Zearalenone (ZEN), a mycotoxin present in cereals, poses significant health risks to animals and humans due to its estrogenic effects. Numerous studies on the enzymatic detoxification of ZEN have predominantly focused on reducing the parent toxin to assess the enzyme’s efficacy, yet there is limited research on the identification and toxicity evaluation of the enzymatic degradation products. This study investigated the enzymatic degradation mechanisms of ZEN using commercial peroxidase (POD) and laccase (LC), with a focus on identifying degradation products and assessing their hepatotoxicity effects. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations elucidated the binding mechanisms between these enzymes and ZEN, revealing strong interactions that facilitate efficient detoxification. Subsequent analysis employing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) successfully identified crucial degradation products. Hepatic toxicity of the enzymatic degradation products was comprehensively assessed in HepaRG liver cells through systematic measurements of cell viability, oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and molecular metabolic profiles. Our findings demonstrate that both POD and LC exhibit significant efficacy in mitigating hepatocyte toxicity induced by ZEN, thereby highlighting their potential utility in enhancing food safety. This research provides essential data for safety evaluation regarding enzymatic detoxification of ZEN while offering theoretical and technical resources for risk assessment related to mycotoxin enzymatic detoxification.

The global shift towards sustainable food systems has sparked innovations in food sources and production systems, including cell-based meat, plant-based food products, precision fermentation, and 3D food printing. These advancements pose regulatory challenges and opportunities, with China emerging as a critical player in adopting and regulating new food technologies. This review explores the international landscape of new food sources and production systems (NFPS), focusing on China’s role and regulatory approaches compared to global practices. Through this comparative analysis, we aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on food safety regulation, offering insights and recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers engaged in the global food system’s evolution. This comprehensive overview underscores the dynamic nature of regulatory frameworks governing NFPS, highlighting the international efforts to ensure food safety, consumer protection, and the sustainable evolution of the food industry.