Process contaminants such as 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD can be formed during the production and processing of food, e.g. (high-fat) bakery products, baby food and edible fats and oils made from natural ingredients. As of 01.01.2021, new maximum levels will apply to the sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters and glycidyl fatty acid esters in certain foods.

Have you ever heard of Superfoods? Do you know Superfoods? Are your products perhaps Superfoods? Superfoods, such as nuts and dried fruits, are very popular among consumers, especially now in the Christmas season. Do you already know how to ensure the safety and quality of your superfoods?

Alternaria toxins are mycotoxins that can occur in food. More than 70 different Alternaria toxins have been identified so far. The best-known Alternaria toxins are alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), altertoxins (ALT), tentoxin (TEN) and tenuazonic acid (TeA). The GBA Group has detected Alternaria toxins in samples of peppers, cereals, tomatoes, strawberries and potatoes.

Several hazardous characteristics (carcinogenic, teratogenic, fetotoxic, cytotoxic) have been identified in laboratory studies. An exposure assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found that AOH, AME and TeA exceed the toxicologically relevant limit in food.

As with food, Christmas trees in the EU must be labelled to state whether or not pesticides have been used during cultivation.

The GBA Group offers services to ensure that your Christmas trees comply with EU pesticide legislation.

In addition to mineral oil hydrocarbon compounds, undesirable substances such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tropane alkaloids and aflatoxins can also be found in popular ingredients for gingerbread and Christmas spices such as candied lemon peel, candied orange peel, nutmeg, coriander and aniseed. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) and tropane alkaloids are natural substances that are mainly formed by certain plants, e.g. the St. James' Cross or deadly nightshade, and serve as protection against predators. Whereas the aflatoxins are mould toxins (mycotoxins), which are known to be extremely carcinogenic.