Due to the inherent toxicity of Jatropha, i.e. presence of Phorbol esters (PE), the valorisation of the protein rich seed cake towards feed applications seemed to be a moot point. However, things are about to change now that the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) has drafted a scientific opinion about the usage of Jatropha kernel meal in feed applications. On the 10th of December 2015 the CONTAM Panel concluded that “the use of Jatropha material would not pose a health risk to pigs and that the risk to other species is likely to be low”1. This conclusion is yet another step towards the usage of Jatropha kernel meal as a feed product. “They recognize that PE can be there, a beneficial outcome that adds to the potential value of Jatropha” says dr. A. Mele – CTO, Agroils Technologies. PE has been the obstacle for Jatropha to enter the feed market for years. By means of EFSA’s drafted scientific opinion and the available toxic PE removing/degrading processes this obstacle is about to be overcome. An obstacle that Agroils has been putting efforts into since 2012 and will continue doing so in the future allowing Jatropha to become the most beneficial platform for the bio-based economy.
1. European Food and Safet Authority, E. & Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain, C. Risks for human and animal health related to the presence of phorbol esters in Jatropha kernel meal 1. 13, 1–80 (2015).
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/scientific_output/files/main_documents/4321.pdf
2. SANCO, D., Miko, L. & Url, B. Request for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of phorbol esters in Jatropha kernel meal. 1–4 (2014).