This research aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK), withdrawal time (WT) and hepatopancreas histological impact of doxycycline (DOX) in white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). To determine PK parameters in hemolymph, hepatopancreas, and muscle, a single oral dose of 20 mg DOX/kg body weight was administered, following by interval sampling during 24 h. DOX concentrations were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, and PK parameter estimation was done using a one-compartmental model. The maximum concentrations in shrimp hemolymph, hepatopancreas and muscle were 1.09 µg/mL, 2.37 µg/g and 0.46 µg/g at 1.6 h, 0.23 h and 2 h, respectively. The pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) properties were integrated based on the concentration-time curves of DOX in the hepatopancreas over the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DOX against V. parahaemolyticus. It was indicated that the time during which the DOX concentration in the hepatopancreas was above the MIC (T > MIC) was approximately 4 h, corresponding theoretically to an 8-hour dosing interval. However, this PK/PD interpretation is presented as supportive information and should be interpreted with caution. A depletion study was conducted by administering DOX-medicated feed once and twice daily for three consecutive days at the same dose. DOX residues in shrimp muscle dropped below the limit of detection after 14 days of stopping medication. Based on a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 50 µg/kg, the estimated withdrawal time at 26.5 °C ranged from 8 to 10 days, depending on the dosing regimen (once or twice a day). Regarding histological analysis, the effect of DOX on hepatopancreas was significant during the twice a day dosing treatment, but recovery of hepatopancreatic cells was observed within seven days after medication.

Globally, aquaculture production has continued to rise, surpassing capture fisheries production for the first time, underscoring its pivotal role in meeting the growing global demand for aquatic foods. This growth emphasizes its significance in addressing food security and offering high-quality protein and necessary nutrients to growing population. Fish in Cambodia is a nutritional primary source, accounting for 75% of total animal protein intake, making it an indispensable part of national food security and nutrition initiatives. However, the threat of many factors, such as the increase of hydropower dams, water pollution, and illegal fishing, led to the reduction of inland fisheries. Consequently, aquaculture systems have rapidly emerged as an alternative source of food, nutrition, and livelihood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality of commercialized farmed freshwater fish to provide more insight regarding nutritional information and scientific data. Ten different farmed freshwater fish species were analyzed for proximate composition, fatty acid profile, essential dietary elements, nutritional quality indices, and nutritional contribution to human health. The results revealed that moisture content varied from 63.37 ± 0.37 g/100 g to 79.98 ± 0.72 g/100 g, lipid content ranged from 1.60 ± 0.1 to 17.82 ± 0.04 g/100 g fish, protein content ranged from 16.08 to 21.91 g/100 g fish, and ash content varied from 0.51 ± 0.04 g/100 g to 2.49 ± 0.31 g/100 g. Saturated fatty acids were found at the highest value (40.4-56.3 g/100 g of total fatty acids), followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (26.4-51.5 g/100 g of total fatty acids) and monounsaturated fatty acids (3.5-29.9 g/100 g of total fatty acids). In addition, the PUFA/SFA ratio varied from 0.5 to 1.34, and the ratio of n-6/n-3 ranged from 0.6 to 11.1. Furthermore, the AI and TI index values were calculated at values ranging from 0.5 to 1.13 and 0.39 to 1.24, respectively. The value of the h/H index in farmed fish species ranged from 0.63 to 1.76. The studied farmed fish species provide high content of calcium (43.6-8612 mg), potassium (1581.9-3723.2 mg), and phosphorus (1019.9-5890.1 mg). Moreover, a 90-g daily serving of walking catfish provides 9400 mg of EPA + DHA, covering 169% of the daily recommended intake for adults. The findings provided baseline data of fatty acid profiles for nutritional assessment, informed public health strategies, and supported the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector.

Banana peels, 30-40% of the fruit, often discarded, can be sustainably valued depending on postharvest quality preserved or modified by processing. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of two drying methods (drying at room temperature and in an oven at 45 degrees C) on the physicochemical, nutritional, and antinutritional properties of four clones of banana peels (Batard, Grande naine, PITA 14, and CARBAP K74) at different ripening stages. Fresh and dried peels were analyzed at five ripening stages based on color. Drying significantly influences (p < 0.05) these parameters. Dried peels had higher acidity, pH, and soluble solids. Drying could either increase or decrease the nutritional parameters, with protein (4.32-10.89%), lipid (2.72-14.97%), carbohydrate (55.64-70.17%), and dry matter (11.29-92.44%). Cyanide content remained below 1%. The study suggests that banana peels, particularly Batard and CARBAP K74, are rich in nutrients. Drying at 45 degrees C best preserves their nutritional and physicochemical properties while reducing cyanide in CARBAP K74 and Grande naine. These findings highlight banana peels as a valuable resource in human and animal feeding.

In Benin, pre- and post-harvest peanut practices could lead to chemical and microbial contamination of peanuts and their products. This study outlines local farming practices that may contribute to microbiological and chemical contamination of peanuts. Based on 395 individual interviews, the study was conducted in five municipalities of Southern Benin. Results showed that 95.0% of farmers use uncertified seeds, from previous harvests. Peanuts were grown either as monocultures (66.0%) or intercropped (34.0%), especially with over half respondents (53.0%) applying unapproved pesticides (83.3%), mainly glyphosate-based products, obtained formally. After harvest, 58.0% of farmers dried their seeds in two steps: unshelled before storage (100.0%) in reused polypropylene bags (76.0%) placed directly on the ground. The use of unapproved pesticides may lead to chemical contamination of peanuts through residues of toxic substances such as glyphosate and lambda-cyhalothrin. Moreover, inadequate drying and storage in polypropylene bags promote mould growth, particularly Aspergillus species, and subsequent aflatoxins production. Such contaminations could compromise peanuts sanitary quality and pose significant food safety challenges. These observations highlight a potential public health concern. Therefore, identified risks should be assessed and managed for producing and processing safe peanuts in Benin.

Psychobiotic bacteria hold promise for modulating the gut-brain axis, particularly under stress-induced dysbiosis. In this study, nine psychobiotic formulations were evaluated using a novel simplified batch version (M-batches) of the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem, including the mucosal compartment (M-SHIME®), inoculated with fecal samples from highly stressed donors. Several treatments, particularly those containing Heyndrickxia coagulans [ATB-BCS-042] with either Levilactobacillus (Lv.) brevis [THT-030-201] or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum [THT-030-702], led to significant increases in Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia muciniphila. Modulations in butyrate-producing taxa were observed with H. coagulans + Lactobacillus (L.) gasseri [THT-031-301] and Enterococcus faecium [ATB-EFM-030] + Lactobacillus helveticus [THT-031-102]. Combinations of H. coagulans with either Lv. brevis, L. gasseri, or Lactobacillus johnsonii [THT-032-401] facilitated lactobacilli colonization. Dopamine levels increased with E. faecium + Lacticaseibacillus (Lc.) paracasei [THT-031-901] and H. coagulans + L. johnsonii, whereas other metabolites, such as Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) and ammonia, remained largely unchanged across treatments. Metabolic outputs also included aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-activating metabolites, with the strongest effect seen for H. coagulans + L. gasseri, suggesting involvement with stress-related host signaling pathways. Among all probiotics, cocktails containing H. coagulans with either Lv. brevis or L. gasseri produced the most consistent and multifaceted effects. These findings underscore psychobiotic formulations that enhance gut microbiota resilience and boost metabolites potentially influencing host pathways under stress. Using fecal microbiota from highly stressed donors offers a promising in vitro approach that better reflects stress-related gut ecosystems for translational microbiome-brain axis research.

This study assessed mycotoxin contamination in roasted peanut snacks and kluiklui (fried pressed peanut cake), and consumer exposure in southern Benin. Roasted peanut snacks and kluiklui were sampled from markets across six municipalities, and their production follow-up was conducted on two sites using different processing methods. Mycotoxins were quantified using UPLC-MS/MS, while fungal species were identified via culture-based methods. Exposure to aflatoxin B1, total aflatoxins and ochratoxin A was estimated. Aflatoxin B1 predominated, reaching 169 µg/kg in roasted peanut snacks and 2144.64 µg/kg in marketed kluiklui. In contrast, just-produced kluiklui contained much lower levels (11.73–37.78 µg/kg). Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger predominated in kluiklui from the first processing site, while Aspergillus chevalieri dominated in kluiklui from the second processing site. The grinding step (using public grinder) was identified as the main contamination point. The significative higher mycotoxin levels in kluiklui sampled on markets compared to just-produced kluiklui are probably due to poor storage conditions. Dietary exposure estimates revealed that margins of exposure for aflatoxins were far below the safety threshold of 10,000, and liver cancer risk estimates were particularly high for kluiklui consumers. Kluiklui consumption poses a significant health risk in Benin. Improved hygiene in public grinders and better storage practices are urgently needed to reduce contamination and protect consumers’ health.

Triphala is a wildly used nutritional and phytotherapeutic formulation combining three dry fruits (Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula and Emblica officinalis). Despite its long-standing use to treat gastrointestinal discomfort, there is limited understanding of Triphala's effects on gut microbiota, especially among individuals with mild constipation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate Triphala's impact on the constipated human colon microbiota. A short-term (72 h) static configuration of the in vitro Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME (R)) system was used to study the fermentation process of a standardized extract of Triphala in the gut microbiota. Chromatographic and enzymatic methods were used to analyze the microbe-derived metabolic production. Potential herb-human host interactions were assessed using in vitro cell-based methods. Triphala extract increased Akkermansia muciniphila but decreased Bifidobacterium spp. in the simulated colon microbiota. Metabolic profiling of Triphala treatment showed increased phenolic species and antioxidant potential and reduced ammonia, valeric, isovaleric, and isobutyric acids during fermentation, potentially benefiting intestinal health, especially in contexts of constipation. Fermentation metabolites enhanced transepithelial electrical resistance in a human epithelium model and inhibited aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcriptional activity. Triphala's polyphenols likely cause this AhR antagonism. Overall, these findings state some potential explanations for the usefulness of Triphala as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal diseases. However, it also raises concerns about some harmful effects of Triphala in the gut microbial ecosystem of people suffering from mild constipation.

This document presents the opinion of the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), established from the work of its Working Group on “Risks associated with the consumption of Nitrites and Nitrates" (NiNa WG) and validated by its Expert Committees on “Assessment of the biological risks in foods” (CES BIORISK) and “Assessment of physico-chemical risks in food” (CES ERCA). Following a request from the Directorate General for Health, the Directorate General for Food and the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, ANSES was asked to deliver an opinion on the risks linked to nitrites and nitrates. Specifically, ANSES provided a scientific assessment associated with the following work themes regarding questions of (i) the impact of reducing nitrite/nitrate levels in foodstuffs on the fate of pathogenic bacteria in certain foods, (ii) the assessment of overall exposure to nitrates and nitrites from all sources in France and the proposal of actions that could help reduce this exposure, (iii) evaluating if new scientific knowledge could justify revisiting EFSA's ADIs/Health-Based Guidance Values (HBGVs) for nitrates and nitrites, and (iv) better characterizing their link to human cancer risk from meat product consumption. The opinion first presents the substances of interest, their origin and the regulatory framework. Then this opinion sets out the conclusions of the microbiological risk for three foodborne pathogens associated with reducing nitrate/nitrite levels as additives in three types of cured meats. This is followed by a presentation of the conclusions relating to the assessment of the available epidemiological and toxicological data in the light of recent scientific data. Finally, this enables the characterization of the risk associated with ingested nitrates and nitrites after exposure has been estimated. The opinion provides recommendations to continue epidemiological studies to confirm or refute suspected relationships for certain cancers and to conduct experimental studies for the establishment of ADIs considering the combined exposure to nitrates, nitrites and nitroso compounds. Furthermore, reducing the population's exposure to nitrites and nitrates involves collective and individual measures. As part of collective measures, in addition to controlling the quality of water intended for human consumption, a relevant measure would be to reduce the use of nitrites in processed meat products while implementing strict compensatory measures to address microbiological risk. This opinion finally emphasizes the importance of individual measures, by adhering to recommendations for processed meat consumption, limiting it to 150g/week, and diversifying the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Hypoglycin A is a plant-derived protoxin that causes atypical myopathy in equids. In atypical myopathy-affected horses, metabolomic and microbiome studies have reported alterations in metabolic markers and faecal microbiota composition, pointing to a potential disruption of microbial homeostasis. However, in vivo observations are strongly confounded by host-related factors, underscoring the need for controlled in vitro approaches. To address this, we used an in vitro static batch fermentation model simulating the equine colon to investigate the direct effects of hypoglycin A on microbiota composition and activity. Faecal inocula from healthy horses were incubated in control and hypoglycin A-treated fermenters for 48 h, with serial analyses of hypoglycin A concentration, short-chain fatty acids, and 16S rRNA gene profiles. Hypoglycin A remained stable in the nutritive medium in the absence of microbiota, confirming that its degradation in inoculated fermenters was microbiota-dependent. The results showed significant microbial-associated hypoglycin A degradation without evidence of toxic metabolite formation. The analysis of α- and β-diversity revealed both an effect of incubation time, reflecting the natural temporal dynamics of microbial communities under batch fermentation, and a specific impact of hypoglycin A exposure, with certain taxa such as Paraclostridium being affected. This study provides the first in vitro evidence that the equine microbiota contributes to hypoglycin A degradation.

In Benin, there is limited data on the nutritional composition of commonly consumed fish, particularly their fatty acid profiles. This study aimed to compare the fatty acid composition and nutritional lipid indices of brackish water fish (Coptodon guineensis and Sarotherodon melanotheron) harvested from acadjas with those of imported, frozen seawater fish (Scomber scombrus and Trachurus trachurus) consumed in Benin. Fatty acids were extracted from fish flesh (n=20) and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Palmitic and oleic acids were the most abundant saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), respectively. Marine fish contained significantly higher levels of oleic acid (p<0.05), while brackish fish had higher levels of arachidonic and linoleic acids (n-6 PUFA). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) was only detectable in brackish fish, whereas marine fish had significantly higher eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and similar docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels. The atherogenic index (AI) was highest in S. scombrus (p<0.05), suggesting possible cardiovascular risks with frequent consumption. These findings underscore the nutritional distinctions between locally sourced and imported fish and provide insight for dietary planning and food policy in Benin.

This study provides occurrence data for acrylamide in various foodstuffs, including those covered by Recommendation (EU) 2019/1888, from 210 samples purchased on the Belgian market. Detection frequencies exceeded 84% in potato-based products other than fries, vegetable crisps, black olives, cocoa powders, coffee substitutes and cereals and snacks. Large variations in acrylamide levels were found in cereals and snacks, with no correlation between cereal type or processing. Snacks containing chia did not show higher acrylamide levels than other cereal-based snacks. Maximum levels found were 4389 and 3063 µg kg-1 in coffee substitutes and vegetable crisps, respectively. Potato-based products contained 2 to 27 times less acrylamide when prepared in oven, compared to deep fryer processing. Artificially oxidised "Californian-style" black olives contained five times more acrylamide than "Greek-style" olives. In bread, pastries, nuts, oilseeds, dried fruits and confectionaries, detection frequencies varied from 27 to 69% and the average acrylamide content was <30 µg kg-1.

This work proposes an insight into the mycotoxins detected in wheat from the 2023 and 2024 harvests in Belgium and highlights the link between agronomic conditions and mycotoxin contamination. The study utilized samples from a Belgian trial network, covering nine locations in 2023 and eight in 2024, ensuring diverse pedoclimatic contexts and including 11 different varieties. Sowing and harvest dates, previous crops and meteorological data were collected for these locations. A validated UPLC-MS/MS multi-mycotoxin method able to detect 20 mycotoxins, regulated or not, was used. Deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and enniatins B and B1 were detected in the 2023 and 2024 samples. Enniatin A1 was only detected in the 2024 samples. Mycotoxin contamination was higher in 2024 compared to 2023, in terms of both the number of contaminated samples and the contamination levels. Enniatins B and B1, non-regulated mycotoxins, were widely detected in the 2024 wheat samples, with enniatin B detected in 68 out 88 samples ranging from 12 to 488 µg/kg. Differences between the wheat varieties were observed, with some varieties showing significantly higher contamination. Additionally, geographic location appeared to influence contamination levels, which could be related to previous crops or meteorological events. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of mycotoxin co-contamination in wheat samples from diverse pedoclimatic contexts in Belgium based over 2 years. It shows the importance of weather conditions on mycotoxin contamination. It also emphasizes the importance of variety selection to manage mycotoxin contamination.

Consumption of peanut-based foods may expose consumers to heat-induced contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), acrylamide, and furans. This study assessed consumer exposure to heat-induced contaminants in peanut-based foods prepared in Southern Benin. A food consumption survey was conducted in six municipalities of southern Benin, involving 400 adult consumers of kluiklui (fried pressed peanut cake) and/or roasted peanut snacks. Contaminant contents were determined in 27 roasted peanut snack and 42 kluiklui samples using chromatographic and mass spectrometry based-methods. Daily consumption ranged from 0.4 to 346 g for kluiklui and 0.6-284 g for roasted peanut snacks. Benzo[a]pyrene levels were below the limit of quantification in roasted peanut snack samples, while Sigma PAH4 content ranged from 1.0 to 2.8 mu g/kg. The calculated margins of exposure (MOE) for Sigma PAH4 were above 10,000, indicating a low concern of cancer risk. Acrylamide contents varied from 34.4 to 282.5 mu g/kg in kluiklui and from 20.0 to 129 mu g/kg in roasted peanut snacks. Based on median and maximum acrylamide contents, 41-72 % of kluiklui consumers, 38-78 % of roasted peanut snacks consumers, and 80-92 % of consumers of both products had MOEs below 10,000, suggesting a potential carcinogenic health risk. Furan contents ranged from 2.0 to 11.6 mu g/kg in roasted peanut snacks and from 4.0 to 62 mu g/kg in kluiklui. Furans did not raise concern for non-neoplastic effects (MOE > 100), while there was a risk for neoplastic effects, for 2 % of kluiklui consumers. Understanding the impact of specific processing practices (in particular the temperature used during the heat treatment) on contaminant formation is needed for developing risk mitigation strategies related to peanut-based food consumption.

Florfenicol (FF) is one of the common antimicrobials used to control bacterial disease in shrimp aquaculture. This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters of FF in white leg shrimp plasma, hepatopancreas and muscle as well as its residue depletion in shrimp muscle and the impact on shrimp hepatopancreas histology during and after FF medication. In the PK experiment, shrimp were fed once at 10 mg FF/kg body weight (bw) via oral in-feed administration to determine PK parameters in plasma, hepatopancreas and muscle. The maximum concentration (Cmax) of 60.56 μg/L in plasma was observed after 1.77 h (Tmax). In muscle, a Cmax of 11.76 μg/kg was attained after 0.20 h, while in hepatopancreas, the Cmax was higher (386.92 μg/kg) and was rapidly obtained (Tmax = 0.19 h). The Cmax values in shrimp plasma were below the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, known to cause acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimp. Therefore, it can be concluded that to ensure the effectiveness of this treatment, the dose should be higher than 10 mg FF/kg bw. FF depletion in white leg shrimp muscle and its histological impact on hepatopancreas were determined after feeding FF-medicated feed once-a-day or twice-a-day for 3 consecutive days with a dose of 10 mg FF/kg bw. The residues in shrimp muscle were rapidly eliminated and fell below the limit of quantification at 24 h after stopping medication. The withdrawal time of FF in shrimp muscle was 27.9 degree-days (2 days at 26.5 °C) according to the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 100 µg/kg set by the European Commission and Korean Ministry and when feeding FF twice-a-day for 3 days. The results from histological analysis showed that there was no negative effect on shrimp hepatopancreas after stopping medication in both once- and twice-a-day treatments.

Smoking is the most widely practiced method applied practically for all species of fish. Smoking is a technique for preserving fish that has been processed with organic components derived from smoke. Smoke produces volatile fragrant compounds that impart specific properties to fish flesh. Fish smoking commonly takes place in conventional kilns with direct burning of wood, sawdust, coconut shell and coal combustion at high temperatures. The heat burnt organic matter may release chemical contaminants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) via the pyrolysis process, leading to PAHs contamination in smoked fish. Therefore, this research is carried out to investigate the impact of smoking materials (wood and charcoal) on the quality of smoked fish (Clarias microcephalus) and levels of PAH contamination. The moisture content of smoked fish using wood and charcoal were below 6%. Smoked fish using charcoal tended to have higher ash content, protein and lower total fat than smoked fish using wood. The result of peroxide values of smoked fish using wood and charcoal were 15.19 ± 0.69 meq/kg and 8.45 ± 0.51meq/k, respectively. TBARS value were 3.76 ± 0.36 mg MDA/kg and 3.68 ± 0.1 mg MDA/kg for smoked fish used wood and charcoal, respectively. The results of PAH analysis, BaP and ΣPAH4 concentrations exceeded the maximum limit set by the Regulation Commission European Union (EU) 1881/2006 of 2 μg/kg and 12 μg/kg, respectively. BaP containing in smoked fish with skin was 3 to 4 times higher by comparison to smoked fish without skin, while ΣPAH4 of smoked fish with skin was 2 to 3 times higher. The concentration of BaP and ΣPAH4 in smoked fish using wood was higher than smoked fish using charcoal. As conclusion, smoked fish should be consumed with skin removal and smoke with charcoal as a heat resource in order to reduce PAH contamination. The design of the smoking kiln and the adjustment of the smoking process could be considered in further study to ensure smoked fish quality and to mitigate the health issues for consumers.

In 2023, the slaughterhouse-sampled meat and liver of some cows from Belgian businesses were found not to comply with the maximum levels for PFOS described in European legislation. These post-mortem results led to a ban on the entry into the food chain of food obtained from animals coming from the affected businesses. The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) wishes to propose tools to livestock farmers to enable them to manage PFAS contamination and take the best possible decisions and this within the framework of their self-checking system. Therefore, the Scientific Committee (SciCom) established at the FASFC assessed the possibility of establishing a guide value for PFAS compounds in bovine blood to estimate whether PFAS levels in meat, liver and kidney comply with the European maximum levels (Regulation (EU) 2023/915). To this end, the SciCom relied on (i) Danish Decree No 1386 of 29/11/2023, (ii) literature data and (iii) monitoring data from the FASFC. In addition, a linear regression analysis was applied to data of PFOS concentrations in blood plasma and muscle tissue from the same animals (paired results for 28 cows) (Johnston et al. , 2023). This analysis performed on a logarithmic transformation of the raw data allowed to determine that a PFOS content of 0.3 μg/kg in meat (= legal European maximum content) corresponds to a most probable PFOS content of 6.2 μg/L in the blood plasma with a 95% confidence interval of 2.5 to 23.4 μg/L. For liver and kidney, it was not possible to apply this type of approach due to the lack of available paired data (PFOS content in blood and tissues from the same animal). The obtained lower limit of 2.5 μg/L is close to, but more conservative, than the guide value of 3.3 μg PFOS/L blood plasma applied by the Danish authorities. The SciCom considers that a PFOS level of 2.5 μg/L blood plasma is an appropriate guide value to estimate a compliance of a PFOS level in the meat, liver and kidney. For PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA, there is less to no data to derive such a guide value in blood plasma. Based on the available data, the SciCom considers that the same concentration of 2.5 μg/L blood plasma can also be applied to estimate a compliance of levels of PFOA, PFHxS or PFNA in bovine meat, liver and kidney. It should be stressed that this guide value of 2.5 μg/L is subject to significant uncertainties. Ratios between PFAS levels in bovine muscle tissue, liver and kidney were assessed using (i) FASFC control data and (ii) data from the scientific literature. The aim was to assess whether the liver or kidneys of a slaughtered bovine should be destroyed if the meat is non-compliant or vice versa. On the basis of available results for the liver (n = 16), it could be determined that the PFOS concentration in the liver is between 6 and 34 times higher (on average 21 times) than that in muscle tissue, while the PFOS concentration in the kidneys (n = 8) is between 3 and 12 times higher (on average 8 times) than that in muscle tissue. No such ratio could be derived for PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS due to insufficient data. It is noted that these ratios for PFOS were determined from a relatively limited number of data from different studies with differences in experimental design, and that no distinction was made between breed, sex and lactation status of the cattle when deriving the ratios. Finally, the SciCom evaluated the possibility of determining, based on ante-mortem blood analysis, a withdrawal time after which bovine muscle tissue, liver and kidney will be compliant for PFAS after removal of the source of contamination. For this purpose, literature sources regarding the depletion kinetics of PFAS in bovine blood were reviewed. For PFOS, elimination half-lives in blood of 39 (lactating cow) to 120 days (steer) were distinguished. For PFOA, elimination half-lives in blood were 1.3 (lactating cow) and 19.2 days (steers). For PFNA the elimination half-lives in blood were 8.7 (lactating cow) and 12.3 days (beef cattle), and for PFHxS the half-life was 9.3 days for beef cattle. Chou et al. (2023) implemented a physiological-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model implemented in an interactive generic platform publicly accessible via the internet where tissue withdrawal times for PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS can be calculated for beef cattle and dairy cows. This platform could be used to predict withdrawal times for these PFAS in beef cattle and dairy cows. An important limitation of the platform is that several parameter values need to be known to enter into the application, in particular the number of animals, PFAS concentration in soil or water, time interval of dosing of PFAS contamination, exposure frequency and exposure duration. It will often prove difficult if not impossible for a livestock farmer to know or determine these values. In addition, the source of contamination may be different, it could be, for example, contaminated feed, and not soil or water. In addition, scientific publications report other equations that would approximate depletion kinetics in blood plasma or blood serum (Johnston et al. , 2023; Mikkonen et al. , 2023), but also these turn out to be of little use in practice because of the required parameters that need to be known and the complexity. Therefore, the working group itself developed a pragmatic approach for calculating a withdrawal time after which a second blood sample should be collected and analysed, in case of an initial blood test indicating an excess PFAS level. The equation for calculating such a withdrawal time (see recommendations below) contains as constants the target value for PFAS in blood plasma of 2.5 μg/L and an elimination half-life for PFAS (for which a value from literature should be selected). Therefore, such a calculated withdrawal time is subject to significant uncertainties. When a contamination by PFAS is detected on a farm, it is recommended to identify and eliminate the source of contamination (e.g. water, soil or feed) or to prevent animals from having access to it. The SciCom recommends the threshold value of 2.5 μg/L of bovine blood plasma as a suitable guide value to estimate ante-mortem a compliance against the legal European maximum levels of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS or PFNA in the meat, liver and kidney. As discussed above, this guide value of 2.5 μg/L is subject to significant uncertainties. The SciCom emphasises that it cannot be excluded that possible non-compliant results of PFAS may be observed in the meat, liver or kidney of cattle following a blood test complying with the 2.5 μg/L guide value. The SciCom therefore recommends assessing in the near future the number of cases in which a level of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS or PFNA in blood plasma not exceeding the guide value of 2.5 μg/L is actually related to meat, kidney and liver conformity for these 4 PFAS. It is therefore recommended to determine and to collect paired data (from the same animal) concerning PFAS in the blood plasma, muscle tissue, liver and kidney of bovines originating from businesses affected by a PFAS contamination. These additional data can then serve as a basis for confirming or, if necessary, adjusting the guide value of 2.5 μg/L. If an analysis of a bovine blood plasma would show that the concentration of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS or PFNA is higher than the guide value of 2.5 μg/L, then it is recommended to perform another blood plasma analysis at a later date until a result lower than this value is obtained. This later data can be calculated using the following equation: Equation of the withdrawal time (t, in days) in blood plasma/serum to obtain the targeted guide value, where C 0 represents the starting concentration (μg/L) of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS or PFNA in the blood plasma/serum, i.e. the concentration measured at initial sampling; 2,5 μg/L the suggested blood plasma/serum concentration guide value; DT 50 the blood plasma/serum elimination half-life of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS or PFNA (days). Here, the SciCom also refers to the uncertainties discussed above. The withdrawal time should therefore be considered as an indication to determine a time when a second blood test may be useful. However, it cannot be excluded that after the estimated withdrawal time a bovine would still show a PFAS level in blood plasma higher than 2.5 μg/L. In addition, calculated withdrawal times are expected to be rather long based on the relatively long elimination half-lives of PFAS described in the literature. For these reasons, the practical usefulness of these withdrawal times is rather low. In addition, for PFOS, it is recommended to use the following ratios to estimate its relative concentration in bovine muscle tissue, liver or kidney without having to carry out separate measurements in all these tissues: the PFOS concentration in liver is on average 21 times (between 6 and 34 times) higher than that in muscle tissue, while the PFOS concentration in kidney is on average 8 times (between 3 and 12 times) higher than that in muscle tissue. Significant uncertainties are applicable to these ratios. The SciCom recommends sampling paired samples (from the same animal) of muscle tissue, liver and kidney from Belgian bovines in the near future to verify these PFOS ratios between the different animal tissues.

In this study, the nutritional composition and the chemical safety of Wagashi Gassirè (WG) cheese sold in southern Benin markets were assessed. For this purpose, 15 WG were analysed for fatty acids, essential minerals, and chemical hazards (dioxins, aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), biogenic amines, metals, antibiotic and pesticide residues). The risks related to arsenic, lead, aluminium, AFM1, histamine, and tyramine were calculated using the methods recommended by the European Food Safety Authority. Oleic, palmitic and stearic acids, calcium, and phosphorus were the main fatty acids and minerals detected. Lead (0.08 ± 0.06 mg/kg) and AFM1 (0.3 ± 0.0 µg/kg) were detected in all samples and exceeded the maximum level set by the international standard. Cadaverine and tyramine were the main biogenic amines found. No pesticide residues were detected using a multi-residue method targeting compounds. Residues of quinolones, tetracyclines, and colistin antibiotics were also detected. The calculated chronic exposure indicated no public health concern for the chemical contaminants targeted. Moreover, the average cancer risk related to AFM1 intake was 3 × 10−4 cases/105 persons/year for the Benin population through WG consumption. This study contributes to the nutritional characterization of WG and identifies lead and AFM1 as the most relevant chemical hazards of this product.

Intestinal fibrosis is a long–term complication of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Changes in microbial populations have been linked with the onset of fibrosis and some food additives are known to promote intestinal inflammation facilitating fibrosis induction. In this study, we investigated how polysorbate 80, sucralose, titanium dioxide, sodium nitrite and maltodextrin affect the gut microbiota and the metabolic activity in healthy and IBD donors (patients in remission and with a flare of IBD). The Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) with a static (batch) configuration was used to evaluate the effects of food additives on the human intestinal microbiota. Polysorbate 80 and sucralose decreased butyrate–producing bacteria such as Roseburia and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Both compounds, also increased bacterial species positively correlated with intestinal inflammation and fibrosis (i.e.: Enterococcus, Veillonella and Mucispirillum schaedleri), especially in donors in remission of IBD. Additionally, polysorbate 80 induced a lower activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the three groups of donors, which can affect the intestinal homeostasis. Maltodextrin, despite increasing short–chain fatty acids production, promoted the growth of Ruminococcus genus, correlated with higher risk of fibrosis, and decreased Oscillospira which is negatively associated with fibrosis. Our findings unveil crucial insights into the potential deleterious effects of polysorbate 80, sucralose and maltodextrin on human gut microbiota in healthy and, to a greater extent, in IBD patients.

This study examined the effects of fumonisins (FBs) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), alone or in combination, on the productivity and health of laying hens, as well as the transfer of aflatoxins (AFs) to chicken food products. The efficacy and safety of mycotoxin detoxifiers (bentonite and fumonisin esterase) to mitigate these effects were also assessed. Laying hens (400) were divided into 20 groups and fed a control, moderate (54.6 µg/kg feed) or high (546 µg/kg feed) AFB1 or FBs (7.9 mg/kg feed) added diets, either alone or in combination, with the mycotoxin detoxifiers added in selected diets. Productivity was evaluated by feed intake, egg weight, egg production, and feed conversion ratio whereas health was assessed by organ weights, blood biochemistry, and mortality. Aflatoxins residues in plasma, liver, muscle, and eggs were determined using UHPLC-MS/MS methods. A diet with AFB1 at a concentration of 546 µg/kg feed decreased egg production and various AFB1-contaminated diets increased serum uric acid levels and weights of liver, spleen, heart, and gizzard. Interactions between AFB1 and FBs significantly impacted spleen, heart, and gizzard weights as well as AFB1 residues in eggs. Maximum AFB1 residues of 0.64 µg/kg and aflatoxin M1 (below limits of quantification) were observed in liver, plasma, and eggs of layers fed diets with AFB1. The mycotoxin detoxifiers reduced effects of AFB1 and FBs on egg production, organ weights, blood biochemistry, and AFB1 residues in tissues. This study highlights the importance of mycotoxin detoxifiers as a mitigation strategy against mycotoxins in poultry production.