Background. Fruit and vegetable waste is an issue that should be addressed in the context of food policy. Apart from surplus inventory and customer behavior, the most frequent reason for fruit and vegetable waste in retail is a shortage of trained food handling personnel. To prevent waste, fruit and vegetables need to be handled and stored carefully. The purpose of the research was to survey workers in the fruit and vegetable departments of supermarkets in Kosovo in order to learn about their experiences, the reasons behind their perceptions of product waste and methods for reducing fruit and vegetable waste, while ensuring environmental protection. Results and conclusions. According to the findings, the majority of employees have higher education; they are 25 years old on average and have worked for the company for at least a year; there is no discernible relationship between age and job experience. Supermarkets in Kosovo employ fewer permanent workers than supermarkets in European countries. Apples, pears, plums and small fruit like raspberries and strawberries were considered by personnel to be the best-selling fruit. The vegetables that were sold included potatoes, tomatoes, onions, peppers, spinach and cucumbers, which are essential in Kosovo's cuisine and are perceived as the best-selling and the most often consumed products. Perhaps because these kinds of foodstuffs were so widely available, their handling was associated with waste. Donating and using them in the food industry are two ways to prevent the loss of fruit and vegetables that are in good shape.

Background. This study aims to analyze the impact of implementing automated quality control sys tems on the economic efficiency of companies in the food sector. The methodological framework com bines a comprehensive analysis of production, technological and economic aspects of adopting automated solutions, including the elements of artificial intelligence, machine vision, sensor systems and integration with digital platforms. Special attention is given to the experience of Azersun Holding (Azerbaijan) and Myronivsky Hliboproduct (Ukraine). Results and Conclusions. At Azersun, the implementation of a corporate digital platform covered over 30 enterprises, including two food plants and retail chains, enabling centralized management and improved planning accuracy. The company’s revenue grew from 1,003 million to 1,810 million manats between 2019 and 2023. Myronivsky Hliboproduct implemented an AI-powered virtual technologist and an automated cold storage facility for 20,300 pallets with digital management, reducing energy costs by 30 % and improving temperature control accuracy. The company’s revenue increased from 2,056 million to 3,046 million dollars between 2019 and 2024, despite crises such as the pandemic and military conflict. The findings confirm that the implementation of automated quality control systems transforms the quality assurance system from a selective and retrospective to a continuous and preventive one, enhancing man agement efficiency, reducing defect rates and strengthening trust from international partners. The practical significance of this research lies in its applicability for food producers, process engineers and managers in selecting and deploying effective automated quality control solutions to enhance competitiveness and comply with international standards.

Background. Economic, social and food security factors determine consumers' purchasing capacity, which greatly influences the choice of where to buy food. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between food security, a socioeconomic status and the frequency of using various forms of food retailing. The cross-sectional study using face-to-face interviews was conducted in June and July 2024 among 209 women aged 60 and over from the Silesian province. The HFSS scale was used to assess the level of food security; the FFR-FU scale was used to assess the frequency of using various forms of food retailing. Demographic and social characteristics were assessed using questions on age, residence and education. The socioeconomic status was calculated on the basis of questions on the self-assessment of material situation, financial support, social activity and family relations. Ward's hierarchical classification of variables and logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between food security, a socioeconomic status and the frequency of using various forms of food retailing. Results and conclusions. The respondents tended to use discount stores at least once a week, followed by small neighborhood and chain stores, and to a lesser extent super- and hypermarkets. E-commerce and mobile commerce were not common. Women with high levels of food security and socioeconomic status were more likely to use small neighborhood and chain stores, as well as e-commerce and mobile commerce. The frequent use of discount stores, super- and hypermarkets was determined by marginal and low levels of food security and a medium and low socio-economic status. The study found that food security and an economic and social status of older women determine their choice of where to buy food.

Background. Honey is a natural, nutritious substance produced by honey bees, with its composition heavily affected by the floral source and environmental factors. However, it is also among the most com monly adulterated foods worldwide, raising concerns about its quality and authenticity. This pilot study aimed to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the physicochemical characteristics of honey from Hebron Governorate, Palestine. Nine honey samples (three each from the northern, middle, and southern regions of Hebron) were analyzed for pH, free acidity, moisture content, soluble solids, insoluble matter, ash content, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Results and conclusions. The findings were summarized as overall and regional mean values and compared with established honey quality standards. The honey samples exhibited good freshness, with a pH of 4.53 and free acidity of 22 meq/kg, both falling within acceptable ranges. They also showed appro priate maturity, having a moisture level of 16.93 % and soluble solids of 81.42 %. These figures suggest suitable harvesting and acceptable overall quality. A statistical analysis showed no significant regional differences in the studied parameters, except for insoluble solid content, which was significantly higher in certain areas. Insoluble matter in honey from the northern (0.245 g/100 g) and middle (0.228 g/100 g) regions exceeded the 0.10 g/100 g limit set by Palestinian standards, suggesting possible contamination or insufficient filtration. Conversely, the ash content was at an acceptable level of 0.41 %, signifying suitable mineral levels. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels were elevated (78.59 mg/kg), possibly resulting from excessive heat or extended storage.

Background. The aim of this paper is to explore and identify key tools of the scientific and methodo logical approach to diagnosing the sustainable level of the industrialization index of competitiveness of food industry enterprises (FIE) in order to improve their position and competitive advantage in the Euro pean market by implementing directions for transforming entities’ persistent activities in compliance with the digital innovation vector, as well as business interests in the implementation of common export guide lines. Results and conclusions. A set of interconnected and interdependent stages of the scientific and methodological approach to forming a diagnostic tool for the state of the industrialization index of com petitiveness of FIE was proposed. Models of structural and strategic analysis that allow assessing the effectiveness of implementing tools at individual levels of achieving a sustainable level of the industriali zation index of competitiveness were identified and the specific transformation of the persistent activities of FIE is was presented. A comparative dynamic trend of the share of the food industry in the GDP of Ukraine, the EU countries, Southeast Asia and the Pacific region was carried out.

Background. Heavy metal pollution is a significant risk to human, animal and plant health due to their toxicity and their accumulation in biological tissues. The aim of this study is to determine the concentra tions of nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn) in cherries, sour cherries, raspberries and blackberries grown in three different regions near a lead-zinc ore smelter. Nickel and manganese was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The bioconcentration factor of nickel and manganese, which provides information on the intake and accumulation of metals in plant tissues, was also deter mined. Results and conclusions. The highest concentration of Ni was measured in sour cherries (48.2 mg/kg d.w. or 7.04 mg/kg w.w.), and of Mn in raspberries (72.7 mg/kg d.w. or 12.5 mg/kg w.w.). In addition, in the region that was the furthest from the smelter, measurements showed the lowest Mn concentration in cherries and the lowest Ni concentration in raspberries. Furthermore, the daily intake rates (DIR) for Mn and Ni were higher in berries, but lower than tolerable daily limits. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) for manganese in stone fruits is lower than that of berries and much lower than that for Ni for both types of fruit. Stone fruits showed a greater ability to accumulate nickel, and berries displayed a greater ability to accumulate manganese. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the differences in the concentration of manganese between stone and berry fruits are statistically significant, while those of nickel are not statistically significant.

Background. Nutrition is one of the key factors influencing the homeostasis of the body. Bioactive and nutritional components affect metabolic processes and can improve the functioning of the immune system. Products consumed provide water, building materials and energy to cells, which are necessary for their proper functioning. As early as in ancient times, Socrates and Hippocrates drew attention to a diet as a key element related to maintaining health. Currently, there is a growing interest in functional food and the use of herbal preparations in the prevention and / or treatment of diseases. The current challenge for scientists is to search for safe dietary supplements with properties that have a beneficial effect on the immune system and production characteristics of farm animals. Results and conclusions. One of the interesting organic compounds characterized by the above prop erties are polyphenols. They exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiparasitic proper ties. These compounds are secondary metabolites of plants, which are produced and secreted by them during immune defense. Small ruminants play a significant socio-economic role worldwide. They are a source of meat and milk, from which a whole range of dairy products with properties different than milk are made. Given that many functions and physicochemical processes occurring in the body of small rumi nants can be an animal model for humans, the aim of the study is to analyze the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of polyphenols contained in rosemary and turmeric on production characteristics (milk yield and composition), fattening utility and meat quality, rumen parameters and the immune system of goats and sheep.

Background. The study aimed to analyze the impact of sustainable production methods on the eco nomic efficiency of food industry enterprises. The study examined current trends in the introduction of energy-efficient technologies, digitalization, waste management and circular economy principles, and analyzed the economic benefits of using intelligent control systems and renewable energy sources. Auto mated energy monitoring systems reduced energy costs by 12 ÷ 18 %, while the integration of renewable energy sources reduced costs by 30 ÷ 40 % in the long term. Results and Conclusions. The study determined that the transition to circular production models in creases profitability by 8 ÷ 15 % by reducing the cost of purchasing raw materials and optimizing waste processing. The study established that enterprises implementing advanced waste processing technologies can not only minimize the cost of waste disposal, but also create new revenue streams through the produc tion of biogas, feed additives and secondary materials. The study proved that the use of smart sensors and machine learning algorithms can optimize resource consumption, prevent equipment breakdowns and reduce production losses. These technologies also help automate quality control processes and ensure more accurate forecasting of demand and supply management. The key barriers to the introduction of sustainable technologies were identified, including high investment costs, the need to modernize infra structure, the difficulty of integrating with existing production processes and the lack of qualified special ists. The study found that the effective implementation of a sustainable production strategy requires the interaction between business, the state and scientific circles. The development of financial instruments, such as tax reliefs, subsidies and schemes supporting innovation, may largely expedite enterprises’ transi tion to environment-friendly and cost-effective operating models. The study concluded that enterprises investing in innovative methods of sustainable production gain significant competitive advantage and ensure long-term business growth in the context of the global environmental agenda.

Background. Bush (wild animal) meat consumption is culturally significant in Nigeria, yet concerns about product authenticity remain largely unaddressed. The study aimed to investigate consumer perceptions, preferences and concerns regarding bush meat consumption in Nigeria. This work is among the first to provide an insightful investigation into consumer perceptions, preferences and concerns regarding bush meat authenticity in Nigeria. An online survey was conducted to gather data from Nigerian consumers on consumption habits, authentication concerns, sources of fraud, knowledge of biodiversity protection and governmental interventions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Results and conclusions. Key findings revealed significant concerns about product authenticity among consumers, with nearly half expressing concerns about the authenticity of bush meat. Moreover, a significant proportion of respondents lacked awareness of protected species and had limited confidence in government regulations. The consumers who ate bush meat frequently associated it with sensory appeal and health benefits, whereas non-consumers expressed concerns about its safety and potential health risks. The findings underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, industry stakeholders and consumers to address food fraud and ensure the sustainable and safe consumption of bush meat. Strengthening consumer protection measures through improved regulatory oversight, public education and the implementation of authenticity verification techniques is crucial for safeguarding public health, biodiversity and consumer trust.

Introduction. Health-promoting, and in particular, sustainable eating behavior among older people and the factors influencing them need to be researched. The aim of the study was to identify sustainable and healthy eating behaviors among older people, taking into account demographic, socio-economic and food security factors. A cross-sectional study covering a group of 500 older people aged 60 and over was conducted at the turn of April and May 2025 in the Dolnośląskie (Lower Silesian) region. The SHE scale was used to assess sustainable and healthy eating behaviors; demographic and socio-economic characteris tics were adapted from the KomPAN questionnaire, with a socio-economic status being assessed using the SES index. Food security was assessed using the selected questions from the HFSS questionnaire. Eating behavior patterns were identified based on 34 situations describing these behaviors. The principal compo nent analysis (PCA) was used to identify these patterns. The chi-square test was used to differentiate the identified patterns by demographic characteristics, a socio-economic status and food security. Results and conclusions. Two behavioral patterns were identified, named "sustainable behaviors" and "health-promoting behaviors". Gender and age did not differentiate the intensity of the identified behav ioral patterns. Place of residence did differentiate them. The level of food security did not differentiate sustainable eating behaviors, but its lower level was associated with the lower intensity of health promoting eating behaviors. A high socio-economic status was associated with a significantly higher percentage of individuals with a high level of sustainable and health-promoting eating behaviors. The elderly population requires actions to promote particularly sustainable eating behaviors.