Hungarian 
Cell-cultured cocoa
As the traditional cocoa growing areas along the Equator are threatened by climate change, alternative sources of cocoa are needed.
Recently identified risks and signals
The identification of emerging risks is an ongoing process. The external communication of emerging risks is a complex task, with the methods, timing and target audience being determined on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature of the issue, the target group may be the authority (in particular the National Food Chain Safety Office – NÉBIH), senior managers, the professional community, food businesses or the wider community, consumers interested in the issue, etc. Not only emerging risks requiring action may be communicated, but some issues may also help to promote research or be important due to their educational character, and therefore may be communicated through communication channels such as the DFI's website.
High levels of toxic PFAS and PFOS in freshwater fish
A new analysis of federal data by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that wild caught, freshwater fish in the United States are more contaminated with toxic PFAS chemicals than commercially caught ocean fish.
Rare earth elements in the food chain
The increasing use of rare earth elements (REEs) in many industrial sectors and in medicine is causing releases into the environment, which eventually lead to their introduction into the food chain.
Concerns about sweeteners
Concerns have recently been raised about several sweeteners. Below is a brief overview of the most important news.
Emerging issues related to pesticides
We constantly identify new issues about pesticides. Here we provide a brief summary of the most important cases.
Gloves used in the food industry are often contaminated
Billions of imported protective gloves arrive in the United States with potential chemical and microbiological contaminants, without any inspection procedures. For gloves used in the food industry, there is no requirement to be clean and intact, or be tested on arrival for chemical or microbiological contaminats.
Emerging Henipaviruses pose increasing threat
Hendra and Nipah viruses, both emerging zoonotic pathogens, exhibit alarming mortality rates in both human and animal populations.
The risks of giving probiotics to preterm babies
The FDA has issued a warning regarding the potential risks of probiotics given to preterm infants, following the death of an infant who received probiotics in the hospital.
The possible role of everyday chemicals in global obesity
Obesity is increasing almost everywhere in the world, with more overweight and obese than underweight people globally. The accepted view is that overeating and insufficient physical activity are the causes. However, a small group of researchers questions this assumption and directs attention to the role of chemicals in the expanding waistlines.
Mineral oil hydrocarbons in food
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently published an updated risk assessment on mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs) in food.
ANSES’s work on prosulfocarb
The French agency ANSES is closely monitoring the issue of prosulfocarb. Prosulfocarb is the second most used herbicide active ingredient in France.
PFAS found in drinking straws made of paper or bamboo
Researchers have found that alternative drinking straws made of plant-based materials may not be as environmentally friendly as they seem.
3-MCPD in pre-fried foods
3-MCPD (3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol) is a chemical compound recognized as a contaminant in certain food products, notably forming during the processing of foods subjected to high temperatures, such as the refining of edible oils and various heat-intensive culinary practices. While it is a studied area, its presence and levels in pre-fried foods might be underestimated.
Microbiological risks of plant-based products
The market for plant-based meat and dairy substitutes has grown significantly in recent years, thanks to increasing consumer demand. First seed milks appeared on the shelves, followed by plant-based alternatives to cheese. These new products differ in terms of composition and production, and can therefore pose a variety of risks when consumed.
Infant antibiotics tied to eczema, asthma, food allergies
A new Canadian study suggests that childhood allergies, including eczema, asthma, hay fever and food allergies, are linked to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut.
Acrylamide contamination in plant-based protein ingredients
Acrylamide in commercially available plant-based protein ingredients (PBPI) is of concern, according to a study published in 2023.
Potential health impacts of quaternary ammonium compounds
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a diverse group of chemicals discovered in the 1940s, primarily used in antimicrobials, disinfectants, sanitizers, and surfactants. Studies indicate increased human exposure to QACs and environmental releases in recent years, partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan releases wastewater from the Fukushima plant into the sea
The management of radioactive wastewater from the 2011 tsunami and the subsequent nuclear accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant is a long-term challenge for Japan.In 2021, the Japanese government announced that nuclear-contaminated wastewater would be discharged into the sea.
Increased intake of added sugars increases the chance of developing kidney stones
A new study has found that consuming processed foods and drinks, such as biscuits, cakes and carbonated soft drinks, increases the risk of developing kidney stones.
Understanding antimicrobial resistance – new evidences
This post will only cover the latest scientific results, reports, and evidence regarding the AMR. It is just intended to be a short summary of recently published, sometimes quite surprising findings and scientific topics all connected to the antimicrobial resistance.
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