| Corina Mihaela OPRITA (CIOARA)1 , Ingrid Alina COMAN2, Ticuța NEGREANU-PÎRJOL3, Laura OLARIU 4, Natalia ROȘOIU5
Abstract: Opium is a latex composed of a mixture of toxic substances with narcotic properties, mainly morphine and codeine. Opium is extracted by incising the immature capsules of some poppy species (family Papaveraceae) and is used as a sleeping pill, sedative, analgesic and narcotic. The opium poppy plant contains narcotic alkaloids, the largest quantities of which are morphine and codeine. Poppy seeds are obtained from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.). They are widely used in the food industry for decoration and flavoring, but can introduce opium alkaloids into the food chain, through use in bakery products, foods, cake fillings and other desserts. Cannabinoids are active compounds found in Cannabis spp. species and are responsible for its medicinal properties. The main substances are cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its acid (THCA).The cannabinoid content is very high in Cannabis Indica, and the fiber hemp Cannabis sativa L., has a low content of narcotic and hallucinogenic substances. This hemp is used for the production of fibers and seeds for industrial purposes. Hemp seeds are used as such or to obtain the oil used in food and for food supplements. Nowadays, various hemp food products are available, for example, hemp leaves (tea), hemp seeds, hemp oil, flour, drinks (beer, lemonade) and cosmetics. Starting from 2023, the new Regulation (EU) 915/2023 on maximum permitted levels for certain contaminants in food, imposes maximum permitted limits for: – Opium alkaloids (morphine and codeine) in poppy seeds and bakery products based on them; – Cannabinoids THC and the acid derivative THCA in hemp seeds, food products based on them and hemp seed oil. Both opiate alkaloids present in poppy seeds and cannabinoids present in hemp seeds intended for use in food have recently raised major food safety concerns. Therefore, in this study, two efficient methods were developed that offer sensitivity and precision for the routine analysis of both morphine and codeine, as well as cannabinoids using liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry, with a Shimadzu 8060 NEXERA equipment (LC/MS/MS). The validated methods provide a rigorous assessment of the levels of alkaloids and cannabinoids in food, allowing their detection at very low levels using high-performance equipment. The sensitivity and precision of the method are essential for the assessment of food risks, since these substances, even in small quantities, can have effects on public health. Therefore, these methods become a crucial tool in the monitoring and control of residues and emerging contaminants in food. Results obtained from matrix tests (according to EC Regulation 915/2023) for: – whole poppy seeds, crushed or ground, placed on the market for the final consumer; – bakery products containing poppy seeds or processed products thereof; – hemp seeds; -crushed hemp seeds, (partially) defatted hemp seeds and other processed products from hemp seeds; – hemp seed oil, by LC-MS/MS technique, indicates that the methods are correctly applied for each plant toxin in particular, are efficient and fit for purpose. The performance requirements established according to Regulation 2783/2023 with subsequent amendments and completions are met for the performance parameters mentioned in this method validation study. Keywords: Morphine, codeine, opiates, poppy seed, Papaver somniferum L., Hemp seeds, fibre hemp, Cannabis sativa L., cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). DOI 10.56082/annalsarscibio.2026.1.51 Read full article 1Institute of PhD Studies, Doctoral School of Applied Sciences Biology/ Biochemistry, Ovidiu’s University Constanta, LC MS/MS specialist engineer at the Veterinary Sanitary Laboratory and for Food Safety Constanţa, email cioara.corina-ct@ansvsa.ro; 2Chemist in the Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory Constanta, email coman.alina-ct@ansvsa.ro; 3Prof., PhD,“Ovidius” University of Constanta, Faculty of Pharmacy, Constanta, Romania, Associate Member of the Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania, (ticuta_np@yahoo.com); 4PhD, CS 1 S.C. Biotehnos S.A, Bucharest Romania/ Coresspondent Member of the Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania; 5Prof. Univ. Emeritus Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, IOSUD Univ. Ovidius Constanta, SD Applied Sciences Biology PhD Tesis Supervisor / Biochemistry, Full Member of the Romanian Academy of Scientist. |
PUBLISHED in Annals Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Biology,
ISSN ONLINE85 – 4177
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