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Abstract: Since large amounts of sodium nitrite (NaNO2) are reduced during the shelf life of meat products, and given the difficulty in maintaining its stability in these products, the use of encapsulation techniques increases the action time of this additive to guarantee food safety. Thus, since NaNO2 is a mandatory food additive in mortadella formulations, the objective of the study was to evaluate different wall materials for the microencapsulation of NaNO2 in a spray dryer for further evaluation and monitoring of the agent encapsulated in mortadella during 60 days of storage at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). The spray drying process was performed via atomization, testing 4 different compositions using porcine collagen, gum arabic (GA), and maltodextrin (MD) with NaNO2. The 10% GA + NaNO2 and 5% GA + 5% MD + NaNO2 samples had encapsulated NaNO2 yields of 46% and 42% (w/w), respectively. The application of microencapsulated materials on mortadella gave the product a better stability in the NaNO2 reduction reaction, remaining until the 50th day with NaNO2 residues above 50 mg/kg, while the control sample reached this level after 30 days of shelf life. Therefore, the application of NaNO2 capsules in mortadella can be an alternative for promotion of physicochemical and microbiological stability and is of fundamental importance for industrial applications. Graphical abstract PubDate: 2023-09-27
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Abstract: Zusammenfassung Das Vorsorgeprinzip ist in der Rechtsprechung und Gesetzgebung der Europäischen Union (EU) fest verankert. Im Lebensmittelrecht wurde das Vorsorgeprinzip in Art. 7 der Lebensmittel-Basisverordnung (EG) Nr. 178/2002 (BasisVO) etabliert. Dennoch findet das Vorsorgeprinzip sowohl in der Überwachungspraxis als auch in der nationalen Rechtsprechung nicht die angemessene Beachtung. Neben der historischen Entwicklung und der Anwendung in der nationalen und europäischen Rechtsprechung werden in diesem Beitrag die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Anwendung des Vorsorgeprinzips nach Art. 7 BasisVO am Beispiel von cannabidiolhaltigen (CBD) Produkten beleuchtet. Im Ergebnis wird festgestellt, dass die Behörden im Sinne des Vorsorgeprinzips aufgrund eines wahrscheinlichen Gesundheitsrisikos prioritäre Schutzmaßnahmen ergreifen können, die über die ohnehin erforderlichen Maßnahmen der Novel Food-Verordnung hinausgehen. PubDate: 2023-09-26
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Abstract: Abstract Honey is regarded as natural and healthy. However, a variety of contaminants could be present in the areas of production. The study aimed to identify the top hazard categories in Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifications for honey from 2002 to 2022, taking into account the notification year and type, country of origin, notifying country, risk decision, and actions taken. All RASFF notifications were processed in Pivot tables using Microsoft Excel. Out of 388 notifications for honey in the last 21 years 309 (79.64%) concerned the unauthorized residues of veterinary medicinal products hazard category, followed by adulteration/fraud (5.15%), foreign bodies (2.83%), pesticide residues (2.58%), and poor or insufficient controls (2.58%). China was the most frequently notified country of origin (25.77%), followed by Turkey (6.44%), Ukraine (6.19%), Argentina (6.19%), and Bulgaria (5.67%). Germany was the most frequently notifying country (16.49%), followed by the UK (16.24%), Spain (13.40%), Italy (10.82%), and Belgium (7.99%). Among all notifications, 22.68% were alerted and 12.37% were border rejected. The notification frequency (%) and mean concentration ± standard deviation (SD) (μg/kg) of the most frequently reported contaminants in the honey were as follows: chloramphenicol (25.26%, 172.10 ± 827.92 μg/kg), followed by streptomycin (12.11%, 104.94 ± 209.44 μg/kg), sulfathiazole (9.54%, 52.31 ± 52.62 μg/kg), tylosin (4.90%, 9.03 ± 11.23 μg/kg), and sulfadimidine (4.64%, 254.99 ± 587.00 μg/kg), respectively, due to their application by beekeepers to control infectious diseases of bees. Strict restrictions must be put in place to reduce the risk posed by these contaminants in honey. PubDate: 2023-09-21
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Abstract: Abstract This study was conducted within 2 months by sampling chicken batches from a broiler farm, a plant processing plant, and supermarket retail. The overall frequency of isolation of Salmonella was 50% (16/32), 17.5% (7/40), and 40% (4/10) for the samples collected from the broiler farm, processing plant, and retail outlet, respectively. Serovar Infantis was the predominantly isolated serovar at the 3 sampling sites. Resistance genes aac(3)IV, aph(4)Ia, blaCTX-M65, and qacEdelta1 were detected in 84.6% (11/13) of the isolates subjected to whole genome sequencing. S. Infantis strains were clustered within and across the 3 sampling sites. This study demonstrates a direct measure of the transmission dynamics of Salmonella during a farm-to-fork approach. PubDate: 2023-09-11
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Abstract: Abstract Consumers are exposed to mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) e.g. through foodstuffs and cosmetics. Upon ingestion, MOH follow the absorption pathway of dietary lipids. Analytical chemistry has revealed the presence of the main fraction, designated as mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH), in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), liver, spleen, and adipose tissue. Recent results from animal studies raised concerns about a long-term, possibly irreversible accumulation of some MOSH in humans. To address this issue, we performed a statistical re-analysis of published biopsy and autopsy data regarding the age-dependence of MOSH levels in human tissue. MOSH concentrations in MLNs and adipose tissue showed a 1.2–1.4-fold increase per decade, pointing to very long-term accumulation in both tissues. There was no evidence for age-dependent MOSH concentrations in liver and spleen. There was no sex difference in the MOSH concentrations in MLNs, suggesting a similar oral exposure for men and women. On average, women had a 2.2–2.5-fold higher MOSH concentration in the liver, spleen and adipose tissue compared to men. This finding may point to a sex difference in metabolism, in line with animal data. The use of certain cosmetics was a relevant predictor in addition to age. Women that used cosmetics like lipstick, hand cream, and sun cream had an average 2.1-fold higher MOSH concentration in abdominal subcutaneous fat than non-users. PubDate: 2023-09-07
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Abstract: Abstract The high binding capacity of Listeria monocytogenes to food contact surfaces increases the risk of cross-contamination in food. In addition to appropriate cleaning and disinfection procedures, a suitable sampling plan and technique for the earliest possible detection are necessary for prevention. This paper evaluates the sensitivity of 3 swab materials (cotton, viscose and nylon-flocked) for the qualitative and quantitative detection of L. monocytogenes on food contact surfaces (100 cm2). A L. monocytogenes cocktail of 3 serotypes (IIa, IIb and IVb) was applied to stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene and high-density polyethylene surfaces at a concentration of approx. 1.0 × 101-1.0 × 102 CFU/100 cm2 and approx. 4.0 × 104 CFU/100 cm2. The surfaces were sampled after 15 min of incubation by 3 different swabs using the double-swab technique, and then stored for 4 and 24 h until processing. The results of the qualitative and quantitative tests showed a few statistically significant differences in the detectability of L. monocytogenes by different swab materials, which implies that the detection rate of L. monocytogenes on a certain food contact surfaces can be increased by using the respective most suitable swab. PubDate: 2023-09-01
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Abstract: Abstract In the present study, a solid phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect difenoconazole residues in spinach, wax gourd, and summer squash was developed. In addition, field trials were conducted to investigate the dissipation and residue behavior of difenoconazole in six representative regions across China for each studied vegetable, and the dietary risk for Chinese consumers was evaluated using risk quotient methods. The average recoveries of difenoconazole in the three matrices were 81.5–97.8%, and relative standard deviations were 4.0–10.2%. Difenoconazole rapidly dissipated in spinach, wax gourd, and summer squash with half-lives of 2.3–5.9 days. The terminal residues of difenoconazole ranged from 0.029 to 4.74 mg/kg in spinach at 3, 5, and 7 days, < 0.01 to 0.036 mg/kg in wax gourd at 5, 7, and 14 days, and < 0.01 to 0.12 mg/kg in summer squash at 5, 7, and 10 days, which were all much lower than the maximum residue limits in China. The dietary risk assessment revealed that the potential risks of difenoconazole for Chinese consumers were acceptable. The risks for children were significantly higher. Therefore, the proposed preharvest intervals for managing difenoconazole in spinach, wax gourd, and summer squash were 3, 5, and 5 days, respectively. PubDate: 2023-09-01
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Abstract: The food industry has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, causing governments to restrict food exports to prevent shortages. A negative food trade balance reveals a country's dependence on imports and underscores the significance of a sound food policy. Hence, for the first time, this study examines the J-curve hypothesis for the U.S. with Canada at the state rather than country level and creates maps based on the findings. The approach of this study differs from all empirical studies using country-level J-curve analyses, because the U.S. may require a state level analysis since its states differ in terms of economic-population sizes, tax rates, and administrative structures. For this aim, this study employs the linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approaches. The results indicate that while only 8 out of 47 U.S. states support the food-based asymmetric J-curve hypothesis, 15 U.S. states support the asymmetric inverse J-curve hypothesis. Additionally, 9 U.S. states support the food-based symmetric J-curve hypothesis, and 2 U.S. states support the symmetric inverse J-curve hypothesis. Based on these results, policymakers of U.S. states where the J-curve hypothesis is not supported should review their food-based bilateral trade policies with Canada. Graphical abstract These maps depict the U.S. states in green and red, indicating support for the J-curve and inverse J-curve hypotheses, respectively. The map on the left was generated using the linear model (symmetric approach), while the map on the right was generated using the nonlinear model (asymmetric approach). PubDate: 2023-09-01
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Abstract: Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of training-based intervention on process hygiene, food safety knowledge, and behavior of abattoir workers in Ethiopia. A total of 114 eligible participants and 138 swab samples from abattoir facilities were used to collect data. The pre- and post-intervention food safety knowledge and behaviors of participants were assessed using a structured questionnaire and direct observation, respectively. The swab samples were screened for hygiene indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli, coliform, total coliform, Enterobacteriaceae, and aerobic plate count using petrifilm plates. The findings showed that participants’ food safety knowledge about pathogens and its associated illness (p = 0.004) and hygiene practices (p = 0.009) were significantly improved after intervention. The participant’s significant food safety behavioral change was observed in handwashing practices (p < 0.05). The participant’s behavior towards cleaning of work and meat contact surfaces was significantly improved after intervention (p = 0.000). Interestingly, the contamination level of generic E. coli (p = 0.034) and Enterobacteriaceae (p = 0.046) was significantly decreased in abattoirs after intervention. A significant reduction of generic E. coli contamination on beef carcasses (p = 0.009) and equipment (p = 0.036) was observed. The coliform (p = 0.013) and total coliform (p = 0.015) contamination of beef carcasses was also significantly reduced after intervention. Moreover, the personnel’s clothes and hands showed significantly lower Enterobacteriaceae contamination (p = 0.007) post intervention. The food safety training resulted in improvements of the hygiene process, some behaviors, and knowledge of participants. However, the implementation of integrated mitigation strategies is needed to ensure meat safety in abattoirs. PubDate: 2023-09-01
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Abstract: Abstract Caffeine-containing food supplements are often used as weight loss or memory enhancement support, which increases the potential risk for overdosing the compound. Whereas the presence of iodine-containing seaweed fucus in such products may result in thyroid disorders, when permanently overdosed. The study aimed to assess the content of caffeine and iodine in food supplements. Caffeine amount in tablets and capsules ranged from 91.8 to 138.9% of the declared content, and 2.6 ± 0.3 to 21.8 ± 2.8 mg/portion for the herbal blends with undeclared caffeine content. Iodine content ranged from 10.6 ± 0.4 to 52.5 ± 3.7 µg/portion of the products. Our results, although preliminary, suggest questionable usefulness of the tested preparations as weight loss support. Likewise, a simultaneous consumption of the recommended amounts with caffeine from other sources (e.g. coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc.), is unlikely to cause adverse effects. PubDate: 2023-09-01
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Abstract: Abstract Aerial transport of pesticides during and after their application both over medium range distances and long distance may lead to residues on plants and soil far away from agricultural treatments. Therefore, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety carried out a Germany-wide geographical analysis to identify monitoring sites which could be used for a representative German-wide monitoring. The identified sites reflect climate areas with different meteorological conditions, land coverage and pesticide use. By using a geographical information system, five different areas were identified representing the climatic and agricultural conditions of pesticide use in Germany. Since the required measuring technique needed a certain infrastructure, using already existing measuring sides was considered to be most efficient in order to use them for a German-wide monitoring. In a second step, agro-meteorological weather stations with distances of < 100 m, 100–1000 m and > 1 km in the main wind direction from treated fields were identified within these areas. The identified areas reflect the main different conditions for aerial pesticide transport along with suitable weather stations to monitor pesticide residues in the air and its deposition on plants and soil all over Germany. PubDate: 2023-08-18
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Abstract: Abstract A cross-sectional study was carried out on 352 samples (120 fecal, 92 beef cut, and 140 environmental swabs) to investigate the occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 in raw beef and to assess its antimicrobial susceptibility profile in slaughterhouses and butcher shops in Bishoftu town, Ethiopia. The samples were enriched by modified tryptone soy broth supplemented with novobiocin (mTSB + N) at the ratio of 1:9 BPW to mTSB + N and incubated overnight at 41.5 ± 0.5 ̊C (24 h). Latex agglutination was performed for confirmation of E. coli O157:H7 using an RIM E. coli O157:H7 latex test kit. The isolates were further tested for their resistance against antimicrobial susceptibility to 13 antimicrobials using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Out of 352 samples, 14 (4.0%) were positive for E. coli O157:H7 serotype; of which, 28.6% (4/14), 21.4% (3/14), and 50% (7/14) were from fecal, beef, and environmental swab samples, respectively. A significant difference in the occurrences of the pathogen was observed among the sources of samples (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed high resistance to 3 commonly used drugs: tetracycline (100%), erythromycin (92.8%), and ampicillin (64.3%). All E. coli O157 isolates were susceptible to azithromycin, cefotaxime, and chloramphenicol. However, of 14 isolates, 12 (85.8%) were resistant to ≥ 3 classes of antimicrobial agents. The current study warrants the need to implement appropriate hygienic measures in slaughterhouses and butcher shops to safeguard public health. PubDate: 2023-08-14
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Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract This article aims to present an updated discussion about the relevant aspects of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in food systems and challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic for food industries. To accomplish this review, data from relevant papers describing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security were retrieved from selected databases. The lessons learned by the food industry after facing the challenges for production, transport, storing, and trading, in order to protect food workers’ and consumers’ health during the COVID-19 pandemic are valuable for possible future epidemics. Managing this economic sector in the post-COVID-19 era is a new challenge. Food industries realized great strides in good hygiene practices that served as quick action tools to prevent dissemination of the virus among workers during food manufacturing and ensured food safety. In addition, lockdown measures in some countries showed the importance of food availability, revealing that food industry and food distribution are activities that cannot be paralyzed. Future studies are still necessary to improve the knowledge on the viability of SARS-CoV-2 in food materials and protection of the food chain against viruses. PubDate: 2023-07-12 DOI: 10.1007/s00003-023-01446-9
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Abstract: Abstract Vibrio spp. are ubiquitous bacteria that are frequently discovered in aquatic environments. Globally, they are recognized as the primary cause of seafood-related illnesses. Over decades, vibrios have been a major health concern, and the number of cases is on the rise due to unhygienic eating habits and increasing demand for raw seafood. Among the 2 groups of Vibrio bacteria, the non-cholera Vibrio bacteria group mainly associate with seafood-borne illness. Though ~ 12 species have been recognized as causative agents of diseases in humans, horizontal gene transfer has attributed to an increase in emerging human pathogenic Vibrio spp. The assortment of virulence determinants contributes to the pathogenicity of vibrios. They carry specific genes to produce toxins and hemolysin, which are correlated with pathogenicity. In addition, the expanding antimicrobial use in humans and aquaculture resulted in a surge of resistant Vibrio strains found in shellfish. This has adversely affected the therapeutic results in the case of Vibrio infection. Thus, this article provides insight into the potential public health threat that may pose to seafood consumers as a consequence of the presence of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance determinants in molluscan shellfish-borne vibrios. PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.1007/s00003-023-01445-w
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Abstract: Abstract This study aims to examine the formation of young consumers’ food waste reduction behaviour in a developing nation. The extended theory of planned behaviour model is used as a theoretical framework to establish the hypothesized relationships between the constructs in the given context. Data were collected from young consumers of India through a questionnaire-based survey. Covariance-based structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings of the study indicate the usefulness of extended theory of planned behaviour in predicting food waste reduction behaviour among young consumers in a developing country like India. The findings’ implications will help formulate and implant public policies for reducing food waste at the household level in developing countries to ensure food security and achieve sustainable development goals. PubDate: 2023-06-21 DOI: 10.1007/s00003-023-01443-y
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Abstract: Zusammenfassung Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Beschreibung der Entwicklung einer webbasierten, interaktiven Darstellung von maximalen tolerierbaren Verzehrmengen für ausgewählte Lebensmittel, die beispielsweise in einer Ereignissituation als potenziell kontaminiert angenommen werden („Kontaminantenrechner“). Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt einen Katalog wissenschaftlicher Anwendungskriterien für einen solchen Kontaminantenrechner. Als Anwendungsbeispiel wird der Fipronil-Ereignisfall im Sommer 2017 verwendet. PubDate: 2023-06-14 DOI: 10.1007/s00003-023-01440-1
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Abstract: Zusammenfassung Lebensmittelbedingte Krankheitsausbrüche in der Schweiz werden durch die kantonalen Behörden identifiziert und dem Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen (BLV) übermittelt. Zwischen 2007 – 2021 wurden 200 Ausbrüche gemeldet. Mindestens 4668 Personen erkrankten, 303 wurden hospitalisiert und 18 verstarben. Es wurden hauptsächlich nachgewiesen: Salmonella spp. (25), Campylobacter spp. (17), Noroviren (16) und koagulase-positive Staphylokokken (16). Die Ausbrüche fanden in Gastronomiebetrieben (85), privaten Haushalten (19), Kindergärten und Schulen (13), und bei Take-away-Verpflegungen (9) statt. Um solche Krankheitsausbrüche abklären zu können, stellt das BLV einen neuen Werkzeugkasten zur Verfügung. Dieser umfasst eine Webseite, einen Praxisleitfaden sowie ein Set von 4 Handbüchern und weiterführende Hilfsmittel. PubDate: 2023-06-11 DOI: 10.1007/s00003-023-01442-z