Cumulative Risk Assessment of Exposure to Heavy Metals through Aquatic Products in China

Objective This study aimed to assess the risk of cumulative exposure to Pb,Cd,Hg,and iAs through aquatic products consumed by Chinese people.Methods Heavy metal concentration data were obtained from the national food contamination monitoring program during 2013–2017.Consumption data were derived from the China National Food Consumption Survey in 2014 and the relative potency factor(RPF)method was used to estimate cumulative exposure for neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.Results The results demonstrated that the cumulative exposure based on neurotoxicity was below the lower confidence limit on benchmark doses of lead(BMDL01)for nephrotoxicity and the cumulative exposures were all lower than the provisional tolerable monthly intake(PTMI)of Cd.However,the margin of exposure values(MOEs)of the cumulative exposures for neurotoxicity in the 2–6 year-old group was close to 1 and the cumulative exposure level for nephrotoxicity accounted for 90.21%of the PTMI.Conclusion The cumulative exposures of the 2–6 year-old group to the four heavy metals did not reach(but came close to)the corresponding safety threshold for both neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.Given that there are still other food sources of these four heavy metals,it is necessary to more closely study their cumulative health effects.

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.

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.

Subchronic Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Sodium Dehydroacetate: A 90-day Repeated Dose Study in Rats

Objective The present study was undertaken to evaluate the subchronic oral toxicity of sodium dehydroacetate(DHA-Na)and to determine the point of departure(POD),which is a critical factor in the establishment of an acceptable dietary intake.Methods DHA-Na was administered once daily by gavage to Sprague–Dawley rats at dose levels of 0.0,31.0,62.0,and 124.0 mg/kg BW per day for 90 days,followed by a recovery period of 4 weeks in the control and 124.0 mg/kg BW per day groups.The outcome parameters were mortality,clinical observations,body weights,food consumption,hematology and clinical biochemistry,endocrine hormone levels,and ophthalmic,urinary,and histopathologic indicators.The benchmark dose(BMD)approach was applied to estimate the POD.Results Significant decreases were found in the 62.0 and 124.0 mg/kg BW groups in terms of the body weight and food utilization rate,whereas a significant increase was found in the thyroid stimulating hormone levels of the 124.0 mg/kg BW group.Importantly,the 95%lower confidence limit on the BMD of 51.7 mg/kg BW was modeled for a reduction in body weight.Conclusion The repeated-dose study indicated the slight systemic toxicity of DHA-Na at certain levels(62.0 and 124.0 mg/kg BW)after a 90-day oral exposure.

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.

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.

Highly efficient synthesis of(R)-1,3-butanediol via anti-Prelog reduction of 4-hydroxy-2-butanone with absolute stereoselectivity by a newly isolated Pichia kudriavzevii

(R)-1,3-butanediol is an important pharmaceutical intermediate, and the synthesis of(R)-1,3-butanediol using green biological methods has recently been of interest for industrial application. Here, a novel strain QC-1 that efficiently transforms 4-hydroxy-2-butanone to(R)-1,3-butanediol was isolated from soil samples. Based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical tests and 5.8 S-internal transcribed spacer sequencing, the strain was identified as Pichia kudriavzevii QC-1. The reaction conditions were optimized to 35 ℃, pH 8.0, rotation speed 200 rpm, and 6:5 mass ratio of glucose to 4-hydroxy-2-butanone. Evaluation of the effects of 4-hydroxy-2-butanone concentrations on yield and cell survival rate showed that 85.60 g·L^-1 product accumulated, with an enantiomeric excess of more than 99%, when 30 g·L^-14-hydroxy-2-butanone was added at 0, 10, and 30 h in a 3-L bioreactor. Thus, strain QC-1 showed excellent catalytic activity and stereoselectivity for the synthesis of(R)-1,3-butanediol from 4-hydroxy-2-butanone.

Epidemiological Evaluation of Bacillus cereus-Induced Foodborne Outbreaks — China, 2010–2020

Introduction:Bacillus cereus(B.cereus)is a common gram-positive bacterium that contaminates starch-rich food and can cause outbreaks of foodborne diseases.This study describes characteristics of outbreaks caused by B.cereus in China during 2010–2020 and explore the possible reasons for changes in the number of outbreaks over time.Results of this analysis can efficiently help guide and allocate public resources to prevent B.cereus caused foodborne diseases.Methods:Descriptive statistical methods were used to analysis the data on B.cereus outbreaks in China during this period.The data were identified,reported at all levels in China through National Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System.Results:From 2010 to 2020,a total of 419 foodborne outbreaks prompted by B.cereus were reported in China,leading to 7,892 cases,2,786 hospital admissions,and 5 fatalities.The bulk of the outbreaks were recorded in the summer,primarily between May and September.The most recurrent food vehicle was linked with rice or flour-based products,notably those made with rice or fried rice.School canteens bore the brunt of the B.cereus outbreaks.In multifactor outbreaks,food contamination was identified as the most common culprit;while in instances where only one factor contributed,improper storage was most frequently implicated.Conclusion:The prevalence of B.cereus outbreaks remained relatively consistent throughout the studied period.Understanding the types of foods,causative factors,and contributing elements leading to B.cereus outbreaks can help inform prevention strategies for foodborne illnesses.The majority of outbreaks were associated with rice-or flour-based foods in school canteens,suggesting contamination and improper storage during food preparation.Consequently,it is essential to prioritize continuous education for canteen staff on food safety,efficacious management,and proper practices.The implementation of comprehensive guidelines,encompassing multiple critical aspects,can potentially reduce the occurrence of B.cereus outbreaks.

A Chinese-Specific Reference Amounts Study With TNO Food Allergen Risk Assessment Models-China,2022

What is already known about this topic?There are no consistent regulations on possible unintended allergen presence in food.The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research(TNO)has been committed to developing a quantitative risk assessment methodology for the unintentional intake of allergens.What is added by this report?This study aims to derive the optimal food consumption point for a deterministic food allergy risk assessment under the TNO framework based on Chinese national consumption data.A case study has been presented as an illustration.What are the implications for public health practice?A robust evidence-based food consumption input in quantitative risk assessment of unintended allergens is necessary for future public policy on Precautionary Allergen Labeling for specific products to meet the safety objectives and to be adequately conservative.

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.

Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Contamination in Frozen Food-Related Samples--China,July 2020-July 2021

Introduction:Current evidence shows that coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is neither a food safety issue nor a foodborne disease.However,the outbreaks of this disease in workers of meat-or poultry-processing plants and food markets have been reported in many countries.Systematic reports on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)contamination in food-related samples worldwide are lacking so far.This study aimed to survey and monitor SARS-CoV-2 contamination in samples of foods or their packaging,storage environment,and employees,as well as explore the possible potential for virus transmission via frozen foods.Methods:Swabs of frozen food-related samples were collected between July 2020 and July 2021 in 31 provincial-level administrative divisions(PLADs)and Xinjiang Construction Corps in China.The SARSCoV-2 RNAs were extracted and analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction using the commercially available SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test kit.Results:More than 55.83 million samples were analyzed,and 1,455(0.26 per 10,000)were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid.Among the virus-positive samples,96.41%(1,398/1,450)and 3.59%(52/1,450)were food/food packaging materials and environment,respectively.As for 1,398 SARS-CoV-2-positive food and food packaging materials,99.50%,(1,391/1,398)were imported and 7 were domestic.The outer packaging of food was frequently contaminated by the virus 78.75%(1,101/1,398).Conclusions:Our study supported speculation that cold-chain foods might act as the SARS-CoV-2 carrier,and food handlers/operators were at high risk of exposure to the virus.It is necessary to carry out a comprehensive mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 nuclei acid,along with contact tracing and symptom screening in cold-chain food handlers and processors so as to identify high proportions of asymptomatic or presymptomatic infections.Meanwhile,research and development of effective self-protection equipment available at a temperature below−18℃is urgent.

Dietary Exposure to Fumonisins and Health Risk Assessment in the Sixth China Total Diet Study——China,2015-2020

Introduction:Fumonisins are a group of widespread mycotoxins mainly existing in staple foods.Their toxicological effects on humans cause worldwide public health threat.During 2015–2020,the 6th China Total Diet Study(TDS)was conducted to study the dietary exposure to fumonisins in the Chinese adult population.Methods:Fumonisins were analyzed by LCMS/MS in 288 composite dietary samples collected from 24 provincial-level administrative divisions.After combining the national consumption data with analytical results,estimated daily intakes(EDIs)were assessed and compared with health-based guide values(HBGV).Results:In the 6th China TDS,the highest fumonisin B(FBs)levels were found in staple foods/cereals among the 12 food categories.EDI of FBs was 104.9 ng/kg of body weight(bw)/day at the upper bound accounting 5.25% of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake set by Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives.Among the 12 food categories,cereals and cereal products were the greatest contributor to FB exposure at 95%.Conclusion:Although the estimated exposure to FBs in the 6th China TDS were well below the HBGV for FBs in general,it was 2 times higher than the exposure in the 5th China TDS.Furthermore,the exposure to FB3 has increased remarkable and is worth further attention in China.

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.

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.

Associations of muscle mass,strength,and quality with all-cause mortality in China:a population-based cohort study

Background It remains unclear about the association of muscle mass,strength,and quality with death in the general Chinese population of diverse economical and geographical backgrounds.The present study aimed to comprehensively examine such associations across different regions in China.Methods Based on the China Kadoorie Biobank study,the present study included 23,290 participants who were aged 38 to 88 years and had no prevalent cardiovascular diseases or cancer.Muscle mass and grip strength were measured using calibrated instruments.Arm muscle quality was defined as the ratio of grip strength to arm muscle mass.Low muscle mass,grip strength,and arm muscle quality were defined as the sex-specific lowest quintiles of muscle mass index,grip strength,and arm muscle quality,respectively.Cox proportional hazards models yielded hazard ratios(HRs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for risks of all-cause mortality in relation to muscle mass,strength,and quality.Results During a median follow-up of 3.98 years,739 participants died.The HR(95%CI)of all-cause mortality risk was 1.28(1.08–1.51)for low appendicular muscle mass index,1.38(1.16–1.62)for low total muscle mass index,1.68(1.41–2.00)for low grip strength,and 1.41(1.20–1.66)for low arm muscle quality in models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics,lifestyle factors,and medical histories.Conclusion Low muscle mass,grip strength,and arm muscle quality are all associated with short-term increased risks of mortality,indicating the importance of maintaining normal muscle mass,strength,and quality for general Chinese adults.

COVID-19 Outbreaks Linked to Imported Frozen Food in China:Status and Challege

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)RNA contamination was reported on China’s imported frozen foods and packaging materials.However,there was no evidence of this disease initiated by environment-to-human transmission until the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in Beijing in June 2020.This article aimed to analyze and summarize COVID-19 outbreaks related to cold-chain foods to provide a scientific basis for tracing the epidemiological trajectory of the pandemic,providing risk assessments,and mitigation policies.Overall,37 COVID-19 outbreaks and 5,741 infected cases were reported within the study period.It was found that 7 outbreaks and 689 cases were linked to imported frozen foods.The first index case among the 7 outbreaks was exposed to SARS-CoV-2-contaminated outer packaging of frozen food,triggering the subsequent community transmission.This study supported the speculation that cold-chain foods act as a pathway for SARS-CoV-2 and might present a risk for virus transmission between countries and regions.Handlers and processors exposed to the imported frozen foods should be effectively self-protected,daily monitored for clinical manifestations of COVID-19,and tested for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid at regular intervals.

Synthesis of haptens and gold-based immunochromatographic paper sensor for vitamin B_(6) in energy drinks and dietary supplements

We designed and synthesized novel haptens to produce monoclonal antibodies(mAb)against vitamin B_(6)(VB_(6)).A group-specific mAb(2F9)that recognized pyridoxine(PN),pyridoxamine(PM),and pyridoxal(PL)was prepared using a homologous strategy with 50%maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))values of 106.60,250.57,and 400.11 ng/mL,respectively.Based on this,a gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)-based immunochromatographic strip(ICS)test was established for the detection of VB_(6) in energy drinks and B-vitamin complex tablets.The developed ICS test results could be semi-quantitatively evaluated by the naked eye within 10 min,and displayed the visual limit of detection(vLOD)values of 250,500,and 1,000 ng/mL for PN,PM,and PL,respectively.For quantitative analysis,the results obtained by strip reader,with calculated LOD values for PN,PM,and PL were 14.10,55.58,and 56.25 ng/mL,respectively.Commercial energy drinks and B-vitamin complex tablet samples were detected by the strips and the results were confirmed with high-performance liquid chromatography.Overall,the developed AuNPs-based immunochromatographic sensor was suitable and promising for the group-specific recognition and rapid detection of VB6 in fortified foods and dietary supplements.

Soil bacterial communities respond differently to graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide after 90 days of exposure

Graphene-based nanomaterials(GBNs)are likely to be entering the soil environment in increasing amounts via consumer products.However,the disturbance of bacterial communities and their associated ecological functions by GBNs remains elusive.We performed a soil incubation experiment with the addition of graphene oxide(GO)and reduced graphene oxide(RGO).The Illumina sequencing technique was used to investigate changes in bacterial communities,and the functional groups of the communities were analyzed using the functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa database.After 90 days of exposure,RGO induced a lower bacterial richness than GO.However,GO induced larger changes in community composition and functions than RGO.After exposure to GBNs,some of the functional groups associated with organic matter degradation and biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen and sulfur decreased.However,the functional group associated with aromatic compound degradation increased,possibly because GBNs contain rich aromatic hydrocarbon structures,which are tolerated by this functional group.

Antimicrobial-Resistant Evolution and Global Spread of Enterococcus faecium Clonal Complex(CC)17:Progressive Change from Gut Colonization to Hospital-Adapted Pathogen

For a long time,Enterococcus faecium(E.faecium)was thought to be a commensal strain in human and animal digestive tracts.However,over the past three decades,some unique E.faecium clones rapidly acquired multiple antimicrobial resistance(AMR),which led these clones to survive hospital environments and become a hospital-adapted E.faecium clonal complex(CC)17.Since the adaptation of these clones to changes in habitat,vancomycin-resistant E.faecium CC17 has emerged as the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide.This epidemic hospital-adapted lineage has diverged from other populations approximately 75 years ago.The CC17 lineage originated from animal strains,but not human commensal lines.We reviewed the evolutionary progress and the molecular mechanisms of E.faecium CC17 from a gut commensal to a multi-antimicrobial resistant nosocomial pathogen.