Effect of paprika extracts on growth performance, haemolymph chemistry, intestinal microbiota and antioxidant enzyme activities of white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study aims to evaluate the effects of paprika extract on the survival rate, growth performance and stimulation of the innate immune system of Litopenaeus vannamei. In this experiment, 240 healthy shrimp (3.22 ± 0.12 g) were randomly divided into four groups. The shrimp were fed diets with different concentrations of paprika oil extracts (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) for 8 weeks. The results showed that growth performance, urea, uric acid, creatinine, cholesterol levels, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were not significantly affected by adding paprika extract to the shrimp diet (p > 0.05). Diets containing 1% and 0.5% paprika extract showed the highest levels of total protein and triglyceride, respectively (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in haemolymph glucose concentration in shrimp-fed diets containing 1% and 2% paprika extract (p < 0.05). Moreover, a diet containing 0.5% paprika extract resulted in the highest levels of total heamocyte count, hyaline cells and large-granular cells in shrimp (p < 0.05). Higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were also exhibited in the paprika groups (p < 0.05). Vibrio sp. bacteria were not significantly reduced by paprika extract in the intestines of L. vannamei (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in heterotrophic bacteria was observed with increasing extract concentrations (p < 0.05). The shrimp culture industry can utilize paprika extract as a cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly immune stimulant at a concentration of 0.5%.

Dyes Used in Processed Meat Products in the Polish Market, and Their Possible Risks and Benefits for Consumer Health

Manufacturers are obliged to label processed meat products with information concerning the additives used and nutritional values. The aim of the study was to identify the dyes most frequently used in processed meat, evaluate their influence on specific food qualities, assess whether their use was correct and review their effect on health. The analysis was based on information on the labels and images of processed meat, and used a generalised linear model with a binary dependent variable. The risks and benefits for human health were defined based on the available literature. Twelve dyes were found to be used in the manufacture of processed meat. Carmine was found in 183 of 273 (67.03%) evaluated assortments containing dyes. The occurrence of water, flavourings and high fat and carbohydrate contents increased the chances that a dye would be present in a particular product. Unauthorised use of food additives was found in 20 products, with smoked meat products demonstrating the highest number of non-compliances. In general, the dyes used with food are considered safe; however, reservations are associated with the use of E150C and E150D caramels due to their potential carcinogenic effect, and carmine and annatto due to their allergic effects.

Safety and efficacy of saponified paprika extract, containing capsanthin as main carotenoid source, for poultry for fattening and laying (except turkeys)

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of saponified paprika extract, containing capsanthin as main carotenoid source, for poultry for fattening and laying (except turkeys). The saponified paprika (Capsicum annuum) extract contains various carotenoids at a concentration of 25-90 g/kg of which capsanthin being the major one with quantity specified as > 35% of total carotenoids (TC). The maximum recommended use level of 40 mg TC/kg feed is safe for chickens for fattening and laying hens. The margin of safety is at least 6. This conclusion is extrapolated to minor poultry species for fattening and laying. The saponified paprika extract is not genotoxic. Based on the no observed effect level (NOEL) of the 90-day study in rat and the exposure estimates, the Panel considered that there would be an adequate margin of exposure (between 700 and 2000) to conclude that the level of exposure to residues of the saponified paprika (C. annuum) extract (capsanthin not less than 35% of TCs) in animal tissues and products does not raise concern for the safety for the consumer. The saponified paprika extract is a viscous paste and as such users will not be exposed by inhalation. The applicant recognises that the extract may be irritant to skin and eyes. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of any preparation to be toxic by inhalation, skin/eye irritant or skin sensitiser since no data were submitted. The use of saponified paprika extract in poultry feed raised no concern for the environment. Saponified paprika extract has the potential to pigment broiler skin and egg yolk. This conclusion is extrapolated to minor poultry species for fattening and laying.

Experimental Data and Modelling of the Solubility of High-Carotenoid Paprika Extract in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The studies of solubility of the paprika extract with a high concentration of carotenoids in carbon dioxide under the pressure of 20–50 MPa and at temperatures of 313.15–333.15 K were carried out using the static method. The highest solubility of paprika extract was achieved at the temperature of 333.15 K and under the pressure of 50 MPa. The obtained experimental data were correlated with five density-based models, applied for prediction of solubility in the supercritical carbon dioxide (the Chrastil, del Valle and Aguilera, Adachi and Lu, Sparks et al. and Bian et al. models). The accuracy of particular models with reference to measurement results was specified with the average absolute relative deviation (AARD) and coefficient of determination (R²). Results showed that solubility calculated based on the selected models was compliant with experimental data.