[On the regulate tropane alkaloids in grain products]

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Tropane alkaloids (TA) are plant metabolites found in various food sources, including grains and herbal products.
• Contamination of food with TA can occur despite processing, leading to potential health risks.
• European food safety assessments indicate that TA intake may exceed the acceptable daily intake (ARfD) for certain populations, particularly children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To justify the necessity of establishing regulatory limits for safe tropane alkaloid content in grain products.
• To highlight the risks associated with TA contamination in cereals, herbal supplements, and teas.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific research from databases like Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed.
• Analysis of regulatory and legislative documents.
• Application of hygiene and analytical methods, alongside expert assessments.

Main Results:

• Identified risks linked to TA contamination in grain-based foods, herbal supplements, and teas necessitate ongoing monitoring.
• Current data underscores the need for regulatory frameworks to manage TA presence in the food supply.

Conclusions:

• Scientific justification for safe levels of specific TA, such as atropine and scopolamine, in cereal-based foods is required.
• Particular attention should be given to baby foods for children under 3 years old containing millet, sorghum, or buckwheat.