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- From health impact to green choices: The dual impact of fermented foodsPublication . Assunção, Ricardo; Laranjo, MartaFermented foods (FF) have been an essential part of human diets across cultures, cherished for their distinctive flavors and preservation capabilities. Beyond their culinary value, FF have shown significant potential health benefits (1). Studies link fermented foods to antioxidation, lower blood lipid levels, enhanced immunity, tumor inhibition, delayed aging, and prevention of gastrointestinal disorders (2). However, their consumption needs caution regarding potential risks, such as pathogenic contamination or the formation of harmful by-products during fermentation. The safety of fermented foods is currently being systematically revised within the PIMENTO CA20128 under WG3-Health benefits and risks of fermented foods. To navigate these complexities, risk-benefit assessment methodologies provide a robust scientific framework to evaluate the trade-offs, enabling evidence-based dietary recommendations (3). Sustainability is another pivotal aspect of fermented foods. In the face of global challenges like food waste and climate change, fermentation emerges as a key strategy (4). For instance, kimchi and sauerkraut help preserve surplus vegetables, while yogurt and kefir optimize dairy utilization. Nonetheless, the production of certain products, such as fermented meats, underscores the need for strategies to mitigate their environmental impacts while maintaining their benefits. This communication highlights the dual role of fermented foods in promoting health and enhancing sustainability. By bridging tradition and innovation, fermented foods hold the potential to support the transition towards sustainable food systems, paving the way for future diets that address pressing public health and environmental priorities.
- Approach and Resources for the Sustainable Update of the Portuguese Food Composition Database: A Multi-Source and Collaborative StrategyPublication . Dias, Maria da GraçaBackground and Objectives: The National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) compiles the Portuguese Food Composition Database (FCDB). Since the first edition in 1961, formats, components, data sources, and management have evolved. Participation in the EuroFIR Network (2005–2010) helped INSA establish strategies, collaborative networks, and infrastructures to ensure regular updates and long-term sustainability. The 2023 version (6.0) includes 44 components for 1330 generic foods, with a new release planned for early 2025. This study presents the strategy and resources for updating the FCDB, integrating analytical and other data sources, while highlighting the role of stakeholders and digital tools in the process. Methods: To ensure data accuracy, INSA conducts an annual analytical program, analysing 12–22 food pool samples in its accredited laboratories. This program prioritizes key foods and components, under the Analytical Updating Commission (AUC). For the 2025 update, Total Diet Study (TDS) nutrient samples were evaluated for adequacy to generic food profiles. Additional analytical data from the industry and distribution sectors were collected via PortFIR’s working group (GTTCA), while addressing user needs. Additionally, European food composition resources (e.g., FoodExplorer-EuroFIR) and food labelling data were used to enhance data completeness. FoodCASE® ensures compliance with EuroFIR’s technical requirements, with automated checks detecting inconsistencies, which are then manually reviewed and corrected. Results: The 2025 FCDB update includes new foods and components, along with nutrient revisions (mainly salt and sugar) linked to the national reformulation strategy. The annual analytical program, based on AUC prioritization, provides high-quality nutrient data, improving dietary representativeness. Regarding TDS-based analytical data, 164 TDS samples were analysed, with nearly 58% integrated into the FCDB, based on composition suitability. The GTTCA, which meets bimonthly, includes 74 members, representing data users and producers, playing a key role in revising the FCDB, ensuring national data access, and addressing user needs. The PortFIR® website remains a key dissemination platform, providing free access to the FCDB, along with tools for food comparisons, recipe calculations, and dataset downloads. Conclusions: A multi-source, collaborative approach is key to ensuring sustainable FCDB updates. However, financial constraints remain a major challenge, as the Ministry of Health lacks dedicated funding for analytical programs. Additional resources and institutional support are essential to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the FCDB, supporting nutrition research, public health, and the food industry.
- Tracking Mycotoxin Exposure in Portugal: New Insights and Key DeterminantsPublication . Namorado, Sónia; Maris, Elias; Chen, A.; Pero-Gascon, Roger; de Boevre, Marthe; De Saeger, Sarah; Silva, Maria João; Alvito, Paula; .Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a vital tool for assessing exposure to environmental chemicals. Mycotoxins have been associated with various adverse health effects, including estrogenic, immunotoxic, nephrotoxic, and teratogenic outcomes. In this presentation an overview of two recent HBM studies on multiple mycotoxins exposure biomarkers conducted in Portugal will be given. The first study analyzed 37 mycotoxin biomarkers in urine samples from 94 adult participants (48.4 ± 15.2 years), as part of the National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (2015–2016). Six different mycotoxins -DON, ZEN, AOH, OTA, FB1, and CIT- was confirmed through the quantification of 12 urinary biomarkers in paired 24 h and first-morning urine samples. DON and its metabolites were among the most frequently detected biomarkers and AOH was identified for the first time in urine samples from a European population. Associations between urinary mycotoxin biomarkers and consumption of specific food items were also observed. More recently, a subset of 295 first-morning urine samples from adults (28–39 years) was collected between 2019-2020, as part of a cross-sectional study embedded within the Portuguese National Health Examination Survey (INSEF). These samples were analyzed using a newly optimized and validated LC-MS/MS method capable of detecting 40 mycotoxins and/or their metabolites in urine. DON and tenuazonic acid were the most frequently detected, with detection rates of 85% and 96%, respectively. Further investigations into key exposure determinants—including dietary habits, demographic factors, and geographical variations—are ongoing and will be presented. Altogether, these findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance and the integration of HBM into national food safety and public health strategies.
- Análise de iodo em urinas de crianças dos 6 aos 12 anosPublication . Delgado, Inês; Ventura, Marta; Rego, Andreia; Copeto, Sandra; Ribeiro, Ailton; Mendonça, Maria; Spencer, Irina; Trigueiros, Dulcineia; Coelho, InêsO iodo, um micronutriente essencial para a saúde humana, desempenha um papel crucial na síntese das hormonas tiroideias, essenciais na regulação do metabolismo celular e com uma participação ativa no crescimento e desenvolvimento dos órgãos, principalmente do cérebro. A maior fonte natural de iodo são os alimentos. No entanto, em muitos alimentos os teores de iodo são apenas vestigiais, sendo por vezes necessário recorrer a outras fontes, como é o caso dos suplementos ou do sal iodado, particularmente relevante quando existem necessidades especiais, como por exemplo nas crianças, grávidas e/ou pessoas com restrições alimentares. A avaliação da iodúria é a forma de excelência para a avaliação do teor de iodo no organismo humano, já que a concentração deste micronutriente na urina é proporcional à quantidade plasmática e ao iodo armazenado na tiroide. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a monitorização do estado nutricional das crianças de Cabo Verde. Selecionaram-se 541 crianças dos 6 aos 12 anos, das nove ilhas habitadas (Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, Maio, Santiago, Fogo e Brava), e recolheram-se amostras de urina de 24 horas, para determinação do teor de iodo por espectrometria de massa com plasma indutivo acoplado (ICP-MS). Os resultados revelaram uma mediana de 155 μg/L nas iodúrias da população em estudo e um aporte de iodo considerado adequado para apenas 36 % das crianças. Observou-se ainda a existência de muitos casos de excesso de iodo nas ilhas de Santo Antão, São Nicolau e Sal e casos de deficiência nas ilhas de São Vicente, Boa Vista e Fogo. Este estudo reafirmou a importância da monitorização enquanto ferramenta essencial para a avaliação da implementação de políticas públicas direcionadas ao combate da má nutrição em iodo, tanto no que se refere às deficiências quanto ao excesso desse micronutriente.
- Comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional composition of chub mackerel (Scomber colias): Influence of cooking methodsPublication . Rego, Andreia; Vilarinho, Fernanda; Matias, Filipa; Silva, José Armando; Castanheira, Isabel; Motta, CarlaAim: Chub mackerel (Scomber colias) is an abundant but underutilized fish species in the Atlantic, increasingly recognized for its nutritional benefits, including significant contents of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). However, comprehensive data on its nutritional profile, especially the impact of cooking methods on nutrient retention, remains scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition of chub mackerel, focusing on moisture, total fat, protein, ash, fatty acid profiles, vitamin B12, and amino acids (AA), comparing raw versus cooked (boiled and grilled) samples. Methods: Chub mackerel from Portuguese Atlantic waters were sampled, and fish dimensions and weights were recorded. A subset was cooked by boiling and grilling. Nutritional analyses included moisture (oven drying to constant weight), ash (incineration at 525 °C), protein (Kjeldahl), and total fat (acid hydrolysis and extraction). The fatty acid profile was assessed by gas chromatography. Additionally, vitamin B12 was analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, and AA were analyzed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. Results: The protein content remained consistently high across all preparations. It also presents all essential AA, each with a score above 1.0, indicating a protein of high biological value. The total fat content varied, with lower levels observed in grilled samples due to fat loss during the cooking process. Total mineral content was relatively stable. The fatty acid profile revealed significant amounts of EPA and DHA. Calculating the retention factor after cooking reveals that the fatty acid content does not vary with processing. Vitamin B12 content increased in cooked samples, from 27.8 µg/100 g in raw to 35.8 µg/100 g (boiled) and 38.1 µg/100 g (grilled). Consuming 100 g of chub mackerel provides more than 100% of the recommended daily intake. Discussion: The results highlight the nutritional robustness of chub mackerel across various culinary methods, particularly in terms of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The apparent increase in vitamin B12 content after cooking is likely due to water loss, concentrating the nutrient, and enhanced extraction efficiency resulting from protein denaturation. Most AA, particularly essential ones, remain stable during moderate cooking processes. These findings highlight the significance of this species as a valuable source of high-quality nutrients. Conclusion: Chub mackerel is a nutritionally rich and resilient food source, maintaining high-quality nutrient profiles through various cooking processes. Its exceptional content of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids supports its inclusion in strategies for improving dietary quality and promoting sustainable nutrition.
- Portugal - From Data to Action: Results from the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Round 6 (2022-2024)Publication . Rito, Ana IsabelPresentation of the findings from Portugal within the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Round 6 (2022–2024). Conducted across 37 participating countries with standardized methods, this round collected data from approximately 470,000 children aged 6–9. The results highlight the persistent and significant public health threat posed by childhood obesity. The session will emphasize translating "data to action," focusing on Member States’ challenges and successes in implementing policies to monitor, prevent, and control overweight and obesity. A special focus will be placed on exploring the links between socioeconomic inequalities, obesity, and related factors.
- Establishing an EFSA open-access European Food Composition Database (EU FCDB) in EuropePublication . Finglas, P.; Roe, M.; Astley, S.; Kadvan, A.; Milesevic, J.; Costa, H.S.; Dias, M.G.; Toxopeu, I.; Livaniou, A.; Presser, K.; Czack, J.; Reinivuo, H.Background and objectives: The establishment of an EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) open-access European food composition database (EU FCDB) represents a critical advancement in standardising and harmonising food composition data across Europe. The EFSA EU FCDB aims to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and regularly updated nutritional data to support public health policies, dietary assessments, food safety regulations, and risk assessments. By offering a centralised and scientifically robust resource, supported by national compilers, it ensures consistency in nutrient data across Member States and enhances the accuracy of dietary intake evaluations. It also fosters cooperation between EFSA, international networks, and data users. Methods: Key components include the integration of sixteen national food composition datasets in Europe, adherence to standardised methodologies for data collection and quality assurance, and incorporation of analytical, calculated, and estimated values for the nutrient content of key foods, fortified products, and dietary supplements. Addressing challenges in data completeness and consistency has necessitated use of validated recipe calculations, yield and retention factors, and imputation methods for missing values. Additionally, the project advocates for identification and prioritisation of key foods, ensuring representation of the most nutritionally significant foods. Expanding food classification coverage is also vital to accommodate emerging trends such as plant-based diets, reformulated products, novel food sources, and other datasets such as those describing climate impact of foods and food systems. Results: Technical solutions for data submission, retrieval, and interoperability are fundamental for success. Recommendations include implementing standardised data formats using FoodEx2, developing automated validation and harmonisation, and providing mechanisms for downloading. These improvements will support stakeholders by enabling integration of data into dietary monitoring tools, risk assessment models, and public health surveillance systems. Conclusions: The EFSA EU FCDB will serve as a pivotal resource for researchers, policymakers, public health authorities, and industry professionals, facilitating evidence-based decisionmaking, nutrition policy development, and consumer education. By fostering data transparency, accessibility, and methodological rigor, this database can significantly enhance the accuracy of dietary intake assessments and contribute to improved nutritional monitoring, food safety measures, and public health outcomes across Europe.
- Lithium and Associated Elements around the Barroso Mine (Portugal): A Baseline Assessment for Future MonitoringPublication . Jesus, Susana; Ventura, Marta; Assunção, Ricardo; Gueifão, Sandra; Delgado, Inês; Rego, Andreia; Claúdia, Ana; Santiago, Susana; Martins, Marta; Neves, Orquídea; Coelho, InêsThe shift towards green energy is boosting the demand for lithium (Li) extraction, however, its supply faces environmental and health concerns. This study aims to characterize the concentration of Li and other elements in environmental and food samples collected from two adjacent locations near the future Barroso mine, as well as to perform an initial exposure and risk assessment for the local populations.
- Reporting monitoring data to EFSA Reports, business rules and corrective actions - 2022Publication . Brazão, RobertoTrabalho que decorre do que tem vindo a ser desenvolvido nos últimos anos com a EFSA em matéria de harmonização, recolha e reporte de dados, nomeadamente, e em particular, com a implementação do projeto ID RISK - A importância da harmonização do sistema de recolha de dados de controlos oficiais na Defesa do Consumidor. O projeto ID RISK é um projeto financiado pela EFSA, que envolve 3 instituições de 2 Estados-membros da União Europeia (UE): ASAE e Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) de Portugal e Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food (HAPIH) da Croácia. O ID RISK através da partilha de conhecimentos entre Portugal (ASAE e INSA) e Croácia (CSH), tem como objetivo reforçar a capacidade de recolha, gestão e transmissão de dados dos controlos oficiais, para produzir repositórios de informação com robustez e qualidade, para realizar estudos de avaliação de risco e de investigação científica.
- The influence of cultivated cardoon and globe artichoke ethanolic leaf extracts on the shelf life of poultry meatPublication . Barbosa, Cássia; Vilarinho, Fernanda; Andrade, Mariana; Sanches Silva, Ana; Fernando, Ana LuisaFood additives are commonly used to prolong the shelf life of food by slowing down natural deterioration. However, synthetic additives have raised health concerns despite the European Union's strict regulations. To address this issue, researchers are exploring natural sources of compounds that can be safely used as food additives. Extracts from plants and agro-industrial by-products, such as Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon), are being investigated for their potential as natural food preservatives. Cardoon leaves, the main by-product generated, are rich in antioxidants and antimicrobials, making them a promising candidate. The ethanolic extracts from cultivated cardoon and globe artichoke leaves were tested for their effectiveness in extending the shelf life of refrigerated poultry meat at a temperature of 5 ºC. After different storage durations (0, 4, 8, 11, and 15 days), the samples were evaluated for lipid oxidation, moisture, colour, pH, acidity, total volatile basic nitrogen, and microbial growth. It was found that the addition to poultry meat of cultivated cardoon leaf extract exhibited the most negligible malondialdehyde value, indicating significant antioxidant capacity and a significant delay in lipid oxidation. The extracts were also effective in retarding microbial growth once the counts remained at initial levels for all microorganisms studied. The results showed that both extracts effectively preserved the meat's quality for up to 15 days, making them a promising natural alternative to synthetic additives.