Assessment of dietary exposure to annatto (E160b), nitrites (E249-250), sulphites (E220-228) and tartaric acid (E334) in the French population: the second French total diet study

The results of the assessment of the dietary exposure to annatto, nitrites, tartaric acid and sulphites within the framework of the second French total diet study (TDS) are reported. These 4 additives were selected from the Bemrah et al. study [Bemrah N, Leblanc JC, Volatier JL. 2008. Assessment of dietary exposure in the French population to 13 selected food colours, preservatives, antioxidants, stabilizers, emulsifiers and sweeteners. Food Addit Contam B. 1(1):2–14] on 13 food additives which identified a possible health risk for annatto, sulphites and nitrites and a lack of data for tartaric acid. Among the composite samples selected for the whole TDS, 524 were analysed for additives (a sample was analysed for a given additive when it was identified as a major contributor for this additive only): 130 for tartaric acid, 135 for nitrites, 59 for annatto and 200 for sulphites. Estimated concentrations (minimum lower bound to maximum upper bound) vary nationally from 0 to 9?mg/kg for annatto, 0 to 420?mg/kg for tartaric acid, 0 to 108?mg/kg for sulphites and 0 to 3.4?mg/kg for nitrites. Based on the analytical results, the dietary exposure was calculated for adults and children, separately, using lower bound and upper bound assumptions. The European ADIs for these 4 additives were not exceeded except for the dietary exposure for sulphites among 2.9% of the adult population, where the major contributors were alcoholic drinks and especially wine under both hypotheses (lower and upper bound).     

Assessment of dietary exposure to annatto (E160b), nitrites (E249-250), sulphites (E220-228) and tartaric acid (E334) in the French population: the second French total diet study

The results of the assessment of the dietary exposure to annatto, nitrites, tartaric acid and sulphites within the framework of the second French total diet study (TDS) are reported. These 4 additives were selected from the Bemrah et al. study [Bemrah N, Leblanc JC, Volatier JL. 2008. Assessment of dietary exposure in the French population to 13 selected food colours, preservatives, antioxidants, stabilizers, emulsifiers and sweeteners. Food Addit Contam B. 1(1):2-14] on 13 food additives which identified a possible health risk for annatto, sulphites and nitrites and a lack of data for tartaric acid. Among the composite samples selected for the whole TDS, 524 were analysed for additives (a sample was analysed for a given additive when it was identified as a major contributor for this additive only): 130 for tartaric acid, 135 for nitrites, 59 for annatto and 200 for sulphites. Estimated concentrations (minimum lower bound to maximum upper bound) vary nationally from 0 to 9 mg/kg for annatto, 0 to 420 mg/kg for tartaric acid, 0 to 108 mg/kg for sulphites and 0 to 3.4 mg/kg for nitrites. Based on the analytical results, the dietary exposure was calculated for adults and children, separately, using lower bound and upper bound assumptions. The European ADIs for these 4 additives were not exceeded except for the dietary exposure for sulphites among 2.9% of the adult population, where the major contributors were alcoholic drinks and especially wine under both hypotheses (lower and upper bound).     

Exposure assessment of food preservatives (sulphites, benzoic and sorbic acid) in Austria

An exposure assessment was performed to estimate the potential intake of preservatives in the Austrian population. Food consumption data of different population groups, such as preschool children aged 3-6 years, female and male adults aged 19-65 years were used for calculation. Levels of the preservatives in food were derived from analyses conducted from January 2007 to August 2010. Dietary intakes of the preservatives were estimated and compared to the respective acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). In the average-intake scenario, assuming that consumers randomly consume food products that do or do not contain food additives, estimated dietary intakes of all studied preservatives are well below the ADI for all population groups. Sulphite exposure accounted for 34%, 84% and 89% of the ADI in preschool children, females and males, respectively. The mean estimated daily intake of benzoic acid was 32% (preschool children), 31% (males) and 36% (females) of the ADI. Sorbic acid intakes correspond to 7% of the ADI in preschool children and 6% of the ADI in adults. In the high-intake scenario assuming that consumers always consume food products that contain additives and considering a kind of brand loyalty of consumers, the ADI is exceeded for sulphites among adults (119 and 124%, respectively). Major contributors to the total intake of sulphites were wine and dried fruits for adults. Mean estimated dietary intakes of benzoic acid exceeded the ADI in all population groups, 135% in preschool children, 124% in females and 118% of the ADI in males, respectively. Dietary intakes of sorbic acid are well below the ADI, accounting for a maximum of 30% of the ADI in preschool children. The highest contributors to benzoic and sorbic acid exposure were fish and fish products mainly caused by high consumption data of this large food group, including also mayonnaise-containing fish salads. Other important sources of sorbic acid were bread, buns and toast bread and fruit and vegetable juices.     

Exposure assessment of food preservatives (sulphites,benzoic and sorbic acid) in Austria

An exposure assessment was performed to estimate the potential intake of preservatives in the Austrian population. Food consumption data of different population groups, such as preschool children aged 3–6 years, female and male adults aged 19–65 years were used for calculation. Levels of the preservatives in food were derived from analyses conducted from January 2007 to August 2010. Dietary intakes of the preservatives were estimated and compared to the respective acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). In the average-intake scenario, assuming that consumers randomly consume food products that do or do not contain food additives, estimated dietary intakes of all studied preservatives are well below the ADI for all population groups. Sulphite exposure accounted for 34%, 84% and 89% of the ADI in preschool children, females and males, respectively. The mean estimated daily intake of benzoic acid was 32% (preschool children), 31% (males) and 36% (females) of the ADI. Sorbic acid intakes correspond to 7% of the ADI in preschool children and 6% of the ADI in adults. In the high-intake scenario assuming that consumers always consume food products that contain additives and considering a kind of brand loyalty of consumers, the ADI is exceeded for sulphites among adults (119 and 124%, respectively). Major contributors to the total intake of sulphites were wine and dried fruits for adults. Mean estimated dietary intakes of benzoic acid exceeded the ADI in all population groups, 135% in preschool children, 124% in females and 118% of the ADI in males, respectively. Dietary intakes of sorbic acid are well below the ADI, accounting for a maximum of 30% of the ADI in preschool children. The highest contributors to benzoic and sorbic acid exposure were fish and fish products mainly caused by high consumption data of this large food group, including also mayonnaise-containing fish salads. Other important sources of sorbic acid were bread, buns and toast bread and fruit and vegetable juices.     

Effect of preservation techniques and food additives on staphylococcal thermonuclease

Staphylococcal TNase was found to retain its activity fully even after exposure to chilling and refrigeration temperatures for 24 h. It was not inhibited by p-hydroxy benzoic acid, sorbic acid, methylpropyl p-benzoic acid and sodium nitrite in the concentration range of 0.04 to 0.5%, whereas it was inhibited by 100 ppm of butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA), 200 ppm of butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), and 300 ppm of propyl gallate. There was not complete inhibition of S. aureus and TNase by tocopherol (TP) and ascorbic acid (AA) even at concentration of 300 ppm. These results indicate that TNase can be used as an index of potentially enterotoxin producing S. aureus contamination in foods subjected to chilling, refrigeration as well as in foods containing common preservatives and antioxidants.     

Estimation of the distribution of the maximum theoretical intake for ten additives in France.

Three European directives imply for all member states an evaluation of food additives intakes. This paper describes the French approach, using a step-by-step procedure to evaluate, at a national level, the consumption of 10 food additives or groups of additives (E100, curcumin; E160b, annatto; E200-203, sorbic acid and salts; E210-213, benzoic acid and salts; E220-224, 226-228, sulphites; E249-250, nitrites; E297, fumaric acid; E473-474, sucrose esters and sucroglycerides; E491-492, stearoyl lactates; E952, cyclamic acid). The results are reassuring for the general population, except for sulphites.     

GC-MS法同时检测葡萄酒中10种防腐剂和抗氧化剂

利用离子阱气相色谱-质谱联用仪,优化了色谱、质谱仪器参数,利用质谱全扫描技术建立了同时检测葡萄酒中山梨酸、苯甲酸、脱氢乙酸、叔丁基对苯二酚（TBHQ）、叔丁基羟基茴香醚（BHA）、2,6-二叔丁基对甲酚（BHT）、对羟基苯甲酸甲酯、对羟基苯甲酸乙酯、对羟基苯甲酸丙酯、对羟基苯甲酸丁酯等10种添加剂的方法。10种添加剂的检测限分别为0．11mg/L、0．072mg／L、0．046mg／L、0．035mg／L、0．032mg／L、0．020mg／L、0．035mg／L、0．042mg／L、0．035mg,／L、0．035mg／L,方法的精密度为2．9％～4．6％、回收率为82％～101％,应用于葡萄酒中食品添加剂的检测,效果良好,检测效率大大提高。     

Effect of preservatives on the germination and growth of thermally injured fungal spores

Few strains of fungi isolated from various foodstuffs were investigated for their sensitivity to heat and subsequent tolerance to two preservatives; namely sorbic acid (SA) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Wide variations in their heat injury and sensitivity to the preservatives were noticed. Mucor was most sensitive to BHA while Trichoderma was most tolerant to SA. Cladosporium, Trichoderma and Fusarium were increasingly sensitive to heat. Heat injury also brought about extended lag periods and increased sensitivity to the preservatives.     

Estimates of the theoretical maximum daily intake of phenolic antioxidants BHA, BHT and TBHQ in Brazil

The theoretical maximum daily intakes (TMDI) of the phenolic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tertbutyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) in Brazil were estimated using food consumption data derived from a household economic survey and a packaged goods market survey. The estimates were based on maximum levels of use of the food additives specified in national food standards. The calculated intakes of the three additives for the mean consumer were below the ADIs. Estimates of TMDI for BHA, BHT and TBHQ ranged from 0.09 to 0.15, 0.05 to 0.10 and 0.07 to 0.12mg/kg of body weight, respectively. To check if the additives are actually used at their maximum authorized levels, analytical determinations of these compounds in selected food categories were carried out using HPLC with UV detection. BHT and TBHQ concentrations in foodstuffs considered to be representive sources of these antioxidants in the diet were below the respective maximum permitted levels. BHA was not detected in any of the analysed samples. Based on the maximal approach and on the analytical data, it is unlikely that the current ADI of BHA (0.5mg/kg body weight), BHT (0.3mg/kg body weight) and TBHQ (0.7mg/kg body weight) will be exceeded in practice by the average Brazilian consumer.     

PSE-HPLC 法测定食品中叔丁基羟基茴香醚和2,6- 二叔丁基羟基甲苯

目的：建立测定食品中抗氧化剂叔丁基羟基茴香醚(BHA)和2,6- 二叔丁基羟基甲苯(BHT)加压溶剂萃取-高效液相色谱法(PSE-HPLC 法)。方法：采用正交试验对影响PSE 萃取效率的温度、压力、萃取溶剂、萃取时间进行优化,联合HPLC 进行测定,并确定分别以BHA 提取量、BHT 提取量以及总量为评价指标的最优条件。结果：PSE-HPLC 法测定BHT 和BHA 的相对标准偏差(RSD)为0.5%～3.1%,并且在1.0～200.0μg/mL 范围内色谱峰面积与组分质量浓度均有很好的线性相关性(r ≥ 0.9997),检出限为0.05μg/mL,在最优条件下的回收率为92.60%～97.80%。结论：PSE-HPLC 法简便、快速、效率高,方法的重现性、线性相关性以及检出限理想,适用于食品中BHT 和BHA 含量及两者总量的同时快速检测。     

Chemistry and antioxidant activity of essential oil and oleoresins of black caraway (Carum bulbocastanum) fruits: Part 69

BACKGROUND: The present study describes the chemical analysis of the essential oil and oleoresins from caraway, which have been studied by using GC–MS. The paper also explains the importance of the extracted oil and oleoresins in the antioxidant activities of target plant species. RESULTS: GC–MS analysis of caraway essential oil showed 51 compounds representing about 96.6% of the total weight. The major components were dillapiole (44.6%), germacrene‐β (14.1%), nothoapiole (8.3%), and β‐selinene (6.8%), along with many other components in minor amounts. Major components in ethyl acetate and iso‐octane oleoresins are dillapiole, nothoapiole and germacrene‐β, whereas in ethanol oleoresin contains dillapiole (25%), sitosterol (21.3%) stigmasterol (9.5%) and nothoapiole (8.1%). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by various antioxidant assays such as peroxide, thiobarbituric acid and p‐anisidine values. These experiments were further supported by other complementary antioxidant assays such as ferric thiocyanate method in linoleic acid system, reducing power, and scavenging effects on 1,1′‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Both the caraway volatile oil and its oleoresins showed strong antioxidant activity in comparison with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). CONCLUSION: This study provides additional information about the chemistry and antioxidant activity of caraway. Hence, caraway may be used as natural food preservatives. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Diffusion of citric and ascorbic acids in pre-peeled potatoes and their influence on microbial growth during refrigerated storage

The most common chemical preservatives used to inhibit both enzymatic browning and microbial growth in pre-peeled potatoes are sodium sulphite and bisulphite. Since 1987 the FDA has limited their use as food ingredients; consequently, during recent years the tendency to replace sulphites by GRAS chemical additives such as citric and ascorbic acids has become stronger. In the present work, surface colour variations, exudate production and microbial growth were analysed on pre-peeled potatoes treated with citric and ascorbic acids. These preservatives were applied individually and as mixtures; shelf-life was extended and microbiologically safe products were obtained. Mathematical models were solved to analyse the diffusion of these acids during immersion and storage periods in order to determine the concentration profiles within the product and to predict the surface concentration to which the microorganisms are exposed.     

Antioxidants in food and food antioxidants

Antioxidants may be present in foods as endogenous factors or may be added to preserve their lipid components from quality deterioration. Synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate (PG) and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) are commonly used in food formulations. However, due to safety concerns, interest in natural antioxidants has intensified. To address the demand by consumers, mixed tocopherols, herbal extracts such as those of rosemary and sage, as well as tea extracts have been commercialized for food and nutraceutical applications. An overview of the topic is provided in this article.     

Analysis of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in edible oils by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography

Synthetic antioxidants most used in oil-based food to avoid oxidation processes, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytolueno (BHT), and dodecyl gallate (DG), were analyzed in edible oils using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECK) with bis-(2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate as the pseudostationary phase.

Studies involving solid-phase and liquid–liquid extraction were performed to find the best sample treatment before injection into the electrophoretic system. The best methodology for the isolation of antioxidants was extraction with acetonitrile from edible oil diluted with hexane. A method that allows the determination of the antioxidants present in these samples was proposed. With this method BHA, BHT and DG were evaluated at levels permitted in the European Union.     

气相色谱--质谱法测定XO酱中BHA、BHT和TBHQ

采用气相色谱—质谱(全扫描方式)测定XO酱中丁基羟基茴香醚(BHA)、二丁基羟基甲苯(BHT)和叔丁基对苯二酚(TBHQ)。样品用甲醇振荡萃取，以DB—5MS为分析柱。3种组分的回收率在85％～99％之间，相对标准偏差小于8．4％；样品中BHA、BHT和TBHQ的检测限分别为0．05、0．05和0．10(mg／kg)。该法简单、快速、准确，可用于XO酱等基质复杂的富油食品中BHA、BHT和TBHQ的检测和确证。     

Antioxidant proteins and peptides to enhance the oxidative stability of meat and meat products: A comprehensive review

Lipid oxidation is among the major flaw-grounding processes in meat and meat-based products that can affect interactions among lipids and proteins, leading to critically undesirable changes. Therefore, it is imperative to control lipid oxidation in meat allied products to enhance consumer acceptability. Moreover, lipid oxidation is somber dilemma visage by the meat processing industry, affects food constituents, leading to detrimental alterations that can impart the deleterious effects on human health upon consumption. Various synthetic (butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)) and natural antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin A, tocopherols, especially vitamin E, flavonoids particularly quercetin, proteins, and peptides) as well as preservatives are employed to extend the storability of meat and resultants products; however, great consideration is paid to the utilization of natural antioxidants due to the harmful side effects imparted by synthetic counterparts. Recently, bioactive peptides are claimed to thwart lipid oxidation in meat and other products; in addition, these antioxidant peptides have also been reported to possess substantial health-promoting potential besides controlling oxidation. Therefore, the present review is intended to emphasize the sources, production methods, and applications of antioxidant proteins and peptides to control oxidative degradation in meat products and the potential health benefits of bioactive peptides. Furthermore, the techniques available for the extraction, characterization, and assessment of the antioxidant capability of bioactive peptides are discussed critically in this review.     

Determination of preservatives in some food products by capillary isotachophoresis

In the food and especially preserving industry several chemical preservatives are used by which the storage life of foods is prolonged. Each preservative must fulfill hygienic and health demands. For the chemical preservatives there are determined the highest allowable quantities for concrete kinds of semiproducts and ready-made products, as well. The most used preservatives in our country are: formic acid, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, sulphur dioxide, acetic acid. Several methods were developed for the determination of the individual preservatives. Some methods do not enable the simultaneous determination of several preservatives. The chromatographic methods remove these lacks and some authors used in the determination of preservatives especially high performance liquid chromatography, as well [1, 2].     

Toxikologie der synthetischen Antioxidantien BHA und BHT im Vergleich mit dem natürlichen Antioxidans Vitamin E

The toxicology of the food preservatives butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) as well as the naturally occurring vitamin E (α-tocopherol) is described. In high dosages all three compounds induce in animals impairment of blood clotting, which can be explained by an antagonism with vitamin K. Specific toxic effects to the lung have only been observed with BHT. The other described toxic effects of BHA and BHT are less characteristic and often occur only after high dosage and long-term treatment. However, BHA induces in animals tumours of the forestomach, which are dose dependent, whereas BHT induces liver tumours in long-term experiments. Because there is no indication of genotoxicity of BHA and BHT, all published findings agree with the fact that BHA and BHT are tumour promoters. In contrast to BHA and BHT, vitamin E is not carcinogenic. On the other hand, all three antioxidants have also anticarcinogenic properties. The intake of the necessary high doses as for these effects are, however, contraindicated with BHA and BHT because of their carcinogenic effects. The present overview concludes that the concentrations of BHA and BHT nowadays used in food, drugs and cosmetics are probably harmless. In addition, vitamin E can also be used in higher doses without the occurrence of adverse effects.     

Benzoic acid and its derivatives as naturally occurring compounds in foods and as additives: Uses,exposure, and controversy

Benzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid naturally present in plant and animal tissues, which can also be produced by microorganisms. Benzoic acid and a wide range of derivatives and related benzenic compounds, such as salts, alkyl esters, parabens, benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and benzoyl peroxide, are commonly used as antibacterial and antifungal preservatives and as flavoring agents in food, cosmetic, hygiene, and pharmaceutical products. As a result of their widespread occurrence, production, and uses, these compounds are largely distributed in the environment and found in water, soil, and air. Consequently, human exposure to them can be high, common, and lengthy. This review is mainly focused on the presence and use of benzoic acid in foods but it also covers the occurrence, uses, human exposure, metabolism, toxicology, analytical methods for detection, and legal limits for benzoic acid and its derivatives. Their controversial effects and potential public health concerns are discussed.     

Comprehensive study on vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (VCEAC) of various polyphenolics in scavenging a free radical and its structural relationship

Antioxidant capacity for a wide range of natural or synthetic polyphenolics was comprehensively evaluated by vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (VCEAC) assay using free blue/green ABTS radicals. The polyphenolics tested are grouped into the following categories: vitamins (beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin A, and vitamin C), phenolic acids (benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, cinnamic acid, and their derivatives), flavonoids (anthocyanidin, flavanol, chalcone, flavanone, flavone, flavonol, isoflavone, and their derivatives), synthetic food additives (BHA, BHT, TBHQ, and PG), and other miscellaneous polyphenolics (ellagic acid, sesamol, eugenol, thymol, etc.). A positive linear relationship between VCEAC and the number of free OH groups around the flavonoid framework was found, whereas, for phenolic acids, the linear relationship was not as good as with the flavonoid aglycones. Groups of chemicals having comparable structures generally showed similar trends. Polyphenolics commonly showed a higher VCEAC compared to monophenolics. Compounds like gallic acid with 3 vicinal hydroxy substitutions on the aromatic ring in phenolic acids or like epigallocatechin with 3 vicinal hydroxy substitutions on the B ring in flavonoids showed the highest antioxidant capcity among the groups. In the flavonoids, 2 characteristic chemical structures were very important, the catechol moiety in the B ring and the 3-OH functional group in a chroman ring. Glycosylated flavonoids showed less potent antioxidant capacity than their aglycone alone. Synthetic antioxidant food additives (BHA, TBHQ, and BHT) conventionally used in the food industry were less effective antioxidants than ascorbic acid. Other naturally occurring polyphenolics tested followed the expected general trends of phenolic acids and flavonoids.