PRISMA · Providing Risk-benefit Insights of Shifting to Meat Alternatives

Providing Risk-benefit Insights of Shifting to Meat Alternatives

PRISMA is a Marie-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Project designed as a proof of concept to assess the real plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) contribution to the overall mycotoxin exposure in alternative diets, with the ultimate ambition to provide support to regulators and policymakers in improving the regulatory framework of meat substitutes. The PRISMA project is set against the backdrop of significant dietary shifts towards plant-based foods, driven by sustainability and health concerns. This dietary change is driven by sustainability and health considerations, supported by international policies and scientific recommendations. However, this shift has potentially altered consumer exposure to contaminants, particularly mycotoxins, which are natural toxins produced by fungi and prevalent in plant-based ingredients. Current EU risk assessment frameworks do not adequately consider the dietary trends towards PBMA. There is also a lack of consumer knowledge regarding the potential health risks associated with PBMA consumption, particularly concerning mycotoxin exposure. Therefore, PRISMA is designed to address the urgent need for updated risk assessments and regulatory frameworks to ensure consumer safety in this evolving dietary landscape. The specific objectives are 1) to capture consumers' knowledge and misconceptions about PBMA consumption and its safety profile, 2) to evaluate consumers' exposure to mycotoxins in vegetarian and flexitarian diets, and 3) to perform a detailed risk-benefit assessment of partial and total meat substitution with PBMA, considering both nutritional benefits and potential health risks. PRISMA will generate high-quality data on mycotoxin exposure in PBMA, contributing to the scientific community's understanding of food safety in plant-based diets. It will also provide methodologies for risk-benefit assessment applicable to other dietary shifts. PRISMA’s findings will support regulators and policymakers in updating the regulatory framework for meat substitutes, ensuring consumer safety and promoting healthier dietary habits. The outcome will benefit the food industry by providing insights into the safety and quality of PBMA, encouraging the development of safer and healthier products. It will also support the growth of the PBMA market by ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer trust. By combining advanced scientific research, policy support, and public engagement, PRISMA aims to provide comprehensive insights into the risks and benefits of PBMA consumption, ultimately contributing to healthier and safer dietary practices.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union