Five emerging risks in food safety identified by EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its annual report on emerging risks, identifying five critical issues in food safety among 32 potential risks discussed in 2023.

The identification of emerging risks is supported by various EFSA networks, including the Emerging Risks Exchange Network (EREN), the Stakeholder Discussion Group on Emerging Risks (StaDG-ER), as well as EFSA's scientific units, scientific panels, the Scientific Committee, and their associated working groups.  

Among the identified risks, the first is related to alcohol replacement drinks made from food-grade herbs that interact with the GABA system, promoting relaxation. These products aim to serve as alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages.

The second emerging risk involves the Hendra and Nipah viruses, which may spill over to humans due to habitat loss for bats driven by climate change. A recent outbreak of Nipah virus in Bangladesh resulted in fatalities and infections linked to the consumption of raw date palm sap, underscoring the potential dangers.  

Another concern is the use of Z15 nanomaterial in wastewater treatment plants across Europe, which raises questions about its safety and long-term effects. Additionally, the risk of exposure to rare earth elements has been flagged, indicating the need for further monitoring and research.  

The fifth risk identified is the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, which poses a threat to animal health and may have implications for food safety.  

While these five topics were classified as emerging risks, other issues were assessed but not deemed to be emerging at this time. For example, recent cases of listeriosis associated with plant-based cheese alternatives were noted, but experts determined that these incidents were related to risk management practices rather than an emerging threat.  

Similarly, concerns about PFAS contamination in organic eggs in Denmark have been addressed through ongoing risk management efforts. A significant issue raised was the high levels of cadmium found in certain flaxseed products, prompting recommendations for monitoring and assessment. 

The report also highlighted an outbreak in the U.S. linked to tara flour, which resulted in numerous illnesses. EU experts are closely monitoring the situation to determine if tara flour presents a wider food safety risk.  

Lastly, the disposal of conventional and chemical munitions in the Baltic Sea has led to concerns about contamination of local fish populations, necessitating further investigation into the potential health risks for consumers.  

Additional concerns highlighted include the significance of Bacillus cytotoxicus as a foodborne pathogen, the occurrence of Providencia spp. in food products, potential health risks associated with feeding pets raw meat diets, alternatives to ethylene oxide for treating sesame seeds, a rise in the consumption of Amanita muscaria mushrooms, and the identification of Aichivirus (AiV) as a possible outbreak trigger.  

EFSA's ongoing environmental scanning activities, including the development of the Emerging Risks Exchange Platform, aim to enhance the identification and communication of these risks. The authority continues to prioritize collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that emerging threats are effectively monitored and addressed. This proactive approach is crucial in maintaining food safety standards and protecting public health in an ever-evolving landscape.    

Source:  

EFSA