Statement Updated Risk Assessment on Levels of 1,2-unsaturated Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PA) in Food

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Jul 19, 2018 - Analytics

Statement Updated Risk Assessment on Levels of 1,2-unsaturated Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PA) in Food

PAs are secondary compounds formed by plants for self-protection. Currently, over 600 of these compounds are known. They are undesirable in foods as they can harm internal organs and have carcinogenic effects. Affected foods are predominantly of plant origin (spices, herbal teas, and teas), and contamination of animal products such as honey (transfer via nectar from PA-containing plants) is also known.

Based on new scientific findings from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the BfR has updated its risk assessment of PAs in food through evaluations of toxicological data. It considered the intake of PAs through the food groups mentioned above as well as through dietary supplements that contain PA-forming plants or plant parts.  

The data available to the BfR show that PA-containing dietary supplements contribute significantly to the intake of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The EFSA proposes a limit of 1000 μg/kg for this. Even if dietary supplements comply with this limit, it is exceeded many times over due to the total intake of PAs through other foods. Therefore, the BFR demands stricter assessment criteria for dietary supplements than for general consumption foods.

In general, the total intake of PAs from all foods should be kept as low as possible, as health risks can increase, especially with regular consumption of PA-containing foods.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for 1,2-unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids. We provide you with quick and reliable results.

If you have any questions, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.

Source: www.bfr.bund.de