Five toxins can damage DNAA complex chain-like molecule that carries the genetic material, present in living organisms and some viruses. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is capable of copying itself and carries the instructions for all the proteins used to create and sustain life
EFSA concluded that five of the eight Alternaria toxins assessed are genotoxic, meaning that they can damage DNA, the genetic material of cells: alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), altertoxin I (ATX-I), altertoxin II (ATX-II), and stemphyltoxin III (STTX-III).
Tenuazonic acid
Tenuazonic acid (TeA) was the Alternaria toxin found most frequently in food, particularly in mulberries, paprika powder and tomatoes.
Available data are insufficient to conclude whether TeA is genotoxic. To assess the non-genotoxic effects of TeA, EFSA’s experts took a conservative approach and concluded, with 98% certainty, that there is a low PROBABILITYThe likelihood that a particular event will occur or that a measured value will fall within a particular range of adverse effects from DIETARY EXPOSUREFor the purposes of risk assessment, measurement of the amount of a substance consumed by a person or animal in their diet that is intentionally added or unintentionally present (e.g. a nutrient, additive or pesticide) to TeA.
Current exposure to two toxins unlikely to raise health concerns
For altenuene (ALT) and tentoxin (TEN), estimated dietary exposure was well below the levels at which adverse health effects might occur. EFSA therefore concluded that adverse effects from ALT and TEN are unlikely at current levels of dietary exposure.
Dietary exposure to Alternaria toxins: main foods and most exposed age groups
Foods contributing most to exposure included cereal-based foods, fruit products and juices, tomatoes, vegetables, grain-based foods, olive oil and sunflower oil.
Infants, toddlers and other young children generally had the highest estimated exposure relative to their body weight.
Animal health: more data needed
For most animal SPECIESA subdivision of the genus, a species is a group of closely related and similar-looking organisms; for example, in the case of Homo sapiens (humans), the second part of the name (sapiens) represents the species, more data are needed to assess the health risks from Alternaria toxins in feed. AOH and AME are unlikely to pose a health concern for chickens reared for meat production, while health concerns from exposure to TeA cannot be excluded for chickens reared for meat production and laying hens.
Exploring new methods to reduce animal testing
For the first time, EFSA explored a non-animal method to estimate the level of dietary exposure to TeA that would not be expected to raise health concerns. However, due to remaining uncertainties and data gaps, the results were not used in the RISK ASSESSMENTA specialised field of applied science that involves reviewing scientific data and studies in order to evaluate risks associated with certain hazards. It involves four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation.
Next steps
EFSA recommends collecting more data and carrying out further research on Alternaria toxins in food and feed. This will help address the remaining gaps in knowledge and strengthen future risk assessments.
O artigo foi publicado originalmente em EFSA.
