News

24.01.2023 - Foods

FrozenherbsinEcotest–FindingsofBacilluscereusandPyrrolizidinealkaloids(PA)

In the January 2023 issue of Öko-Test, 17 frozen herb mixes were tested, including eight products with herbs from organic farming.

The following test parameters were examined:

Germs (Bacillus cereus)
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA)
Pesticides

Germs - Bacillus cereus

Bacillus cereus is a soil bacterium and is therefore widespread in the environment. It can form heat-stable toxins that can cause poisoning with vomiting and/or diarrhea. One of the 17 tested products exceeds the guideline value for frozen fruits and vegetables set by the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM). Ökotest is guided by this value due to a lack of values for frozen herbs.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA)

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are natural substances produced by certain plants. They can damage the liver and in animal studies, PA has also been shown to be carcinogenic and genotoxic.

Elevated levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids were detected in three frozen herbs.

They are a known problem in herbs and often originate from accidentally harvested companion plants.

Pesticides

Low traces of pesticides were detected in nine frozen herbs.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests on Bacillus cereus, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, as well as pesticides. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
If you have any questions, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.

Sources: