News
15.08.2022 - Foods
BfR: Are alkenylbenzenes (including estragole, methyleugenol, safrole) in foods a health concern?
According to the announcement of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) No. 22/2022 dated August 02, 2022 "Alkenylbenzenes in food: How great is the health risk?" certain herbs and spices such as basil, fennel, and parsley contain alkenylbenzenes, which are considered potentially harmful to health.
In 2001/2002, the alkenylbenzenes safrole, methyleugenol, and estragole were evaluated by the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) of the European Commission as genotoxic carcinogens. Accordingly, they must not be added to foods for flavoring according to Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. However, since they naturally occur in certain flavors and food ingredients with flavor properties, maximum levels apply to these substances in certain foods such as dairy, meat, and fish products, soups and sauces, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Besides safrole, methyleugenol, and estragole, there are other less well-studied alkenylbenzenes such as elemicin, myristicin, or apiol with a similar chemical structure. This suggests that they may also have similar toxic effects.
The BfR has summarized the current state of knowledge on the occurrence and toxicity of various alkenylbenzenes in foods and concludes that it is currently not possible to comprehensively assess the health risk posed by foods containing alkenylbenzenes. In addition to missing data on the occurrence and content of toxicologically significant alkenylbenzenes in foods, there is also a lack of data on consumption levels. Particularly for the less well-studied alkenylbenzenes, such as elemicin, myristicin, or apiol, further research is needed regarding their harmful properties.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for safrole, methyleugenol, and estragole in foods. We provide you with quick and reliable results. Our customer service representatives are happy to assist you with any questions.
Sources:
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) – https://www.bfr.bund.de