Form and content of Jamaican cannabis edibles

Background In 2017, the Jamaican government banned the sale of cannabis-infused edibles after reports of over-intoxication in adults and children. There is a general lack of public awareness regarding the risk involved with edible dosage. Vandrey et al. in 2015 reported that random cannabis edibles sampled from dispensaries in California and Washington in the USA failed to meet the basic labeling standards for pharmaceuticals (Vandrey et al.; JAMA 2015). This study aims to measure the levels of THC and CBD in a variety of edibles available locally in order to establish current cannabinoid content and to report on safety and packaging. This study is deemed necessary as no such study has been done to measure the potency levels of edibles and to raise awareness of the potential risk to children. Methods Forty-five cannabis-infused edible items were collected as convenience samples over a 4-year period (2014–2018) and analyzed. The QuEChERS technique (modified) was used to extract cannabinoids from each item. The extracts were then derivatized with MSTFA prior to analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The descriptive statistics were calculated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences—SPSS Software. Descriptive statistics presented include the mean, median, standard deviation, and range for each product category. The distribution of data with a box and whisker plot and frequency of THC to CBD ratios with a histogram was also presented. Results Edibles on the Jamaican market comprise baked goods, candies, frozen foods, and beverages. Eighty-six percent of samples were poorly labeled and failed to meet basic labeling requirements. None of the packages were observed to be child-proof. THC levels ranged from 0.01 to 99.9 mg per product while CBD levels ranged from 0.001 to 69.2 mg per product. The highest THC and CBD levels were detected in cookies and brownies. Thirty percent of the samples had THC levels greater than the recommended 10 mg THC per serving. Conclusion The lack of proper labeling and the wide range of THC levels in cannabis edibles raises public health concerns for all consumers including inexperienced persons who may be at a greater risk of overdosing. Concern must also be raised over the possibility that the attractive and tasty ways in which the drug is being presented might tempt young children and teens to take cannabis. Impact statement It is hoped that this information will raise public awareness of the current potential danger these edibles pose to children and inexperienced users and that policymakers will see the need for the imposition of suitable regulations.

Study And Evaluation Of Key Indicators Of Quality And Safety Of Oil And Fat Products

The article deals with the basic terms and definitions of oil and oil products, technological processes, their classification, safety requirements, sanitary norms and rules, permissible levels of hazardous substances, requirements for production processes, packaging and labeling requirements. , as well as identification and conformity assessment processes. All of these processes are the basis for the production of oil and oil products and the provision of quality and safety indicators.

Comparison of Label Claims, Measured Curcuminoid Content and Dosage Form Performance Quality With Industry Standards for Turmeric Dietary Supplements

Objectives Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a popular ingredient in dietary supplements (DS), promoted for a variety of health effects. FDA label regulations require information on the total weight of each botanical or extract present in a botanical DS, unless it is part of a proprietary blend. Information on the concentration of phytochemicals in extracts is voluntary. DS with turmeric rhizome powders and/or extracts were tested for curcuminoid content and the results compared to label claims and industry standards as part of the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID) research program. The performance quality of the dosage forms was also evaluated. Methods Commonly consumed DS (n = 54 × 2 lots) with turmeric as the only or primary ingredient were analyzed for curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Certified reference materials, in-house controls and blind sample duplicates were measured to ensure the quality of results from three laboratories. Percentages of total curcuminoids (TC) and ratios of the three curcuminoids were compared to published standards. Voluntary content claims were categorized as “complete” (all listed turmeric ingredients had a TC claim) or “partial” (only one of two had a TC claim). Tablets/caplets (n = 9) and capsules (n = 39) were also tested for disintegration and soft gels (n = 4) for rupture. Results Measured TC amounts varied widely among products. At the most common labeled level of 500 mg of turmeric per day, measured TC results ranged from 16 to 554 mg (n = 12). DS with voluntary claims for TC (n = 41) had analytical content averaging 6.2% above label, and 63% within ± 10% of claims. DS with complete TC claims had significantly higher levels in mg per day than those with partial or no claims (735 ± 87, 137 ± 37, 196 ± 57; mean ± SE, respectively). The curcuminoid ratios and/or the percentages of TC differed significantly from United States Pharmacopeial (USP) standards for at least 10 DS. Most (87.5%) DS passed disintegration tests and all soft gels passed the rupture test. Conclusions Current labeling requirements for turmeric DS may be insufficient to inform researchers and consumers about the actual content of TC in DS because the extract concentrations vary widely. Voluntary claims for TC amounts were reasonably accurate. Most turmeric DS met USP disintegration and composition standards. Funding Sources NIH-ODS and USDA-ARS.

Risk of Birth Defects From Vitamin A “Acne Supplements” Sold Online

Background: Dietary supplements are popular among US consumers and claim to address a variety of conditions, including acne. Acne supplements containing vitamin A are of particular interest, due to the potentially teratogenic effects of vitamin A doses over 10,000 IU. Objective: This study examined dosage, pregnancy risks, and labeling of vitamin A-containing acne supplements available online. Methods: An Internet search of acne supplements sold online was conducted between March and May 2020. Supplement labels and websites were analyzed for vitamin A content and pregnancy warnings, and then divided into categories based on dosage and teratogenic risk. Results: A total of 49 acne supplements was found, and of these 26 (53%) contain vitamin A. Three supplements are likely teratogenic, 4 contain vitamin A doses exceeding the daily level of intake that meets the nutritional needs of most people, and 15 have an unknown teratogenic risk. Among the 6 supplements with over 10,000 IU vitamin A, 2 have no pregnancy warning at all, including the supplement with the highest vitamin A dose found in this study. Conclusions: Dietary supplements are not subject to the same stringent regulations as drugs, and as such, consumers may be unaware of pregnancy risks. Furthermore, FDA requirements on labeling of vitamin A supplements may lead to consumer confusion regarding dosage. As such, we encourage stricter labeling requirements for vitamin A-containing supplements, including pregnancy warnings for high-dose supplements and clearer dosage labeling.

Peculiarities of certification of led products of Ukrainian origin in the introduction of export direction to European Countries

Introduction. In conditions of intensified market competition, the quality and safety of goods play an important role in the economic, social and environmental position of the state in the international market. To regulate the circulation of goods in foreign and domestic markets and prevent oversaturation, countries are actively using the tools of technical regulation of products. Foreign economic entities engaged in foreign economic transactions must first adapt the characteristics and features of the goods to the requirements of the host country, regulating the conformity of the components of the goods to the conditions, norms, standards and technical regulations of the country. The purpose of the paper is to define the procedure for certification of LED products intended for export to the markets of the European Union. Results. The paper analyzes the features of certification of LED products intended for export to the markets of the European Union. It is determined that LED panels and lamps can be placed on the EU electronic market subject to compliance with Directives 2014/30/EU, which are designed to protect work from electromagnetic interference. In order to confirm that the products meet the requirements specified in the Directive, it is necessary to pass a conformity assessment, in particular, to conduct internal control of production and examination of the EU. The publication also contains the requirements for internal production control and EU expertise, the features of labeling of LED products. When placing electrical or electronic products on the EU market covered by Directive 2014/30/EU, it must bear the CE mark. The mark must be placed on each unit of production, on the packaging, on the accompanying documents. The CE marking must be visible, clear and legible. Energy-related products sold in the EU must meet the energy labeling requirements set by EU Regulation 2017/1369. In addition, the basic requirements for the development of labels for LED products intended for export are also defined. Conclusions. Compliance with all EU requirements for the quality of goods and compliance with the Directives allows domestic companies to export goods to European markets. Access to EU markets has a positive effect on the country's economy as a whole.

Growers follow the label: An analysis of bee-toxic pesticide use in almond orchards during bloom

California almond orchards are most U.S. beekeepers' first stop on their pollination and honey production circuit, so the agrochemicals bees are exposed to in almonds can shape the vitality of their colony for the rest of the year. We explored the potential for honey bee exposure to bee-toxic agrochemicals during almond bloom by utilizing the California Department of Pesticide Regulations' Pesticide Use Report database from 1990 to 2016. We found that overall, growers are observing the pesticide labels and reducing their use of labeled bee-toxic pesticides during almond bloom. However, we also found that insect growth regulators, fungicides and organosilicone surfactants — agrochemicals often not labeled as toxic to bees — are commonly applied during almond bloom. These agrochemicals can be sublethally or synergistically toxic to adult honey bees and bee larvae, presenting potential harm to colonies during almond pollination. Our findings demonstrate the need for a shift in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's labeling requirements, as well as continued communication between almond growers, pesticide applicators and beekeepers to keep colonies at a low risk of bee-toxic agrochemical exposure.

334 Pet food safety: truth in labeling

In the United States, substances intended for use in animal foods are generally considered to be either animal foods or animal drugs. The regulatory classification of a substance relies on its intended use. Claims for substances that are regulated as animal foods are limited to those that can be attributed to the substance’s “food” properties, which the courts in the United States have defined as being related to the provision of nutritive value, taste, or aroma or for a technical effect on the food itself. Any substance intentionally added to an animal food must be either an approved food additive as listed in part 573 in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 573) or a substance that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for an intended use, including those listed in 21 CFR 582 and 584. Also, in coordination with state feed control officials, CVM recognizes ingredients in the Official Publication of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as being acceptable for use in animal foods. Everything on a pet food label must be truthful, not misleading, and appropriate for a product regulated as food. Federal regulations (21 CFR 501) require that labels include: an appropriate product name, all ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, a statement of net quantity of contents, and the address of manufacturer or distributor. Most states have additional labeling requirements. Studies conducted for scientific research need to be evaluated to determine if the endpoints and parameters measured are also appropriate as regulatory data. Feeding studies may address target animal safety and/or utility of the substance for its intended use as a food. CVM will provide written feedback on protocols intended to address new feed ingredients.

About standards of general specifications in the meat industry

The issues related to the role of standards of general specifications in the meat industry, in particular, as a regulator of the meat products market are consid-ered. It also provides data on the standards included in the Lists of standards to TR CU 034/2013. The classification features, labeling requirements for indi-vidual standards of general specifications are considered.

Evidence mapping to assess the available research on fiber, whole grains, and health

Evidence mapping is a useful methodology for characterizing existing research on a broad topic and identifying gaps in the scientific literature. Evidence mapping entails conducting a systematic literature search and extracting information on study details, often in the form of a database. Researchers at Tufts University and the North American branch of the International Life Sciences Institute created the Diet-Related Fibers & Human Health Outcomes Database, which is publicly available and updated annually. The database captures intervention studies examining dietary fiber and 10 predefined physiological health outcomes, including weight/adiposity, blood pressure, gut microbiota, and bone health. The database and subsequent potential for evidence mapping may be particularly useful in light of new food labeling requirements by the US Food and Drug Administration that require fibers to have accepted scientific evidence of a physiological health benefit in order to be labeled as “dietary fiber.” Following the success of the fiber database, Tufts University and the General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition collaborated to develop a whole grain database and evidence map. This work successfully highlighted the need for better consistency in how whole grains are reported with respect to amount and type of whole grains and intervention compliance.

Characterizing the Distribution of Ppm Gluten in Gluten Free Oatmeal Servings Contaminated with a Barley Kernel

Oats are regularly contaminated with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley and rye. For producers of gluten free oatmeal, contamination potential makes it prudent to understand the consequences in terms of gluten dosing, as labeling requirements specify a gluten maximum. To do this, statistical simulation has been used to produce virtual oat servings (40g) contaminated with either two row or six row spring barley. The results are probability distributions for ‘actual’ ppm gluten (free of measurement influences) and ‘as measured’ via R5 ELISA. Findings show ‘actual’ ppm gluten to be normally distributed with 57 ppm and 41 ppm gluten averages with 14 and 12 ppm standard deviations (stdevs) for two and six row barley, respectively. ‘As measured’ ppm gluten results are lognormally distributed with 61 and 44 ppm gluten averages with 63 and 47 stdevs for two and six row barley, respectively, employing an 80% analytical recovery rate and a multiplier of 1. These analyses show that ‘as measured’ results possess false negative probabilities (relative to a < 20 ppm gluten regulatory requirement) from 0.14 to 0.34 depending on recovery rate and barley type. This work highlights the need for non-homogenous grinding issues to be addressed in whole grain gluten assessment, for analytical recovery rates to be defined for gliadin in oats, and for appropriate conversion factors to be determined in order to attain capable measurement of gluten in oats due to barley kernel contamination.