Abstract:The result of food safety risk assessment is the scientific basis for formulating the food safety standards and for exercising food safety supervision and administration. To exert the effects of food safety risk assessment in supervision and administration, some countries established specific agencies for food safety risk assessment, as well as in China with National Food Safety Risk Assessment Expert Committee. Despite that there is still a long way to go for China in food safety risk assessment compared to developed countries, the technologies applied in formulating food safety standards, handling of food safety accidents and risk communications exerted significant effect. However, we still need to promote constructions building in system of food safety risk assessment from the aspects of organizations, capacities and technologies in risk assessment and human resources considering the situation of food safety and needs of food safety supervision.

Abstract:Oral bioavailability is defined as a fraction of the administered dose of a substance that eventutally being reached the central (blood) compartment after being released from food matrix in gastrointestinal tract, absorbed by intestinal epithelial cells and metabolized in liver; and the oral bioavailability is a fraction of an external exposure dose that having effects on human beings. The most useful approach to study the bioavailability of food contaminants is based on an in vitro digestion model that simulating human physiological conditions of gastrointestinal digestion, absorption, transport and so forth. Food ingredients and fat content, chemical and physical properties of substances, the concentration of nutrients other than targeted substances in foods, the nutritional status of the body and so forth will have a big influence on the bioavailability of the substance. The application of bioavailability in risk assessment of food contaminants is reviewed.

Abstract:By introducing the process of deriving health-based guidance values, the application of health-based guidance values in food safety risk assessment, especially, the description of hazard characterization in dose-response assessment, was illustrated.

Abstract:Uncertainties, existing all along with food safety risk assessment, can be fallen into two broad categories. The first is related to the extrapolation of key data and the second is related to limited database. Uncertainty factor (UF) approach is the widely-used and typical method to deal with these uncertainties. Similar UFs in setting health-based guidance values have been recommended by many international or national bodies. Most of them recommended that fewer uncertainties in risk assessment can be processed by several developing methods, such as benchmark dose (BMD) approach and chemical-specific adjusting factor (CSAF) approach.

Abstract:Objective To assess the iodine intake of people from iodine rich regions in China and the potential risk of excess iodine intake in these areas. Method Data from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey in 2002, the recommended water intake; the Chinese Food Composition and the data from iodine surveillance in China were used. The iodine intake of 13 age-sex population groups were estimated by combining the data of food, drinking water and salt consumption with their corresponding iodine content. Results The average iodine intake of all population groups from regions with water iodine concentration from 150 to 300μg/L (A region), no matter iodized salt was consumed or not, was higher than the Recommended Nutrient Intakes(RNIs) but lower than the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). The average iodine intake of people from regions with water iodine concentration > 300μg/L (B region) was higher than the ULs if iodized salt was consumed, and was in the range between RNI and UL if non-iodine salt was consumed. The iodine intake of individuals from both A and B regions was higher than RNI. The iodine intake exceeding UL was in 10.5% and 24.9% of individuals in A and B regions respectively if iodized salts was consumed; while that was 1.5% and 1.7% if non-iodine salt was consumed. The contribution of iodine from drinking water is higher than that from salt for both regions. Conclusion Iodine intake of people from iodine rich regions are generally adequate and safe in China if non-iodized salt was consumed. The risk of iodine overdosed will be increased if iodized salt was consumed in iodine rich regions. Iodine from drinking water was the main sources of dietary iodine in iodine rich regions.

Abstract:A brief introduction on the definition of food contact materials and the data required for assessing the risk of food contact materials, as well as their exposure assessment in different countries or organizations.

Abstract:In comparison with the risk assessment methods for other food additives, the method for food flavourings is different. The main method for the risk assessment of food flavourings is Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC). Accurate estimation of the exposure level of food flavourings in diets is also necessary in the application of TTC method. At present, the commonly used methods for assessing the exposure of food flavourings are maximised survey-derived daily intakes (MSDI), single-portion exposure technique (SPET) and added portion exposure technique (APET). The methods for assessing the risk of food flavourings will be introduced in this paper.

Abstract:Objective A swift quantitative microbiological risk assessment (sQMRA) tool was introduced as an example in the risk assessment of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP) gastroenteritis causwd by comsuming oysters in Fujian Province. Methods The database of Chinese national nutrition and health survey in 2002, paper reviewing and empirical inferring, 11 parameters, such as the oyster consumption data and VP contamination level at retail, influence of cross-contamination and preparation on the number of colony forming unit of VP were estimated. Results It was calculated that about 10221 and 1022 people infected by VP and had gastroenteritis respectively during September to November in 2008. The estimated probability of VP gastroenteritis was 2.8×10^-5 which was very close to that estimated based on the surveillance study, 3.8×10^-5. Conclusion The sQMRA is easy and appropriate for quick QMRA estimation.

Abstract:The objective of risk assessment is to establish the permissible exposure level of specific hazards for humans, which is traditionally achieved by no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) approach. Compared with the NOAEL approach, there are more advantages of the benchmark dose（BMD）approach on conducting scientific risk assessment. BMD approach and its application in risk assessment is introduced in the present review.

Abstract:Objective To test the physical and chemical characteristics and the content of bioactive compounds of representative spirulina products in domestic markets. To compare the immune properties of two spirulina products with different amount of bioactive compounds. To test the correlations among bioactive compounds of spirulina products. To develope technical indicators for evaluating bioactive compounds. To provide scientific basis for improving detection technology and establishing quality standards. Method Total protein content was determined by Kjeldahl method; γ-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was determined with gas chromatography; carotenoids, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, phycoerythrin, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, β-carotene, spirulina polysaccharides, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was determined by colorimetric analysis; immune performance was tested in mice. Correlation analysis was conducted with SPSS13.0 statistical analysis software. Result The content of ntrients and bioactive compounds were as follows: total protein 47.0%-67.3%, carotenoid 4.98g/kg-24.81 g/kg, phycocyanin 3.89%-9.23%, allophycocyanin 2.03％-5.47%, phycoerythrin 0.63%-1.51%,γ-linolenic acid 694.3 mg/100g-1860.0 mg/100g, EPA 9.49 mg/100g-55.73 mg/100g, DHA 0-19.81 mg/100g, chlorophyll a 705.37 mg/100g-1235.67 mg/100g, chlorophyll b 26.31 mg/100g-190.46 mg/100g, β-carotene 152.1 mg/100g-562.3 mg/100g, spirulina polysaccharide 9.1%-20.2%, SOD 629 U/g-3086 U/g. There is a significantly positive correlation of carotenoids with phycocyanin, γ-linolenic acid, DHA, chlorophyll a, β-carotene and SOD; a significantly positive correlation of phycocyanin with allophycocyanin, phycoerythrin, γ-linolenic acid, chlorophyll a, β-carotene and SOD; and a significantly negative correlation of spirulina polysaccharide with total protein, phycocyanin and chlorophyll a. The immune properties including antibacterial effect, peritoneal macrophages, serum lysozyme activity and serum globulin levels in the sample No. 8 with more bioactive compounds was significantly stronger than that in the sample No. 13 . Conclusion Bioactive compounds in spirulina products, which were the basis for immune function, were found in all representative Spirulina products inspected in domestic markets, and the difference of their contents was up to 2-5 times. Carotenoids, phycocyanin, spirulina polysaccharides and γ-linolenic acid are good technical indicators reflecting the bioactive properties of Spirulina products. The national standard GB / T 16919－1997 for Food gade spirulina powder is difficult to evaluate the function of health food containing spirulina, because the current standard is lack of technical specifications for bioactive compounds. It is suggested to add technical specifications for bioactive compounds while amending the standard.

Abstract:Objective A rapid method based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) for the identification of intact bacterial cells was used for the discrimination of Salmonella strains at genus and species level. The aim of this study was to discuss the relationship of the result from MALDI-TOF-MS analysis and serotyping, and the typing ability of MALDI-TOF-MS to Salmonella strains through relative soft wares. Method Twenty-four Salmonella strains isolated from the Foodborne Disease Monitoring System of Liaoning Province in 2008 and 2 standard strains purchased from ATCC were used in the study. Sixteen Salmonella strains belonging to four serotypes were applied on MALDI-TOF-MS for the identification of Salmonella at species level. A detailed analysis on mass spectrometric profiles and the information of protein peaks were obtained from four different Salmonella species. The homology of these 4 Salmonella enteritidis was also discussed through biochemical test and relative analysis with MALDI-TOF-MS. After an optimum medium suitable for both the growth of Salmonella strains and MALDI-TOF-MS analysis was selected, 26 Salmonella strains were tested to verify the accuracy of MALDI-TOF-MS in genus levels, and 16 of 26 Salmonella species, which belonging to 4 different serotypes, were also typed in species level. Relative software was used to collect data and compare the peaks obtained from four Salmonella species. The biochemical test, MALDI-TOF-MS dendrogram analysis and Principal Component analysis were adopted to confirm the homologous diversity of 4 Salmonella enteritidis from different locations. Results The identification results of MALDI-TOF-MS on 26 Salmonella in genus level were matched with their classic biochemical identification results, and the discrimination results of 16 Salmonella in species level were also matched with their serotypes. Slight differences among four Salmonella species were also discovered through the peaks lists of them by MALDI-TOF-MS successfully. Furthermore, the homologous diversity of 4 Salmonella enteritidis was demonstrated obviously. Conclusion MALDI-TOF-MS can be used to discriminate Salmonella strains used in this study rapidly and exactly on genus level. It has also a potential ability on typing Salmonella species and will be a powerful tool for rapid and accurate identification of foodborne pathogens.

Abstract:Objective To study the toxicological safety of Acer truncatum Bunge Oil. Methods Acute toxicity and genotoxicity, including Ames test, micronucleus of born marrow and sperm abnormality in mice, and subchronic toxicity test in rats (90-day feeding test) were used to assess the safety of Acer truncatum Bunge Oil. Results The oral LD₅₀ of Acer truncatum Bunge Oil in mice was more than 54000 mg/kg BW, which belonged to an actual non-toxicity substance. The results of genotoxicity test were all negative. Rats were grown healthy and no abnormal indices were shown after test samples being orally given at the dosage of 10800, 5400 and 2700 mg/kgBW for 90 days. Conclusion Acer truncatum Bunge Oil was nontoxic neither on genotoxicity test nor on subchronic toxicity test under the present condition.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a lead-expelling food on expelling mineral matters and expelling lead from lead poisoning mice induced by acetate lead. Methods Seventy-five Kuming male mice weighted 18-22 g were randomly divided into five groups: negative control group, lead poisoning model group and three intervention groups fed with low, medium and high dosage of lead-expelling food. Deionized water was provided for the negative control group and 1.00g/L lead acetate solution was provided for the lead-poisoning model group and three intervention groups freely. The lead-expelling food for the low, medium and high dose intervention groups was administrated intragastrically with 5-, 10- or 20-fold of the recommended dosage for human use (0.60g/kgBW). The general situation and body weight changes were observed in 30 days. The content of lead, calcium, iron, zinc and copper in blood, liver, femur, kidney and brain were determined. Results The lead content of liver, kidney and brain in low, medium and high-dose intervention groups were lower than those in the lead-poisoning model group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The lead content of blood and femur in medium and high-dose intervention group were lower than those in lead-poisoning model group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The calcium and iron of liver, zinc of brain, copper of kidney in low-, medium- and high-dose intervention group were higher than those in the lead-poisoning model group (P＜0.05or P＜0.01). The calcium of blood, kidney and brain, the iron, zinc and copper of blood, the blood and copper of brain in middle- and high-dose intervention groups were higher than those in lead-poisoning model group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Iron of femur in high-dose intervention group was higher than that in lead-poisoning model group (P＜0.05). Conclusion The lead-expelling food plays a role in promoting lead elimination from mice, and can improve calcium, iron, zinc and copper metabolism disorders in lead poisoning mice significantly.

Abstract:Since the circumstances of food safety is still grim in our country, the executive single punishment principle on enterprise persons breaking the law in the food safety domain was reconsidered; and several aspects on the executive double punishment principle, such as the concept and definition, the rationality, the convergence and concurrence with criminal liability, the administrative relief and the law establishment and so on were discussed. The feasibility of executive double punishment principle in the food safety domain was also expounded in this paper.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the hygienic status of flour-made food in Guangdong province for improving the hygienic inspection and management. Methods 1680 flour-made food samples were supervised in 21 prefecture-level cities of Guangdong province by random sampling. Results 940 of 1680 samples were accorded with the national standards. The average unqualified rate was 44.0%, and the lowest unqualified rate among different marketing places was in supermarkets. The health safety of dry noodles was better than that of other flour-made foods. Conclusion More problems were in steamed bread and deep-fried twisted dough sticks. It was suggested that more attention should be paid on flour-made foods in food safety inspection.

Abstract:Objective To understand the contaminants, such as heavy metal, orgnaophosphorus, carbamates, organochlorine, sodium cyclamate in some food products in Dalian. Method Detecting heavy metals, orgnaophosphorus, carbamates, organochlorine and sodium cyclamate in foods according to GB/T 5009 food sanitation analysis methods. Results Lead content in 5 of 39 samples was over the qualified standard. Chromium and mercury content were not over the qualified standard. Durshan residue was detected and exceeding standard in 1 of 50 vegetable samples. Cypermethrin residue was detected in 2 and exceeding standard in 1 of 50 vegetable samples. Bifenthrin residue was detected in 1 of 10 tea samples. Orgnaophosphorus and carbamates, organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides, and sodium cyclamate were not detected in any sample. Conclusion The contamination of lead in fishery products were obvious in Dalian. Strengthening supervision and controlling pollution is needed. Pesticide residue levels were low, and detected only in a few tea and vegetable samples.

Abstract:With the increasing realization of the relationship between diet and health, people pay more and more attention to the health effects of food. Nutrition claims and health claims, which tell consumers the health effects of the food, become a hot issue and ignite the interest of governments, non-governmental organizations, companies as well as consumers. As an approach of evaluating nutritional characteristics of foods, nutrient profiling is able to give food an overall conclusion，thus regulating nutrition claims and health claims. An overview of applying nutrient profiling in these areas is presented.