Detection of selected trace elements in yogurt components

Levels of Essential and Trace Elements in Mozzarella Available on the Slovak Market with the Estimation of Consumer Exposure

The aim of this study was to determinate the content of some elements in a specific dairy product, mozzarella, in a particular area of western Slovakia and to evaluate the estimation of the risk to the consumers based on the contribution to the provisional tolerable weekly intake. The consumption of mozzarella can contribute to the intake of important elements in the diet, such as calcium and magnesium, along with others. The contents of some toxic and trace elements were low and have not exceeded the permitted limit. In addition, the contribution to PTWI was found to be very low, which means that the consumption of mozzarella possesses no risk to humans. It is concluded that the data obtained in this study can help as a valuable addition to methodological and scientific material in the field of food safety of dairy products and their positive impact on human health.

Safety of African grown rice: Comparative review of As, Cd, and Pb contamination in African rice and paddy fields

This review aimed to investigate the reported concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in rice cultivated in Africa and African rice paddies compared to other regions. It also aimed to explore the factors influencing these concentrations and evaluate the associated health risks of elevated As, Cd, and Pb exposure. Relevant data were obtained from electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using specific keywords related to arsenic, cadmium, lead, rice, Africa, paddy, and grain. While the number of studies reporting the concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb in rice and rice paddies in Africa is relatively low compared to other regions, this review revealed that most of the African rice and paddy soils have low concentrations of these metals. However, some studies have reported elevated concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb in paddy fields, which is concerning due to the increased use of agrochemicals containing heavy metals in rice production. Nonetheless, agronomical interventions such as implementing alternate wetting and drying water management, cultivating cultivars with low accumulation of As, Cd, and Pb, amending rice fields with sorbents, and screening irrigation water can limit the bioaccumulation of these carcinogens in paddy fields using phytoremediation techniques. Therefore, we strongly urge African governments and organizations operating in Africa to enhance the capacity of rice farmers and extension officers in adopting approaches and practices that reduce the accumulation of these carcinogenic metals in rice. This is essential to achieve the sustainable development goal of providing safe food for all.

The effects of adding Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flowers marmalade on some quality properties, mineral content and antioxidant activities of yogurt

In this study, the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flowers marmalade (HM) addition at different ratios (0%, 15%, 20%) was determined on the certain quality properties, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, mineral composition and heavy metal content of stirred-type yogurts (C, HM15, and HM20). The marmalade addition increased dry matter, ash, titratable acidity and viscosity whereas decreased pH, fat and protein values. HM addition significantly increased the antioxidant properties of yogurt samples. 2,2-Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity, Copper (II) reducing antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content were found to be in the range of 5.92-26.73 mg TE/100 g, 4.88-15.03 mg TE/100 g, and 5.57-14.69 mg GAE/100 g, respectively. There were no statistically differences between control and HM-added groups in terms of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, also in all samples the total LAB count was above 6 Log cfu/g during the storage. Fe, Mn, B, and Ba mineral values of samples with HM were higher than control sample. Cd, As, Hg and Li heavy metals were not detected in any of the samples, consequently results were within reliable limits reported by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) and Turkish Food Codex. As a result of the sensory evaluation, the samples containing 20% HM generally received higher scores than the samples containing 15% HM. Considering all the parameters, it was concluded that HM yogurts can be used as a different type in the functional yogurt industry due to its pleasant and characteristic taste.

Essential and xenobiotic elements in cottage cheese from the Slovak market with a consumer risk assessment

The examination of various elements in the milk products is very important in the food sector in respect of food quality and safety. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in white cottage cheese or cottage cheese supplemented with various additives (white, lacto-free, chive, tzatziki, mustard + onion, chili, active protein) available on the market of Slovakia. All essential elements were within the reference range. Cottage cheese enriched with tzatziki showed higher amount of Cu, Fe, K, and Zn. Mustard + onion cheese contained high values of Ca, Co, Mg, and Ni. In white cottage cheese high amount of Cr, Mn, and P was measured. The content of xenobiotic metals was below permitted limit. The contribution to PTWI (Provisional tolerable weekly intake) suggested very low dietary exposure to heavy metals as Cd, Hg, and Pb as well as other metals (Cu, Ni, and Zn) in cottage cheese. Numerous correlations between concentrations were observed. MOE (Margin of Exposure) evaluation denoted that average consumption of cottage cheese does not pose any high cardiovascular and nephrotoxicity threat.

Levels of Essential and Xenobiotic Elements and Their Relationships in Milk Available on the Slovak Market with the Estimation of Consumer Exposure

The monitoring of various elements in the cow milk is important in the agricultural sector. The goal of this study was to determine the concentrations of calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the milk samples coming from different origins (local region in Nitra, nationwide sample represents the common Slovak brands of milk and common brands of milk from Czech Republic widely available in Slovakia). The samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. A high level of variability in the Cu, Fe, Na, Ni, and Zn contents was observed. Magnesium was comparatively high in the milk sample from Slovakia (273.23 ± 16.32 μg/mL) against sample from Nitra (230.91 ± 9.48 μg/mL) and Czech Republic (202.70 ± 10.83 μg/mL). Potassium was significantly higher in milk from Nitra region (3301.98 ± 95.66) against SK sample (2925.16 ± 75.74 μg/mL). There were no significant differences in other elements among the three regions. The provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) contribution suggested low dietary exposure to observed toxic metals (Cd, Hg, and Pb) in milk samples. Margin of exposure (MOE) evaluation denoted that even higher consumption of milk poses no high cardiovascular and nephrotoxicity threat. However, Cd and Pb are known for their cumulative effect and the monitoring of these elements in milk is strongly required.