Sulphur dioxide in commercially produced microalgae

Food Science and TechnologyEarly View Review ArticleFree Access Sulphur dioxide in commercially produced microalgae First published: 18 March 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/fsat.3510_2.xAboutSectionsPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text full-text accessPlease review our Terms Conditions of Use check box below share version article.I have read accept the Wiley Online Library UseShareable LinkUse link a this article with your friends colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Gideon Ashworth investigates source Dioxide identified need for further research field. The EU wide recall by Nutrisure Ltd Organic Chlorella Power (Chlorella vulgaris) Batch O.CH-DF-160330 (BBE Mar 2019) April 2018 due presence sulphites1 posed questions on origins allergen (SO2) within microalgae. When notice was first posted, one logical explanation pointed towards whether could be false positive reported laboratory that carried out analysis. Extensive testing (circa 70 samples) multiple batches also Spirulina from suppliers different continents (Europe, Asia North America) therefore out. Samples were sent two separate UKAS accredited laboratories SO2 analysis, both used optimised Monier-Williams method. results returned readings at levels above permitted limit <10ppm 100% tested products, across organic conventional lines (Table 1). Table 1. Examples measured product samples regions Product Country origin concentration (ppm) powder China 52 31 Powder 55 India 13 Hawaii 17 Portugal 40.3 USA 25.8 Korea 15.2 France 18.4 These alarming; not only is and/or sulphites breach regulations but are listed must declared pack/ point bulk sale. Any segregated during storage, transportation processing. Another result been producer had deliberately added either production process increase yields growing pools or postharvest processing increased durability shelf life. However, already has 36-month life so there seems no benefit using additives extend this. addition supplier rigorous approval process, nor any other competitor marketplace. An alternative present as contaminant water algae, however investigations did show evidence Since traded decades now, it unclear why previous complaints relating content algal food products allergies logged reported. Origins sulphur ubiquitous can detected atmosphere naturally occurring man-made sources. It emitted volcanic eruptions by-product burning fossil fuels. precursor sulphuric acid. gas varying concentrations throughout soluble. method measuring density recorded Dobson units. There an ongoing monitoring schedule, driven partly role climate change2. compounds required cell division, protein development fatty acid synthesis In commercial production, intentionally fertiliser pools, along carbon, nitrogen phosphorous. 3 requires heat temperatures boiling water, while optimum temperature between 20 35°C. combines oxygen air, generated photosynthesis create SO32- (sulphites) SO42- (sulphates), which potentially aids absorption microalgae4. Information scientific literature about limited. 2013 Novel Application Spain ‘Tetraselmis chuii’ reports analysis 15ppm. authors state organism ‘similar species Chlorella’. Allergy assessments then healthy individuals those known sulphites; reactions individual involved trial5. Recent suggests microalgae, including Chlorella, good scavengers. number studies into potential reduce pollution coal flue gases absorbing SO24, 6 . application decrease pH would undesirable since control fundamental parameter. Japanese researchers 1997 controlled decreased Nannochloropsis salina Phaeodactylun tricornutum7. suggested 50ppm 7 6, whilst 400ppm significantly less than 4, resulting unfavourable conditions develop. findings suggest overall yield advantage gained deliberate growth enhancer. foods common knowledge years. Alliums (onion, garlic, chives etc.) well some Brassica (including cabbage) contain sulphites. Indeed, developed methods determine if these added8. herbal medicines reviewed. Although include highlights (Reg (EU) 1169/2011) 10ppm, method9. Microalgae Overall very similar, fresh pools. Optimum specifically 8 9. continually monitored managed CO2 help risk microbial contamination optimise productivity10. air 35°C11. affects rates nutrient uptake, daily. flows rate 10m min-1 raceway replaced quarterly after harvests, usually onsite facility monitor activity. depth circa 20cm6; each standard pool 400m3. cultured lab, prior being transferred Growth vary seasons, pH, temperature, use. fertiliser, often contains rapeseed meal castor seed meal, fertilisers. Conclusions emerged sulphite (Spirulina Chlorella) range sources exceeding <10ppm. having post usage scavenge absorbed stored. appears may SO2. Therefore, recommendation competent authorities declaration ‘Contains sulphites’ pack remains. trials underway continues, currently insufficient measures (increased cleaning harvest frequency filtering drying room adding more cleaning) will consistently compliant level. This area investigative urgent escalation attention relevant authorities, FSA, Defra government bodies globally UN's FAO), identify reasons (and consequences of) grown algae. Furthermore, additional corroborate measurements require cooperation institutions funding bodies. MSc MIFST, Head Defence, Bart Ingredient Co Email: [email protected] / Acknowledgement: thanks former colleagues Ltd, t/a Supernutrients, naturya Funktional Foods. And Tracey Roberts, Gemma Hadley Suzanne McCutcheon REFERENCES 1https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-aa-44-2018. 2https://eospso.nasa.gov/content/nasas-earth-observing-system-project-science-office. 3Effect cultivation Microalgae, Golub N.B., Voyevoda D.V. National Technical University Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, 2013. 4Douskova I., Doucha J., Livansky K. Simultaneous bioremediation reduction biomass costs Microbiology Biotechnology, 2009. - № 82. – pp. 179 185. 5Report Scientific Committee Spanish Agency Safety Nutrition request initial assessment marketing marine Tetraselmis chuii under Regulation (EC) No 258/97 novel ingredients. P 14. 24/09/2013. 6https://www.usea.org/sites/default/files/042015_Microalgae%20removal%20of%20CO2%20from%20flue%20gas_ccc250.pdf. 7Influence CO2, NO Flue Gas Productivity. Hiroyo Matsumoto, Akihiro Hamasaki, Norio Sioji, Yosiaki Ikuta. Journal Chemical Engineering Volume 30 (1997) Issue 4. 8Studies Contents Naturally Occurring Sulfite Foods [2000] Kim Hee-Yun Lee Young-Ja Division Natural Additives Drug Administration, Seoul (Korea Republic). 9Monitoring Sulfur Residues Commercial Herbal Medicines Domestic Geographical Origins, Lee, Ah Reum; Jang, Seol; A Yeong; Choi, Goya; Kim, Ho Kyoung; Korean Society Hygiene Safety; 29, 2, (2014), pp.152157. 10Blue-green Dominance Lakes: Role Management Significance CO2. Dr. Joseph Shapiro. Volume69, 6. 1984 Pages 765- 780. 11Mass Cultivation Open Raceway Pond Biomass Biochemicals Production D. Karthikeyan, M. Muthukumaran1 B.S. Balakumar. Int. J. Adv. Res. Biol. Sci. (2016). 3(2): 247-260. Early ViewOnline Version Record before inclusion issue ReferencesRelatedInformation