Hungarian 
Rise in the production of pesticide counterfeit
Operation Silver Axe is carried out annually to identify and seize illegal pesticides. The 2022 operation concluded on the increasing number of frauds.
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.
Increasing presence of hazardous pesticides on fruits and vegetables
The study of Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe shows a dramatic rise in the most toxic pesticides found on fruits and vegetables sold in Europe and evidence that governments are failing their legal obligations.
Spread of Burkholderia pseudomallei
The bacterium has caused outbreaks in the US in recent years. Because of climate change, we should expect it to appear in Europe and in Hungary sooner or later.
Brucella canis cases in several EU Member States
Authorities in several EU Member States (France, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Portugal) and the United Kingdom are raising awareness of Brucella canis outbreaks and infestations, mainly in imported dogs.
A ubiquitous tire rubber-derived chemical found to be toxic to fish
Our Institute has been notified of the following issue through the EFSA EREN network.
Benefits and risks of grain seeds, muesli and oils
Consumption of whole seeds and foods made from them is recommended because of their nutritional value and beneficial health effects, but it is important to know that they may also contain various contaminants.
Study confirms the link between cadmium and the risk of diabetes
According to the 2009 study of the European Food Safety Authority, cadmium potentiate prediabetes and diabetes in humans referring to the article Schwartz et al., 2003. A new publication might add valuable information to possible future risk assessments.
Nutritional impact of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives
The popularity of plant-based meat and dairy products has increased significantly in recent years, creating a new market for these products. While these alternatives may be useful as a practical replacements for meat and dairy products, from a nutritional point of view they cannot be considered as substitutes.
Exploring arcobacter risk to the food industry and human health
A research team from the University of the Basque Country has conducted a study into the prevalence and characterisation of bacteria of the Arcobacter genus using a large number of samples of different foods (seafood, vegetables, meat products and fresh cheese), including some that have never been analysed in our environment previously. In addition, they have studied the ability of these bacteria to adhere to various surfaces frequently found in food processing environments.
Hepatitis cases linked to turmeric supplements
ANSES (French Food Safety Authority) draws attention to dozens of cases of hepatitis related to the consumption of turmeric or curcumin dietary supplements.
Essential oils and nanoparticles for antimicrobial use
Currently, research is increasing on the use of plant-derived substances and essential oils against food pathogens, due to their antimicrobial effect. According to the current trend, chemical substances are used in the smallest possible amount, therefore essential oils can be suitable alternatives to chemical antimicrobial substances. Various beneficial effects can be achieved in combination with nanoparticles (e.g. controlled release of the active ingredient). Below is a short summary of the publications that have come to our attention on the subject.
New information on the dietary intake of toxic heavy metals – lead in particular
A recent Polish study has come to an interesting conclusion about the dietary intake of lead.
Increasing number of intoxications by the mushroom Chlorophyllum molybdites in Italy
The case was presented by the Member State representative at a meeting of EFSA's Emerging Risks Network (EREN).
Increasing geographical distribution of a leafhopper harmful to vines towards Western Europe
Initially discovered in Japan, the Asian leafhopper Arboridia kakogawana has been recently identified in Europe.
Associations of Dietary Intake with Urinary Melamine and Derivative Concentrations among Children
Exposure to melamine and related compounds has been found to be widespread among the children studied, according to new research. Potential dietary contributors identified include consumption of red meat, certain high starch vegetables and yoghurt.
Tenebrio molitor larvae extract, as a novel preservative
The extract showed inhibitory activity against several harmful bacteria and fungi.
Subglacial mercury
A new study has reported very high dissolved mercury concentrations.
New evidence on the neuropathological mechanisms of BMAA
In 2022 January a new review was published by Australian and Iranian researchers in Neurotoxicity Research about the neuropathological mechanism of BMAA.
Future foods
Scientists have compiled a list of some of the lesser-known plants that could be on our menus by 2050. The Russia-Ukraine war has highlighted the dangers of basing humanity's food supply on just a few globally traded cereals.
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