Podcasts about european food safety authority efsa

Ireland continues to participate in the #PlantHealth4Life campaign, a European campaign to raise awareness of the critical role plant health plays in protecting food, biodiversity, and the environment. Now in its third year, the #PlantHealth4Life campaign returns with renewed focus on citizen empowerment, encouraging people across Europe including gardeners, travellers, and families - to become active plant health ambassadors. Led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission (EC), the 2025 campaign is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine in Ireland, and will empower citizens to become plant health ambassadors, spotlighting how everyday actions can have powerful impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and the environment. Plant Health, Biodiversity, and Economy in the EU Speaking on the campaign, garden designer and UN FAO Goodwill Ambassador for Ireland, Diarmuid Gavin, said: "Along with being places of beauty, our gardens are frontline defences in the fight for biodiversity and climate resilience. Every seed we sow responsibly and every pest we spot early is a step toward protecting Ireland's natural environment. This campaign reminds us that plant health begins at home, and we all have a role to play." Ms Louise Byrne, Chief Plant Health Officer for Ireland, added: "Protecting plant health is something every person in Ireland can contribute to. People should travel wisely and avoid bringing plants and seeds home from abroad. Practice responsible sourcing of plants with plant passports from reputable operators. Monitor plants in your garden and in the wider environment for pests and diseases and if you've concerns email PlantAndPests@agriculture.gov.ie. Empower the next generation by teaching children about the importance of plant health." Emphasising practical action and community involvement, the campaign encourages informed citizens not only to reflect but also to share their knowledge and inspire others to join in the collective effort to safeguard our ecosystems and economies. The campaign urges travellers not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, as these items may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora. Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid phytosanitary or plant health certificate. Embracing good plant hygiene practices and promptly addressing signs of plant pests or diseases in home gardens and communal outdoor spaces will also prevent their spread to neighbouring plants and natural habitats. Sylvain Giraud, Head of Plant Health Unit in the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) said: "When citizens understand the vital role of plant health in their lives - from the food on their tables to the air they breathe - they become powerful agents of change. The #PlantHealth4Life campaign is a reminder that each of us can make a meaningful difference by staying informed and making thoughtful choices that help protect what sustains us all." Giuseppe Stancanelli, Team Leader for Plant Health Risk Assessment at EFSA added: "A plant isn't just a plant - it can carry other living organisms too. In our interconnected world, plants move more than ever. That's why the EU relies on science-based risk assessment to understand and manage potential threats to plant health - helping to protect our environment, agriculture, and biodiversity. Through the #PlantHealth4Life campaign, we're raising awareness across Europe." The 2025 #PlantHealth4Life campaign is running across 26 EU Member States, five EU pre-accession countries, and Switzerland. Visit www.efsa.europa.eu/en/plh4l and discover how to safeguard plant health. About the campaign #PlantHealth4Life is a multi-year and multinational campaign developed at the request of the European Commission and based on an in-depth analysis of citizen perceptions and behaviour with respect to plant h...

This episode explores the growing threat of avian influenza, which has led to massive outbreaks in bird populations and an increasing number of cases in mammals.With nearly 70 human cases and one death confirmed in the US recently linked to the H5N1 subtype, concerns are rising about its potential to spread among humans in Europe and cause a pandemic.Experts from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) discuss the risks to humans, the impact on animals, and the preventive measures that EU Member States can take.Listen in to Alessandro Broglia (EFSA) and Katriina Willgert (ECDC) and learn more.Read more on the highly pathogenic avian flu on ECDC portal and on EFSA's pages.

In this episode, Sharon sits down with Daan Luining, a pioneering mind in the field of cultivated meat and co-founder of Meatable. Together, they explore Dan's fascinating journey from a researcher in cell molecular biology and tissue engineering to leading a company at the forefront of sustainable food innovation. The conversation uncovers the challenges of merging cell biology with food science, debunking industry misconceptions, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Daan shares insights into Meatable's mission, their groundbreaking approach to producing cultivated pork fat, and the collaborative role traditional meat producers play in reshaping the industry. With a focus on transparency, innovation, and inclusivity, this episode dives deep into the future of food and the societal shifts needed to create a more sustainable and equitable world. About Daan Daan Luining is the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Meatable, a Dutch biotechnology company pioneering the production of cultivated meat. With a background in cell molecular biology and tissue engineering, Daan was part of the team that developed the world's first lab-grown hamburger in 2013. He later served as Research Director at New Harvest, a non-profit organization funding academic research in cellular agriculture. In 2018, Daan co-founded Meatable to create real meat without harming animals, utilizing innovative stem cell technologies to produce sustainable and delicious meat products About Meatable Meatable is a Dutch biotechnology company founded in 2018 by Krijn de Nood, Daan Luining, and Mark Kotter. The company specializes in producing cultivated meat using proprietary stem cell technology, aiming to create real meat without the need for animal slaughter. Meatable's innovative approach utilizes pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into various cell types, enabling the efficient production of muscle and fat cells for meat products. This method eliminates the use of fetal bovine serum, making the process more ethical and sustainable. In April 2024, Meatable became the first company in the European Union to receive regulatory approval from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for a public tasting of cultivated meat, specifically their sausage product. This milestone event garnered significant media attention and marked a crucial step toward bringing cultivated meat to the European market. Meatable continues to advance its mission of providing sustainable and ethical meat alternatives, focusing on scalability and market readiness to meet the growing global demand for meat products. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Food Security and Challenges 00:27 Meet Food Tech Junkies 00:43 Introducing Daan Luining and Meatable 01:29 Daan's Journey into Cultivated Meat 03:11 Challenges Facing Cultivated Meat 04:51 Overcoming Misconceptions Through Education 06:59 The Future of Sustainable Food Production 13:58 Navigating Regulatory Landscapes 25:32 Meatable's Market Strategy and Innovations 37:03 The Road Ahead for Cultivated Meat 44:34 Reflections and Final Thoughts 53:44 Closing Remarks and Call to Subscribe

The European Union (EU) recently introduced a ban on eight artificial smoke flavorings used in various food products. This move is part of an effort to protect public health from potential cancer risks associated with these additives. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the ban, which was endorsed by member states in April 2024 following scientific research indicating harmful chemicals in smoke flavorings. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that smoky flavorings can contain harmful chemicals formed during the smoking process. These chemicals, found in both natural and artificial smoke flavorings, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. While some companies believe the ban will cause economic harm, others are embracing it as an opportunity to reformulate. The team wonders whether the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will take note of this ban and implement similar regulations in the US. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about various sugar reduction technologies that meet consumer demands for healthier food and beverages. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, driven by a desire to avoid the negative health impacts associated with high sugar consumption, such as obesity and diabetes. As a result, food manufacturers are under pressure to find effective sugar reduction solutions to meet this demand. Brands that can successfully reduce sugar in their products without compromising on taste are gaining a competitive edge in the market. Several companies, both large and small, are making strides in the field of sugar reduction solutions, including Better Juice, Ingredion, DouxMatok, SweeGen and Tate & Lyle. The team discusses the potential of reduced sugar crops and the perception around low-sugar foods. Read the full article here: Artificial Smoke Flavoring in Food: EU Ban and Industry Impact: https://xtalks.com/artificial-smoke-flavoring-in-food-eu-ban-and-industry-impact-3898/ Sugar Reduction Solutions: Meeting the Demand for Healthier Food and Beverages: https://xtalks.com/sugar-reduction-solutions-meeting-the-demand-for-healthier-food-and-beverages-3904/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/ Follow Us on Social Media  Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Ireland has joined a European-wide effort to underscore the importance of plant health. The #PlantHealth4Life campaign is led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Commission (EC), and is active in 22 European member states. PlantHealth4Life, European Initiative Speaking about the campaign, Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity with special responsibility for Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said: "We are proud to stand alongside our European partners to raise awareness of the profound interdependence between plant health and our collective well-being. This collaborative effort is a unique opportunity to engage citizens from all walks of life - be it the intrepid traveller, the conscientious gardener, or the vigilant parent - in safeguarding plant health." Ms Louise Byrne, Chief Plant Health Officer for Ireland, added that the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine conducts comprehensive inspections on imports of regulated plants and plant products. Importantly however, a critical element is educating the public across all spectrums, from commercial importers to amateur gardeners on the need for heightened awareness of the issues at stake and to not attempt to import unchecked plants and plant products that pose a risk to Ireland. The campaign urges travellers not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, as these items may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora. Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid phytosanitary or plant health certificate. Embracing good plant hygiene practices and promptly addressing signs of plant pests or diseases in home gardens and communal outdoor spaces will also prevent their spread to neighbouring plants and natural habitats. Speaking on Ireland's involvement in the campaign, leading Irish garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, who was appointed as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' Goodwill Ambassador for Ireland in May 2022, said: "Safeguarding Irish plant health is paramount. As gardeners, we hold the power to effect change - by allowing our gardens to flourish naturally, propagating your own plants from seeds, sourcing plants responsibly, and vigilantly monitoring for abnormalities, we can collectively protect our botanical heritage." Tobin Robinson, Head of EFSA's PLANTS Unit added: "Plant health impacts not only the environment, the economy, and the European food chain but also our present and our future - by keeping plants healthy, we are protecting life. It is therefore a source of pride to see how Europeans are engaged in the topic, as demonstrated by the unprecedented participation of Member States in the #PlantHealth4Life campaign." Claire Bury, Deputy Director-General for Food Sustainability of DG SANTE stated: "Informed European citizens armed with accurate information on plant health can help protect and preserve our biodiversity. Plant health is a priority for the European Commission within the One Health approach. By informing people about the importance of not importing pests into the European Union and empowering them with the knowledge to take appropriate actions, we can make a difference." Visit the #PlantHealth4Life campaign at www.efsa.europa.eu/en/plh4l and discover how to safeguard plant health. About the campaign #PlantHealth4Life is a multi-year and multinational campaign developed at the request of the EC and based on an in-depth analysis of perceptions and behaviour on plant health across the EU. This year, the campaign involves 21 Member States and a candidate country, doubling the reach from the previous year: Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Montenegro. About EFSA The European Foo...

Carlo Bicchi, Full Professor of Phytochemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Turin, has been involved in the development of analytical technologies for biologically active secondary metabolites in plant matrices and in aroma profiling and fingerprinting of industrial food crops. With over 350 publications in international journals, his research interests include sample preparation, gas chromatography, enantioselective GC, high pressure liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid extraction and chromatography, chemometric methods, fingerprinting and profiling. Carlo Bicchi has been invited to serve on international PhD and postdoctoral juries and has collaborated with global companies in the food sector. He has been an effective member of the Botanicals Compendium Working Group for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Host: Trevor Groome and Andrea Albertino, Music: Aidan Kirkwood, Editing: Mark Millward, Publishing: Ján Peťka © 2024 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Society of Flavourists⁠

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic dye used widely in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. It's one of the most commonly used food dyes in the United States and can be found in products like candies, beverages, and more. Concerns about its safety have been discussed over the years, primarily focusing on allergic reactions and behavioral effects in children.Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to Red 40, though this is relatively rare. Symptoms could include hives or swelling, and it can be more common in people with certain pre-existing allergies.Behavioral Effects: There has been debate over the impact of synthetic dyes like Red 40 on children's behavior. Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it might contribute to hyperactivity in sensitive children, particularly those with ADHD. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and regulatory agencies like the FDA continue to permit its use, deeming it safe based on the current research.Carcinogenicity: Early studies raised concerns about the potential for Red 40 to be carcinogenic, but more recent and extensive studies have generally not supported these initial fears. The current consensus by the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is that Red 40 does not pose a cancer risk to humans.Regulatory Status: In the U.S., the FDA regulates the use of food dyes and has set acceptable daily intake levels for Red 40. In Europe, it is also approved but often comes with a warning label indicating that it may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.While considered safe for the general population by food safety authorities, some people choose to avoid Red 40 due to personal sensitivities or concerns about synthetic additives in food. If you're concerned about Red 40, you can look for foods labeled as free from artificial colors or dyes. Buy MTS Nutrition Immortal HERE! https://www.tigerfitness.com/products/mts-nutrition-immortal-vitamin-pack

Today's episode is special one, and is hosted by James Ramsey, Head of the Communication Unit at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). He is joined by experts from ECDC, EFSA, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Environment Agency (EEA), and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to discuss the One Health prespective. Our well-being depends on the health of animals, plants and our environment. What affects one affects all the others, and increasingly so. A One Health perspective is about joining forces to find integrated solutions to common challenges such as climate change and antibiotic resistance. Join us to hear from experts at five EU scientific agencies about how we can put One Health into practice. Whether safeguarding access to life-saving medicines or combating the next pandemic, a One Health approach will be essential to how our society navigates the future.   Host: James Ramsay, Head of the Communication Unit at EFSA Guests: Mike Catchpole, Chief Scientist at the ⁠European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)⁠ Carlos das Neves, Chief Scientist at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Dario Piselli, Expert in environment and health at the European Environment Agency (EEA) Wim De Coen, Head of Hazard Assessment at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Steffen Thirstrup, Chief Medical Officer at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) EFSA's Science on the Menu podcast ECHA's Safer Chemicals podcast For more information in general please visit ⁠⁠ecdc.europa.eu⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠social media⁠⁠.

In this solo episode, Jaclyn London, MS, RD, will dive deep into the WHO's classification of aspartame as a group 2b carcinogen, analyze the statement as a Registered Dietitian, evaluate the media coverage surrounding this topic, explore the wording of the statement, and ultimately answer the pressing question: Is it safe to drink Diet Coke? Welcome back to The Business of Wellness! Today, I start the episode by looking at the World Health Organization's classification of aspartame as a group 2b carcinogen. This classification means that aspartame has the potential to cause cancer in humans. However, it's crucial to understand the nuances and limitations of this classification. As a Registered Dietitian, it's my job to translate scientific information into practical advice. When it comes to the WHO's statement, it's essential to consider the dosage and exposure levels at which aspartame may pose a risk. Studies that have raised concerns about aspartame's safety often use extremely high doses that far exceed typical human consumption. We go through the statement step by step, with analysis and potential for application mixed in.  Remember: Numerous reputable organizations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the American Cancer Society, have conducted extensive reviews and concluded that aspartame is safe for consumption within the recommended daily limits. It's also undergone rigorous testing and extensive studies for several decades. The weight of scientific evidence supports its safety when consumed in moderation, even for individuals who may have certain health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity. Next, I examine the wording of the World Health Organization's statement. The use of terms like "carcinogen" can be misleading without proper context: The Group 2b classification does not mean that aspartame is as hazardous as substances like tobacco or asbestos. Rather, it signifies that there is limited evidence and further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions. Plus, WHO's classification system places aspartame in the same category as coffee, pickled vegetables, and talcum powder, which may create unnecessary alarm. It's important to recognize that these substances are not considered equally risky, and the WHO's classification system is primarily intended as a tool for prioritizing further research. Last, I'll wrap up this episode by saying  confidently that it is safe to consume Diet Coke, or any beverage containing aspartame, within the recommended limits. Moderation is key when it comes to any food or drink, including those containing artificial sweeteners. Aspartame has undergone thorough testing and regulatory scrutiny, and it is considered safe by numerous regulatory bodies around the world. It's important to remember that individual sensitivities or allergies may vary, and if you have concerns or specific health conditions, it's always wise to consult with a healthcare professional. ___ This episode of The Business of Wellness is one of my favorites, but I'd love to hear what you think. Please let me know your thoughts about this episode and the podcast, by leaving a 5-star rating and a review? Keep your eyes peeled: This podcast is moving to Patreon any day now (!!!), so stay tuned for updates via my instagram: @jaclynlondonrd   

In recent years, concerns regarding the safety of aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, have gained attention. Claims have recently emerged suggesting that aspartame may be linked to the development of cancer. In this episode, we will explore the current scientific evidence surrounding this topic and discuss the latest findings that shed light on whether aspartame is a possible carcinogen.   Understanding Aspartame: Aspartame is an artificial sweetener commonly used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages. It is known for its low-calorie content, making it a popular choice among those seeking to reduce their sugar intake. While controversy surrounds its safety, regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have approved aspartame for use in food.   Initial Concerns: The concerns regarding aspartame and cancer primarily stem from a study conducted by the Ramazzini Institute, an independent research organization based in Italy. Published in 2005, the study claimed that aspartame consumption resulted in an increased incidence of lymphomas and leukemia in rats. These findings raised questions about the potential carcinogenic effects of aspartame in humans.   Subsequent Research and Regulatory Agencies: In response to the Ramazzini Institute study, numerous regulatory agencies and scientific bodies conducted comprehensive evaluations of aspartame to assess its safety. The EFSA, FDA, and other regulatory bodies reviewed the available evidence and concluded that there is no convincing evidence to support a causal relationship between aspartame consumption and the development of cancer in humans. However, recent findings have led these regulatory bodies to question if Aspartame is totally benign in terms of cancer risk.  Tune in to hear the latest and look at this one through the Empowered Eating lens!    For more information on the Empowered Eating Method check out my FREE workshop: How to Eat Intuitively and Hit Your Goals or learn more about working with me 1:1 at jessbrownrd.com. Cheers, and happy eating! Jess          

ICIS Senior Analyst, Plastics Recycling Helen McGeough talks to Senior Editor, Recycling, Matt Tudball about European Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 on recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods in relation to the European recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) market. The regulation sets out a series of deadlines by which certain packaging technologies or processes need to be registered with the Commission and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) by. The discussion focuses on some potential consequences for those companies who have missed, or were not aware of those deadlines, and what that might mean for the use of R-PET in certain types of food packaging going forward. 

W H O 'S Cancer Research Agency To Say Aspartame Sweetener A Possible CarcinogenREUTERS One of the world's most common artificial sweeteners is set to be declared a possible carcinogen next month by a leading global health body, according to two sources with knowledge of the process, pitting it against the food industry and regulators. Aspartame, used in products from Coca-Cola diet sodas to Mars' Extra chewing gum and some Snapple drinks, will be listed in July as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" for the first time by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization's (WHO) cancer research arm, the sources told Reuters. The IARC ruling, finalised earlier this month after a meeting of the group's external experts, is intended to assess whether something is a potential hazard or not, based on all the published evidence. It does not take into account how much of a product a person can safely consume. This advice for individuals comes from a separate WHO expert committee on food additives, known as JECFA (the Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization's Expert Committee on Food Additives), alongside determinations from national regulators. However, similar IARC rulings in the past for different substances have raised concerns among consumers about their use, led to lawsuits, and pressured manufacturers to recreate recipes and swap to alternatives. That has led to criticism that the IARC's assessments can be confusing to the public. JECFA, the WHO committee on additives, is also reviewing aspartame use this year. Its meeting began at the end of June and it is due to announce its findings on the same day that the IARC makes public its decision – on July 14. Since 1981, JECFA has said aspartame is safe to consume within accepted daily limits. For example, an adult weighing 60 kg (132 pounds) would have to drink between 12 and 36 cans of diet soda – depending on the amount of aspartame in the beverage – every day to be at risk. Its view has been widely shared by national regulators, including in the United States and Europe. An IARC spokesperson said both the IARC and JECFA committees' findings were confidential until July, but added they were "complementary", with IARC's conclusion representing "the first fundamental step to understand carcinogenicity". The additives committee "conducts risk assessment, which determines the probability of a specific type of harm (e.g. cancer) to occur under certain conditions and levels of exposure." However, industry and regulators fear that holding both processes at around the same time could be confusing, according to letters from U.S. and Japanese regulators seen by Reuters. "We kindly ask both bodies to coordinate their efforts in reviewing aspartame to avoid any confusion or concerns among the public," Nozomi Tomita, an official from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, wrote in a letter dated March 27 to WHO's deputy director general, Zsuzsanna Jakab. The letter also called for the conclusions of both bodies to be released on the same day, as is now happening. The Japanese mission in Geneva, where the WHO is based, did not respond to a request for comment. DEBATE The IARC's rulings can have huge impact. In 2015, its committee concluded that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic". Years later, even as other bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) contested this, companies were still feeling the effects of the decision.Germany's Bayer (BAYGn.DE) in 2021 lost its third appeal against U.S. court verdicts that awarded damages to customers blaming their cancers on use of its glyphosate-based weedkillers. The IARC's decisions have also faced criticism for sparking needless alarm over hard to avoid substances or situations. It has four different levels of classification - carcinogenic, probably carcinogenic, possibly carcinogenic and not classifiable. The levels are based on the strength of the evidence, rather than how dangerous a substance is. The first group includes substances from processed meat to asbestos, which all have convincing evidence showing they cause cancer, IARC says. Working overnight and consuming red meat are in the "probable" class, which means that there is limited evidence these substances or situations can cause cancer in humans and either better evidence showing they cause cancer in animals, or strong evidence showing that they have similar characteristics as other human carcinogens. The "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields" associated with using mobile phones are "possibly cancer-causing". Like aspartame, this means there is either limited evidence they can cause cancer in humans, sufficient evidence in animals, or strong evidence about the characteristics. The final group - "not classifiable" - means there is not enough evidence. "IARC is not a food safety body and their review of aspartame is not scientifically comprehensive and is based heavily on widely discredited research," Frances Hunt-Wood, secretary general of the International Sweeteners Association (ISA), said. The body, whose members include Mars Wrigley, a Coca-Cola (KO.N) unit and Cargill, said it had "serious concerns with the IARC review, which may mislead consumers". The International Council of Beverages Associations' executive director Kate Loatman said public health authorities should be "deeply concerned" by the "leaked opinion", and also warned it "could needlessly mislead consumers into consuming more sugar rather than choosing safe no- and low-sugar options." Aspartame has been extensively studied for years. Last year, an observational study in France among 100,000 adults showed that people who consumed larger amounts of artificial sweeteners – including aspartame – had a slightly higher cancer risk. It followed a study from the Ramazzini Institute in Italy in the early 2000s, which reported that some cancers in mice and rats were linked to aspartame. However, the first study could not prove that aspartame caused the increased cancer risk, and questions have been raised about the methodology of the second study, including by EFSA, which assessed it. Aspartame is authorised for use globally by regulators who have reviewed all the available evidence, and major food and beverage makers have for decades defended their use of the ingredient. The IARC said it had assessed 1,300 studies in its June review. Recent recipe tweaks by soft drinks giant Pepsico (PEP.O) demonstrate the struggle the industry has when it comes to balancing taste preferences with health concerns. Pepsico removed aspartame from sodas in 2015, bringing it back a year later, only to remove it again in 2020. Listing aspartame as a possible carcinogen is intended to motivate more research, said the sources close to the IARC, which will help agencies, consumers and manufacturers draw firmer conclusions. But it will also likely ignite debate once again over the IARC's role, as well as the safety of sweeteners more generally. Last month, the WHO published guidelines advising consumers not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control. The guidelines caused a furore in the food industry, which argues they can be helpful for consumers wanting to reduce the amount of sugar in their diet. For more News and Features from A. I. Radio/TV News, visit, www. airadiotvnews. ca

Animal welfare affects us all. Did you know your health is directly linked to the well-being of animals? Listen in to find out why! Welfare is not only an ethical issue, it's a scientific one. Our scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are investigating the latest scientific evidence on how animals experience their surroundings. Our expert, Sean Ashe, walks us through EFSA's most recent findings, with special attention to animal transport. Come and join us on this (hopefully enjoyable) journey with Science on the Menu.Your opinion matters! Please take this brief survey to share your thoughts on our podcast.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added sesame to its list of major allergens, making it easier for people with sesame allergies to safely consume packaged food without fear of an allergic reaction. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the newly listed allergen and the labeling requirements that come with it. While the requirement that sesame be listed as an allergen came into effect at the start of 2023, consumers may still find food products for sale that don't list it on the label since they were produced prior to January 1st. Identifying which foods contain sesame is an important step in food safety and health care as an estimated 0.2 percent of children and adults in the US are allergic to sesame. The team wonders why it took nearly 20 years for sesame to be added to the FDA's list of major allergens and how it will impact food products that aren't packaged as well as food at restaurants. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the recent approval of house crickets in food products in the European Union (EU). The newly approved regulation will allow food producers to introduce the partially defatted dry powder of the house cricket into the EU food market.The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also approved the powder production process, which includes a 24-hour fasting period for the insects before they are frozen, washed, thermally processed, have their oil extracted and, finally transformed into dried-up powder. Food containing house cricket products will require appropriate labels since some researchers believe that these insects could cause allergic reactions in consumers allergic to crustaceans, dust mites and mollusks. The team discusses consumer willingness to try food products that contain house crickets and wonders whether vegetarians and vegans would eat insect-containing products.Read the full article here:Sesame Allergies Cause FDA to List Sesame as the 9th Major AllergenEU Approves Use of House Crickets in Food ProductsFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFoodInstagram: @XtalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Our scientific committees have had their last meetings of the year and in this episode we cover the outcomes of the Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees.Tim, the Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee and Maria who chairs the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee join us.We talk about the restriction of lead ammunition for hunting and outdoor sports shooting and lead used in fishing tackle. Here, the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee adopted its opinion on the costs and benefits and the Risk Assessment Committee carried out a further analysis of data from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the risks from ingesting lead through game meat.Also on the agenda were the restriction of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay targets for shooting and an opinion on occupational exposure limits for cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds.Tim also talks us through setting a derived no-effect level for DOTE to protect workers, a chemical which is on the REACH Authorisation List of substances of very high concern.What the committees doThe two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU member states when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests.Related episodes:Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committees: Cancer-causing PAHs in clay targets need an EU-wide banGive us feedbackMoreECHA's scientific committees support limiting lead use for outdoor shooting and fishing - ECHA news, 30 November 2022Highlights from December RAC and SEAC meetings - ECHA update, 8 December 2022Risk Assessment CommitteeSocio-Economic Analysis Committee**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInVisit our websiteDisclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. 

"Commission to temporarily re-approve glyphosate without member states' go-ahead Member states once again blocked the Commission's proposal to extend the marketing authorisation of the herbicide glyphosate for another year, but the EU executive is set to still approve an interim renewal before mid-D" "--START AD- #TheMummichogblogOfMalta Amazon Top and Flash Deals(Affiliate Link - You will support our translations if you purchase through the following link) - https://amzn.to/3CqsdJH Compare all the top travel sites in just one search to find the best hotel deals at HotelsCombined - awarded world's best hotel price comparison site. (Affiliate Link - You will support our translations if you purchase through the following link) - https://www.hotelscombined.com/?a_aid=20558 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."""" #Jesus #Catholic. Smooth Radio Malta is Malta's number one digital radio station, playing Your Relaxing Favourites - Smooth provides a ‘clutter free' mix, appealing to a core 35-59 audience offering soft adult contemporary classics. We operate a playlist of popular tracks which is updated on a regular basis. https://smooth.com.mt/listen/ Follow on Telegram: https://t.me/themummichogblogdotcom END AD---" "ecember. On Tuesday (15 November), an appeal committee made up of member states' representatives did not reach the necessary majority to give green light to an interim EU approval for glyphosate as an active substance in plant protection. Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide as an active substance in plant protection. The question of renewal has been highly controversial as views diverge over glyphosate's impact on health and the environment. The temporary extension of glyphosate marketing authorisation for an extra year was proposed by the European Commission since the current authorisation is set to expire in mid-December while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reassessment of the active substance will only become available in July 2023. In October, EU countries blocked the Commission's proposal at the Standing Committee of the EU Commission on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF), prompting the EU executive to appeal. However, the second attempt to pass the regulation failed again on Tuesday (15 November) as, once again, there was no majority among member states in favour of glyphosate re-approval. Contacted by EURACTIV, a Commission's spokesperson expressed ‘regret' that “despite a majority of member states supporting the Commission's proposal, the necessary qualified majority was unfortunately not reached.” The ball is now back again in the Commission's court, as the College of Commissioners could now approve the rules on its own. “The Commission now has a legal obligation to take a decision before the expiration deadline in mid-December,” the Commission spokesperson said. The EU spokesperson confirmed to EURACTIV that the EU executive will now proceed to adopt the regulation that will extend the approval period of glyphosate by one year, namely until 15 December 2023. Temporary extension of EU glyphosate approval hits roadblock Several member states blocked the temporary extension of the EU approval of the controversial pesticide glyphosate for one more year on Friday (14 October) after it failed to reach the necessary majority. However, the campaign group Pesticide Action Network (PAN Europe) still hopes that the Commission could ultimately change its mind proposing an immediate ban on the pesticide instead of giving a ‘blank cheque' to glyphosate for another year. “Today's vote is a strong signal towards the European Commission that we need to phase out glyphosate once and for all,” said Gergely Simon, PAN Europe's chemical officer. On the other hand, the Glyphosate Renewal Group (GRG) – a group of agrochemical companies which together are applying for the substance's renewed approval – is confident t

For this Vitafoods Insights podcast episode, Maja Oresnik, Science & Research Director at PharmaLinea, joined us to discuss regulatory updates formulators should know about.  Tune in to hear more about:  Regulatory updates from European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) from a formulator's perspective  How these regulatory changes affect the nutraceutical industry players and the key barriers the industry should be aware of the lack of clarity in this system makes formulating difficult What supplements formulators can do to stay on top of these changes  Guest: Maja Oresnik, who's Science & Research Director at PharmaLinea If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the https://the-vitafoods-insights.captivate.fm/ (Vitafoods Insights podcast). Feel free also to recommend the show to a friend that you think would enjoy it. For more content from Vitafoods Insights, make sure to check our website:  https://www.vitafoodsinsights.com/ (https://www.vitafoodsinsights.com)     To learn more about sponsorships opportunities, https://informa.turtl.co/story/vitafoods-insights-2022-marketing-brochure/page/1 (click here) and make sure to check our media kit.

Capsule Manufacturing: It's Not Only What's Inside That Counts The recent EU ban on Titanium Dioxide and changing customer habits are shaking up capsule production. Over the past few years, the coloring and manufacturing of pill capsules have undergone significant changes due to new EU regulations and customer demand for natural ingredients. And while originally invented to mask and protect the contents inside a capsule, research suggests that the color of a tablet or pill can affect how patients feel about their medication. Until recently, manufacturers have primarily used Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) to create white capsules due to its efficiency in protecting the active ingredients from UV rays. However, this year an EU-wide ban on TiO2 has forced the industry to move towards alternatives that work as well, or better, than TiO2. To add to the colorant shake-up, many people are actively avoiding unnatural ingredients in their food and nutritional supplements, which has created a new demand for plant-based capsule colorants. Anticipating these changes and solving the technological challenges in a timely manner are key to a successful long-term strategy for capsule manufacturing. Curious to Know More? Listen to the conversation between A View On host Martina Hestericová and Ljiljana Palangetic, Lonza's Associate Director of Hard Capsules R&D, about the challenges and solutions in current capsule manufacturing.   KEY TERMS IN CONTEXT: Pharmaceutical capsules can be either hard or soft. Soft-shelled capsules are one unique mold that encapsulates the contents, whereas the more widely-used hard-shelled capsules—such as the ones produced by Lonza—are two molded telescopic pieces of capsule: a smaller one contains the active ingredients, and a larger one encloses the capsule. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely-used pigment in capsule manufacturing, as well as in food, paint and sunscreen. Considered completely inorganic and nontoxic from a chemical point of view, it is labeled as an unnatural ingredient for ingestion, and carries the E number E171. Earlier this year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced a six-month phasing-out ban of the colorant over concerns about nano-sized particles of TiO2 accumulating in the body. The full ban takes effect in August. The dip molding process is the manufacturing process for capsules. The final shape of the two pieces that make the capsules is defined by specifically designed molds, which are dipped in a bath of liquid formulation to pick up material that will, after the drying process, give the final capsule form, shape and composition.

For many of us, the relationship we have with sugar is love at first taste, and that love usually lasts a lifetime. 对于我们中的许多人来说，我们与糖的关系是一见钟情，而这种爱通常会持续一生。But what price do we have to pay for this truly addictive, sugary love? Rotten teeth? Heavier bodies? Raised blood sugar levels? Or even type 2 diabetes?但是，我们必须为这种真正令人上瘾的甜蜜爱情付出什么代价？烂牙？更重的身体？血糖水平升高？甚至是2型糖尿病？Time to quit perhaps? Easier said than done. 也许是时候退出了？说起来容易做起来难。What's the alternative? Many would suggest using sweeteners as a substitute. But are sweeteners healthier than sugar?有什么选择？许多人会建议使用甜味剂作为替代品。但是甜味剂比糖更健康吗？Sweeteners are usually low-calorie or calorie-free substances that have a similar taste to sugar. 甜味剂通常是低热量或无热量的物质，其味道与糖相似。It is estimated that more than a quarter of British households buy artificial sweeteners to help cut their sugar intake.据估计，超过四分之一的英国家庭购买人造甜味剂来帮助减少糖摄入量。The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved some of the health claims food manufacturers have made about sweeteners such as xylitol, sorbitol and sucralose. 欧洲食品安全局 (EFSA) 已批准食品制造商对木糖醇、山梨糖醇和三氯蔗糖等甜味剂的一些健康声明。These include preventing tooth decay and controlling blood sugar levels.这些包括防止蛀牙和控制血糖水平。According to the National Health Service in the UK, sweeteners are safe to use and are especially helpful for those who are diabetic.根据英国国家卫生服务局的说法，甜味剂可以安全使用，对糖尿病患者特别有帮助。 Sioned Quirke, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association says, “As a dietician, I support and promote the use of sweeteners in cooking and diet." 英国饮食协会发言人 Sioned Quirke 说：“作为一名营养师，我支持并提倡在烹饪和饮食中使用甜味剂。”She also says that "There is no evidence to suggest that low-calorie sweeteners, such as saccharin, aspartame and sucralose, are harmful or bad for you.”她还说：“没有证据表明糖精、阿斯巴甜和三氯蔗糖等低热量甜味剂对您有害或有害。”But many have concerns over the long-term effects caused by using sweeteners. 但许多人担心使用甜味剂会造成长期影响。 Dr Robert Lustig, author of 'Fat Chance: The Bitter Truth About Sugar' would not endorse sweeteners as an alternative to sugar because, “We have a dearth of data”. 《脂肪机会：糖的苦涩真相》一书的作者 Robert Lustig 博士不会认可甜味剂作为糖的替代品，因为“我们缺乏数据”。According to Dr Lustig, organisations like EFSA only require studies which test if something will poison a person in a short period of time, otherwise known as acute toxicity studies.根据 Lustig 博士的说法，像 EFSA 这样的组织只需要测试某些东西是否会在短时间内毒害人的研究，也就是所谓的急性毒性研究。 But we still don't know what the long-term effects are.但我们仍然不知道长期影响是什么。Dietician Emma Carder says on the NHS Choices website, “While more research is needed, sweeteners continue to have a useful role in offering a sweet taste without adding extra calories.”营养师 Emma Carder 在 NHS Choices 网站上说：“虽然需要更多的研究，但甜味剂在提供甜味而不增加额外卡路里方面继续发挥着有用的作用。”词汇表sugary 甜的rotten 非常糟糕的、不好的blood sugar levels 血糖水平type 2 diabetes 2型糖尿病a substitute 替代物，代用品low-calorie 低热量的，低卡路里的calorie-free 无卡路里的artificial sweeteners 人造甜味剂cut one's sugar intake 减少糖的摄入量health claim 健康声明xylitol 木糖醇sorbitol 山梨糖醇sucralose 三氯蔗糖tooth decay 蛀牙diabetic 糖尿病的，糖尿病患者saccharin 糖精aspartame 天门冬氨酰苯丙氨酸甲酯（一种甜味剂）endorse 支持，赞同dearth 缺乏，不足acute toxicity 急性毒性

Anti-aging compound improves muscle glucose metabolism in people Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, April 26, 2021   A natural compound previously demonstrated to counteract aspects of aging and improve metabolic health in mice has clinically relevant effects in people, according to new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. A small clinical trial of postmenopausal women with prediabetes shows that the compound NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) improved the ability of insulin to increase glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, which often is abnormal in people with obesity, prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. NMN also improved expression of genes that are involved in muscle structure and remodeling. However, the treatment did not lower blood glucose or blood pressure, improve blood lipid profile, increase insulin sensitivity in the liver, reduce fat in the liver or decrease circulating markers of inflammation as seen in mice. The study, published online April 22 in the journal Science, is the first randomized clinical trial to look at the metabolic effects of NMN administration in people. Among the women in the study, 13 received 250 mg of NMN orally every day for 10 weeks, and 12 were given an inactive placebo every day over the same period. "Although our study shows a beneficial effect of NMN in skeletal muscle, it is premature to make any clinical recommendations based on the results from our study," said senior investigator Samuel Klein, MD, the William H. Danforth Professor of Medicine and Nutritional Science and director of the Center for Human Nutrition. "Normally, when a treatment improves insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle, as is observed with weight loss or some diabetes medications, there also are related improvements in other markers of metabolic health, which we did not detect in our study participants." The remarkable beneficial effects of NMN in rodents have led several companies in Japan, China and in the U.S. to market the compound as a dietary supplement or a neutraceutical. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is not authorized to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed, and many people in the U.S. and around the world now take NMN despite the lack of evidence to show clinical benefits in people. The researchers studied 25 postmenopausal women who had prediabetes, meaning they had higher than normal blood sugar levels, but the levels were not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. Women were enrolled in this trial because mouse studies showed NMN had the greatest effects in female mice. NMN is involved in producing an important compound in all cells, called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD plays a vital role in keeping animals healthy. Levels of NAD decline with age in a broad range of animals, including humans, and the compound has been shown to contribute to a variety of aging-associated problems, including insulin resistance in studies conducted in mice. Supplementing animals with NMN slows and ameliorates age-related decline in the function of many tissues in the body.  Co-investigator Shin-ichiro Imai, MD, PhD, a professor of developmental biology and of medicine who has been studying NMN for almost two decades and first reported on its benefits in mice said, "This is one step toward the development of an anti-aging intervention, though more research is needed to fully understand the cellular mechanisms responsible for the effects observed in skeletal muscle in people." Insulin enhances glucose uptake and storage in muscle, so people who are resistant to insulin are at increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. But the researchers caution that more studies are needed to determine whether NMN has beneficial effects in the prevention or management of prediabetes or diabetes in people. Klein and Imai are continuing to evaluate NMN in another trial involving men as well as women.     N-acetylcysteine for depression in adolescents and young adults at risk for bipolar disorder University of Cincinnati, April 23, 2021 According to news reporting originating from Cincinnati, Ohio, by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, “To investigate the mechanism of action of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in depressive symptoms in young individuals at familial risk for bipolar disorder. We conducted an 8-week open label clinical trial of NAC 2400 mg/days in 15-24 years old depressed offspring of a bipolar I disorder parent, with baseline and endpoint proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy acquired within the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC).” Our news editors obtained a quote from the research from the University of Cincinnati, “Nine participants were enrolled and finished the study. NAC significantly improved depressive and anxiety symptom scores, and clinical global impression (all p< .001). There was a non-significant reduction in glutamate levels in the left VLPFC. Reduction in depressive symptom scores was positively associated with reduction in glutamate levels in the left VLPFC (p = .007).” According to the news editors, the research concluded: “This pilot study suggests that NAC might be efficacious for depressive symptoms in at-risk youth, and that its mechanism of action involves the modulation of glutamate in the left VLPFC.” This research has been peer-reviewed.     Soda consumption linked to accelerated aging and increased mortality risk University of California at San Francisco, April 26, 2021 A recent study by researcher from the University of California, San Francisco says that drinking soda can increase the risk of all-cause mortality and accelerate aging. The findings build on mounting evidence of the adverse effects drinking soda and other sugary beverages have on the body, which include obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, dental caries and gout. The team collated data from the National Health and Examination Surveys, an annual program for assessing the health and nutrition of American adults and children. They gathered data from over 5,300 participants between 1999 and 2002, all of whom had no history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.  In particular, they looked at stored DNA data from the participants – measuring telomere length and comparing it with their consumption of sugar-sweetened soda. The researchers found that those who regularly drank sugar-sweetened soda had shorter telomeres than those who didn’t. Research has shown that telomeres have been previously associated with lifespan. Having shorter telomere length, for instance, has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even certain types of cancer. The team reported in their study that consuming even just eight ounces of soda every day can accelerate aging by nearly two years. Meanwhile, 20 ounces of soda can accelerate aging by up to 4.6 years when consumed daily. In fact, drinking sugar-sweetened soda can reduce telomere length at a rate similar to smoking. The UCSF study is also the first to link regular consumption of sugar-sweetened soda to telomere shortening. According to study co-author Elissa Epel, drinking sugar-sweetened soda adds strain to the body by metabolizing these sugars and accelerates cellular aging in tissues. “This finding held regardless of age, race, income and education level. Telomere shortening starts long before disease onset,” Epel added. ” Although we only studied adults here, it is possible that soda consumption is associated with telomere shortening in children, as well.” Sugary sodas linked to rising all-cause deaths In another study, European experts revealed that drinking sugary sodas and other sweetened drinks increases the risk of all-cause deaths. The researchers collected data from more than 450,000 individuals enrolled in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, a large-scale cohort study for biochemical and genetic markers for cancer and other chronic diseases. A follow-up revealed that more than 40,000 participants from the original study had already died. Using their data, the team found a strong link between regular soda consumption and all-cause mortality. Those who regularly drank more than two glasses of sugary drinks increased their risk of dying from circulatory diseases, while those who drank at least one glass of sugary drinks increased their risk of dying from digestive diseases and Parkinson’s disease. “Our results … provide additional support for the possible adverse health effects of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and to replace them with other healthier beverages, preferably water,” explained co-author Neil Murphy. “For artificially-sweetened soft drinks, we now need a better understanding of the mechanisms that may underlie this association and research such as ours will hopefully stimulate these efforts.” The findings appeared in JAMA Internal Medicine.     Curcumin concoction could combat colitis: Study Baylor University, April 25, 2021 A formula that blends curcumin and turmeric oils can prove effective against the activity and inflammatory burden of colitis, a study has determined. Published in Nature Scientific Reports, the study identifies the efficacy of a specific curcumin preparation containing essential turmeric oils (ETO-curcumin) in reducing colitis symptoms. These turmeric oils, aromatic-tumerones (ar-tumerones), alpha-turmerones, beta-turmerones, alpha-santalene and aromatic curcumene, appear to be responsible for an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant action, the study suggests. The combination also appeared to exert higher bioactivity than stand-alone curcumin – a feature that could prove valuable in using turmeric for other intestinal conditions. “The therapeutic benefits of turmeric can be attained at its best by combining curcumin with turmerone, an active compound derived from essential oil of turmeric,” said P.J. Kunjachan, chairman and managing director for Arjuna Natural Extracts “This new finding provides our customers an added value for promoting their BCM-95-based formulations in an increasingly crowded curcumin market,” added Dr Benny Antony, joint managing director for Arjuna. BCM-95 often combines curcumin with other turmeric compounds as its poor bioavailability has been cited as a barrier to its use in other disorders. Obstacles are not limited to curcumin's chemical properties. Despite the 17 claims for its anti-inflammatory and digestive health properties, there are currently no approved health claims for curcumin in the EU. These claims are featured on the 2000+ list of on-hold botanical claims yet to be processed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). As well as Arjuna, other manufacturers with an interest in curcumin include herbal manufacturers Sabinsa and Italian botanicals firm Indena. Led by Dr Shusuke Toden, research associate from Baylor University in the US, the trial compared ETO-curcumin preparations  against standard curcumin at three specific doses (0, 5, 25 or 50 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)). These doses were administered to an animal model with induced colitis for seven days. The research team found that ETO-curcumin improved disease activity index (DAI) dose-dependently, while the anti-inflammatory efficacy of standard curcumin remained constant. “This suggests that ETO-curcumin may provide superior anti-inflammatory efficacy compared to standard curcumin,” the study explained. “ETO-curcumin associated anti-inflammatory effects were particularly pronounced at higher doses.” Further findings revealed that anti-inflammatory proteins produced included IL-10 and IL-11 as well as FOXP3, which increased in number in the colon by ETO-curcumin.   Study examines association between lifestyle patterns and BMI in early childhood Results support obesity prevention efforts early in life Deakin University (Australia), April 26, 2021   A new Australian study reveals that changes in lifestyle patterns were longitudinally associated with concurrent changes in body mass index (BMI) z scores, and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal dietary patterns and television viewing time are significant determinants, according to a paper published online in Obesity, The Obesity Society's (TOS) flagship journal. This is the first study that used multi-trajectory modeling to examine the longitudinal relationship between concurrent changes in lifestyle patterns and BMI z scores in early childhood.  "The findings will inform early childhood obesity prevention intervention and policy, and will be of great interest to pediatricians, researchers, policymakers and the general public," said Miaobing Zheng of the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, in Geelong, Australia. Zheng is the corresponding author of the study.  Experts explain that longitudinal studies investigating the association between lifestyle patterns and obesity in children are scarce. An association between a healthy lifestyle pattern and lower obesity risk has, however, been previously reported in a few cross-sectional studies. In the present study, the co-occurrence of stable healthy lifestyle patterns along with a concurrent normal BMI z score trajectory of one unit from 18 to 60 months in about half of the children provides new longitudinal evidence supporting that children with healthy lifestyles were more likely to concurrently have normal BMI z score development.  Data of 439 children were used from the Melbourne Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) program. This longitudinal cohort of children commenced in 2008 as a 15-month parent-focused cluster randomized controlled trial aiming to reduce obesity risk behaviors in children until 18 months. Additional follow-ups without interventions occurred for children aged 42 and 60 months. Multi-trajectory modeling identified groups of children following similar lifestyle patterns and BMI z score trajectories and multi-nomial logistic regression assessed the determinants of the trajectory groups.  Three trajectory groups of child lifestyle patterns and BMI z scores were identified and distinguished, showing a mixture of healthy and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and BMI zscores. Compared to Groups 1 "Unhealthy lifestyle pattern, Low BMI z" and 3 "Unhealthy lifestyle pattern, High BMI z", Group 2 "Healthy lifestyle pattern, Mid BMI z" revealed the most distinctive trajectories across lifestyle patterns and BMI z scores. Group 2 comprised nearly 53 percent of children and followed a stable and low trajectory for an unhealthy lifestyle pattern characterized by energy-dense and nutrient poor discretionary food consumption and television viewing time and a high and rising trajectory for a healthy lifestyle pattern of fruit and vegetable intakes and time outdoors, along with a mean BMI z score of +1 unit over time. Groups 1 and 3 shared similar high trajectories for an unhealthy lifestyle pattern of discretionary food consumption and television viewing time, and low trajectories for a healthy lifestyle pattern of fruit and vegetable intakes and time outdoors. The two groups however differed in BMI z score trajectories, showing stable patterns but at mean scores of 0 and +2 units, respectively. Child sex, breastfeeding duration and maternal physical activity were not associated with the identified trajectory groups. The study's authors note that the co-occurrence of stable lifestyle patterns and BMI z score trajectories in early childhood highlight the importance of initiating lifestyle obesity prevention early in life, and such interventions could target both children and the mother. A multi-behavior approach to simultaneously target healthy diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviors could be adapted. "Young children learn by imitating that which they see daily. There is no doubt that children copy the behaviors observed in the presence of parents: healthy and unhealthy," said Liliana Aguayo, PhD, MPH, a childhood obesity expert, TOS member and research assistant professor from the Hubert Department of Global Health at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. "Evidence from this study highlights the importance of early childhood as a critical period for development of obesity. More research is needed to identify effective approaches to simultaneously address parent and child health behaviors." Aguayo was not associated with the research.     DDT exposure in grandmothers linked to obesity, earlier periods in granddaughters Young women today may face increased health risks linked to breast cancer due to effects from the banned toxic pesticide lasting over three generations University of California at Davis, April 16, 2021 In the first study to report on the health effects of exposure to a toxic environmental chemical over three human generations, a new study has found that granddaughters whose grandmothers were exposed to the pesticide DDT have higher rates of obesity and earlier first menstrual periods. This may increase the granddaughters' risk for breast cancer as well as high blood pressure, diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases.  The research by the Public Health Institute's Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS) and the University of California at Davis was published today in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. It suggests that effects from the pesticide DDT -- despite being banned in the U.S. nearly 50 years ago -- may contribute to the falling age of first periods and increases in obesity rates among young women today. The study found that the risk of obesity in young adult granddaughters was 2 to 3 times greater when their grandmothers (who were not overweight) had higher levels of o,p'-DDT (a contaminant of commercial DDT) in their blood during or just after pregnancy. Granddaughters were twice as likely to have earlier first menstrual periods when their grandmothers had higher o,p'-DDT blood levels. DDT and its related chemicals, including o,p'-DDT, are known to be endocrine disrupting chemicals, compounds that can alter and interfere with natural hormones that are essential for development.  "We already know that it's nearly impossible to avoid exposures to many common environmental chemicals that are endocrine disruptors. Now our study shows for the first time in people that environmental chemicals like DDT may also pose health threats to our grandchildren," said Barbara Cohn, director of CHDS and senior author of the study. "In combination with our on-going studies of DDT effects in the grandmother's and mother's generations, our work suggests we should take precautionary action on the use of other endocrine disrupting chemicals, given their potential to affect generations to come in ways we cannot anticipate today."  The Child Health and Development Studies is a unique project that has followed 20,000 pregnant women and their families for more than 60 years. CHDS enrolled and began following pregnant women in the Bay Area between 1959 and 1967, a time of high pesticide use before DDT was banned in 1972. These "founding grandmothers" in the study gave blood samples at each trimester during pregnancy and one sample shortly after birth. The blood samples were tested for levels of DDT and its related chemicals, including active ingredients, contaminants and their metabolites. The study today focused on o,p'-DDT as it has previously been linked to breast cancer, obesity and other harmful health effects in daughters, and is believed to be the most sensitive biomarker for exposures before and immediately after birth. Since granddaughters' exposure would occur via their mothers' in utero egg cell development, o,p'-DDT levels are a potential predictor of granddaughters' exposure outcomes.  "These data suggest that the disruption of endocrine systems by DDT initiates in immature human eggs, decades before the eggs are fertilized," said Michele La Merrill, associate professor at UCD who was co-lead author of the study. The CHDS study included interviews, home visits and questionnaires from the daughters and granddaughters of the original enrollees. During home visits, blood pressure and height and weight measurements were taken. The study today is based on 365 adult granddaughters who completed questionnaires, participated in a home visit, had available DDT measures from grandmothers' serum, and (for 285 of them) had available information on body mass index (BMI) in all three generations. Information on the age of first period for all three generations was available from 235 granddaughters. Previous CHDS studies have shown that mothers' DDT exposure during pregnancy or immediately after birth correlates with increased daughters' risk of breast cancer and the prevalence of breast cancer risk factors, including obesity, among adult daughters. Other prior studies have linked DDT exposure to birth defects, reduced fertility and an increased risk of diabetes. A commentary in the journal Reproductive Toxicology last year called CHDS "a national treasure that keeps on giving" and noted that "There are no other U.S. studies as well defined, sampled, and followed as the CHDS....The CHDS provides unique and essential value in understanding health effects of environmental exposures as they relate to life-stage sensitivity."       Capsaicin analog could help treatment-resistant lung cancer Small cell lung cancer cells exposed to synthetic analog of chili pepper compound responded better to chemotherapy Marshall University, April 27, 2021 A new study found that non-pungent synthetic analog of capsaicin -- the compound that makes chili peppers hot -- made small cell lung cancer cells more responsive to treatment. Small cell lung cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer with a low survival rate.  Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy is typically the first-line treatment for small cell lung cancer patients. Although patients initially respond very well to this chemotherapy, the tumor usually comes back within a year in a form that doesn't respond to treatments. Patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer have very few treatment options.  "Irinotecan is the only FDA approved second-line drug for small cell lung cancer, but less than 3% of patients respond to it," said research team leader Piyali Dasgupta, PhD, from Marshall University. "Therefore, agents that improve the anti-cancer activity of irinotecan would be of great value to these patients." Jamie Friedman, a former doctoral student in Dasgupta's lab will present the new findings at the American Society for Investigative Pathology annual meeting during the virtual Experimental Biology (EB) 2021 meeting, to be held April 27-30.  The natural compound capsaicin has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, but its heat can also cause a burning sensation, stomach cramps, gut pain and nausea. In the new work, the researchers studied arvanil, a synthetic capsaicin analog without capsaicin's undesirable side effects.  When the researchers exposed two cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cell lines to a low concentration of arvanil, they saw no growth-inhibitory activity. However, when they treated the cells with varying concentrations of SN38 -- the active ingredient irinotecan -- they observed that the presence of arvanil greatly enhanced the ability of SN38 to slow cancer cell growth. Statistical analysis showed that the interaction between arvanil and SN38 was synergistic in nature.  "Because arvanil enhanced the anti-cancer activity of SN38 in human small cell lung cancer cells, arvanil-based combination therapies may be useful for patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer cells," said Friedman. "We hope that this work will pave the way for novel therapies for relapsed and cisplatin-resistant small cell lung cancer."     Five Therapeutic Properties of Medicinal Mushrooms GreenMedInfo, April 25, 2021   Mushrooms have recently gained popularity in culinary circles, but their far-reaching therapeutic properties should get your attention for a longer and healthier life. Although mushrooms have been part of the healer’s toolbox since ancient times, the medicinal power of mushrooms is gaining momentum in evidence-based journals. Medicinal mushrooms come in a wide variety and shapes such as white button, reishi, maitake, shiitake, oyster, cordyceps, cauliflower, tiger tail and lion’s mane, and most have health benefits that range from fighting cancer and boosting your immunity and memory to preventing diseases like diabetes and arthritis. 1. Anticancer Reishi (in Japanese) or lingzhi (in Chinese) mushrooms are well known in Asia for their anticancer properties. In a meta-analysis by scientists of 23 trials involving 4,246 cancer patients, reishi mushrooms enhanced longevity and quality of life in cancer patients.[i] Therapy with white button mushrooms impacted prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and inhibited prostate cancer by decreasing immunosuppressive factors.[ii] Polysaccharides from Cordyceps cicadae mushrooms inhibited the growth of cancer cells and induced cancer cell deaths showing its effectiveness as a low cost and safe treatment for cervical cancer.[iii] A peptide from the shiitake mushroom showed promising results in growth arrest, cell death and cleaning out damaged cells in a breast cancer in vitro study.[iv] In both in vitro and in vivo studies, results showed that mice with induced testicular cancer treated with the Cordyceps sinensis mushroom had significantly smaller and fewer tumors than the control group.[v] Cordyceps cicadae mushroom treatment prevented testicular damage and tumors caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation in rats.[vi] In a lung cancer-induced study of mice, treatment with reishi mushrooms inhibited cell viability and mobility of lung cancer cells in vitro.[vii] In a cell study of reishi mushroom extract, the treatment offered high antitumor and liver protection with low toxicity on human liver cancer cells.[viii] 2. Immunomodulatory In a meta-analysis of 20 animal disease studies, grifola frondosa, or maitake mushroom, polysaccharide showed strong immune function by enhancing T cells, natural killer cells and macrophages in mice and increasing the secretion of two important immune factors, TNF-α and INF-γ.[ix] In a clinical study of 105 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, a combination of reishi mushroom extract and geraniums improved immunity and fought the cancer and secondary infections that could have compromised treatment and health.[x] In a study of 18 patients diagnosed with low and intermediate myelodysplastic syndrome, which can lead to leukemia if not managed well, maitake mushroom extract treatment of three milligrams (mg) twice a day for 12 weeks increased immunity, positively affecting neutrophil, monocyte and free radical production.[xi] In a clinical study of asymptomatic children from 3 to 5 years old, treatment with beta glucans from reishi mushrooms showed increased immune system cells in the peripheral blood — signaling a strong defense against childhood infections.[xii] Reviewing in vivo and in vitro studies on mice and human cell lines using lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) and tiger tail (Trametes versicolor) mushrooms, treatments showed immunomodulatory, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative effects.[xiii] 3. Antioxidant Polysaccharide beta glucan extracted from reishi mushroom was shown to be a powerful antioxidant in 37 high risk and 34 stable angina patients; those who were treated with 750 mg per day for three months had significantly decreased oxidative radicals and improved progression of atherosclerosis.[xiv] In a study of 42 healthy subjects, another intervention with beta glucan from reishi mushrooms of 225 mg per day for three months demonstrated its antioxidative effects — enhanced total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activities as well as reduced mild fatty liver condition to normal by suppressing oxidative stress were observed.[xv] 4. Anti-inflammatory  Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with a triterpene compound from reishi mushrooms showed that the inflammatory cytokines were significantly inhibited in a study of children with Crohn’s disease.[xvi] Sixty patients with moderate persistent asthma were studied and those who took the cordyceps sinensis mushroom capsule for two months had reduced airway inflammation caused by their chronic asthma.[xvii] Cordycepin from medicinal mushrooms showed strong effects on many anti-inflammatory diseases.[xviii] In a study of 32 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis, supplementation of medicinal mushroom and Chinese herbs — reishi (4 grams) and San Miao San (2.4 grams) daily — lowered arthritic pain for patients.[xix] The data in a mice study support a model where white button mushrooms regulate immunity in vitro and protect the colon from inflammation-induced injuries in vivo.[xx] The brain is susceptible to inflammation as well. In an Alzheimer’s disease model of rats, treatment with medicinal mushroom extracts delayed disease progression, improved learning and memory functions and stopped neural cell deaths and brain atrophy.[xxi] Chaga mushrooms administered to mice successfully protected against Alzheimer’s disease by modulating oxidative stress, Nrf2 signaling and mitochondrial cell deaths while improving memory and cognition.[xxii] Cordycepin from the Cordyceps sinensis mushroom alleviated Parkinson’s disease motor disorder symptoms by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation in vivo and in vitro.[xxiii] Lion’s mane mushrooms were supplemented for 12 weeks and were effective in preventing dementia and cognitive decline.[xxiv] Lion’s mane supplementation for four weeks in a study of 30 females also reduced depression and anxiety.[xxv] 5. Antidiabetic Dyslipidemia, high blood cholesterol and triglycerides is often a harbinger of future diabetes. In a rat model, white button mushrooms and a probiotic were found to lower dyslipidemia and decrease oxidative stress.[xxvi] In a study of 89 diabetic patients, oyster mushroom consumption significantly reduced blood glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol without ill effects on the liver or kidneys.[xxvii] Polyphenols from Phellinus igniarius, or willow bracket, mushroom extract were used in vitro and in vivo studies of induced Type 2 diabetes mice and showed improved glucose tolerance, reduced hyperglycemia and normalized insulin levels.[xxviii] Diabetic nephropathy, kidney disease caused by Type 2 diabetes, was studied in vitro with disease-induced rats and treatment with Cordyceps cicadae resulted in improved insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, suppressed inflammation and balanced gut microbiome thus stopping the diabetes-related progression of renal disease and tumors.[xxix] In an animal study, maitake mushroom prevented the progression of kidney fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy rats, significantly decreased fasting blood glucose levels, reduced inflammatory cytokines and lowered renal fibrosis indexes indicating its effectiveness in the treatment or prevention of nephropathy.[xxx] In their meta-analysis of 623 articles and 33 randomized controlled experiments using cauliflower mushroom extract (S. Crispa), researchers found statistically significant differences in diabetic symptoms including decreased serum insulin levels and wound rates and an increase in nutrient intake content.[xxxi] Mushrooms and Their Medicinal Powers Medicinal mushrooms are widely researched and used as treatment in the prevention and progression of many diseases from cancer and asthma to diabetes and dementia. Mushrooms protect you due to their anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, immune boosting and antioxidant activities. To learn more, see GreenMedInfo.com’s database on mushrooms.          

Avoiding Risky Health Behaviors Can Increase Lifespan by 7 Years Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research and University of Michigan, August 12, 2020  Study shows that those who do not smoke, are not obese, and consume alcohol moderately can live 7 years longer than the general population - spending most of these extra years in good health. A new study shows those who avoid risky health behaviors tend to live a long life. Perhaps more importantly, those extra years are characterized by good health. Examples of such “risky health behaviors” include smoking, consuming an excess of alcohol and eating to the point of reaching obesity. The study's results show avoiding such behaviors leads to an increased lifespan of seven years. The study's details were recently published in Health Affairs. Mikko Myrskyla, the Director of Germany's Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, and Neil Mehta, a University of Michigan professor, spearheaded the study. The study examined data for over 14,000 individuals living in the United States. It determined those who never smoked and did not become obese lived between four and five years longer than the rest of the population. These additional years were not plagued by disabilities. It was also determined those who consumed alcohol in moderation enjoyed an extended lifespan of seven disability-free years. In fact, these individuals enjoyed a life expectancy beyond that of those living in Japan, a nation that is commonly considered to be the best example of how healthy living leads to an extended life. Most people think advancements in medical technology are a primary determinant of lifespan and health. However, this study shows a healthy lifestyle can extend lifespan and improve health. The bottom line is those who avoid smoking and obesity while limiting alcohol consumption will enjoy considerable health and lifespan benefits. This study is a trailblazer of sorts as it is the first to study the aggregate impact of numerous health behaviors on total life expectancy as well as one's odds for being afflicted by disabilities. Prior studies examined single health behaviors. Myrskyla and Mehta studied an array of behaviors to determine lifespan and level of health for those who avoided the most common behavioral risk factors. The pair of researchers found smoking, obesity and consuming an excess of alcohol were tied to reduced life expectancy as well as an earlier occurrence of numerous disabilities. It was determined that smoking was tied to an early death yet not with an increase in the number of years in which people were plagued with disabilities. Obesity is tied to an extensive period of time in which people are plagued with disabilities. Excessive consumption of alcohol is tied to a reduced lifespan and a reduction in the number of years spent in good health. The most surprising finding was the massive difference in the average lifespan between the groups that were most at risk and least at risk. Men who avoided obesity, did not smoke and only drank at moderation lived 11 years longer than those who smoked, drank in excess and were overweight. For women, the difference between these groups was 12 years. People will be happy to know the number of years in which one lives with physical limitations does not increase as he gains more years with a healthy way of life. Rather, a healthy way of life is linked to a solid increase in physically fit years. This means the years one gains through a healthy lifestyle are years characterized by good health. This study's results show just how important it is for people to key in on prevention. Avoid the risky health behaviors noted above and the odds of a long and healthy life dramatically increase. Furthermore, policy interventions to target health behaviors might help significant portions of the population to enjoy the health benefits noted in the study.   UCalgary researchers discover the microbiome's role in attacking cancerous tumours Findings show how our gut bacteria can enhance immunotherapy to battle different forms of cancer UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY   Researchers with the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) have discovered which gut bacteria help our immune system battle cancerous tumours and how they do it. The discovery may provide a new understanding of why immunotherapy, a treatment for cancer that helps amplify the body's immune response, works in some cases, but not others. The findings, published in Science, show combining immunotherapy with specific microbial therapy boosts the ability of the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells in some melanoma, bladder and colorectal cancers.  Dr. Kathy McCoy, PhD, is a leading expert on the body's relationship with the microbiome. She and her team are focused on harnessing the power of the microbiome to improve health and treat diseases. McCoy says to harness and direct that power scientists need to better understand the role bacteria play in regulating the immune system. "Recent studies have provided strong evidence that gut microbiota can positively affect anti-tumour immunity and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating certain cancers, yet, how the bacteria were able to do this remained elusive, " says McCoy, director of the International Microbiome Centre at the University of Calgary and principal investigator on the study. "We've been able to build on that work by showing how certain bacteria enhance the ability of T-cells, the body's immunity soldiers that attack and destroy cancerous cells." First, the researchers identified bacterial species that were associated with colorectal cancer tumours when treated with immunotherapy. Working with germ-free mice, they then introduced these specific bacteria along with immune checkpoint blockade, a type of cancer immunotherapy. Research revealed that specific bacteria were essential to the immunotherapy working. The tumours shrank, drastically. For those subjects that did not receive the beneficial bacteria, the immunotherapy had no effect. "We found that these bacteria produce a small molecule, called inosine," says Dr. Lukas Mager, MD, PhD, senior postdoctoral researcher in the McCoy lab and first author on the study. "Inosine interacts directly with T-cells and together with immunotherapy, it improves the effectiveness of that treatment, in some cases destroying all the colorectal cancer cells." The researchers then validated the findings in both bladder cancer and melanoma. The next step in this work will be to study the finding in humans. The three beneficial bacteria associated with the tumours in mice have also been found in cancers in humans.  "Identifying how microbes improve immunotherapy is crucial to designing therapies with anti-cancer properties, which may include microbials," says McCoy. "The microbiome is an amazing collection of billions of bacteria that live within and around us everyday. We are in the early stage of fully understanding how we can use this new knowledge to improve efficacy and safety of anti-cancer therapy and improve cancer patient survival and well-being."   Yoga shown to improve anxiety, study shows New York University School of Medicine, August 13, 2020   Yoga improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, a condition with chronic nervousness and worry, suggesting the popular practice may be helpful in treating anxiety in some people. Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, a new study found that yoga was significantly more effective for generalized anxiety disorder than standard education on stress management, but not effective as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the gold standard form of structured talk therapy that helps patients identify negative thinking for better responses to challenges.  "Generalized anxiety disorder is a very common condition, yet many are not willing or able to access evidence-based treatments," says lead study author Naomi M. Simon, MD, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health. "Our findings demonstrate that yoga, which is safe and widely available, can improve symptoms for some people with this disorder and could be a valuable tool in an overall treatment plan." For the study, publishing online Aug. 12 in JAMA Psychiatry, 226 men and women with generalized anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to three groups - either CBT, Kundalini yoga, or stress-management education, a standardized control technique.  After three months, both CBT and yoga were found to be significantly more effective for anxiety than stress management. Specifically, 54 percent of those who practiced yoga met response criteria for meaningfully improved symptoms compared to 33 percent in the stress-education group. Of those treated with CBT, 71 percent met these symptom improvement criteria.  However, after six months of follow-up, the CBT response remained significantly better than stress education (the control therapy), while yoga was no longer significantly better, suggesting CBT may have more robust, longer-lasting anxiety-reducing effects. Study Details The study involved an evidence-based protocol for CBT treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, including psychoeducation, cognitive interventions (focused on identifying and adapting maladaptive thoughts and worrying), and muscle relaxation techniques.  Kundalini yoga included physical postures, breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, yoga theory, and meditation/mindfulness practice.  The stress-management education control group received lectures about the physiological, psychological and medical effects of stress, as well as the antianxiety effects of lifestyle behaviors, such as reducing alcohol and smoking, and the importance of exercise and a healthy diet. Homework consisted of listening to educational material about stress, nutrition, and lifestyle. Each treatment was administered in groups of three to six participants, over weekly two-hour sessions for 12 weeks with 20 minutes of daily homework assigned. Can Yoga Help Treat Anxiety? According to researchers, generalized anxiety disorder is a common, impairing, and undertreated condition, currently affecting an estimated 6.8 million Americans. While most people feel anxious from time to time, it is considered a disorder when worrying becomes excessive and interferes with day-to-day life. CBT is considered the gold standard first-line treatment. Medications, including antidepressants and sometimes benzodiazepines, may also be used. Yet, not everyone is willing to take medication which can have adverse side effects and there are challenges with accessing CBT for many, including lack of access to trained therapists and long waitlists. "Many people already seek complementary and alternative interventions, including yoga, to treat anxiety," says Dr. Simon. "This study suggests that at least short-term there is significant value for people with generalized anxiety disorder to give yoga a try to see if it works for them. Yoga is well-tolerated, easily accessible, and has a number of health benefits." According to Dr. Simon, future research should aim to understand who is most likely to benefit from yoga for generalized anxiety disorder to help providers better personalize treatment recommendations. "We need more options to treat anxiety because different people will respond to different interventions, and having more options can help overcome barriers to care," she says. "Having a range of effective treatments can increase the likelihood people with anxiety will be willing to engage in evidence-based care."   High omega 3 fatty acid intake associated with decreased risk of depressive symptoms in middle-aged women Gachon University (S Korea), August 12, 2020   According to news originating from Gyeonggi Do, South Korea, the research stated, “Omega-3 fatty acid n-3FA intake is known to have a preventive effect on depressive symptoms in a general population.” The news correspondents obtained a quote from the research from Gachon University: “This study assessed the effects of n-3 FA intake on depressive symptoms and brain function in middle-aged women. Depressive symptoms were screened using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D) assessment questionnaires, and n-3 FA intakes were assessed using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. We found that * * n* * -3 FA intakes were negatively associated with depressive symptoms in middle-aged women. Psychiatrists diagnosed the presence of depressive disorders using the 5th edition of the Mental Disorder Diagnosis and Statistics Manual (DSM-5). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was performed to investigate the association between n-3 FA intake and brain functional connectivity. Functional connectivity of the right middle frontal cortex (default mode network) and the right middle temporal pole (frontoparietal network) was positively associated with depressive symptom scores and negatively associated with n-3 FA intakes.” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “In conclusion, high Omega-3 n-3 FA intake decreases the risk of depressive symptoms and modifies the brain functional connectivity in middle-aged women.”   Study: Medical marijuana associated with fewer hospitalizations for individuals with SCD Obtaining medical marijuana also associated with an increase in use of edible cannabis products Yale School of Medicine, August 13, 2020   Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) who receive medical marijuana to treat pain may require fewer visits to the hospital, according to a new study in Blood Advances. Adults with SCD who requested and obtained medical marijuana were admitted to the hospital less frequently than those who did not obtain it. SCD is the most common inherited red blood cell disorder in the United States, affecting an estimated 100,000 people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, SCD affects one out of every 365 Black or African American births and one out of every 16,300 Hispanic American births. SCD is characterized by abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells that can adhere to and block blood vessels, preventing oxygen from reaching the tissues. When this occurs, individuals living with SCD experience severe pain events which may drive them to seek emergency care. It is estimated that there are more than 100,000 SCD-related hospital stays in the United States each year. There is a need for other options for management of pain so that individuals with SCD do not have to go through the time, hardship, and expense of hospitalization and can manage their symptoms at home. Previous studies have shown that cannabis and cannabinoid products can effectively treat chronic pain associated other conditions such as cancer. More controlled studies of marijuana for the treatment of pain in SCD are still needed. "When we offered medical marijuana as an option to our patients with sickle cell disease, we found the majority of people who were interested were already using illicit marijuana to treat pain," said the study's lead author Susanna Curtis, MD, of the Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center. "Illicit marijuana is not regulated, so its quality and contents are not standardized. And particularly for people with sickle cell disease, many of whom identify as Black, we know that while Black and white people use marijuana at similar rates, Black people are four times more likely to be arrested for possession. We didn't want our patients using unsafe products or being arrested for trying to control the pain of their condition." Dr. Curtis and her team examined data from 50 individuals with SCD at the Adult Sickle Cell Program at Yale New Haven Hospital who were certified for medical marijuana use. Of those certified, 29 obtained medical marijuana and 21 did not. Those who obtained medical marijuana visited the hospital less frequently on average over the following six months. Several patients even reduced their hospital admission rates by three, four, or five visits. Receiving medical marijuana was not associated with a change in emergency room or infusion center visits, total health care utilization, or opioid use. Researchers did not observe any change to hospitalization rates in individuals who did not obtain medical marijuana. Dr. Curtis suggested a possible reason for the reduced hospitalization rates could be that medical marijuana helps individuals better tolerate their pain at home. The researchers also sought to understand why many patients were unable to access medical marijuana, and why some continued to occasionally use illicit cannabis despite obtaining medical marijuana. In a survey, individuals who obtained medical marijuana reported that they felt it was safer than illicit marijuana and they felt it was effective at controlling their pain; however, they did also report barriers such as greater expense and difficulty of access. Race and socioeconomic status may also be barriers for patients with SCD. "About 80% of our clinic population identifies as Black, and another 15% as Latinx, and unfortunately people of color who visit the hospital with pain are often not believed or accused of being drug-seeking. Medical marijuana is associated with significant stigma, and stigma is already a big part of the life of a person with sickle cell," said Dr. Curtis. Cannabis and cannabinoid products also present legal and medical challenges. While 33 states have medical marijuana laws, only five of those states list SCD as a qualifying condition. Medical marijuana products vary greatly in their chemical content and forms of administration. In the study, patients who obtained medical marijuana were more likely to use edible products as opposed to inhaled products. Previous research suggests the pain-relieving effect of edible products has a slower onset but a longer duration than that of inhaled products. This variability between different products can cause difficulty for patients trying to manage their symptoms. Dr. Curtis highlighted the need for further research to understand the efficacy, side effects, and drug interactions of various cannabis products on SCD treatment. "My patients are living with a very difficult disease that causes them a lot of pain. We need controlled trials to look at each product, and the effects of how it is taken, so that we can offer regulated, pharmaceutical-grade treatment options."   Recalling memories from a third-person perspective changes how our brain processes them Remembering your past as an observer affects your memories, according to new study University of Alberta, August 13, 2020   Adopting a third-person, observer point of view when recalling your past activates different parts of your brain than recalling a memory seen through your own eyes, according to a new paper. "Our perspective when we remember changes which brain regions support memory and how these brain regions interact together," explained Peggy St Jacques, assistant professor in the Faculty of Science'sDepartment of Psychology and co-author on the paper.  Specifically, the results show that recalling memories from an observer-like perspective, instead of through your own eyes, leads to greater interaction between the anterior hippocampus and the posterior medial network. "These findings contribute to a growing body of research that show that retrieving memories is an active process that can bias and even distort our memories," added St Jacques. "Adopting an observer-like perspective involves viewing the past in a novel way, which requires greater interaction among brain regions that support our ability to recall the details of a memory and to recreate mental images in our mind's eye." Adopting an observer-like perspective may also serve a therapeutic purpose, explained St Jacques. "This may be an effective way of dealing with troubling memories by viewing the past from a distance and reducing the intensity of the emotions we feel."  This work builds on St Jacques' previous research on visual perspective in memory, which found that the perspective from which we recall a memory can influence how we remember them over time.     Calcium-rich fermented foods preferred in improving bone and heart health, study says Nattopharma (Norway), August 9, 2020 Calcium should come from healthy sources like fermented dairy products and leafy greens as a review outlines an approach to receiving an adequate intake while supporting bone and heart health. The review paper, published in the latest edition of the Open Heart journal, stated that the majority of the US population did not consume the current recommended dietary allowance for calcium. This finding has also been echoed in Europe with studies identifying dietary calcium intake as low - 300 and 600 mg/day in women, and 350 and 700 mg/day in men. The review also found milk and dairy products the most readily available dietary sources of calcium that were preferred by the general population. However, concerns as to these food's long-term health effects were mentioned as milk, in particular was singled out as a promoter of inflammation and oxidation in adult humans. Despite this, the review detailed a series of steps that could help in building strong bones while maintaining soft and supple arteries.  These included obtaining calcium from dietary sources rather and ensuring that adequate animal protein intake is coupled with calcium intake of 1000 mg/day. Other measures included maintaining vitamin D levels in the normal range, and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables to alkalinise the system and promote bone health. Other research has shown that calcium supplementation can play an important role in boosting levels, especially in areas where healthy diets are less common. The average calcium requirement for young adults (18–24 years) is 860 mg/day as defined by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA also define the safe upper limit for calcium intake in adults, including pregnant and lactating women, at 2,500 mg/day. The findings that suggest milk as a less-than-ideal source of calcium will come as a surprise to many. Indeed, the review acknowledged that "cow's milk, though rich in many nutrients, including calcium, has issues that render it less than ideal as a dietary staple for many adults."  These issues include milk's d-galactose content, which has been linked to a high mortality rate and high fracture incidence. Along with calcium's direct benefits the paper also recognised its role in facilitating vitamin K-dependent pathways. Increased vitamin K2 intake has been associated with decreased arterial calcium deposition and the ability to reverse vascular calcification in animal models . The vitamin is most abundant in meat, especially liver, chicken and beef along with dairy products. The primary vegetarian source is Nattō, a Japanese soybean food fermented with the bacterial species Bacillus subtilis var. natto.  “The only food that contains enough Vitamin K2 is the Japanese dish Natto,” explained Dr Hogne Vik, chief medical officer with Norwegian vitamin K2 supplier, NattoPharma, whose firm has responded to rising demand for vitamin K2-fortified supplements and foods in recent years.   Berry eaters may be at lower risk of diabetes: Meta-analysis Zhejiang University (China), August 12, 2020 Data from almost 400,000 people suggests that consuming berries and the anthocyanins they contain may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus by 15-18%. Scientists from Zhejiang University in China reported that the potential benefits could be linked to the antioxidant properties of anthocyanins in berries and their regulation of inflammatory responses, as well as via pathways to reduce blood glucose and insulin resistance. “T2DM [type 2 diabetes mellitus] and its associated complications cause serious medical and socioeconomic burdens. The findings from the present meta-analysis provide sufficient evidence that dietary intakes of anthocyanins and berries are associated with a lower risk of T2DM, respectively,” wrote the researchers in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition . Booming berries Consumer interest and demand for berries has grown rapidly in the US, driven by several factors, including the potential health benefits, improved quality and year-round availability,according to a 2012 article by Roberta Cook from UC Davis . “The berry category recently became the number-one dollar category in fresh produce departments, with national supermarket sales (excluding club stores, supercenters, and some other formats) projected to surpass $5.3 billion annually by June 2011,” wrote Cook. Many companies are also offering concentrated extracts from the products as dietary supplements, with brands such as Life Extension, Puritan's Pride, and Swanson offering products. Study details An example of one of the many berry extract dietary supplement products commercially available to US consumers The new study, said to be the first to “evaluate the association of dietary consumption of anthocyanins and berries with T2DM risk”, assessed data from three cohort studies looking at dietary anthocyanin intakes and diabetes risk (200,894 participants and 12,611 cases of diabetes documented) and five cohort studies looking at berry intake and diabetes risk (194,019 participants and 13,013 cases of diabetes). Crunching the numbers indicated that dietary anthocyanin consumption was associated with a 15% reduction in the risk of T2DM, while berry intake was associated with an 18% reduction in risk. For every 7.5 mg/day increment of dietary anthocyanin or 17 g/day increment in berry intake the risk of T2DM decreased by 5%, added the researchers. Interestingly, there were some gender differences observed with the benefits from berry consumption observed for women and not men. “More prospective studies in other regions and ethnic groups are warranted to further explore the associations of dietary anthocyanins and berries with T2DM risk,” wrote the researchers.     Scientists sound the alarm: Lockdowns may escalate the obesity epidemic University of Copenhagen Health and Medical Sciences, August 13, 2020   Scientists sound the alarm: Lockdowns may escalate the obesity epidemic Emotional stress, economic anxiety, physical inactivity and social distance - locking down society to combat COVID-19 creates psychosocial insecurity that leads to obesity, warn three Danish researchers. Counter measures are needed if we are to keep the public both metabolically healthy and safe from the coronavirus Rates of obesity may explode because of strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19, warn a trio of researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University. Investment in obesity research will help inform counter strategies that people eating healthily, feeling happy and staying active, while also combatting COVID-19. "We are concerned that policy makers do not fully understand how strategies such as lockdowns and business closures could fuel the rise of obesity - a chronic disease with severe health implications, but with few reliable treatment options," says Associate Professor Christoffer Clemmensen, from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), at the University of Copenhagen. Alone, inactive and hungry In a letter published in the scientific journal Nature Reviews Endocrinology, Clemmensen and two co-authors outlined how COVID-19 containment strategies could increase rates of obesity. Firstly, it is well documented that people with limited economic resources are more likely eat highly-processed and energy-rich food. These foods have been shown to stimulate people's appetites, so that they end up eating more calories than they need. "It is likely that more people will turn to these forms of food, as more people lose their jobs and experience economic hardship," says co-author Professor Michael Bang Petersen, from the Department of Political Science at Aarhus University. Secondly, physical distancing increases anxiety by limiting our ability to socially interact. Feelings of loneliness and isolation, combined with confinement within a home setting, can impact our food behavior and lead us to overeat. This effect is compounded by lower levels of physical activity, as people are urged to work from home and venture out as little as possible. Stopping the virus and protecting metabolic health Co-author Professor Thorkild I.A. Sørensen from CBMR at the University of Copenhagen, stresses that we still do not exactly understand how a person's mental health and economic status end up increasing a person's risk of developing obesity. "We know that there are links between obesity and a person's class and mental health, but we don't exactly understand how they make an impact," says Sørensen. More research is needed to uncover the cause and effect, but the three co-authors say the scientific expectations are clear: physical distancing and rising rates of unemployment should lead us to expect increased rates of obesity.  Together they urge governments and decision makers to consider what impact COVID-19 containment strategies, such as lockdowns, will have on the public's metabolic health. With this in mind, counter strategies should be considered to ensure that the public remains healthy, happy and active - and also safe from the coronavirus.

In June 2019, the European Council passed a review of the "General Food Law regulation" that has its roots in the European Citizens' Initiative on glyphosate. In future, scientific information supporting risk assessment in the food chain and communication on food safety will be more transparent and easier to access for citizens. Under the new rules, studies and information supporting a request for a scientific output by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are to be made public automatically when an application by a food business operator is validated or found admissible. This followed an EU court ruling in March 2019 that EFSA should grant access to safety studies about glyphosate, the world’s most commonly-used herbicide. Transparency is essential....particularly in cases that spark controversy in Europe. Some companies are now enabling access to their scientific data used by regulatory authorities to evaluate the safety of chemical substances such as glyphosate. By sharing safety data, which was previously only shared with regulators, industry aims to connect the public with the scientific community in a way that builds trust and fosters an open, science-based dialogue about their products.

Dr. Marta Hugas, Ph.D., is the chief scientist for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In this role, Marta oversees the development of EFSA's scientific strategic direction, manages scientific matters, facilitates the understanding of science, fosters scientific cooperation, and leverages connections and networks to promote EFSA's research priorities. Since joining EFSA in 2003, Marta has led the agency's Biological Hazards Unit, the Risk Assessment and Scientific Assistance Department, and the Biological Hazards and Contaminants Unit. Before joining EFSA, Marta worked for the Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology in Spain where she was head of the Food Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit. There, she led a research group on applied research on meat and food safety. Marta earned her bachelor's degree in biological sciences, a Master's degree in genetics and microbial biotechnology, as well as a Ph.D. in food microbiology. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Marta [19:35] about: Identifying the needs and gaps that shaped the agency's plans for the next 5–10 years. The Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe initiatives Relying on more alternative and sustainable production systems for future food safety success Balancing and improving risk and assessment with new innovations in the food industry Involving various subject matter experts when exploring a new food safety question or issue Working toward climate neutrality The importance of communicating all research and data to the public, even when that information can be difficult for the general public to comprehend The Eurobarometer consumer survey The three ingredients of risk assessment EFSA's partnerships, grants, and procurements Related Content Editorial: Food Safety Regulatory Research Needs 2030  Call Launch: Supporting the Food Safety Systems of the Future Climate Change and Food Safety 2019 Eurobarometer on Food Safety in the EU EU-ANSA Agencies' Engagement in the European Union Research Knowledge Cycle: An Overview   News Mentioned in This Episode FDA Begins Year-Long Assignment to Test Romaine Lettuce for Pathogens [9:54] UPDATE: Cluster of E. coli Illnesses Linked to Romaine Lettuce Salads [13:05] Lawmakers Demand More Transparency When Meat Plants Are Linked to Foodborne Outbreaks [13:49]   Keep Up with Food Safety Magazine Follow Us on Twitter @FoodSafetyMag and on Facebook  Subscribe to our magazine and our biweekly eNewsletter We Want to Hear From You! Please share your comments, questions, and suggestions. Tell us about yourself—we'd love to hear about your food safety challenges and successes. We want to get to you know you! Here are a few ways to be in touch with us: Email us at podcast@foodsafetymagazine.com Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at podcast@foodsafetymagazine.com

This week's show features back-to-back interviews with the European commissioner for health, Vytenis Andriukaitis, who is also a heart surgeon, and Bernhard Uhl, the head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Glyphosate politics: Speaking just after the EU reapproved the use of glyphosate, Uhl, whose EFSA agency concluded there is no health risk associated with agricultural use of the weedkiller, said it's nevertheless legitimate to discuss what kind of value system should support our agriculture. He wants critics of his agency though to admit that those values debates are “not about science,” while conceding that the intersection of science and values is “always a difficult interface.” “Safest food in the world”: This month the EU celebrated 15 years of its landmark food safety law. Uhl insisted the law sets Europe apart and above other countries and regions which it comes to food “transparency,” “traceability” and “crisis preparedness.” The law was born out of the 1990s BSE crisis and “a real breakdown of trust into the whole food system and food safety system,” he said. In the podcast, hear how many of the claims proposed by food companies are rejected by Uhl's agency. “There was always the tendency to say this food makes you more intelligent, more young, more beautiful, more whatever. And if you don't have scientific substantiation for that we'll give a negative verdict,” he said. Andriukaitis: EU can now hold national governments to account. Commissioner Andriukaitis talks about the European Commission's recent “State of Health in the EU” report and country profiles. He explains why he believes better data collection will allow the EU to nudge governments “more precisely” and hold them to account. The EU's digital chain of 300 health policy laboratories: “We joined together more than 300 hospitals in 26 member states. Now we will launch an IT platform which can help us to connect from Lisbon to Helsinki," Andriukaitis said. Time to upgrade status and tools of general practitioners: Although he is a heart surgeon, Andriukaitis believes medical students need incentives to turn to general practice rather than sexier specialities that give them easy access to new technology, medical innovations and big cities. Hear how he thinks that can be done. EU WTF moment of the week: Germany's conservative Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt going rogue, and voting to renew the EU glyphosate license, without consulting Chancellor Angela Merkel and in defiance of his left-wing environment minister colleague, Barbara Hendricks. Die Welt revealed Wednesday, after this week's podcast panel had been recorded, that Hendricks herself went behind Schmidt's back to sign six executive orders banning certain types of fishing on the day before the German general election in September. Dear POLITICO: The panel tries to help a would-be EU official who passed a competitive entrance exam only to be booted out of the EU system. Hear the story and the European Commission's response in the podcast. Links to the stories mentioned in the 'EU Thumbs up' section can be found below: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/19/croatia-mental-health-pioneering-centre https://www.total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/23606-who-helps-croatia-s-lonely-isolated-old-people-meet-proplan-from-holland http://www.psycart.eu/en/news/exhibition-home-eufami-30-november-9-december

Ab heute bringen wir jeden Samstag eine neue Folge unseres brandneuen Podcasts. Ihr dürft euch auf ein spannendes Thema freuen. Wir analysieren den Film "What the Health?" und stellen uns die Frage: Müssen wir jetzt alle vegan werden⁉ Quellen: Bley, C.-H., Centgraf, M., Cieslik, A., Hack, J., & Hohloch, L. (2015). I care Anatomie, Physiologie. Thieme Verlag. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Dioxins and PCBs. Verfügbar auf: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/dioxins-and-pcbs Hessisches Ministerium für Umwelt, ländlichen Raum und Verbraucherschutz (2006). Ergebnisse der Amtlichen Lebensmittelüberwachung in Hessen für das Jahr 2005. Verfügbar auf: http://starweb.hessen.de/cache/hessen/lebensmitteljahresbericht_2005.pdf International Agency for Research on Cancer (2015). Carcinogenicity of consumption of red and processed meat. The Lancet Oncology, 18(7), 835-980. Verfügbar auf: http://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanonc/PIIS1470-2045(15)00444-1.pdf Mayes, P. (1993). Intermediary Metabolism of Fructose. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. World Health Organization (WHO) (2017). The top 10 causes of death. Verfügbar auf: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/index1.html World Health Organization (WHO) (2017). Noncommunicable diseases. Verfügbar auf: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs355/en/ World Health Organization (WHO) (2016). Diabetes. Verfügbar auf: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/ www.elaecoaching.de

New technology like crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence computers is the future of risk assessment, the head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said.

New technology like crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence computers is the future of risk assessment, the head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said.

New technology like crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence computers is the future of risk assessment, the head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said.

Since taking the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) throne last summer, Dr Bernhard Url has become something of a pin-up boy for the so-called new ‘open EFSA’. But how far exactly is this new executive director willing to take his vision of transparency?

Since taking the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) throne last summer, Dr Bernhard Url has become something of a pin-up boy for the so-called new ‘open EFSA’. But how far exactly is this new executive director willing to take his vision of transparency?

As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) welcomed a broad range of stakeholders to its Italian HQ today to debate data and process transparency, the food industry asked at what point openness brakes innovation and competitive advantage?

As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) welcomed a broad range of stakeholders to its Italian HQ today to debate data and process transparency, the food industry asked at what point openness brakes innovation and competitive advantage?

As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) welcomed a broad range of stakeholders to its Italian HQ today to debate data and process transparency, the food industry asked at what point openness brakes innovation and competitive advantage?

As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) welcomed a broad range of stakeholders to its Italian HQ today to debate data and process transparency, the food industry asked at what point openness brakes innovation and competitive advantage?

As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) welcomed a broad range of stakeholders to its Italian HQ today to debate data and process transparency, the food industry asked at what point openness brakes innovation and competitive advantage?

As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) welcomed a broad range of stakeholders to its Italian HQ today to debate data and process transparency, the food industry asked at what point openness brakes innovation and competitive advantage?

As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) welcomed a broad range of stakeholders to its Italian HQ today to debate data and process transparency, the food industry asked at what point openness brakes innovation and competitive advantage?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) should discount probiotic studies that have passed peer-review and been published in even the most prestigious nutrition science journals, because the peer-review process itself “is overrated”, says a leading consultant.

As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) delivers hundreds of batch five general function health claim rejections to an ever-frustrated academic and commercial community, EFSA health claims panelist Ambroise Martin, PhD, tells NutraIngredients why disgruntled researchers would come to the same conclusions as EFSA’s health claims panel, if put in the same position. It’s all about context you see…

Metagenomic developments are providing new insights into the here-to-now largely mysterious mechanisms of behaviour displayed by gut microbiota – just the kind of data required by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to win claims.

  In this Episode of Globalcast, Euromonitor International's Health and Wellness Analyst, Mickael Dominguez, discusses the regulatory impact on the food and beverage industry by the European Food Safety Authority. Since 2008, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released a number of scientific opinions related to the health claims stated on food products in the European Union. These opinions impact the European food market in a number of ways. Dominguez explores the following: ·         The first impact of EFSA’s opinions on the functional food market in the European Union ·         The positive outcomes of EFSA's opinions, despite manufacturers turning back to soft claims and consumers on the verge of losing trust in functional claims. ·         The outlook for food manufacturers in the European region  

The high rate of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) immune health health claim rejections is likely to continue unless parameters of a well-functioning immune system can be defined, according to a Brussels-based industry group.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has repeatedly emphasised that the 2006 EU nutrition and health claims regulation is a learning experience for everyone involved – from its health claims assessment panel to industry stakeholders, to the member states and the European Commission.

The long-awaited meeting between the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and industry was 'fruitful', said industry representatives, and follows promises from EFSA for greater transparency and thoroughness in its health claim opinions.

In a broad spectrum, we all know what welfare is. However, how can we measure it in our animal facilities? And once we have established what the weak points are, how can we improve them? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Antonio Velarde about the parameters and causes of welfare concerns in swine facilities, the best ways to provide enrichment, and how to minimize stress in order to improve pig welfare.“The pig's relationship with the human is also important. There can be detrimental effects if they are afraid of the caretakers." - Dr. Antonio VelardeWhat you'll learn:What welfare meansWelfare measurementsTail biting and tail dockingStocking densitiesEnrichment materialsWelfare during transportationDr. Antonio Velarde holds a D.V.M., an M.S. in Welfare of Laboratory Animals, and a Ph.D. in Animal Production. He is an European Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law by the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavior Medicine. Currently, he is head of the Animal Welfare Program at IRTA (Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology, Spain); a member of the Animal Health and Animal Welfare Panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA); the deputy coordinator of the European Reference Center for the Welfare of Poultry – and other small farm animals; and a member of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare, as an independent expert.