Traditionally, the most important reason for processing food is to make them last longer and improve organoleptic characteristics. However, the increasing complexity of production systems for food increases consumer concerns about its quality and safety. Attentive Science understands that ensuring food products are safe for consumption is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral obligation to protect public health. Safe guarding consumer health includes testing strategies ranging from Acute to Chronic toxicology studies based on a level of concern.

Toxicological studies are essential in determining the safety levels of food additives, contaminants, and residues, Hence adherence to regulatory toxicology testing strategies ensures that the food we consume does not pose any undue health risks. Common examples of food additives are flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives like sodium benzoate, colorings such as Red 40, emulsifiers (carboxymethylcellulose), Tartrazine (Yellow 5), and acids (Citric acid [E 330]).  Although most of these additives, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies, there have been occasional concerns. For example, some individuals may experience hypersensitivity reactions to tartrazine, which can manifest as skin rashes, itching, or, in rare cases, respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. As of July 2, 2024, the FDA concluded that the intended use of Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) in food is no longer considered safe after the results of preclinical studies. The preclinical (nonclinical) 90-day dietary exposure study showed that oral exposure to BVO is linked to elevated levels of both inorganic and organic bromine in tissues, and the thyroid gland is the organ vulnerable to toxicity.

Attentive Science provides accurate and rapid toxicological assessments to identify immediate health risks posed by additives, contaminants or any chemical that may be present in food. The primary goal of acute studies is to understand the immediate health risks associated with a substance, including symptoms of poisoning and potential fatality.

For food producers, chronic toxicology studies are essential in evaluating the safety of food ingredients over a consumer's lifetime. Attentive’s chronic studies are designed to help in making informed decisions about ingredient safety, ensuring that products remain safe even with prolonged consumption.

Data generated by Attentive Science plays a critical role in keeping the “unwanted side effects” at bay.  For instance, the toxicological assessment directly correlates to calculating acceptable daily intake (ADI) by diving the no-observed-effect-level (NOEL) of a test substance by the safety factor (typically the estimated difference between test systems and humans to provide an adequate margin of safety to the consumer). Our sponsors are confident that the data obtained from our studies will provide accurate exposure assessments, including the calculated acceptable daily intake (ADI) level for the food additive, ensuring consumer health protection, and maintaining regulatory agency satisfaction. Regulatory agencies such as US FDA, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) play a significant role in regulating food additives. 

Toxicological studies are indispensable for food producers aiming to ensure the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of their products. By addressing immediate and long-term health risks and supporting product development, Attentive’s nonclinical safety assessment studies provide a foundation for success in the competitive food industry. A partnership with Attentive Science is therefore advised for safeguarding consumer health, maintaining regulatory compliance and fostering consumer trust. Contact us.