Exploring unregulated contaminants in the Mediterranean diet; A first insight into the safety of this Intangible Cultural Heritage

Food ingestion plays a significant role in human exposure to environmental contaminants, resulting in health implications. Specific legislative measures control internationally the occurrence of chemicals in food to ensure consumer protection. However, there is strong evidence that there are many uncontrolled sources (e.g., deposition of particulate matter, biotic uptake and accumulation from contaminated soil or water, etc.), that may contaminate fresh and unprocessed food with unregulated contaminants. MDietSafe aims to explore the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in fresh and unprocessed food ingredients typically consumed in the Mediterranean diet (MDiet) and evaluate their potential as an exposure source for humans. For this purpose, suspect analysis of contaminants will be undertaken in a variety of food ingredients, produced in the seven Mediterranean diet countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Cyprus, and Croatia) using a novel and simple approach based on the combination of supramolecular solvents with liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (SUPRAS-LC-HRMS). The generated data will be used for human health risk estimation using different hazard indexes. Results from MDietSafe will give a first insight into the current status of unregulated contaminants in MDiet, thus providing a starting point for taking corrective measures if necessary. MDiet is worldwide recognized as a source of health for consumers, so keeping it safe from contamination is essential for guaranteeing this intangible cultural heritage and the associated traditional and cultural assets. MDietSafe is in line with the European mission for food safety and security, deepening the knowledge of the contribution of unregulated contaminants to human exposure through food. MDietSafe also addresses the UN-SDG 2, which aims to achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promotion of sustainable agriculture.