Safety of frozen, dried and powder forms of house crickets (Acheta domesticus) as a novel food pursuant.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of frozen, dried and powder forms of house crickets () as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is proposed in three forms: (i) frozen, (ii) dried, (iii) powder. The main components of the NF are protein, fat and dietary fibre (chitin).

Safety of Tiger nuts () oil as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of Tiger nuts () oil as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Tiger nuts () is an edible tuber with history of consumption as food. The NF is the oil obtained from the nuts through cold pressing of the seeds flour.

Creatine and improvement in cognitive function: Evaluation of a health claim pursuant to article 13(5) of regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

Following an application from Alzchem Trostberg GmbH, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Austria, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to creatine and improvement in cognitive function. The Panel considers that the food constituent, creatine, is sufficiently characterised. An improvement in cognitive function in one or more of its domains is a beneficial physiological effect.

A Comparative Analysis of Folate and Mineral Contents in Freshly Squeezed and Commercial 100% Orange Juices Available in Europe.

Background: Orange juices are widely known for their organoleptic characteristics and potential health benefits derived from their nutritional and functional composition.

Objectives: The aim of this work was to provide comprehensive, up-to-date information on the content of folates and some minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn) present in different fresh and commercial orange juices available in the European market, including juices from concentrate (FC) and not from concentrate (NFC).

Methods: A total of twenty-five juice samples were selected, comprising the most purchased types of commercial juices from France, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Spain, and four fresh squeezed juices (FSJ) made from Spanish oranges.

Guidance for establishing and applying tolerable upper intake levels for vitamins and essential minerals.

Vitamins and essential minerals are micronutrients that are required for the normal functioning of the human body. However, they may lead to adverse health effects if consumed in excess. A tolerable upper intake level (UL) is a science-based reference value that supports policy-makers and other relevant actors in managing the risks of excess nutrient intake.

Safety of an extension of use of oil from (strain FCC-3204) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of an extension of use of oil from (strain FCC-3204) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The extension of use pertains to the use of the NF as a food ingredient in protein products at a maximum use level of 1 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in 100 g of product. The Panel considers that the information provided on the composition and the production process is sufficiently described and does not raise safety concerns.

Valorization of Duval-Jouve Young Shoots in Healthy and Sustainable Diets.

The revalorization of natural resources in food production is increasing, and the effect of climate change is negatively affecting the production of conventional crops. In recent years, edible halophytes have received more attention due to their ability to tolerate a wide range of salinities. Thus, the use of halophytes that require less water and are strongly adapted to high-salinity soil and coastal areas can provide sustainable agriculture in certain areas.

Comparison of vitamin C and flavanones between freshly squeezed orange juices and commercial 100% orange juices from four European countries.

Knowing the true levels of nutrients and dietary bioactives in fruit juices at the point of consumption is key to properly understand their potential health benefits. The objective was to characterise the vitamin C and flavanone content in commercial orange juices consumed in Europe, compared with fresh-squeezed juices. Commercial juices were a rich source of vitamin C (>30% of the Nutrient Reference Value).

Micronutrients in Food Supplements for Pregnant Women: European Health Claims Assessment.

Micronutrients play a critical role in pregnant women, a vulnerable group with higher nutritional requirements. The first strategy to achieve adequate micronutrients intake should always be through a healthy and balanced diet. In the case where the diet is not enough to meet these requirements, food supplements should be prescribed under supervision to complement the diet, and these products must bear reliable information about the declared nutritional contents and health benefits.

A Review of Foods of Plant Origin as Sources of Vitamins with Proven Activity in Oxidative Stress Prevention according to EFSA Scientific Evidence.

Beyond their nutritional benefits, vitamins could decrease the risk of chronic diseases due to their potent antioxidant capacity. The present work is aimed at reviewing the state of the art regarding (1) the vitamins involved in oxidative stress prevention in accordance with the requirements established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and (2) the foods of plant origin that are sources of those vitamins and have potential benefits against oxidative stress in humans. According to the European regulations based on EFSA scientific evidence, riboflavin, vitamin C, and vitamin E are those vitamins subjected to the approved health claim "contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress".

Whey Protein Dietary Supplements: Metal Exposure Assessment and Risk Characterization.

Protein supplements (PS) are trendy foods, especially those made from whey. In addition to providing protein, these products are a source of metals, providing essential elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn) and other potentially toxic elements (Al, B, Sr, V Ba, and Ni). In this study, 47 whey PS samples were analyzed for mineral elements by ICP-OES, and their dietary exposures were assessed for three consumption scenarios.

Wild sweet cherry, strawberry and bilberry as underestimated sources of natural colorants and bioactive compounds with functional properties.

Wild edible fruits, neglected by the development of commercial agriculture, have recently aroused as a good source of natural colorants and bioactive compounds. These novel uses could cover the recent demand for healthier foods with functional properties. Prunus avium, Fragaria vesca and Vaccinium myrtillus wild fruits were characterized by individual anthocyanin profile and color CIELAB parameters, as well as phenolic fraction.

Caffeine, D-glucuronolactone and Taurine Content in Energy Drinks: Exposure and Risk Assessment.

The consumption of energy drinks (EDs) is increasing globally while the evidence and concern about the potential health risks are also growing. Caffeine (generally 32 mg/100 mL) together with a wide variety of other active components such as taurine (usually 4000 mg/L) and D-glucuronolactone (generally 2400 mg/L) are the main ingredients of EDs. This study aims to assess the exposures to caffeine, taurine and D-glucuronolactone from EDs in various consumption scenarios and consumer profiles and to characterize the risks by evaluating caffeine and taurine intakes with their reference values and by calculating the margin of safety (MOS) for D-glucuronolactone.

Extracts Rich in Nutrients as Novel Food Ingredients to Be Used in Food Supplements: A Proposal Classification.

Consumers' commitment to healthy lifestyles and a varied diet has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, causing an increase in the demand of better food quality and variety. The food industry has opted for innovation and the search for new sources of food, and these trends led to the need to develop a European regulatory framework. Novel foods are under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (formerly Regulation (EC) No 258/97), and this concept includes all food not used in an important measure for human consumption in the EU before 15 May 1997, and which is included in any of the food categories established.

Bioactive Compounds in Rosehip () Powder with Encapsulating Agents.

pseudo-fruits contain interesting bioactive compounds. This work aims to evaluate the use of different biopolymers as encapsulating agents on the content of organic acids, minerals, fibers, phenols, carotenoids, and the antioxidant activity of the powdered product. Fruits were ground and freeze-dried with or without biopolymers (maltodextrin, resistant maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, and pea protein).

Scientific Evidence of the Beneficial Effects of Tomato Products on Cardiovascular Disease and Platelet Aggregation.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels that includes numerous problems, many of which are related to the process called atherosclerosis. The present work is aimed to analyze the most relevant studies examining the potentially beneficial effects of tomato products on both CVD prevention and antiplatelet aggregation as well as an European Food Safety Authority health claims evaluation on tomato and tomato products. To date, only one health claim has been approved for a concentrated extract of tomato soluble in water (WSTC) marketed under the patented name of Fruitflow® with two forms of presentation: WSTC I and II, with the following claim "helping to maintain normal platelet aggregation, which contributes to healthy blood flow.

Extrusion Cooking Effect on Carbohydrate Fraction in Novel Gluten-Free Flours Based on Chickpea and Rice.

Extrusion cooking allows the development of value-added products from pulses, such as gluten-free snacks with added functional properties. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the changes induced by the extrusion process on the carbohydrate fraction (total carbohydrates, soluble sugars and oligosaccharides, dietary fiber, and arabinoxylans) of novel flour formulations based on chickpeas and rice enriched with different dietary fiber sources. Moreover, the influence of the addition of fiber-rich ingredients, such as Fibersol and passion fruit, on the analyzed compounds was also evaluated.

Three Amazonian palms as underestimated and little-known sources of nutrients, bioactive compounds and edible insects.

Mauritia flexuosa, Bactris gasipaes, and Oenocarpus bataua are among the main palms in the Amazon used for food and medicinal purposes. The food most commonly derived from these are fruits, oil, and the larvae of the insect Rhynchophorus palmarum reared in their trunks. Palm fruits are used for oil extraction as they are rich in saturated fatty acids, fiber, pro-vitamin A, carotenoids, tocopherols, macro and microelements, and polyphenols.

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines around the World: A Comparative Analysis to Update AESAN Scientific Committee Dietary Recommendations.

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) include dietary recommendations based on food groups according to the general and accepted nutrition principles and current scientific evidence. Adoption of FBDG contributes to the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms, promotes human health, and reduces environmental impact. The present review aims to perform an international comparative analysis of the FBDG adopted in different countries from three different continents (America, Asia, and Europe), with particular reference to the Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN, Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición) Scientific Committee dietary recommendations.

A Review of the Role of Micronutrients and Bioactive Compounds on Immune System Supporting to Fight against the COVID-19 Disease.

Micronutrients are critical for an adequate function of the immune system and play a vital role in promoting health and nutritional well-being. The present work is aimed at reviewing (1) the role of micronutrients in helping the immune system to fight against the COVID-19 disease through the diet with food or food supplements and (2) the potential use of food health claims regarding immune function according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) requirements. Till date, there are some health claims authorized by the European Commission that refer to the role of certain essential nutrients (vitamins B, B, B, A, D, C, and Cu, Fe, Se) to contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system.

Extrusion Process as an Alternative to Improve Pulses Products Consumption. A Review.

The development of new food products obtained by extrusion processing has increased in recent years. Extrusion is used by the food industry to produce a wide variety of food products, such as ready-to-eat foods (e.g.

Assessment of Health Claims Related to Folic Acid in Food Supplements for Pregnant Women According to the European Regulation.

Pregnant women are a vulnerable group with increased nutritional requirements. The daily intake of folic acid, a crucial vitamin for embryonic development, must be reinforced through supplementation, as sometimes diets are not well equilibrated. As consumers increasingly rely on food supplements, it is vital to properly inform them about the health benefits provided by supplements' consumption to ensure their safe use.

Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition of Mediterranean Wild Vegetables after Culinary Treatment.

Studies are scarce on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of wild edible Mediterranean plants after culinary processing. This work provides the nutritional composition after culinary treatment (including dietary fiber and mineral composition) and bioactive compounds (folates, vitamin C and organic acids) of wild L., (Moench) Garcke.