Tropane alkaloids in organic food

On two occasions in 2015, millet products had to be recalled due to their high tropane alkaloid content. Tropane alkaloids are naturally occurring substances that are found mostly in Datura or henbane seeds and can cause health issues in high doses. The ban on herbicides for weed control in organic agriculture increases the possibility of contamination of organic products compared to conventional products.
The aim of this project is to assess the risk of contamination by tropane alkaloids along the entire chain and to develop a concept to prevent contamination.

• Migros Aid Fund

• Bickel Regula (Department of Food System Sciences)

• Dierauer Hansueli (Department of Soil Sciences)
• Schild Marion (Department of Extension, Training & Communication)
• Speiser Bernhard (Department of Crop Sciences)
• Tong Bennan (Departement für Agrar- und Ernährungssysteme)

Project manager

• Advisory & Training (Department of Extension, Training & Communication, FiBL Switzerland)
• Consumers & Food (Department of Food System Sciences, FiBL Switzerland)
• Plant Protection - Phytopathology (Department of Crop Sciences, FiBL Switzerland)