Undesired Plant-Derived Components in Food

Among the various chemical compounds, the class of natural plant-derived substances in the modern food chain is generating increasing concern. Adverse effects encountered may be various and pose risks of acute, subchronic, or chronic toxicity. The underlying mechanisms of toxicity may be thresholded, or the contaminants may pose risks because of genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. This chapter gives an overview of the major classes of plant-derived undesired substances including contaminants of present concern in the modern food chain, describing their mode of action and adverse effects.</p