29.12.2017 - Analytics
Pyrrolizidinealkaloids - Re-evaluation by EFSA
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a large group of natural plant components that are produced by many plants to defend against herbivores. So far, PAs have been primarily detected in Germany in common ragwort, Jacob's ladder, forget-me-nots, or coltsfoot.
Studies show that especially 1,2-unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids have potential health risks. The harmful effects are not caused by the PAs themselves, but by their degradation products in the liver or lungs. They exhibit hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects, making them highly toxic and therefore undesirable in food and feed.
Relevant food groups
The following food groups are relevant for the intake of PAs.
- Teas such as herbal tea, rooibos tea, black and green tea
- Various salad types, e.g., arugula
During harvest, contamination with PA-containing wild herbs may occur.
- Bee products such as honey or pollen
Certain wild plants from which bees collect pollen represent the source of contamination.
- Dietary supplements based on plants, plant parts, or extracts
More than 660 different PA compounds are known so far, identified in more than 350 plants.
Maximum levels
There are currently no legal maximum levels for PAs. However, an expert group from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) already commented on the risks of the occurrence of PAs back in 2011. At that time, the data was limited to honey. In July 2016, the European Commission requested the expert group to provide a reassessment. The updated opinion (EFSA Opinion 07/2017) considers exposure estimates, developed based on newer data regarding the toxin concentrations in honey, tea, and dietary supplements.
Results
The most relevant results can be summarized as follows.
For acute or short-term health risks, a dose range of 1-3 mg PA/kg body weight (BW) /day is specified. It was determined that acute adverse effects occur at this exposure. However, since the average exposure is significantly below 1µg/kg BW/day, only a low risk is assumed. Nevertheless, with regular and high consumption of tea or honey, the chronic toxicity is not clarified and there is a danger of health impairment.
Finally, the scientists now propose a group of 17 PAs that should be regularly monitored in food and feed. These include the particularly relevant PAs concerning their contribution to consumption volumes and their potential health risks.
The analysis of 1,2-unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids is very demanding due to their structural diversity and occurrence in different foods.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we routinely conduct tests on pyrrolizidine alkaloids. We provide you with fast and reliable results. Our customer service representatives are available for any queries.
Sources: www.bfr.bund.de; www.efsa.europa.eu; FOOD & HYGIENE, Issue 10/2017; Behr's Verlag, Hamburg