Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia albertii
Escherichia albertii was first described in 2003. This newly described enteropathogen and avian pathogen is often misidentified as E. coli or other members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, as its biochemical characteristics are not well understood.
Patulin and chlorpyrifos - cumulative toxicological effect
A 2019 study has investigated the combined effects of the mycotoxin patulin and the pesticide chlorpyrifos, both of which are liver-damaging and often co-occur on crops.
Rapeseed protein as novel food
Protein can be produced from rapeseed or from the cake left over from the production of rapeseed oil. The rapeseed protein product BlackGrain, developed by the Finnish company Apetit, has received a favourable EFSA opinion as a novel food.
VSBV-1 - Squirrel-borne zoonotic bornavirus 1 strain
The strain is genetically close to mammalian bornavirus 1, which infects several mammalian species. The mode of transmission is still unknown, but direct transmission (scratching, biting) is most likely.
Increasing number of fish parasites
The number of Anisakis parasites most commonly found in fish has increased significantly in recent decades. This growing trend may pose food safety risks.
Echinococcus multilocularis on food
The parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis can enter the human body through contact with an infected animal or through ingestion of food contaminated with their eggs.
Possible link between harmful algal blooms and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) neurotoxin
Algal blooms are on the rise worldwide, but no one has yet conducted comprehensive research to prove that they are a global phenomenon. β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a neurotoxin with neurodegenerative effects, and recent studies suggest that it may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinson's disease (ALS/PDC). In 2003 it was described that cyanobacteria in water can also produce BMAA.
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS)
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) are widely used group of synthetic compounds, including the food industry. A new risk assessment has shown that the intake of PFAS exceeds safe levels in certain groups of the European population (toddlers, children), which is a health concern.
Hepatitis E virus in pork products
In recent years, an increasing number of zoonotic cases of HEV3 and HEV4 have been reported in developed countries (HEV3 mainly affects European countries, while HEV4 mainly affects Asia). The main sources of zoonotic cases are raw or inadequately heat-treated meat products or contact with infected animals.
Influenza D virus in pigs and cattle
EFSA's risk assessment shows that the virus is enzootic in the European cattle population, but there are regional differences in prevalence. The significance of the virus is unclear as its clinical impact is unknown. Conclusive evidence for human infection is not yet available.