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Mahwah, NJ. The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), in collaboration with the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at New York Medical College, has published a groundbreaking study that supports a promising new approach methodology (NAM) for assessing chemical genotoxicity without the use of traditional animal testing.

The study, “The Chicken Egg Genotoxicity Assay (CEGA): Assessing Target Tissue Exposure and Metabolism in the Embryo-Fetal Chicken Livers,” was led by RIFM Principal Scientist Yax Thakkar, PhD, who heads the Institute’s Genotoxicity Safety Assessment and Research Programs. It demonstrates the CEGA model’s ability to detect DNA-damaging potential in chemicals via avian embryo-fetal liver analysis.

The CEGA model leverages the developing chicken egg as a biologically relevant, ethically favorable platform. The embryo’s nervous system is not fully developed at the time of testing, making it impossible to feel any discomfort or pain. The study confirmed that chemicals administered into the egg’s air sac reach the fetal liver, where they are metabolized into active forms that can induce genotoxic effects. Through advanced imaging, RNA sequencing, and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses, researchers showed that benzo(a)pyrene (a known genotoxicant) was successfully bioactivated within the target tissue, resulting in DNA damage.

“These findings validate CEGA as a scientifically robust and ethically responsible alternative to traditional animal testing,” said Dr. Thakkar. “It’s a powerful demonstration of how new approach methodologies can deliver meaningful safety data while aligning with our commitment to humane science.” RIFM does not conduct animal testing on any of its human health endpoints.

The study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the viability of CEGA as a next-generation safety assessment tool, helping to advance global efforts toward reducing reliance on in vivo animal models.

The full article is available through Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/em.70015

About RIFM
The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) collects, analyzes, and evaluates scientific data to determine the safety of fragrance ingredients. RIFM’s mission is to ensure that fragrance ingredients are safe for use by the consumer and the environment. Its research is evaluated by an independent Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety and made publicly available through peer-reviewed publication.

Media Contact:
The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM)
Gary Sullivan
Marketing & Communications Manager
gsullivan@rifm.org