Purpose: Agriculture, particularly fruit crop production, serves as a vital driver of economic growth worldwide. In Cameroon, the Mungo Corridor plays a substantial role in the agricultural sector, particularly in fruit crop production. This study aims to assess the socio-economic impacts of fruit crop production within the Mungo Corridor, a region known for cultivating bananas, pineapples, and mangoes. By evaluating the economic contributions and challenges, the study seeks to provide insights for policies that could enhance the sustainability and development of fruit production in the area. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique to select respondents and resource persons. Materials and Methods: Data collection involved the use of structured and pre-tested questionnaires along with an interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 and Microsoft Excel, while qualitative data from interviews was subjected to thematic analysis. Six subdivisions from the Mungo Division were purposely chosen to represent the agricultural activities within the region. Findings: The study confirms that fruit crop production has significant socio-economic benefits in the Mungo Corridor. Over a 10-year period, banana production reached 195,000 tons, while pineapple production rose from 6,543 tons in 2012 to 28,141 tons in 2022. Papaya production increased from 36 tons to 86 tons during the same period. The income from fruit sales enabled stakeholders to develop socio-economic activities, fostering regional development. Fruit crop production contributed to the construction of 12 schools (primary and secondary), 21 health centers, the rehabilitation of 8 fruit markets, 3 bus stations, and growth in the informal sector. However, the study also identified several challenges with Farmers face limited access to markets. Poor infrastructure affects production and distribution. The looming threat of climate change presents long-term risks to fruit farming. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: To address the challenges and ensure sustainable fruit crop production in the Mungo Corridor, the study recommends the implementation of policies that promote local products and support farmers through market access initiatives. Invest in transport, storage, and market infrastructure to improve efficiency. Develop interventions to mitigate the impact of climate change on fruit production and strengthen cooperation among farmers, government, and private actors to maximize the benefits of fruit crop production and foster sustainable development. By highlighting the essential role of fruit farming in the socio-economic development of the Mungo Corridor, the study emphasizes the need for renewed efforts to support the sector and enhance its contributions to regional growth.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of breed, production system, and feeding type on meat quality, evaluating organoleptic and physicochemical traits and antioxidant status across selected local cattle breeds. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on sirloin and blood samples taken in slaughterhouses from the hot carcass of male cattle, divided according to breed, production system and type of feed. The nutritional, organoleptic characteristics and oxidative status was assessed. Findings: The results revealed that meat from Goudali breed raised in a sedentary system exhibited significantly lower tenderness (p<.) and higher lipid (p<.) and protein (p<.) contents. Additionally, the meat displayed notably lower pH (p=.), reduced cortisol (p<.), and lower catalase (p<.), TAC (p<.), and FRAP (p=.) activities. Consumers preferred the meat of the White Fulani breed due to its color (p<.). In transhumant system, the meat was richer in dry matter (p=.), lipids (p<.), and fibres (p=.), while the sedentary system resulted in more tender (p=.) and red-dark colored meat (p<.), which consumers favored. Meat from cows under commercial feed were preferred by consumers (p<.) compared to grass-fed cows, exhibiting significantly higher lipid (p<.) and protein (p<.) levels as well as intense color (p=.). However, meat from grass-fed cows had significantly higher fibre content (p<.), tenderness (p<.), better taste (p=.), juiciness (p=.), and higher catalase (p=.) and TAC (p<.) activities. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings underscore the importance of considering breed, production system, and feeding type when conserving, selecting, or improving beef breeds for both meat quantity and quality.

Purpose: This study examined the anthropometric and biochemical indices of infants fed complementary foods developed from millets (M), orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), carrot (CF), periwinkle meat (PMF) and oyster meat flour (OMF) blends.
 Materials and Methods: Six different blends of flour were formulated using the recommended guideline for the formulation of complementary food for infants 6 – 12 months. The blends were as follows 89: 11 M/C; 70:30 M/OFSP; 57:32:11 M/OFSP/C; 65:20:5:10 M/OFSP/C/OMF; 49:29:7:15 M/OFSP/C/PMF and 70:13:3: 7:7 M/OFSP/C/PMF/OMF while Cerelac was used as the control diet. Thirty-five children aged 6-12 months enrolled in this study. Seven groups comprising of 5 children each consumed cerelac (control diet), millet/carrot (Test diet I) millet/OFSP (test diet II), millet/OFSP/carrot (test diet III), millet/OFSP/carrot/oyster (test diet IV), millet/OFSP/carrot/periwinkle (test diet V), and millet/OFSP/carrot/periwinkle/oyster (test diet VI), respectively.
 Findings: The children were fed with 50 g/day of the diets over a 6 months period during which anthropometric (weight, length, mid-upper arm circumference, head circumference, and chest circumference) and biochemical assessments (iodine level, hemoglobin level, calcium level, and vitamin A level) were carried out before and after test product ingestion. All children fed on the test diets had an increase in anthropometric parameters. Test diet VI had the highest percentage effect on biochemical and anthropometric parameters at the end of the study. The effect of test diet VI on the hemoglobin levels of the infants was significantly (p<0.01) higher than other test diets.
 Implication to Theory, Practice and Policy: Dietary interventions incorporating carrots, OFSP, periwinkle, and oyster exhibited favorable impacts on the nutritional well-being of infants. Consequently, it ought to be regarded as a superior choice when devising nutrition initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional condition of children residing in regions where millet-based porridge prevails as the primary complementary food.

Food risk analysis remains a major cornerstone that provides a framework for the risk-based food safety system. This paper aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the food safety system, and the foundational role and opportunities of the risk analysis concept in the East Africa Community (EAC). The study was done through the explorative review of the literature as the best approach to getting broad information on the concept of risk analysis in global food safety and its impact on food safety systems. Through analysis of the relevant literature and previous studies related to global food safety and food safety systems, the approach helped to draw on challenges and opportunities and to reformulate the potential key role of the risk analysis concept in the EAC food safety system. Challenges were identified through the evaluation of the effectiveness of the EAC food safety system with reference to the US- effective food safety model. The role and opportunities of the risk analysis in the EAC food safety system were evaluated against identified challenges, and its implementation feasibility and assets in the EAC food safety system. As results, the EAC food safety system showed many gaps and challenges, and was ineffective. While the risk analysis concept was found a key factor in attributes of the effective food safety system, it could help the EAC food safety system to become effective, and to respond to the current and future food safety needs of both the African continent and the Globe. With many opportunities and potentials in EAC, the risk analysis concept can be integrated into the EAC food safety system. Therefore, a useful and strategic approach as a model of the integration of the risk analysis concept was designed for EAC. It is the establishment of an EAC- Regional Centre of Expertise in Food Risk Analysis (EAC-CREFRA). In addition, the EAC food safety system needs to anchor One Health and multi-factorial food safety management approaches to food safety.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore food handlers’ hygiene practices as determinants of customers’ preference for certain Asian native restaurants in China.
 Methodology: The study used a desktop literature review methodology (desk study). This required a thorough analysis of research on the food handlers’ hygiene practices as determinants of customers’ preference for certain Asian native restaurants’. The subject of the study underwent three phases of sorting in order to assess its suitability for further study.
 Findings: The results demonstrated that the two variables had no meaningful link with one another. The majority of customers were not concerned with hygiene standards, as was shown in numerous restaurants where high customer volumes persisted despite the presence of subpar hygiene measures. Therefore, the study came to the conclusion that although hygienic procedures have an impact on customers' decisions about which restaurants to visit, the impact is not substantial.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: According to the report, public health authorities in metropolitan areas should train all restaurant stakeholders in food hygiene standards and alert customers to the risks involved with inappropriate food handling. The study also advised restaurant owners to follow food safety laws, and it suggested conducting similar research in other cities, in rural restaurants, and with more eateries.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on dietary status as well as life quality in kids with cancer in Belgium.
 Methodology: The study used a desktop literature review methodology (desk study). This required a thorough analysis of research on the impact of chemotherapy on dietary status as well as life quality in kids with cancer. The subject of the study underwent three phases of sorting in order to assess its suitability for further study.
 Findings: This study concluded that chemotherapy was associated with poor dietary status and reduction in the life quality ratings. The use of the Nutrition Impact Symptom (NIS) checklist in the kid’s oncology clinic/ward triggers more therapeutic interventions. The awareness for NIS will likely evoke more research in assessment, impact, and treatment.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study recommended that individual’s food preferences and aversions should be considered and combinations of oral, enteral and parenteral diet be provided. In view of the findings, the study recommends that dietetics should frequently carry out diet assessments in order to provide proper management to curb malnutrition.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the status of utilization of nutrition information in purchasing decisions of processed meat products in Brazil.
 Methodology: The study used a desktop literature review methodology (desk study). This required a thorough analysis of research on the status of utilization of nutrition information in purchasing decisions of processed meat products. The subject of the study underwent three phases of sorting in order to assess its suitability for further study.
 Findings: The study concluded that there is no significant relationship between utilization of nutrition information on processed meat products and the purchasing patterns of processed meat products among consumers in supermarkets in Brazil.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: According to the report, Manufacturers should educate consumers on the importance of reading nutrition information on the labels and using the information to make healthful purchasing decisions. 

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary habits and nutrition status of pregnant adolescents.
 Methodology: The study used a desktop literature review methodology (desk study). This required a thorough analysis of research on the dietary habits and nutrition status of pregnant adolescents. The subject of the study underwent three phases of sorting in order to assess its suitability for further study.
 Findings: This study concludes that the poor nutrition status was associated with inadequate dietary intake and frequent illness. The low knowledge was attributed to low education level and poor health seeking behavior. The low knowledge translated to poor decision making in dietary practices.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study recommends ministry of Health at National level to enhance the use of the existing training package and policy in counselling pregnant adolescents. It should also come up with a counselling package and policy for use in counselling these mothers.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary understanding and current practices of healthcare Professionals in management of patients with chronic renal conditions in selected hospitals in Swaziland.
 Methodology: The study used a desktop literature review methodology (desk study). This required a thorough analysis of research on the dietary understanding and current practices of healthcare Professionals in management of patients with chronic renal conditions. The subject of the study underwent three phases of sorting in order to assess its suitability for further study.
 Findings: The study concludes that dietary understanding among study participants was poor; though their attitude was positive, they failed to practice due to poor understanding.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study recommends that dieticians could write short, but regular segments for nursing journals or newsletters. This written material may be most useful if written in lay terms to enable nursing staff to use it directly with their patients, rather than needing to translate the information for the general public

Purpose: Phytoestrogens (PE) are weakly estrogenic compounds synthesized in plants, especially in climatic adversity. The endocrine disruptive activity of PEs and some of their human metabolites are of concern as they have been associated with positive and more so negative health effects.
 Methodology: The transcriptional activities (TAs) of ten PEs (apigenin, daidzein, daidzin, equol, enterodiol, formononetin, genistein, genistin, glycitein, and matairesinol) were measured as induction of the expressed luciferase activity which is correlates with biological effects. These effects were compared to transcription caused by 17β-estradiol (5 nM) hormone (standards) in vitro. This was done by the use of estrogenic receptors in the MMV-Luc cell line using a reporter gene assay tool. 
 Findings: Standard curves for hormone standards were determined and the EC50 for 17β-estradiol was (4.5 x 10-11M). The order of PEs potency for the ER (ERα and ERβ) in the MMV-Luc cell line, as determined from the EC50s (M) of their dose-response curves were in the following order: equol (4.9 x 10-7M) > formononetin (5.7 x 10-6M) > apigenin(2.4 x 10-6M) > genistein (2.1 x 10-6M ) > daidzein(3.3 x 10-5M). Standard curves for the rest were not achieved in the MMV-Luc cell line at the tested concentrations. The % estrogenic potencies of these compounds varied from 9 x 10-3M for equol to 1.4 x 10-4M for daidzein, relative to 17β-estradiol whose percent potency was arbitrarily assigned a value of 100. This study successfully characterized the TA of ten PEs in MMV-Luc cell lines. By achieving and exceeding a full estrogenic effect in MMV-Luc cells, it was indicative that the phytoestrogen transcriptive activity was most likely through non-receptor mechanisms such as enzymatic pathways.
 Recommendations: Although the potential for endocrine disruption by PE was noted in vitro, this study would recommend further in vivo tests. This is because toxicokinetics involving metabolism and bioavailability affects the potencies of the PEs. Further in vitro assays may be designed to investigate the additive effects of phytoestrogens at physiologically relevant concentrations.