This chapter explores the implications of differences in food consumption patterns between rich and poor countries, as well as between children and adults, to chemical food security and safety.

This chapter reviews the origins, metabolism and biodegradation of several chemicals relevant to food toxicology and safety, i.e., metals and metalloids, non-metallic elements, organic compounds, organometallic compounds.

This chapter provides a brief discussion on xenobiotics, as well as general concepts on their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.

This chapter reviews important physiological mechanisms involved in the absorption and distribution of xenobiotic compounds following oral ingestion, citing phthalates as an example.

This chapter reviews physiological processes involved in the excretion of xenobiotic compounds, with emphasis on urinary and biliary excretion.

This chapter reviews important concepts on toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, including general mechanisms and relevant principles. Also, mathematical models used to describe time-concentration relationships of xenobiotics are discussed.

This chapter discusses important concepts relevant to toxicodynamics, including target organs effects, reversibility of toxic effects, and dose-response relationships.

This chapter discusses different forms of potential food contamination arising from physical contact during food processing, such as contact with machinery and with storage/packaging materials.

This chapter discusses food safety risks associated with veterinary drugs and their residues, including measures for mitigation and control.

This chapter discusses important concepts of risk analysis relevant to food safety, including dose-response curves, NOAEL, LOAEL, Benchmark dose, ADIs, RfDs and MRLs. Also, basic knowledge on withholding and withdrawing periods are also discussed.