals suffer from.  The Metropolis Laboratory analysed seventy samples from vendors in various parts of the city and found 61 contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Dr Shamma Shetye, head of the microbiology and molecular biology departments at Metropolis is quoted as saying that around 88% of the food tested was unfit for human consumption. Shetye added that food such as fruit and potato salad and vegetable sandwiches were worse than cooked food. A consultant at Jaslok Hospital, Dr Altaf Patelm, said he was not surprised by the results and added that the high levels of bacterial count could be a reason why gastroenteritis and chronic diarrhoea are so common among citizens. The Indian FDA did not wish to comment on the results of this investigation but an inspector did say that his duty was to check adulteration, not contamination. (Times of Indiaopens in a new window)

 

** Report suggest climate change may increase food poisoning cases

A report from the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit in Malta and the World Health Organisation suggests that climate change in the Maltese islands is likely to cause an increase in the number of cases of food poisoning. The report indicates that over the past 18 years, cases of diarrhoea tend to increase in May as the temperature rises and that the number of cases peak in the summer. In conclusion, the study calls for increased public awareness in the areas of food safety, hygiene and food preparation. (Food Poison Journalopens in a new window)

 

**E. coli O145 infections linked to shredded Romaine lettuce

Local and state public health officials in Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee are investigating human illnesses caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) O145.  There have been 27 confirmed and 7 probable cases of E.coli 0145, of these 20 people have been hospitalised.  Investigations have found that shredded romaine lettuce from one processing facility as a source of infection in this outbreak. The article reports that evidence includes the identification of the outbreak strain of E. coli O145 from an unopened package of shredded romaine lettuce obtained at an institution that received product from the processing facility linked to the outbreak. Case-control studies in Michigan and Ohio found significant associations between illness and consumption of romaine lettuce processed at the same facility that processed lettuce consumed by those sickened in New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. (Center for Disease Control & Preventionopens in a new window)

 

**Boy may need kidney transplant after suffering from E. coli poisoning

A four year old boy from Canterbury is going to need a kidney transplant after suffering with E. coli after eating at a hotel in Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt in September 2008.  The illness has already meant the boy needs daily medicine and regular trips to Great Ormond Street Hospital.  Doctors have indicated that the boy will require a kidney transplant when he reaches puberty.  The couple are trying to get compensation from the hotel, after the boy became ill after eating a beef lasagne from the buffet. (Kent Onlineopens in a new window)

 

**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. 

 

**BITES safe food from farm to fork
The BITES web siteopens in a new window at Kansas State University (KSU) provides up-to-date details of food safety incidents around the world.  It replaced the International Food Safety Network (iFSN) web site at KSU, which is no longer being kept up-to date. The Fsnet Archivesopens in a new window are still available but only updated until September 2009.

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 headlines

**PGI for Tettnanger Hopfen
**PGI for Pemento de Oímbra
**PGI for Canestrato di Moliterno
**PDO for Aglio di Voghiera
**PDO for Piave
**PGI for Pemento da Arnoia
**PGI application for ‘Limone di Siracusa’
**PDO  application for ‘Arancia di Ribera’
**Correction to Spanish version of fruit juice directive
**EFSA opinions on safety of conjugated linoleic acid
**EFSA rejects “dry skin” claims
**EFSA opinion on Q fever
**EFSA positive opinion on vitamin D and calcium
**EFSA flavouring group evaluation
**EFSA opinion on modified MRL for dimethomorph
**FSAI conference on health claims
**AFSSA update on tap water quality
**Microbiological criteria and shelf-life of foods
**EVIRA warning on poisonous false morel fungi
 

**PGI for Nieheimer Käse
Commission Regulation (EU) No 414/2010opens in a new window of 12 May 2010 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Nieheimer Käse (PGI))

**PGI for Tettnanger Hopfen
Commission Regulation (EU) No 415/2010opens in a new window of 12 May 2010 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Tettnanger Hopfen (PGI))

**PGI for Pemento de Oímbra
Commission Regulation (EU) No 429/2010opens in a new window of 20 May 2010 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Pemento de Oímbra (PGI))

**PGI for Canestrato di Moliterno
Commission Regulation (EU) No 441/2010opens in a new window of 21 May 2010 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications [Canestrato di Moliterno (PGI)].

**PDO for Aglio di Voghiera
Commission Regulation (EU) No 442/2010opens in a new window of 21 May 2010 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Aglio di Voghiera (PDO))

**PDO for Piave
Commission Regulation (EU) No 443/2010opens in a new window of 21 May 2010 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Piave (PDO))

**PGI for Pemento da Arnoia
Commission Regulation (EU) No 444/2010opens in a new window of 21 May 2010 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Pemento da Arnoia (PGI)).

**PGI application for ‘Limone di Siracusa’
An application has been made for a protected geographical indication (PGI) for ‘Limone di Siracusa’opens in a new window, which may be used exclusively for the cultivar ‘Femminello’ and its clones, corresponding to the botanical species Citrus limon (L) Burm, grown at specialist locations on the territory of the province of Syracuse in Sicily.

**PDO  application for ‘Arancia di Ribera’
An application has been made for a protected ) ‘Arancia di designation of origin (PDO) for ‘Arancia di Ribera’opens in a new window, which is a Brasiliano, Washington Navel or Navelina orange packed and stored under the strict conditions described In the province of Palermo in Sicily. The orange trees must grow on the banks of the Verdura, Magazzolo, Platani and Carboj rivers. The soil, which is made up of vertisols and inceptisols, is excellent for agriculture due both to its high mineral content and its texture.

**Correction to Spanish version of fruit juice directive
Commission Directive 2010/33/EUopens in a new window of 21 May 2010 correcting the Spanish version of Council Directive 2001/112/EC relating to fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption.

**EFSA opinions on safety of conjugated linoleic acid
The European Food Safety Authorityopens in a new window (EFSA) has recently published the following documents:
Safety of conjugated linoleic acidopens in a new window (CLA)-rich oil (Tonalin®) -43 pages.
Safety of conjugated linoleic acidopens in a new window (CLA)-rich oil (Clarinol®) 41 pages

**EFSA rejects “dry skin” claims
The European Food Safety Authority’s Scientific  Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies Scientific has published its  opinion on a health claimopens in a new window for a combination of blackcurrant seed oil, fish oil, lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin E which it is claimed helps to improve dry skin conditions. The claim application was made by Laboratoires innéov SNC submitted pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of France. Having examined the data submitted, the Panel concluded that a cause and effect relationship had not been established between the intake of a combination of blackcurrant seed oil, fish oil, lycopene, and vitamins C and E and improving dry skin conditions.

**EFSA opinion on Q fever
The EFSA’s Panel on Animal Health and Welfare, with input from EFSA’s Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) and the Zoonoses and Assessment Methodologies Unit, and in close collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has published its answersopens in a new window to the following questions:
•to assess the significance of the occurrence of Q fever in the EU Member States for a better understanding of the scale and distribution of the disease and infection (with the focus on farm animals and humans)
•to assess the risk factors for Q fever occurrence and persistence in animal husbandry and the related risks for humans, and
•to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of disease control options.
The Panel concluded that there was no conclusive evidence that the consumption of milk and milk products containing  Coxiella burnetii  had resulted in clinical Q fever in humansopens in a new window.

**EFSA positive opinion on vitamin D and calcium
The European Food Safety Authority has given its opinion on health claims for calcium and vitamin Dopens in a new window and the reduction of the risk of osteoporotic fractures by reducing bone loss. It concluded that a cause and effect relationship had been  established between the intake of calcium, either alone or in combination with vitamin D, and a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD), which may contribute to a reduction in the risk of bone fracture. This relationship implies that the critical nutrient in relation to the claimed effect is calcium.

**EFSA flavouring group evaluation
The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) has published its on Flavouring Group Evaluation 25Rev1opens in a new window: Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons from chemical group 31: The present Flavouring Group Evaluation deals with 34 aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons which have been divided into eight subgroups: I) acyclic alkanes, II) acyclic alkenes, III) cyclohexene hydrocarbons, IVa) benzene hydrocarbons, IVb) napthalene hydrocarbons, IVc) diphenylmethane, V) bi- and tricyclic, non-aromatic hydrocarbons and VI) macrocyclic, non-aromatic hydrocarbons.

**EFSA opinion on modified MRL for dimethomorph
Reasoned opinion of EFSA: Modification of the existing MRLs for dimethomorphopens in a new window in various crops. According to Article 6 of the Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, France received an application from BASF Agro SAS to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance dimethomorph in onions, garlic, shallots, artichokes and aubergines. In order to accommodate the intended uses of dimethomorph, it is proposed to raise the existing MRLs from 0.1 mg/kg in onions, garlic and shallots and from the limit of quantification value of 0.05 mg/kg in artichokes and aubergines to 0.2 mg/kg in the above listed crops of the bulb vegetable group, to 0.5 mg/kg in aubergines and to 2.0 mg/kg in globe artichokes.  The  EFSA concluded that the intended uses of dimethomorph in garlic, onions, artichokes and aubergines did not lead to unacceptable residues and made recommendations as to their permitted levels of use.

**FSAI conference on health claims
Held this week, the conference hosted by the Food Safety Authority of Irelandopens in a new window  (FSAI) highlighted the fact that about 40 nutrition and health claims have now been approved for use in the EU. However, delegates  also heard that it will be some time before all false claims are removed from the market.  This was due to the unprecedented number of general health claims that were submitted by the industry across the EU for assessment.  General claims are all claims, excluding claims that relate to disease risk reduction or children’s health and development.  Dr Mary Flynn, Chief Specialist in Public Health Nutrition, FSAI,  said that the number of general claims that the European Food Safety Authority had had to assess was unforeseen. Apparently, about  200 general health claims were expected, but  44,215 were submitted for assessment by the EFSA !  This had obviously delayed the whole process of finalising a complete list of permitted claims. At the event, the FSAI launched a new guidance document, to assist small food businesses who do not have access to experts in nutrition and food law, on the use of these claims. 

**AFSSA update on tap water quality
The French Food Safety Agency, the AFSSA,  reports that water safety is strictly controlledopens in a new window from the source (river or ground water) to the consumer's tap. More than sixty quality criteria (including pesticide and nitrate levels) must be adhered to. AFSSA's work is part of an overall system and contributes to meeting high quality standards for water intended for human consumption.

**Microbiological criteria and shelf-life of foods
Dr Mary Friel, Technical Executive, Food Safety Authority Ireland ( FSAI), will give an overview on the current legal situation in relation to the microbiological criteria and shelf-life of food at this seminar, which aims to provide an up-to-date review on the requirements of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005opens in a new window (and amendments) on the microbiological criteria for foodstuffs.  The seminar is to be held on 15 June 2010 at  Ashtown Food Research Centre, Teagasc,  Ashtown, Dublin 15,  Ireland. Full details are on the Teagasc websiteopens in a new window.

**EVIRA warning on poisonous false morel fungi
According to Finnish regulations, anyone who sells fresh or dried false morels must display a warning that they are poisonous and must provide instructions for handling them. The Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira recommends that fresh false morels should only be sold to consumers by sales staff, rather than off the shelf, in order to ensure safety. It is  noted that foreigners living in Finland may not be aware that false morels are poisonous or may not know how they should be handled. A booklet on the safe use of false morel  fungi  can be downloaded from the EVIRA web siteopens in a new window.

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This Newsletter was posted on: 26 May 2010

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