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The biological effects of food additives. I.—Nisin
Author(s) -
Frazer A. C.,
Sharratt M.,
Hickman J. R.
Publication year - 1962
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740130106
Subject(s) - nisin , nephrotoxicity , food additive , biology , food science , body weight , toxicology , kidney , physiology , pharmacology , endocrinology , antimicrobial , microbiology and biotechnology
Nisin has been administered to rats at three dosage levels in cheese, in which it had been prepared in situ , and at two dosage levels as the commercial product (Meganisin) added to a basal diet. The effects of nisin have been assessed by examining the rate of body‐weight gain, the food intake, the reproductive performance, survival of young, the haematological picture, organ weights, mortality rate and gross and microscopical appearance of the organs. In addition, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions have been studied. Special attention has been paid to possible antimetabolic and nephrotoxic actions of nisin. The sensitising action of nisin has been investigated in the guinea‐pig. Although nisin appeared to depress growth rate of male rats in one test at only 14 times the possible human dosage level, normal growth was found in other tests at 1400 times this dosage level. Depression of growth rate was associated with reduced food intake. There was no other consistently significant finding and it has been concluded that nisin is a safe substance for use in food at the level of treatment proposed.