Ethnic food consumption: Habits and risk perception in Italy

Imported allergens in Italy: an emerging issue

Imported allergens are involved in many allergic reactions, with unexpected and unusual implications. They can be involved in developing asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, Hymenoptera venom allergies and food allergies. Imported allergens can be implied in respiratory allergies attributable to commercial practices and accidental diffusion through air currents that have introduced non-native species in new geographical contexts. Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., a plant native to North America and currently in the western part of Lombardy, represents an example. Moreover, a variation in the pollen concentration in the Northwest Tuscany area and Trentino Alto-Adige was observed. Cannabis sativa is another imported allergen used frequently by adolescents. Regarding potential imported food allergens, there is no validated list. Imported food allergens derive from ethnic foods, referring to Mexican/Latin American, Chinese/Japanese, Southeast Asian, Arab/Middle Eastern and African cuisine. Four insect flours were recently introduced to the European and Italian markets (Acheta domesticus, Alphitobius diaperinus, Tenebrio molitor and Locusta migratoria). The association between the accidental introduction through commercial traffic, climate change, and the absence of natural enemies in the destination ecosystem is related to the introduction of a specific Hymenoptera, Vespa velutina, in Italy and Europe. External events attributable to human activities, such as climate change and the introduction of non-native plants, foods and Hymenoptera through trade, have contributed to the issue of imported allergens. Making the correct diagnosis and guiding the diagnostic and therapeutic path in this particular context represent the concerns of the pediatric allergist.

The Occurrence of Freshwater Fish-Borne Zoonotic Helminths in Italy and Neighbouring Countries: A Systematic Review

In recent years, the consumption of fish products has surged in European countries, being an essential part of a healthy diet. Despite representing a small part of EU production, freshwater fisheries hold considerable significance for lake-dwelling populations and tourists seeking traditional dishes. This increased fish consumption has brought to light potential health risks associated with fish-borne zoonotic helminths (FBZHs), now acknowledged as global food-borne parasites. Fish-borne zoonotic helminths belong to various taxonomic groups, including nematodes (Anisakidae), trematodes (Opisthorchiidae and Heterophyidae), and cestodes (Diphyllobothriidae). More than 50 species of FBZH are known to cause human infections, derived from eating raw or undercooked aquatic foods containing viable parasites. Despite increased attention, FBZHs remain relatively neglected compared to other food-borne pathogens due to factors like chronic disease progression and under-diagnosis. This systematic review concentrates on the prevalence of six freshwater FBZHs (Clinostomum complanatum, Contracaecum rudolphii, Dibothriocephalus latus, Eustrongylides excisus, Opisthorchis felineus, and Pseudamphistomum truncatum) in Italy and neighbouring countries. The study explores the expansion of these parasites, analysing their biological and epidemiological aspects, and the factors that influence their proliferation, such as the increased cormorant population and the lake eutrophication phenomena. In summary, this research highlights the necessity for further research, the development of spatial databases, and the establishment of a unified European policy to effectively manage these multifaceted health concerns. It strongly advocates adopting a One-Health approach to address the growing incidence of parasitic zoonoses within the context of food safety in EU countries.

The Safety of Ethnic Foods in Campania Region: A Preliminary Study

Ethnic food is produced by an ethnic group—using their familiarity with local ingredients of plants and/or animal origin—and it is consumed in a country other than the country of origin. In Italy, the ethnic food market has expanded over the last three decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correct labeling, the microbiological communities and the allergens present in 50 ethnic foods. The visual inspection of labels and microbiological and allergen analyses have been carried out for evaluating their food safety. The visual inspection of labels revealed the absence of labeling in Italian and/or a failure to specify the place of origin. Microbiological analyses showed the absence of pathogens (i.e., Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli 0157:H7) in all matrices, but the presence of process hygiene indicator bacteria (total bacterial count, Coagulase-positive Staphylococci, Bacillus cereus, coliforms, yeasts and molds) was found in 37 samples. With regard to allergens, 12 samples were non-compliant for the presence of at least one allergen, while only two products were of species different from those declared on the label. This research highlights the need to increase the control of ethnic foods and also to improve the labeling system by standardizing international regulations.

The Critical Role of Consumers in the Prevention of Foodborne Diseases: An Ethnographic Study of Italian Families

A high incidence of foodborne diseases occurs in the home setting because consumers adopt inappropriate preparation, consumption, and storage procedures. The present study applies an ethnographic approach to identify inadequate practices that could increase the incidence of foodborne diseases. Techniques related to the ethnographic approach were used: participant observation, kitchens mapping, collection of photographic material, and informal interviews in natural settings. A sample of 14 families was involved through the snowball sampling technique. This study identifies habitual practices and routine behaviour as the main risk factors. The inadequacies most frequently encountered related to the microbiological risks are incorrect handwashing, the presence in the kitchen spaces of objects unrelated to food preparation, the improper use of dishcloths and sponges, the inappropriate washing of utensils and food, the incorrect storage of food in the fridge, and the presence of children and pets without an adequate administration of the spaces. The practices that can expose consumers to chemical risk include food preservation through unsuitable containers/materials, food overcooking, and detergents contamination. The data underline the need to implement communicative and training interventions that give precise and targeted indications about correct safety practices in the home setting.

Market Expansion of Caffeine-Containing Products: Italian and Argentinian Yerba Mate Consumer Behavior and Health Perception

Mate is the most consumed beverage in South America. There is interest in expanding yerba mate sales into the old and new markets by promoting its health properties and energizing effects. The research study aims to explore Argentinian and Italian purchasing and consumption behavior and perception of yerba mate. The exploration includes agro-food chain stakeholders’ views, and consumers’ habits, perception, knowledge of yerba mate in relation to other market positioning caffeine-containing products. Data collection includes qualitative method, such as interviews with agro-food chain stakeholders, that is producers, processors, consumers, and quantitative consumer survey. Data collection was carried out in Argentina and in Italy. Results show that in Argentina yerba mate consumption is driven by habit and tradition, and in Italy yerba mate is mostly unknown. Consumers tend to drink yerba mate in Argentina and other caffeine-containing beverages in Italy to socialize, and as source of energy. Consumers have little awareness of yerba mate antioxidant properties. Yerba mate provides the energy of coffee drinking, and the taste and pleasure of tea drinking. Italian consumers’ key challenge to yerba mate drinking is the longer time it takes, compared to the usual espresso. Italians perceive it as an energetic or relaxing beverage, with a consumption experience similar to tea and infusions. There is need to update commercialization strategy of yerba mate in Italy.

Ethnic Food Consumption in Italy: The Role of Food Neophobia and Openness to Different Cultures

While the ethnic food market has become increasingly important in Italy, the effects of the hybridization of consumption patterns have been slowed by a consolidated culinary tradition. This study investigates the relationships among ethnic food consumption, food neophobia, and openness to different cultures with sociodemographic characteristics. A sample of 1317 Italian consumers responded to an online survey. The sociodemographic profile of the neophobic consumer appears to substantially differ from that of the consumer with an attitude of openness. Neophobic respondents are males, are older than 55 years of age, are less educated, have children, are retired, have difficulty meeting their financial responsibilities, and do not eat ethnic food. Respondents who are more open to different cultures are young adults, are highly educated, have no children, are employed, and are consumers of ethnic food. The relationship between food neophobia and openness to different cultures is confirmed to be the relationship between these variables and ethnic food consumption. The measurement of these characteristics could serve as a crucial indicator for analyzing the willingness to accept elements of novelty in an increasingly multicultural society. Additionally, consumers with the neophobic trait and who are less open to different cultures might have a less varied diet that is essential to good health.