Publications

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200404,

title = {Microbiota analysis for risk assessment: evaluation of hazardous dietary substances and its potential role on the gut microbiome variability and dysbiosis},

author = {Klara Cerk and Margarita Aguilera-Gómez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200404},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200404},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200404},

abstract = {Abstract The expansion of fields related to probiotics, microbiome-targeted interventions and an evolving landscape for implementation across policy, industry and end users, signifies an era of important clinical translational changes. Characteristics and perception of traditional probiotics stemmed from the historical long-term use of fermented products. Although the distinction between probiotic microorganisms and fermentation-associated microbes is important, it is often confused as not all fermented foods are probiotic supplements. Current innovation in area of biotechnology and bioinformatics is emerging outside of the classical definitions and new probiotics will emerge from novel sources, challenging scientific as well as regulatory instructions. At the same time, the search for individual and group microbiome signatures – biomarkers in order to predict disease incidence, progression and response to treatment is a key area of microbiological and multidisciplinary research, enabled by efficient and powerful processing of large data sets. However, the regulation of marketed beneficial microbes and probiotics differs among countries and the basic level of classification, which depend on probiotic classification is not globally harmonised. At the same time, the regulation is very demanding to evaluate the safety of products on the market, so that only those products with scientific evidence benefits can obtain positive recognition in ways of health claims. Collaborative experimental and theoretical approaches and case studies have assisted the progress in this crosscutting area of research. There is a requirement to clearly specify criteria and provide details about ways and approaches of achieving those criteria with the intention that manufacturers can benefit from a transparent way of communicating product quality to end users.},

keywords = {biomarkers, bisphenols, knowledge, microbiota, next-generation probiotics, obesity, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200405,

title = {A risk assessment model for Salmonella spp. in swine carcasses},

author = {Athanasios Chalias and Luca Grispoldi and Beniamino Cenci Goga},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200405},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200405},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200405},

abstract = {Abstract Salmonellosis is one of the most important food-borne outbreaks that occurs in the EU/EEA. From the first production stages at slaughter, meat is susceptible to spoilage and can be a substrate for the pathogenic microorganisms growth. Among the pathogens, the presence of Salmonella is mainly due to mishandling during the evisceration stage. For the year 2019, according to the collected data from MSs, on the 17.9% of all food-borne outbursts, the presence Salmonella was confirmed. Pork meat is considered as one of the four most commonly reported foods in cases of salmonellosis. For the training purposes of this project, Salmonella isolation and identification along with RA for carcass contamination, was performed. Pig carcasses were sampled using the non-destructive technique. The sampling took place post dressing and before the stage of chilling. For the Salmonella detection, a three phases process was performed (pre-enrichment, enrichment, isolation). A total of 757 samples were collected, 19 were found to be positive for Salmonella. The most common was found to be Salmonella Derby, which was identified eight times. The main objective of the project was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in swine carcasses. Moreover, certain parameters were evaluated in terms of their influence on the prevalence of Salmonella. A stochastic simulation model was developed in Microsoft Office Excel 2019 by using the add-in @Risk v.8.1. The prevalence was estimated to be 2.6%. For the pigs sampled, the average value of the distance from farm to slaughterhouse was 200.92 km. Additionally, the average weight of the carcasses was 127.97 kg. The prevalence of Salmonella between the samples that came from farms with a distance above the average, was higher by 1.7 units, while the prevalence for the samples with weight above the average was higher by 0.2 units. According to the stochastic model, it is specified that the prevalence is higher with greater distance, and there is an 8.1% probability the prevalence will exceed the legislation’s – hygiene criteria. In addition, the prevalence of Salmonella was shown to increase, as well in the case of samples from weightier animals, but to a lesser extent.},

keywords = {@Risk, Carcass, risk assessment, Salmonella spp., Slaughterhouse, Swine},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200407,

title = {Improving the risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) along the food/feed chain and from environmental reservoirs using qMRA and probabilistic modelling},

author = {M Niegowska and M Wögerbauer},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200407},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200407},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200407},

abstract = {Abstract Efficient risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in environmental reservoirs, particularly agroecosystems, is critical for predicting threats to animal and human health due to infections unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. However, approaches currently employed for the risk assessment of AMR along the human food chain rarely rely on antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) environmental pathways connected to food production and related quantitative data. The present project aimed at improving the risk assessment related to the spread of AMR along the food/feed chain based on ARG quantification in agroecosystems and interconnected environments. The fellow received training and worked in close cooperation with the team on two ongoing research projects which involved: (i) the monitoring of ARGs in field soils and surface waters to identify and characterise food/feed chain-associated environmental reservoirs of AMR relevant at the national level; (ii) the evaluation of ARG dynamics in relation to agricultural practice within an international project assessing biodiversity as an ecological barrier for the spread of clinically relevant ARGs in the environment. ARG quantification was performed using single/multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with tailor-made primers/probe sets according to in-house optimised and validated conditions. The assessment was completed by a comprehensive revision of available literature data for risk-ranking of ARGs along with a literature review exploring AMR quantitative knowledge gaps and the role of certain AMR determinants encoded on free extracellular DNA (exDNA) in their environmental spread.},

keywords = {agroecosystem, antibiotic resistance genes, Antimicrobial resistance, ARG, extracellular DNA, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200410,

title = {Risk assessment of rare earth elements, antimony, barium, boron, lithium, tellurium, thallium and vanadium in teas},

author = {Ewelina Kowalczyk and Lucas Givelet and Heidi Amlund and Jens Jørgen Sloth and Max Hansen},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200410},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200410},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200410},

abstract = {Abstract In recent years, a great intensification in the use of various elements especially in modern technology can be observed. However, the anthropogenic activities, including industrialisation, urbanisation or intensive agriculture, have led to the release of many of the elements into the environment. The consequence of the accumulation of the elements both in soil and water systems is their presence in the food chain. Inhalation and consumption of the contaminated food and beverages have been indicated as the main pathways of the exposure to many elements. Due to the fact, that tea is considered the second most popular beverage worldwide and its consumption is constantly increasing, it is crucial to evaluate the safety of the product, especially for toxic elements contamination. Thus, the aim of the project was to evaluate the contamination levels of rare earth elements (REEs) including lanthanides, scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y) and also antimony (Sb), barium (Ba), boron (B), lithium (Li), tellurium (Te), thallium (Tl) and vanadium (V) in teas. Subsequently, the risk assessment was carried out. Additionally, the Fellowship provided hands-on training on the evaluation of applications of new biocides and participation in the science-based advises given to the Danish Food and Veterinary Administration, Danish Environment Protection Agency and Danish Medical Agency.},

keywords = {ICP-MS, rare earth elements, risk assessment, tea, toxic elements},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200411,

title = {Appraising diet–disease associations to be used in risk assessment, including an insight in nutritional epidemiology},

author = {Vânia Mendes and Aikaterini Niforou and Androniki Naska},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200411},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200411},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200411},

abstract = {Abstract High consumption of red meat, in particular of its processed products, has been linked to the development of various chronic diseases, and the need to reduce consumption levels of these products has been identified as a public health priority in Europe. Among the potential alternatives, pulses have gained a prominent position in recent years. Stemming from the broader context of the substitution of red meat in the diet with alternative plant-based protein sources, this work programme was developed to address the need of improving the current understanding on the public health impact of potential substitutes. From a training perspective, the main goal was to advance the fellow’s background knowledge in the principles of nutritional epidemiology, while contributing to the harmonisation of food risk assessment practices across Europe. The activities developed comprised a comprehensive learning experience in the different components of the risk assessment framework, giving particular focus to the appraisal of epidemiological evidence within this context (hazard identification and characterisation). The fellow had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with EFSA’s databases among other relevant national and international data sources. The association between the consumption of legumes and risk of cardiovascular disease in particular was extensively explored and described by summarising the available evidence through dose–response meta-analyses. The one-stage approach method was used to explore the shape of the associations, including studies with as few as two levels of exposure, in a weighted mixed-effects model. The analysis was also performed taking into account the potential risk of bias of included studies, assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Upon the completion of the activities carried out, the fellow made significant progress towards the learning outcomes expected to be achieved throughout the duration of the EU-FORA fellowship period.},

keywords = {dose–response association, legumes, plant foods, pulses, risk assessment, risk of bias},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200412,

title = {Study of the different evaluation areas in the pesticide risk assessment process},

author = {Pauline Mombert and Belén Guijarro Díaz-Otero and José Luis Alonso-Prados},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200412},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200412},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200412},

abstract = {Abstract Both chemical and microbial active substances can currently be approved as pesticides in the EU, the provisions of their approval being set under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Although sharing the same legal framework, chemicals and microorganisms used as pesticides have different risk profiles especially because once released into the environment, microbial active substances may produce secondary metabolites, multiply, spread and possibly genetically adapt or transfer antimicrobial resistance genes to other microorganisms. Consequently, the risk assessment process must adjust to the specificities ensuing from the chemical or microbial nature of the active substance. This specific programme focused on the risk assessment of microorganisms used as pesticides, especially on the low-risk criteria linked to antimicrobial resistance and the risk assessment of secondary metabolites. The use of microorganisms in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes was also investigated. In 2020, the recently adopted Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, two important action plans of the European Green Deal, called for a 50% reduction in the use of and risk from chemical and more hazardous pesticides. Many microorganisms are likely to be approved as low-risk active substances, thus representing important tools to achieve this goal. Given the central role that microbial active substances could play towards a more sustainable food system, a need for information regarding the actual production of secondary metabolites by the microorganisms of interest and projects investigating IPM programmes at national and EU levels was identified.},

keywords = {active substance, integrated pest management, low risk, microorganisms, pesticides, plant protection product, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200417,

title = {Integration of genomics in surveillance and risk assessment for outbreak investigation},

author = {Vincenzo Pennone and José Francisco Cobo-Díaz and Miguel Prieto-Maradona and Avelino Álvarez-Ordóñez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200417},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200417},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {20},

number = {S1},

pages = {e200417},

abstract = {Abstract Keeping food safe is a challenge that needs continuous surveillance for the sake of consumers’ health. The main issue when a food-borne pathogen outbreak occurs is represented by the identification of the source(s) of contamination. Delivering this information in a timely manner helps to control the problem, with positive outcomes for everyone, especially for the consumers, whose health is in this way preserved, and for the stakeholders involved in food production and distribution, who could face enormous economic losses if recalls or legal issues occur. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a tool recently implemented for the characterisation of isolates and the study of outbreaks because of its higher efficiency and faster results, when compared to traditional typing methods. Lower sequencing costs and the development of many bioinformatic tools helped its spread, and much more attention has been given to its use for outbreak investigation. It is important to reach a certain level of standardisation, though, for ensuring result reproducibility and interoperability. Moreover, nowadays it is possible, if not mandatory for Open Science Practices, to share WGS data in publicly available databases, where raw reads, assembled genomes and their corresponding metadata can be easily found and downloaded. The scope of this Fellowship was to provide the Fellow all the training necessary for successfully integrating genomics to surveillance and risk assessment of food-borne pathogens from farm to fork.},

keywords = {Antimicrobial resistance, farm to fork, food safety, outbreak, risk assessment, surveillance, whole genome sequencing},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181102,

title = {Risk assessment and toxicological research on micro- and nanoplastics after oral exposure via food products},

author = {Sofiya Shopova and Holger Sieg and Albert Braeuning},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181102},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181102},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181102},

abstract = {Abstract Plastics are used ubiquitously and have become part of our everyday life. The global production of plastics is rising, which in consequence is leading to increasing amounts of plastics being released into the environment. Recently, the issue of human exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles and potentially resulting toxicological consequences has been broached, triggered by the discovery of microplastics in foodstuff. In addition to dietary exposure via contaminated food and beverages, other exposure paths such as via air and cosmetics, have to be considered. Currently there is no legislation for microplastics and nanoplastics as contaminants in food. Substantial data gaps with respect to exposure as well as toxicity of such particles impede the risk assessment. Within this EU-FORA fellowship project, a comprehensive data mining approach was followed, focusing on up-to-date knowledge on the occurrence and possible toxic effects associated with micro- and nanoplastics after oral exposure, especially via food products and beverages, in order to provide a basis for risk assessment and to identify important research gaps. The fellowship project was further complemented by practical work aimed at the determination of in vitro toxicity of micro-sized polylactic acid particles.},

keywords = {food, microplastics, nanoplastics, occurrence, risk assessment, toxicity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181112,

title = {Risk assessment regarding the use of Annona muricata in food supplements},

author = {Ancuta Cristina Raclariu-Manolica and Nadiya Bakhiya and Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181112},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181112},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181112},

abstract = {Abstract The current risk assessment was performed in the context of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) supported by EFSA and was intended to evaluate possible health risks associated with the consumption of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) and derived food supplements. A. muricata grows as a tree and is native to the Caribbean and Central America. Preparations made from different plant parts of A. muricata (i.e. fruit, leaves, bark, roots) have been used as herbal medicine and are also marketed worldwide as over-the-counter food supplements that have been purported to support general health or to treat a wide range of health conditions, particularly cancer and parasitic infections. However, open questions remain regarding the safety of A. muricata-based food supplements, since Annonaceae have been reported to contain potentially neurotoxic compounds, i.e. acetogenins. The assessment conducted within the present fellowship programme shows that substantial uncertainties exist regarding the safe use of A. muricata-based supplements. The available data provide indications of neurotoxic potential of certain A. muricata preparations. The paucity of adequate studies, particularly related to long-term use of A. muricata supplements, currently does not allow the establishment of a safe intake level. Within this technical report a workflow of the project is presented.},

keywords = {Annona muricata L., annonacin, botanical preparation, food, food supplement, neurotoxicity, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181103,

title = {Training in tools to develop Quantitative Risk Assessment using Spanish ready-to-eat food examples},

author = {Leonidas Georgalis and Alberto Garre and Pablo S Fernandez Escamez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181103},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181103},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181103},

abstract = {Abstract Unsafe food poses global health threats, potentially endangering consumers. The great majority of people will experience a food-borne disease at some point in their lives. Ready-to-eat (RTE) food is the one intended by the producer or the manufacturer for direct human consumption without the need for cooking or other processing effective to eliminate or reduce the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms. Prepared foods are often complex and may contain multiple components that make them vulnerable for growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Among all the pathogenic microorganisms that may be present in RTE foods, Listeria monocytogenes is of special interest because it is the causative agent of listeriosis and it has the ability to survive and replicate at refrigeration and low pH conditions. We performed a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) in RTE dry-fermented sausage to measure the risk of listeriosis associated to the consumption of this product. The starting point of our investigation was the storage at the factory, after the end-product was produced and before distribution to retail. The stochastic model was implemented in MicroHibro, an online tool for QMRA. Because L. monocytogenes concentration and prevalence can vary greatly between different studies and different types of fermented sausages, we tested different scenarios to show the importance of low prevalence and concentration of the pathogen at the final product. Our results show that the risk estimates are very sensitive to the modelling hypotheses used to describe this process. Therefore, the development of accurate probabilistic models describing the initial concentration of L. monocytogenes shall largely reduce the uncertainty associated to the QMRA of listeriosis in this type of product.},

keywords = {food safety, Listeria monocytogenes, QMRA, risk assessment, RTE meat},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181104,

title = {Integration of tools and social science into food safety risk assessments},

author = {R Oakenful and C Thomas and C Tsouli and A Adkin},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181104},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181104},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181104},

abstract = {Abstract The European Food Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellowship work programme ‘Integration of tools and social science into food safety risk assessments’ was proposed and delivered by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), UK. The Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial government department of the UK, responsible for protecting public health in relation to food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The programme was tailored to several different activities to provide an overview of the different tools that can be employed in food safety risk assessment also accounting for the interaction between risk assessment and social science. In order to structure the proposed work, the programme was split into four modules to run over the 12-month period of ‘learning-by-doing’. In the first module, the fellow was introduced to Microbiological Risk Assessment (MRA), in the second to Chemical Risk Assessment (CRA), in the third to Social Science, and finally, in the fourth to the Risk Prioritization Tools and Networks in UK - National Dietary Data (NDNS), collection methodology, coding and analysis. The fellow was assigned to the Risk Assessment Unit within the Science, Evidence and Research Department which brings together specialist expertise from Microbiological, Chemical Risk Assessment, and Analytics Units, under one department together with additional staff from the food allergy and radiological risk assessment fields. The aim was to be fully integrated in the organisation's work gaining first-hand experience, increase knowledge of scientific aspects relevant to food safety risk assessment, and more importantly, to enhance network connection activities in the EU food risk assessment environment.},

keywords = {Exposure assessment, norovirus in lettuce, risk assessment, risk perception},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181105,

title = {Risk assessment of phthalates based on aggregated exposure from foods and personal care products and comparison with biomonitoring data},

author = {Athanasios Gkrillas and Hubert Dirven and Monica Andreassen and Eleni Papadopoulou and Hege Hjertholm and Trine Husøy},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181105},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181105},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181105},

abstract = {Abstract Phthalates are a group of diesters of phthalic acid and have been widely used by the industry as plasticisers giving flexibility and durability to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. Commonly their uses vary from plasticisers in food contact materials and toys to emulsifying agents in personal care products. Phthalates are not covalently bound to PVC, thus they can migrate into the air, skin, water, food and the environment. The omnipresence of phthalates results in human exposure via multiple pathways such as dermal, oral and inhalation for prolonged periods. There is evidence that phthalates can induce disruption in oestrogenic activity, reproductive, developmental and liver toxicity both in experimental animals and potentially in humans. The aim of this technical report is to summarise the activities of the fellow performed at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH). The goals of the work programme were collecting concentration levels on five specific phthalates from the scientific literature and combining them with consumption/use data reported in a biomonitoring study part of a Horizon 2020 project (EuroMix), and finally, estimate the aggregate phthalate exposure from food and personal care products and compare them with the measured phthalate levels in urine samples collected in the biomonitoring study.},

keywords = {cosmetics, exposure, food, Monte Carlo, phthalates, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181106,

title = {Modelling and magnitude estimation of cross-contamination in the kitchen for quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA)},

author = {Maria Francesca Iulietto and Eric G Evers},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181106},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181106},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181106},

abstract = {Abstract In the kitchen of the consumer, two main transmission routes are relevant for quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA): the cross-contamination route, where a pathogen on a food product may evade heating by transmission via hands, kitchen utensils and other surfaces, e.g. to non-contaminated products to be consumed raw; and the heating route, where pathogens remain on the food product and are for the most part inactivated through heating. This project was undertaken to model and estimate the magnitude of cross-contamination in the domestic environment. Scientific information from the relevant literature was collected and analyzed, to define the cross-contamination routes, to describe the variability sources and to extract and harmonise the transfer fractions to be included as model parameters. The model was used to estimate the relative impact of the cross-contamination routes for different scenarios. In addition, the effectiveness of several interventions in reducing the risk of food-borne diseases due to cross-contamination was investigated. The outputs of the model showed that the cutting board route presents a higher impact compared to other routes and replacement of the kitchen utensils is more effective than other interventions investigated; the transfer to other surfaces and objects, which can house bacteria in the environment, is also described. Laboratory cross-contamination trials have been performed to estimate bacterial transfer via cutting, from the external surface of the meat to the cutting surfaces and to the knife. The results, obtained from the laboratory trials, show magnitudes of and differences in the bacterial transfer fraction to the knife and the cutting surface in relation to which side of the meat is contaminated. Despite the complexity of factors which influence bacterial transfer, the combination of laboratory work with mathematical modelling enhanced scientific understanding and appreciation of the uncertainty of the estimates. QMRA methodology results in magnitude estimation of cross-contamination in the kitchen and evaluation of intervention strategies.},

keywords = {cross-contamination, food-borne pathogens, QMRA, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181107,

title = {Identification of risk factors and hotspots of antibiotic resistance along the food chain using next-generation sequencing},

author = {I. Bergšpica and G. Kaprou and E. A. Alexa and M. Prieto-Maradona and A. Alvarez-Ordóñez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181107},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181107},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181107},

abstract = {Abstract Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered to be very alarming following an upward trend and thus posing a primary threat to public health. AMR has tremendous adverse effects on humans, farm animals, healthcare, the environment, agriculture and, thus, on national economies. Several tools have been proposed and adopted by numerous countries after comprehending the need for antimicrobial stewardship and for a rational use of antibiotics. These tools include diagnostics for infections or AMR detection, for measuring and monitoring antibiotic consumption (e.g. surveillance tools) and for guiding medical doctors and veterinarians in selecting suitable antibiotics. In addition, it has been known that the food chain represents a leading vector for the transmission of pathogens to humans via various routes (direct or indirect). Considerable efforts have been made and are still in progress both at international and national levels in order to control and mitigate the spread of pathogens and thus ensure food safety. During the last decades, a new concern has risen regarding the food chain playing a potential major role in the transmission of resistant bacteria as well as resistance genes from the animal kingdom to humans. Several recent studies highlight the role of food processing environments as potential AMR hotspots contributing to this spread phenomenon. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are becoming broadly used in the AMR field, since they allow the surveillance of resistant microorganisms, AMR determinants and mobile genetic elements. Moreover, NGS is capable of providing information on the mechanisms driving and spreading AMR throughout the food chain. In the current work programme, the aim was to acquire knowledge and skills to track AMR genes and mobile genetic elements in the food chain through NGS methodologies in order to implement a quantitative risk assessment and identify hotspots and routes of transmission of AMR along the food chain.},

keywords = {Antimicrobial resistance, food chain, next-generation sequencing, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181108,

title = {Integration of computational tools, data analysis and social science into food safety risk assessment},

author = {Andrea Lorenzoni and Chara Tsoulli and Catherine McCarthy and Amie Adkin},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181108},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181108},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

urldate = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181108},

abstract = {Abstract The EU-FORA Fellowship Programme ‘Integration of tools and social science into food safety risk assessments’ was proposed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the government department responsible for food safety in the UK. The working programme was organised into four modules, covering different areas of risk assessment, including microbiological risk assessment, chemical risk assessment, exposure assessment, risk prioritisation and the integration of risk assessment with social science. During this period, the fellow had the unique opportunity to gain experience in different fields of risk assessment, namely how to conduct a systematic review, to assess the risk of microbiological and chemical hazards, to make use of modelling tools for exposure assessment and risk prioritisation, to write scientific reports for committees and networks at the national level and to understand the role of social science in risk assessment. In addition, the fellow was able to attend several meetings, seminars, courses and workshops that helped him to gain further insight in the field of food science. The complete programme enabled a fast learning curve that allowed the fellow to have an overview of the different tools that can be employed in the wide field of food safety risk assessment, in order to acquire skills and competences that can be used in his future career.},

keywords = {modelling, mycotoxins, risk assessment, social science, systematic review},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181111,

title = {Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment},

author = {Juan M Martínez and Catherine McCarthy and Rachel A Taylor},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181111},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181111},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181111},

abstract = {Abstract The EUropean FOod Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellowship work programme ‘Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment’, funded by EFSA was proposed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), UK. A scientist with a PhD in Food Science was selected to work within the Biomathematics and Risk Research group, under the guidance of a senior risk assessor. The programme consisted of four different modules that covered a wide range of aspects related to risk assessment (RA). The aims, activities and conclusions obtained during the year are described in this article. The learning-by-doing approach in RA allowed the fellow to discover a broad pool of methodologies, tools and applications while developing his own knowledge in RA, as well as gaining scientific network for future collaborations in the field.},

keywords = {food chain, livestock health, risk assessment, risk ranking},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181113,

title = {Study of the different evaluation areas in the pesticide risk assessment process},

author = {Roberto Molteni and José-Luis Alonso-Prados},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181113},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.e181113},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {18},

number = {S1},

pages = {e181113},

abstract = {Abstract Approval of active substances and authorisation of plant protection products in the EU is made based on a strict risk assessment of the agronomic use of the plant protection products. Regulation 1107/2009 regulates the procedure in the EU with complex procedures involving many actors. ‘The Farm to Fork strategy’ and ‘The Biodiversity for 2030 strategy’, that are the heart of the ‘European Green Deal’, aiming to make food systems fair, healthy, environmentally friendly and put Europe's biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030, for the benefit of people, climate and the planet. Therefore, ‘The Farm to Fork strategy’ and ‘The Biodiversity for 2030 strategy’ represents a challenge for the evaluation and authorisation of plant protection products in which the risk management will constitute a key element on the approval of active substances and authorisation of plant protection products. The aim of the work was to get knowledge of the large body of EU legislation and guidelines in the plant production products, identifying the most critical points of the pesticide evaluation in each of its areas, analysing the complexity and the interaction between these different areas. This study allowed to have a global and clearer vision of these procedures, with the focus on highlighting inconsistency and to propose speed up alternatives. Finally, this work will also facilitate not only the risk assessment but also the decision-making on the approval of active substances and the authorisation of plant protection products.},

keywords = {active substance, approval, authorisation, maximum residue level, pesticide, plant protection products, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170903,

title = {Development of food safety risk assessment tools based on molecular typing and WGS of Campylobacter jejuni genome},

author = {AI Ardelean and P Calistri and A Giovannini and G Garofolo and A Di Pasquale and A Conte and D MorelliD},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170903},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170903},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170903},

abstract = {Abstract The ‘learning-by-doing’ EU-FORA fellowship programme in the development of risk assessment tools based on molecular typing and WGS of Campylobacter jejuni genome was structured into two main activities: the primary one focused on training on risk assessment methodology and the secondary one in starting and enhancing the cooperation between the hosting and home organisations, or other joint activities. The primary activities had three subsequent work packages (WPs): WP1 data organisation, WP2 cluster and association analyses, and WP3 development of risk assessment models. The secondary activities have branched into one workshop and the initiation of a cooperation programme between the hosting and home organisations. In the last quarter, the fellow had contributed to the characterisation of some pathogens in possible response to a changing climate, part of the CLEFSA project. The fellow attended various forms of training: online and on-site courses, and also participated at several conferences and meetings for improving his knowledge and skills, contributing to performing the Campylobacter risk assessment and source attribution.},

keywords = {Campylobacter, risk assessment, source attribution},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170905,

title = {Joint venture on the further development of chemical exposure assessment by use of probabilistic modelling},

author = {Christina Vlachou and Daniela Hofstädter},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170905},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170905},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170905},

abstract = {Abstract Exposure assessment is a fundamental component of the risk assessment process and has a significant contribution to the overall uncertainty of the risk estimates. The aim of the present project, implemented within the framework of the EU-FORA Fellowship, was to develop a structured approach for probabilistic modelling of the dietary exposure to chemical contaminants, which shall be used as a refined alternative to the more conservative deterministic approach or as part of a Tier 2 assessment. The fellow received training and worked in close cooperation with the project team on three case studies of contaminants in food (cadmium, acrylamide and deoxynivalenol). The modelling of the dietary intake was based on relevant EFSA Guidance and employed the Monte Carlo simulation methodology with the use of a standard software tool (Monte Carlo Risk Assessment (MCRA) platform) and/or a tailor-made risk model in the programming language R. The strengths and the limitations of every approach were explored and discussed. The conclusion from the critical comparison of the outputs was that the former can be a tool for the generation of fast preliminary estimates of the usual dietary exposure, whereas the latter may be used by the risk assessors as a more sophisticated, ‘state-of-the-art’ strategy, which will lead to more realistic estimates of the exposure. The outcomes of the project are being currently incorporated in a Guidance Document on probabilistic exposure assessment, which will highly contribute to more informed risk management decisions and to more effective risk communication.},

keywords = {dietary exposure, probabilistic modelling, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170906,

title = {Quantitative risk assessment of Listeria monocytogenes in a traditional RTE product},

author = {Chrystalleni Hadjicharalambous and Luca Grispoldi and Beniamino Cenci Goga},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170906},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170906},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170906},

abstract = {Abstract Ready to Eat (RTE) cooked meat products are among the most consumed RTE food subcategories in the EU. They are also associated with the highest number of listeriosis cases per year. Contamination with Listeria monocytogenes may arise from post-processing and its growth is often supported by the pH and water activity of the product. L. monocytogenes may grow during refrigeration and reach unacceptable levels at the time of consumption, posing a public health risk. The aim of this study was to conduct a Quantitative Microbiological Risk Assessment (QMRA) of L. monocytogenes in a traditional Italian RTE cooked meat product. Data for the risk assessment included prevalence and concentration of the microorganism, temperature-time conditions during transport and storage, information on the growth of the microorganism and its potential for disease (dose–response). These data were obtained from laboratory analysis of product samples (n = 50), a consumer survey (n = 160), recordings of temperatures of domestic refrigerators (n = 60) and were complemented with information from the literature. The data were described with appropriate probability distributions and introduced into a previously described growth model of L. monocytogenes. Based on the above components, a probabilistic model was created to evaluate the growth of L. monocytogenes at each stage of the product pathway (retail storage, transportation and domestic storage) using Monte Carlo simulations. The model design for this pathogen/food product combination, alongside with the findings of the study are included in a separate publication (manuscript under preparation). The results may help risk managers to apply appropriate control measures to minimise the public health risk. The project contributed to further education of the fellow, especially in the use of QMRA risk analysis tools and laid the foundations for future collaborations between the fellow's home institution, the University of Crete, Greece and the University of Perugia, Italy.},

keywords = {head cheese, Listeria monocytogenes, QMRA, risk assessment, RTE meat},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170908,

title = {Application of data science in risk assessment and early warning},

author = {Dimitrios E Pavlidis and Matthias Filter and Anja Buschulte},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170908},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170908},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170908},

abstract = {Abstract The food supply chain has been recognised by the EU as a critical infrastructure, and its complexity is the main cause of vulnerability. Depending on the food matrix, natural and/or deliberate contamination, food-borne diseases or even food fraud incidents may occur worldwide. Consequently, robust predictive models and/or software tools are needed to support decision-making and mitigating risks in an efficient and timely manner. In this frame, the fellow participated in data collection and analysis tasks, so as to provide additional predictive models. The working programme, covered a wide range of aspects related to risk assessment including identification of emerging risks (quantitative), microbiological risk assessment, authenticity assessment, spatio-temporal epidemiological modelling and database formation for hosting predictive microbial models. The training and close integration, in the open-source, in-house (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)) developed software tools under the framework of FoodRisk-Labs (https://foodrisklabs.bfr.bund.de.) for data analysis, predictive microbiology, quantitative microbiological risk assessment and automatic data retrieval purposes allowed for the independent use. Moreover, the fellow actively contributed to the update of the upcoming Yersinia enterocolitica risk assessment, and also in authenticity assessment of edible oils. Over the course of the year, the fellow was closely involved in international and national research projects with experts in the above-mentioned disciplines. Lastly, he consolidated his acquired knowledge by presenting his scientific work to conferences, and BfR-internal meetings.},

keywords = {authenticity, fermented products, KNIME, PMM-Lab, risk assessment, traditional food, Yersinia enterocolitica},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170909,

title = {Nanomaterials in Food – Prioritisation & Assessment},

author = {Eleni Anastasi and Gilles Riviere and Bruno Teste},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170909},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170909},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170909},

abstract = {Abstract Nanomaterials (NMs) are of significant economic interest and have a huge impact on many industries including the food industry. The main application in food industry includes food additives and food packaging. However, the effects of NMs on human health are highly discussed, as well as the need of harmonised analytical methods and risk assessment methodologies. In line with these discussions, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) has started in 2017 a 2-year project focusing on NMs in food, to which the fellow was involved under the framework of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA). This technical report contains a description of the working program, the aims and the activities to which the fellow was involved during this placement. The main aims of the programme were to be involved in different steps of risk assessment process, to improve knowledge regarding food process, analytical and toxicological methods and to learn how to conduct expert assessments. All aims were linked with different kind of activities. Gaining hands-on experience on food risk assessment was achieved mainly by collecting occurrence data and performing exposure assessment calculations for the ‘of concern’ NMs, while scheduled visits to laboratories specialising in analytical methods of nanoparticles and toxicological studies helped to improve knowledge in these fields. Regular participation in the Working Group (GT) related to NMs in food and interaction with experts within ANSES facilitated the learning process of how to conduct collective expertise as well as to be further trained in risk assessment processes. Furthermore, apart from knowledge gained in risk assessment and NMs, the fellow was able to obtain transferable skills and knowledge that can be used to increase the scientific capacity of the fellow's home institute as well as to expand her scientific network, which could lead to collaboration opportunities in the future well beyond this fellowship.},

keywords = {Exposure assessment, food additives, nanomaterials, occurrence data, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170911,

title = {Risk assessment methodologies in the field of contaminants, food contact materials, technological ingredients and nutritional risks},

author = {Giorgiana M Cătunescu and Ana Ma Troncoso and Angeles Jos},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170911},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170911},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170911},

abstract = {Abstract The programme aimed at training the fellow in the risk assessment guidelines proposed by the EFSA in the field of contaminants, food contact materials, technological ingredients and nutritional risks. It had a modular ‘learning by doing’ approach and a balanced learning/case studies and theory. Module 1 offered an insight into chemical risk assessment and conferred transferable skills for a proper application of the framework. The hands-on activities consisted of three case studies that went from a simple exercise on an official opinion, to working in a team with experts to produce a new opinion, to an individual work to obtain a publishable review manuscript. Module 2 was a training in experimental toxicology designed to create a toxicological basis and to enable the fellow to perform toxicological studies for risk assessment purposes. She joined the team working on cyanotoxins, gained experience with both EFSA and Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines on genotoxicity and an insight into the developing of analytical methods suitable for risk assessment purposes. During module 3, the fellow was trained in nutritional risk assessment and involved in experimental work in chemical characterisation, biomarkers and mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds. This developed the critical perspective when assessing nutritional and health claims related the design of experiments, methods used, interpretation of results and human relevance. Module 4 provided a ‘hand-on experience’ in scientific risk communication as the fellow was encouraged and supported in the participation at local, national and international workshops and congresses presenting the outcomes of the three modules. Thus, the fellow was successfully integrated in the day-by-day workflow of the department, gaining first-hand practical experience in risk assessment in a multicultural and interdisciplinary context. This enabled a productive exchange of good practices and contributed to building a European risk assessment community.},

keywords = {anthocyanins, cyanotoxins, EU-FORA, nanomaterials, nutrition, risk assessment, toxicology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170912,

title = {Livestock, food chain and public health risk assessment},

author = {Irina Smeu and Rachel A Taylor},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170912},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170912},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170912},

abstract = {Abstract The EUropean FOod Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellowship work programme ‘Livestock, food chain and public health risk assessment’, founded by EFSA was proposed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), United Kingdom (UK). A scientist working in the field of food safety was selected to work within the Department of Epidemiological Sciences, under the guidance of an experienced risk assessor. The programme was structured in four different modules that covered a wide range of aspects related to risk assessment (RA). Taken together, all modules ensured a broad overview of the various methodologies, tools and applications of RA. Thus, the learning-by-doing working programme in RA allowed the fellow to develop her knowledge in RA, to diversify her competencies and to extend her scientific network for future collaborations in the field of RA.},

keywords = {food chain, livestock health, risk assessment, risk ranking},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170914,

title = {Assessment of the endocrine disrupting properties of Bisphenol AF according to the EU criteria and ECHA/EFSA guidance},

author = {Laura Escrivá and Annika Hanberg and Johanna Zilliacus and Anna Beronius},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170914},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170914},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170914},

abstract = {Abstract Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are exogenous compounds that interfere with the hormone system, affecting human health and environment. Specific legislative obligations have been introduced in the European Union (EU) to gradually eliminate EDs in water, industrial chemicals and pesticides. However, identification of EDs is the first and essential step towards regulation and appropriate risk management. Scientific criteria and guidance for ED assessment have recently been established for pesticides in the EU. In this project, the ED properties of the non-pesticide chemical Bisphenol AF (BPAF), analogue and potential substitute of Bisphenol A were evaluated by the application of the EU criteria and guidance in the frame of human health risk assessment. A data dossier was built by a systematic literature review (WOS, Scopus, Pubmed, Embase), title/abstract screening (RAYYAN) and full-text examination. All relevant information was extracted and systematically reported, and reliability and relevance of data were assessed (SciRAP). Data were synthesised into lines of evidence for (i) endocrine activity, (ii) adversity and (iii) general toxicity, and weight of evidence evaluation was applied. The initial analysis of the evidence showed potential endocrine adverse effects and endocrine activity, meeting the ED criteria and leading the assessment to the mode of action (MoA) analysis. The biological plausibility of the link between the adverse effects and the endocrine activity was investigated based on current scientific knowledge. Empirical support for dose–response and temporal concordance was evaluated, and the key events were assessed in terms of essentiality, consistency, analogy and specificity. Finally, an overall conclusion of the ED properties of BPAF was drawn. The EU criteria and guidance for EDs assessment were successfully applied to BPAF demonstrating its endocrine activity and adversity based on weight of evidence methodology and MoA analysis. The Fellow greatly increased her knowledge and hands-on experience on ED assessment in the EU regulatory context contributing to implement transparency and structure in health risk assessment.},

keywords = {bisphenol AF, endocrine disruptor, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170915,

title = {Analysis and Risk Assessment of Seaweed},

author = {M Sá Monteiro and J Sloth and S Holdt and M Hansen},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170915},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170915},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170915},

abstract = {Abstract During the last decade, the interest on the use of seaweed as food or feed, which was before limited to certain European regional subpopulations, has experienced a significant increase in other regions of the EU. In fact, the growing awareness and interest on sustainable and alternative food sources, healthier lifestyles and changes on dietary patterns brought seaweed to the spotlight for the general worldwide cuisine. Due to their high biosorption and accumulation capacity, seaweed can be an important source of increased exposure to persistent and potential harmful elements, such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and inorganic arsenic (iAs), or even some micronutrients, particularly iodine (I), to which an antioxidant role as been described in seaweed. This concentration potential has raised the interest of several Food Authorities regarding the risk of increased exposure to these elements. Moreover, the European Commission requested the collection of monitoring data on their levels aiming to aid the performance of better risk assessments and potentially set maximum levels on the European Legislation. This work aimed to obtain levels of these elements in species of seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus serratus, Fucus spiralis, Fucus evanescens, Saccharina latissima, ulva lactuca and Ccladophora sp.) cultivated and harvested in Denmark, following European Commission's request. Additionally, a collaboration between Denmark, Ireland, France and the Netherlands was initiated to review and collect all the data available on scientific papers regarding the levels of these contaminants in seaweed worldwide. The final result of this work would be the publication of a review article. This Fellowship also provided on-the-job training on the evaluation of applications of new biocides and participation in the science based advises given to the Danish Food and Veterinary Administration, Danish EPA, the Danish Medical Agency and ECHA.},

keywords = {iodine, persistent contaminants, risk assessment, seaweed},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16081,

title = {Risk assessment of white willow (Salix alba) in food},

author = {Ewa Matyjaszczyk and Regina Schumann},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16081},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16081},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {16},

number = {S1},

pages = {e16081},

abstract = {Abstract This Technical Report contains a description of the activities within the work programme of the EU-FORA Fellowship on the risk assessment of white willow in food. The bark of different varieties of willow has had a long history of medical use as a means to reduce fever and as a painkiller. Willow bark is also used in weight loss and sports performance food supplements. The labelling of these products usually does not mention any restrictions to the length of use. The recommended doses for foods differ, sometimes exceeding doses recommended for pharmaceuticals. A systematic literature review on adverse effects potentially resulting from oral exposure to white willow (Salix alba) was performed. The aim of the study was to assess the risk for humans when consuming white willow bark in food. The preliminary results show that despite the long history of use only very limited data on toxicity of white willow bark are available. However, anaphylactic reactions in people with a history of allergy to salicylates may occur. Some other adverse effects of salicylates are considered to be of low relevance for the long-time consumption of white willow bark, mainly due to relatively low concentrations of salicin and the presence of compounds with gastroprotective action. However, it seems that the content of heavy metals, mainly cadmium, should be further addressed in risk assessment of white willow bark in food.},

keywords = {bark, cortex, food, food supplements, risk assessment, Salix alba, White willow},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16083,

title = {Risk assessment of substances used in food supplements: the example of the botanical Gymnema sylvestre},

author = {G Marakis and R Ziegenhagen and A Lampen and KI Hirsch-Ernst},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16083},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16083},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {16},

number = {S1},

pages = {e16083},

abstract = {Abstract Botanicals and preparations derived from these are among the substances frequently added to foods and food supplements, yet the safety of many botanicals has not been systematically assessed. In the context of the EU-FORA fellowship programme, the fellow performed an assessment on the safety of the botanical Gymnema sylvestre, in accordance with EFSA's guidance on the assessment of safety of botanicals. Although preparations of G. sylvestre are marketed as food supplements, they may appeal to people who are suffering from metabolic syndrome and/or diabetes mellitus. A scientific literature search was carried out using PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. Experience was gained by the fellow in systematic data extraction from scientific publications, structuring of the data and evaluating toxicological key parameters, outcomes of clinical significance, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions, uncertainties and methodological shortcomings of studies. Limited evidence from toxicological in vivo studies and human clinical studies suggested lack of relevant adverse effects of this botanical. However, human studies provided some indications that certain Gymnema extracts may enhance the glucose-lowering effects of certain antidiabetic drugs. Considering the uncertainties for the composition of different Gymnema preparations, potential herb–drug interactions and the indications of glucose lowering or hypoglycaemic effects, the use of Gymnema-based food supplements in combination with authorised antidiabetic drugs may be associated with risks. The procedures learned for the safety evaluation of Gymnema may be similarly applied by the fellow for the risk assessment of other substances with nutritional or physiological effect added to foods and food supplements. Furthermore, apart from learning by conducting exercises in risk assessment, the fellow was able to develop other skills (e.g. communication skills), diversify his competencies and expand his network of scientific connections for future collaborations in the field of nutritional risk assessment.},

keywords = {botanical, food supplement, Gymnema sylvestre, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160811,

title = {Risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance along the food chain through culture-independent methodologies},

author = {E Likotrafiti and EA Oniciuc and M Prieto and JA Santos and S López and A Alvarez-Ordóñez},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160811},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160811},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {16},

number = {S1},

pages = {e160811},

abstract = {Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major challenge for Public Health and the scientific community, and requires immediate and drastic solutions. Acquired resistance to certain antimicrobials is already widespread to such an extent that their efficacy in the treatment of certain life-threatening infections is already compromised. To date, the emergence and spread of AMR has been attributed to the use, misuse or indiscriminate use of antibiotics as therapeutic drugs in human, animal and plant health, or as growth promoters in veterinary husbandry. In addition, there is growing concern over the possibility of AMR transmission via the food chain. Food processing environments could act as potential hotspots for AMR acquisition and spread. Indeed, biocide use and exposure to food-related stresses and food processing technologies could presumably act as selection pressures for increased microbial resistance against clinically relevant antibiotics. Global AMR surveillance is critical for providing the necessary information to form global strategies and to monitor the effectiveness of public health interventions as well as to detect new trends and emerging threats. Surveillance of AMR is currently based on the isolation of indicator microorganisms and the phenotypic characterisation of the strains isolated. However, this approach provides very limited information on the mechanisms driving AMR or on the presence and spread of AMR genes. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacterial pathogens is a powerful tool that can be used for epidemiological surveillance, outbreak detection and infection control. In addition, whole metagenome sequencing (WMS) allows for the culture-independent analysis of complex microbial communities, providing useful information on the occurrence of AMR genes. Both approaches can be used to provide the information necessary for the implementation of quantitative risk assessment of AMR transmission routes along the food chain.},

keywords = {Antimicrobial resistance, food-borne pathogens, metagenomics, risk assessment, surveillance, whole genome sequencing},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160812,

title = {Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment},

author = {R Condoleo and P Gale and A Adkin and H Roberts and R Simons},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160812},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160812},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {16},

number = {S1},

pages = {e160812},

abstract = {Abstract The EUFORA fellowship programme ‘Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment’ was proposed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), a British governmental institution responsible for safeguarding animal and plant health in the UK. The working programme, which was organised into four different modules, covered a wide range of aspects related to risk assessment including identification of emerging risks, risk prioritisation methods, scanning surveillance, food production exposure assessment and import risk assessment of animal and human infectious diseases. Over the course of the year, the Fellow had the opportunity to work for international projects with experts in these disciplines. This allowed for significant opportunities to ‘learn-by-doing’ the methods and the techniques that are employed to assess animal health and food safety risks. Moreover, he consolidated his knowledge by attending several training courses and academic lessons, submitting scientific papers to peer-reviewed journals and conferences, giving presentations and using modelling software.},

keywords = {food chain, livestock health, risk assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}