Tropane alkaloids in food

Publication date: 31-01-2026
Extent: 32 pages

Contributions by: Inês Parente, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Ana Rita Soares Mateus, University of Coimbra, Portugal/National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), Portugal of Coimbra, Portugal/Centre for Animal Science Studies (CECA), ICETA, Portugal; Sílvia Cruz Barros, National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), Portugal; Angelina Pena, University of Coimbra, Portugal; and Ana Sanches Silva, University of Coimbra, Portugal/Centre for Animal Science Studies (CECA), ICETA, Portugal/Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Al4AnimalS), Portugal

Chapter synopsis:

Tropane alkaloids (TAs) are known to be present in certain plants but can contaminate crops that enter the food chain, leading to severe toxic effects in humans. This has prompted the European Union to set legal limits for atropine and scopolamine, the most common TAs, in various foods. However, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed still reports instances of TAs exceeding these limits in the EU. Climate change may further exacerbate the spread of invasive plants containing TAs, increasing their presence in plant-based foods. This chapter aims to compile information on the health hazards posed by TAs, review studies documenting food contamination, and assess the primary methods for determining these compounds and potential decontamination techniques. Further research is essential to develop new methods for preventing contamination and removing high levels of TAs, as well as for investigating the toxicity of their metabolites.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.172.35