Toxicological study on 2-alkylcyclobutanones - results of a collaborative study

Within the frame of an international collaborative study, the synthesis of gram amounts of 2-alkylcyclobutanones (2-ACBs) was successfully carried out. The analysis of the amount of these radiolytic compounds in various irradiated foods made it possible to clearly highlight the linear relation between the formation of 2-ACBs and the absorbed radiation dose even for very high absorbed doses. Concerning the toxic potential, it was shown that the 2-ACBs have cyto- and geno-toxic properties under precise experimental (in vitro) conditions, that they inhibit bacterial growth and that these compounds have a promoter effect (in vivo studies) for the development of tumors in the colon of rats. The 2-ACBs thus present some potential risks. Whether they exert their toxic properties in irradiated foods, and pose a risk for the consumption of irradiated foods can at present not be quantified, due to the lack of necessary studies on their metabolism and interaction with other food constituents. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.