Food Safety Aspects Research Articles

The Chemist in the Kitchen

The Chemist in the Kitchen

From Industrial to Artisanal: A New Regulatory Framework for a Changing Food Landscape

The Food Safety Modernization Act, passed in early 2011, is the most significant overhaul of the Food and Drug Administration’s food-safety authority since 1938. It reorients FDA to a preventive rather than responsive stance toward food contamination. The Act, however, will fall short of its goal of ensuring the safety of the food supply, for several reasons. It will be ineffective in significantly reducing foodborne illness because it is underfunded, and provides for too many exemptions. The use of preventive controls and science-based standards may also make it difficult for regulation to evolve as quickly as pathogens. In addition, the uncertainty caused by the Act’s attempt to incorporate flexible standards for smaller producers will inhibit market entry for small producers focused on marketing their products locally. Moreover, the Food Safety Modernization Act cements the disparate regulatory spheres of authority over food systems in the United States: on the one hand, rigid federal standards, and on the other a patchwork of state and local regulations, all of it haphazardly enforced. What is needed is a system of centralized decentralization, where states have broad flexibility to establish the structure of their food-system regulation, but are comprehensively overseen by the federal government. Such a system would improve information gathering and crisis-prevention capabilities, and would also serve a rationalizing function among the various spheres of regulatory authority over food. Furthermore, federal oversight of state food-system plans would allow for localities to incorporate other aspects of food safety beyond foodborne illness in food-system design.

The Effect of NaCl Reduction and Replacement on the Growth of Listeria Monocytogenes in Broth, Cooked Ham and White Sauce

AbstractThe growth‐inhibiting effects of simple and commercial salt replacers on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes were determined in broth at 7C. The divalent chlorides, CaCl2 and MgCl2, had the largest antilisterial activities at equivalent water phase concentrations or molalities followed by NaCl ≈ KCl and MgSO4 in decreasing order of antilisterial effect. Additional antilisterial activities other than their water activity depressing effects were observed for CaCl2 and MgCl2. Challenge tests performed on cooked ham and white sauce showed that reduction of NaCl levels by ≤28 and 33%, respectively, did not affect the stability of these products to L. monocytogenes. It can be concluded from the study that changes in the stability to L. monocytogenes are most likely to occur when NaCl is fully reduced and/or replaced or partially replaced by either CaCl2 (increased stability) or MgSO4 (reduced stability).Practical ApplicationsThe association of high dietary NaCl levels to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases has led to concerted efforts in the food industry to reduce NaCl levels. To date, several studies have been performed, which have focused primarily on addressing the sensorial, technological and shelf life aspects, with far less emphasis being placed on the food safety aspects. The results of this study provide much needed insight into the potential food safety consequences of reduction and/or replacement of NaCl in food products.

PCR-SSCP-based reconstruction of the original fungal flora of heat-processed meat products

Food processing of spoiled meat is prohibited by law, since it is a deception and does not comply with food safety aspects. In general, spoilage of meat is mostly caused by bacteria. However, a high contamination level of fungi could be also found in some meat or meat products with certain preserving conditions. In case that unhygienic meat is used to produce heat processed products, the microorganisms will be deactivated by heat, so that they cannot be detected by a standard cultivation method. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and apply a molecular biological method—polymerase chain reaction and single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP)—to reconstruct the original fungal flora of heat processed meat. Twenty primer pairs were tested for their specificity for fungal DNA. Since none of them fully complied with all study criteria (such as high specificity and sensitivity for fungal DNA; suitability of the products for PCR-SSCP) in the matrix “meat”, we designed a new reverse primer, ITS5.8R. The primer pair ITS1/ITS5.8R amplified DNA from all tested fungal species, but not DNA from meat-producing animals or from ingredients of plant origin (spices). For the final test, 32 DNA bands in acrylamide gel from 15 meat products and 1 soy sauce were sequenced—all originating from fungal species, which were, in other studies, reported to contaminate meat e.g. Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Candida rugosa, C. tropicalis, C. zeylanoides, Eurotium amstelodami and Pichia membranifaciens, and/or spices such as Botrytis aclada, Guignardia mangiferae, Itersonilia perplexans, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Lewia infectoria, Neofusicoccum parvum and Pleospora herbarum. This confirms the suitability of PCR-SSCP to specifically detect fungal DNA in heat processed meat products, and thus provides an overview of fungal species contaminating raw material such as meat and spices.

Bimal Prasanna Mohanty,

Background: Skeletal muscle proteomics aims at global identification, cataloging and biochemical characterization of the entire protein complement of voluntary contractile tissues. In the lower vertebrates like fish, skeletal muscle contributes 34-48% of the total body weight and the muscle composition contributes strongly to the quality. Characterization of the muscle proteome is a key to many aspects of aquaculture, encompassing physiology, growth, food safety, seafood authentication and quality, traceability and shelf-life. Catla catla is a commercially important carp species contributing a major share to be freshwater aquaculture production in the Indian subcontinent; however, little omics information is available on this species. Methods: In the present study, protein spots excised from 2-D gels of catla muscle proteome were identified through MALDI-TOF-MS. Based on the muscle proteomic information, transcript information on the identified proteins was generated. Results: A reference muscle proteome map for Catla catla was generated and 70 protein spots from 2-D gels, representing 22 proteins, have been identified by MALDI-TOF MS. We have also generated the partial gene sequence information on the identified proteins which have been submitted at GenBank. Conclusion: This is the first study on the muscle proteogenomics of the commercially important carp Catla catla. Besides adding to the existing knowledgebase on comparative muscle proteomics, the information generated would also serve as the baseline proteogenomic information on this Indian major carp.

Safety Food in Celiac Disease Patients: A Systematic Review

The prevalence of Celiac Disease (CD), an autoimmune enteropathy, characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, atrophy of intestinal villi and several clinical manifestations has increased in recent years. Epidemiological studies have shown that CD is very common and affects about one in 250 people. The mechanism of the intestinal immune-mediated response is not completely clear, but involves an HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 restricted T-cell immune reaction in the lamina propria as well as an immune reaction in the intestinal epithelium. Subjects affected by CD cannot tolerate gluten protein, a mixture of storage proteins contained in several cereals (wheat, rye, barley and derivatives). Gluten free-diet remains the cornerstone treatment for celiac patients. Therefore the absence of gluten in natural and processed foods represents a key aspect of food safety of the gluten-free diet. In this review, we evaluate the main studies about the safety food in CD patients.

Robust optimisation model for the cold food chain logistics problem under uncertainty

In the last two decades, food safety has become one of the main concerns in the area of logistics and supply chain management and also in cold chain. Safety is a critically sensitive area in this category as if the required safety conditions are not satisfied during the logistics process, foods will soon deteriorate and probably become unsafe to use by customers. Thus, the problem of cold food safety has encouraged serious attentions among the logistics practitioners. However, because of the complexity in nature of such problems, research so far is limited to the quantitative models with deterministic parameters and the robustness of this nature still remains unanswered. In this paper, a robust optimisation model has been developed aiming to maximise the food safety aspects and thus to minimise the logistics cost of the cold chain system under various uncertainties and customers time windows restrictions. The model has been solved by artificial bee colony intelligence algorithm through MATLAB 8 software. Finally, the results are analysed for possible real world considerations in order to propose some key practical highlights.

Consumer attitudes to different pig production systems: a study from mainland China

In many countries consumers have shown an increasing interest to the way in which food products are being produced. This study investigates Chinese consumers’ attitudes towards different pig production systems by means of a conjoint analysis. While there has been a range of studies on Western consumers’ attitudes to various forms of food production, little is known about the level of Chinese consumers’ attitudes. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 472 participants in 6 Chinese cities. Results indicate that Chinese consumers prefer industrial pig production systems, where traditional pig breeds are raised, over large-scale and small family farms. Farms with maximum attention to food safety, which furthermore can provide lean meat with consistent quality, are also preferred. Imported pig breeds and tasty but variable meat were rejected. A 3-cluster solution found that consumers from cluster 1 focus almost exclusively on the food safety aspect (food safety focused). Consumers from cluster 2 (indifferent) show weak overall attitudes to pig production systems in general. Cluster 3 (industrial production oriented) stands out by being very positive about industrial, large-size farms and consistent quality. From a Chinese consumer’s perspective, the industrial approach seems to represent values such as achievement and evolution, as well as quality and safety, since pig production is moving away from low-cost, low-quality, and low-safety family-scale systems. A complex set of rural and environmental development, quality aspects, and food safety measures are challenges that must be met by the stakeholders of pig production systems in China.

Persistence of metaflumizone on cabbage (Brassica oleracea Linne) and soil, and its risk assessment

Metaflumizone is a novel sodium channel blocker insecticide of semicarbazone class. It provides good to excellent control of most of the economically important lepidopterous pests and certain pests in the orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, Isoptera, and Siphonaptera. Although metaflumizone has been marketed globally for several years and got registered in India in the year 2009, specifically for the control of DBM on cabbage, to our knowledge, no food safety aspects of metaflumizone residue on cabbage have ever been reported in the literature in India or elsewhere. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the persistence of metaflumizone on cabbage and soil, vis-a-vis its risk assessment, following two spray applications of metaflumizone 220 SC (Verismo®), each at recommended and double dose of 200 and 400g a.i. ha(-1) respectively. Initial residue deposits of metaflumizone on cabbage were 0.46 and 0.51mg kg(-1) at recommended and 0.76 and 0.85mg kg(-1) at double the recommended dose following the first spray and second spray application. The residues persisted beyond 5days from both the treatments and dissipated with the half-life ranging from 1.7-2.1days. Initial deposits of metaflumizone on soil ranged from 0.23-0.37mg kg(-1) and degraded with a half life ranging from 4.0-4.8days. No degradation product of metaflumizone was detected in cabbage and soil at any point of time. Soil samples collected from the treated field after 7days were free from any residue of metaflumizone or its metabolites. A pre-harvest waiting period of 3days after application was suggested based on calculation of theoretical maximum daily intake.

Some aspects of food safety from animal origin

The relationship between the civilisation illnesses and incorrect nutrition can be considered as demonstrated. The functional foods having one or several nutritional- biological advantage can contribute to the healthy nutrition and to improving the quality of life. Beside the healthy nutrition it is an another important requirement that the food does not contain pathogens or substances of chemical and biological origin namely it has to be safe. In this publication the foods of animal origin were investigated in the point of view of public health hazards arising during their production and processing.The contamination and infection of food raw materials, the consequence of chemical substances getting in or developing it the food, the judgement of food deviring from genetically modified or cloned animals are discussed.

DEPOSITION OF ORGANIC TRACE METAL COMPLEXES AS FEED ADDITIVES IN FARM ANIMALS

Trace elements are essentials for maintenance and production of farm animals, but most of the feedingstuffs do not contain adequate amount of most of them, therefore supplementation of complete feeds with trace elements is necessary. However, the rate of absorption and tissue deposition of trace elements from different complexes is also different which may have food safety aspects because of the maximum level of some trace minerals. The present review, based on scientifically proved data, discuss about the rate of absorption and deposition of different metal (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) proteinates, amino acid chelates (e.g lysine, methionine, methyl-hydroxy-methionine) and humic acid complexes of trace elements. The results showed that metal proteinates have higher rate of tissue accumulation as compared to inorganic salts, and additionally some metal-proteinates (e.g. copper-proteinate) also improves the tissue deposition of manganese. Metal propionates, as possible new trace element supplements have positive effects on the rate of absorption which was proved by the higher blood serum levels. In the case of humic acid chelates there are some data about their positive effect on bioavailability of trace minerals but those were not scientifically proven. In conclusion it can be stated that organic metal complexes have better bioavailability than their inorganic counterparts, in particular modern farm animal genotypes with higher requirement level and also in stress conditions.

Evaluating a group-based intervention to improve the safety of meat in Bodija Market, Ibadan, Nigeria

We evaluated a group-based, participatory training intervention to improve food safety among meat processors and retailers in Bodija Market, Ibadan, Nigeria. An interactive training workshop was held for Butchers Associations' representatives who were selected to pass on information and training to their group. Meat hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice was assessed before attending the workshop and afterwards (n = 63). It was also assessed for those who did not attend the workshop (n = 68) but were intended recipients of training through their association. Microbiological quality of meat was assessed before and after the workshop (n = 400 samples). After the workshop, participants significantly improved knowledge, attitude and practice in key food safety aspects; specifically, understanding sources of contamination and food-borne diseases, use of bleach and disinfectant and hand washing. Participants also shared information with an average of 18 other group members and improvements were seen in group members who did not attend the workshop but received training through their Butchers Association. Microbiological quality of meat sold also significantly improved after the intervention. In conclusion, participatory, group-based methods targeted at meat processors and retailers can improve meat hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice as well as the microbiological quality and hence safety of meat.

Genetically Modified Crops Expressing 35S‐Thaumatin II Transgene: Sensory Properties and Food Safety Aspects

Abstract: Obesity and diabetes have led consumers to increasingly seek out products containing low‐calorie sweeteners. In this context, the intense sweeteners, especially plant proteins that interact with the taste receptors, are playing a growing role. Among the sweet‐tasting proteins thaumatin seems the most promising. Production of thaumatin by transgenic plants might be an interesting alternative to the extraction of this product from the natural source. Another possible application of the unusual properties of thaumatin is to produce transgenic plants containing a protein capable of inducing a sweet taste phenotype. The taste of 5 crop species, cucumber, pear, potato, strawberry, and tomato, was improved by expressing the thaumatin II gene under control of the 35S promoter. Only in the case of transgenic cucumber were sensory assessments carried out for several cultivation cycles. Also, processed fruits of transgenic cucumber, as well as fresh‐cut transgenic cucumber salads, were the subject of sensory analysis. Transgenic cucumber expression of the thaumatin II gene resulted not only in sweeter taste, in comparison with the control, but also in higher aroma acceptability. Therefore, the authors of this article have summarized sensory properties of transgenic crops expressing the thaumatin II gene, placing special emphasis on the sensory characteristics of transgenic cucumber. Consumers often perceive disparagingly food deriving from genetically modified (GM) plants, partly because of some concerns about unintended effects. To address such concerns, this article also summarizes the food safety evaluation of transgenic crops expressing the thaumatin II gene. Future research directions are suggested.

Estimation of Organic Pesticide Residues in Wines of Moldova

AbstractThis paper presents the study of pesticide residues in Moldovan wine products originating from traditional agriculture because the appreciation of these compounds is an important aspect of food safety. During 2007–2010, about 3000 analyses of wine samples using GC‐MS were investigated. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), i.e., α‐, β‐, γ‐HCH, aldrine, and heptachlor were not found in any of the samples. Insignificant quantities of metalaxyl and mefenoxam were found in some wine samples. The missing of POPs in wine products represents an important quality feature. The study showed that if growers comply with rules of phytosanitary treatments and the waiting period is respected, the content of pesticide residues can be reduced to safe limits. Also, the list of approved pesticides must be regularly revised, taking into account the degree of toxicity. Additionally, growers are to be constantly informed about effectuated changes.

Therapeutic Potentials of Bambusa bambos Druce

From ancient times mankind is dependent on plant sources for the ailments of various disorders. Bambusa bambos is one of these medicinal plants, which is a large genus (about 37 species) of clumping bamboos. These species are usually giant ones, with numerous branches at a node and one or two much larger than the rest. They are found in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, especially in the monsoon and wet Tropics. In growing Bamboo Above ground bio mass production and nutrient distribution require two days (0.12 m height) to maturity (28.5 m height), studied over five months. Literature review reveals that studies on food safety aspect of bamboo shoot are unsystematic and scanty hence need special attention. Present study highlights the therapeutic uses of Bambusa bambos along with the responsible chemical constituents. © 2011 IGJPS. All rights reserved.

Food safety evaluation of buprofezin, dimethoate and imidacloprid residues in pomegranate

Food safety aspects of buprofezin, dimethoate and imidacloprid residues in pomegranate are reported. The residue analysis involved extraction of samples (15 g) with 10 ml ethyl acetate, cleanup by dispersive solid phase extraction with 25 mg primary secondary amine and 25 mg C 18 sorbents and estimation by LC–MS/MS. The limit of quantification of each analyte was 0.001 mg kg −1 with recoveries within 76–109%. The residues of buprofezin and dimethoate were confined to outer rind, which degraded to below the maximum residue limit for the European Union (EU-MRL) after 10.5 and 31.5 days at standard dose and 32.0 and 44.0 days at double dose. Residues of imidacloprid penetrated into the albedo and membrane, although at less than the MRL in all samples even at double dose. The dietary exposure of buprofezin and imidacloprid was safe on all sampling days; whereas samples with dimethoate appeared safe after 15 and 30 days of field applications at standard and double doses, respectively.

(A141) Contingency Planning for Veterinary Public Health Emergencies

In the cycle of dealing with emergencies one can distinguish four periods, that is planning, diagnosing, responding and recovering. Contingency planning is a prerequisite for emergency management in general. The principles of this planning, for Veterinary Public Health (VPH), does not differ from other cases. However, here will be seen from the point of view of VPH. VPH emergencies include zoonotic diseases and food safety aspects. Emergencies in VPH appear suddenly or expand gradually. Need to define responsibilities for proclaiming an emergency by rating the severity and ranking the situation in steps before deciding that an emergency is in place. One can suggest that surveillance is significant in relation to zoonotic diseases. In food safety, preventative Food Safety Management Systems, in which crisis management and consequent possible product recall actions are part of it, serve the same purpose. In both activities VPH is related with other professionals, a reality expressed, also, in government administrations with different services and/or agencies. Therefore, partnerships and interoperability between veterinarians and physicians on the one hand and other food professionals on the other should be established, for the purpose of efficiently serving the general public. These actions should be developed, as appropriate, in business, region or country level. In order to effectively mobilise the appropriate personnel training and simulation exercises should be part of preparedness. In preparedness, planning for early warning and early reaction should be considered as part of the overall contingency planning. In the various steps in dealing with emergencies the key tool for decision making is risk analysis, served through its three components, that is risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. This last one is very important in relation to communicating with the general public, so that a balanced informing will allow for general public diligent actions without panic.

Elemental Composition of White Refined Sugar by Instrumental Methods of Analysis

This overview deals with an important issue for the sugar industry, the elemental analysis of white refined sugar by atomic absorption spectrometry and other instrumental methods, including inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, neutron activation analysis, and stripping voltammetry. Strong and weak points of these methods in terms of determinations of major and trace elements in sugar samples are featured. Different sample preparation procedures applied in sugar analysis, with their advantages and disadvantages, are discussed. The importance of quality assurance and control of results are highlighted. Separate sections are focused on sources of elements in white refined sugar and various food safety and technological aspects related to their presence.

Brazil nuts: Benefits and risks associated with contamination by fungi and mycotoxins

The monotypic type genus Bertholletia produces commercially nutritionally harvested edible seeds, Brazil nuts. It is an important product from the Amazon forest in the food production chain, with a 2008 annual world production of 78,000tonnes, being Brazil responsible for approximately 40% of it. Although there are beneficial nutritional properties, the prevailing mycobiota of Brazil nuts include fungi that are producers of aflatoxins, such as Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius. Aflatoxins have deleterious effects in consumption considering the global distribution chain, affecting major exporting countries. The present review is focused on the importance of Brazil nuts for the Amazon rainforest, emphasizing on the social and environmental impact of its production, on the mycobiota contamination of seeds, and on the presence of mycotoxins and related food safety aspects.

Measuring the safety of the food chain in Belgium: Development of a barometer

This paper describes the development of a concept to measure the safety of the food chain in Belgium based on the ‘Pressure–State–Response’ model. The actual measurement tool or barometer consists of a measurement of the ‘State’ based on a set of indicators. The present paper discusses the elaboration of a set of 30 food safety indicators (FSIs) as the basis of the food safety barometer. These indicators were weighted by expert opinion in order to determine their relative weight to be considered in the barometer. Food safety was reflected in a composite and agreed upon set of indicators related to i) the compliance to action limits/criteria for selected chemical and microbial hazards, ii) the implementation of preventive and control measures to mitigate food safety throughout the food chain from farm to fork and iii) the reported number of foodborne outbreaks and reported cases of some selected zoonotic agents ( Salmonella sp. and Listeria monocytogenes). As food safety remains an abstract term and no quantitative value could be attributed (also due to lack of quantitative food safety objectives), the option was taken to document the status of food safety in a relative manner by comparing the results of the set of indicators of the current year with the previous year. By comparing the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 it was concluded that the status of the global food safety in Belgium was high and an upward trend could be observed. Statistical analysis on each of the individual indicators was performed, however since at present a restricted data set is available (2009 versus 2008 and 2008 versus 2007) no trend analysis could yet be performed. The barometer provides a helicopter view of the status of food safety in Belgium and is a tool to communicate in an intelligible, comprehensible manner on aspects of food safety to consumers and other stakeholders in the food chain. The methodology and results of the survey for the ‘Pressure’ and ‘Response’ collection from the Belgian stakeholders in the food chain will be discussed in another manuscript.