Lecture 1a

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Food Toxicology and Additives

Professr Dr. Muhammad Ovais Omer


Chairman, Pharmacology & Toxicology
Faculty of Bio-Sciences
UVAS, Lahore
[email protected]
Introduction to food toxicology

Concepts of toxicology
Theory:
Introduction to food toxicology; Concepts of toxicology; Dose-response relationship;
Pesticide residues in food, absorption, distribution and storage of toxicants; Animal drug
residues in food; Veterinary medicine, risks and benefits; Toxicants formed during food
processing, biotransformation and elimination of toxicants; Target organ toxicity;
Teratogenesis, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, toxic reactions with the molecules of life;
Natural toxins in plants and fungi, mold and mycotoxins, marine toxins in food; Naturally
occurring toxicants; Etiologic agents of foodborne diseases, bacterial toxigenesis; Food
allergy, the basics of food allergens and their effects; Food intolerance and metabolic
disorders; Food additives, introduction, types, classification; Food additive safety assessment;
Toxicology of selected food additives, preservatives, emulsifiers, flavoring agents,
antifoaming, anticaking, antioxidants, bleaching, coloring agents, sweeteners and thickeners;
Safety, controlling and regulation of food additives according to CODEX alimentarius and
FDA etc.
Practical:
Determination of sulphur dioxide, sodium benzoate, sodium chloride in food samples;
Pesticide residues in plant products; Detection of veterinary medicine residues in milk and
meat; Heavy metals in water sample; Determination of natural colors.
Recommended Books:
1. Fergus M. C. 1996. Food Additives: Toxicology, Regulation, and Properties. CRC
Press.
2. Stanley T. O. 2004. Food and Nutritional Toxicology. CRC Press.
nd
3. Jim S. and Lily H-S. 2011. Food Additives Data Book. 2 ed. Willey Blackwell
publisher.
• Definition: Food toxicology is the study of the
nature, effects, and detection of toxic
substances in food and their impact on human
health.
• Importance: Highlights the relevance of food
toxicology in ensuring food safety and public
health.
Historical Background

• Ancient Times: Early awareness of


foodborne toxins (e.g., poisonous plants,
spoiled food).
• Modern Era: Advances in analytical
techniques and understanding of food
additives, contaminants, and naturally
occurring toxins.
Basic Concepts in Toxicology

• Toxicity: The capacity of a substance to cause


harm or adverse effects.
• Dose-Response Relationship: The relationship
between the amount of exposure and the
extent of toxic effect.
• Threshold: The lowest dose at which a
particular toxic effect occurs.
• LD50 (Lethal Dose, 50%): The dose of a toxin
that kills 50% of the test population.
Categories of Food Toxicants
• Natural Toxicants: Naturally occurring toxins found
in food (e.g., mycotoxins, alkaloids).
• Environmental Contaminants: Chemicals from the
environment that contaminate food (e.g., heavy
metals, pesticides).
• Food Additives: Substances added to food for
preservation, flavor, or color that may pose health
risks (e.g., artificial sweeteners, colorants).
• Processing-Induced Toxicants: Toxins formed
during food processing (e.g., acrylamide in fried
foods).
Mechanisms of Toxicity

• Absorption and Distribution: How toxicants enter


and spread within the body.
• Metabolism: The conversion of toxicants in the
body, potentially increasing or decreasing toxicity.
• Excretion: The removal of toxicants from the
body.
• Target Organs: Organs most affected by specific
toxicants (e.g., liver, kidneys, nervous system).
Case Study: Mycotoxins

• Definition: Toxins produced by fungi,


commonly found in grains and nuts.
• Health Effects: Aflatoxins and their role in liver
cancer.
• Prevention: Strategies for reducing exposure
(e.g., proper storage, food inspection).
• Long-term, heavy exposure to some
mycotoxins — including aflatoxin
produced by certain species of
Aspergillus — has been linked to
increased cancer risk
• The USDA advises discarding the entire
loaf of bread if it has developed mold, as
its roots can quickly spread in your
bread. Additionally, some types of fungi
produce harmful toxins.
Foodborne Pathogens vs. Chemical Toxicants

• Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites


that cause foodborne illness.
• Chemical Toxicants: Substances that cause
harm through chemical reactions in the body.
• Comparison: Discuss similarities and
differences in terms of source, effects, and
prevention.
Regulatory Aspects

• Food Safety Regulations: Overview of global


and local regulations (e.g., FDA, EFSA).
• Risk Assessment: The process of evaluating
the risk posed by food toxicants.
• Monitoring and Control: Methods for
detecting and controlling toxicants in food.
Emerging Issues in Food Toxicology

• Nanoparticles: Potential risks associated with


the use of nanoparticles in food packaging and
supplements.
• Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals that
interfere with hormone systems (e.g., BPA in
plastics).
• Climate Change: Impact on food safety and
the emergence of new toxicants.
Preventive Strategies

• Personal Measures: Washing fruits and


vegetables, proper cooking, avoiding
processed foods.
• Industry Measures: Good manufacturing
practices, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points).
• Governmental Measures: Enforcement of
food safety standards, public awareness
campaigns.
Case Studies in Food Toxicology

• Example 1: Melamine in dairy products


(China).
• Example 2: Dioxin contamination in poultry
(Belgium).
• Lessons Learned: Importance of food
monitoring and regulation.
Ethical Considerations

• Transparency: The responsibility of food


companies to disclose information about
potential toxicants.
• Consumer Rights: The right to safe food and
accurate labeling.
• Sustainability: Balancing food production and
environmental health.
Future Directions in Food Toxicology

• Research Needs: Identifying new toxicants,


improving detection methods.
• Technological Innovations: Role of AI and
machine learning in food safety.
• Global Collaboration: International efforts to
improve food safety and reduce toxic
exposure.
Conclusion

• Summary: Recap the key points discussed.


• Final Thoughts: The importance of continued
vigilance and research in food toxicology.
• Q&A: Invite questions from the audience.

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