EFSA releases new risk assessment of complex organoarsenic species in food

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a comprehensive risk assessment concerning complex organoarsenic species in food, following a request from the European Commission. These compounds, primarily found in marine foods, include arsenobetaine (AsB), arsenosugars, and arsenolipids. The report aims to provide scientific guidance to help establish safe levels of these substances in food products.  

The assessment revealed that AsB did not exhibit adverse effects in the available toxicity studies. No reference point (RP) for AsB was derived, due to insufficient toxicity data. The highest estimated exposure was observed in toddlers with 12.5 μg As/kg body weight per day. According to the findings, AsB does not raise health concerns based on current exposure levels.

To glycerol arsenosugar (AsSugOH) was assigned a reference point of 0.85 mg As/kg body weight per day. The highest exposure levels for adult consumers of nori (a type of seaweed) were estimated at 0.71 μg As/kg body weight per day, resulting in a margin of exposure (MOE) greater than 1000, indicating no significant health risk.  

The assessment could not draw conclusions regarding other arsenosugars or conduct risk characterization for arsenolipids due to a lack of available data.

This risk assessment is part of a broader initiative by the European Commission to update the understanding of arsenic in food, reflecting new scientific evidence since EFSA's last report in 2009.  

The CONTAM Panel concluded that dietary exposures to arsenobetaine and glycerol arsenosugar likely do not pose health concerns. However, the report highlights a critical need for more data on the occurrence and toxicity of complex organoarsenic species.  

For policymakers, the findings may inform strategies to set legally binding maximum levels for these substances in food. The research community is encouraged to further investigate the toxicokinetics and health impacts of complex organoarsenic compounds.  

As marine foods remain a significant source of organoarsenic exposure, ongoing research and monitoring will be essential for safeguarding public health. The EFSA’s findings underscore the importance of continued assessment and regulation of food contaminants to ensure consumer safety.    

Source:  

EFSA