Designed genotoxicity profiling detects genotoxic compounds in staple food such as healthy oils

Current techniques used in food analysis overlook genotoxic compounds. This urgently calls for a paradigm shift in analytics towards non-target planar genotoxicity profiling that can detect genotoxins. Up to eight different genotoxins (i.e., genotoxic compound zones) have been detected in 33 oils used for healthy diets. A comparison of fresh oils with oils stored open and closed for one month identified genotoxic degradation products. Characterization of genotoxic zones via high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed oxidized linolenic acid as a source of genotoxicity in all samples. Detoxification via on-surface S9 liver metabolization was investigated, which showed a reduction in most, but not all, genotoxins. Food, feed, dietary supplements, and cosmetics as sources of genotoxicity can now be identified by combining separation, effect detection and optionally simulated metabolization on the same surface. The application of the planar genotoxicity profiling will improve the understanding on food and its impact as well as risk assessment and derived recommendations.

Automated summary

The current techniques used in food analysis do not consider genotoxic compounds. It is urgent to shift the paradigm in analytics towards non-target planar genotoxicity profiling to detect genotoxins. A study detected up to eight different genotoxins in 33 oils used for healthy diets, and identified genotoxic degradation products in oils stored open and closed for one month. High-resolution mass spectrometry revealed oxidized linolenic acid as the source of genotoxicity in all samples. Detoxification through on-surface S9 liver metabolization reduced most, but not all, genotoxins. By combining separation, effect detection, and simulated metabolization on the same surface, this profiling technique can identify sources of genotoxicity in food, feed, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. Its application will enhance understanding of food and its impact, as well as risk assessment and recommendations.