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Which of the following is classified as an endogenous toxin found in potatoes?
Which of the following is classified as an endogenous toxin found in potatoes?
Caffeine is classified as a toxin.
Caffeine is classified as a toxin.
False
What is the key effect of solanine on the human body?
What is the key effect of solanine on the human body?
Neurological impairment
Toxic residues are carried over into food from __________ that are applied to plants or animals.
Toxic residues are carried over into food from __________ that are applied to plants or animals.
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Cocoa powder contains what percentage of theobromine?
Cocoa powder contains what percentage of theobromine?
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Match the following foods with their toxin content:
Match the following foods with their toxin content:
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Energy drinks can contain up to 300 mg/L of caffeine.
Energy drinks can contain up to 300 mg/L of caffeine.
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What is the maximum caffeine content allowed in cola drinks per liter?
What is the maximum caffeine content allowed in cola drinks per liter?
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Which of the following statements regarding caffeine during pregnancy is true?
Which of the following statements regarding caffeine during pregnancy is true?
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Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can appear in milk or honey if cows or bees consume unsuitable plants.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can appear in milk or honey if cows or bees consume unsuitable plants.
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What are psoralens, and where are they commonly found?
What are psoralens, and where are they commonly found?
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Chocolate can cause migraines in susceptible individuals due to its content of __________.
Chocolate can cause migraines in susceptible individuals due to its content of __________.
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Match the following substances with their associated effects:
Match the following substances with their associated effects:
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Chronic cyanide poisoning can result from the ingestion of which plant?
Chronic cyanide poisoning can result from the ingestion of which plant?
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Consuming chocolate is beneficial for everyone and does not lead to headaches.
Consuming chocolate is beneficial for everyone and does not lead to headaches.
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What health issues are linked to chronic cyanide poisoning from cassava in combination with vitamin B12 deficiency?
What health issues are linked to chronic cyanide poisoning from cassava in combination with vitamin B12 deficiency?
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Which mycotoxin is recognized as a potent liver carcinogen?
Which mycotoxin is recognized as a potent liver carcinogen?
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Patulin is a dangerous mycotoxin commonly found in apple juice.
Patulin is a dangerous mycotoxin commonly found in apple juice.
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What preventive measures are recommended for controlling aflatoxin production?
What preventive measures are recommended for controlling aflatoxin production?
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The mycotoxin that can contaminate cereals and is associated with kidney disease in humans is called ______.
The mycotoxin that can contaminate cereals and is associated with kidney disease in humans is called ______.
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Which of the following statements about botulism is true?
Which of the following statements about botulism is true?
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Aflatoxins can be expected in milk if contaminated animal feedstuffs are used.
Aflatoxins can be expected in milk if contaminated animal feedstuffs are used.
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What type of climate is associated with the occurrence of ochratoxins?
What type of climate is associated with the occurrence of ochratoxins?
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Match the following mycotoxins with their characteristics:
Match the following mycotoxins with their characteristics:
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What percentage of the total protein in soybeans is represented by lectin proteins?
What percentage of the total protein in soybeans is represented by lectin proteins?
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Phytoestrogens are found in high human intake levels when consuming soy-based foods.
Phytoestrogens are found in high human intake levels when consuming soy-based foods.
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Name one food that contains significant levels of myristicin.
Name one food that contains significant levels of myristicin.
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The toxin found in puffer fish that can cause fatalities is called __________.
The toxin found in puffer fish that can cause fatalities is called __________.
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Match the following toxins with their associated food sources:
Match the following toxins with their associated food sources:
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What effect does consumption of contaminated tuna lead to?
What effect does consumption of contaminated tuna lead to?
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Saxitoxin can cause paralysis and is found in shellfish affected by red tide.
Saxitoxin can cause paralysis and is found in shellfish affected by red tide.
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What is the main source of phytoestrogens in human diets?
What is the main source of phytoestrogens in human diets?
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Ergotism is characterized by intense burning pains in the __________ and __________.
Ergotism is characterized by intense burning pains in the __________ and __________.
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What health issues can arise from consuming mycotoxins?
What health issues can arise from consuming mycotoxins?
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What is the main effect of botulinum toxin once absorbed into the body?
What is the main effect of botulinum toxin once absorbed into the body?
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Consumption of food contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus toxin is usually fatal.
Consumption of food contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus toxin is usually fatal.
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Name a common symptom of a food allergy.
Name a common symptom of a food allergy.
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Cow's milk allergy (CMA) affects up to _____ of infants.
Cow's milk allergy (CMA) affects up to _____ of infants.
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Match the types of food allergens with their characteristics:
Match the types of food allergens with their characteristics:
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Which of the following is a suitable treatment for coeliac disease?
Which of the following is a suitable treatment for coeliac disease?
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Cooking inactivates the toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus.
Cooking inactivates the toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus.
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What is the main allergenic fraction of gluten responsible for coeliac disease?
What is the main allergenic fraction of gluten responsible for coeliac disease?
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Pesticides are considered _____ components of our diet.
Pesticides are considered _____ components of our diet.
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Which food product is known to be safe for coeliac sufferers?
Which food product is known to be safe for coeliac sufferers?
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What is a common source of lead contamination in food?
What is a common source of lead contamination in food?
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Mercury from industrial pollution can contaminate seafood.
Mercury from industrial pollution can contaminate seafood.
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What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning?
What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning?
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Plastics used to package food may contain ________ which can mimic female sex hormones.
Plastics used to package food may contain ________ which can mimic female sex hormones.
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Match the following contaminants with their sources:
Match the following contaminants with their sources:
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At what level is mercury in fish considered the maximum permitted?
At what level is mercury in fish considered the maximum permitted?
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Polynuclear hydrocarbons (PAHs) are beneficial and not harmful.
Polynuclear hydrocarbons (PAHs) are beneficial and not harmful.
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What design feature can reduce harmful emissions from grilling meat?
What design feature can reduce harmful emissions from grilling meat?
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Bisphenol A (BPA) is no longer allowed in making ________.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is no longer allowed in making ________.
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Which of the following is true about PCBs?
Which of the following is true about PCBs?
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Study Notes
Undesirables in Food
- Four categories of undesirables exist: endogenous toxins, microbial toxins, toxic residues, and toxic contaminants.
- Endogenous toxins are natural components of food.
- Microbial toxins arise from contaminating molds or bacteria.
- Toxic residues are carried over into food from procedures applied to plants or animals.
- Toxic contaminants arise during food processing.
Endogenous Toxins of Plant Foods
- Solanine: A bitter, heat-stable glycoalkaloid found in potatoes and eggplants. Potatoes exposed to light turn green, increasing solanine levels, primarily beneath the skin. Its presence inhibits acetylcholinesterase, a key nervous system enzyme, causing neurological impairment at high doses.
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Caffeine and Theobromine alkaloids: Found in tea, coffee, cocoa, and cola beverages, these substances are stimulants, not toxins. They are not considered nutrients.
- Roasted coffee beans contain 1-2% caffeine; typical beverage levels are 50-125 mg per serving.
- Black tea contains 3-4% caffeine, usually 50 mg per serving.
- Cocoa powder contains 2% theobromine and 0.2% caffeine.
- Plain chocolate contains 0.5% theobromine and 0.05% caffeine; milk chocolate has 0.2% theobromine and 0.02% caffeine.
- Cola drinks are limited to 200 mg/L caffeine; average is ~65 mg/L. "Energy drinks" can contain 200-300 mg/L caffeine (about 5 cups of coffee).
- Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs): Associated with herbal remedies. They can be found in milk or honey from cows or bees fed contaminated plants. Comfrey is a plant containing over 12 different PAs; these are linked with liver damage.
- Psoralens: Natural insecticides found in celery and other plants. They can cause skin rashes, especially in farm workers.
- Phenylethylamine: Found in chocolate; in susceptible people it can cause migraines due to its vasoconstricting properties.
- Cyanogenic compounds: Present in cassava, these can cause chronic cyanide poisoning when ingested at low levels over prolonged periods; this is widespread in cassava-dependent areas. It is connected to vitamin B12 deficiency and neurodegenerative disorders.
Endogenous Toxins of Animal Foods
- Tetrodotoxin: Present in several puffer fish organs (liver and ovaries), it's extremely poisonous, with a low lethal dose (1.5-4.0 mg); licensing of expert cooks is vital to prevent fatalities.
- Red tide poisoning: Massive proliferation of red-pigmented dinoflagellates in coastal waters can produce toxins that accumulate in shellfish, the most potent being saxitoxin, causing paralysis.
- Scombrotoxin (histamine): Formed in some fish (tuna and sardines) at above 10°C, it leads to headaches, palpitations, gastrointestinal, and skin issues.
Mycotoxins
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Ergotism: A mycotoxin produced by fungi on rye; its onset can be slow but lead to significant health problems, especially if not treated immediately. Modern fungicides and inspection help reduce incidence.
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Aflatoxins: Produced by Aspergillus flavus, these are potent liver carcinogens and hepatotoxins. Aflatoxins B1 and G1 are converted into M1 in the liver, which can contaminate milk, posing a hazard to dairy industries. Preventive measures for aflatoxin production control temperature and humidity.
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Ochratoxins: Mycotoxins that contaminate cereals in warm climates and are linked with kidney disease.
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Patulin: Used as a marker in apple juice for moldy fruit; found in homemade jam contaminated by molds.
Bacterial Toxins
- Botulism: Caused by the toxin secreted by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum, characterized by intense burning pain, paralysis, and death; canning techniques eliminate spores.
- Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins: Present in some foods, these are resistant to heat and digestive enzymes, leading to unpleasant but non-fatal symptoms, like stomach upset.
Allergens
- Food components can cause allergies: Some people react badly to specific food components.
- Allergy types: Skin reactions, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis can all result from food allergies.
- Important types of allergens: Cow's milk, peanuts, wheat (gluten), and eggs.
- Coeliac disease: An allergy to wheat (gliadin fraction of gluten) that damages the small intestine. Gluten-free diet is fundamental for treatment.
Toxic Agricultural Residues
- Pesticides: Universally dispersed in the environment; they are unavoidable in the food we eat; DDT use is greatly limited or banned.
Toxic Metal Residues
- Lead: A metal that is ingested through contaminated soil, air(from gasoline combustion), and water; its concentration potentially increases with age.
- Mercury: Can be found in products with antifungals, industrial pollution, and consequently in seafood. It's primarily a concern in some fish species and converts to methyl mercury in sediments, a toxic form.
Toxins from Heat Treatment
- Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): Formed when carbohydrates or fats are heated above 500°C, they are linked to cancer risk. Barbecued meat, improperly cooked foods and smoke are significant sources. Cooking methods designed to prevent fat dripping can help.
Packaging Residues
- Plasticizers (especially phthalates and BPA): Chemicals added to plastics to prevent brittleness, these can mimic hormones and potentially impact fertility and other health concerns. Use of some plasticizers is restricted.
Environmental Pollutants
- Dioxins: Produced during combustion of chlorinated materials, they accumulate in animal and human fatty tissues.
- PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls): Banned due to toxicity and persistence in the environment, these accumulate in animal and human fatty tissues.
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Description
This quiz explores the different categories of undesirables found in food, specifically focusing on endogenous toxins like solanine and caffeine. You'll learn about microbial toxins, toxic residues, and contaminants that can affect food safety. Test your knowledge on how these substances impact health and food quality.
