How do I find information about the toxicology of a food additive, e.g. synthetic beta-carotene?
Step 1: Go to the “Summary of Evaluations Performed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)”. This database provides references for all food chemicals which have been evaluated by JECFA since the first meeting in 1956. The introduction gives users more background on the work of JECFA. Definitions of toxicological and other terms used by JECFA are as well available. To search the database you have to go to the search page. The search result will provide you with references. Step 2: Depending on the reference you get the information on-line either from the WHO Technical Report Series or from the more extensive mongraphs published in the WHO Food Additives Series.
