Pyrrolizidine alkaloid content

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are naturally occurring substances produced by various plants as a defense mechanism against insect herbivores. The Scientific Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) of EFSA has concluded that there is a possible concern for human health related to exposure to pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

This test package includes the analysis of the following substances:

• Echimidine, Echimidine-N-oxide,

• Europine, Europine-N-oxide,

• Heliotrine, Heliotrine-N-oxide,

• Intermedine, Intermedine-N-oxide,

• Lasiocarpine, Lasiocarpine-N-oxide,

• Lycopsamine, Lycopsamine-N-oxide,

• Retrorsine, Retrorsine-N-oxide,

• Senecionine, Senecionine-N-oxide,

• Seneciphylline, Seneciphylline-N-oxide,

• Senecivernine, Senecivernine-N-Oxide,

• Senkirkine

• Trichodesmine

• Erucifoline, Erucifoline-N-oxide,

• Jacobine, Jacobine-N-oxide,

• Monocrotaline, Monocrotaline-N-oxide,

According to EU regulations, materials that potentially require pyrrolizidine alkaloid testing include:

• cumin seeds

• pollen-based food products and supplements

• dried and liquid herbal infusions and teas

Compliance can be evaluated using Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2040 as a safety reference.