Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are secondary plant materials that are mainly formed by certain plants, e.g. Senecio jacobaea, and serve to protect against predators. What protects one may harm another. Thus, certain PA's can damage the liver and should therefore be minimized according to the ALARA principle. A correspondingly increased risk exists, for example, with products such as tea, herbs, spices and food supplements, especially their herbal raw materials.

Tropane alkaloids and ergot alkaloids should also be monitored for the above-mentioned products.

With the new Regulation (EU) 2020/685, perchlorate is now included in the Contaminants Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006. Perchlorate is considered a contaminant that can enter the product e.g. via groundwater, irrigation water, certain fertilizers, or the water used in production. Perchlorate can negatively affect human health by inhibiting iodine intake. Maximum levels have been set for the following product groups: fruit and vegetables, tea, herbal and fruit infusions, and certain baby foods. For fruit and vegetables, the maximum levels apply to the edible part.

Protection against food counterfeiting is a challenge in the current situation.

Due to deviations in the routine of global supply chains and official monitoring, there is an increased risk of food fraud.

How can you ensure protection against fraud, safety and integrity of your food?

Hygiene measures - In each operation, the staff has now been trained to wash their hands and disinfect regularly. Disinfection is possible at various points in the respective facilities and has become a basic requirement.

The topic of hygiene will certainly remain a central issue. In general, there is currently an increased use of disinfectants. For this reason, food producers in particular should use an appropriate HACCP concept to prevent the possible risks of product contamination. It is therefore particularly important for food producers to deal with this issue in a timely and sustainable manner.

Corona has changed our world - especially now a balanced diet in the home office is important. For supplementation, dietary supplements are often used in addition. These can have a positive effect on our health and well-being, backed up by various studies.
But are they really also the right supporters of health or can they also be harmful?