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29954-01 - Lecture: Food Toxicology and Risk Assessment (1 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2025 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Hanspeter Nägeli (h.naegeli@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This lecture presents the current state of the science of risk assessment of chemicals (additives, pesticide or drug residues, phytochemicals, toxins and contaminants) in food by consideration of the four stages of risk assessment, i.e., hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure assessment and risk characterization. The contribution of animal-based methods and pharmacologic or epidemiologic studies will be outlined with emphasis on the importance of first applying existing chemical, biochemical, physiologic or toxicological knowledge. The lecture will also discuss the issues of risk management and communication in food toxicology, identify gaps of knowledge and outline areas of current research. Specific topics: Introduction – Historical background, legal basis, acute threats and pervasive low-level exposures Tools of risk assessment and management – NOEL, ADI/TDI, BMD & MOE concepts, examples of MLs & MRLs Residue toxicology – Pesticides & veterinary drugs Analytical guidelines – screening & confirmatory methods, interpretation of results The concept of “threshold of toxicological concern” with reference to food Carcinogens in food (including toxicants induced during food processing) Toxicologic assessment of genetically modified food Anthropogenic contaminants – POPs, heavy metals Phytochemicals in food Mycotoxins in food Dietary chemoprotection Emerging issues in food toxicology – Case studies |
| Learning objectives | Understand methods of risk assessment of chemicals in food, application to current issues in food toxicology, knowledge of major food-borne chemical hazards |
| Bibliography | Watson DH (2004) Pesticide, veterinary and other residues in food. Woodhead Publishing, CRC Prss, Boca Raton Different opinions published by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) |
| Comments | Film and sound recordings during the course are strictly forbidden (recorders may be confiscated |
| Weblink | Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| Admission requirements | Completed Bachelor degree |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Tuesday | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.101 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 18.02.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.101 |
| Tuesday 25.02.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.101 |
| Tuesday 04.03.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.101 |
| Tuesday 11.03.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Fasnachstferien |
| Tuesday 18.03.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.101 |
| Tuesday 25.03.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.101 |
| Tuesday 01.04.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.101 |
| Tuesday 08.04.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.101 |
| Monday 28.04.2025 | 13.45-14.45 | Biozentrum, Hörsaal U1.131 |
| Modules |
Electives Master Drug Sciences: Recommendations (Master's Studies: Drug Sciences) Electives Master Science in Pharmacy: Recommendations (Master's Studies: Science in Pharmacy) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Please refer to the list: https://pharma.unibas.ch/en/education/assessments-and-credit-points/continuous-assessments/ |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,5 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Departement Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften |