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Food Toxicology

A section of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158).

Section Information

The “Food Toxicology” Section welcomes high-quality original research articles and comprehensive review manuscripts addressing the occurrence, identification, and quantification of hazardous substances present in food and food-related matrices. The Section aims to advance knowledge on the safety of the food supply and its impact on human health.

Submissions may include toxicity studies related to food ingredients, additives, contaminants, and processing by-products, including, but not limited to, novel foods, biotechnologically derived products, and nanomaterials. Studies investigating naturally occurring toxins (e.g., plant toxins, mycotoxins, and marine toxins), environmental contaminants (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants), and emerging contaminants of concern are strongly encouraged. For studies involving chemical mixtures or natural extracts, authors should provide a clear and detailed characterization of their chemical composition to ensure the reproducibility and proper interpretation of the results.

In addition, analytical studies that provide robust evidence of the presence, concentration, and distribution of toxic substances in food matrices, using validated and state-of-the-art methodologies (e.g., chromatography, mass spectrometry, biosensors, and other advanced detection techniques) may be included. Studies focusing on methodological development, validation, and the monitoring of contaminants in food and beverages are particularly encouraged, especially when linked to exposure assessment and food safety implications.

Manuscripts should employ exposure scenarios that are relevant to realistic human dietary intake, with appropriate justification of the doses, concentrations, and routes of exposure. Both in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as alternative methods (e.g., New Approach Methodologies; NAMs), are welcome, provided their relevance to human health risk assessment is clearly demonstrated.

The Section also encourages studies on interactions between toxicants and nutrients, food matrix effects, and factors influencing bioavailability, metabolism, and toxicity. Research focusing on the elucidation of molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms of toxicity, including toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, is highly valued.

In addition, submissions addressing safety evaluation and risk assessment are strongly encouraged. These should aim to derive or refine health-based guidance values and reference points, such as NOAEL, LOAEL, the benchmark dose (BMD), the margin of exposure (MOE), and other relevant parameters. Studies integrating omics technologies, computational toxicology, predictive modeling, and data-driven approaches to support hazard identification and risk characterization are also within the scope.

Overall, the Section seeks to promote interdisciplinary research that integrates analytical chemistry, toxicology, and risk assessment to strengthen the scientific basis for food safety evaluation and to support regulatory decision-making and public health protection.