Dietary Risk Assessment of mycotoxins in Plant-Based Meat Alternatives (PBMAs) in the context of co-occurring bioaccessible polyphenols

Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are increasing their consumption, yet their complex formulations may simultaneously contribute to dietary exposure to mycotoxins and provide bioactive polyphenols. In this study, 100 PBMAs commercialised in Spain and Portugal were analysed for 20 mycotoxins and 37 polyphenols by LCMS/MS, and polyphenol bioaccessibility was assessed using the INFOGEST in vitro digestion model. Twelve mycotoxins were detected, with a predominance of emerging Fusarium toxins, ochratoxin A (OTA) and Alternaria toxins (TEA, TTX). MON was the most frequent (89%), followed by ENNB, TTX and OTA (44%, 44% and 43%,respectively). Co-occurrence was frequent, with 70% of products containing ≥2 mycotoxins. Polyphenol profiles varied by ingredient-based group, and TPC bioaccessibility increased during digestion, reaching its highest values in the intestinal phase. Mycotoxins’ risk assessment based on middle-bound concentrations considered two intake scenarios: (i) an apparent per capita intake derived from market consumption data and (ii) a portionbased intake reflecting regular PBMA servings (mean and high consumers). No concern was identified under the market-based scenario. Under the portion-based scenario, aflatoxins (B1 and G2) indicated potential concern for both mean and high consumers, while ochratoxin A suggested concern only for high consumers. Overall, PBMAs generally showed low mycotoxin risk. Simultaneously, PBMAs provided bioaccessible polyphenols, supporting integrated assessment of contaminants and bioactives to better characterise consumer exposure.