Ingredients

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A recent, 8-year-long analysis of U.S. dark chocolate and cocoa products revealed a significant portion of samples to contain cadmium and lead levels exceeding California Proposition 65 maximum allowable limits, although concentrations of toxic heavy metals were seen to reduce over time.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has approved 16 edible insect species for import and sale in the country, and has set out the guidelines for insects to be approved as food.

The 99th meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) took place on June 11–20, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, during which the safety of certain food additives were evaluated.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has developed a guidance document to help food supplement producers and food businesses assess the safety of probiotics used in their products.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has opened a public consultation on the safety of ashwagandha food supplements.

Effective August 2, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked its authorization of the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food due to studies showing the potential for adverse health effects to humans.

Antimicrobial processing aids (APAs) are a subgroup of antimicrobial food additives used by food processors to benefit public health. As new APA technologies emerge, food processors and retail food/foodservice companies have identified opportunities to enhance food safety and the reliability of their processes. 

Researchers recently conducted sampling and analysis of common vegetable oils from Italy and Spain, packaged in both glass and plastic bottles, to determine the presence of microplastics. Microplastics were found in every sample tested, regardless of packaging.

Researchers from Tulane University assessed the levels and risks of toxic metals in chocolates sold in the U.S., made from beans originating from different global regions.

The EU Heads of Food Safety Agencies (HoA) recently published a list of 117 substances that should be prohibited or restricted in food supplements to protect public health.