Assessment of Furan and Its Derivatives Intake with Home Prepared Meals and Characterization of Associated Risk for Polish Infants and Toddlers.

Furan and its derivatives are found in various heat-treated foods. Furan is classified as a possible human carcinogen. The European Union authorities recommend collecting data on the occurrence of these compounds, estimating consumer exposure, and taking measures to protect human health based on a scientific risk assessment. The aim of this study was to estimate the exposure of infants and toddlers to furan and its methyl derivatives-2-methylfuran, 3-methylfuran, and ∑2,5-dimethylfuran/2-ethylfuran-present in home-prepared foods and to characterize the associated health risks. The compounds of interest were determined using the HS-GC/MS. The risk was characterized by the calculation of the margin of exposure (MoE). Levels of furan and its derivatives in analyzed samples were in the range of

Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human diet - exposure and risk assessment to consumer health.

BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants, they are also present in food, in which their presence results from environmental pollution and food processing processes. Many compounds from this group, such as benzo(a)pyrene show important toxicity, including genotoxic carcinogenicity. In food heavier PAHs significantly toxic are observed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was assessment of consumers exposure to PAHs from the diet of surveyed respondents. The assessment of contaminants content in daily food rations is characterized by less uncertainty factor than the assessment based on data on the contamination of individual foodstuffs and their consumption by humans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Research material consisted of daily diets obtained from respondents participating in the study. Content of 22 PAHs (fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(c)fluorene, benz(a)anthracene, chrysene, 5-methylchrysene, perylene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(j)fluoranthene, benzo(e) pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(ghi)perylene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, dibenzo(a,e)pyrene, dibenzo(a,l)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)pyrene, dibenzo(a,i)pyrene) in each of diets was tested using liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. The samples were purified by saponification, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and solid phase extraction (SPE). RESULTS: 52 respondents (n=52) took part in the study. The highest median of PAHs were found for pyrene (1.412 µg/kg), phenantrene (1.276 µg/kg), fluorene (1.151 µg/kg) and fluoranthene (1.087 µg/kg), they were about 10-80 higher than the levels of heavier PAHs. In group of heavy PAHs quantitatively prevailed benzo(e)pyrene (0.109 µg/kg), benzo(b) fluroanthene (0.070 µg/kg), benzo(ghi)perylene (0.065 µg/kg) and perylene (0.059 µg/kg). Generally the median level of contamination with light PAHs was 6.045 µg/kg, while with heavy ones 0.504 µg/kg, in the case of the sum of 4 PAHs regulated in EU law content was 0.301 µg/kg. In the tested samples average 24% of the PAH content was pyrene, light PAHs with a lower toxicity potential accounted for 92% of the content of tested compounds. Sum of 4 regulated PAHs accounted for 58% of content compounds selected by the EU as significant for the assessment of food contamination by PAHs. The composition of the participants' diets was analyzed in terms of determining factors influencing on high levels of PAHs. They were high fat level and presence of smoked or grilled meat and fish products. The mean exposure to benzo(a)pyrene was 0.52 ng/kg b.w. per day, while for the sum of 4 PAHs 3.29 ng/ kg b.w. per day. For light PAHs high exposure was 90.6 ng/kg b.w. per day, while for heavy PAH it was 10.7 ng/kg b.w. per day. Risk assessment was performed by calculating the value of margin of exposure (MoE), which for benzo(a)pyrene and for sum of 4 PAHs were above 25,000 in both considered: mean and high exposure scenario. CONCLUSIONS: Studied diets were a source of exposure to PAHs. Higher levels have been reported for light, less toxic PAH as compared to heavy PAH. In both considered scenarios margin of exposure were >25 000. In case of studied diets no risk for consumer was found.

Assessment of changes in the occurrence of Fusarium toxin and ochratoxin A in Poland related to extreme weather phenomena

Background: Mycotoxins ­ substances harmful to humans, are ubiquitous in the environment. Mycotoxins are generated primarily by Penicilium, Aspergillus and Fusarium genus fungi. Their presence is associated with the unavoidable presence of mold fungi in the environment. The presently observed adverse climatic changes could negatively affect agriculture, causing erosion and loss of organic matter from soil, promulgation of pests and plant diseases, including those originating from pathogenic molds, and also migration of certain mold species into new regions, ultimately creating more favorable conditions for generation of mycotoxins. Objective: The purpose of this work was to investigate contamination of cereals in Poland with Fusarium and ochratoxin A. Elucidating a correlation between precipitation levels in the individual Provinces and reported levels of the investigated mycotoxins, referring to the generally available meteorological databases, would result in more efficient planning of sampling processes and focusing further preventive actions associated with establishing sampling plans for the following years. Material and methods: Investigations were performed on cereal and cereal product samples taken by the official foodstuffs inspection staff. Some 100 samples were taken annually in the 2009-2012 period (357 samples in total). Tests were performed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Precipitation data were obtained from the Central Office of Statistics, based on data received from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management. Results: Analysis of the influence of precipitation levels during vegetation period on mycotoxin levels in the investigated foodstuffs was performed by associating each recorded content of deoxynivalenol (n=52, corresponding to 14.6% tested samples), zearalenone (n=30, 8.4%), total T-2 and HT-2 toxins (n=21, 5.9%) and ochratoxin A (n=88, 24.6%) above quantification limit with precipitation levels within the Province from which the sample originated. Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone levels show distinct variability corresponding with variability of precipitation levels, well reflecting the reported higher deoxynivalenol and zearalenone levels observed during the rainy years of 2011-2012. Variability in average ochratoxin A levels was not statistically significant. The relatively higher mycotoxin levels in 2009 may result from the heavy rainfall and flooding of 2007-2008. Dependence between the precipitation levels and number of samples showing levels above quantification limit has been also observed for deoxynivalenol. However, a similar analysis made for zearalenone and ochratoxin A does not point to any significant relationship. No data analysis was possible in reference to total T-2 and HT-2 toxins content due to the insufficient number of results available. However, it should be noted that 21% analyzed samples in 2009 contained T-2 and HT-2 levels above the quantification limit, with average of 8.9 µg/kg, whereas in 2010-2012 only one sample of the 263 tested contained contaminants in quantities above the quantification limit. Conclusions: The model used for forecasting presence of mycotoxins in cereals does not allow its practical application during routine generation of official control and monitoring plans on national scale. Notably, tests performed show that exceeding of maximum contamination levels occurred just incidentally, notwithstanding the adverse weather conditions. Further systematic collection of data on mycotoxin contamination of agricultural crops is required for effective continued investigations.

Exposure assessment of infants and young children on selected Fusarium toxins

Background: Mycotoxins belong to substances harmful to human health. They are found mainly in cereal products and their preparations. In particular, infants and young children who consume cereal products, including porridge and gruel, are exposed to these substances. Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the exposure of infants and young children in Poland to micotoxins (ochratoxin A. deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, fumonisins B1 and B1, T-2 and HT-2 toxins) derived from cereal products intended for infants and children. Material and methods: Samples of products (302) were taken from all over the country in the following three years (2011, 2012 and 2013). HPLC-MS / MS method was used to determine the test compounds. Results: Using the HPLC-MS / MS method, the assessment of population exposure in Poland to mikototoxins (ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, fumonisins B1 and B1, T-2 and HT-2 toxins) derived from cereal products (porridge, gruel) intended for infants and small children. Samples (302) were taken from across the country over the next three years. The exposure values obtained in the average exposure scenario range from 0.2 to 3% compared to the reference toxicological parameters. Considering that in the case of infants and young children, the tested products constitute a quantitatively significant part of the balanced diet of these consumers, and the remaining groups of foodstuffs, including vegetable products. fruit and meat and dairy products do not contribute significant amounts of mycotoxins to the diet can be accepted. that the level of contamination of cereal products does not pose a significant risk to the health of consumers. In the case of high exposure, it did not exceed 10% of the reference values for deoxynivalenol and the sum of fumonisins B1 and B2. These values were assessed as not relevant for the exposure of infants and young children. In contrast, in the case of zearalenone, the high level of exposure corresponded to 36% of the value of tolerable daily intake (TDI), and for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, the value of 48% of tolerable daily intake. In both cases, the contribution of pollutants to the diet was significant, but still remained 2-3 times less than the tolerable daily intake. Given, that cereal products are the main source of these contaminants, it can be estimated that exceeding the TDI value in relation to the total diet of infants and young children is unlikely. Conclusions: The exposure values obtained in the average exposure scenario range from 0.2 to 3% compared to the reference toxicological parameters. In the case of zearalenone, the high level of exposure corresponded to 36% of the TDI value. and for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, 48% TDI. The contribution of pollutants to the diet in both cases was significant. however, it still remained 2-3 times less than the tolerable daily intake. Considering, that cereal products are the main source of these pollutants can be assessed. that exceeding the TDI value for the total diet of infants and young children is unlikely.

Assessing exposure to 3-MCPD from bakery products based on monitoring studies undertaken throughout Poland.

BACKGROUND: The compound 3-monochloropropano-1,2-diol, (3-MCPD) is a contaminant found in foodstuffs that arises during food processing and storage. Conditions condusive to the former are low pH and a high temperature and it can also be formed during manufacturing, ie. food processing. Those favouring the latter are dampness, raised temperatures, packaging conditions and storage duration. For the first time, high levels of 3-MCPD have been reported in soy sauces and hydrolysate products of vegetable protein manufactured through using acid hydrolysis. Animal studies on rats and mice have found that 3-MCPD is a carcinogen, however it is not genotoxic. OBJECTIVES: To determine 3-MCPD levels in bakery products currently on the market and to estimate the resulting exposure to the those consumer groups most vulnerable. Results from a two year assessment of this contaminant are so presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Concentrations of 3-MCPD were measured in 244 samples of bakery foodstuff products found on the market which included; sponge cake, biscuits, cakes, crackers, breadsticks and rusks. Sampling was undertaken by the State Sanitary Inspectorate and analyses were performed by an accredited Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) method. The exposure was assessed by comparing the accepted Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for 3-MCPD with the different conditions it occurred in, the consumption of 3-MCPD in the aforementioned foodstuffs and the various consumer groups. RESULTS: Levels of 3-MCPD that exceeded the limits of quantification in the studied foodstuffs were found in 91 out of 244 samples, (ie. 37.3%). These samples included 11 sponge cakes (11.3%), 27 biscuits (55.2%), 10 crackers (8.33%), 17 breadsticks (8.93%), 21 rusks (63.6%) and 5 cakes (3.13%). The highest numbers of samples containing more than 10 (> or = 10) microg/ kg of 3-MCPD were successively found in the following; breadsticks (79%), biscuits (75%), rusks (33%), crackers (33%), cakes (31%), biscuits (24%) and sponge cakes (4%). In 60 samples (24.6%), levels of 3- MCPD were higher than 10 microg/kg. It was estimated that the mean daily adult exposure to 3-MCPD is 0.008 - 0.013 microg/kg body weight/day ie. 0.4 - 0.65% of the TDI, however at high exposures this became 6% of the TDI. In the children's group, the mean exposure was 0.022 - 0.036 microg/kg body weight/day ie. 1.1 - 1.8% of the TDI whilst at high exposure it became 16.4% of the TDI. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that sample levels of 3- MCPD in bakery products do not constitute a significant health risk to consumers.

Risk assessment for infants exposed to furan from ready-to-eat thermally processed food products in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Thermal processes and long storage of food lead to reactions between reducing sugars and amino acids, or with ascorbic acid, carbohydrates or polyunsaturated fatty acids. As a result of these reactions, new compounds are created. One of these compounds having an adverse effect on human health is furan. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to estimate the infants exposure to furan found in thermally processed jarred food products, as well as characterizing the risk by comparing the exposure to the reference dose (RfD) and calculating margins of exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material consisted of 301 samples of thermally processed food for infants taken from the Polish market in years 2008 - 2010. The samples included vegetable-meat, vegetables and fruit jarred meals for infants and young children in which the furan levels were analyzed by GC/MS technique. The exposure to furan has been assessed for the 3, 4, 6, 9,12 months old infants using different consumption scenarios. RESULTS: The levels of furan ranged from <1 microg/kg (LOQ) to 166.9 microg/kg. The average furan concentration in all samples was 40.2 microg/kg. The estimated exposures, calculated with different nutrition scenarios, were in the range from 0.03 to 3.56 microg/kg bw/day and exceeded in some cases RfD set at level of 1 microg/kg bw/day. Margins of exposure (MOE) achieved values even below 300 for scenarios assuming higher consumption of vegetable and vegetable-meat products. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of exposure to furan present in ready-to-eat meals among Polish infants is similar to data reported previously in other European countries but slightly higher than indicated in the recent EFSA report. As for some cases the estimated intake exceeds the RfD, and MOE) values are much lower than 10000 indicating a potential health concern, it is necessary to continue monitoring of furan in jarred food and estimate of its intake by infants.

[Fluorine content in total diets samples of small children in Poland]. / Zawartosc fluoru w calodziennych racjach pokarmowych malych dzieci w Polsce.

The aim of this study was investigation of the fluorine content in diets of children aged 1 - 4 years, living in 16 cities in different regions of Poland. Whole-day meals were collected for 10 subsequent days in spring and autumn seasons in orphanages. Fluorine contents was determined by potentiometric method. 457 whole day meals were tested. The fluorine contents in the daily diets ranged from 0.04 to 0.42 mg/kg, mean 0.15 +/- 0.07 mg kg, regardless of season collection. It was observed that diets with the highest level of fluorine include tea, fish, lettuce and cauliflower more than diets with the lowest levels of this element. There was a directly proportional dependence between fluoride in drinking water and children's meals, despite of the small difference between the maximum (0.32 mg/dm3) and minimum (0.09 mg/dm3) level of fluorine in water used for cooking in places covered by this survey. The average daily intake of fluorine was 0.28 mg (range 0.10-0.76 mg), median 0.25 mg, 90 percentile 0.47 mg. The average intake fluorine by children was 0.05 mg/kg b.w./day and not exceed the values specified in the standards of nutrition for the Polish population.

[Studies on the occurrence of furan in food for infants by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method]. / Badania nad zawartoscia furanu w przetworach dla niemowlat metoda chromatografii gazowej ze spektrometria mas.

Furan is an organic compound formed during heat treatment. It has been shown to be carcinogenic in animal laboratory studies. The aim of this study was to determine the content of furan in vegetables and vegetable-meat products intended for infants. The testing system used during this study was gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The content of furan in 48 samples of processed food ready to eat has been determined. In all samples furan was detected within the range from 13.2 to 91.1 microg/kg, and its average value was 43.3 microg/kg. The paper estimate the exposure assessment of infants to furan found in food. The calculated exposure ranged from 0.23 to 1.77 microg/kg bw/day with the average content of furan in ready to eat products ranged from 35.3 to 52.2 microg/kg. Exposure did not exceed the ADI value 2 microg/kg bw/day.

[Studies on primary aromatic amines (PAAs) migration from multi-layer plastic food packaging by HPLC method]. / Badania migracji pierwszorzedowych amin aromatycznych (PAAs) z wielowarstwowych opakowan zywnosci metoda HPLC.

The aim of this study was to identify of primary aromatic amines (PAAs) and to determine their migration from plastic food packaging. The magnitude of the migration of these substances from plastic food packaging consists a base for the evaluation of their compliance with the requirements of EU legislation and hazard for human health taking into account their migration into food. The unprinted and printed multi-layer plastic packaging (laminates), domestic and imported, were examined in these studies. PAAs migration tests from the laminates into food simulant (3% acetic acid) was performed according to the appropriate procedures recommended in the EU for testing migration from food contact articles under standard conditions reflecting the real use of laminates (10 days, 40 degrees C) and under ,, worst case scenario" conditions (2 h, 70 degrees C). PAAs present in migration solutions were concentrated on SPE columns and then seven PAAs (aniline, 1,3-phenylenediamine, 2, 6-toluenediamine, 2,4-toluenediamine, 4,4'-oxydianiline, 4,4'-methylenedianiline and 3,3 '-dimethylbenzidyne) were identified and determined by previously validated HPLC-DAD method. Depending on the migration conditions the PAAs content was different. When the "worst case scenario" conditions were applied the migration of 4,4 '-methylenedianiline (4,4 '-MDA) ranged from below detection limit (LOD = 0.51 microg/kg) up to 9.86 microg/kg, and aniline was released in the range from below detection limit (LOD = 0,98 microg/kg) up to 7.04 microg/kg. In two laminate samples of eight examined, the sum of PAAs (aniline and 4,4'-MDA) was 13.32 microg/kg and 14.72 microg/kg showing that the permitted limit (10 microg/kg) was exceeded. In the standard conditions, the migration of aniline and 4,4'-MDA was significantly lower Regarding the carcinogenic potential of PAAs, the laminates causing the amines migration above the permitted limit should not be used as food packaging.

[Benzene in food and human environment]. / Benzen w zywnosci i srodowisku czlowieka.

Benzene is releasing to environment in cause of industry activities. This compound is known as carcinogenic. This article contains information about benzene occurrence in people environment and sources of people exposition on this compound. Toxicology and metabolism in human organism were discussed. Benzene contamination of various food was presented on the basis of our results and also other European and American investigations and Codex Alimentarius documents. Especially formation and occurrence of benzene in non-alcoholic beverages preserved by benzoates were considered. Article describes also action, which was taken up by non-alcoholic beverages industry to mitigate benzene formation in soft drinks. National regulations concerning maximum levels of benzene in drinking water and air were also presented.

[Occurrence of biogenic amines in ripening cheeses taken from the Warsaw market]. / Wystepowanie amin biogennych w serach dojrzewajacych pochodzacych z rynku warszawskiego.

Biogenic amines occurring in foods, particularly fish products and cheeses, may pose a risk to consumer health, monitoring their levels in foods is still valid. The aim of this study was determination of biogenic amines in ripening cheeses available at retail on the Warsaw market and validation of two methods for the determination of amines: high performance liquid chromatography in reverse phase system (RP-HPLC) and spectrofluorimetric method in 1995 year The parameters validated RP-HPLC method for histamine, tyramine, putrescine and kadaweryne ranged: limit of detection (LOD) of 0.7 mg/ kg to 1.3 mg/kg, the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.4 mg/kg to 2.6 mg/kg, the recovery of 92-111% and spectrofluorimetric method validation parameters of two amines: histamine and tyramine in the range: LOD of 2.4 mg/kg to 3.18 mg/kg, LOQ 4.8 mg/kg to 6.38 mg/kg, recovery 94-106.5%. The results indicate that the main amines occurring in the group studied ripened cheeses were tyramine and putrescine. The sum of all identified amines in the sample did not exceed 264.4 mg/kg.

[Occurrence of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) in food products]. / Wystepowanie 3-monochloropropano-1,2-diolu (3-MCPD) w produktach spozywczych.

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) is a contaminant belongs to a group of chemicals called chloropropanols. 3-MCPD can be formed in foods as result of processing or storage condition. At the beginning 3-MCPD was identified as a contaminant of the acid-hydrolysed vegetable protein, which is produced using hydrochloric acid and high temperature. Studies have shown that 3-MCPD is carcinogenic for rats, however genotoxic adverse effect was not observed in vivo. The purpose of this studies was determination of 3-MCPD amounts in retail food products and comparison with the EC legislative limit. 99 samples of foodstuffs was tested: soya sauce, hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP), sugar, instant soups, stock cubes, bakery products, chips and edible fats. 3-MCPD was detected at levels below 10 microg/kg in 15% of the tested samples, and above 10 microg/kg in 63%. 3-MCPD was not occurred in 22% of the tested samples. The samples were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

[Benzo(a)pyrene contamination of vegetable oils]. / Zanieczyszczenie olejów roslinnych benzo(a)pirenem.

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) analysis was carried out with glass chromatographic column with alumina followed by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrofluorometric detection. B(a)P level in 40 vegetable oils were as follow: from 0.11 to 0.38 microg/kg in olive; from 0.92 to 3.74 microg/kg in rape seed oils; from 0.11 to 2.25 microg/kg in sunflower oils and from 0.33 to 1.26 microg/kg in soya oils. In another investigated oils: arachide (peanut) corn, safflower, linen, hempen, sesame, pumpkin seeds, grape seeds---values from 0.10 to 1.44 microg/kg and 3.83 microg/kg in sea buckthorn oil were detected. B(a)P concentration in 4 from 40 investigated oils exceed the 2 ppb limit proposed by the European Commission. Heating of sample of oils: olive, rape, soya, linen, corn, sesame, peanut, in temp. 240 degrees C for 30 min. has not influence on decreased of B(a)P level.

[Application of biliary stents in endoscopic stenting of biliary ducts]. / Zastosowanie protez zólciowych w endoskopowym protezowaniu dróg zólciowych.

Extra hepatic bile ducts with the gallbladder are the center place for many disease processes. In extreme cases of significant strictures of bile ducts and impairment of bile flow, obstructive jaundice occurs. There are benign and malignant biliary strictures. The treatment of obstructive jaundice depends on the removal of blockage using endoscopic and surgical methods which return the efficient bile flow to the digestive tract. The endoscopic treatment from Vater's papilla access using plastic and metal stents is the method of choice. The choice of proper prosthesis depends on the reason for biliary strictures. The plastic stents (straight, pigtail) are applied the most. Due to their low cost, easy insertion to biliary ducts and exchangeability, they are applied in benign and malignant strictures. However, metal stents (Wallstent, Diamond, Z-stent, InStent), due to the wide diameter after expansion and no possibility of removal, are applied only in malignant strictures. Endoscopic insertion of biliary endoprostheses can be burdened with complications. There have been reports of occlusion, migration with duodenal wall injury and hemorrhaging.