Organic food and the impact on human health

Nutritional Quality of Conventional, Organic, and Hydroponic Tomatoes Commercialized in Quito, Ecuador

The consumption of natural foods is increasingly high, and in recent years, consumers have preferred foods from systems with responsible management of natural resources (organic, hydroponic). However, there are still contradictions regarding the nutritional content of products from these different types of crops. Our study aims to compare, for the first time, the content of antioxidants (ascorbic acid, lycopene, total phenolics, essential fatty acids), micronutrients (copper, iron, manganese, zinc), contaminants (cadmium and lead), and free radical scavenging activity between conventional, organic, and hydroponic tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) sold in markets in Quito, Ecuador. Ascorbic acid and lycopene were determined by HPLC/UV-Vis. Total phenolics (Folin-Ciocalteu method) and free-radical scavenging activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method) were determined via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Lipid profiles were determined as fatty acid methyl esters through a GC-FID. Trace metals were determined using FAAS (micronutrients), and GFAAS (pollutants). No significant differences (p > 0.05) between antioxidant and micronutrient content among the three types of tomatoes were found. Regarding cadmium and lead, the contents were below the Codex Alimentarius threshold limits. Finally, free radical scavenging activity varied slightly (organic > hydroponic > conventional). Although the samples showed certain differences in antioxidant content, none of the tomato types could be considered nutritionally better because of the high variability of the results.

Autochthonous Wheat Grown in Organic and Conventional Systems: Nutritional Quality of Flour and Bread

A growing interest in the recovery and enhancement of crops, particularly local varieties such as 'Caaveiro' wheat, has been observed. This study aims to investigate the impact of cultivation systems (organic versus conventional) on the nutritional quality of 'Caaveiro' flour and breads protected by the PGI "Pan Galego," employing two fermentation methods (sourdough versus sourdough and biological yeast). Organic flour exhibited significantly higher levels of moisture, fat, sucrose, phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and copper (Cu) while also exhibiting a lower total starch and zinc (Zn) content. Organic bread, produced using both fermentation methods, demonstrated significantly higher protein, carbohydrate, total, resistant, and rapidly digestible starch, ash, Na, P, iron (Fe), and Cu content. Additionally, they contained less moisture compared to conventional bread. Despite variations in nutritional characteristics based on the cultivation system, the organic approach proved effective at producing high-quality products with a positive environmental impact, which is highly appreciated by consumers.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Organic Food: Evaluating Nutritional Value and Impact on Human Health

In recent years, organic agriculture has gained more popularity, yet its approach to food production and its potential impact on consumers' health and various environmental aspects remain to be fully discovered. The goal of organic farming practices is to maintain soil health, sustain ecological systems, maintain fairness in its relationship with the environment and protect the environment in its entirety. Various health benefits have been associated with higher consumption of organic foods. This review identified some of these health benefits, including a reduction in obesity and body mass index (BMI), improvements in blood nutrient composition as well as reductions in maternal obesity and pregnancy-associated preeclampsia risks. Furthermore, organic food consumption can reduce the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and colorectal cancers. Upon reviewing the existing literature regarding the nutritional value of organic foods, it was found that organic food contained higher levels of iron, magnesium and vitamin C. However, the evidence available to draw definitive causations remains limited due to study biases, short study durations and confounding variables; thus, it cannot be concluded that the organic diet provides any related health benefits. In this review, we provided essential insights and statistical analysis from the evidence available and consider study limitations to evaluate the potential of organic food consumption in positively impacting human health.

Effects of the low-carb organic Mediterranean diet on testosterone levels and sperm DNA fragmentation

The causes of male infertility can vary. Lifestyles, environmental factors, stressful conditions, and socio-economic conditions are significant factors. Diet plays a crucial role in improving a man's reproductive capacity. The appropriate diet should be diverse and ensure the intake of all the necessary nutrients to enhance sperm quality. The Mediterranean diet, which includes high amounts of vegetables and fruits rich in detoxifying and antioxidant substances, as well as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and microelements, especially when consumed with organic foods and a lower carbohydrate regimen, are the key aspects addressed in this study. The objective of this research was to modify the diets of 50 subfertile men by providing them with a specific nutritional plan. This plan included consuming 80% organic foods, introducing whole grains and low glycemic load options, eliminating refined carbohydrates, consuming green leafy vegetables and red fruits daily, reducing or eliminating dairy products, consuming primarily grass-fed meat and wild caught seafood, eliminating saturated fats in favor of healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. After three months of adhering to the low-carb food plan, testosterone levels significantly increased, while sperm DNA fragmentation decreased in a subgroup of individuals who reduced their carbohydrate intake by 35%.

The role of endocrine disruptors in female infertility

INTRODUCTION

 According to the World Health Organization, infertility is a public health problem that affects around 48 million couples and 186 million individuals worldwide. Endocrine disruptors are one of the causes that raise more concern, given that it is a problem that has evolved with the progress of society. Many chemicals are used by food industry, entering food chain, and directly affecting human health. Endocrine disruptors have the capacity of interfering with the normal hormonal action, metabolism, and biosynthesis, which can lead to a variation of the normal hormonal homeostasis. Some of these endocrine disruptors are highly associated with diseases that are positively correlated with female infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycle and also disturbances on processes as steroidogenesis and development of the ovarian follicles.

RESULTS

The present literature review covers various aspects of the possible relationship between endocrine disruptors and female infertility. Bisphenol A and its metabolites, phthalates, dioxins, organochlorine, and organophosphate compounds are groups of chemicals considered to have the capacity to disrupt endocrine activity and herein addressed. The results reported in in vivo studies and in clinical trials addressing endocrine disruptors and female infertility were discussed as well as their possible mechanism of action.

CONCLUSIONS

Large, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action of endocrine disruptors in female infertility, as well as the doses and frequency of exposure responsible for it.

Microorganisms in Organic Food-Issues to Be Addressed

The review aimed to analyse the latest data on microorganisms present in organic food, both beneficial and unwanted. In conclusion, organic food's microbial quality is generally similar to that of conventionally produced food. However, some studies suggest that organic food may contain fewer pathogens, such as antibiotic-resistant strains, due to the absence of antibiotic use in organic farming practices. However, there is little discussion and data regarding the importance of some methods used in organic farming and the risk of food pathogens presence. Concerning data gaps, it is necessary to plan and perform detailed studies of the microbiological safety of organic food, including foodborne viruses and parasites and factors related to this method of cultivation and specific processing requirements. Such knowledge is essential for more effective management of the safety of this food. The use of beneficial bacteria in organic food production has not yet been widely addressed in the scientific literature. This is particularly desirable due to the properties of the separately researched probiotics and the organic food matrix. The microbiological quality of organic food and its potential impact on human health is worth further research to confirm its safety and to assess the beneficial properties resulting from the addition of probiotics.

Salmonella and other Enterobacteriaceae in conventional and organic vegetables grown in Brazilian farms

This study aimed to assess the microbiological profile of conventional and organic vegetables grown in Brazilian farms through the detection of Salmonella and other Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 200 samples (100 conventional and 100 organic), including leafy greens, spices/herbs, and other unusual vegetables, were submitted to the enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae by plating on VRBG agar. Moreover, colonies of Enterobacteriaceae were randomly selected and submitted to identification by MALDI-TOF MS. Samples were also tested for Salmonella, using culture-based and PCR-based enrichment methods. The mean counts of Enterobacteriaceae in conventional and organic vegetables were 5.1 ± 1.5 and 5.4 ± 1.4 log CFU/g, respectively (P > 0.05). A total of 18 genera (including 38 species) of Enterobacteriaceae were identified, and the most frequent ones found in samples from both farming systems were Enterobacter (76%) and Pantoea (68%). Salmonella was identified in 17 samples (8.5%): nine (4.5%) in conventional and eight (4.0%) in organic vegetables. These results indicate that the farming system had no impact on the Enterobacteriaceae populations and rates of Salmonella and revealed unsatisfactory microbiological safety of some samples, mainly due to the presence of Salmonella. These findings highlight the need for control measures during vegetable production, regardless of the farming system, to reduce microbial contamination and the risks of foodborne illnesses.

Nutritional Description of Organic and Conventional Food Products in Spain: The BADALI Project

Organic food and drink is undoubtedly a growing market. Consumers perceive organic food as healthy, and nutrition claims (NCs) and fortification may add to this perception. Whether this is true is still a matter of controversy, particularly for organic food products. We present here the first comprehensive study of large samples of six specific organic food types, analysing the nutritional quality (nutrient composition and "healthiness") as well as the use of NCs and fortification. In parallel, a comparison with conventional food is also carried out. For this purpose, the Food Database of products in the Spanish market, BADALI, was used. Four cereal-based and two dairy-substitute food types were analysed. Our results show that as many as 81% of organic foods are considered "less healthy" by the Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model (PAHO-NPM). Organic foods present a slightly improved nutrient profile compared to conventional foods. However, many of the differences, though statistically significant, are nutritionally irrelevant. Organic foods use NCs very frequently, more than conventional foods, with very little micronutrient fortification. The main conclusion of this work is that consumers' perception that organic food products are healthy is unfounded from a nutritional point of view.

Green synthesis and antimicrobial mechanism of nanoparticles: applications in agricultural and agrifood safety

The growing demand for food and its safety are a challenge for agriculture and agrifood. This has led to the incorporation of alternatives such as organic agriculture, the use of biocontrollers, the development of transgenic plants resistant to pathogens and the incorporation of nanotechnology. In this sense, agrochemicals based on nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed. Recently, the green synthesis of NPs has grown rapidly and, for this reason, molecules, microorganisms, fungi and plants are used. Synthesis from plant extracts offers a broad spectrum and, despite the fact that NPs are usually dispersed in size and shape, extensive antimicrobial effectiveness has been demonstrated at nanomolar concentrations. It has been shown that the mechanism of action can be through the dissipation of the driving force of the protons, the alteration of cellular permeability, the formation of bonds with the thiol group of the proteins, the generation of reactive species of oxygen, and the hyperoxidation of DNA, RNA and even the cell membrane. To improve the efficiency of NPs, modifications have been made such as coating with other metals, the addition of antibiotics, detergents and surfactants, as well as the acidification of the solution. Consequently, NPs are considered as a promising method for achieving safety in the agricultural and agrifood area. However, it is necessary to investigate the side effects of NPs, when applied in agroecological systems, on the textural, nutriment and sensory properties of food, as well as the impact on human health. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quality and Nutritional Parameters of Food in Agri-Food Production Systems

Organic farming is a production system that avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic agricultural inputs such as pesticides, growth regulators, highly soluble mineral fertilisers, supplements, preservatives, flavouring, aromatic substances and genetically modified organisms, and their products. This system aims to maintain and increase soil fertility and quality, and relies on systems such as crop rotation, polyculture, intercropping, ecosystem management, covering crops, legumes, organic and bio-fertilisers, mechanical cultivation and biological control methods. The present review summarises and evaluates research comparing the quality of traditionally, organically and conventionally produced foods. In some cases, although the results of the studies contradict each other, organically grown in vegetables, especially berries and fruits are slightly higher dry matter, minerals such as P, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn, vitamin C, sugars, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid compounds. In addition, their sensory properties are more pleasant. The nutritional content, quality and safety of organic foods are acceptable if the recent trends are reviewed, tested and verified. Therefore, the aim of this review is to compile, describe and update scientific evidence and data on the quality, safety, bioactive compounds and nutritional and phytochemical quality of foods in traditional and organic fruit, vegetable and cereal production systems.

Organic food consumption and the incidence of cancer in the Danish diet, cancer and health cohort

PURPOSE

Expected beneficial health effects is a major reason why people purchase organically produced foods, although the existing evidence is limited. We investigated if organic food consumption, overall and by specific food groups, is associated with the incidence of cancer.

METHODS

We used data from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort. Organic food consumption was reported for vegetables, fruits, dairy products, eggs, meat, and bread and cereal products. Consumption was summarized into an overall organic food score, evaluated as a continuous variable and in categories specified as never, low, medium, and high consumption. We followed 41,928 participants for a median of 15 years, during which 9,675 first cancer cases were identified in the Danish Cancer Registry. We used cox proportional hazard models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle variables to estimate associations between organic food consumption and cancer incidence.

RESULTS

No association was observed between intakes of organic foods and incidence of overall cancer. When compared to never eating organic foods, overall organic food consumption was associated with a lower incidence of stomach cancer (low: HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32-0.78, medium: HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32-0.80, high: HR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.27-1.07, p-trend = 0.09), and higher incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (low: HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01-2.10, medium: HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.93-1.96, high: HR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.28-3.04, p-trend = 0.05). Similar patterns were observed for the specific food groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study does not support an association between organic food consumption and incidence of overall cancer. The scarce existing literature shows conflicting results with risk of specific cancers.

Adverse health effects of emerging contaminants on inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming increasingly prevalent with the improvement of people's living standards in recent years, especially in urban areas. The emerging environmental contaminant is a newly-proposed concept in the progress of industrialization and modernization, referring to synthetic chemicals that were not noticed or researched before, which may lead to many chronic diseases, including IBD. The emerging contaminants mainly include microplastics, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, chemical herbicides, heavy metals, and persisting organic pollutants. In this review, we summarize the adverse health effect of these emerging contaminants on humans and their relationships with IBD. Therefore, we can better understand the impact of these new emerging contaminants on IBD, minimize their exposures, and lower the future incidence of IBD.

Exploring the Sustainable Benefits of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

This study aimed to identify adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and its effect on health and environmental and socioeconomic sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of the Italian population. Notably, it intended to assess the effect of adherence to the MedDiet on ecological footprints and food expenditure. A survey was conducted from the 5th to the 24th of April 2020 on Google Forms. The MEDAS questionnaire was used to determine the level of adherence to the MedDiet. The carbon footprint (CO2), water footprint (H2O), and food cost were calculated. In total, 3353 participants completed the questionnaire, ranging from 18 to 86 years old. A statistically significant difference was observed in the CO2 and H2O among BMI groups (p < 0.001). The low- and medium-MEDAS groups showed higher CO2 (p < 0.001). The food cost (EUR/week) resulted in statistically significant differences among the MEDAS groups. The CO2 results were significantly lower in organic-market buyers compared to non-organic-market buyers (p < 0.001). Public health must promote awareness of how adhering to a healthy lifestyle and making appropriate food choices can positively impact our health and social and economic well-being.

Weight Changes, Nutritional Intake, Food Contaminants, and Supplements in Women of Childbearing Age, including Pregnant Women: Guidelines for Interventions during the Perinatal Period from the French National College of Midwives

Adequate maternal nutrition is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and optimal fetal growth. Many women in France of childbearing age start their pregnancy in an unfavorable nutritional status. Recent studies highlight the value of paying attention to weight issues from the preconceptional period. It is important to call attention to the need for folate supplementation and to promote a varied and balanced diet throughout pregnancy to cover essential nutritional needs.

The Effects of Differentiated Organic Fertilization on Tomato Production and Phenolic Content in Traditional and High-Yielding Varieties

The challenge of sustainable agriculture is to increase yields and obtain higher quality products. Increased antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols in harvest products may be an added value for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether three organic fertilization treatments with different levels of carbon and nitrogen, i.e., N-rich, N-rich+C, and N-poor+C, affected the phenolic content of different tomato varieties. The examined parameters were productivity, plant nutritional status, δ13C, and tomato phenolic content as an indication of the antioxidant capacity. The best production was obtained with ‘Cornabel’, a high-yielding Pebroter variety. The total phenolic content was highest in the traditional ‘Cuban Pepper’ variety regardless of treatment, while naringenin levels were high in all the Pebroter varieties. In N-poor+C fertilized plants, a lower N-NO3 content in leaves was correlated with higher levels of total polyphenols in the fruit. The high-water stress suffered by Montserrat varieties coincided with a low total phenolic content in the tomatoes. In conclusion, organic fertilization with reduced N did not influence the tomato yield but positively affected phenolic compound levels in varieties less sensitive to water stress.

Comparison of Lipid Properties and Cadmium and Lead Content in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Meat from Three Feeding Grounds

Simple Summary

As a product originating from the most natural living conditions with free foraging, red deer (Cervus elaphus) meat is becoming increasingly popular among consumers. A greater supply of this type of meat can be ensured by dynamically developing red deer farming on permanent grasslands. The study presents a comparison of the properties of lipids and the content of cadmium and lead in the LL and SM muscles of red deer kept in forest, organic farm, and conventional farm feeding grounds. The greater species and phytoncide diversity in the organic feeding ground enriched the quantitative profile and significantly increased the content of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) (CLA—conjugated linoleic acid, ALA—alpha-linolenic acid, AA—arachidonic acid, and EPA—eicosapentaenoic acid) and the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-6 PUFA, and n-3 PUFA, in comparison with conventional farm and forest feeding grounds. It also contributed to a significantly lower n-6/n-3 ratio in both muscles. The study provides valuable data on the nutritional value and ecological safety of venison, which should be regarded as a health-enhancing food product. Furthermore, the present results can help breeders to make decisions about the locations of farms and the choice of red deer nutrition strategies.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the properties of lipids and the content of cadmium and lead in the meat of red deer (Cervus elaphus) kept in a forest feeding ground (FFG) and on organic and conventional farms in Poland. Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Musculus semimembranosus (SM) muscles were collected for the study from 36 red deer carcasses in an equal sex and age ratio (3 and 4 years old). From April to October, the animals consumed only the vegetation growing in the feeding grounds. The floristic and phytoncide composition, as well as the fodder value, of the feeding grounds were assessed. Additionally, the intramuscular fat and cholesterol content, the profile, sum, and ratios of fatty acids (FAs), lipid nutraceutical parameters, and cadmium and lead content were determined in LL and SM. The plant composition comprised 116 species in the organic feeding ground (OFG) and 78 species in the conventional feeding ground (CFG). The LL and SM muscles of the red deer from the organic and forest feeding grounds exhibited significantly lower amounts of fat and cholesterol than those from the conventional system. The differences in the fatty acid composition between the three groups were quite small. Differences in intramuscular fat content contributed to a higher percentage of PUFAs in the FFG and OFG, in comparison to the CFG. In all types of feeding ground, the cadmium (0.002 to 0.008 mg/kg) and lead (0.009 to 0.019 mg/kg) content determined in the meat did not pose a threat to consumers.

Mediterranean Diet and Thyroid: An Interesting Alliance

The Mediterranean diet, recognized as being cultural heritage by UNESCO, is mostly plant-based and includes a high consumption of whole-grain, fruit, and vegetables with a moderate consumption of alcohol during meals. Thus, it provides a small amount of saturated fatty acids and a high quantity of antioxidants and fiber. For this reason, it has been considered to have an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer, but its relationship with thyroid function and diseases is still under debate. The aim of this review was to search for the possible correlation between the Mediterranean diet and thyroid function, and to critically evaluate the pathophysiological link between selected food intake and thyroid disorders.

Biological soil disinfestation compatible with renewable energy production for sustainable agriculture

Biological soil disinfestation (BSD) is biotechnology to control soil-borne plant pathogens based on the anaerobic-reducing environment in soil and the functions of indigenous microbes. A new sustainable agricultural technology, the GET system, which produces and recovers methane as renewable energy from paddy fields, has a structure and principles similar to those of BSD technology. To confirm the potential of the GET system as BSD technology, the microbial community structures in the GET system were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Thirty-four phyla were detected: 31 bacterial and 3 archaeal. Firmicutes dominated during the experimental period, which plays an important role in BSD functions such as organic decomposition, nitrate removal, and soil-borne pathogen elimination. The ability of the GET system to control soil-borne pathogens as well as produce renewable energy was demonstrated.

Genetic diversity of enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus strains in coriander in southwestern Mexico

Background

Coriander, like other leafy green vegetables, is available all year round and is commonly consumed raw in Mexico as in other countries in the preparation of street or homemade food. Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a microorganism that can reach coriander because it is usually found in the soil and in some regions the vegetables are irrigated with polluted water. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determinate the presence of B. cereus in coriander used for human consumption in southwestern Mexico and determine the toxigenic profile, biofilm production, genes associated with the production of biofilms, sporulation rates, enzymatic profile, psychotropic properties, and genetic diversity of B. cereus.

Methods

Fresh coriander samples were collected from several vegetable retailers in different markets, microbiological analysis was performed. Molecular identification, genes related to the production of biofilm, and toxin gene profiling of B. cereus isolates were determined by PCR. The biofilm formation was measured by performing a crystal violet assay. The genetic diversity of B. cereus strains was determined by PCR of repetitive elements using oligonucleotide (GTG) 5.

Results

We found a frequency of B. cereus in vegetables was 20% (13/65). In this study, no strains with genes for the HBL toxin were found. In the case of genes related to biofilms, the frequency was low for sipW [5.8%, (1/17)] and tasA [11.7%, (2/17)]. B. cereus strains produce a low amount of biofilm with sporulation rates around 80%. As for genetic diversity, we observed that strains isolated from the same market, but different vegetable retailers are grouped into clusters. In the coriander marketed in southwestern Mexico, were found B. cereus strains with genes associated with the production of diarrheal toxins. Together, these results show actual information about the state of art of B. cereus strains circulating in the southwestern of Mexico.

Organic food consumption is associated with a healthy lifestyle, socio-demographics and dietary habits: a cross-sectional study based on the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between organic food consumption and lifestyle, socio-demographics and dietary habits.

DESIGN

Cohort participants completed detailed questionnaires about organic food consumption, diet and lifestyle between 1999 and 2002. Polytomous logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between organic food consumption, and lifestyle, socio-demographics, and dietary habits.

SETTING

This cross-sectional study uses data from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 43 209 men and women aged between 54 and 73 years were included in the study.

RESULTS

Overall, 15 % reported never consuming organic food, 39 % had low organic food consumption, 37 % had medium organic food consumption and 10 % had high organic food consumption. The relative risk of consuming organic food versus never consuming organic food was highest among women, persons with BMI < 25 kg/m2, persons with low alcohol intake, persons participating in sports, persons who did not smoke or were former smokers, and among persons who adhered to the Danish national dietary guidelines. Associations were more distinct with higher levels of organic food consumption.

CONCLUSION

Based on a historical cohort of Danish adults, organic food consumption was associated with a generally healthy lifestyle, more favourable socio-demographics and dietary habits. These findings have to be considered in the adjustment strategy for future studies linking organic food consumption with health outcomes.

Mediterranean Diet as a Shield against Male Infertility and Cancer Risk Induced by Environmental Pollutants: A Focus on Flavonoids

The role of environmental factors in influencing health status is well documented. Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, pesticides, ultrafine particles, produced by human activities put a strain on the body’s entire defense system. Therefore, together with public health measures, evidence-based individual resilience measures are necessary to mitigate cancer risk under environmental stress and to prevent reproductive dysfunction and non-communicable diseases; this is especially relevant for workers occupationally exposed to pollutants and/or populations residing in highly polluted areas. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids, that can promote the elimination of pollutants in tissues and fluids and/or mitigate their effects through different mechanisms. In this review, we collected evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies showing that the impairment of male fertility and gonadal development, as well as cancers of reproductive system, due to the exposure of organic and inorganic pollutants, may be counteracted by flavonoids.

Organic Food Consumption and Risk of Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Recent epidemiological studies have explored the association between organic food consumption and the risk of obesity, but the results remain controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the association between organic food consumption and the risk of obesity. Rigorous methods for a comprehensive search were employed to search for literature in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase for relevant articles published until 30 November 2021. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated using a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model to understand the risk of obesity based on exposure to organic food. Four studies, comprising 104,488 healthy subjects and 39,425 adults who consumed organic food, reported 1625 incident cases of obesity. Compared with the unexposed group, organic food consumption was associated with a lower probability of obesity (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80–0.97, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that this association was higher in the cohort (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63–0.92) than cross-sectional studies (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–1.00), respectively. Overall, organic food consumption had a modest reduction (11%) in the risk of obesity and can be an appropriate strategy to prevent obesity.

Comparison of the Purchasing Behaviour of Polish and United Kingdom Consumers in the Organic Food Market during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The main objective of the study was to compare young consumer purchasing behaviour towards organic food in Poland (PL) and the United Kingdom (UK), countries with different levels of organic market maturity. The study was conducted by means of an online survey questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic between December 2020 and February 2021. The sample consisted of 862 PL and 161 UK consumers. 31% of PL respondents and 58.4% of UK respondents indicated they purchase organic products. Descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test and the two proportion Z test were used for statistical analyses. The results indicate that young consumers pay particular attention to the freshness and quality of consumed products. Concern for their own health and that of their loved ones, as well as the desire to eat better-quality products were the main motivations for the respondents to purchase organic products. Organic vegetables and fruits, eggs, dairy products, and meat and meat products, were among the most frequently purchased products in the studied cohorts. Experts (e.g., a dietitian, physician) were declared to be the first source of information concerning food products for young consumers. Next, family members were indicated. Social media content (PL respondents) and information from websites managed by institutions (UK respondents) were mentioned as the third source. UK consumers preferred short supply chains. The present study can be used by government bodies and companies to select the most effective communication channels for education and advertising and to develop effective commercial strategies aimed at young consumers.

Differentiation of Organic Cocoa Beans and Conventional Ones by Using Handheld NIR Spectroscopy and Multivariate Classification Techniques

The global market for organic cocoa beans continues to show sturdy growth. A low-cost handheld NIR spectrometer (900-1700 nm) combined with multivariate classification algorithms was used for rapid differentiation analysis of organic cocoa beans' integrity. In this research, organic and conventionally cultivated cocoa beans were collected from different locations in Ghana and scanned nondestructively with a handheld spectrometer. Different preprocessing treatments were employed. Principal component analysis (PCA) and classification analysis, RF (random forest), KNN (K-nearest neighbours), LDA (linear discriminant analysis), and PLS-DA (partial least squares-discriminant analysis) were performed comparatively to build classification models. The performance of the models was evaluated by accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and efficiency. Second derivative preprocessing together with PLS-DA algorithm was superior to the rest of the algorithms with a classification accuracy of 100.00% in both the calibration set and prediction set. Second derivative algorithm was found to be the best preprocessing tool. The identification rates for the calibration set and prediction set were 96.15% and 98.08%, respectively, for RF, 91.35% and 92.31% for KNN, and 90.38% and 98.08% for LDA. Generally, the results showed that a handheld NIR spectrometer coupled with an appropriate multivariate algorithm could be used in situ for the differentiation of organic cocoa beans from conventional ones to ensure food integrity along the cocoa bean value chain.

“Young and Green” a Study of Consumers’ Perceptions and Reported Purchasing Behaviour towards Organic Food in Poland and the United Kingdom

Globally, the organic food market is the most successful green market. Young consumers, the decision-makers of the future, are perceived as being more environmentally concerned than older cohorts. The aim of this study was to consider young consumers’ attitudes and behaviours concerning organic food, where the organic food market in the UK is more mature than in Poland. Empirical research was conducted using a web-based survey questionnaire (CAWI) with consumers (n = 973) in both countries. The associations between four constructs (general pro-social attitudes, green consumption values, receptivity to green communication, and buying behaviour) were considered using CB-SEM. We extended the model with two new constructs to explain young consumers’ purchases of organic food. UK respondents are significantly more conscious green consumers with higher environmental attitude intensity than Polish residents. Intensity of pro-environmental attitude components influences directly and indirectly the choice of organic food. People with a higher intensity of pro-environmental attitudes are significantly more likely to choose organic food. Perception of organic food influences purchases only in Poland. The components of pro-environmental attitudes and perception of organic food alone do not explain the variability in behaviour, despite a good fit of the model. This suggests that other independent variables may be of influence.

Fatty Acids and Nutraceutical Properties of Lipids in Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Meat Produced in Organic and Conventional Farming Systems

The aim of the study was to assess the fatty acid profile and nutraceutical properties of lipids contained in fallow deer (Dama dama) meat produced in organic and conventional farming systems. Longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles from 24 fallow deer carcasses were selected for the study. The fallow deer meat from the organic farming system was characterized by significantly lower intramuscular fat content. The fatty acid profile in the organic meat was characterized by a particularly high proportion (p < 0.0001) of conjugated linoleic acid-CLA (LL-2.29%, SM-2.14%), alpha-linolenic acid-ALA (LL-4.32%, SM-3.87%), and docosahexaenoic acid-DHA (LL-2.83%, SM-2.60%). The organic system had a beneficial effect (p < 0.0001) on the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including n-3 PUFAs, which resulted in a more favorable n-6 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid)/n-3 PUFA ratio. The significantly higher nutritional quality of organic meat lipids was confirmed by such nutraceutical indicators as the thrombogenic index (TI), ∆9-desaturase C16, elongase, and docosahexaenoic acid+eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA+EPA) in the LL and SM and cholesterol index (CI), and the cholesterol-saturated fat index (CSI) indices in the SM. LL was characterized by higher overall quality.

Classification of organic and ordinary kiwifruit by chemometrics analysis of elemental fingerprint and stable isotopic ratios

Elemental fingerprint, stable isotopic analysis, and chemometrics were combined to identify organic kiwifruit from ordinarily cultivated kiwifruit. Samples of organic (n1 = 78) and ordinary kiwifruit (n2 = 85) were collected from neighboring areas. For elemental fingerprint, the contents of 15 elements in fresh fruits, including Al, Cr, Mg, Pb, Zn, Ca, Cu, Mn, Se, Cd, Fe, Na, Sr, Co, and K, were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Three stable isotopes, including δ¹³ C, δ¹⁵ N, and δ¹⁸ O, were analyzed using an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). Different classification methods including soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA), and least squares support vector machines (LS-SVM), were used to discriminate the organic and ordinary kiwifruits by fusion of elemental and stable isotopic. As a result, the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of SIMCA model were 0.885, 0.857, and 0.864, respectively. PLSDA and LS-SVM obtained 0.950 and 0.983 classification accuracy of organic and ordinary kiwifruits, respectively. It was demonstrated that elemental fingerprint and stable isotopic analysis would provide useful chemical information for the identification of organic fruits, and the capacity of these methods could be enhanced by chemometrics. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The classification of kiwifruit usually relies on the label assigned by the merchant, which is prone to deceive consumers. This research has developed an accurate and effective classification method based on stable isotopes and mineral elements for the identification of ordinary kiwifruit and organic kiwifruit, providing a tool for the quality monitoring of organic food.

Association of organic food consumption with obesity in a nationally representative sample

The increased prevalence and adverse health consequences of obesity have made it one of the leading public health issues in recent years. Importantly, several epidemiological studies have revealed significant associations between BMI and organic food consumption. However, although these studies have suggested that this factor holds promise to prevent obesity, they all suffer from methodological limitations, including self-reporting methods to assess BMI, not controlling for potential confounding factors or using a non-representative sample. Moreover, all were restricted to an adult sample. We present the results of a cross-sectional epidemiological study assessing the association of organic food consumption with BMI and obesity in a representative lifespan French sample (INCA3 study). Objective methods were used to measure BMI, and several potentially confounding variables were controlled for. In total, 1775 children and adolescents and 2121 adults underwent anthropometric measurements and completed questionnaires concerning their dietary habits and lifestyle. Unadjusted models systematically revealed negative associations between organic food consumption and both BMI and obesity across all age groups. These associations tended to remain statistically significant even after controlling for several confounding variables concerning socio-economic status, quality of the diet and physical activity. The effect sizes were, however, small. These data confirm the association between organic food consumption and obesity during both childhood and adulthood. Evidence from randomised controlled trials is required to investigate causality between organic food consumption and lower BMI or obesity rate.

Rapid detection of carbamate pesticide residues using microchip electrophoresis combining amperometric detection

The long-term consumption of food with pesticide residues has harmful effects on human health and the demand for pesticide detection technology tends to be miniaturized and instant. To this end, we demonstrated the first application of indirectly detecting two carbamate pesticides, metolcarb and carbaryl, by gold nanoparticle-modified indium tin oxide electrode in dual-channel microchip electrophoresis and amperometric detection (ME-AD) system. m-Cresol and α-naphthol were obtained after pesticide hydrolysis in alkaline solution, and then separated and detected by ME-AD. Parameters including the detection potential and running buffer concentration and pH were optimized to improve the detection sensitivity and separation efficiency. Under the optimal conditions, the two analytes were completely separated within 80 s. m-Cresol and α-naphthol presented a wide linear range from 1 to 100 μM, with limits of detection of 0.16 μM and 0.34 μM, respectively (S/N = 3). Moreover, the reliability of this system was demonstrated by analyzing metolcarb and carbaryl in spiked vegetable samples.

Evaluation of environmental consequences affecting human health in the current and optimal cropping patterns in the eastern Lorestan Province, Iran

Planning for optimal use of resources and reduction of environmental impacts, in addition to resource protection, is associated with increasing farmers' revenues and boosting the regional economy. Given the limited resources and environmental impacts of agricultural activities on human health, it is necessary to determine an appropriate cropping pattern. The present research aimed to maximize net profit and minimize environmental impacts, including the releases of carcinogens, noncarcinogens, ozone layer depletion, ionizing radiation, and respiratory inorganics and organics on human health. In this study, an optimal cropping pattern of irrigated and rainfed crops was proposed for the east of Lorestan Province using multi-objective nonlinear programming (MOP). Results showed that the cropping areas of chickpea, rapeseed, and potatoes decreased by 50% in the irrigated crop of MOP model and that of lentil in the MOP model of rainfed crops compared with the current pattern. Another important result was increases in the cropping areas of lentil and bean in the MOP pattern of irrigated crops and wheat in the rainfed MOP model. The environmental impacts of agricultural sector on human health can be reduced by determining an optimal cropping pattern. The implementation of this model in the region reduced the emissions of carcinogens (4%), noncarcinogens (9%), respiratory inorganics (17%), ionizing radiation (14%), ozone layer depletion (17%), and respiratory organics (15%) compared with the existing situation along with an increased net profit of $968,483. According to the findings, consideration of environmental objectives affecting human health is essential in the optimization of the cropping pattern. In addition to optimal use of water and land resources, using the proposed model helps to increase profits and reduce environmental consequences on human health.

A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?

The current review aims to systematically assess the evidence related to human health outcomes when an organic diet is consumed in comparison to its conventional counterpart. Relevant databases were searched for articles published to January 2019. Clinical trials and observational research studies were included where they provided comparative results on direct or indirect health outcomes. Thirty-five papers met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Few clinical trials assessed direct improvements in health outcomes associated with organic food consumption; most assessed either differences in pesticide exposure or other indirect measures. Significant positive outcomes were seen in longitudinal studies where increased organic intake was associated with reduced incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitisation, otitis media, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The current evidence base does not allow a definitive statement on the health benefits of organic dietary intake. However, a growing number of important findings are being reported from observational research linking demonstrable health benefits with organic food consumption. Future clinical research should focus on using long-term whole-diet substitution with certified organic interventions as this approach is more likely to determine whether or not true measurable health benefits exist.

Measuring the Technical Efficiency of Certified Organic Rice Producing Farms in Yasothon Province: Northeast Thailand

Rice production holds a significant position in the Thai economy. Although it is the world’s largest rice exporter, Thailand’s increase in rice production is the result of an expansion in the cultivation area rather than an increase in yield per unit area. The present study was designed to estimate the technical efficiency and its governing factors for certified organic rice-growing farms in Yasothon Province, Thailand. A data envelopment model was employed to assess the technical efficiency of 328 farmer groups. The data revealed that the average technical efficiency was 23% and 28% under constant returns to scale (CRS) and variable returns to scale (VRS) specifications, respectively. Farmers can reduce the use of machinery, fertilizer, seed, and labor as input factors by about 80.1%, 25.62%, 24.72%, and 19.15%, respectively, while still achieving the same level of output. Multiple regression analysis was applied to estimate factors that affect the pure technical efficiency score (PTES) in the test regions. Results show that household size, farm size, water source, market accessibility, health symptoms, income, and labor were highly related to the TES and the amount of organic rice production. The regression coefficients of the predictors show that the income was the best predictor of the PTES at a significance level of p < 0.05. It is concluded that the farmers can potentially increase their yields by up to 72%–77% under current management practices.

Trust Management in Organic Agriculture: Sustainable Consumption Behavior, Environmentally Conscious Purchase Intention, and Healthy Food Choices

We draw on outstanding recent research to substantiate factors driving pro-environmental food purchasing behavior. Throwing light on purchasing behavior for environmentally sustainable foods, our study highlights the relevance of consumer trust and motivations in organic product markets together with individuals' perceived value and willingness to buy such items throughout the choice behavior and decision-making process. Our findings prove that most aspects influencing consumers' attitudes for and choices of organic foods are related to their trust and perceptions of the nutritional benefits such products provide. The insights gained from our research extend present knowledge concerning consumer behavior and purchase intention for environmentally sustainable products. The chief gaps and issues identified by the review cover the variety of organic food consumer purchase intentions and behaviors, including the relative environmental performance of organic food production and the link between the motivational values and attitudes concerning the consumption of non-chemical products. Apart from sustainable agriculture and upsides of organic farming, the main disadvantages are as follows: recycling and aligning with natural operations does not necessitate chemical inputs, but organic food is more prohibitive as farmers do not obtain significant crop productivity out of their land, while organic goods may have a price of up to 40% more (production expenses are steeper because farmers demand more labor force), marketing and distribution are not streamlined as organic products are delivered in diminished volumes, food disorders may occur more frequent, and chemical-free agriculture cannot produce sufficient nutrients that the world's population requires to live on.

Increase of 4-Hydroxybenzoic, a Bioactive Phenolic Compound, after an Organic Intervention Diet

Consumption of organic products is increasing yearly due to perceived health-promoting qualities. Several studies have shown higher amounts of phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids in foods produced by this type of agriculture than in conventional foods, but whether this increase has an impact on humans still needs to be assessed. A randomized, controlled and crossover study was carried out in nineteen healthy subjects aged 18-40 years, who all followed an organic and conventional healthy diet, both for a 4-week period. Analysis of biological samples revealed a significant increase on the excretion of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), a phenolic metabolite with biological activity, after the organic intervention. However, no changes were observed in the other variables analyzed.

Effects of Organic and Conventional Growing Systems on the Phenolic Profile of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is largely appreciated for its proven nutritional properties. Additionally, organic foods are perceived as healthier by consumers. In this context, the aim of the present study was to compare the phenolic profiles of EVOO from olives of the Hojiblanca variety, cultivated under organic and conventional systems. The quantification and identification of individual polyphenols was carried out by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in tandem mode (LC-MS/MS). Significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of phenolic compounds were found in organic EVOOs. The methodology used was able to detect previously unreported differences in bioactive components between organic and conventional EVOOs.

Some Differences in Nutritional Biomarkers are Detected Between Consumers and Nonconsumers of Organic Foods: Findings from the BioNutriNet Project

BACKGROUND

Meta-analyses have compared the nutrient content of both organic and nonorganic foods. However, the impacts of such variations on human nutritional biomarkers still need to be assessed.

OBJECTIVE

In a nested clinical study from the NutriNet-Santé study, we aimed to compare the nutritional status of "organic" and "nonorganic" food consumers matched on a propensity score.

METHODS

Based on self-reported organic food consumption assessed through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), 150 low and 150 high organic food consumers were selected with <10% or >50% of organic food in their diet, respectively (expressed as the proportion of organic food in the whole diet in g/d). Participants were matched using a propensity score derived from socio-demographic, food, and health variables. Fasting plasma samples were analyzed using acknowledged laboratory methods for measurements of iron status, magnesium, copper, cadmium, carotenoids, vitamins A and E, and fatty acids.

RESULTS

We found significant differences between low and high organic food consumers with similar dietary patterns, with respect to plasma concentrations of magnesium, fat-soluble micronutrients (α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin), fatty acids (linoleic, palmitoleic, γ-linolenic, and docosapentanoeic acids), and some fatty acid desaturase indexes. No differences between the 2 groups were detected for plasma concentrations of iron, copper, cadmium, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, or vitamins A and E.

CONCLUSION

If confirmed by other studies, our data suggest that a high consumption of organic foods, compared with very low consumption, modulates to some extent, the nutritional status of individuals with similar dietary patterns. Further research including prospective cohort studies is needed to evaluate the clinical relevance of such differences.

Uncertainty surrounding the mechanism and safety of the post-harvest fungicide fludioxonil

Fludioxonil is a phenylpyrrole pesticide that is applied to fruit and vegetable crops post-harvest to minimize losses to mold, both during transport and at point of sale. Its effectiveness is reflected in the dramatic increase in its production/usage since its introduction in 1994, an increase that has peaked in recent years as it became licenced for use abroad. Recently, doubts as to the nature of its mechanism of action have been raised. Given that the pesticide has long been known to induce stress intermediates in target and non-target organisms alike, the lack of a firmly established mechanism might be cause for concern. Troubling reports further delineate a capacity to disrupt hepatic, endocrine and neurological systems, indicating that fludioxonil may represent a health threat to consumers. In the absence of a clear, safe mechanism of action, fludioxonil should be re-evaluated for its potential to impact human health.

Natural Ecosystem Surrounding a Conventional Banana Crop Improves Plant Health and Fruit Quality

Natural ecosystems near agricultural landscapes may provide rich environments for growing crops. However, the effect of a natural ecosystem on crop health and fruit quality is poorly understood. In the present study, it was investigated whether the presence of a natural ecosystem surrounding a crop area influences banana plant health and fruit postharvest behavior. Plants from two conventional banana crop areas with identical planting time and cultural practices were used; the only difference between banana crop areas is that one area was surrounded by a natural forest (Atlantic forest) fragment (Near-NF), while the other area was inserted at the center of a conventional banana crop (Distant-NF). Results showed that bananas harvested from Near-NF showed higher greenlife and a more homogeneous profile during ripening compared to fruits harvested from Distant-NF. Differences in quality parameters including greenlife, carbohydrate profile, and pulp firmness between fruits harvested from Near-NF and Distant-NF are explained, at least partly, by differences in the balance of plant growth regulators (indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid) in bananas during ripening. Furthermore, plants from Near-NF showed a lower severity index of black leaf streak disease (BLSD) and higher levels of phenolic compounds in leaves compared to plants from Distant-NF. Together, the results provide additional evidence on how the maintenance of natural ecosystems near conventional crop areas could be a promising tool to improve plant health and fruit quality.