Digital tools for more safety in the food chain
BfR developing software to estimate the transfer of undesirable substances in animal feeds to foods of animal origin
PERCOW (Perfluoralkyl Acids in Cow‘s Milk Calculator) is a modelling tool with which the toxicokinetic behaviour of substances such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in dairy cows can be simulated on a computer. The software is based on data acquired by the BfR in transfer experiments in which dairy cows were given feed containing PFAS under controlled conditions before measuring for how long the substances remain in the animal organism and in what quantities they transfer to milk over a certain period of time. From the acquired data, algorithms were developed which enable the estimation of the enrichment and depletion behaviour of the PFAS ingested with the feed in the cow and their transfer to the milk. The aim is to make it possible to estimate the concentrations of undesirable substances such as PFOS in the milk in the event that contaminated feed is fed and depending on factors such as such as the milk yield, lactation duration and exposure of the animals. These pa rameters can be set accordingly via a graphical user interface.
Using the RITOPS tool (Risk Tool for Estimation of PFAA Concentration in Swine), the toxicokinetic behaviour of seven PFAS in the organism of rearing pigs can be modelled on a computer. The algorithms, which allow the prediction of the enrichment and depletion behaviour of the undesirable substances ingested with the feed in the animals, are also based on data from experiments conducted at the BfR on the transfer of the substances from the feed to the tissue of porkers. Depending on parameters such as fattening duration and slaughter weight, as well as details of the exposure of the animals to these substances, RITOPS can be used to estimate the concentrations of undesirable substances in the various edible tissues, such as liver, fat and muscle meat.
RITOPS and PERCOW have been specially developed for use in the German Federal State monitoring of foods and feeds and are easy to use. No special knowledge of mathematical modelling is required to use them. RITOPS and PERCOW are now to be tested in practical applications.
Most read news
Other news from the department research and development
Get the food & beverage industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the food & beverage sector brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.