Scientific opinion on the extension of uses of quillaia extract (E 999) as a food additive.

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF Panel) evaluated the safety of the extension of uses of quillaia extract (E 999) as a food additive in food supplements supplied in a solid or liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children. Quillaia extract (E 999) was re-evaluated in 2019 by the EFSA FAF Panel, which derived an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 3 mg saponins/kg bw per day for E 999, while in 2024 a follow-up of the re-evaluation was published by the FAF Panel, recommending some modifications of the existing EU specifications for quillaia extract (E 999). Currently, quillaia extract (E 999) is authorised in two food categories (FCs) i.

Performance evaluation of a two-stage few-mode EDFA for high-capacity SDM systems.

Space division multiplexing (SDM) systems using few-mode fibers (FMF) are essential for next-generation fiber optic communications. Optical amplifiers with low noise, minimal differential modal gain (DMG), and minimal differential spectral gain (DSG) are essential for these systems. In this work, we present a method to design and optimize a two-stage few-mode erbium-doped fiber amplifier (FM-EDFA) using a joint DMG-DSG minimization approach.

Re-evaluation of saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts (E 954) as food additives.

This opinion deals with the re-evaluation of saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts (E 954) as food additives. Saccharin is the chemically manufactured compound 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one-1,1-dioxide. Along with its sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) salts, they are authorised as sweeteners (E 954).

Scientific opinion on the extension of the authorisation of use of the food additive steviol glycosides (E 960a-d) and the modification of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for steviol.

The EFSA Panel on Food Additive and Flavourings (FAF Panel) evaluated the safety of proposed changes to the currently permitted uses of the food additive steviol glycosides (E 960a-d) and of a proposed modification of the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) from 4 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day to 6 or 16 mg/kg bw per day, expressed as steviol equivalents. Currently, steviol glycosides (E 960a-d) are authorised in the EU in 32 different food categories (FCs). An extension of use was proposed for four new uses within FC 7.

Re-evaluation of argon (E 938) and helium (E 939) as food additives.

The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of the two food additives argon (E 938) and helium (E 939). Argon (Ar) and helium (He) are two noble gases, highly stable single atoms. Their chemical inertness is well known.

Safety evaluation of curdlan as a food additive.

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion on the safety of curdlan as a new food additive used as firming and gelling agent, stabiliser, thickener. Curdlan is a high molecular weight polysaccharide consisting of β-1,3-linked glucose units, produced by fermentation from 1 strain NTK-u. The toxicological dataset consisted of sub-chronic, chronic and carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity studies as well as genotoxicity.

Flavouring Group Evaluation 80, Revision 2 (FGE.80Rev2): Consideration of alicyclic, alicyclic-fused and aromatic-fused ring lactones evaluated by the JECFA (61st and 82nd meetings) structurally related to an aromatic lactone evaluated in FGE.27.

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings was requested to evaluate 14 flavouring substances assigned to the Flavouring Group Evaluation 80 (FGE.80), using the Procedure as outlined in the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. Thirteen substances have already been considered in FGE.

Comparative Safety of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To find the safety of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) compared to each other, and/or placebo in the treatment of schizophrenia (SCZ) and/or schizoaffective disorder (SZA).

Methods: We performed a systematic review and a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the safety of LAIs versus other LAIs or placebo in adults diagnosed with SCZ or SZA. The primary outcomes were treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious treatment emergent adverse events (STEAEs), and deaths.

Natural Sources of Food Colorants as Potential Substitutes for Artificial Additives.

In recent years, the demand of healthier food products and products made with natural ingredients has increased overwhelmingly, led by the awareness of human beings of the influence of food on their health, as well as by the evidence of side effects generated by different ingredients such as some additives. This is the case for several artificial colorants, especially azo colorants, which have been related to the development of allergic reactions, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. All the above has focused the attention of researchers on obtaining colorants from natural sources that do not present a risk for consumption and, on the contrary, show biological activity.

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".

Wild L.: Phytochemical Characterization, Acute Toxicity, and Bioactive Properties.

Wild (VAC) is a Mediterranean plant that is rich in bioactive metabolites. This study aimed to validate, for the first time, the beneficial use of VAC fruits and fruit decoctions (VFDs) through in vitro and in vivo trials. Forty-one volatile components were detected in VAC fruits, with 1,8-cineole (30.

Wild Fruits of Jacq. and (L.) Crantz: From Traditional Foods to Innovative Sources of Pigments and Antioxidant Ingredients for Food Products.

Hawthorn ( Jacq.) and whitebeam ( (L.) Crantz) are wild species traditionally used as ethnic foods in the Mediterranean area.

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.

Bioaccessibility of Macrominerals and Trace Elements from Tomato ( L.) Farmers' Varieties.

Traditional farmers' varieties of tomato grown under extensive farming techniques are considered delicious and healthy foods and are preferred by local consumers. Tomatoes are an important component of a healthy diet, as they provide essential micronutrients, including minerals, which are vital to healthy development, disease prevention, and wellbeing. Given the considerable dietary intake of tomatoes and the scarcity of information about the bioaccessibility of inorganic constituents in this fruit, this study was carried out to evaluate the content and bioaccessibility of minerals (macro- and microelements) in tomato farmers' varieties widely cultivated in northeastern Portugal homegardens.

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.

Red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) peel as a source of valuable molecules: Extraction optimization to recover natural colouring agents.

Hylocereus costaricensis peel contains large amounts of betacyanins and can be exploited as a source of natural colorants. This work aimed the chemical characterization and evaluation of bioactive properties of this by-product and the optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of betacyanins using the response surface methodology (RSM). Oxalic and malic acids and traces of fumaric acid were detected, as well as the four tocopherol isoforms, predominantly γ-tocopherol.

Therapeutic success of sodium thiosulfate in treating cutaneous calciphylaxis in a patient with hyperphosphataemic familial tumoral calcinosis.

Calciphylaxis is a potencially disorder in patients with hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis (HFTC). Patients commonly present livedo racemosa and retiform purpura, which may progress to necrosis and very painful ulcers. Treatment with sodium thiosulfate provides good results; however, intralesional and intravenous treatment can be limited by its adverse effects.

Evaluation of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in two penguin species from Antarctica.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a global threat, but impacts of these chemicals upon remote areas such as Antarctica remain unclear. Penguins can be useful species to assess the occurrence of POPs in Antarctic food webs. This work's aim was the evaluation of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in eggs of two penguin species, chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarticus) and gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua), breeding in the South Shetland Islands.

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.

Chemical and Bioactive Features of L. Flowers and Optimized Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Betalains.

The vibrant colours of many plants are due to secondary metabolites, such as nitrogen-containing compounds, where betacyanins are included. These compounds can be found in plants such as L. that, due to their high nutritional benefits, have been overproduced, which leads to the accumulation of large amounts of bio-residues.

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.