Authors:Beatriz Nunes Silva, Nathália Fernandes, Laís Carvalho, Ana Sofia Faria, José António Teixeira, Carina Rodrigues, Ursula Gonzales-Barron, Vasco Cadavez Abstract: In cheese-making, a starter culture composed of adequately chosen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may be suitable to ensure the rapid acidification of milk, improve textural and sensory characteristics, and avoid pathogen proliferation. In this work, 232 LAB isolates collected from artisanal goat’s raw milk cheeses produced in Portugal were evaluated for their antimicrobial capacity (at 10 and 37°C), as well as their acidifying and proteolytic properties. Among the 232 isolates, at least 98% of those isolated in De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe (MRS) agar presented antagonism against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, or Staphylococcus aureus, whereas less than 28.1% of M17-isolated LAB showed antagonism against these pathogens. M17-isolated LAB displayed better results than MRS ones in terms of acidifying capacity. As for the proteolytic assay, only 2 MRS isolates showed casein hydrolysis capacity. Principal component analyses and molecular characterization of a subset of selected isolates were conducted to identify those with promising capacities and to correlate the identified LAB genera and species with their antimicrobial, acidifying, and/or proteolytic properties. Lactococcus strains were associated with the highest acidifying capacity, whereas Leuconostoc and Lacticaseibacillus strains were more related to antimicrobial capacities. Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactococcus lactis, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei were the predominant organisms found. The results of this work highlight various strains with pathogen inhibition capacity and suitable technological properties to be included in a customized starter culture. In future work, it is necessary to appropriately define the starter culture and implement it in the cheese-making process to evaluate if the in-vitro capacities are observable in a real food system. PubDate: 2023-10-27 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11559 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2023)
Authors:Maria Francesca Peruzy, Immacolata La Tela, Maria Rosaria Carullo, Simona Ioele, Yolande Thérèse Rose Proroga, Anna Balestrieri, Nicoletta Murru Abstract: Salmonella is one of the main zoonotic agents causing foodborne diseases in Europe. The main reservoirs of the infection are represented by domestic and wild animals, and the infection occurs by direct contact or following the consumption of contaminated food or water. The study aimed to evaluate the presence of Salmonella spp. in food-producing animals and irrigation waters in southern Italy and the serovar distribution. From 2011 to 2021, a total of 473 samples from 6 different animal species (bovine, buffalo, goat, ovine, swine, poultry, and wild boars) and 313 irrigation water samples were collected and analyzed. The overall percentage of positive samples was 56.87% in organs, 50.85% in feces, and 20.45% in irrigation waters. By animal species, the most frequently detected serovar was Salmonella Typhimurium in bovine (17.39%), in buffalo (13.10%) and swine (28.21%), and S. Kentucky (24.78%) in poultry. The subspecies diarizonaeIIIb was frequently detected in goats (40.00%) and ovine (83.33%), while salamaeII (14.12%) and diarizonaeIIIb (11.76%) were frequently isolated in wild boars. In the irrigation water samples, the most frequently detected serovar was S. Napoli (25%). Results revealed that, although in Europe, control strategies aimed at preventing the spread of Salmonella have been implemented, the prevalence of this pathogen in food-producing animals and irrigation waters is high. Considering the risk to public health associated with the contamination of products or foods, more stringent control interventions are needed at primary production and along the food chain. PubDate: 2023-10-26 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11538 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2023)
Authors:Hudaa Neetoo, Khousboo Juggoo, Hena Johaheer, Mala Ranghoo-Sanmukhiya, Zishaan Manoga, Nadhiir Gurib Abstract: Norovirus (NOV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are human enteric viruses of major concern worldwide. Salad vegetables and molluscan shellfish are highly susceptible to contamination by NOV and HAV and can pose a health threat when consumed raw. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of NOV and HAV in lettuce, watercress, tomatoes, and oysters using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and assess the health risks associated with the consumption of these commodities by semi-quantitative risk assessment. The occurrence of NOV in vegetables ranked in the following decreasing order: lettuce (36%) > watercress (16%) > tomatoes (4%). However, HAV was more frequently detected in watercress (56%), compared to lettuce or tomatoes (12%). Additionally, NOV was detected in oysters (60%). The risk assessment exercise pointed to a medium-risk score of contracting a foodborne illness of viral origin for consumers eating fresh watercress or oysters. Future research will ascertain the presence of these enteric viruses in a broader range of food commodities. PubDate: 2023-10-10 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11447 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2023)
Authors:Ahmad Ni'matullah Al-Baarri, Siti Susanti, Anang Mohamad Legowo, Mulyana Hadipernata, Arif Aryanto, Putri Safina Liestyana Abstract: Corn snack bars are a product made from corn extrudate and additional ingredients in the form of sorghum flour and can be consumed as a nutritious snack. The shelf life of snack bar products needs to be known to ensure product quality reaches consumers. This study aims to determine the shelf life changes in critical parameters during storage using the accelerated shelf life testing Arrhenius method. Tests on the estimation of shelf life with the Arrhenius method were carried out at 3 different storage temperatures (10°C, 30°C, and 47°C) for 35 days with an observation time of every 7 days. The shelf life of corn snack bars was tested using parameters of quality changes such as water content, texture hardness, and springiness. Based on the results obtained, the final shelf life of the corn snack bar is determined by the crispness parameter; shelf life at 10°C is 233 days, at 30°C is 111 days, and at 47°C is 363 days. PubDate: 2023-10-04 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.10718 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2023)
Authors:Samuele Pulze, Noemi Presti, Alberto Vergara Abstract: The Armed Force's victualling sector, and field catering, in particular, were brought up to date following Publication No. C-19, Compendium of Logistic Provisions of the Carabinieri Force. Previously, there was no specific regulation in the defense sector, except for the operational reality of military contingents deployed abroad. The aim of this discussion is the military field catering regulatory adaptation to the procedures of the Certified Notification of Commencement of Activities, pursuant to Law 241/90. To this end, the Ministry of Defense has adopted a specific notification model for its food businesses (Interministerial Decree 06/03/2020). Presidential Decree 327/1980 also applies in the Arma with regard to refrigerated shelters intended for the storage of foodstuffs at a controlled temperature. The authorization, issued by the Veterinary Service of the Arma General Headquarters, is valid for 2 years and is renewable subject to verification of the specific requirements. The procedures to submit the certified activity start notice (SCIA) are functional for the type of service operation. The Veterinary Service issues a specific technical opinion on the relative hygiene and health requirements, while the plant-infrastructure part is assessed by the competent Directorate of Works of the Corps of Engineers of the aforementioned General Command. Failure to submit the SCIA is punishable under Legislative Decree No. 193/2007; however, if the conditions are met, recourse to the administrative institution of the warning is preferred. In the verification phase of the shelters in question, compliance with the regulations concerning the Agreement on the Transport of Perishable Goods must be ascertained. The new regulations allow the Armed Force to guarantee food safety in military operations involving the use of field modules for catering purposes. PubDate: 2023-10-03 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11099 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2023)
Authors:María Laura Arias Echandi, Alejandra Huete Soto, Jose Manuel Castillo Blanco, Fernanda Fernández, Heriberto Fernandez Jaramillo Abstract: Aliarcobacter is a Gram-negative rod that can cause disease in both animals and humans. Several studies have evidenced its presence in a wide variety of foods. Given that the number of foodborne illness outbreaks linked to the consumption of vegetables has increased worldwide and that there is a lack of information about the occurrence of Aliarcobacter spp. in these, the aim of this study was to evaluate its presence and the occurrence of virulence factors in both fresh and ready-to-eat vegetable samples. 180 vegetable samples from Costa Rica were analyzed for the presence of Aliarcobacter spp., including 90 pre-cut vegetable packages and 90 fresh vegetables. Two (2.2%) of the isolates from pre-cut vegetables and 19 (21.1%) of the isolates obtained from fresh vegetables were confirmed as Aliarcobacter spp. One of the isolates from the pre-cut vegetable samples was identified as A. butzleri. For the fresh vegetables, 11 isolates were identified as A. skirrowii, one as A. butzleri, and the 7 remaining isolates could not be identified at a species level. There is an 87.5% positivity for hecA and 93.8% for pldA, virulence genes in strains isolated from fresh produce, contrasting with an absolute absence from pre-cut vegetable-isolated strains. These results evidence the presence of Aliarcobacter on fresh and pre-cut vegetables from Costa Rica and the potential hazard it might represent for public health. PubDate: 2023-10-02 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.10344 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2023)
Authors:Giulia Bonifacino, Amaranta Traversa, Daniele Nucera, Roberta Bervini, Guido Bruatto, Emanuele Coruzzi, Maurizio Gilli, Arianna Mendolicchio, Emanuele Osella, Francesca Rubinetti, Enzo Stassi, Claudio Biglia, Tiziana Civera Abstract: Regulation 2017/625 allows and encourages the use of rating schemes as a means to increase transparency in the agri-food chain. Since its implementation, a need for greater fairness, consistency, transparency, and objectivity in official controls has been reported by member states. The present study compares the results of inspection activities concerning food hygiene principles in ethnic and traditional butcheries. The sample consists of 50 food business activities randomly selected from traditional and ethnic butcheries subject to official control in Turin from January to June 2019. Our objectives were to evaluate the degree of awareness and training of food business operators (FBOs) and to compare the written records drawn up by the competent authorities (CAs) during official inspections to evaluate their completeness and uniformity. The presence of old equipment is a common finding in both traditional and ethnic butchers. This could lead to ineffective cleaning operations and inappropriate functioning, which in turn could lead to a dangerous loss of control over products’ temperatures. Ethnic butchers showed a higher number of non-compliances for documentary examination, the presence/correctness of self-control plans, and management aspects such as by-product disposal and personnel hygiene. Training is the key point for both CAs and FBOs; inspectors must maintain their professionalism but also adhere to harmonized and intellectually supported criteria, and FBOs must prevent improper behavior. Eventually, we propose strategies to increase the efficacy and homogeneity of records, together with suggestions on how to implement training both for consultants and operators. PubDate: 2023-09-01 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11130 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2023)
Authors:Giovanna Berardi, Aurelia Di Taranto, Naceur Haouet, Valeria Vita, Elena Palomba, Gianluca Rizzi, Marco Iammarino Abstract: Polyphosphates (PPs) constitute a class of food additives widely used due to their ability to exercise different useful activities. The food safety concern about the use of PPs in food is both the possible non-declared addition and some health effects, such as bile duct stones, decrease in oligo-element absorption, and allergic reactions in susceptible people. In this study, an analytical method based on ion chromatography with conductivity detection was applied for the detection and quantification of PPs in 238 samples of animal-derived products such as meat, dairy, and fish products. A contribution to risk assessment was also included. The monitoring confirmed the absence of non-compliant results. All concentrations of PPs were indeed lower than the legal limits set in European Regulation No. 1333/2008. Moreover, no residue of PPs was detected (> limit of quantification: 0.09 g kg-1) in samples where it was not reported on the product label. No PPs were detected in mollusks, meat-based preparations, semi-ripened, unripened, and spun paste cheese, while they are widely used in surimi, with concentrations in the range of 0.1-0.5 g kg-1. The highest concentrations were quantified in a würstel sample (4.7±0.3 g kg-1) and a spreadable cheese sample (8.9±0.7 g kg-1). Considering that the high exposure scenario together with a very susceptible population group (toddlers) were taken into account for this risk exposure study and that the highest admissible daily intake obtained was equal to 10.4%, the assessment demonstrated that the actual use of PPs in food does not pose a risk for food safety. PubDate: 2023-08-30 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11110 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2023)
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