Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of l‐isoleucine produced by fermentation with a non‐genetically modified strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum (CCTCC M 2022764) as a nutritional feed additive for use in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive does not give rise to any safety concern regarding the production strain. The use of l‐isoleucine produced with C.
Biomedicines. 2026 Feb 2;14(2):349. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines14020349.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mammary ductal hyperplasia represents a spectrum of benign proliferative breast lesions, some of which pose elevated risks for malignant transformation into ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer. This narrative review explores why only specific types, particularly those with atypia, exhibit higher progression potential, synthesizing epidemiologic, histopathologic, molecular, and environmental insights.
METHODS: We reviewed key literature from databases, including PubMed, focusing on classification, risk stratification, genetic/epigenetic mechanisms, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and modifiable factors influencing progression.
RESULTS: Benign breast lesions are categorized into non-proliferative, proliferative without atypia, and proliferative with atypia, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia and atypical lobular hyperplasia. Atypia represents a morphologic continuum toward low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ, driven by genetic alterations, epigenetic reprogramming, and changes in the tumor microenvironment, including stromal remodeling, immune infiltration, hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix degradation. Dietary factors, such as high-fat intake and obesity, exacerbate progression through inflammation, insulin resistance, and adipokine imbalance, while environmental toxins, including endocrine disruptors, pesticides, and ionizing radiation, amplify genomic instability.
CONCLUSIONS: Understanding differential risks and mechanisms underscores the need for stratified surveillance, biomarker-driven interventions, and lifestyle modifications to mitigate progression. Future research should prioritize molecular profiling for personalized prevention in high-risk hyperplasia.
PMID:41751248 | PMC:PMC12937821 | DOI:10.3390/biomedicines14020349
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2026 Feb 6;23(2):205. doi: 10.3390/ijerph23020205.
ABSTRACT
Depression is a major public health concern, and evidence continues to show that environmental toxicants may contribute to its development. This study evaluated the association between depressive symptoms and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, phthalates, and organophosphate metabolites using data from NHANES 2017-2018. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Environmental exposure variables were analyzed using multivariable linear regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). All models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical covariates. In multivariable linear regression models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical covariates, higher urinary dimethylphosphate concentrations were significantly associated with increased depressive symptom scores (β = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.27; p = 0.0098). Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was also positively associated with PHQ-9 scores (β = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.0003, 0.0019; p = 0.0043). Because environmental mixtures tend to follow non-linear patterns, BKMR analysis was run. BKMR analyses indicated that organophosphate metabolites exhibited the greatest overall contribution to depressive symptoms (group posterior inclusion probability = 0.7875), with diethylphosphate emerging as the most influential individual exposure within the group (conditional PIP = 0.7211). Exposure-response functions suggested non-linear and threshold relationships for several metabolites. These findings identify specific organophosphate and phthalate metabolites as potential contributors to depressive symptoms and support the importance of evaluating chemical mixtures rather than single exposures. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships and to inform public health efforts aimed at reducing exposure to organophosphate pesticides and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
PMID:41752287 | PMC:PMC12941221 | DOI:10.3390/ijerph23020205
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2026 Feb 6;23(2):205. doi: 10.3390/ijerph23020205.
ABSTRACT
Depression is a major public health concern, and evidence continues to show that environmental toxicants may contribute to its development. This study evaluated the association between depressive symptoms and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, phthalates, and organophosphate metabolites using data from NHANES 2017-2018. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Environmental exposure variables were analyzed using multivariable linear regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). All models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical covariates. In multivariable linear regression models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical covariates, higher urinary dimethylphosphate concentrations were significantly associated with increased depressive symptom scores (β = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.27; p = 0.0098). Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was also positively associated with PHQ-9 scores (β = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.0003, 0.0019; p = 0.0043). Because environmental mixtures tend to follow non-linear patterns, BKMR analysis was run. BKMR analyses indicated that organophosphate metabolites exhibited the greatest overall contribution to depressive symptoms (group posterior inclusion probability = 0.7875), with diethylphosphate emerging as the most influential individual exposure within the group (conditional PIP = 0.7211). Exposure-response functions suggested non-linear and threshold relationships for several metabolites. These findings identify specific organophosphate and phthalate metabolites as potential contributors to depressive symptoms and support the importance of evaluating chemical mixtures rather than single exposures. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships and to inform public health efforts aimed at reducing exposure to organophosphate pesticides and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
PMID:41752287 | PMC:PMC12941221 | DOI:10.3390/ijerph23020205
Deadline: 2026-06-30
EFSA-Q-number: EFSA-Q-2025-00706
Published: 27/02/2026
Deadline for submission of data: 30/06/2026
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for conducting risk assessments related to food and feed safety. EFSA has received a request from the European Commission (EC) to evaluate the risks for human health associated with the presence of chlorate in food from all sources, taking also into account its presence in drinking water, as described in mandate M-2025-00108 (EFSA-Q-2025-00706). This request has been assigned to the Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM...
EPA is announcing specific exemption requests from the Arkansas and Missouri Departments of Agriculture to use the pesticide tetflupyrolimet, (CAS No. 2053901-33-8), to treat up to 546,000 and 100,000 acres of rice in Arkansas and Missouri, respectively to control Barnyardgrass resistant to multiple herbicides. The applicants propose the use of an active ingredient which has not been registered by EPA. EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemptions.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is finalizing several pesticide tolerance actions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) that the Agency previously determined were necessary or appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). During registration review, EPA reviews all aspects of a pesticide case, including existing tolerances, to ensure that the pesticide continues to meet the standard for registration under FIFRA. The Agency is also finalizing tolerance actions identified outside of registration review as housekeeping measures, such as removing expired tolerances from the Code of Federal Register (CFR). The pesticide tolerances and active ingredients addressed in this rulemaking are identified and discussed in detail in Unit III. of this document.
This regulation revises a use of pyridate on mint (with tolerances on mint, fresh leaves and mint, dried leaves); a crop group expansion to field corn subgroup 15-22C; and a crop group conversion to vegetable, brassica, head and stem, group 5-16, which includes a tolerance on orphan crop kohlrabi. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
This document provides the conclusions of the pest survey card that was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114) at the request of the European Commission.
This document provides the conclusions of the pest survey card that was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114) at the request of the European Commission.
The aim of the present report is to collect data on the toxic effects of various pesticides and their metabolites on the kidneys and subsequently establish cumulative assessment groups (CAGs) to facilitate cumulative risk assessment (CRA) of pesticide residues affecting kidney health. For this purpose, a list of previously defined specific effects and the respective indicators was used to retrieve and organise the relevant data.
The EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the use of Diathermic Syncope® (DTS) for stunning cattle. A dossier was provided by the applicant as the basis for an assessment of the extent to which the method is able to provide a level of animal welfare at least equivalent to that ensured by the currently allowed methods for stunning cattle. This scientific opinion followed the EFSA Guidance (2018) on the assessment criteria for applications for new or modified stunning methods regarding animal protection at time of killing.
The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials (FCM) assessed the safety of the recycling process Starlinger viscotec viscoZERO PET (EU register number RECYC340). The input is hot washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes mainly originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers, with no more than 5% PET from non‐food consumer applications. The flakes are melted in an extruder (step 1) and decontaminated in a reactor under high temperature and vacuum (step 2). In step 3, the melt is transferred out of the reactor and cooled down.
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety for the environment of the coccidiostat narasin (Monteban® G100). The additive is intended to be used in chickens for fattening at a concentration of 60–70 mg narasin/kg complete feed. The safety and efficacy of the additive were evaluated by the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) in 2018 and 2024.
With the goal of supporting stronger risk assessments to address emerging food chemical risks, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed existing data sources; data gaps and challenges; and recommendations for improving data availability, quality, and interoperability.
With the goal of supporting stronger risk assessments to address emerging food chemical risks, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed existing data sources; data gaps and challenges; and recommendations for improving data availability, quality, and interoperability.
Toxics. 2026 Jan 30;14(2):139. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020139.
ABSTRACT
This scoping review examined published evidence linking environmental and industrial exposures to breast cancer, synthesizing studies conducted between 2015 and 2025. Using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, 51 peer-reviewed studies were identified and analyzed across five domains: study design, evidence quality, pollutant associations, geographic emphasis, and research gaps. Most studies used retrospective designs, primarily case-control, ecological, cross-sectional, and cohort approaches, which identified associations but could not establish causation. Evidence of quality varied due to heterogeneous environmental modeling methods, exposure to misclassification concerns, and unmeasured confounding, even though 86 percent of studies had sample sizes larger than 1000 cases. Pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were consistently associated with breast cancer, and nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) also showed frequent significant associations. Research was geographically concentrated in North America and Europe, and few studies examined industrial hotspots or low-income regions. Gaps included the need for stronger epidemiological designs, multipollutant models, standardized exposure metrics, and clearer integration of significant environmental findings into public health protections. Overall, while evidence of pollution-related breast cancer risk continued to accumulate, the precautionary principle remained largely unimplemented. Advancing environmental policy, improving exposure transparency, and incorporating hotspot-based approaches are critical for reducing pollutant burdens and strengthening cancer prevention.
PMID:41745813 | PMC:PMC12944497 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020139
Toxics. 2026 Jan 28;14(2):123. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020123.
ABSTRACT
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are global pollutants, yet data from tropical freshwater ecosystems remain scarce. This study provides the first assessment of PFAS occurrence in the Rusizi delta (Burundi), from tributaries to Lake Tanganyika, by analyzing water, sediment, macrophytes, and fish, and by evaluating human health risks from fish consumption. In water, only PFOA (<0.60-7.80 ng/L) was detected and showed a uniform spatial distribution. Sediment concentrations were largely below quantification limits, likely reflecting unfavorable sorption conditions. Macrophytes were dominated by short-chain PFAS, particularly PFBS, without consistent species- or site-specific patterns, supporting their potential as biomonitors of cumulative PFAS exposure. Fish exhibited the highest PFAS diversity, with more diverse profiles in liver than muscle, although tissue-specific patterns were often absent. PFBS was dominant across fish species, and emerging PFAS (e.g., PFBS and NaDONA) were frequently detected. Human health risks from fish consumption were, except for children, mostly below EFSA tolerable weekly intake values for regulated PFAS, but potential concern for adolescents and adults emerged when PFAS were expressed as PFOA equivalents. This study provides essential baseline data for tropical freshwater systems and highlights the need for expanded PFAS monitoring and risk assessment in data-poor regions.
PMID:41745797 | PMC:PMC12945145 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020123
Physiol Mol Biol Plants. 2026 Feb;32(2):185-204. doi: 10.1007/s12298-025-01677-0. Epub 2025 Oct 30.
ABSTRACT
A sustainable and eco-friendly method for eliminating contaminants from soil and water is called phytoremediation, and it involves using plants. The low bioavailability of contaminants, restricted rates of degradation, and decreased plant tolerance under high pollution stress, however, frequently limit its use. The use of nanomaterials to improve phytoremediation efficiency has become possible thanks to recent developments in nanotechnology. With a focus on the role of different nanomaterials such as metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene-based materials, and nano-bio composites in the remediation of heavy metals, organic pollutants, pesticides, dyes, and microplastics, this review offers a thorough summary of the latest developments in nanomaterial-facilitated phytoremediation. In addition to making pollutants more mobile and soluble, which increases their bioavailability to plants, nanomaterials also improve plant growth, metabolism, and stress tolerance. Additionally, they serve as catalysts to help the plant system's detoxification processes and speed up the breakdown of complicated pollutants. Studies conducted in labs and greenhouses have demonstrated encouraging outcomes when nanomaterials are combined with phytoremediation. Concerns about the long-term stability, bioaccumulation, and environmental toxicity of engineered nanomaterials, however, continue to be major obstacles. This review also emphasizes the significance of field-based validation for real-world applications, green nanomaterial synthesis, and risk assessment. Future studies must concentrate on creating safe, affordable, and sustainable nanomaterials as well as comprehending the molecular interactions between plants, nanomaterials, and pollutants.
PMID:41743278 | PMC:PMC12929779 | DOI:10.1007/s12298-025-01677-0
Vet Sci. 2026 Feb 20;13(2):202. doi: 10.3390/vetsci13020202.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are now common in land and water ecosystems. Their spread is an increasing issue from a One Health perspective. These particles end up in soils, water, air, and farm inputs. This poses direct risks to animal health and indirect risks to people who eat animal-derived food. There are also risks from plastic additives and pesticides migrating with these particles in animal-based food. Scope and Approach: This review summarizes how MPs and NPs move in agroecosystems and livestock production. It covers their main sources, such as agricultural plastics, sludge-amended soils, plastic-lined storage, and environmental fallout. It explains how farm animals are exposed, including through feed, water, soil contact, and inhalation. Evidence is condensed for occurrence in manure, tissues, and animal products. The review also highlights key analysis challenges, especially those limiting the assessment of nanoplastic exposure.
KEY FINDINGS: Field surveys show very different contamination levels in the environment. Agricultural soils range from 0.36 to 42,960 particles/kg. Livestock indicators, like contaminated feed and manure, range from 102 to 105 particles/kg. In free-roaming systems, chicken feces have very high loads, showing trophic transfer in land food chains. A pilot study found plastic particles in pig and cow blood, suggesting some particles cross the gut into the blood. Experimental models link MPs/NPs to oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic disturbance, and potential reproductive toxicity in livestock and poultry.
CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK: Animal-based foods provide a major source of human exposure. MPs and NPs have been observed in milk and poultry products, such as packaged meat and eggs (mean 11.67 ± 3.98 particles/egg). There is still a research gap on raw milk taken directly from the teat and on raw eggs that have not been handled or packaged. This gap makes it hard to identify real contamination sources and control strategies. The review stresses the need for harmonized detection methods (especially for NPs), monitoring from farm to fork, and practical ways to reduce plastic use on farms and minimize contamination during processing, feed handling, and packaging.
PMID:41745996 | PMC:PMC12945294 | DOI:10.3390/vetsci13020202
Environ Toxicol Chem. 2026 Feb 26:vgag050. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgag050. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics, which are commonly detected in agricultural runoff, often occur in the presence of agricultural pesticides. However, there is limited mechanistic understanding of the fate of these pesticides in relation to the presence of these plastic surfaces. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the adsorption mechanisms of four common triazole fungicides-flusilazole, hexaconazole, myclobutanil, and triadimenol-on polystyrene nanoplastics, with and without dissolved natural organic matter. In the absence of organic matter coating, simulated adsorption of the fungicide compounds on the polystyrene surface was driven primarily by van der Waals interactions, which were correlated with the hydrophobicity of the compounds and the polarity of their associated functional groups. Accordingly, flusilazole and hexaconazole exhibited both the highest hydrophobicity, as characterized by octanol-water coefficients and the most favorable interaction energies on the polystyrene nanoplastics in the molecular simulations. Consistent with these theoretical results, subsequent adsorption experiments revealed two-fold higher adsorbed amount of flusilazole on polystyrene plastics, compared to myclobutanil and triadimenol. When the model polystyrene nanoplastics were coated with representative plant-derived organic matter compounds in the molecular simulations, the interaction energy of the fungicides was decreased by 150% due to the hydrophilic nature of the organic matter-plastic interface that was unfavorable to the binding of the fungicides. However, this theoretical prediction was not corroborated by adsorption experiments with a river-isolated dissolved natural organic matter, likely due to insufficient coating or relatively weak interactions of the organic matter components on the PS surface. We highlight the importance of considering the role of natural organic matter of different chemistries in relation to the environmental fate of fungicides with nanoplastics.
PMID:41746304 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgag050
Deadline: 2026-08-31
Deadline for data transmission: 30/06/2026
Deadline for validation and acceptance of data: 31/08/2026
In the framework of Articles 23 and 33 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 EFSA has received from the European Commission a mandate (M-2010-0374) to collect all available data on the occurrence of chemical contaminants in food and feed. These data are used in EFSA’s scientific opinions and reports on contaminants in food and feed.
Submission of dataNational food authorities, research institutions, academia, food business operators and other stakeholders are invited to submit data on...
Updated at 9:53 a.m. ET on February 26, 2026.
Casey Means has, to say the least, modified her tone. When she testified today in front of the Senate’s health committee, the nominee for surgeon general didn’t, as she is normally wont to do, delve into her experiences with psychedelics or endorse raw milk. She also did not rail at length against birth control. Instead, the longtime health entrepreneur and influencer emphasized her medical degree from Stanford—even though she does not have an active medical license—and sought out common ground with the senators cross-examining her.
Before her nomination last spring, Means—who dropped out of her surgical residency in 2018—embraced some unconventional theories about wellness. As Rina Raphael wrote for The Atlantic last month, Means has talked to trees, implied that natural disasters are a “communication from God,” and dubbed the nation’s health “a spiritual crisis.” When she appeared on Tucker Carlson’s podcast in 2024, she denounced seed oils and suggested that the widespread use of hormonal birth control was indicative of a cultural “disrespect of life.” She has also questioned the universal birth dose of the hepatitis-B vaccine.
[Read: America’s would-be surgeon general says to trust your ‘heart intelligence’]
In her 2024 book, Good Energy—which Means co-wrote with her brother, Calley, who is now a senior adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a key figure in the MAHA movement—she advises readers to avoid tap water and conventionally grown food, and to trust themselves rather than their doctors. She recommends getting “one cumulative hour of very hot heat exposure” each week and says that people should optimize their health by using a glucose-monitoring device, which is, helpfully, available through Levels Health, a company she co-founded.
Means, who didn’t respond to a request for comment, wrote in her September ethics filing that she would resign from Levels and forfeit or divest all stock options in the company. But she is still listed on Levels’ blog as the company’s chief medical officer. She said today during her hearing that she has spent “the last several months working with the Office of Government Ethics to be fully compliant” with rules regarding conflicts of interest. Senator Chris Murphy also pressed Means on her financial relationships with companies whose products she has promoted in her newsletter, citing an analysis that found that she’d frequently failed to make proper disclosures to her readers. “I have a strong feeling that the way in which they gathered this data is done intentionally to create these claims that you’re making,” Means testified.
Today, Means was far less outwardly anti-establishment than she has been in her book, her newsletter, and podcast appearances. For example, when Senator Patty Murray asked Means to explain her previous anti-birth-control comments, Means said that she was referring not to birth control generally but to particular women whose medical history might increase risk from taking birth control. She also avoided explicitly besmirching immunizations. “I believe that vaccines are a key part of any infectious-disease public-health strategy,” she told Senator Bill Cassidy.
Means had reason to tone it down. Health leaders, including former surgeons general, have questioned her qualifications for the position. Dozens of health and advocacy organizations have opposed her nomination. Peter Lurie, the president and executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, called Means “a virtual PEZ dispenser for RFK, Jr.’s misinformation” in a statement yesterday.
Means’s confirmation hearing also comes at a pivotal moment for the MAHA movement. In the run-up to the midterm elections later this year, Kennedy appears to be shifting his focus from undermining the childhood-vaccine schedule—his least popular
The first set of results focuses on acrylamide and certain toxic heavy metals. Although the levels of some contaminants in food are decreasing overall, the population's exposure still remains concerningly high.
EPA repealed Biden-era amendments that had tightened emissions regulations under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule. Critics warn that this decision could lead to greater bioaccumulation of the neurotoxin methylmercury in fish, increasing human dietary exposure.
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of the coccidiostat diclazuril (Clinacox® 0.5%) for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying. The FEEDAP Panel has recently adopted an opinion on Clinacox® 0.5% for the renewal of its authorisation. In that opinion, the safety of the additive for the target species, consumer and user, as well as the efficacy was confirmed; however, no conclusions could be made on the safety for the environment due to major data gaps.
The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials (FCM) assessed the safety of the recycling process Starlinger viscotec deCON (EU register number RECYC339). The input is washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers, with no more than 5% PET from non‐food consumer applications. The flakes are preheated batchwise before being submitted to solid state polycondensation (SSP) in batch or semi‐continuous reactor(s), at high temperature under vacuum and gas flow.
As the food packaging industry accelerates its transition toward renewable materials and circular economy models, Clariant's EFSA-approved rice ...
AB 2034 aims to tighten oversight of ingredients used in foods sold in the state that have entered the food supply without a formal FDA safety review through the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) process.
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Zinc‐lysinate sulfate (Plexomin® L‐Zn) as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species and categories. The applicant has provided evidence that, in essence, the additives under assessment comply with the proposed specifications.
In an update in 2020, the WHO proposed the use of Bayesian models expressed in terms of “natural” parameters and “technical” parameters. In its guidance document (EFSA, 2022), the Bayesian paradigm was also recommended by EFSA. It allows a fully probabilistic approach with distributions on all parameters and models. The paradigm formalizes the combination of (new) data with (historical) prior knowledge. However, more guidance is needed to allow users to fully exploit the potential of using informative priors. A repository of prior distributions is created.
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by rooted plants in pots of Hamamelis mollis imported from the United Kingdom (UK). The assessment was performed considering the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the UK. All pests associated with the commodities were evaluated against specific criteria.
The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Italy, and co‐rapporteur Member State, Malta, for the pesticide active substance ziram and the assessment of applications for maximum residue levels (MRLs) are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659.
Online 2026-03-03 to 2026-03-03
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of coated granulated cobalt(II) carbonate as nutritional feed additive for ruminants with functional rumen, equidae, lagomorphs, rodents, herbivore reptiles and zoo mammals. The additive is already authorised for use for these animal species. The applicant has provided evidence that, in essence, the additives under assessment comply with the conditions of the authorisation. In addition, a modification in the manufacturing process (i.e.
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for renewal of the authorisation of benzoic acid (4d210) (VevoVitall®) as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned piglets, pigs for fattening, sows and minor porcine species for fattening and for reproduction. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of benzoic acid (4d210) remains safe for the target animals, consumer and for the environment under the approved conditions of the authorisation.
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase (produced with Bacillus subtilis LMG S‐15136) (Belfeed B MP/ML) as a zootechnical additive (functional group: digestibility enhancers) in feed for all poultry species and Suidae. The additive is currently authorised for all poultry species, suckling and weaned piglets, pigs for fattening, lactating sows and all minor porcine species other than reproductive animals.
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by unrooted cuttings of Salix species (S. aegyptiaca, S. eriocephala, S. gmelinii, S. miyabeana, S. purpurea, S. rehderiana, S. schwerinii, S. udensis, S. viminalis) imported from the United Kingdom (UK).
In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to food science and packaging expert Dr. Claire Sand about the regulatory, sustainability, and technical considerations for food companies regarding chemicals of concern in packaging, and what the future of food packaging might look like.
A presidential Executive Order invoked the Defense Production Act of 1950, asserting that glyphosate-based herbicides are critical to “national security.” MAHA supporters are pushing back on the order.
Anal Methods. 2026 Feb 23. doi: 10.1039/d5ay01971k. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The escalating global reliance on synthetic pesticides to secure agricultural productivity has intensified concerns over their adverse impacts on human health and ecosystems. With pesticide exposure linked to severe pathologies-including neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenesis-there is an urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and field-deployable monitoring tools. Conventional analytical methods such as gas or liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry offer high accuracy but are impractical for on-site, real-time screening due to their cost, complexity, and infrastructure demands. In response, optical (bio)sensor arrays have emerged as powerful alternatives that mimic biological sensory systems by generating multidimensional response patterns (analyte-specific fingerprints) from ensembles of cross-reactive sensing elements. This review provides a comprehensive and mechanism-driven analysis of the key sensing element classes used in these arrays for pesticide detection, including label-free plasmonic nanoparticles, chemosensors, host-guest systems, enzymes, antibodies, and aptamers. This review critically evaluates the operational principles, recent advances, practical limitations, and real-world applicability of each platform. By unifying diverse sensing paradigms under a common conceptual framework, this review distills key design principles from reported optical sensor arrays and provides actionable guidance for designing practical platforms to detect and discriminate pesticide residues-balancing robustness, simplicity, and scalability for real-world environmental and food safety applications.
PMID:41729128 | DOI:10.1039/d5ay01971k
Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2026 Feb 21;123:104974. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2026.104974. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a mounting global crisis, with environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) emerging as a critical driver. Agroecosystems, chronically exposed to complex mixtures of bioactive chemicals, including pesticides, represent an underrecognized hotspot for AMR evolution. This review synthesizes established mechanisms by which pesticides select for resistance and introduces a novel hypothesis: molecular mimicry as a hidden driver. Evidence highlights three key pathways: cross-resistance via multidrug efflux pumps; coselection on mobile genetic elements; and enhanced horizontal gene transfer under pesticide-induced stress. Structural similarities may cause bacterial defense systems to misidentify pesticide molecules as antimicrobial threats, triggering resistance responses analogous to endocrine disruption by xenoestrogens such as BPA and DDT. Case studies on macrolides and ivermectin illustrate this concept, as both share macrocyclic lactone scaffolds with insecticides like spinosyns. This framework positions pesticide pollution as a central contributor to AMR, underscoring the need for One Health-based regulatory reform.
PMID:41730359 | DOI:10.1016/j.etap.2026.104974
In Silico Pharmacol. 2026 Feb 17;14(1):61. doi: 10.1007/s40203-026-00566-y. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
Pesticides are essential in modern Bangladeshi agriculture and public health, contributing to effective crop protection, disease management, and food safety maintenance. A widespread use of pesticides has raised health and environmental concerns, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). This study focused on six widely used pesticides in Bangladesh Acephate (ACE), Ametryn (AME), Carbaryl (CYL), Carbendazim (CZM), Dichloran (DLN) and Glyphosate (GLY) are selected for their extreme use and associated adverse health effects, including neurological and developmental toxicity, anorexia, respiratory paralysis, cancer, reproductive impairments, immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption and even mortality. Using computational approaches, we analyzed their physicochemical, spectral, biological, and toxicological properties. Quantum chemical analysis was conducted to evaluate changes in HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, electrostatic potential, enthalpy, and dipole moments, while molecular docking and nonbonding interactions revealed binding affinities against cancer-causing and human estrogen-related receptor proteins (PDB IDs: 2E2R and 4MNF). The 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed that the compounds possess improved stability and flexible structural behavior. Overall, this study provides preliminary molecular insights into the toxicological hazards of commonly used pesticides in Bangladesh, highlighting their potential impacts on human health and the environment and reinforcing the need for public awareness and further experimental validation.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-026-00566-y.
PMID:41717428 | PMC:PMC12913848 | DOI:10.1007/s40203-026-00566-y
Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c13984. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Persistent and mobile (PM) chemicals, including ultrashort-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are continuously discharged into the water cycle, and many of them are poorly removed because of high polarity and recalcitrance. Their occurrence in groundwater, an important drinking water resource, remains underexplored. We investigated 180 PM chemicals in 82 groundwater samples across Saxony, Germany, using freeze-drying and supercritical fluid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (SFC-HRMS). 163 PM chemicals were determined, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, PFAS, other industrial chemicals, and transformation products; concentrations of 72 compounds are reported in groundwater for the first time; 57 chemicals exhibited detection frequencies >50%. The median total PM chemical concentration was 23 μg L-1, with pesticides (0.77 μg L-1) and pharmaceuticals (0.69 μg L-1) of similar totals and industrial chemicals being much higher (19 μg L-1). Trifluoroacetic acid was the dominant single compound (median of 3.0 μg L-1, n = 81). Median concentrations of single chemicals correlated with physicochemical properties (water solubility, lipophilicity, etc.). Site-specific factors (nitrate, dissolved organic carbon, depth) were also associated with PM chemical levels. Chemical co-occurrence revealed benzothiazole and N,N-dimethylformamide as indicators of higher overall PM chemical concentrations. Risk prioritization identified 33 priority chemicals, highlighting chloridazon-desphenyl and N-methylpiperidine as potential indicators of higher overall PM chemical risk. These findings clarify PM chemical behavior in groundwater and support refined monitoring strategies.
PMID:41717724 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c13984
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb;311:119905. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119905. Epub 2026 Feb 19.
ABSTRACT
The effects of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) on the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) remain insufficiently characterized. Here, rats were exposed by a single intraperitoneal administration to 0.5 or 1 μm polystyrene NMPs (NMP-PS, 10 mg/kg), alone or combined with glyphosate (GLY, 7.5 mg/kg). Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the research, which were randomly divided into twelve groups of six males and six females each. Locomotor behavior, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, antioxidant capacity (expressed as Trolox equivalents), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels) were assessed in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus of female and male rats 24 h post-exposure. Both NMP-PS sizes induced significant neurotoxic effects 24 h post-exposure, with 1 μm particles causing more pronounced effects. Females tended to show more pronounced alterations, and the hippocampus emerged as the most vulnerable region, showing the greatest changes in AChE activity and oxidative stress. Co-exposure to NMP-PS and GLY altered the effects of each toxicant alone, with interactions ranging from additive to potentiating or antagonistic, depending on the endpoint and brain region. The most striking changes occurred after 1 μm NMP-PS+GLY co-administration, especially in females, with clear potentiation of motor deficits, increased AChE inhibition, and reduced antioxidant capacity in the hippocampus. Antagonistic effects were also observed for malondialdehyde levels in some regions. Overall, these findings highlight the complexity of combined exposures and support the hypothesis that NMP-PS may adsorb and facilitate GLY transport to the brain, enhancing its neurotoxicity. This study underscores the importance of considering pollutant mixtures and sex-related susceptibility in neurotoxicological risk assessment.
PMID:41719986 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119905
Water Res. 2026 Feb 15;295:125575. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.125575. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Wastewater treatment plants are increasingly recognised as an important collector of diverse industrial discharges and for those chemicals that are not degraded in the treatment process, they become a potentially important source of contamination through release via the effluent and /or reuse of biosolids. For such chemicals, controlling and limiting release into the sewer is key to management, though knowledge of specific sources is unclear. This study aimed to profile industry wastewater sources of chemicals to sewer and identify characteristic industry markers. The largest industry wastewater dataset to date was generated, comprising 132 samples from 20 industrial sectors quantified for 117 analytes, including 88 emerging contaminants (pharmaceuticals, pesticides and PFAS). Concentrations spanned orders of magnitude and revealed sector-specific profiles, such as elevated acesulfame in beverage wastewaters, PFHpS only in primary metal, and outstandingly high contaminants in landfill and waste facilities. To support contaminant-driven source identification, a Random Forest method was developed and single-analyte thresholds for individual industries were determined. Model performance reached 50 % accuracy, with errors attributed to underrepresented classes and pairs with overlapping chemical signatures. These findings highlighted needs for broader industry wastewater sampling beyond this proof of concept, with increasing temporal coverage and an expanded analytical panel to strengthen source identification and support practical applications in targeted pollution control.
PMID:41719649 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.125575
Adv Exp Med Biol. 2026;16:167-208. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-87707-0_6.
ABSTRACT
Wildlife and domesticated animals are exposed to a wide range of natural and synthetic chemicals throughout their life span. Many of these chemicals possess endocrine-disrupting properties which have the potential to disrupt reproductive and developmental process in certain animals. Organochlorine compounds, used as pesticides or in industrial and consumer products in the 1950s, were one of the earliest examples of synthetic endocrine-disrupting chemicals to be linked with adverse reproductive effects in animals. These legacy chemicals have since been restricted for use but continue to persist in the environment and threaten reproductive health of top predators, including porpoises, dolphins and whales. Newer chemicals, including some that were made to replace legacy chemicals and in use today, have been reported to also have endocrine-disrupting properties. These chemicals are manufactured for a wide range of uses, covering a broad range of chemically diverse substances, which include brominated flame retardants, plasticizers and pharmaceutically active ingredients among many other classes of chemicals. When present in the environment, they have been collectively termed emerging contaminants and have been linked with many adverse effects in animals, including impairments in reproduction and development. Whilst exposure to individual chemicals receives regular regulatory interest, there remains a particular concern about wildlife exposures to cocktails of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which, combined with other stressors, may play a significant role in reproductive disorders that cannot be reproduced in laboratory experiments with single- or multi-chemical exposures. Regulation of chemicals, including restriction on the use of some chemicals, affords some protection to animals of the adverse effects of exposure to some EDCs, but there are presently no specific regulations on a holistic cross-government discharge limit for EDCs into the environment that would significantly reduce or eliminate animal exposure to EDCs.
PMID:41718871 | DOI:10.1007/978-3-031-87707-0_6
Adv Exp Med Biol. 2026;16:167-208. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-87707-0_6.
ABSTRACT
Wildlife and domesticated animals are exposed to a wide range of natural and synthetic chemicals throughout their life span. Many of these chemicals possess endocrine-disrupting properties which have the potential to disrupt reproductive and developmental process in certain animals. Organochlorine compounds, used as pesticides or in industrial and consumer products in the 1950s, were one of the earliest examples of synthetic endocrine-disrupting chemicals to be linked with adverse reproductive effects in animals. These legacy chemicals have since been restricted for use but continue to persist in the environment and threaten reproductive health of top predators, including porpoises, dolphins and whales. Newer chemicals, including some that were made to replace legacy chemicals and in use today, have been reported to also have endocrine-disrupting properties. These chemicals are manufactured for a wide range of uses, covering a broad range of chemically diverse substances, which include brominated flame retardants, plasticizers and pharmaceutically active ingredients among many other classes of chemicals. When present in the environment, they have been collectively termed emerging contaminants and have been linked with many adverse effects in animals, including impairments in reproduction and development. Whilst exposure to individual chemicals receives regular regulatory interest, there remains a particular concern about wildlife exposures to cocktails of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which, combined with other stressors, may play a significant role in reproductive disorders that cannot be reproduced in laboratory experiments with single- or multi-chemical exposures. Regulation of chemicals, including restriction on the use of some chemicals, affords some protection to animals of the adverse effects of exposure to some EDCs, but there are presently no specific regulations on a holistic cross-government discharge limit for EDCs into the environment that would significantly reduce or eliminate animal exposure to EDCs.
PMID:41718871 | DOI:10.1007/978-3-031-87707-0_6
Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c13161. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Previous studies on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have indicated large amounts of unidentified organofluorine in municipal wastewater, raising concerns about their environmental impact. Here, a novel multisorbent solid phase extraction method was applied to municipal wastewater samples, followed by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry-based screening and a quantification workflow combining targeted analysis and combustion ion chromatography for fluorine mass balance analysis. Twenty-three highly fluorinated compounds (i.e., perfluoroalkyl acids and precursors) were identified and, apart from trifluoroacetic acid, quantified in the low- to sub-ppt range. In contrast, 30 low-fluorinated substances (i.e., active pharmaceutical ingredients, pesticides, and transformation products, including some previously unreported metabolites) were identified and quantified at concentrations up to 3 orders of magnitude higher. Despite their lower fluorine content (<30% by mass), these pharmaceuticals accounted for 28-42% of the extractable (organo)fluorine (EOF), with sitagliptin, bicalutamide, and celecoxib carboxylic acid being important drivers of the EOF. The inorganic fluoroanions hexafluorophosphate and tetrafluoroborate were coextracted and contributed 7-19% of the EOF. The multisorbent approach also captured polar cationic pharmaceuticals, substantially influencing the EOF composition. These findings highlight the complexity of fluorine mass balance in municipal wastewater and the need for advanced methods to uncover unidentified organofluorine.
PMID:41718538 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c13161
The findings emphasize the need for cereal manufacturers to optimize processing steps for each process contaminant, while also considering the effects on product quality.
Following an application from ScanOats, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Ireland, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to oat beta‐glucans (OBG) and the reduction of postprandial glucose peaks (claimed effect). OBG are sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect is beneficial for the target population of individuals who wish to reduce their postprandial glucose peaks.
This document provides the conclusions of the pest survey card that was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114) at the request of the European Commission.
This document provides the conclusions of the pest survey card that was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114) at the request of the European Commission.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is finalizing several tolerance actions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) that the Agency previously determined were necessary or appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). During registration review, EPA reviews all aspects of a pesticide case, including existing tolerances, to ensure that the pesticide continues to meet the standard for registration under FIFRA. The pesticide tolerances and active ingredients addressed in this rulemaking are identified and discussed in detail in Unit III. of this document.
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of imidacloprid (CASRN 138261-41-3) in or on the food and feed commodities of black pepper at 0.05 parts per million (ppm). Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), the American Spice Trade Association submitted a petition to EPA requesting that EPA establish a maximum permissible level for residues of this pesticide in or on this commodities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is finalizing several pesticide tolerance actions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) that the Agency previously determined were necessary or appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). During registration review, EPA reviews all aspects of a pesticide case, including existing tolerances, to ensure that the pesticide continues to meet the standard for registration under FIFRA. The pesticide tolerances and active ingredients addressed in this rulemaking are identified and discussed in detail in Unit II. of this document.
This notice announces EPA's order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrant and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a May 30, 2025, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrant listed in Table 2 of Unit II, to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the May 30, 2025, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 180-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrant withdrew their requests. The registrant did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions.
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of pydiflumetofen in or on coffee, green bean and dragon fruit. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of inpyrfluxam in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Valent U.S.A., LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
The agreement reflects a common objective: ensuring that innovation drives competitiveness while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Amid rapid technological change and increasing complexity, the three-year partnership will promote science-based solutions for safe, sustainable, and resilient food systems, aligned with One Health principles.
Under the MoU, cooperation will cover areas such as plant and animal health, pesticide risk assessment and sustainable agricultural practices, nutrition and cross-cutting work on data, as well as methodologies and communication. The partnership...
Amid the ongoing global infant formula recall due to possible cereulide contamination, some countries have reported cases of mostly mild gastrointestinal illness in infants who had consumed infant formula, but confirming cereulide exposure is a challenge.
Key scientific findingsReported cases
As of 13 February 2026, seven countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Spain and the United Kingdom) had reported cases under investigation involving infants with gastrointestinal symptoms who had consumed infant formula products. Investigations are ongoing to further identify cases, and assess whether recalled batches or other batches of infant formula products may have been the vehicle of illness.
Clinical condition of affected childrenThe joint assessment indicates that most reported cases presented mild gastrointestinal symptoms, while...
Anal Chem. 2026 Feb 19. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04907. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances have gained increasing scientific and regulatory attention due to their capacity to bypass natural and artificial barriers and spread throughout the water cycle. However, knowledge of their environmental occurrence remains limited due to analytical challenges, particularly in detecting highly polar substances that are often overlooked in monitoring studies. This study aims to identify PMT substances that are worth monitoring in surface waters strongly influenced by wastewater treatment plant effluents. A suspect screening analysis (SSA) approach based on the use of LC-HRMS was integrated with a tiered prioritization strategy. Our workflow integrates multimodal SPE and LC approaches to improve PMT detection coverage across polarity gradients. A total of 305 substances were tentatively identified, and 103 of them were prioritized as PMT substances, encompassing industrial chemicals, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, pesticides, and transformation products. Notably, only 13% of PMT substances are currently included in the European Water Framework Directive legislation or the REACH list of substances of very high concern. Among them, 35 high-priority PMT substances were confirmed with analytical standards through mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in tandem with HRMS, providing reliable fragmentation data. Some of these substances such as the pharmaceutical celecoxib, the ultrashort-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, or the industrial chemical 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) have been scarcely investigated in environmental monitoring efforts. The methodological framework presented in this study is readily adaptable to a wide range of environmental scenarios. The results obtained highlight the importance of integrating SSA as a complementary approach to conventional target analysis.
PMID:41711674 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04907
Anal Chem. 2026 Feb 19. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04907. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances have gained increasing scientific and regulatory attention due to their capacity to bypass natural and artificial barriers and spread throughout the water cycle. However, knowledge of their environmental occurrence remains limited due to analytical challenges, particularly in detecting highly polar substances that are often overlooked in monitoring studies. This study aims to identify PMT substances that are worth monitoring in surface waters strongly influenced by wastewater treatment plant effluents. A suspect screening analysis (SSA) approach based on the use of LC-HRMS was integrated with a tiered prioritization strategy. Our workflow integrates multimodal SPE and LC approaches to improve PMT detection coverage across polarity gradients. A total of 305 substances were tentatively identified, and 103 of them were prioritized as PMT substances, encompassing industrial chemicals, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, pesticides, and transformation products. Notably, only 13% of PMT substances are currently included in the European Water Framework Directive legislation or the REACH list of substances of very high concern. Among them, 35 high-priority PMT substances were confirmed with analytical standards through mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in tandem with HRMS, providing reliable fragmentation data. Some of these substances such as the pharmaceutical celecoxib, the ultrashort-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, or the industrial chemical 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) have been scarcely investigated in environmental monitoring efforts. The methodological framework presented in this study is readily adaptable to a wide range of environmental scenarios. The results obtained highlight the importance of integrating SSA as a complementary approach to conventional target analysis.
PMID:41711674 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04907
Curr Environ Health Rep. 2026 Feb 19;13(1):7. doi: 10.1007/s40572-026-00529-7.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is increasing evidence that several environmental exposures may pose a risk for depression, including maternal depression. We conducted a scoping review of epidemiological evidence regarding maternal exposure to environmental chemicals and perinatal depression.
RECENT FINDINGS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Dimensions, and Scopus, and summarized the findings from 27 articles that examined environmental chemical exposures and maternal depression. Studies of ambient air pollutants (N = 11) showed exposure to NO2 and PM10 to be most consistently associated with antenatal or postnatal depression. Studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates (n = 6), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, n = 6), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE, n = 3), organophosphate esters flame retardants (OPE, n = 2), and pesticides (n = 1), reported positive links with maternal depression, particularly from exposures to phthalates and PBDE. Studies of the individual and mixture of metals (n = 3) have reported mixed results. Maternal exposures to certain airborne pollutants, and chemicals from contaminated household products and food sources, are associated with maternal depression. If these findings are confirmed, reducing environmental risks may represent a promising strategy for the primary prevention of maternal depression.
PMID:41712116 | PMC:PMC12920714 | DOI:10.1007/s40572-026-00529-7
Food Chem. 2026 Feb 17;508(Pt B):148395. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148395. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Since food is a major route of exposure to chemical contaminants, this study aimed to develop and apply an innovative method to improve assessment of consumer exposure. Initially, a comprehensive targeted screening method was established for the simultaneous analysis of a wide range of residues (pesticides, veterinary drugs, and industrial chemicals) and contaminants (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), mycotoxins, and alkaloids) in food matrices. The method was validated for 858 chemicals spiked at 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg.kg-1, following EU guidelines for pesticide residue analysis. Targeted screening of 872 (including 14 additional PFAS) chemicals revealed that 63% of the samples contained at least one contaminant, with 31 substances unequivocally identified. Finally, a supplementary suspect screening approach was used to compare MS/MS spectra, enabling the identification of 6 chemicals at level 1 and 109 chemicals at level 2a. These results demonstrate the robustness and value of a single first-line screening strategy across diverse complex food matrices, replacing at least five matrix-dependent targeted methods.
PMID:41713345 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148395
Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 17;396:127846. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127846. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) form a large chemical group, but routine monitoring targets only a few well-known compounds such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). To better understand the widespread occurrence of PFAS in Dutch surface waters, we performed target analysis using an expanded list of compounds, combined with extensive suspect and de novo non-target screening (SNTS) to explore unreported PFAS beyond the scope of conventional monitoring. Analyses were performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography-trapped ion-mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-timsTOF-MS). Target analysis focused on 24 previously underreported sulfonamide-based PFASs, enabled by newly available analytical standards and 34 common PFASs, representing 58 compounds. Several N-alkyl perfluoroalkane sulfonamidoacetic acids, including MeFBSAA (up to 50 ng/L), were found. SPr-FHxSA (N-sulfo propyl perfluorohexane sulfonamide), associated with aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), was detected in five samples (0.14-1.99 ng/L). In total, 38 PFAS were identified by target analysis. Collision cross-section (CCS) values of analytical standards were measured prior to SNTS. In SNTS, nineteen compounds, mainly fluorinated pharmaceuticals and pesticides, were identified at confidence level 2a using the MassBank library. Another 22 candidates were tentatively classified at levels 2b or 3, including an unsaturated PFOS analogue and a fluazinam transformation product, highlighting the ability of de novo SNTS to uncover unexpected PFAS. Finally, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonyl propanoamido-dimethylethyl sulfonate (6:2 FtSO2AoS) was confirmed at level 1a. Overall, integrating new PFAS standards with SNTS provided a far more complete view of PFAS presence in Dutch waters than target monitoring.
PMID:41713766 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127846
Curr Environ Health Rep. 2026 Feb 19;13(1):7. doi: 10.1007/s40572-026-00529-7.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is increasing evidence that several environmental exposures may pose a risk for depression, including maternal depression. We conducted a scoping review of epidemiological evidence regarding maternal exposure to environmental chemicals and perinatal depression.
RECENT FINDINGS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Dimensions, and Scopus, and summarized the findings from 27 articles that examined environmental chemical exposures and maternal depression. Studies of ambient air pollutants (N = 11) showed exposure to NO2 and PM10 to be most consistently associated with antenatal or postnatal depression. Studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates (n = 6), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, n = 6), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE, n = 3), organophosphate esters flame retardants (OPE, n = 2), and pesticides (n = 1), reported positive links with maternal depression, particularly from exposures to phthalates and PBDE. Studies of the individual and mixture of metals (n = 3) have reported mixed results. Maternal exposures to certain airborne pollutants, and chemicals from contaminated household products and food sources, are associated with maternal depression. If these findings are confirmed, reducing environmental risks may represent a promising strategy for the primary prevention of maternal depression.
PMID:41712116 | PMC:PMC12920714 | DOI:10.1007/s40572-026-00529-7
Although generally detected at low levels, mycotoxins were present in all plant-based meat alternative and beverage samples, suggesting that cumulative exposure may pose health concerns.
The EFSA Stakeholder Workshop on Genotoxicity Guidance Revision was held on 3‐4 November 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. The event aimed to inform stakeholders about the ongoing revision of EFSA's genotoxicity guidance framework and gather input on key scientific aspects, including the testing strategy, integration of new approach methodologies (NAMs), quantitative genotoxicity assessment and genotoxicity assessment of mixtures. The Workshop featured presentations from EFSA, sister agencies (ECHA, EMA), the European Commission (EC), OECD, as well as stakeholders from industry and academia.
This document announces the Agency's receipt of and solicits comment on requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel their pesticide registration of certain products and/or to amend their product registrations to terminate one or more uses. In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA provides a periodic notice of receipt addressing requests received by EPA since the last notice of receipt was issued and uses the month and year in the title to help distinguish one document from the other. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments during the comment period that would merit further review of the requests, or the request is withdrawn by the registrant. If these requests are granted, EPA will issue an order in the Federal Register cancelling the listed product registrations, after which any sale, distribution, or use of the products listed in this document will only be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order.
This notice announces EPA's order for the cancellations and/or amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a November 20, 2025, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 3 of Unit II, to voluntarily cancel and/or amend to terminate uses of these product registrations. In the November 20, 2025, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations and/or amendments to terminate uses, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations and/or amendments to terminate uses. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions.
J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2026 Feb 18:1-13. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2026.2632855. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Chemical control of Aedes aegypti remains essential for reducing transmission of arboviruses in urban environments; however, intensive use of pesticides has increased the risk of metabolic and behavioral resistance. The aim of this study was to (1) examine the biological and biochemical responses of Aedes aegypti larvae exposed to a low-dose mixture of spinosad and pyriproxyfen, two larvicides with distinct modes of action and (2) determine whether reduced concentrations are able to maintain effective developmental inhibition. Semi-field trials and controlled lab assays were conducted using spinosad at 1.25 μg/L and pyriproxyfen at 0.63 μg/L, concentrations markedly lower than operational recommendations. Under semi-field conditions, this mixture suppressed more than 90% of adult emergence over 28 days and completely inhibited pupation. Lab observations noted rapid neurobehavioral disruption, including erratic swimming, tremors, lethargy, and immobility, followed by developmental arrest and mortality. Enzymatic analysis showed a transient metabolic response, characterized by early induction of mixed-function oxidases and intermediate activation of esterases, while glutathione S-transferases remained unchanged. These findings indicate short-lived detoxification activity rather than sustained resistance mechanisms. Overall, complementary neurotoxic and endocrine-disrupting actions of spinosad and pyriproxyfen were effective even at markedly reduced concentrations. Data support the use of low-dose larvicide mixtures as an environmentally responsible strategy consistent with Integrated Vector Management, potentially decreasing chemical inputs while maintaining larvicidal efficacy.
PMID:41705900 | DOI:10.1080/15287394.2026.2632855
A high proportion of Campylobacter and Salmonella from food-producing animals across Europe are resistant to antimicrobials that are important to human medicine. Escherichia coli resistance to last-resort carbapenems is growing.
Deadline: 2026-04-20 Background
In 2019, EFSA finalised the peer review for the renewal of thiacloprid under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Critical concerns were identified for representative uses, and the assessment of the risk to bees could not be concluded due to lack of data. As the approval criteria were not met, thiacloprid was not renewed in the EU, and all authorisations were subsequently withdrawn.
Following the non renewal, the Commission requested EFSA to perform a targeted risk assessment of MRLs based on Codex MRLs and import tolerances. Although no acute consumer risk was identified, this assessment...
J Environ Manage. 2026 Feb 16;401:128998. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128998. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Polystyrene micro/nanoplastics (PS-MPs/NPs) and the neonicotinoid imidacloprid (IMI) frequently co-occur in freshwater ecosystems, yet their combined toxicity profiles remain distinct and unresolved. Here, we exposed juvenile crucian carp (Carassius auratus) to PS-MPs (5 μm), PS-NPs (60-100 nm), and IMI, alone or in combination, to unravel their interactive mechanisms via a multi-omics approach. Results revealed a clear size-dependent toxicity pattern: while PS-NPs (especially with IMI) preferentially targeted the brain, PS-MPs (with or without IMI) induced the most severe intestinal histological injury, characterized by extensive intestinal fold atrophy and goblet cell depletion. In the brain, co-exposure to PS-NPs and IMI elicited potentiated neurotoxicity, manifesting as blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, neuroinflammation, and a specific disruption of the glutamate-glutamine-γ-aminobutyric acid (Glu-Gln-GABA) metabolic cycle, which coincided with hyperactive and asocial behaviors. Microbiome analysis highlighted distinct dysbiotic signatures. Integrated network analyses further linked these gut microbial shifts to central neurochemical imbalances, implicating the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a potential pathway involved in systemic toxicity. In summary, this study differentiated between gastrointestinal damage caused by MPs and systemic combined toxicity caused by the penetration of NPs and IMI across biological barriers. It emphasizes the importance of size-specific assessment in understanding the complex risks of combined exposure to plastics and pesticides, providing insights for pollution management in agricultural hotspots.
PMID:41702067 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128998
EFSA conducted a safety reevaluation for the sweetener sucralose, resulting in no change to the acceptable daily intake (ADI). EFSA also considered a proposed extension for the use of sucralose in fine bakery wares, but was unable to determine its safety.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) requested the Panel on Plant Health (PLH Panel) to provide guidance for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the options for plants and plant products for reducing the risk of introduction and spread of harmful organisms in the European Union territory. Two operational tools are presented: a checklist for evaluating a proposed risk reduction option (RRO) and a database of references corresponding to published guidance documents or experimental assessments of RROs.
EFSA’s experts concluded that the sweetener sucralose (E 955) continues to be safe for consumers for its currently authorised uses as a food additive.
At the request of the European Commission, EFSA prepared these specific guidelines to guide the surveyor through the design of statistically sound and risk‐based surveys for Phyllosticta citricarpa, integrating the key biological information.
The technical report reflects the outcome of the discussions and agreements that were reached in the pesticides peer review meeting on residues and maximum residue levels regarding the principles and guidance for application of the proportionality concept in the risk assessment methodologies used at European level for the estimation of the maximum residue levels for pesticides. In addition, practical experiences on the use of the proportionality approach gained by EFSA have been included in this document.
This technical report reflects the outcome of the ecotoxicology experts meeting on general recurring issues noted during the EFSA peer reviews of pesticide active substances under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. General and specific issues were identified and discussed relating to risk assessment for birds and mammals, aquatic organisms, non‐target arthropods and soil organisms. Conclusions and recommendations on these topics were drawn.
At the request of the European Commission, EFSA prepared specific guidelines for the survey of Xylella fastidiosa to guide the survey or through the design of statistically sound and risk‐based surveys, integrating the key biological information. Based on examples, three different survey designs are simulated: detection surveys to substantiate pest freedom, delimiting surveys to determine the boundaries of an infested zone, and buffer zone surveys to monitor a zone ensuring pest detection at a low level of prevalence.
EFSA’s Panel of Food Contact Material, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids Panel (CEF) has adopted a 'Scientific Opinion on Guidance on the Submission of a Dossier on Food Enzymes' on 23 July 2009. In this guidance document the data required to conduct a risk assessment for food enzymes are described. It was requested by the Regulations (EC) No 1331/2008 on a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Guidance of the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assists applicants in the preparation and presentation of their market registration applications by describing elements and information/data requirements for the risk assessment and monitoring of GMOs.
The European Commission asked EFSA to revise the guidance on the risk assessment for honey bees, bumble bees and solitary bees for Regulation (EU) 1107/2009. The guidance document is a review of EFSA's existing guidance document, which was published in 2013. The guidance document outlines the approach for exposure estimation in different scenarios and tiers. It includes hazard characterisation and provides risk assessment methodology covering dietary and contact exposure. The guidance document also provides recommendations for higher tier studies, risk from metabolites and mixture.
At the request of the European Commission, EFSA has prepared these specific guidelines to guide the surveyor through the design of statistically sound and risk‐based surveys for Agrilus planipennis, integrating the key biological information. Based on examples, three different survey designs are simulated: (i) detection surveys to substantiate pest freedom, (ii) delimiting surveys to determine the boundaries of an infested zone, and (iii) buffer zone surveys to monitor a zone that ensures pest detection at low prevalence.
Genetically modified organisms are subject to a risk assessment and regulatory approval before entering the European market. According to legislation (Directive 2001/18/EC, Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 and Regulation (EU) No 503/2013) and the EFSA guidance documents on the risk assessment of food and feed from genetically modified (GM) plants and on the environmental risk assessment of GM plants, applicants need to perform a molecular characterisation of any DNA sequence inserted in the GM plant genome.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) identified the need to provide further clarification on the Guidance for the risk assessment of food and feed from genetically modified plants (EFSA GMO Panel, 2011), specifically in the context of the risk assessment of GM feed of plant origin. Regulation (EU) No 503/2013 requires amongst others, data from raw agricultural commodities entering the feed production and processing chain. Different parts of a plant, i.e. whole grain, bean or seed and forage, may enter the feed chain as unprocessed raw material.
Vitamins and essential minerals are micronutrients that are essential for the normal functioning of the human body. However, they may lead to adverse health effects if consumed in excess. The concept of a tolerable upper intake level (UL) is a science‐based reference value, which was introduced to support policy‐makers and other relevant actors in managing the risks of excess nutrient intake. EFSA’s principles for establishing ULs for vitamins and minerals were originally developed by the Scientific Committee on Food in 2000.
Guidance of the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms assists applicants in the preparation and presentation of their applications by describing elements and data requirements for the risk assessment and monitoring of genetically modified (GM) plants. This note to the guidance provides a scientific rationale and further instructions for the use of bioinformatic analyses to identify GM plant sequences with sufficient identity to promote homologous recombination and impact on horizontal gene transfer from plants to microorganisms.
Guidance of the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assists applicants in the preparation and presentation of their market registration applications by describing elements and information/data requirements for the risk assessment and monitoring of GMOs.
EFSA carries out the risk assessment of genetically modified plants for food and feed uses under Regulation (EU) No 503/2013. Exposure assessment – anticipated intake/extend of use shall be an essential element of the risk assessment of genetically modified feeds, as required by Regulation (EU) No 503/2013.
Parma, Italy 2026-10-20 to 2026-10-20 , 2026-10-21 to 2026-10-21
In a recent 60 Minutes interview, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said FDA will address the “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) “loophole,” which allows ingredients into the food supply without FDA review, while saying he does not plan to regulate ultra-processed foods.
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of vitamin E in the forms of tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils, tocopherol‐rich extracts from vegetable oils (delta rich) and alpha‐tocopherol, as technological feed additives for all animal species. The additives are already authorised for use in all animal species without a specified minimum or maximum level. The applicant provided evidence that the additives currently on the market comply with the existing conditions of authorisation.
This document provides the conclusions of the pest survey card that was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114) at the request of the European Commission.
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of molybdenum in form of a chelate with EDTA as a nutritional feed additive for honeybees and bumblebees. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that additive MoNa is safe for honeybees and bumblebees at the maximum recommended use level of 8 mg/hive per feeding, according to the conditions of use. The use of the additive in animal nutrition is safe for the consumer and the environment. The additive should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser.
Environ Epidemiol. 2026 Feb 11;10(2):e464. doi: 10.1097/EE9.0000000000000464. eCollection 2026 Apr.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is mixed evidence regarding the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
METHODS: We matched 294 ASD cases to 286 controls by sex, birth year, and exposure to selected pesticides and air pollution. All participants were born in the California Central Valley from 2004 to 2010. Using high-resolution metabolomic profiling, three PFAS were measured in >60% of maternal serum samples: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression to examine relationships between PFAS and ASD. Nonlinear associations were examined using restricted cubic spline regression, and a quantile-based g-computation approach was utilized to examine the association between a PFAS mixture and ASD.
RESULTS: We found an elevated aOR for ASD comparing the highest to the lowest PFOA exposure quartile (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI = 0.96, 3.06); this was not seen with perfluorohexanesulfonic acid or PFOS. We saw a J-shaped exposure-outcome relationship for PFOA. No apparent associations were found for the PFAS mixture and ASD. Maternal education modified associations for PFOA and PFOS; among children of mothers with lower education levels, the highest PFOA quartile was strongly associated with ASD compared with the lowest quartile (aOR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.43, 6.18). This association was not seen with higher education levels (aOR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.24, 1.64).
CONCLUSIONS: We found that prenatal exposure to PFOA was associated with ASD in children, particularly among mothers with lower education levels. Larger studies are warranted to replicate our findings.
PMID:41696656 | PMC:PMC12900219 | DOI:10.1097/EE9.0000000000000464
Arch Toxicol. 2026 Feb 17. doi: 10.1007/s00204-026-04299-x. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Amidst the dual challenges of global food security and ecological security, the development of highly effective and low-risk green pesticides has become a critical pathway for promoting sustainable agricultural development. This review systematically summarizes the dual characteristics of novel pesticides targeting ion channels in precise pest control and ecological risk management. Research indicates that due to the high evolutionary conservation of ion channels in insects and mammals, pesticides exhibit cross-species similarity in their actions. This characteristic is key to understanding the broad toxicity of pesticides and also provides molecular targets for designing universal detoxification intervention strategies. By reviewing the regulatory mechanisms of typical pesticides such as pyrethroids and diamides on key ion channels like voltage-gated sodium channels and ryanodine receptors, we revealed their double-edged sword effect of "high efficacy coexisting with potential risks": while achieving precise insecticide action, they may induce neurotoxicity or endocrine disruption in non-target organisms due to the structural conservation of channels. Based on mechanistic toxicological analysis, this review further proposes novel intervention strategies centered on "reversible toxicity", including the use of computational toxicology for early risk warning, structure-guided molecular design to reduce cross-reactivity with mammalian channels, and the development of channel-specific antagonists and allosteric modulators as precise detoxification methods, thereby constructing a toxicity-blocking system covering the entire chain from "molecular recognition to clinical intervention". Through the multidimensional integration of intelligent delivery systems, comprehensive resistance management, and full life-cycle risk management, these strategies are expected to promote the formation of a new generation of pesticide research and development paradigm characterized by "efficacy-toxicity separation," providing theoretical support for harmonizing agricultural pest control and public health protection.
PMID:41699310 | DOI:10.1007/s00204-026-04299-x