Abstract
The scientific literature is rich in investigations on the presence of various contaminants in biscuits, and of articles aimed at proposing innovative solutions for their control and prevention. However, the relevant information remains fragmented. Therefore, the objective of this work was to review the current state of the scientific literature on the possible contaminants of biscuits, considering physical, chemical, and biological hazards, and making a critical analysis of the solutions to reduce such contaminations. The raw materials are primary contributors of a wide series of contaminants. The successive processing steps and machinery must be monitored as well, because if they cannot improve the initial safety condition, they could worsen it. The most effective mitigation strategies involve product reformulation, and the use of alternative baking technologies to minimize the thermal load. Low oxygen permeable packaging materials (avoiding direct contact with recycled ones), and reformulation are effective for limiting the increase of contaminations during biscuit storage. Continuous monitoring of raw materials, intermediates, finished products, and processing conditions are therefore essential not only to meet current regulatory restrictions but also to achieve the aim of banning dietary contaminants and coping with related diseases.
Highlights
Biscuits are very popular ready-to-eat foods due to their affordable cost and long shelflife. Their characteristics have made them even more appreciated during the lockdown linked to COVID-19 crisis, when the demand for biscuits further increased in several countries due to less frequent food purchases [1,2]
Considering that ochratoxin A (OTA) and Total aflatoxin (TAF) are characterized by high thermal stability, the most effective strategy is monitoring the raw materials to prevent the use of any contaminated batch
The successive processing steps must be monitored as well, because if they cannot improve the initial safety condition, they could worsen it. Fast methods, such as the visible/near infrared hyperspectral imaging [185] or tailored optical sensors based on fast Fourier transform (FFT) spectrum analysis [186], are increasingly needed to automatically check raw materials as they arrive at industries
Summary
Antonella Pasqualone 1, *,† , Noor N. Haider 2,† , Carmine Summo 1 , Teodora Emilia Coldea 3 , Saher S. Contaminants, Their Sources and Mitigation Strategies: A Review.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call