Effect of vine leaves processing on Azoxystrobin, Fenazaquin and Indoxacarb residues dissipation: processing factors and consumer safety assessment.

The effect of vine leaves processing techniques on Azoxystrobin, Fenazaquin, and Indoxacarb residues was investigated. Residue extraction following field application of pesticides and leaf processing was carried out using the QuEChERS method, with analysis conducted by LC-MS/MS. In dry conservation, Azoxystrobin's half-life was estimated to exceed a year, Fenazaquin's was 18 days, and Indoxacarb's was 142 days. Azoxystrobin had a half-life of 261 days, Fenazaquin had a half-life of 9 days, and Indoxacarb's half-life exceeded a year in brine conservation. It is recommended to use dry conservation because it results in an average 60 % reduction in residue levels for the three pesticides. Boiling water significantly reduced pesticide residues (Azoxystrobin -40.3 %, Indoxacarb -22.4 %, and Fenazaquin -28.8 %). It is recommended to use boiling water for washing, as it shows an average removal rate of approximately 30 %. The health risk assessment indicated that consuming vine leaves posed no health risk for consumers, but overall exposure to residues must be considered.

Pesticide active substances that do not require a review of the existing maximum residue levels under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 establishes the rules governing the setting and the review of pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) at European level. According to Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA shall provide within 12 months from the date of the inclusion or non-inclusion of an active substance in Annex I to Directive 91/414/EEC a reasoned opinion on the review of the existing MRLs for that active substance. Among the active substances that need to be reviewed under Article 12(1), EFSA identified two active substances for which a review of MRLs is no longer considered necessary. EFSA prepared a statement explaining the reasons why a review of MRLs for these substances became obsolete. The relevant question numbers are considered addressed by this statement.

Quantification of Ochratoxin A in 90 spice and herb samples using the ELISA method.

This study addressed the challenge of accurately detecting mycotoxins in herbs and spices, which have gained popularity as alternative medicines but pose health risks due to potential contamination. We used a competitive direct ELISA kit (Art No. 8610), Veratox for Ochratoxin, to quantify Ochratoxin A in the herb and spice samples. The samples were first prepared using solid-liquid extraction with 70% methanol. The resulting filtrate was then subjected to ELISA analysis. The results of the analysis were then further analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). In this study, PCA was used to classify the concentration levels of Ochratoxin A based on various factors, such as the packaging type, country of origin, shelf life, and sample weight. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values indicate the lowest amount of Ochratoxin A that can be detected and quantified, respectively, with high accuracy and precision. The range of the LOD and LOQ values (0.43-0.58 µg/kg and 1.45-1.95 µg/kg, respectively) suggests that the method used was capable of detecting and quantifying Ochratoxin A in the herb and spice samples at different concentrations with a high degree of accuracy and precision. These results suggest that while most of the samples (73.33%) were below the maximum residue limit (MRL) for Ochratoxin A, a significant number of samples (26.67%) had concentrations of Ochratoxin A that were higher than the MRL. This highlights the importance of monitoring Ochratoxin A in herb and spice samples and ensuring the products are safe for consumption.

Pesticide residues on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Cundinamarca-Colombia.

Lettuce is Colombia's most widely cultivated leafy vegetable, but in the absence of good agricultural practices, there is the risk of some pesticide residues that affect its safety and quality. This work aimed to identify the pesticides used by farmers for the lettuce crop, the iceberg variety (Lactuca sativa var. capitata), in some municipalities of Cundinamarca (Colombia) and to investigate their residues by sampling and analysis. The farmers reported in the survey 44 active ingredients, most fungicides (54%), while the laboratory analysis showed 23 chemical compounds (52% insecticides, 39% fungicides and 9% herbicides). In addition, dithiocarbamates, procymidone and some organophosphates were among the active ingredients that exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs). About 80% of the identified pesticides were not registered with the regulatory entity Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) for their use in lettuce, but some were in commercial products legally registered in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Risk assessment related to the presence of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) and chlorates in fish and fish products.

In compliance with Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, EFSA received a mandate from the European Commission to prepare a statement on the risk assessment related to the presence of benzalkonium chloride (mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides with alkyl chain lengths of C8, C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18) (BAC), didecyldimethylammonium chloride (mixture of alkyl-quaternary ammonium salts with alkyl chain lengths of C8, C10 and C12) (DDAC) and chlorates in fish and fish products. Within EFSA's annual chemical data collection, EFSA collected monitoring data for the residues of BAC, DDAC and chlorates from EU Member States, Iceland and Norway performed a statistical evaluation, providing estimated residue values for each substance in/on fish and fish products, at the percentile appropriate for the number of the available samples. Based on the information collected, EFSA performed an acute and chronic exposure assessment for EU consumers for BAC, DDAC and chlorates at the lower-bound, medium-bound and upper-bound scenarios resulting from the consumption of fish and fish products. EFSA did not identify potential consumer health risks associated to residues of the substances found in fish and fish products.

Lack of confirmatory data following Article 12 MRL reviews for 2,4-DB, iodosulfuron-methyl, mesotrione, methoxyfenozide and pyraflufen-ethyl.

In accordance with Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, the European Commission mandated EFSA to issue a statement concerning confirmatory data that were not submitted by the set deadline by the applicant following Article 12 MRL reviews under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 for the following substances/commodity combinations: 2,4-DB on products of animal origin; iodosulfuron-methyl on linseeds and maize; mesotrione on sugar canes; methoxyfenozide on aubergines and products of animal origin and pyraflufen-ethyl on hops. EFSA prepared a statement containing a final conclusion on the completeness of the data necessary to support the existing tentative maximum residue levels (MRLs) and indications to risk managers whether or not the tentative MRLs currently established by Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 could be maintained. The statement was circulated to Member States for consultation via a written procedure before finalisation.

Residues and Safety Assessment of Cyantraniliprole and Indoxacarb in Wild Garlic (Allium vineale).

In this study, the residual behavior and safety of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb applied to wild garlic (Allium vineale) were investigated. Samples were harvested after treatments of 0, 3, 7, and 14 days, then were prepared and extracted following the QuEChERS method and analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. The linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99) of the calibration curves was excellent for both compounds. The average recoveries of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb at two spiking concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg) ranged from 94.2% to 111.4%. The relative standard deviation value was below 10%. The initial concentrations of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb in wild garlic were degraded to 75% and 93% after seven days. The average half-lives were 1.83 and 1.14 days for cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb, respectively. The preharvest intervals (PHIs) for the two pesticides in wild garlic are recommended as two treatments seven days before harvest. The safety assessment data indicated that the percent acceptable daily intakes of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb were 0.3 × 10-4% and 6.7 × 10-2%, respectively, in wild garlic. The theoretical maximum daily intake value of cyantraniliprole was 9.80%, and that of indoxacarb was 60.54%. Both compounds' residues in wild garlic pose low health risks to consumers. The findings of the current investigation provide essential data for the safe use of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb in wild garlic.

Pesticide active substances that do not require a review of the existing maximum residue levels under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 establishes the rules governing the setting and the review of pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) at European level. According to Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA shall provide within 12 months from the date of the inclusion or non-inclusion of an active substance in Annex I to Directive 91/414/EEC a reasoned opinion on the review of the existing MRLs for that active substance. Among the substances that need to be reviewed under Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA identified six active substances for which a review of MRLs is no longer considered necessary. EFSA prepared a statement explaining the reasons why a review of MRLs for these substances became obsolete. The relevant question numbers are considered addressed by this statement.

Targeted review of maximum residues levels (MRLs) for haloxyfop-P.

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) received a mandate from the European Commission to perform a targeted review of the existing maximum residues levels (MRLs) for the active substance haloxyfop-P to check whether the existing EU MRL in onions, sunflower seeds and soya beans (covering codex maximum residue limits (CXLs) or import tolerances) and the proposed import tolerance MRLs in linseeds, rapeseeds/canola seeds are safe for consumers and can eventually be maintained in the MRL Regulation after the expiry of the approval of the active substance. EFSA screened these MRLs considering the toxicological reference values established during the EU peer review process for the renewal of the approval of haloxyfop-P and identified chronic consumer intake concerns for two diets when for the remaining plant and animal commodities, the input values were at the LOQ. Fall-back MRLs could not be proposed, but the additional information provided by EURLs allowed to resolve the chronic intake concerns using lower validated LOQs for a range of plant commodities and milk. EFSA concludes that the existing EU MRLs in soya beans and onions, the CXL in sunflower seeds and the proposed import tolerances in linseed and rapeseed/canola seeds are not expected to pose a risk to consumers. However, to guarantee consumer's safety regarding the chronic exposure to haloxyfop-P residues, the enforcement LOQs in several plant commodities and milks would have to be lowered to the levels reported by the EURLs.

Targeted review of maximum residues levels (MRLs) for indoxacarb.

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA received a mandate from the European Commission to perform a targeted review of the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for indoxacarb based on Codex maximum residue limits (CXLs) or on import tolerances which might still be maintained after the expire of the approval of the active substance. EFSA screened the existing MRLs based on CXLs or on import tolerances considering the new toxicological reference values established during the peer review process for the renewal of the approval of indoxacarb and identified the MRLs for which an acute risk could not be excluded and several MRLs that are unlikely to pose a risk for consumers. Fall-back MRLs could not be proposed for the commodities exceeding the new toxicological reference values as no further data were provided during the call for data. Therefore, risk managers may consider maintaining only the MRLs identified during the screening as safe for consumers. However, for some of the proposed MRLs, further consideration by risk managers is needed due to the uncertainties identified.

NLow matrix effect pretreatment method based on gas-liquid micro-extraction technique for determining multi-class pesticides in crops.

A low matrix effect pretreatment method by Gas-liquid microextraction technique (GLME) combined with ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE-GLME) has been developed for fast analysis of 41 multi-class pesticides in different crop samples. Extraction and cleanup procedures were completed within 20 min, and the impact of matrix effects in potato, lentil, corn and soybean matrices were systematically evaluated. As high as 97.6% pesticides treated by UAE-GLME experienced low matrix effect, and up to 99% pesticides except parathion-methyl in lentil samples were categorized as medium matrix effect. Good trueness (recoveries of 61.3-115.8%) and precision (RSD≤20%) were demonstrated by the UAE-GLME method, with MLOQs ranged from 0.005 to 0.02 mg kg-1. This method detected 2-phenylphenol, pyrimethanil, triadimefon and tebuconazole in the range of 0.008-0.012 mg kg-1 in real food samples. The multiresidue analysis feature of GLME has been validated, which displays further potential for high-throughput determination of organic pollutants in foods with distinctive properties.

Safety evaluation study of lincomycin and spectinomycin hydrochloride intramuscular injection in chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the nonclinical safety of lincomycin and spectinomycin hydrochloride (LC-SPH) intramuscular (i.m) doses on target animals (chickens) to provide guidelines for dose level design and side effect monitoring in clinical trials. A total of 80 healthy Arbor Acres plus broiler chicks were completely randomized and blindly divided into four treatment groups (control, one-time dose, three-time dose, and five-time dose) of 20 chicks each (20 chickens per group). At the age of day 15, all chickens (except the control group) were administered LC-SPH intramuscularly (chest muscles) at different doses of 20 mg/kg.bw, 60 mg/kg.bw, and 100 mg/kg.bw respectively for 9 consecutive days recommended by veterinary international cooperation on harmonization (VICH) guidelines. The chickens had ad libitum access to antibiotic-free feed and water. Feeding chickens were observed twice a day throughout the study. The drug safety was evaluated by complete blood count, biochemical parameters, histopathological, clinical signs, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hence, considering the minor toxicity of 60 mg/kg, our results reveal that intramuscular injection of at least 20 mg/kg body weight has no effects on growth performance, clinical blood parameters, organ coefficient, and histopathological parameters. Thus, a combination of LC-SPH 20 mg/kg body weight i.m injection investigated safe followed daily administration for nine consecutive days in healthy chickens. It is concluded that the experimental results support the safety of 20 mg/kg body weight in combination for the further clinical research study.

Lack of confirmatory data following Article 12 MRL reviews for 2,4-d, fenhexamid and iprovalicarb.

The European Commission mandated EFSA to issue a statement concerning confirmatory data that were not submitted by the set deadline by the applicant following Article 12 reviews under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 for the following substances/commodity combination: 2,4-d on buckwheat and other pseudo-cereals, fenhexamid on kiwis, iprovalicarb on lettuces, escaroles/broad-leaved endives and roman rocket/rucola. EFSA prepared a statement containing a final conclusion on the completeness of the data necessary to support the existing tentative maximum residue levels (MRLs) and indications to risk managers whether or not the tentative MRLs currently established by Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 could be maintained. The statement was circulated to Member States for consultation via a written procedure before finalisation.

Neonicotinoid residues in commercial Japanese tea leaves produced by organic and conventional farming methods.

The current study sought to assess the residual levels of neonicotinoid insecticides (NEO) in organic and conventional green tea leaves produced in Japan. A total of 103 tea leaves (thus, 42 organic and 61 conventional), were sampled from grocery stores in Japan. Concentrations of NEOs in the tea leaves were quantified using LC-MS/MS; and the data was used to estimate maximum daily intakes of NEOs within the Japanese population. Seven native NEO compounds and one NEO metabolite were detected in both organic and conventional tea leaves. Detection frequencies (%Dfs) of NEOs in the tea samples (n = 103) were found in the decreasing order; thiacloprid (84.47 %) > dinotefuran (74.76 %) > imidacloprid (69.90 %) ≈ clothianidin (69.90 %) > dm-acetamiprid (63.11 %) > thiamethoxam (58.25 %) > acetamiprid (4.85 %) > nitenpyram (1.94 %). About 94.20 % of the tea leaves contained two or more NEO compounds simultaneously. The %Dfs of NEOs were relatively lower in organic tea leaves, compared to the conventional tea leaves. Various percentile concentrations of NEOs were far lower in organic tea leaves, compared to the conventional tea leaves. The maximum daily intakes of NEOs through consumption of tea (MDIgt) were also lower for organic tea leaves, compared to the conventional tea samples.

Pesticide active substances that do not require a review of the existing maximum residue levels under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 establishes the rules governing the setting and the review of pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) at European level. According to Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA shall provide within 12 months from the date of the inclusion or non-inclusion of an active substance in Annex I to Directive 91/414/EEC a reasoned opinion on the review of the existing MRLs for that active substance. Article 12(2) of that Regulation stipulates that EFSA shall provide by 1 September 2009 a reasoned opinion on the review of the existing MRLs for all active substances included in Annex I to Directive 91/414/EEC before 2 September 2008. Among the active substances that need to be reviewed under Article 12(1) or Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA identified 12 active substances for which a review of MRLs is no longer considered necessary, including five active substances that were already included temporarily in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 by risk managers pending finalisation of their evaluation under Directive 91/414/EEC or Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and pending submission of EFSA's reasoned opinion in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. EFSA prepared a statement explaining the reasons why a review of MRLs for these substances became obsolete. The relevant question numbers are considered addressed by this statement.

Pesticide residue levels in vegetables and surface waters at the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia.

Seven pesticides, profenofos, metalaxyl, λ-cyhalothrin, 4,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDE, and α- and ß-endosulfan, were determined in vegetables (tomato, onion) from 20 locations and surface waters from 12 locations in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia. Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) and solid phase extraction (SPE) methods were used for the vegetables and water, respectively. In 2.5% of the tomato samples, profenofos was detected above European maximum residue limits (MRLs), in 12.5% of the samples metalaxyl, and in 2.5% α- and ß-endosulfan. In 5% of the onion samples, profenofos was detected above European MRLs, in 7.5% of the onion samples metalaxyl, and in 5% λ-cyhalothrin. In surface water, profenofos was detected at the highest concentration of 2300 µg/L in the Bulbula River, 890 µg/L near the agricultural land north of Lake Ziway (ANLZ-1), 1700 µg/L in the floriculture effluent (FE-1), and 900 µg/L in tap water at the Batu Drinking Water (BDW) supply. These results show that the levels of pesticides are in several cases substantially elevated, and emphasize the need of regular pesticide monitoring programs for surface waters and vegetables in the Ethiopian CRV.

Dissipation and dietary risk assessment of kasugamycin and saisentong in Chinese cabbage.

A quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe pretreatment method using dispersive solid-phase extraction was developed to quantify kasugamycin in Chinese cabbage samples by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. A pretreatment method involving precolumn transformation was utilized to determine the residue of saisentong in Chinese cabbage through high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet detection. These methods were successfully applied through field trials to determine the contents of kasugamycin and saisentong in Chinese cabbage. The dissipation of kasugamycin and saisentong in Chinese cabbage followed first-order kinetics with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.9066-0.9731 at the 95% confidence level. The half-lives of kasugamycin and saisentong in Chinese cabbage were 1.8-2.0 and 2.2-3.8 days, respectively. Terminal residual levels of kasugamycin in Chinese cabbage were not detected 14 days after application. The dietary risk assessment of kasugamycin and saisentong in Chinese cabbage showed that their risk quotients were 0.93 and 2.58%, respectively, in the preharvest interval (PHI) of 14 days. Kasugamycin and saisentong in Chinese cabbage did not pose potential health hazards at PHI of 14 days. The maximum residue limits of kasugamycin and saisentong in Chinese cabbage were 0.02 and 0.36 mg/kg, respectively, and 14 days was the safe PHI.

Evaluation of ATSDR's MRL and EPA's RfCs/RfDs: Similarities, Differences, and Rationales.

Objectives: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) derive minimal risk levels (MRLs) and reference concentrations and doses (RfCs and RfDs), respectively, for environmental contaminants to help identify potential health risks to exposed populations. MRLs, RfDs, and RfCs involve similar derivation methods, but the values sometimes differ for the same chemical. The objectives of this manuscript are to quantitatively assess similarities and differences between MRLs, RfCs, and RfDs, qualitatively describe how a number of factors can influence the development of the health guidance values (HGVs) and identify ongoing collaborations and opportunities for increased coordination of efforts. Materials and Methods: We collected MRLs and RfCs/RfDs, assessment date, and description of the derivation process from ATSDR's toxicological profiles and EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) and Office of Pesticide Program (OPP) and identified reasons for differences between MRLs and RfCs/RfDs. Results: The most frequent types of differences in values that we found in our analysis included use of different methodologies, use of different studies, and/or completion of a more recent chemical evaluation. These can stem from differences in scientific judgement. Conclusion: To avoid confusion when disparate HGVs occur between government agencies, a keen understanding of these differences can be helpful for appropriate risk characterization and communication when applying HGVs.

[Safety evaluation of heavy metals contaminated Astragalus membranaceus using health risk assessment model].

To evaluate the safety of heavy metals contaminated Astragalus membranaceus,an appropriate protocol was established to study the heavy metals pollution level by health risk assessment. This study provided a detailed procedure to assess the medicinal herbs in quality control and safety evaluation,and expected to create awareness among the public on the safety of consuming of A. membranaceus or any other kinds of medicinal herbs. The heavy metals content of Cu,As,Cd,Pb and Hg in a total of 45 batches of A. membranaceus were carefully analyzed with a developed inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry( ICP-MS). Besides,the heavy metal contamination level was further evaluated through 4 main assessment parameters,including maximum residue limit( MRL) set by International Standard Organization,estimated daily intake( EDI) set by IUPAC,target hazard quotients( THQ) and Total THQ set by USEPA and total THQs in raw herbs of A. membranaceus. In addition,the recommended MRLs of 5 main heavy metals aimed to A. membranaceus were calculated based on the regulated consumption quantity. The result showed that,under the ISO international standard of Chinese medicine-Chinese herbal medicine heavy metals,the unqualified rate was 8. 89% for A. membranaceus,which including 4 batches of A. membranaceus exceeded the MRL of As. Here,the standard THQ value of A. membranaceus was firstly proposed as 0. 02 and 0. 011 25 for adults and children,respectively,which were calculated with the recommended consumption quantity of 30 g and 9 g for adults and children. Furthermore,the values of THQ for As and total THQs in adults and children were exceeded the standard THQ in A. membranaceus,and the recommended MRLs of Pb,Cd,Hg and Cu in above medicinal materials that calculated based on health risk assessment model were higher than the regulated MRLs that set by ISO and Chinese Pharmacopeia. The research showed that the contents of heavy metals in A. membranaceus were not in the safe range and the certain non-carcinogenic risks to human body cannot be neglected. Based on above investigation result,it is easily known that the common evaluation method for raw herbs based on the comparison of MRL of heavy metals was not precise enough,and the international model of health risk assessment should be built for each medicinal herb. Above all,this study provided a more realistic research approach for safety evaluation of any other kinds of heavy metals contaminated medicinal herbs,including the establishment of heavy metals standard limit in a specified medicinal herb under recommended consumption quantity,and it is expected to create awareness among the public on the safety of consuming any other medicinal herbs.