Occurrence data on Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) in food

The dataset contains data on the occurrence of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) in food products of animal and plant origin, which can be used as supporting information for future exposure and risk assessment on this group of toxins. Honey is excluded from the food samples and particular focus is upon the milk and egg categories and meat samples for human consumption. The dataset also contains occurrence data for herbal teas and food supplements from different geographic regions in Europe.

Over the years 2014-2015, a total of 1105 samples of animal- and plant-derived products, including milk and milk products, eggs, meat and meat products, (herbal) teas and (herbal) food supplements were analysed for the presence of 28 or 35 PAs. Samples were collected in supermarkets, retail shops and for a small proportion via internet. The samples comprised 268 milk and milk products (including yoghurt, cheese and infant formula), 205 eggs, 273 meat (including beef, pork and poultry meat, and liver of beef, pork and chicken), 168 teas (including black, green, rooibos, chamomile, peppermint and mixed herbal tea) and 191 food supplements. The analytical method for determination of 1,2-unsaturated PAs is based on liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).