Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, new limits expected in July 2022
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are secondary metabolites synthesised by a variety of plants as a defence mechanism against insects. Currently, more than 600 such molecules are known, mainly from the Boraginaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae families. Due to their harmful potential, especially 1,2-unsaturated PAs are undesirable in food due to a possible genotoxic and carcinogenic effect. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the total exposure of consumers to genotoxic and carcinogenic PAs from food should be kept as low as possible.
From July 2022, new limits for PA content in tea, herbal tea, food supplements with herbal ingredients, pollen, herbs and caraway seeds will apply. The maximum levels refer to the sum of 21 PAs and N-oxides as well as 14 other isomers.
We have developed an LC-MS/MS-based method for the reliable measurement of the new maximum levels. Thanks to the analysis with a highly sensitive mass spectrometer and a simplified sample preparation, the method enables sensitive, reliable and fast PA analyses.
Matrices: coffee, tea, herbs/spices
Analysis time: 7 working days, 3-day rush service
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