New food sources and production systems:a comparison of international regulations and China’s advancements in novel foods with synthetic biology

The global shift towards sustainable food systems has sparked innovations in food sources and production systems,including cell-based meat,plant-based food products,precision fermentation,and 3D food printing.These advancements pose regulatory challenges and opportunities,with China emerging as a critical player in adopting and regulating new food technologies.This review explores the international landscape of new food sources and production systems(NFPS),focusing on China’s role and regulatory approaches compared to global practices.Through this comparative analysis,we aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on food safety regulation,offering insights and recommendations for policymakers,industry stakeholders,and researchers engaged in the global food system’s evolution.This comprehensive overview underscores the dynamic nature of regulatory frameworks governing NFPS,highlighting the international efforts to ensure food safety,consumer protection,and the sustainable evolution of the food industry.

Association of nutrients intake during pregnancy with the risk of allergic disease in offspring:a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

To investigate the role of nutrients intake during pregnancy with longitudinal development of rhinitis,asthma,eczema,wheeze,and food allergy in offspring.The PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane library were searched for articles published throughout May 2022.The pooled effect estimate were presented using relative risk and calculated by the random-effects model.Twenty-three prospective cohort studies enrolling 210817 individuals were included.The risk of wheeze in offspring were lowered when high vitamin D,vitamin E,zinc,and milk intakes during pregnancy,whereas high meat intake during pregnancy could induce additional risk of wheeze in offspring.Moreover,highβ-carotene and magnesium intakes during pregnancy were related to lower eczema risk in offspring,whereas eczema risk in offspring was increased for pregnant women with high intake of butter and margarine.Finally,the asthma risk in offspring could protect against for pregnant women with high intake of vitamin D and apple,whereas high folic acid during pregnancy could produce excess asthma risk in offspring.This study provides the summary evidences regarding the role of nutrients intake during pregnancy and subsequent risk of rhinitis,asthma,eczema,wheeze,and food allergy,and further effective intervention strategies should be employed to improve childhood allergic diseases.

Overview of allergenic risk of novel foods

The reported cases of food allergies are steadily increasing.With the invention of more novel foods,new and unfamiliar allergens are being introduced into our diets,which raises concerns about the potential risk of novel food allergies.The purpose of this review is to assess the allergenic risks associated with novel food components,strategies for assessing risk in relation to novel food allergens,and current regulations for managing food allergens in novel food products.

Angiotensin I converting enzyme(ACE)inhibitory activity and antihypertensive effects of rice peptides

In this paper,the antihypertension effect of rice peptide(RP)was studied.With spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)and Wistar Kyoto(WKY)as the research objects,RP disposable gastric and long-term gastric irrigation experiments were carried out and systolic blood pressure(SBP)was measured.At the end of the long-term gastric irrigation experiment,the content of nitric oxide(NO),angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE),angiotensin II(Ang II)and renin in the plasma and the activity of ACE were determined.The results showed that RP could reduce systolic pressure of SHR and had time-dose dependence while high-dose RP signifi cantly reduced systolic pressure by 24.6 and 17.2 mm Hg,respectively after a single and long-term gastric irrigation test.RP also could inhibit the activity of ACE and increase the release of NO.These results suggested that the decompression mechanism of RP is likely to be related to the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system(RAS)and NO.

Exposure to Chloropropanols and Their Fatty Acid Esters and Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters in the Sixth Total Diet Study—China,2016-2019

What is already known about this topic?Chloropropanols,along with their fatty acid esters and glycidyl fatty acid esters(GEs),are prevalent contaminants in a variety of processed foods,posing potential health risks to humans.What is added by this report?In the Sixth China Total Diet Study(TDS),3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters(3-MCPD esters)and GEs were identified as the predominant chloropropanols and their esters in composite food samples.Vegetables(47.0%)and cereals(15.4%)were the major contributors to exposure among the 12 food categories evaluated.What are the implications for public health practice?The Sixth China TDS highlighted concerns regarding potential health risks associated with dietary exposure to GEs.This study underscores the need for further attention in devising practical strategies to mitigate dietary exposure to GEs.

Potential Provoking Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Food Allergy:An Issue That Is Gaining Increasing Attention

Allergic diseases are widespread globally,affecting over 40%of the population.Food allergy(FA),characterized by an abnormal immune response to harmless proteins in foods,is one of these prevalent conditions.Current estimates suggest that approximately 220 million people worldwide suffer from FA(1).In children,over one-third of parents report their children experiencing hypersensitive reactions to food,with FA affecting around 8%of this demographic.

Benchmark Dose for Dioxin Based on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Using Coexposure Statistical Methods and an Optimized Physiologically Based Toxicokinetic Model

Dioxins are ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting substances,but determining the effects and benchmark doses in situations of coexposure is highly challenging.The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between dioxin andgestational diabetes mellitus(GDM),calculate the benchmark dose(BMD)of dioxin in coexposure scenarios,and derive a daily exposure threshold using an optimized physiologically based toxicokinetic(PBTK)model.Based on a nested casecontrol study including 77 cases with GDM and 154 controls,serum levels of 29 dioxin-like compounds(DLCs)along with 10 perfluoroalkyl acids(PFAAs),seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs),and five non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(ndl-PCBs)were measured at 9−16 weeks of gestation.Bayesian machine kernel regression(BKMR)was employed to identify significant chemicals,and probit and logistic models were used to calculate BMD adjusted for significant chemicals.A physiologically based toxicokinetic(PBTK)model was optimized using polyfluorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans(PFDD/Fs)data by the Bayesian−Monte Carlo Markov chain method and was used to determine the daily dietary exposure threshold.The median serum level of total dioxin toxic equivalent(TEQ)was 7.72 pg TEQ/g fat.Logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals in the fifth quantile of total TEQ level had significantly higher odds of developing GDM compared to those in the first quantile(OR,8.87;95%CI 3.19,27.58).The BKMR analysis identified dioxin TEQ and BDE-153 as the compounds with the greatest influence.The binary logistic and probit models showed that the BMD10(benchmark dose corresponding to a 10%extra risk)and BMDL_(10)(lower bound on the BMD_(10))were 3.71 and 3.46 pg TEQ/g fat,respectively,when accounting for coexposure to BDE-153 up to the 80%level.Using the optimized PBTK model and modifying factor,it was estimated that daily exposure should be below 4.34 pg TEQ kg^(−1)bw week^(−1)in order to not reach a harmful serum concentration for GDM.Further studies should utilize coexposure statistical methods and physiologically based pharmacokinetic(PBTK)models in reference dose calculation.

Human exposure to a mixture of endocrine disruptors and serum levels of thyroid hormones:A cross-sectional study

Exposure to endocrine disruptors(EDCs) could disrupt thyroid hormone homeostasis. However, human epidemiological studies reported inconsistent observations, and scarce information on the effect of a mixture of chemicals. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of multiple chemicals with thyroid hormones among adults from China. We measured serum levels of thyroid hormones and urinary levels of 11 EDCs, including six phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A(BPA), bisphenol F(BPF), bisphenol S(BPS), perchlorate, and thiocyanate among 177 healthy adults without occupational exposure. Associations of multiple urinary analytes with serum thyroid hormones were examined by performing general linear regression analysis and bayesian kernal machine regression analysis. These EDCs were detected in almost all samples. After adjusting for various covariates, we observed only BPF significantly associated with total thyroxin(TT4)(β=-0.27, 95% confidence interval(CI) [-0.41,-0.14]), total triiodothyronine(TT3)(β=-0.02 95% CI [-0.03,-0.01]), free T4(fT4)(β=-0.02, 95% CI [-0.03,-0.01]), and free T3(fT3)(β=-0.04, 95% CI [-0.07,-0.01]), and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate(MEOHP) and monoethyl phthalate(MEP) positively associated with TT4(β=0.24, 95% CI [0.01, 0.48]) and fT4(β=0.02, 95% CI [0.01, 0.04]), respectively. Moreover, we observed significant dose-response relationships between TT4 and the mixture of11 EDCs, and BPF was the main contributor to the mixture effect, suggesting the priority of potential effect of BPF on disrupting thyroid function under a real scenario of human exposure to multiple EDCs. Our findings supported the hypothesis that human exposure to low levels of EDCs could alter thyroid hormones homeostasis among non-occupational healthy adults.

Statement on Establishment of A Provisional Health Based Guidance Value for Dietary Exposure to Cadmium in China

The National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China and the State Administration for Market Regulation have issued the National Food Safety Standard(GB2762-2022),which delineates the maximum limits(ML)of contaminants in food.This standard will be implemented on June 30,2023.It currently maintains the ML of cadmium in rice(including unhusked rice,husked rice,polished rice)at 0.2 mg/kg,a value first established 40 years ago in GBn238-1984.

National Action Plan in Antimicrobial Resistance Using Framework Analysis for China

INTRODUCTION The emergence of multi-antibiotic-resistant bacteria has turned bacterial resistance into a pressing global issue.Antibiotics that once effectively treated various infectious diseases are now becoming less efficient against a new class of bacteria known as“Super Bacteria,”including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(1).It is estimated that one person dies every minute due to drug-resistant strains of disease,and by 2050,drug-resistant bacterial infections could become the leading cause of death in humans(2).

Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances in matched human serum,urine,hair and nail

The purpose of this study was to determine perfluoroalkyl substances（PFASs） in human serum, urine, hair and nail from general populations, and to investigate the possibility for human urine, hair and nail used as the biomonitoring sample for PFASs exposure. We detected the concentrations of PFHx A, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUn DA, PFDo A, PFHx S and PFOS in 39 matched human serum, urine, hair and nail samples from Shenzhen in China. The detection frequency and the median level of PFOS were all higher than that of the other PFASs in four matrices. The median concentration of PFOS in serum, urine, hair, and nail were 9.24 ng/mL, 13.96 ng/L, 0.58 ng/g and 0.63 ng/g, respectively. The results of spearman correlation test indicated that nail was an ideal matrix for biomonitoring PFOS rather than human urine and hair in general populations for the non-invasive sampling.

Research progress on distribution,sources,identification,toxicity,and biodegradation of microplastics in the ocean,freshwater,and soil environment

Microplastics(MPs)are distributed in the oceans,freshwater,and soil environment and have become major pollutants.MPs are generally referred to as plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter.They consist of primary microplastics synthesized in microscopic size manufactured production and secondary microplastics generated by physical and environmental degradation.Plastic particles are long-lived pollutants that are highly resistant to environmental degradation.In this review,the distribution and possible sources of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments are described.Moreover,the adverse effects of MPs on natural creatures due to ingestion have been discussed.We also have summarized identification methods based on MPs particle size and chemical bond.To control the pollution of MPs,the biodegradation of MPs under the action of different microbes has also been reviewed in this work.This review will contribute to a better understanding of MPs pollution in the environment,as well as their identification,toxicity,and biodegradation in the ocean,freshwater,and soil,and the assessment and control of microplastics exposure.

Association of serum levels of perfluoroalkyl substances with gestational diabetes mellitus and postpartum blood glucose

This study was conducted to examine the association of perfluoroalkyl substance（PFAS）exposure with gestational diabetes mellitus（GDM） risk and postpartum fasting blood glucose.We used a 1：2 matched case–control study with 84 GDM subjects and 168 healthy pregnant women from Beijing, China. The maternal blood was collected at 1–2 days before delivery, and eight linear isomers and fourteen branched isomers were determined in maternal serum.Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations after adjusting for potential confounders. The median of the sum of levels of total PFASs was 4.24 ng/m L with a interquartile range（IQR） of 2.82–6.54 ng/m L. Although maternal PFAS exposure was not associated with risk of GDM, significant positive associations were observed between evaluated exposure to specific PFAS congeners and increasing blood glucose. The odds ratio（ORs） of the highest category of postpartum fasting blood glucose for perfluoro-1-metylheptylsulfonat（1 m-PFOS）, perfluoro-3/4-metylheptylsulfonat（3 m＋4 m-PFOS）, perfluoro-5-metylheptylsulfonat（5 m-PFOS）, and perfluorohexane sulfonate（PFHx S） were 2.03（95% CI： 1.09–3.77）, 1.93（95% CI：1.04–3.58）, 2.48（95% CI： 1.33–4.65）, and 2.26（95% CI： 1.21–4.21）, respectively, suggesting negative effects of maternal exposure to specific PFAS compounds on glucose metabolism.

A Methodology of Epidemiologic Study in the General Population Focusing on Food Allergy—China, 2020

Introduction:Adverse reactions to food(ARF)are a major worldwide public health and food safety problem.Among the various causes of ARF,food allergies(FA)are particularly serious as the immune response that is triggered can be fatal even at very low doses.However,the prevalence of ARF and FA in the general population in China is presently unclear.This study aims to determine the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for ARF and FA,which can be a basis for estimating thresholds for major food allergens.Methods:This is a multicenter,cross-sectional,epidemiologic survey with a case-control study nested among a selected population in China.Random individuals were recruited using stratified cluster random sampling;ARF and FA were comprehensively assessed using modified EuroPrevall FA Project questionnaires as well as structured interviews,sensitization testing,and double-blind placebocontrolled food challenges(DBPCFC).Results:This method of epidemiologic study on ARF and FA was a pilot application in Jiangxi Province from January 2020;among the total 21,273 children and adults that completed the questionnaire,5.8%reported ARF and 4.3%reported FA.ARF were determined to be associated with age,gender,and region.Animal-derived foods were the dominant offending foods,especially shrimp,and skin symptoms were the most commonly reported ARF.Discussion:This is the first multi-center,largescale,epidemiologic study on ARF and FA using standardized methods,including DBPCFC,in the Chinese general population.This study presents an important approach to assessing ARF and FA,provides significant insights about the prevalence of ARF and FA,and facilitates support for updating the list of allergenic food labels:which will be essential for improving ARF prevention and management in China.

Characterizing the Exposome of Food Contamination and China Total Diet Study: Project for Improving Food Safety Risk Assessment in China

Over the past 30 years,China,as a developing country with a huge population and large geographical heterogeneity,has made a big leap from a shortage of food to basically the elimination of hunger.However,there has been a challenge moving from traditional agriculture and farming practices with numerous small food businesses and short supply chains to larger scale production and longer supply chains.Ensuring an adequate supply of safe,nutritious,high-quality food requires regulatory oversight based on scientific evidence.With the global distribution of human food and ingredients,this is a shared challenge internationally.The only way to steadily improve the food safety situation globally and in China is to follow the risk analysis framework with the joint efforts of all stakeholders(1).Since 2009,the Chinese risk assessment system has been developed in accordance with the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China.

Food Safety Strategies:The One Health Approach to Global Challenges and China’s Actions

WORLD FOOD SAFETY DAY World Food Safety Day(WFSD)(1)celebrated on 7 June 2021 aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent,detect and manage foodborne risks,contributing to food security,human health,economic prosperity,agriculture,market access,tourism and sustainable development.The theme of 2021,“Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow”,stresses that production and consumption of safe food has immediate and long-term benefits for people,the planet and the economy.Recognizing the systemic connections between the health of people,animals,plants,the environment and the economy will help us meet the needs of the future.

Risk Assessment of Food Allergens

GLOBAL STRATEGIES FOR RISK ASSESSMENT OF FOOD ALLERGENS Held on the 8th of July every year,World Allergy Day is a global joint initiative launched by the World Health Organization(WHO)and the World Allergy Organization(WAO)as well as other national allergy agencies,which aims to raise the general public awareness of the importance of managing and preventing allergic diseases.Food allergies are a major source of exposure to allergens and a significant public health problem globally with increasing prevalence(1).Importantly,there is currently no effective cure for food allergies and the only strategy for preventing food allergic reactions is to practice a strict avoidance diet.Notably,implementation and adherence to a diet that is free of allergenic foods is challenging because a consumer may be allergic to more than one food or food ingredient and must face a wide variety of food choices in daily life.

Exposure to Emerging and Legacy Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Sixth Total Diet Study-China,2016-2019

Summary What is already known about this topic?Perfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs)are persistent organic pollutants,which have multi-organ toxicity and potential health risk to humans.What is added by this report?The most commonly detected PFASs in the Sixth China Total Diet Study(TDS)samples were perfluorooctanesulfonate(PFOS),perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA),perfluoroundecanoic acid(PFUdA),perfluorodecanoic acid(PFDA),perfluorononanoic acid(PFNA),and 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate(6:2 Cl-PFESA).The mean estimated weekly intakes(EWIs)of PFOA,PFOS,and 6:2 Cl-PFESA in the Sixth TDS were 2.17,2.72,and 2.75 ng/kg body weight per week,respectively.What are the implications for public health practice?The PFASs levels in some food category and dietary exposure still need to be continuously monitored,especially for 6:2 Cl-PFESA.

Controlling COVID-19 Transmission due to Contaminated Imported Frozen Food and Food Packaging

BACKGROUND The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has been sharply increasing with more than eighty million confirmed cases worldwide(1).It has been contained in China through stringent nonpharmaceutical interventions(2).A combination of strict border control and quarantine measures have effectively prevented the spread of the virus from infected travelers,but the risk of resurgence caused by other routes of transmission(fomite transmission)has been identified in a number of localized outbreaks(3-7).

Exposure to Lead and Cadmium in the Sixth Total Diet Study-China,2016−2019

Summary What is already known about this topic Lead(Pb)and cadmium(Cd)are widespread toxic heavy metal pollutants in the environment.Dietary intakes of Pb and Cd have been a major concern in the world.What is added by this report?The average dietary exposure to Pb and Cd among Chinese adult males from the Sixth China Total Diet Study(TDS)were within acceptable levels,except for a potential health risk of Cd exposure among adult men in Hunan Province.What are the implications for public health practice?It is necessary to continuously monitor the levels of Pb and Cd in foods.More attention should be paid to dietary Cd exposure in Hunan Province.