Search

In this study, a novel natural food colorant based on anthocyanins was developed from wild barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) fruits using ultrasound-assisted extraction, which was optimized through RSM. Four extraction variables (ultrasound power, time, S/L ratio, and extraction solvent pH) were evaluated in combination. The response criteria used were the total anthocyanin content (TAC) and color parameters. The optimal TAC was achieved at 2.5 min, 345 W, pH 3, and 22.12 g/L. The fruit sample (without seeds) (BVFF) and its optimized extract (BVE) were characterized in terms of chemical composition and bioactivities. Delphinidin-3-O-glucoside was identified as the predominant anthocyanin. BVE exhibited a total phenolic content of 290.72 mg/g. Additionally, both BVFF and BVE presented significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activity, especially in the case of BVE, which inhibited the growth of several foodborne bacteria and fungi and even showed bactericidal capacity against most of the tested bacteria, particularly against E. cloacae, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and B. cereus. These results highlight the richness of BVFF and BVE in bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins, underscoring their potential as natural food colorants that can be used in food product formulations instead of synthetic azo colorants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of frozen, dried and powder forms of house crickets (Acheta domesticus) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is proposed in three forms: (i) frozen, (ii) dried, (iii) powder. The main components of the NF are protein, fat and dietary fibre (chitin). The Panel notes that the concentration of contaminants in the NF depends on the occurrence levels of these substances in the insect feed. The NF has a protein content that ranges between 19.7 and 20.9 g/100 g in the frozen form and 61.7–68.6 g/100 g in the dried and powder forms. The Panel acknowledges that the true protein content is overestimated when using the nitrogen‐to‐protein conversion factor of 6.25 due to the presence of non‐protein nitrogen from chitin. The applicant proposed to use the NF as food ingredient in a number of food products. The target population proposed by the applicant is the general population. Considering the composition of the NF and the proposed conditions of use, the consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. The Panel notes that no safety concerns arise from the toxicological information on A. domesticus. The Panel considers that the consumption of the NF might trigger primary sensitisation to A. domesticus proteins and may cause allergic reactions in subjects allergic to crustaceans, mites and molluscs. Additionally, allergens from the feed may end up in the NF. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed uses and use levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orange juices are widely known for their organoleptic characteristics and potential health benefits derived from their nutritional and functional composition. Objectives: The aim of this work was to provide comprehensive, up-to-date information on the content of folates and some minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn) present in different fresh and commercial orange juices available in the European market, including juices from concentrate (FC) and not from concentrate (NFC). Methods: A total of twenty-five juice samples were selected, comprising the most purchased types of commercial juices from France, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Spain, and four fresh squeezed juices (FSJ) made from Spanish oranges. In FSJ, nutrient stability during storage time (0–48 h) was also assessed. Results: Folate concentration was highly variable between commercial samples, with higher contents in FSJ and NFC samples, followed by FC juices. Regarding mineral content, FSJ showed significant differences with FC (except for Mg) and NFC juice samples (except for Ca and Mg), while FC and NFC had similar mineral profiles, except for Ca. Storage time had no significant impact on FSJ folates and minerals. Conclusions: Among commercial juices, the NFC category generally showed the highest content of folates, K, Mg, and Fe, whereas FC juices showed the highest contents of Ca, Mn, and Zn. Some commercial juices met the legal use conditions for a "Source of folate" claim, whereas both commercial and fresh juices met the conditions for a "Source of potassium" claim, according to European and UK regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to study new, extruded products based on corn flour enriched with carob bean and the evaluation of its functional quality to develop novel gluten-free food products. Five samples based on corn flour with added carob bean flour (5 to 12.5%) were formulated. Extrusion was performed using a single-screw laboratory extruder at pilot plant scale. Extrusion parameters such as color and carbohydrate content (fiber, sucrose, and starch) were evaluated. Carob bean addition led to an increase in starch, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber. Texture parameters related to hardness (crunchiness) were significantly reduced with the addition of CB (p < 0.05), detectable from a 5% addition of CB and not significant with more CB content. Samples became browner with the addition of CB; however, when the concentrations of CB are high (>5%) no major differences in color were observed. The extrusion process reduced the content of soluble and insoluble fiber, and sucrose in all formulated samples. Extruded samples with 5–7.5% CB seem to be the best formulation in terms of fiber content, color, and texture parameters. These innovative gluten-free foods could be considered as a source of fiber, and a healthier alternative to some commercially available snacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following an application from Alzchem Trostberg GmbH, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Austria, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to creatine and improvement in cognitive function. The Panel considers that the food constituent, creatine, is sufficiently characterised. An improvement in cognitive function in one or more of its domains is a beneficial physiological effect. The applicant identified 21 human intervention studies on creatine supplementation and measures of cognitive function through a literature search. Two additional studies published after the search was conducted were identified through the reference list of a meta‐analysis. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that the acute effect of creatine on working memory, observed in two studies at 20 g/day for 5–7 days, was not seen at lower doses (2.2–14 g/day), or with continuous consumption (5 g/day for 6 weeks following a 5‐day loading phase). Furthermore, the effect on response inhibition at 20 g/day for 7 days was an isolated finding among 10 intervention studies in healthy individuals, with no effects observed on other cognitive domains. The Panel also considered that the three intervention studies conducted in diseased individuals do not support an effect of creatine supplementation on cognition, and that the available evidence for a mechanism by which creatine could exert the claimed effect is weak. The Panel concludes that a cause‐and‐effect relationship has not been established between creatine supplementation and an improvement in cognitive function in one or more of its domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of Tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus) oil as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Tiger nuts (C. esculentus) is an edible tuber with history of consumption as food. The NF is the oil obtained from the nuts through cold pressing of the seeds flour. Oleic acid is the major component, representing 65%–69% of the oil's total fatty acids. The applicant proposed to use the NF as an ingredient in several food categories, and as a cooking oil or added as a condiment. The Panel notes that there are no safety concerns regarding stability if the NF complies with the proposed specification limits during its entire shelf‐life. Taking into consideration the composition of the NF and the proposed conditions of use, the consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. The Panel considers that, based on the production process, composition of the NF, history of use of and composition of the source, no toxicological studies are required on the NF. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamins and essential minerals are micronutrients that are required for the normal functioning of the human body. However, they may lead to adverse health effects if consumed in excess. A tolerable upper intake level (UL) is a science‐based reference value that supports policy‐makers and other relevant actors in managing the risks of excess nutrient intake. EFSA's principles for establishing ULs for vitamins and minerals were originally developed by the Scientific Committee on Food in 2000. This guidance from the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens provides an updated framework for UL assessments. A draft was published in 2022 and underwent a 2‐year piloting period. The present document incorporates revisions based on the experience gained through its practical implementation. It covers aspects related to the planning of the risk assessment (problem formulation and definition of methods) and its implementation (evidence retrieval, appraisal, synthesis, integration, uncertainty analysis). As in the previous framework, the general principles developed for the risk assessment of chemicals in food are applied, i.e. hazard identification, hazard characterisation, intake assessment, risk characterisation. Specific to nutrients are their biochemical and physiological roles and the specific and selective mechanisms that maintain the systemic homeostasis and accumulation of the nutrient in the body. Such considerations must also be taken into account when conducting risk assessments of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of an extension of use of oil from Schizochytrium limacinum (strain FCC‐3204) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The extension of use pertains to the use of the NF as a food ingredient in protein products at a maximum use level of 1 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in 100 g of product. The Panel considers that the information provided on the composition and the production process is sufficiently described and does not raise safety concerns. S. limacinum was attributed the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) status with the qualification 'for production purposes only'. Data provided demonstrated the absence of viable cells in the NF. Under the proposed extension of use, the highest intake estimate (at the 95th percentile) of DHA from the NF in protein products is 6.3 mg DHA/kg bw per day for adolescents. The Panel notes that the exposure to DHA from the new intended use of the NF in protein products is very low compared to the exposure to DHA from the already authorised food categories (excluding food supplements). The Panel concludes that the NF (oil from S. limacinum (FCC‐3204)) is safe under the new intended use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]