Food safety in the 21st century

Food hygiene practice and associated factors among food handlers working in food establishments in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Food hygiene practices are crucial to avoid foodborne illness and improve human well-being. Millions of people get sick, and many of them pass away due to eating unhealthy food. Foodborne diseases are still a public health problem in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with food hygiene practices among food handlers in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

An extensive search was conducted using various databases including PubMed, Science Direct, African Journal Online, and Google Scholar. The search results were then extracted using Microsoft Excel. The data analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. Publication bias was checked by funnel plot, and more objectively through Begg and Egger regression test, with P < 0.05 considered to indicate potential publication bias. A random effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of hygienic food handling practices. Sub-group analysis was done by country and study site.

RESULTS

To estimate the pooled prevalence of food hygiene practices in sub-Saharan Africa, 42 reviewed studies and 12,367 study participants were included. The pooled prevalence of food hygiene practices among food handlers in sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 50.68% (95% CI: 45.35, 56.02) in this study. Factors associated with food hygiene practices included lack of food safety training (OR = 2.14 95% CI: 0.68, 6.76), negative attitude (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.36, 4.09), and lack of regular medical checkups (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.52, 4.65) among food handlers.

CONCLUSION

This research found that only half of sub-Saharan Africa's food handlers had good food hygiene practices. Lack of food safety training, a lack of regular medical checkups, and unfavorable attitudes toward food hygiene practices were factors contributing to food hygiene practices. Thus, the authors recommended that food workers receive food safety training about food hygiene and safety procedures.

A study of the purchase intention of alternative foods

Environmental pollution has drawn widespread attention to food safety. People are becoming more conscious of their health and the sustainable development of food, and are setting higher standards for food safety, which have led to the development of better alternatives to food. In this study, we examine the willingness of college students to buy alternative foods and the factors that influence their purchase decisions, as well as the sustainable development of alternative products. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between social influence, food safety, nutrition confidence, exercise commitment, dietary habits, satisfaction, attitude, and purchase intention. We conducted a survey among 799 college students. According to the study, social influence, food safety, and dietary habits greatly influence the satisfaction, attitude, and purchase intention of college students when purchasing alternative food. Attitude and purchase intention are positively correlated with satisfaction. Moreover, nutritional confidence and attitude are significant predictors of purchase intentions. The findings of this study supplement the research of college students on the factors that influence the selection of insect foods as alternative foods within the context of frequent food shortages and safety concerns. To assist farmers, producers, consumers, and extension personnel in making informed decisions, we provide relevant information on factors affecting the supply and demand of alternative food.

Microbial Shelf Life and Quality Assessment of Broiler Breast Meat: The Role of Cold Storage and Carcass Weight

Globally, poultry products have been associated with outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cold storage period, carcass weight, and product form on fresh broiler bacteriology and meat quality parameters. A total of 500 one-day-old broiler birds were raised to market age (28-35 days) before slaughtering. The carcasses were classified into two groups: light weight (approximately 1100 ± 50 g) and heavy weight (approximately 1400 ± 50 g). After 4 h of post-chilling aging, 256 carcasses were randomly selected to represent the two categories. Each category of 128 carcasses was randomly distributed into two groups of 64 carcasses. One group was stored as whole carcasses, while the other group was stored as part-cut deboned breast meat at 4 °C for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of cold storage (16 samples per storage day). Post-chilling temperature, pH, cooking loss, water holding capacity, and shear force were significantly affected by product form and storage period. Water holding capacity and shear force were also affected by carcass weight (p < 0.001). Meat colors (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue values) were significantly affected by the storage period. The L* value was only affected by product form and carcass weight (p < 0.01). Crude protein and ether extract were significantly affected by carcass weight and storage period, while ash was only affected by carcass weight. Aerobic plate count, psychrotrophic count, proteolytic count, lipolytic count, and coliform count were significantly increased with storage time. In conclusion, carcass weight had no impact on overall meat quality, but the meat began to deteriorate and showed an increased spoilage rate after five days of cold storage.

Evaluation of hygienic food handling practices and associated factors among food handlers in the Amhara region, Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Foodborne illnesses as a result of poor food handling practices pose a significant threat to public health. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to pool the level of hygienic food handling practices among food handlers working in public food establishments in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. An inclusive search of databases was undertaken using PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from the 1st of January 2014 to the 30th of December 2023. Data was collected and entered into Excel and finally exported to Stata V.17 for analysis. Eyeball testing using forest plots, Cochrane Q test statistics and I² had been used to identify and measure heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of hygienic food handling practices was estimated using a random effects model. The pooled prevalence of hygienic food handling practices of food handlers in the Amhara region was 48% [95% confidence interval (CI): (43%, 53%)] with significant heterogeneity (I2=94.39%, p<0.05). Food handlers who have more than 2 years of food preparation experience [odds ratio (OR) = 3.51; 95% CI (2.64, 4.38)] and who got food preparation training [OR=2.14; 95% CI (1.06, 3.22)] were significantly associated with good food handling practice in the Amhara region. The pooled prevalence of hygienic food handling practices was low in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. This review indicated that a high level of experience and training in food preparation were the determinants of good food handling practices in the region. This finding can be used by policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders for intervention and regulatory measures.

Photocatalytic Organic Semiconductor-Bacteria Imprinted Polymers for Highly Selective Determination of Staphylococcus aureus at the Single-Cell Level

This work utilized a combination of photocatalytic organic semiconductors and bacteria to create a photocatalytic organic semiconductor-bacterial biomixture system based on a bacteria imprinted polymers (OBBIPs-PEC) sensor, for the detection of S. aureus with high sensitivity in "turn-on" mode at the single-cell level. This outstanding sensor arises from an integration of two different types of semiconductor materials to form heterojunctions. As well this sensor involves combining a semiconductor material with cationic side chains and an electron transport chain within a natural cellular environment, in which the cationic side chain of poly(fluorene-co-phenylene) organic semiconductor at 2-(4-mesyl-2-nitrobenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione (PFP-OC@MNC) demonstrated the ability to penetrate the cell membrane of S. aureus and interact with specific binding sites through electrostatic interactions. As the cavities in the BIPs were occupied by S. aureus, during light irradiation, the electrons stimulated by the photoexcitation process in the manufactured PFP-OC@MNC semiconductors were successfully transmitted to S. aureus, where these electrons played a role in the regeneration of NADH and FADH2, and then the presence of S. aureus acted as a proficient electron acceptor for photoexcited electrons; thereby the PEC response of the OBBIPs-PEC sensor was significantly enhanced. Of note, it exhibited high selectivity for S. aureus over other bacteria and maintained excellent performance in complex matrices, distinguishing S. aureus with concentrations as low as 10 CFU/mL. This work dramatically reduces the influence of interference factors in the traditional mode and offers a powerful way for microorganism detection in food and environmental fields.

Global Epidemiology and health risks of Bacillus cereus Infections: Special focus on infant foods

Bacillus cereus is a common pathogen responsible for gastrointestinal and other complicated disorders, yet epidemiological data and public health measures remain scarce. To bridge these gaps, a bilingual search spaning 50 years identified 266 relevant studies on global B. cereus infection, encompassing 6,135 cases. The global mortality rate for B. cereus infection is 0.9 %. Food poisoning cases account for 94.31 % (5786/6135) of the total infections, with a mortality rate of 0.05 %. B. cereus infections were primarily reported in East Asia, Europe, and North America, with frequent studies in eastern and southern China. Rice was recognized as the highest-risk food category for B. cereus-associated food poisoning, with 43 reported incidents. Younger populations, particularly infants and toddlers (<2 years) and school-age children (6-18 years), tend to exhibit more severe symptoms. These symptoms include fulminant liver failure, rhabdomyolysis, and metabolic acidosis. The outcomes of severe cases are associated with specific toxin types, with cereulide-producing strains linked to complicated clinical disorders and outcomes. These findings highlight the need for targeted epidemiological surveillance and public health interventions to mitigate B. cereus-associated infections.

New Hydrogenated Phenanthrene Glycosides from the Edible Vegetable Elatostema tenuicaudatum W.T.Wang with DPP-IV Inhibitory and Hepatoprotective Activity

Based on molecular networking-guided isolation, 15 previously undescribed hydrogenated phenanthrene glycosides, including eight hexahydro-phenanthrenone glycosides, four tetrahydro-phenanthrenone glycosides, one dihydro-phenanthrenol glycoside, two dimers, and two known dihydrophenanthrene glycosides, were isolated from Elatostema tenuicaudatum W.T.Wang, a popular regional edible vegetable at the northwest region of Vietnam. Their chemical structures were determined using extensive spectroscopic data: NMR and ECD calculations. Notably, the crude extract, along with compounds 5, 6, 8, and 14, demonstrated dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 220.5 ± 39.6 μg/mL, 141.7 ± 15.6, 151.2 ± 11.8, 107.9 ± 19.6, and 71.9 ± 8.9 μM, respectively. Molecular docking indicates compound 14 possesses the highest binding affinity with DPP-IV. Besides, compounds 1, 9, 11, and 14 exhibited significant hepatoprotective effects in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2. These findings suggested that E. tenuicaudatum can serve as a beneficial vegetable for individuals at risk of diabetes and chronic liver disease.

Healthiness, appearance, or fashion? The drivers behind the sushi popularity in Italy

Italy is witnessing an unprecedented success for sushi even if Italian consumers have a historical reluctance towards eating raw fish. It is important to understand what is behind this major shift in preferences, since it may set an example for the process of adoption of global products and/or diets. To this aim, we investigated which food motives drive sushi consumption (i.e., health, mood, convenience, sensory appeal, natural content, price, weight control, familiarity, and ethical concern), including also individual factors (i.e., social norms, food neophobia, traceability) on a national representative sample of 798 consumers. Data analysis yielded that social norms were the main drivers behind sushi consumption, while sensory appeal, price and neophobia reduced sushi frequency consumption. Traceability was associated with naturalness, and ethical concern, and hindered sushi consumption frequency. These results may pave the way for forthcoming marketing strategies and policies aimed at promoting the consumption of novel, healthy and sustainable food.

Development of machine learning-based quantitative structure-activity relationship models for predicting plasma half-lives of drugs in six common food animal species

Plasma half-life is a crucial pharmacokinetic parameter for estimating extralabel withdrawal intervals of drugs to ensure the safety of food products derived from animals. This study focuses on developing a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model incorporating multiple machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms, and aims to predict the plasma half-lives of drugs in 6 food animals, including cattle, chickens, goats, sheep, swine, and turkeys. By integrating 4 machine learning algorithms with 5 molecular descriptor types, 20 QSAR models were developed using data from the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) Comparative Pharmacokinetic Database. The deep neural network (DNN) algorithm demonstrated the best prediction ability of plasma half-lives. The DNN model with all descriptors achieved superior performance with a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.82 ± 0.19 in 5-fold cross-validation on the training sets and an R2 of 0.67 on the independent test set, indicating accurate predictions and good generalizability. The final model was converted to a user-friendly web dashboard to facilitate its wide application by the scientific community. This machine learning-based QSAR model serves as a valuable tool for predicting drug plasma half-lives and extralabel withdrawal intervals in 6 common food animals based on physicochemical properties. It also provides a foundation to develop more advanced models to predict the tissue half-life of drugs in food animals.

Starch Assisted the ZnS Buffer Layer in Enhancing the Photoluminescence of ZnSe/ZnS:Mn/ZnS Quantum Dots for Detecting E. Coli and MRSA Bacteria Quickly

In this study, we used a starch paste stabilizer to synthesize ZnSe: Mn/ZnS- Starch and ZnSe/ZnS: Mn/ZnS-starch quantum dot (QDs) in a non-toxic aqueous solvent. The -CH2-OH group of the starch paste promotes dispersibility and improves the compatibility of quantum dots with antibodies, its bonding is observed in the FTIR spectrum. Besides, the Mn-doped ZnS buffer shell with various concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9%) influence structure, optical, and photoluminescence of QDs properties were investigated in detail. The greatest luminescence intensity is achieved at a molar ratio of 3% Mn2+/Zn2+. Moreover, the ZnS: Mn buffer shell helps to enhance the fluorescence intensity and quantum yield (QY) of the ZnSe/ZnS: Mn/ZnS QDs, which are higher than ZnSe: Mn/ZnS-starch QDs. Through protein A and EDC bridging, ZnSe/ZnS:3%Mn/ZnS- Starch resulted in good signal and sensitivity, with no toxicity to E. coli O157:H7 and MRSA strains.

Food hygienic practices and associated factors among street food vendors in Bishoftu town, central Ethiopia

Background

Poor food hygiene practices in developing nations like Ethiopia pose a significant public health threat by increasing the likelihood of food-borne infections. In the study area, there is a lack of comprensive information regarding the hygienic standards and associated factors influcncing the food hygienic practices of street food vendors. Therefore, this study aims to assess food hygienic practices and related variables among street food vendors in Bishoftu town, central Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 16, 2023 to August 16, 2023, involving 210 street food vendors selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Descriptive statistics like mean, frequency, and percentages were used. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significance of the relationship between each independent and dependent variables. The strength of the association was calculated using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and the 95 % CI and a p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The finding of this study revealed that about 64.8 % and 35.2 % of the street food vendors had good and poor food hygiene practices, respectively. Variables such as being female [AOR = 0.191, 95 % CI (0.043, 0.840)], having rich experience in food vending [AOR = 5.793, 95%CI (1.419, 23.649)], maintaining a clean environment [AOR = 2.860, 95%CI (1.484, 5.512)], and possessing knowledge of food hygiene [AOR = 2.726, 95 % CI (1.317, 5.643)] were significantly associated with the food hygiene practices of street vendors.

Conclusion

The level of food hygiene practice observed among street food vendors in the study area was lower compared to other study findings conducted in different regions of Ethiopia. Significant factors influencing these hygiene practices were sex, food vending experience, environment, and knowledge. Therefore, current national regulations must be revised to address the existing gaps and enhance food safety procedures for street food vendors nationwide.

Highly Sensitive Lateral Flow Immunodetection of the Insecticide Imidacloprid in Fruits and Berries Reached by Indirect Antibody-Label Coupling

A highly sensitive lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for imidacloprid, a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, has been developed. The LFIA realizes the indirect coupling of anti-imidacloprid antibodies and gold nanoparticle (GNP) labels directly in the course of the assay. For this purpose, the common GNPs conjugate with anti-imidacloprid antibodies and are changed into a combination of non-modified, anti-imidacloprid antibodies, and the GNPs conjugate with anti-species antibodies. The given approach provides the possibility of selecting independent concentrations of GNPs and anti-imidacloprid antibodies to obtain the influence of minimal imidacloprid concentrations in the samples on the formation of detected, labeled immune complexes. A comparative study of imidacloprid LFIAs with common and indirect antibody-label coupling was implemented. The second variant reduced the limit of detection (LOD) of imidacloprid 20 times, reaching 0.2 ng/mL and 0.002 ng/mL for visual and instrumental detection, respectively, thus surpassing the existing LFIAs for imidacloprid. The developed highly sensitive LFIA was tested for imidacloprid detection in freshly squeezed fruits and berries without any additional sample preparation. The imidacloprids revealed were in the range of 75-97% for grape, 75-85% for orange, and 86-97% for apple samples. The time of the testing was 15 min.

Critical Issues Faced by Industries Associated with Food Science and Technology: A Delphi Analysis

As the foundation of human health, the food system is arguably a cornerstone of society. However, despite the criticality of a safe and productive food value chain there are numerous critical issues faced by industries associated with food science and technology. Using a three round Delphi process, this study identified the most critical issues faced by these industries. Based on input from expert panelists representing industry, policy makers, and academics, a total of 120 critical issues were identified in the first round. Through a consensus-building process in two subsequent rounds, 38 issues were retained. The retained issues were then analyzed using the constant comparative method to identify themes. A total of eight themes emerged from the analysis, including the following (alphabetically): (1) education, training, and workforce development; (2) emerging technologies in food sciences; (3) food safety and public health; (4) fresh produce and raw food operations; (5) microbiome and pathogens; (6) product innovation and development; (7) quality assurance and systems management; and (8) sustainability and climate resilience. These results provide a robust foundation to help guide and inform strategic priorities and actions within the food industry.

Culture-Based Standard Methods for the Isolation of Campylobacter spp. in Food and Water

Campylobacter spp. is a major source of global gastrointestinal infections. Their enteric infections are linked to the consumption of undercooked poultry products, contaminated milk and water, and the handling of wild animals and birds. The detection of Campylobacter spp. in water and food samples mainly depends on culture-based techniques. Public Health England (PHE), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the International Standard Organization (ISO) have standardized Campylobacter spp. isolation and enumeration procedures for food and water samples, which involve the usage of selective agar media and enrichment broth. Different types of selective plating and enrichment media have been prepared for Campylobacter spp. detection and assessment during regular food surveillance and food poisoning. To date, culture media remains the standard option for microbiological food analysis and has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Health Organization (WHO). This review discusses the standard microbiological protocols for Campylobacter spp. isolation and enumeration in food and water and evaluates detection media (pre-enrichment, selective enrichment, and selective plating) for their rational applications. Moreover, it also elaborates on the advantages and disadvantages of recent chromogenic culture media in Campylobacter spp.-oriented food surveillance. This review also highlights the challenges of culture-based techniques, future developments, and alternative methods for Campylobacter spp. detection in food and water samples.

Practices of maize handling and nixtamalization to reduce fungal toxin exposure in rural Guatemala

Fungal toxins in local food supplies are a critical environmental health risk to communities globally. To better characterize hypothesized toxin control points among households, we conducted household surveys across four departments (first administrative division) in Guatemala. Data gathered included maize harvesting, processing, storage, and traditional nixtamalization practices. In total, n = 33 households participated in the survey and were from 4 unique departments, 17 unique municipalities, and represented 4 different languages. The results suggested that the majority of households consumed a combination of personally cultivated and purchased maize. There was significant variation in how this maize was stored, in regards to pre-processing (kernel vs whole cob), as well as storage system type. For nixtamalization, the largest differences in practices (e.g., cooking time) were based on household size while the majority of households reported practices that aligned with previously reported best practices. Lastly, all reported maize-based food products produced by households utilized the nixtamalization process except one. Current maize handling and nixtamalization practices reported by a majority of households aligned with best practices, however, with locally tailored and culturally sensitive guidance disseminated by key stakeholders, the prevalence of best practice use among households can be improved. Further community-based research on traditional farming and nixtamalization practices can improve these recommendations.

Do Crops Grown at Urban Dumpsites Contain Metals at Levels that Pose Unacceptable Health Risks to Consumers?

Excessive dietary metal intake from crops grown on contaminated urban dumpsites poses a global health risk to consumers. We evaluated the health risk to adult and child consumers from dietary exposure to metals and metalloids in crops cultivated at the Mbale (Uganda) dumpsite centre. Thirteen crop types grown on the dumpsite soil were sampled and analyzed for concentrations of 11 metals: Fe, Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Hg, Co, Ni, Cd, and two metalloids: Se and As. Different proportions of the crops were combined into 12 meal classes to simulate the diets of residents and estimate noncancer and cancer risks. The findings indicated that most individual crop types and simulated diets lacked sufficient selenium for bodily functions. Furthermore, their metal accumulations exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits (mg/kg) for Al (20), Fe (100), Ni (10), Cu (20), Mn (10), Pb (0.3), Se (0.05), and Zn (99.4). The four most abundant metals in the various crop types and diets were Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn. A positive correlation between the metals in the crops indicated a common origin, which could possibly be the dumpsite soil. The chronic dietary intake (CDI) of metals was higher in children, and thus children faced higher noncancer and cancer risks compared with adults. The overall CDI values for each metal ranged from 0.000718 to 2.171 in adults, and 0.00125 to 3.781662 in children, which is approximately 1.74 times higher in children than in adult consumers. The noncancer and cancer risks ranged from moderate to high with Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Zn being mostly responsible for the high noncancer risks, and Al being the predominant contributor to cancer risks. The total noncancer risk levels equally ranged from moderate (1.4-3.3) for adults, and moderate to high (2.4-5.7) for children; the cancer risks were moderate to high in adults, with Al contributing to between 68% and 92% of the total risks across the 12 meal classes. Overall, CDI values and noncancer and cancer risks were all higher in children than in adults. The vegetables Amaranthus hybridus, Vigna unguiculate, Amaranthus dubius, and Cucurbita maxima significantly contributed to the high noncancer risk to both adults and children, particularly when they constituted 40% or more of the meal. Four additional vegetables (Cocorhrous olitorous, Brassica oleracea, Amaranthus cruentus, and Gynandropsis gynandra) also posed a high risk to children when consumed in large quantities. Our results highlight the urgent need to develop regulatory frameworks and/or rigorously enforce existing land and food governance policies to protect consumers' health from unsafe metal concentrations in crops grown on dumpsites. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2628-2644. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Al and MCPD in grain products in Gansu province, China and risk assessment

This study conducted a dietary exposure assessment of chloropropanols and aluminium, after quantifying their content in food. The mean dietary exposure to Al from total grain products was found to be 6.4E-04 mg/kg bw/week, not exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). The results showed that the mean dietary exposure of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) from grain products was higher than the tolerable daily intake (TDI). Deterministic evaluations showed that the mean HQ of 1.5 to Al from fried dough twist was higher than 1. However, the HI values to Al were lower than 1 and the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) showed that the HQ was greater than 1 at the 99% exposure level. Deterministic and probabilistic methods indicated that HQ values of 3-MCPD from grain products were above 1, whereas the mean HI value was 0.62.

Supernatant of plant-associated bacteria potency against biofilms formed by foodborne pathogen and food spoilage bacteria

OBJECTIVES

Food products are often contaminated by pathogens and spoilage bacteria. Most of them can form biofilms, a community of cells embedded in protective extracellular matrix layers resistant to harsh conditions, including antibiotics. Therefore, alternative antibiofilm agents are required to overcome biofilm formation. This study aims to determine and quantify the antibiofilm activity of supernatants from plant-associated bacteria against biofilms of foodborne pathogen and food spoilage bacterium, namely Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis.

RESULTS

Plant-associated bacteria (PAB) have shown promising antibiofilm activities against biofilm-forming pathogens in previous studies. Thirteen PAB isolated from Ternate, Indonesia were used in this study. Supernatants of PAB were subjected to antimicrobial activity and quorum quenching detection, both using the well diffusion method. Four supernatants inhibited the growth of B. subtilis, but none affected the growth of B. cereus. Eight supernatants were able to disrupt the quorum sensing system of an indicator bacterium, wild-type Chromobacterium violaceum. Biofilm inhibition and destruction were quantified using 96-well microplates. The highest biofilm inhibition and destruction activities of PAB supernatants against each of B. cereus and B. subtilis biofilms were > 76%, and were later confirmed by light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) was conducted and revealed that the selected PAB supernatants were non-toxic. The 16S rRNA gene of PAB were sequenced and they showed similarities to Bacillus, Priestia, and Chryseobacterium. Compounds in the supernatants were determined by GC-MS which revealed contents of fatty acids, ethyl esters, and diketopiperazines. Therefore, PAB supernatants have potential as antibiofilm agents against biofilm formed by Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis.

Antibacterial effects and mechanisms of quercetin-β-cyclodextrin complex mediated photodynamic on Escherichia coli O157:H7

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. This work aimed to formulate quercetin-cyclodextrin microcapsules (QT-β-CD) while examining their photodynamic antibacterial effects and underlying mechanisms in detail. Characterization of the QT-β-CD was conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The bacteriostatic effects of UV-A irradiation on Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) were investigated. The photodynamic impact of QT-β-CD was assessed by analyzing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production. The antimicrobial activity was further elucidated through examinations of cell membrane integrity, protein damage, changes in cellular motility, biofilm formation, and extracellular polysaccharide reduction. The effect of QT-β-CD on LuxS and motA gene expression in E. coli O157:H7 was investigated by RT-qPCR. The findings demonstrated that QT-β-CD exhibited potent photodynamic properties and functioned as an efficient photosensitizer, causing substantial damage to E. coli O157:H7 cells. These results underscore the potential of quercetin as an antimicrobial agent for food preservation.

Incidence of foodborne diseases in Ecuador

BACKGROUND

Motivation for the study. In Ecuador, foodborne disease (FBD) incidence rates adjusted for population size have not been estimated, which will serve to identify priority geographic areas.

BACKGROUND

Main findings. Between 2015-2020, 113,695 cases of FBD were identified, with "other food poisoning" and hepatitis A being most common. The highest incidence rates were found in the Amazon region. There is marked variability by geographic region in the incidence rates during the study period.

BACKGROUND

Public health implications. It is necessary to optimize the registry system, establish detection and treatment protocols, analyze the causes related to the higher incidence of FBD in the Amazon region, and design a health promotion program focused on preventing contamination and establishing diagnostic and treatment protocols.

BACKGROUND

In order to describe the incidence rates per 100 000 population of foodborne disease (FBD) cases during the period 2015-2020 in Ecuador, we carried out a secondary analysis of epidemiological surveillance records and population projections from the National Institute of Statistics and Census. A total of 113,695 cases were reported with an incidence of more than 100 cases per 100 000 population (2015-2019). In 2020, the records are considerably lower than those reported in previous years. Most cases were reported as "other food poisoning". The highest incidence rates of FBD were found in the Amazon region. In general, there is a marked annual variability in the incidence of FBD according to the geographic regions of Ecuador. In conclusion, FBD represent a public health problem in Ecuador. Comprehensive preventive strategies should be designed with special emphasis on the Amazon region.

Ready to Eat Food: A Reason for Enhancement in Multidrug Resistance in Humans

The increasing trend of consuming ready-to-eat (RTE) food has become a global phenomenon, and this has raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on human health. Recent studies have shown a correlation between the consumption of RTE foods and the expansion of multidrug resistance (MDR) in humans. MDR is a significant challenge in the effective theory of infectious diseases, as it limits the effectiveness of antibiotics and other drugs used in therapy. Consumption of RTE food contribute to the development of MDR in humans. Additionally, there are potential risks of consuming RTE food contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can cause severe health consequences. The article highlights the need for awareness campaigns on the potential hazard related to the ingestion of RTE food and the importance of responsible and safe food production practices. It also recommends the need for regulatory bodies to establish strict guidelines for the production and distribution of RTE food to ensure that they are free from harmful contaminants and that their consumption does not lead to the development of MDR in humans. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential negative impacts of RTE food consumption on human health and emphasizes the need for a more cautious approach to food consumption to protect public health.

Process, advances, and perspectives of graphene oxide-SELEX for the development of aptamer molecular probes: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Aptamers are screened via the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and are widely used in molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies. The development of efficient and convenient SELEX technology has facilitated rapid access to high-performance aptamers, thereby advancing the aptamer industry. Graphene oxide (GO) serves as an immobilization matrix for libraries in GO-SELEX, making it suitable for screening aptamers against diverse targets.

RESULTS

This review summarizes the detailed steps involved in GO-SELEX, including monitoring methods, various sublibrary acquisition methods, and practical applications from its inception to the present day. In addition, the potential of GO-SELEX in the development of broad-spectrum aptamers is explored, and its current limitations for future development are emphasized. This review effectively promotes the application of the GO-SELEX technique by providing valuable insights and assisting researchers interested in conducting related studies.

SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY

To date, no review on the topic of GO-SELEX has been published, making it challenging for researchers to initiate studies in this area. We believe that this review will broaden the SELEX options available to researchers, ensuring that they can meet the growing demand for molecular probes in the scientific domain.

Susceptibility of Foodborne Pathogens to Milk-Origin Lactic Acid Bacteria Supernatants: A Comprehensive Meta-Regression Study

This systematic review and meta-analysis compile the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) supernatants against three common pathogenic bacteria found in dairy products: Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. After screening and analysis of full papers, identified by searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, thirty-nine studies were regarded as relevant, and a total of 510 observations were recorded. The effects of moderators on inhibition diameters were assessed by adjusting three pathogen-specific meta-regression models. Results showed that, in general terms, strains from the Enterococcus genus displayed the highest inhibition values against L. monocytogenes (15.90 ± 2.138 mm), whereas Lacticaseibacillus strains were more effective against S. aureus (11.89 ± 0.573 mm). The well diffusion test outperformed the spot and disk diffusion tests, and more acidic LAB supernatants resulted in higher measurements of inhibition diameters (p < 0.001). Meta-regression models incorporating LAB genus, pathogen concentration, and incubation time explained 33.8%, 52.3%, and 19.8% of the total variance in inhibition diameters for L. monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and S. aureus, respectively. None of the three models showed evidence of publication bias. This meta-regression study demonstrated that LAB strains present in dairy products possess a variable capacity to inhibit any of the three foodborne pathogens. Overall, L. monocytogenes was found to exhibit greater susceptibility than Salmonella spp. and S. aureus; thus, the antilisterial capacity of the selected LAB strains could be exploited in developing biocontrol strategies for cheese-making.

Bio(sensors) based on molecularly imprinted polymers and silica materials used for food safety and biomedical analysis: Recent trends and future prospects

In recent decades, analytical techniques have increasingly focused on the precise quantification. Achieving this goal has been accomplished with conventional analytical approaches that typically require extensive pretreatment methods, significant reagent usage, and expensive instruments. The need for rapid, simple, and highly selective identification platforms has become increasingly pronounced. Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) has emerged as a promising avenue for developing advanced sensors that can potentially surpass the limitations of conventional detection methods. In recent years, the application of MIP-silica materials-based sensors has garnered significant attention owing to their distinctive characteristics. These types of probes hold a distinct advantage in their remarkable stability and durability, all of which provide a suitable sensing platform in severe environments. Moreover, the substrate composed of silica materials offers a vast surface area for binding, thereby facilitating the efficient detection of even minuscule concentrations of targets. As a result, sensors based on MIP-silica materials have the potential to be widely applied in various industries, including medical diagnosis, and food safety. In the present review, we have conducted an in-depth analysis of the latest research developments in the field of MIPs-silica materials based sensors, with a focus on succinctly summarizing and elucidating the most crucial findings. This is the first comprehensive review of integration MIPs with silica materials in electrochemical (EC) and optical probes for biomedical analysis and food safety.

Gene emrC Associated with Resistance to Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Is Common among Listeria monocytogenes from Meat Products and Meat Processing Plants in Poland

(1) Background: L. monocytogenes is a food pathogen of great importance, characterized by a high mortality rate. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), such as benzalkonium chloride (BC), are often used as disinfectants in food processing facilities. The effectiveness of disinfection procedures is crucial to food safety. (2) Methods: A collection of 153 isolates of L. monocytogenes from meat processing industry was analyzed for their sensitivity to BC using the agar diffusion method. Genes of interest were detected with PCR. (3) Results: Genes emrC, bcrABC, and qacH were found in 64 (41.8%), 6 (3.9%), and 1 isolate (0.7%), respectively, and 79 isolates (51.6%) were classified as having reduced sensitivity to BC. A strong correlation between carrying QACs resistance-related genes and phenotype was found (p-value < 0.0001). Among 51 isolates originating from bacon (collected over 13 months), 48 had the emrC gene, which could explain their persistent presence in a processing facility. Isolates with the ilsA gene (from LIPI-3) were significantly (p-value 0.006) less likely to carry QACs resistance-related genes. (4) Conclusions: Reduced sensitivity to QACs is common among L. monocytogenes from the meat processing industry. Persistent presence of these bacteria in a processing facility is presumably caused by emrC-induced QACs resistance.

Equine Sarcocystosis in the Northern Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan

BACKGROUND

A total of 396 samples were taken from the hearts, oesophagi, and diaphragms of 132 horses slaughtered at slaughterhouses in 2023 for subsequent examination.

METHODS

The histological method revealed pathomorphological changes in the muscle tissue. The molecular method identified the pathogen species.

RESULTS

Histological examination revealed thick-walled cysts with internal septa and numerous bradyzoites, and mononuclear inflammatory cells with pericyst infiltrates. Microcyst samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Molecular genetic analysis allowed for the identification of 18 sarcocysts. Phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis isolates revealed three separate clades of Sarcocystis bertrami and two separate clades of Sarcocystis fayeri. Comparison and phylogenetic analysis revealed a very close relationship between the identified Sarcocystis species and other equine Sarcocystis DNA sequences from China and Japan. Based on the results obtained, the epizootic situation and the parasitic level of sarcocystosis contamination of horses in the northern Kazakhstan were determined.

CONCLUSION

This is the first histological and molecular study to identify Sarcocystis spp. isolated from microscopic forms of equine sarcocysts in the northern Kazakhstan. This research will contribute to the fight against the spread of sarcocystosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan and will allow us to develop proposals for improving the mechanisms of sarcocystosis control.

Molecular insights into the interactions of theaflavin and epicatechin with different lipid bilayer membranes by molecular dynamics simulation

At present, consumers increasingly favored the natural food preservatives with fewer side-effects on health. The green tea catechins and black tea theaflavins attracted considerable interest, and their antibacterial effects were extensively reported in the literature. Epicatechin (EC), a green tea catechin without a gallate moiety, showed no bactericidal activity, whereas the theaflavin (TF), also lacking a gallate moiety, exhibited potent bactericidal activity, and the antibacterial effects of green tea catechins and black tea theaflavins were closely correlated with their abilities to disrupt the bacterial cell membrane. In our present study, the mechanisms of membrane interaction modes and behaviors of TF and EC were explored by molecular dynamics simulations. It was demonstrated that TF exhibited markedly stronger affinity for the POPG bilayer compared to EC. Additionally, the hydrophobic interactions of tropolone/catechol rings with the acyl chain part could significantly contribute to the penetration of TF into the POPG bilayer. It was also found that the resorcinol/pyran rings were the key functional groups in TF for forming hydrogen bonds with the POPG bilayer. We believed that the findings from our current study could offer useful insights to better understand the stronger antibacterial effects of TF compared to EC.

Simultaneous analysis of pesticides and mycotoxins in primary processed foods: The case of bee pollen

Primary Processed Foods are a class of food items that are ready for consumption after minimal processing in the supply chain. These products are ubiquitous in our daily diet, but so far a limited number of studies dealt with the optimization of quality control methods to check their content of contaminants. Among primary processed foods, bee pollen is a nutritionally acclaimed food supplement, whose contamination with pesticides and mycotoxins has been largely proven. For this reason, the present study aimed at optimizing for the first time a comprehensive LC-MS/MS method capable of analyzing 282 pesticides and 8 mycotoxins in bee pollen. To obtain a suitable method, two extraction procedures (QuEChERS and Accelerated Solvent Extraction), as well as different chromatographic gradients and columns, were tested. The optimized methodology, comprehending an extraction based on semi-automated QuEChERS, and an analytical method including inert LC column technology, was validated and applied to a sample set of 34 bee pollens. The analyzed samples collectively showed the presence of 41 pesticides and 1 mycotoxin.

A comprehensive review of chloropropanol analytical method in the context of food safety

Chloropropanols are among the major food contaminants, and quantifying their content in food is a key food-safety issue. In response to the demand for highly sensitive and selective analysis, the scientific community is committed to continuous innovation and optimization of various analytical techniques. This paper comprehensively reviews the latest developments in chloropropanol analysis technologies and systematically compares and analyzes the working principles, application conditions, advantages, and challenges of these methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is the preferred choice for chloropropanol analysis in complex sample matrices owing to its high resolution, sensitivity, and accuracy. Electrochemical methods provide strong support for the real-time monitoring of chloropropanols because of their high selectivity and sensitivity towards electrochemically active molecules. Other techniques offer innovative solutions for the rapid and accurate analysis of chloropropanol at different levels. Finally, innovative directions for the development of chloropropanol analysis methods for food safety are highlighted.

Antimicrobial Polymer Films with Grape Seed and Skin Extracts for Food Packaging

The development of antimicrobial food packaging is a very important and current goal, but it still difficult to implement in practice. Reducing microbial contamination and preserving food quality are very important tasks for food manufacturers as the use of antimicrobial packaging can preserve the health of consumers. On the other hand, the difficulty of degrading packaging materials, leading to environmental pollution, is also an important problem. These problems can be solved by using biodegradable biopolymers and antimicrobial agents in the production of food packaging. Very suitable antimicrobial agents are grape seed and skin extracts as they have high antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity and are obtained from grape pomace, a waste product of winemaking. The present review presents the valuable bioactive compounds contained in grape seeds and skins, the methods used to obtain the extracts, and their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Then, the application of grape seed and skin extracts for the production of antimicrobial packaging is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on antimicrobial packaging based on various biopolymers. Special attention is also paid to the application of the extract of grape skins to obtain intelligent indicator packages for the continuous monitoring of the freshness and quality of foods. The focus is mainly placed on the antimicrobial properties of the packaging against different types of microorganisms and their applications for food packaging. The presented data prove the good potential of grape seed and skin extracts to be used as active agents in the preparation of antimicrobial food packaging.

Evaluation of Simultaneous Growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes in Ground Beef Samples in Different Growth Media

Several multiplex approaches for the simultaneous detection of pathogens in food have been developed in recent years, but the use of a single enrichment medium remains a problem. In this study, six enrichment broths (five non-selective media, tryptic soy broth (TSB), brain heart infusion broth (BHI), buffered peptone water (BPW), universal pre-enrichment broth (UPB), no. 17 broth, and a selective, Salmonella Escherichia Listeria broth (SEL)), were studied for the simultaneous detection of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and L. monocytogenes, to validate the suitable enrichment broth to be used for the detection methods. Different ratios of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and L. monocytogenes were used. Almost all non-selective broths evaluated in this study showed similar growth parameters and profiles among each other. The only selective enrichment broth under analysis (SEL) showed distinct growth features compared to the non-selective media, allowing for a slower but balanced growth of the three pathogens, which could be beneficial in preventing the overgrowth of fast-growing bacteria. In addition, when tested in ground beef samples, SEL broth seems to be the most distinctive medium with a balanced growth pattern observed for the three pathogens. Overall, this study is intended to provide the basis for the selection of suitable enrichment broths according to the technology detection to be used, the desired time of enrichment, and the expected balanced concentration of pathogens.

Ensuring food safety: Microfluidic-based approaches for the detection of food contaminants

Detecting foodborne contamination is a critical challenge in ensuring food safety and preventing human suffering and economic losses. Contaminated food, comprising biological agents (e.g. bacteria, viruses and fungi) and chemicals (e.g. toxins, allergens, antibiotics and heavy metals), poses significant risks to public health. Microfluidic technology has emerged as a transformative solution, revolutionizing the detection of contaminants with precise and efficient methodologies. By manipulating minute volumes of fluid on miniaturized systems, microfluidics enables the creation of portable chips for biosensing applications. Advancements from early glass and silicon devices to modern polymers and cellulose-based chips have significantly enhanced microfluidic technology, offering adaptability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and biocompatibility. Microfluidic systems integrate seamlessly with various biosensing reactions, facilitating nucleic acid amplification, target analyte recognition and accurate signal readouts. As research progresses, microfluidic technology is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing evolving challenges in the detection of foodborne contaminants. In this short review, we delve into various manufacturing materials for state-of-the-art microfluidic devices, including inorganics, elastomers, thermoplastics and paper. Additionally, we examine several applications where microfluidic technology offers unique advantages in the detection of food contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens and more. This review underscores the significant advancement of microfluidic technology and its pivotal role in advancing the detection and mitigation of foodborne contaminants.

Tracking and optimizing toxic chemical exposure pathways through food trade: A case study in SCCPs contaminated seafood in China

Food safety is related to human health and sustainable development. International food trade poses food safety risks through the collateral transport of toxic chemicals that are detrimental to human health. Domestic interprovincial trade has similar effects within countries but has not been comprehensively investigated previously. Here, we assessed the effects of interprovincial trade on food safety and human dietary exposure to short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), a group of emerging persistent toxic chemicals, in seafood across China by synthesizing data from field observation and various models. Our findings indicate that there is a higher level of SCCPs exposure risk in coastal provinces compared to inland provinces. Approximately, 70.3% of human exposure to SCCPs through seafood consumption in China was embodied in the interprovincial seafood trade in 2021. Specifically, the domestic trade led to a remarkable increase in SCCPs exposure in the coastal provinces in South China, attributable to low SCCPs pollution in these provinces and imported seafood from those provinces with high SCCPs pollution. In contrast, human exposure to SCCPs decreased in those coastal provinces in East China due to importing seafood from those provinces with low SCCPs concentrations. The interprovincial seafood trade routes were optimized by linear programming to minimize human exposure to SCCPs considering both shipping cost and health risk constraints. The optimized trade routes reduced the national per capita SCCPs exposure through seafood consumption by over 12%. This study highlights the importance of interprovincial food trade in the risk assessment of toxic chemicals.

Exploring the Interplay of Food Security, Safety, and Psychological Wellness in the COVID-19 Era: Managing Strategies for Resilience and Adaptation

The global population surge presents a dual challenge and opportunity in the realms of food consumption, safety, and mental well-being. This necessitates a projected 70% increase in food production to meet growing demands. Amid this backdrop, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates these issues, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between food consumption patterns and mental health dynamics during this crisis. Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 hinges upon rigorous adherence to personal hygiene practices and heightened disease awareness. Furthermore, maintaining stringent food quality and safety standards across both public and private sectors is imperative for safeguarding public health and containing viral transmission. Drawing upon existing research, this study delves into the pandemic's impact on mental health, food consumption habits, and food safety protocols. Through a comprehensive analysis, it aims to elucidate the nuanced relationship among food, food safety, and mental well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting synergistic effects and dynamics that underpin holistic human welfare. Our study offers a novel approach by integrating psychological wellness with food security and safety. In conceiving this review, we aimed to comprehensively explore the intricate interplay among food security, safety, and psychological wellness amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our review is structured to encompass a thorough examination of existing research, synthesizing insights into the multifaceted relationships among food consumption patterns, mental health dynamics, and food safety protocols during the crisis. Our findings provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for enhancing food security and psychological well-being, thus supporting both academic research and real-world applications in crisis management and policy development.

Prevention of food fraud and fraud emulation among companies in the supply chain based on a social Co-governance framework

This study develops a three-party evolutionary game model among upstream raw material producers, midstream food producers, and downstream distributors in the food supply chain, and investigates food fraud and fraud emulation among companies in the same group based on a food safety social co-governance framework. Moreover, the equilibrium points are divided into four scenarios according to the number of groups of companies committing fraud in the supply chain and whether companies in the same group emulate each other's fraudulent behavior. The stability conditions of these scenarios are also discussed and verified by numerical simulation in MATLAB. The results show that the behavioral strategy choices of different groups of food companies in the supply chain are closely related to the level of social co-governance involving the government, market, and consumers. Government regulation, supervision between companies, and consumer reporting can all change companies' behavioral strategies. Although the level of fraud emulation among companies in the same group does not change their behavioral strategy choice, it affects the time it takes for their behavioral strategy to evolve to a stable state. Moreover, the level of social co-governance directly affects companies' behavioral strategy choices at different emulation levels.

Food adulteration: Causes, risks, and detection techniques-review

Food adulteration is the intentional addition of foreign or inferior substances to original food products for a variety of reasons. It takes place in a variety of forms, like mixing, substitution, hiding poor quality in packaging material, putting decomposed food for sale, misbranding or giving false labels, and adding toxicants. Several analytical methods (such as chromatography, spectroscopy, electronic sensors) are used to detect the quality of foodstuffs. This review provides concise but detailed information to understand the scope and scale of food adulteration as a way to further detect, combat, and prevent future adulterations. The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the causes, risks, and detection techniques associated with food adulteration. It also aimed to highlight the potential health risks posed by consuming adulterated food products and the importance of detecting and preventing such practices. During the review, books, regulatory guidelines, articles, and reports on food adulteration were analyzed critically. Furthermore, the review assessed key findings to present a well-rounded analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with combating food adulteration. This review included different causes and health impacts of food adulteration. The analytical techniques for food adulteration detection have also been documented in brief. In addition, the review emphasized the urgency of addressing food adulteration through a combination of regulatory measures, technological advancements, and consumer awareness. In conclusion, food adulteration causes many diseases such as cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and nervous system-related diseases. So, ensuring food safety is the backbone of health and customer satisfaction. Strengthening regulations, taking legal enforcement action, enhancing testing, and quality control can prevent and mitigate the adulteration of food products. Moreover, proper law enforcement and regular inspection of food quality can bring about drastic changes.

Microbiological quality of edible vegetable oils produced and marketed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia

Edible oils are imported and produced in Ethiopia, notably in Gondar, and their production has expanded considerably in recent years. The expansion of locally produced edible vegetable oils with severe quality control, substandard edible oil production, and quality deterioration may contribute to the contamination of microbes, which may cause public health problems. This study determines the microbiological quality of edible vegetable oils being produced and marketed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2021. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May to July 2021 in Gondar City. A simple random sampling technique was used to collect 17 edible vegetable oil samples. Aseptically collected samples were analyzed in the microbiology lab room. The microbiological quality of vegetable oil was assessed using standard microbiological procedures and techniques. The collected data were entered into a Microsoft Excel 2016 spreadsheet and Stata Version 14. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess significant variation. Seventeen edible vegetable oil samples were examined and found to contain a varying number of bacteria, yeast, and molds. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the identified bacteria, whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus were the identified fungi. Total coliform and fecal coliform isolates were also identified in the oil samples. A level of microbial contamination that has public health importance was observed in some of the oil samples analyzed, and the isolated microorganisms indicate unhygienic handling, processing, and storage practices in the oil production and market sites. The introduction of strict rules, regulations, and updated manufacturing technologies and processes to ensure food safety and quality is needed.

DNAzyme-based ultrasensitive immunoassay: Recent advances and emerging trends

Immunoassay, as the most commonly used method for protein detection, is simple to operate and highly specific. Sensitivity improvement is always the thrust of immunoassays, especially for the detection of trace quantities. The emergence of artificial enzyme, i.e., DNAzyme, provides a novel approach to improve the detection sensitivity of immunoassay. Simultaneously, its advantages of simple synthesis and high stability enable low cost, broad applicability and long shelf life for immunoassay. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in DNAzyme-based immunoassay. First, we summarized the existing different DNAzymes based on their catalytic activities. Next, the common signal amplification strategies used for DNAzyme-based immunoassays were reviewed to cater to diverse detection requirements. Following, the wide applications in disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring and food safety were discussed. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives on the future development of DNAzyme-based immunoassays were also provided.

Cascaded amplifying circuit enables sensitive detection of fungal pathogens

The rapid and accurate detection of fungal pathogens is of utmost importance in the fields of healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring. In this study, we implemented a cascaded amplifying circuit in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to improve the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) mediated fungal detection. The GPCR signaling pathway was coupled with the galactose-regulated (GAL) system and a positive feedback loop was implemented to enhance the performance of yeast biosensor. We systematically compared four generations of biosensors for detecting the mating pheromone of Candida albicans, and the best biosensor exhibited the limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.25 pM and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1 pM after 2 h incubation. Subsequently, we developed a betaxanthin-based colorimetric module for the easy visualization of signal outputs, and the resulting biosensors can give reliable naked-eye readouts. In summary, we demonstrated that cascaded amplifying circuits could substantially improve the engineered yeast biosensors with a better sensitivity and signal output magnitude, which will pave the way for their real-world applications in public health.

Inclusion of Anti-Tick Vaccines into an Integrated Tick Management Program in Mexico: A Public Policy Challenge

Acaricides are the most widely used method to control the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. However, its use increases production costs, contaminates food and the environment, and directly affects animal and human health. The intensive use of chemical control has resulted in the selection of genes associated with resistance to acaricides, and consumers are increasingly less tolerant of food contamination. This scenario has increased the interest of different research groups around the world for anti-tick vaccine development, in order to reduce the environmental impact, the presence of residues in food, and the harmful effects on animal and human health. There is enough evidence that vaccination with tick antigens induces protection against tick infestations, reducing tick populations and acaricide treatments. Despite the need for an anti-tick vaccine in Mexico, vaccination against ticks has been limited to one vaccine that is used in some regions. The aim of this review is to contribute to the discussion on tick control issues and provide a reference for readers interested in the importance of using anti-tick vaccines encouraging concerted action on the part of Mexican animal health authorities, livestock organizations, cattle producers, and academics. Therefore, it is suggested that an anti-tick vaccine should be included as a part of an integrated tick management program in Mexico.

Natural Polymers as Carriers for Encapsulation of Volatile Oils: Applications and Perspectives in Food Products

The technique of encapsulating different materials into matrices that can both protect and release their contents under specific circumstances is known as encapsulation. It serves the primary function of shielding delicate components from outside influences, including heat, light, and humidity. This can be accomplished by a variety of procedures that, depending on the method and materials selected, result in the creation of particles with various structures. The materials used for encapsulation in food applications must be of high quality, acceptable for human consumption, and stable during processing and storage. The most suitable natural polymers for food applications are carbohydrates, proteins, or mixtures thereof. Volatile oils are end products of plant metabolism, accumulated and stored in various plant organs, cells, or secretory tissues. These are natural and are characterized by the scent of the aromatic plants they come from. Because of their antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, they are being utilized more and more in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Since volatile oils are highly sensitive to environmental changes, they must be stored under specific conditions after being extracted from a variety of plant sources. A promising method for increasing the applicability of volatile oils is their encapsulation into colloidal particles by natural polymers such as carbohydrates and proteins. Encapsulation hides the unfavorable taste of nutrients while shielding delicate dietary ingredients from the effects of heat, moisture, oxygen, and pH. This technique results in improved stability for volatile oils that are often sensitive to environmental factors and offers the possibility of using them in an aqueous system even if they are insoluble in water. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current advances in volatile oil encapsulation technologies and presents a variety of natural polymers used in the food industry for encapsulation. Also, a distinct section is created to highlight the current advances in dairy products enriched with encapsulated volatile oils.

Antibiotic resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae isolated from street foods in selected towns of Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Street foods are any foods or drinks prepared or sold by street vendors in an open space. The purpose of this study was to determine the Bacteriological safety and antibiotic resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae isolated from street foods.

METHOD

A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was used from December 2022 to February 2023 on street foods of Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Jimma towns of Ethiopia. 525 street foods and 175 water samples were taken from 175 street food vending stalls. Proportional allocation to the total town population and stratified sampling techniques were used to select vending stalls. Samples were analyzed for the presence of bacteria following the standard microbiological methods used for the isolation, enumeration, and identification of bacteria. Pour plate technique was used to transfer the suspension to MacConkey agar, Mannitol Salt Agar, and Salmonella Shigella Agar. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. SPSS software was used to analyze the data.

RESULT

Out of 525 food samples, 279 (53%) were contaminated by bacteria. From 175 water samples, 95 (54.3%) were contaminated with Escherichia coli. From both samples in total, eleven bacterial species were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated species. Shigella, Klebsiella, and Salmonella group A have statistically significant with the type of food. Erythromycin (54%), Streptomycin (17%), and Amoxicillin (14%) were the most resistant antibiotics. Least resistance was observed to Ciprofloxacin (5%).

CONCLUSION

Street foods of the selected towns were highly contaminated with various antibiotic-resistant organisms. Hence, the relevant authorities ought to ensure the proper handling of street food by enforcing safety measures. Additionally, they should initiate a widespread awareness campaign promoting the prudent use of antibiotics among both street food vendors and the broader population.

Identification of cost-effective biosecurity measures to reduce Salmonella along the pork production chain

The continued occurrence of salmonellosis cases in Europe attributed to the consumption of pork products highlights the importance of identifying cost-effective interventions. Certain biosecurity measures (BSMs) may be effective in reducing the prevalence of specific pathogens along the pork production chain and their presence in food products. The objective of this study was to identify pathogen-specific, cost-effective BSMs to reduce Salmonella at different stages of the pork production chain in two European countries - Austria (AT) and the United Kingdom (UK). For this purpose, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted based on the epidemiological output of an established quantitative microbiological risk assessment that simulated the implementation effect of the BSMs based on their risk ratios. For each of the BSMs, the associated costs and benefits were assessed individually and country-specifically. For both AT and UK, nine different BSMs were evaluated assuming a countrywide implementation rate of 100%. The results showed that four BSMs were cost-effective (benefit-cost ratio > 1) for AT and five for the UK. The uncertainty regarding the cost-effectiveness of the BSMs resulted from the variability of individual risk ratios, and the variability of benefits associated with the implementation of the BSMs. The low number of cost-effective BSMs highlights the need for holistic risk-based models and economic assessments. To increase the willingness to implement BSMs and maximize the benefits for stakeholders, who carry the majority of the implementation costs, epidemiological assessments of BSM effectiveness should consider the impact on several relevant pathogens simultaneously.

Protein-Based Rechargeable and Replaceable Antimicrobial and Antifouling Coatings on Hydrophobic Food-Contact Surfaces

The growing concerns regarding foodborne illnesses related to fresh produce accentuate the necessity for innovative material solutions, particularly on surfaces that come into close contact with foods. This study introduces a sustainable, efficient, and removable antimicrobial and antifouling coating ideally suited for hydrophobic food-contact surfaces such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Developed through a crosslinking reaction involving tannic acid, gelatin, and soy protein hydrolysate, these coatings exhibit proper stability in aqueous washing solutions and effectively combat bacterial contamination and prevent biofilm formation. The unique surface architecture promotes the formation of halamine structures, enhancing antimicrobial efficacy with a rapid contact killing effect and reducing microbial contamination by up to 5 log10 cfu·cm-2 against both Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Listeria innocua (Gram-positive). Notably, the coatings are designed for at least five recharging cycles under mild conditions (pH6, 20 ppm free active chlorine) and can be easily removed with hot water or steam to refresh the depositions. This removal process not only conveniently aligns with existing sanitation protocols in the fresh produce industry but also facilitates the complete eradication of potential developed biofilms, outperforming uncoated LDPE coupons. Overall, these coatings represent sustainable, cost-effective, and practical advancements in food safety and are promising candidates for widespread adoption in food processing environments.

Surveillance of pathogenic bacteria on a food matrix using machine-learning-enabled paper chromogenic arrays

Global food systems can benefit significantly from continuous monitoring of microbial food safety, a task for which tedious operations, destructive sampling, and the inability to monitor multiple pathogens remain challenging. This study reports significant improvements to a paper chromogenic array sensor - machine learning (PCA-ML) methodology sensing concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted on a species-specific basis by pathogens by streamlining dye selection, sensor fabrication, database construction, and machine learning and validation. This approach enables noncontact, time-dependent, simultaneous monitoring of multiple pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and E. coli O157:H7) at levels as low as 1 log CFU/g with over 90% accuracy. The report provides theoretical and practical frameworks demonstrating that chromogenic response, including limits of detection, depends on time integrals of VOC concentrations. The paper also discusses the potential for implementing PCA-ML in the food supply chain for different food matrices and pathogens, with species- and strain-specific identification.

Impacts of chemical fertilizer reduction on grain yield: A case study of China

Reducing fertilizer usage is a crucial measure for achieving high-quality development in Chinese agriculture. Utilizing panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning from 2004 to 2019, this study empirically analyzes the dynamic relationship between fertilizer application and grain production, exploring the underlying mechanisms. The study findings reveal that the application of fertilizers maintains a positive impact on grain production. The two variables will demonstrate a dynamic alternation between "strong decoupling" and "retreat decoupling," suggesting that grain production may either increase or gradually decline, while fertilizer application exhibits a decreasing trend. Mechanism analysis reveals a distinct substitution relationship between fertilizer use efficiency and application quantity. Increasing fertilizer use efficiency while reducing application quantity still facilitates the stable and increased production of grains. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the efficiency of fertilizer use has a more pronounced impact on grain yield in the eastern and western regions. Increasing fertilizer quantity is detrimental to wheat yield but has a promoting effect on corn yield. However, in the main grain-producing areas, increasing fertilizer quantity can enhance wheat yield but is unfavorable for the overall grain yield. Additionally, nitrogen fertilizer input has exceeded the optimal level compared to potassium fertilizer. Continuously increasing nitrogen fertilizer input will hinder the increase in grain yield. Therefore, there is a need to shift from the notion of "more fertilizer is better" and focus on improving fertilizer use efficiency to transition from the emphasis on "quantity" to "quality" of fertilizer application.

Pre-Harvest Food Safety Challenges in Food-Animal Production in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Food safety remains a significant global public health concern, with the risk of unsafe food varying worldwide. The economies of several low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) heavily rely on livestock, posing a challenge to ensuring the production of safe food. This review discusses our understanding of pre-harvest critical issues related to food safety in LMICs, specifically focusing on animal-derived food. In LMICs, food safety regulations are weak and inadequately enforced, primarily concentrating on the formal market despite a substantial portion of the food sector being dominated by informal markets. Key critical issues at the farm level include animal health, a low level of good agriculture practices, and the misuse of antimicrobials. Effectively addressing foodborne diseases requires a comprehensive One Health framework. Unfortunately, the application of the One Health approach to tackle food safety issues is notably limited in LMICs. In conclusion, considering that most animal-source foods from LMICs are marketed through informal channels, food safety legislation and policies need to account for this context. Interventions aimed at reducing foodborne bacterial pathogens at the farm level should be scalable, and there should be strong advocacy for the proper implementation of pre-harvest interventions through a One Health approach.

Lysozyme Peptides as a Novel Nutra-Preservative to Control Some Food Poisoning and Food Spoilage Microorganisms

Foodborne illnesses and microbial food contamination are crucial concerns and still issues of great worldwide concern. Additionally, the serious health hazards associated with the use of chemical preservatives in food technology. Lysozyme (Lz) is an active protein against Gram-positive bacterial cell wall through its muramidase lytic activity; however, several authors could identify some antimicrobial peptides derived from Lz that have an exaggerated and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Therefore, a lysozyme peptides preparation (LzP) is developed to broaden the Lz spectrum. In this work, we investigated the potential efficacy of LzP as a novel Nutra-preservative (food origin) agent against some pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Our results showed that LzP demonstrated only 11% of the lysozyme lytic activity. However, LzP exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Pseudomonas species, while Salmonella typhi and Aeromonas hydrophila exhibited slight resistance. Despite the lowest LzP concentration (0.1%) employed, it performs stronger antibacterial activity than weak organic acids (0.3%). Interestingly, the synergistic multi-component formulation (LzP, glycine, and citric acid) could inhibit 6 log10 cfu/ml of E. coli survival growth. The effect of heat treatment on LzP showed a decrease in its antibacterial activity at 5 and 67% by boiling at 100 °C/30 min, and autoclaving at 121 °C/15 min; respectively. On the other hand, LzP acquired stable antibacterial activity at different pH values (4-7). In conclusion, LzP would be an innovative, natural, and food origin preservative to control the growth of food poisoning and spoilage bacteria in food instead chemical one.

Outlining the Phytoconstituents of Greek Clover Herb Extract and Assessment of Its Effect against Foodborne Infections Caused by Salmonella typhimurium

Owing to the spread of resistance between pathogenic bacteria, searching for novel compounds with antibacterial activity is essential. Here, we investigated the potential antibacterial activity of Greek clover or Trigonella foenum-graecum herb extract on Salmonella typhimurium clinical isolates. The chemical profile of the herb was initially determined using LC-ESI-MS/MS, which explored 36 different compounds. Interestingly, the fenugreek extract possessed antibacterial action in vitro with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 64 to 512 µg/mL. The potential mechanism of action was studied by elucidating the effect of the fenugreek extract on the membrane properties of S. typhimurium bacteria, including the inner and outer membrane permeability and membrane integrity. Remarkably, the fenugreek extract had detrimental effects on the membrane properties in 40-60% of the isolates. Moreover, the in vivo antibacterial action was studied using a gastrointestinal infection model with S. typhimurium bacteria. Interestingly, the fenugreek extract (200 mg/kg) improved the infection outcomes in the tested mice. This was represented by the noteworthy decrease (p < 0.05) in the bacterial count in the small intestine and caecum tissues. The survival rate of the fenugreek-extract-treated mice significantly increased compared to the S. typhimurium-infected group. Additionally, there was an improvement in the histological and immunohistochemical features of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In addition, using an ELISA and qRT-PCR, there was an improvement in the proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the fenugreek-extract-treated group. Consequently, fenugreek extract should be investigated further on other food pathogens.

Nanomaterial-Based Optical Detection of Food Contaminants

The presence of food contaminants remains a significant aspect contributing to global food safety issues, drawing widespread attention from ordinary consumers, governments, and researchers [...].