Pyrrolizidine alkaloids analysis in foods
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are naturally occurring toxins produced by over 6000 plant species, primarily as a defense mechanism against herbivores. They are found in various foods, including honey, herbal teas, and certain spices, and can pose significant health risks, including liver damage and potential carcinogenic effects in humans.
How Sources and occurrence in foods
PAs typically enter the food supply through the accidental co-harvesting of PA-containing weeds or contamination from soil. Common food items that may contain PAs include:
- Honey and Pollen: Bees can collect pollen from PA-producing plants, leading to contamination in honey.
- Herbal Teas and Infusions: Many herbal products are derived from plants that may contain PAs.
- Dried Herbs and Spices: These can also be contaminated if sourced from PA-rich plants.
Research has shown that a significant percentage of food samples, particularly dried herbs and teas, are contaminated with PAs. For example, a study on the Italian market found that 42% of food samples tested contained PAs, with 14% exceeding the EU's established limits for these compounds
Health risks
The consumption of foods contaminated with PAs is concerning due to their genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has highlighted the risks associated with PA exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The ingestion of 1,2-unsaturated PAs has been linked to severe liver damage and other health issues.
Importance of Testing for Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs)
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Factor |
Importance |
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Health Risks |
PAs are genotoxic and carcinogenic, posing serious health risks such as liver damage and potential tumor formation. |
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Contamination in Foods |
PAs can contaminate various food products, often without visible signs. Regular testing helps identify contaminated products before they reach consumers. |
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Regulatory Compliance |
Ensures compliance with maximum levels set by regulatory bodies like EFSA, protecting consumers from unsafe exposure. |
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Consumer Protection |
Safeguards vulnerable populations, including infants and young children, who may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of PAs. |
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Methodological Advances |
Development of sensitive analytical methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS) improves detection and quantification of PAs in food. |
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Standardization of Testing Procedures |
Ensures consistent results across laboratories and studies, facilitating reliable risk assessment and regulatory compliance. |
Regulations and standards
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915, adopted on April 25, 2023, establishes maximum levels for certain contaminants in food, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). This regulation repeals the previous Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and aims to enhance food safety by setting stringent limits on contaminants to protect public health.
Mandatory and optional Analyses for testing Pas in foods
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS):
- Mandatory for detecting and quantifying PAs in various food products like herbal teas, honey, food supplements, and dried herbs
- Provides high sensitivity and selectivity, allowing effective separation of PAs and their N-oxides
Optional Analyses
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
- Can be used for PAs but is less common due to extensive sample preparation and inability to directly identify PA N-oxides
- Generally considered impractical for PA separation compared to LC-MS/MS
Multi-analyte Methods
Development of methods that can simultaneously screen for PAs alongside other contaminants (e.g., pesticides, mycotoxins) for comprehensive food safety assessments
Eurofins services in testing Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Eurofins offers comprehensive services for testing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in various food and feed matrices. Here are the key aspects of their PA testing capabilities:
Analytical Methods
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- Eurofins uses high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) at the LOQ of 5 µg/kg for the detection and quantification of PAs and their N-oxides
- This method provides high sensitivity and selectivity, allowing effective separation of different PA structures
Sample Preparation
- Samples undergo extraction with solvents like sulfuric acid solution to isolate PAs from complex food and feed matrices
- Clean-up using solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges (e.g., Oasis MCX) helps remove interferences and enhance detection
Scope of Analysis
Eurofins can analyze PAs in various food and feed products, including:
- Honey, tea and herbal infusions
- Herbs, spices, and dried plants
- Food supplements
- Animal feed like hay and silage
The scope covers all 17 PAs and N-oxides for which reference standards are commercially available
Regulatory Compliance
- Eurofins' PA testing methods are designed to ensure compliance with maximum levels set by regulations, such as the recent EU Regulation (EU) 2023/915
- The analysis can achieve limits of quantification as low as 0.6 μg/kg, which exceeds regulatory requirements, particularly for products intended for infants and young children
Accreditation and Quality Assurance
- Eurofins offers PA analysis under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) conditions
- The methods are validated to comply with acceptance criteria in standards like CEN for single laboratory validation, ensuring reliable results
In summary, Eurofins provides comprehensive PA testing services using advanced LC-MS/MS techniques, covering a wide range of food and feed products. Their methods are designed to meet regulatory requirements and ensure the safety of consumers.
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