Toxicological evaluation of acetylated faba bean globulin

Acetylated faba bean globulin (acVFG, acetylation degree 97%) was evaluated toxicologically in a subchronic feeding study and a female fertility test. Groups of male and female rats received acVFG in their diet at levels of 20, 40 and 80 g kg⁻¹ for 3 months. Additional groups were fed a commercial diet or given food containing 38 or 75 g kg⁻¹ casein. The subchronic toxicity study revealed growth retardation in both sexes at the 80 g kg⁻¹ acVFG level. The food consumption was reduced in males at 40 and 80 g kg⁻¹ acVFG and in females at 80 g kg⁻¹ acVFG. Histopathological alterations in the ovaries were observed at dietary levels of 40 and 80 g kg⁻¹ acVFG. Histopathological changes and decreases in the absolute and relative weight of the uterus were found in all groups fed acVFG. Therefore a no‐observed‐effect level (NOEL) was not derivable. Feeding females 80 g kg⁻¹ acVFG resulted in diminished pre‐implantation losses but increased post‐implantation losses in the fertility study. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry