Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PRISMA (Providing Risk-benefit Insights of Shifting to Meat Alternatives)
Período documentado: 2023-06-01 hasta 2025-05-31
PRISMA is a Marie-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Project designed as a proof of concept to assess the real plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) contribution to the overall mycotoxin exposure in alternative diets, with the ultimate ambition to provide support to regulators and policymakers in improving the regulatory framework of meat substitutes.
The PRISMA project is set against the backdrop of significant dietary shifts towards plant-based foods, driven by sustainability and health concerns. This dietary change is driven by sustainability and health considerations, supported by international policies and scientific recommendations. However, this shift has potentially altered consumer exposure to contaminants, particularly mycotoxins, which are natural toxins produced by fungi and prevalent in plant-based ingredients. Current EU risk assessment frameworks do not adequately consider the dietary trends towards PBMA. There is also a lack of consumer knowledge regarding the potential health risks associated with PBMA consumption, particularly concerning mycotoxin exposure.
Therefore, PRISMA is designed to address the urgent need for updated risk assessments and regulatory frameworks to ensure consumer safety in this evolving dietary landscape.
The specific objectives are 1) to capture consumers' knowledge and misconceptions about PBMA consumption and its safety profile, 2) to evaluate consumers' exposure to mycotoxins in vegetarian and flexitarian diets, and 3) to perform a detailed risk-benefit assessment of partial and total meat substitution with PBMA, considering both nutritional benefits and potential health risks.
PRISMA will generate high-quality data on mycotoxin exposure in PBMA, contributing to the scientific community's understanding of food safety in plant-based diets. It will also provide methodologies for risk-benefit assessment applicable to other dietary shifts.
PRISMA’s findings will support regulators and policymakers in updating the regulatory framework for meat substitutes, ensuring consumer safety and promoting healthier dietary habits. The outcome will benefit the food industry by providing insights into the safety and quality of PBMA, encouraging the development of safer and healthier products. It will also support the growth of the PBMA market by ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer trust.
By combining advanced scientific research, policy support, and public engagement, PRISMA aims to provide comprehensive insights into the risks and benefits of PBMA consumption, ultimately contributing to healthier and safer dietary practices.
The PRISMA project is set against the backdrop of significant dietary shifts towards plant-based foods, driven by sustainability and health concerns. This dietary change is driven by sustainability and health considerations, supported by international policies and scientific recommendations. However, this shift has potentially altered consumer exposure to contaminants, particularly mycotoxins, which are natural toxins produced by fungi and prevalent in plant-based ingredients. Current EU risk assessment frameworks do not adequately consider the dietary trends towards PBMA. There is also a lack of consumer knowledge regarding the potential health risks associated with PBMA consumption, particularly concerning mycotoxin exposure.
Therefore, PRISMA is designed to address the urgent need for updated risk assessments and regulatory frameworks to ensure consumer safety in this evolving dietary landscape.
The specific objectives are 1) to capture consumers' knowledge and misconceptions about PBMA consumption and its safety profile, 2) to evaluate consumers' exposure to mycotoxins in vegetarian and flexitarian diets, and 3) to perform a detailed risk-benefit assessment of partial and total meat substitution with PBMA, considering both nutritional benefits and potential health risks.
PRISMA will generate high-quality data on mycotoxin exposure in PBMA, contributing to the scientific community's understanding of food safety in plant-based diets. It will also provide methodologies for risk-benefit assessment applicable to other dietary shifts.
PRISMA’s findings will support regulators and policymakers in updating the regulatory framework for meat substitutes, ensuring consumer safety and promoting healthier dietary habits. The outcome will benefit the food industry by providing insights into the safety and quality of PBMA, encouraging the development of safer and healthier products. It will also support the growth of the PBMA market by ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer trust.
By combining advanced scientific research, policy support, and public engagement, PRISMA aims to provide comprehensive insights into the risks and benefits of PBMA consumption, ultimately contributing to healthier and safer dietary practices.
The PRISMA Project investigates the health implications of dietary patterns, particularly focusing on plant-based foods and their associated risks and benefits. The research primarily addresses the following areas:
1) Mycotoxin Exposure in Plant-Based Foods - Our first study focused on the occurrence and co-occurrence of 16 mycotoxins in 105 plant-based meat alternatives purchased from the Italian market. The main ingredients, used for understanding the source of contamination, were wheat, legumes, and vegetables. Occurrence and co-occurrence data were collected using a well-established LC-MS/MS analytical procedure developed at UNIPR. Once collected the occurrence data and starting from the official Italian consumption database, we developed a simulation model to assess dietary exposure and potential health risks. The collected results pinpointed a widespread occurrence of mycotoxins, although at very low levels, in all the plant-based meat alternative categories, thus suggesting a need for further mycotoxin assessment in these products.
2) Health Impact of Dietary Patterns - In order to better evaluate the impact of shifting from an omnivore meat-based diet to a vegetarian/flexitarian plant-based one, we analyzed the burden of disease associated to dietary changes using DALYs as a well-established indicator. In particular, our work estimated the risk of ten illnesses based on dietary exposure to chemical contaminants and consumption patterns of unprocessed red meat, processed meat, and legumes among European adults. The findings suggest that a balanced diet incorporating a variety of foods is essential to minimize health risks.
3) Knowledge and Attitudes of Food Professionals - in order to understand the consumer's awareness towards potential risks associated to the dietary shift, we examined how food and health professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards dietary patterns (flexitarian, omnivore, vegetarian, vegan) influence their dietary practices related to plant-based foods. In particular, we included three group populations based in Italy, Romania and the UK, aiming at reflecting differences in the market as well as in the traditional diets. The research indicates that knowledge and attitudes significantly impact dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of education in promoting healthy dietary habits.
4) Mycotoxins exposure in a target population with low/medium/high adherence to alternative diets - thanks to the combination of mycotoxins analysis in urine of volunteers and the analysis of their dietary habits using food frequency questionnaires, we compared the exposure to mycotoxins in volunteers following a vegetarian, flexiterian or Mediterranean diet. The results returned a generally low exposure to mycotoxins and no significant differences among categories for regulated mycotoxins, while an high intake of plant-based alternative suggested an higher exposure to non regulated mycotoxins such as enniatins/beauvericins and those produced by Alternaria spp. fungi. Data mining is still in process, with the aim of identifying potential correlation among exposure fingerprint and food consumption patterns.
1) Mycotoxin Exposure in Plant-Based Foods - Our first study focused on the occurrence and co-occurrence of 16 mycotoxins in 105 plant-based meat alternatives purchased from the Italian market. The main ingredients, used for understanding the source of contamination, were wheat, legumes, and vegetables. Occurrence and co-occurrence data were collected using a well-established LC-MS/MS analytical procedure developed at UNIPR. Once collected the occurrence data and starting from the official Italian consumption database, we developed a simulation model to assess dietary exposure and potential health risks. The collected results pinpointed a widespread occurrence of mycotoxins, although at very low levels, in all the plant-based meat alternative categories, thus suggesting a need for further mycotoxin assessment in these products.
2) Health Impact of Dietary Patterns - In order to better evaluate the impact of shifting from an omnivore meat-based diet to a vegetarian/flexitarian plant-based one, we analyzed the burden of disease associated to dietary changes using DALYs as a well-established indicator. In particular, our work estimated the risk of ten illnesses based on dietary exposure to chemical contaminants and consumption patterns of unprocessed red meat, processed meat, and legumes among European adults. The findings suggest that a balanced diet incorporating a variety of foods is essential to minimize health risks.
3) Knowledge and Attitudes of Food Professionals - in order to understand the consumer's awareness towards potential risks associated to the dietary shift, we examined how food and health professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards dietary patterns (flexitarian, omnivore, vegetarian, vegan) influence their dietary practices related to plant-based foods. In particular, we included three group populations based in Italy, Romania and the UK, aiming at reflecting differences in the market as well as in the traditional diets. The research indicates that knowledge and attitudes significantly impact dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of education in promoting healthy dietary habits.
4) Mycotoxins exposure in a target population with low/medium/high adherence to alternative diets - thanks to the combination of mycotoxins analysis in urine of volunteers and the analysis of their dietary habits using food frequency questionnaires, we compared the exposure to mycotoxins in volunteers following a vegetarian, flexiterian or Mediterranean diet. The results returned a generally low exposure to mycotoxins and no significant differences among categories for regulated mycotoxins, while an high intake of plant-based alternative suggested an higher exposure to non regulated mycotoxins such as enniatins/beauvericins and those produced by Alternaria spp. fungi. Data mining is still in process, with the aim of identifying potential correlation among exposure fingerprint and food consumption patterns.
The PRISMA project advanced the scientific understanding of the chemical safety of sustainable diets with a focus on the exposure to mycotoxins based on the consumption of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs). It is one of the first projects to provide evidence on mycotoxin exposure from PBMAs consumption, laying a foundation for policymakers for the potential need of updated regulatory frameworks.
The key results from PRISMA involve:
• The first occurrence and risk assessment study for mycotoxins in PBMAs in Italy that revealed the dietary exposure and potential health risks by simulating the replacement of meat consumption with PBMAs. The findings indicate the need of updated regulatory frameworks for novel foods, especially PBMAs as they are one of the main options for meat alternatives.
• The first European risk–benefit assessment based on the replacement of meat consumption with legumes which integrated toxicology and nutritional parameters. The results were quantified and harmonized using the health metric DALY as recommended by the WHO. The results are relevant to dietary guidelines and food-based policy tools to ensure a safe transition to sustainable diets.
• A knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) survey and consumer modelling among health professionals in three EU countries that highlighted misconceptions and the need for clearer risk communication on plant-based diets. This was the first study to consider risk-benefit knowledge and attitudes of dietary patterns for consumers. The study indicated misconceptions on the safety of alternative source of proteins and how knowledge and attitude directly impact consumers dietary practices. Targeted educational campaigns are needed to improve consumers’ risk-benefit awareness and make informed-based decisions.
• A large-scale biomonitoring study based on 300 urine samples from Italian adults, showing widespread co-exposure to up to 23 mycotoxins per individual. This study is among the first to quantify internal exposure associated with sustainable diets such as the Mediterranean Diet, Plant-based Diets, and Pro-vegetarian Diets. The study highlighted correlations between food consumption patterns and mycotoxin internal levels, indicating that higher consumption of cereals, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, leads to a higher exposure to mycotoxins. Potential health risks were also observed for consumers with high adherence to sustainable diets with potential exceedance of safety thresholds for OTA.
These outcomes contribute to:
• Strengthening the evidence base for EU food safety, nutrition, and sustainable diet policies under the European Green Deal, the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, and the Farm to Fork Strategy, and for national efforts under the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) 2021–2027 to promote healthier and safer food systems.
• Informing standardization needs and updated regulatory frameworks in the safety evaluation of novel foods like PBMA as a new potential source of mycotoxin exposure.
• The implementation of RBAs into the safety evaluation of the ongoing dietary shifts. RBAs will provide a harmonized metric for the burden of disease, therefore facilitating public health priorities and policy decisions.
• Targeted consumer campaigns that consider both the risks and benefits of dietary transitions that support consumers to make informed dietary choices and adhere to both safe and sustainable diets.
• Supporting the development of Horizon Europe calls on sustainable protein sources and the chemical food safety of sustainable diets.
To ensure further uptake:
• Additional research and monitoring programmes for mycotoxins in PBMAs and in diverse EU populations are needed;
• RBA frameworks should be expanded to other dietary patterns and contaminants;
• Multi-country biomonitoring studies would reveal internal exposure to contaminants and contribute to the implementation of biomonitoring in risk assessment.
• Policymaker engagement and updated regulatory frameworks on PBMAs are needed.
The results offer actionable insights for FAO, EFSA, national risk assessors, and food policy bodies, and position PRISMA as a proof-of-concept model for the need of updated risk assessments and regulatory frameworks that align with the complex nature of dietary transitions.
The key results from PRISMA involve:
• The first occurrence and risk assessment study for mycotoxins in PBMAs in Italy that revealed the dietary exposure and potential health risks by simulating the replacement of meat consumption with PBMAs. The findings indicate the need of updated regulatory frameworks for novel foods, especially PBMAs as they are one of the main options for meat alternatives.
• The first European risk–benefit assessment based on the replacement of meat consumption with legumes which integrated toxicology and nutritional parameters. The results were quantified and harmonized using the health metric DALY as recommended by the WHO. The results are relevant to dietary guidelines and food-based policy tools to ensure a safe transition to sustainable diets.
• A knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) survey and consumer modelling among health professionals in three EU countries that highlighted misconceptions and the need for clearer risk communication on plant-based diets. This was the first study to consider risk-benefit knowledge and attitudes of dietary patterns for consumers. The study indicated misconceptions on the safety of alternative source of proteins and how knowledge and attitude directly impact consumers dietary practices. Targeted educational campaigns are needed to improve consumers’ risk-benefit awareness and make informed-based decisions.
• A large-scale biomonitoring study based on 300 urine samples from Italian adults, showing widespread co-exposure to up to 23 mycotoxins per individual. This study is among the first to quantify internal exposure associated with sustainable diets such as the Mediterranean Diet, Plant-based Diets, and Pro-vegetarian Diets. The study highlighted correlations between food consumption patterns and mycotoxin internal levels, indicating that higher consumption of cereals, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, leads to a higher exposure to mycotoxins. Potential health risks were also observed for consumers with high adherence to sustainable diets with potential exceedance of safety thresholds for OTA.
These outcomes contribute to:
• Strengthening the evidence base for EU food safety, nutrition, and sustainable diet policies under the European Green Deal, the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, and the Farm to Fork Strategy, and for national efforts under the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) 2021–2027 to promote healthier and safer food systems.
• Informing standardization needs and updated regulatory frameworks in the safety evaluation of novel foods like PBMA as a new potential source of mycotoxin exposure.
• The implementation of RBAs into the safety evaluation of the ongoing dietary shifts. RBAs will provide a harmonized metric for the burden of disease, therefore facilitating public health priorities and policy decisions.
• Targeted consumer campaigns that consider both the risks and benefits of dietary transitions that support consumers to make informed dietary choices and adhere to both safe and sustainable diets.
• Supporting the development of Horizon Europe calls on sustainable protein sources and the chemical food safety of sustainable diets.
To ensure further uptake:
• Additional research and monitoring programmes for mycotoxins in PBMAs and in diverse EU populations are needed;
• RBA frameworks should be expanded to other dietary patterns and contaminants;
• Multi-country biomonitoring studies would reveal internal exposure to contaminants and contribute to the implementation of biomonitoring in risk assessment.
• Policymaker engagement and updated regulatory frameworks on PBMAs are needed.
The results offer actionable insights for FAO, EFSA, national risk assessors, and food policy bodies, and position PRISMA as a proof-of-concept model for the need of updated risk assessments and regulatory frameworks that align with the complex nature of dietary transitions.