COT 2020 meeting notes
Last updated: 29 July 2021
At their January meeting the Committee discussed the EFSA consultation on Ochratoxin A, the WHO public consultation on the JECFA/JMPR update of Chapter 5 of EHC 240, an update on Cannabidiol (CBD) and the potential health risks of mycotoxin contamination in oat drinks for children aged 6 months to 5 years of age. In addition, they reviewed the potential toxicological risks from electronic nicotine (and non-nicotine) delivery systems (E(N)NDS – e-cigarettes as well as the 2019 Annual report, horizon scanning and an update on actions taken subsequent to COT advice.
The committee also discussed the draft statement on the toxicological interactions between xenobiotics and the human microbiota.
The minutes can be found here: COT Meeting: 28th January 2020 | Committee on Toxicity (food.gov.uk)
At their March meeting the Committee discussed items including the 2019 Annual Report , a discussion paper on the potential risks from almond drink almond drink consumption in children aged 6 months to 5 years of age, the draft EFSA opinion on PFAS and opinion on glycoalkaloids and the COC- guidance statement on less than lifetime exposure.
The committee also continued work on the second draft statement on the safety of turmeric and curcumin , the first draft statement on the potential risks from exposure to microplastics, and the second draft statement of potential toxicological risks from electronic nicotine (and non-nicotine) delivery systems (E(N)NDS - e-cigarettes).
The minutes can be found here: COT Meeting: 10th - 11th March 2020 | Committee on Toxicity (food.gov.uk)
At their May meeting the Committee discussed items including the potential risks from use of topically applied CBD-containing cosmetic products and potential toxicological risks from electronic nicotine (and non-nicotine) delivery systems (E(N)NDS – e-cigarettes).
The committee also continued work on the COT position draft paper on CBD, the scoping paper: alternatives to conventional plastics for food & drinks packaging, the second draft statement on interactions between xenobiotics and the human microbiota, the updating of the COT Terms of Reference and Code of Practice and updated risk assessments for exposure of users to propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol from inhalation of E(N)NDS aerosols.
The minutes can be found here: COT Meeting: 5th May 2020 | Committee on Toxicity (food.gov.uk)
At their July meeting the Committee discussed items including the proposed PBPK workshop in December 2020, a risk assessment of the adventitious contamination of wheat flour by soya and the overarching discussion paper on consumption of plant-based drinks in children aged 6 months to 5 years of age. Also, the potential risks from aggregated exposure to mycotoxins, the draft EFSA opinion on nickel and E-cigarette, or vaping E-cigarette, or vaping product use.
The committee also continued work on their contribution to SACN review of the effects of diet on maternal health, their conclusions of the overarching Statement and addendum on the potential risks from contaminants in the diet of infants aged12 to 60 months.
The minutes can be found here: COT Meeting: 7th July 2020 | Committee on Toxicity (food.gov.uk)
At their September meeting the Committee discussed items including a risk assessment of the adventitious contamination of wheat flour by soya, Chitins and Chitosan Biologically Based Food Contact Materials and considered additional data on the potential risks from aggregated exposure to mycotoxins.
The committee also continued work on the second draft overarching statement on microplastics, the first draft statements on the consumption of plant-based drinks in children aged 6 months to 5 years, the revision of the COT Terms of Reference and Code of Practice Terms of Reference and Code of Practice and the review of the implications for risk management based on the EFSA Dioxin opinion. The committee also discussed their contribution to a SACN review of the effects of diet on maternal health.
The minutes can be found here: COT Meeting: 15th September 2020 | Committee on Toxicity (food.gov.uk)
At their October meeting the Committee discussed items including possible approaches to the review of the tolerable daily intake of dioxin, an update on alternatives to conventional plastics for food and drinks packaging, as well as a review of herbal supplements used in pregnancy.
In addition, the committee discussed the applicability of the COC guidance on less than lifetime exposure to their work and a discussion paper on the potential effects of excess iodine intake during preconception, pregnancy and lactation.
The committee also continued work on the first draft statement on the combined exposure to mycotoxins, and discussed the draft EFSA opinion on HBCDD
The minutes can be found here: COT Meeting: 27th October 2020 | Committee on Toxicity (food.gov.uk)
At their December meeting the Committee discussed items including problem formulation for a planned review of dioxins, the pharmacokinetics of nicotine salts in ENNDS devices, the potential effects of cannabidiol and issues related to the risk assessment of regulated products after EU exit (Reserved).
The committee also continued work on statements setting out their views on microplastics, PFAS and iodine in pregnancy.
The minutes can be found here: COT Meeting: 1st December 2020 | Committee on Toxicity (food.gov.uk)