immunotoxicity
Any adverse effect on the immune system (e.g. allergy or inflammation) that results from exposure to toxic substances
Immunotoxicity is the potential of a substance in food to harm the immune system. This can mean making it weaker (so infections are more likely), overactive (causing allergies or inflammation), or otherwise dysfunctional.
EFSA assesses immunotoxicity as part of its evaluation of food safety risks posed by contaminants, additives, and chemicals such as PFAS and Bisphenol A for example. EFSA examines how these substances may adversely affect the immune system, potentially causing effects such as reduced vaccine responses, increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, inflammation, or immunosuppression. This helps EFSA set safe exposure levels, assess risks from food and feed, and provide guidance to EU policymakers, ensuring that foods and additives do not negatively impact the immune system.