Publications

@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.e170917,

title = {Risk-Benefit Assessment of Foods},

author = {R Assunção and SM Pires and M Nauta},

url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170917},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170917},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {EFSA Journal},

volume = {17},

number = {S2},

pages = {e170917},

abstract = {Abstract Food is an elementary requirement for human life, providing nutrients and essential energy needed for optimal health. But at the same time, food can also be a vehicle of hazardous substances or pathogens that could affect human health negatively. Risk-benefit assessment (RBA) of foods, a relatively new methodology for decision support, integrates nutrition, toxicology, microbiology, chemistry and human epidemiology for a comprehensive health impact assessment. By integrating health risks and benefits related to food consumption, RBA facilitates science-based decision-making in food-related areas and the development of policies and consumer advice. The present work programme aimed to allow the fellow to become acquainted with the process of RBA and the associated tools needed to assess quantitatively the risks and the benefits through three main activities (i) to learn the different methodologies used for RBA; (ii) to apply these methodologies to a specific case-study – RBA of raw milk consumption; and (iii) to participate in the main activities of the Risk-Benefit research group at DTU Food regarding risk-benefit issues. For the RBA of raw milk consumption, microbiological pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli), probiotic bacteria and nutritional components (vitamins B2 and A) were considered, as well as the potential impact of raw milk consumption in the reduction of the allergies’ prevalence. Two major approaches were applied: the bottom-up (estimating the disease incidence due to the exposure) and the top-down (using epidemiological and incidence data to the estimate the number of cases attributable to a certain exposure). Through all the training and hands-on activities performed, the present work programme enabled the fellow to extend the knowledge on the quantitative RBA, specifically in the context of raw milk consumption. EU-FORA programme also provided an exceptional opportunity of networking and establishment of future research lines of collaboration.},

keywords = {food, microbiology, nutrition, raw milk, Risk-benefit assessment, toxicology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}