Vitamin D: A master example of nutrigenomics.

Nutrigenomics attempts to characterize and integrate the relation between dietary molecules and gene expression on a genome-wide level. One of the biologically active nutritional compounds is vitamin D3, which activates via its metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) the nuclear receptor VDR (vitamin D receptor). Vitamin D3 can be synthesized endogenously in our skin, but since we spend long times indoors and often live at higher latitudes where for many winter months UV-B radiation is too low, it became a true vitamin. The ligand-inducible transcription factor VDR is expressed in the majority of human tissues and cell types, where it modulates the epigenome at thousands of genomic sites. In a tissue-specific fashion this results in the up- and downregulation of primary vitamin D target genes, some of which are involved in attenuating oxidative stress. Vitamin D affects a wide range of physiological functions including the control of metabolism, bone formation and immunity. In this review, we will discuss how the epigenome- and transcriptome-wide effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and its receptor VDR serve as a master example in nutrigenomics. In this context, we will outline the basis of a mechanistic understanding for personalized nutrition with vitamin D3.

FODMAP reduction strategies for nutritionally valuable baking products: current state and future challenges.

Fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) comprise several previously unrelated carbohydrates, such as fructans, fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, fructose (in excess of glucose), mannitol and sorbitol, and among others. For many patients with gastro-intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, the ingestion of FODMAP triggers symptoms and causes discomfort. Among the main contributors to the dietary FODMAP intake are baking products, in particular bread as a major global staple food. This is primarily due to the fructan content of the cereal flours, but also process induced accumulation of FODMAP is possible. To provide low-FODMAP baking products, researchers have investigated various approaches, such as bio-process reduction by yeast, lactic acid bacteria, germination of the raw material or the use of exogenous enzymes. In addition, the selection of appropriate ingredients, which are either naturally or after pretreatment suitable for low-FODMAP products, is discussed. The sensory and nutritional quality of low-FODMAP baking products is another issue, that is addressed, with particular focus on providing sufficient dietary fiber intake. Based on this information, the current state of low-FODMAP baking and future research necessities, to establish practical strategies for low-FODMAP products, are evaluated in this article.

Effect of Tomato, Beetroot and Carrot Juice Addition on Physicochemical, Antioxidant and Texture Properties of Wheat Bread.

Bakery products, including bread, are important components of the diet of people all over the world. One of the food industry's goals is to improve its quality in the context of healthiness and physical parameters. Consumers' perception of sensory quality is an important aspect of food choice. Thus, the study aimed to enhance nutritional parameters (antioxidant capacity, content of phenolic compounds) together with maintaining or increasing bread quality (texture, color, volume and sensory properties). Among vegetable juices, tomato, beetroot and carrot were selected, as they are easily accessible in Europe and are inexpensive. At the same time, those juices are known to be high in antioxidants. In this study, the effect of substituting recipe water with tomato, beetroot and carrot juices (replacement level: 15, 30, 50% v/v) was evaluated in terms of the specific volume, texture, color, acidity, polyphenol contents, antioxidant and sensory properties. It was concluded that juice content had a significant positive impact on physicochemical parameters such as volume, color, acidity, as well as the antioxidant activity of breads. The carrot and beetroot juices were the most efficient in terms of shaping wheat bread properties, especially in terms of antioxidant activity.

Effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Supplementation on Physical and Chemical Properties of Semolina (Triticum durum) Based Fresh Pasta.

Taking into account that many advantages have been associated with the consumption of spirulina (microalgae) in terms of antioxidant capacity, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities, the study focuses on spirulina supplementation of semolina-based pasta. Fresh pasta was prepared by mixing semolina flour (Triticum durum) with an addition of 3, 5, 7, and 10% (w/w) of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) powder. Physicochemical and nutritional analyses were done on raw materials, and on fresh pasta before and after cooking. Sensorial analysis was done shortly after cooking pastas. Spirulina had a high content of protein (71.34%), with all the essential amino acids, a high total fiber (8.45%), as well as ash content (5.93%), which significantly increased the nutritional value of the obtained fresh pasta. Supplemented pastas have a significantly better amino acid profile and higher total fiber content (up to 2.99 g/100 g d.m.) than the control sample. Moreover, the addition of spirulina had a significant effect on the pasta's color, weight gain, and cooking loss after being cooked. The addition of spirulina also affected the scores obtained for the individual parameters (texture, color, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability) of the sensory evaluation.

Effect of Deep Frying of Potatoes and Tofu on Thermo-Oxidative Changes of Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil, Cold Pressed High Oleic Rapeseed Oil and Palm Olein.

One of the commonly used food preparation methods is frying. Fried food is admired by consumers due to its unique taste and texture. Deep frying is a process of dipping food in oil at high temperature, usually 170-190 °C, and it requires a relatively short time. The aim of this study was to analyze the thermo-oxidative changes occurring during the deep frying of products such as potatoes and tofu in cold pressed rapeseed oils and palm olein. Cold pressed rapeseed oil from hulled seeds (RO), cold pressed high oleic rapeseed oil from hulled seeds (HORO), and palm olein (PO) (for purposes of comparison) were used. Characterization of fresh oils (after purchase) and oils after 6, 12, and 18 h of deep frying process of a starch product (potatoes) and a protein product (tofu) was performed. The quality of oils was analyzed by determining peroxide value, acid value, p-anisidine value, content of carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments, polar compounds, smoke point, color (CIE L*a*b*), fatty acids content and profile, calculation of lipid nutritional quality indicators, and oxidative stability index (Rancimat). Cold pressed high oleic rapeseed oil was more stable during deep frying compared to cold pressed rapeseed oil, but much less stable than palm olein. In addition, more thermo-oxidative changes occurred in the tested oils when deep frying the starch product (potatoes) compared to the deep frying of the protein product (tofu).

Effect of Coconut and Chestnut Flour Supplementations on Texture, Nutritional and Sensory Properties of Baked Wheat Based Bread.

Wheat bread, produced by the single-phase method, is a common food consumed all over the world. Due to changes in lifestyle and nutritional trends, alternative raw materials are sought to increase the nutritional value and improve the taste of daily consumed products. Additionally, customers seek a wide variety of foods, especially when it comes to basic foods. Nuts, such as coconuts or chestnuts, might provide an attractive flavour with benefits to the nutritional quality. In this study, the effect of substituting wheat flour with coconut or chestnut flour (flour contribution level: 5, 10, 15, 30, 50% w/w), was evaluated in terms of the breads specific volume, texture, colour, nutritional composition, and dietary fibre fraction contents. Moreover, a sensory evaluation was conducted to assess potential consumer acceptance. Based on the consumer's perception, the overall acceptance of bread with 15% w/w of coconut and chestnut flour was in privilege compared to the control sample. As a result, taking all of the tested parameters into account, the breads with 5, 10, and 15% supplementation of chestnut or coconut flour were still of good quality compared to the wheat bread and their fibre content was significantly higher.

Quality assessment of cold-pressed strawberry, raspberry and blackberry seed oils intended for cosmetic purposes.

BACKGROUND: Cold-pressed berry seed oils are used for consumption and other applications including skin and hair care. They are natural products which gain the attention of customers. In this study, strawberry, raspberry and blackberry seed oils used for cosmetic purposes, purchased from three different European producers, were analyzed. The aim of the study was to assess the quality and oxidative stability of the berry fruit oils, thus they were analyzed after purchase and after 4 and 8 weeks of storage at room temperature. METHODS: Acid and peroxide values were determined in the tested oils, as was oxidative stability, which was measured using pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC). Additionally, fatty acid profiles and thei. RESULTS: nd. Cold-pressed berry seed oils are used for consumption and other applications including skin and hair care. They are natural products which gain the attention of customers. In this study, strawberry, raspberry and blackberry seed oils used for cosmetic purposes, purchased from three different European producers, were analyzed. The aim of the study was to assess the quality and oxidative stability of the berry fruit oils, thus they were analyzed after purchase and after 4 and 8 weeks of storage at room temperature. Materials and methods. Acid and peroxide values were determined in the tested oils, as was oxidative stability, which was measured using pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC). Additionally, fatty acid profiles and their distribution at sn-1,3 and sn-2 positions of triacylglycerols were characterized. Results, principal. Most of the fatty acids of the tested berry seed oils are polyunsaturated fatty acids (67.04-74.95%). The results show the low quality of the tested oils in terms of oxidative stability (high peroxide values: 21.9-249.6 mEq O2/kg oil). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of these products on the body. Moreover, standards clarifying the oxidation of cosmetic oils should be set internationally.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance mancozeb.

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State the United Kingdom and co-rapporteur Member State Greece for the pesticide active substance mancozeb are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of mancozeb as a fungicide on wheat (winter/spring), grapevine, potatoes and tomatoes. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance lavandulylsenecioate.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State Italy for the pesticide active substance lavandulylsenecioateare reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council.The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses evaluated as a pheromone comprising manual applications to control Planococcusficus (vine mealybug) populations by mating disruption in table grape, wine grape, raisins and any other crops where P. ficus may be a pest in Southern Europe. The reliable endpoints,appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessmentare presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed.Concerns are identified.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for triazoxide according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance triazoxide. To assess the occurrence of triazoxide residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008, as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States. Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. All information required by the regulatory framework was present and a risk to consumers was not identified.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for chromafenozide according to Article 12 Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance chromafenozide. Considering the information provided by Member States, neither EU uses nor import tolerances are currently authorised for chromafenozide within the EU. Furthermore, no MRLs are established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits) for this active substance. Therefore, residues of chromafenozide are not expected to occur in any plant or animal commodity and therefore a consumer risk assessment is not required. Nevertheless, the available information allowed EFSA to propose a marker residue definition and a limit of quantification (LOQ) for enforcement against potential illegal uses.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for aminopyralid in certain cereals.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Dow AgroSciences Denmark submitted a request to the competent national authority in the United Kingdom to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance aminopyralid in cereals. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for barley, rye, sorghum, millet and oats. A modification of the existing MRL of aminopyralid in wheat has been considered unnecessary. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of aminopyralid and its conjugates in plant matrices and on the commodities under assessment at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of aminopyralid according to the intended agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for sedaxane according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance sedaxane. To assess the occurrence of sedaxane residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EU) No 188/2011, the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for aclonifen in celeriacs and certain fresh herbs.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Gartenbau Sachsen-Anhalt (LSA) and Dienstleistungszentrum Ländlicher Raum Rheinpfalz (DLR), respectively, submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance aclonifen in chives, parsley, celery leaves/dill leaves, thyme/savoury and in celeriacs/turnip-rooted celery. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all crops under consideration. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of aclonifen in high water commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the exposure to residues resulting from the use of aclonifen according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for lambda-cyhalothrin in celeries, fennel and rice.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta Crop Protection AG submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for lambda-cyhalothrin in celeries, fennel and rice. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive tentative MRL proposals for the concerned crops. They are tentative as formally the general data gap identified in the MRL review for further investigations of the toxicological properties of the compounds formed under sterilisation conditions has not yet been addressed. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of lambda-cyhalothrin in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the uses of lambda-cyhalothrin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment presented might need to be reconsidered in the light of the confirmatory data requested following the renewal of the approval and the review of the existing MRLs.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance fenamiphos.

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Greece and co-rapporteur Member State Cyprus for the pesticide active substance fenamiphos are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of fenamiphos as a nematicide in fruiting vegetables (i.e. tomato, aubergine, cucumber, pepper and courgette), herbaceous ornamentals and in nursery stock (both perennial and herbaceous species). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Setting of an import tolerance for spiromesifen in coffee beans.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer CropScience submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to set an import tolerance for the active substance spiromesifen in coffee beans. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for coffee beans. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of spiromesifen and spiromesifen-enol (M01) on the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg for each compound. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of spiromesifen according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for hexythiazox according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance hexythiazox. To assess the occurrence of hexythiazox residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008, the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as well as the import tolerances and European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for fluometuron according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance fluometuron. To assess the occurrence of fluometuron residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008 as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, an MRL proposal was derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. All information required by the regulatory framework was present and a risk to consumers was not identified. In addition, EFSA identified some data gaps which are not expected to impact on the validity of the MRL derived but which might have an impact on national authorisations.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for metam according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance metam. To assess the occurrence of metam residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008C as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers.