Commercial Food Products Research Articles

A novel platform based on MnO2 nanoparticles and carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite for accurate and rapid determination of curcumin in commercial food products

In this paper, a sensitive electrochemical sensor based on MnO2 nanoparticles functionalized carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MnO2-c-MWCNTs) was prepared for the determination of curcumin. The synthesized materials have been fully characterized by instruments, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrochemical behavior of curcumin on the MnO2-c-MWCNTs modified glassy carbon electrode (MnO2-c-MWCNTs/GCE) was investigated in detail by CV and chronocoulometry (CC). The electrochemical reaction mechanism of curcumin on the modified electrode was also discussed. In 0.1 M H2SO4 solution, the peak current showed a good linear dependence on curcumin concentration in the range of 0.01–1 μM and 1–80 μM, The method has high sensitivity (3.30 μA μM−1 cm−1), and the detection limit is 6.0 nM. At the same time, the MnO2-c-MWCNTs/GCE has good anti-interference ability and stability. In addition, the sensor was used for the accurate and rapid determination of curcumin in commercial food samples, which shows its good potential for practical application.

Nutritional adequacy of commercial food products targeted at 0-36-month-old children: a study in Brazil and Portugal - ADDENDUM.

Nutritional adequacy of commercial food products targeted at 0-36-month-old children: a study in Brazil and Portugal - ADDENDUM.

Microbiological safety of commercial canned and dry pet food products in Lebanon.

Estimating the microbiological quality of pet food is essential in providing healthy and safe foods to pets. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological safety of pet food marketed in Lebanon, namely cat and dog products. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been conducted in Lebanon nor the Middle East region with reference to pet food quality. Lebanese market was screened and a total of 165 dry and canned pet food products were identified, collected and analyzed for their load of total aerobic microbial count, Enterobacteriaceae species, yeasts and molds, and for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria species. Dry pet food products had higher contamination level compared to canned ones. In terms of non-conformity to the European commission regulations, out of the 165 brands, 11 (7%) had a total aerobic microbial count above 106 cfu/g, and 27 (16%) exceeded 3 × 102 cfu/g as a maximum limit of presumptive Enterobacteriaceae. Among the dry brands, 8 out of 66 (12%) had a contamination level of yeasts and molds above 104 cfu/g. Presumptive Salmonella spp. was detected in 68 (41%) and presumptive Listeria spp. in 106 (64%) of brands. These alarming results necessitates setting and monitoring microbiological standards for pet food in Lebanon. This study contributes as well to the building of a database for knowledge development regarding the potential contamination of pet food by the abovementioned microorganisms.

Silver nanoparticles and quinoa peptide enriched nanocomposite films for the detoxification of aflatoxins in pistachio

ABSTRACT Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by certain filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and may pose severe risks to human health. The presence of aflatoxins in commercial food products such as pistachio can bring severe economic drawbacks during harvest, production, and exportation. This study aimed to reduce aflatoxin levels in raw pistachio by active food packaging film enriched with silver nanoparticles and quinoa peptides and extend the shelf-life. The pistachios contaminated with Aspergillus flavus were packaged in a nanocomposite film enriched with silver nanoparticles, quinoa peptide with antifungal properties, and low-density polyethylene at varying percentages. Then, all samples were stored at 25°C for 30 days. The amount of Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, and G2) were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the percentage of film composition and time significantly affected aflatoxin values during storage (P < 0.05). The control sample had the highest amount of aflatoxins, while the sample was packaged with a film containing 35% silver nanoparticles, and the quinoa peptide had the lowest amount of aflatoxin at the end of the storage period. Based on the results obtained, the combined use of silver nanoparticles and quinoa peptides in pistachio packaging reduced aflatoxins and increased the shelf life of raw pistachio.

Home-produced eggs: An important human exposure pathway of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS)

Humans are generally exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through their diet. Whilst plenty of data are available on commercial food products, little information exists on the contribution of self-cultivated food, such as home-produced eggs (HPE), to the dietary PFAS intake in humans. The prevalence of 17 legacy and emerging PFAS in HPE (N = 70) from free-ranging laying hens was examined at 35 private gardens, situated within a 10 km radius from a fluorochemical plant in Antwerp (Belgium). Potential influences from housing conditions (feed type and number of individuals) and age of the chickens on the egg concentrations was examined, and possible human health risks were evaluated. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were detected in all samples. PFOS was the dominant compound and concentrations (range: 0.13–241 ng/g wet weight) steeply decreased with distance from the fluorochemical plant, while there was no clear distance trend for other PFAS. Laying hens receiving an obligate diet of kitchen leftovers, exhibited higher PFOS and PFOA concentrations in their eggs than hens feeding only on commercial food, suggesting that garden produce may be a relevant exposure pathway to both chickens and humans. The age of laying hens affected egg PFAS concentrations, with younger hens exhibiting significantly higher egg PFOA concentrations. Based on a modest human consumption scenario of two eggs per week, the European health guideline was exceeded in ≥67% of the locations for all age classes, both nearby and further away (till 10 km) from the plant site. These results indicate that PFAS exposure via HPE causes potential human health risks. Extensive analysis in other self-cultivated food items on a larger spatial scale is highly recommended, taking into account potential factors that may affect PFAS bioavailability to garden produce.

Exploring the prebiotic potential of xanthan gum and its modified forms for the production of synbiotic yogurt

Crude xanthan gum was hydrolyzed using acid (HCl), base (NaOH), and enzyme (cellulase). Synbiotic yogurt was developed with the addition of xanthan gum and its hydrolyzed forms (0.1, 0.5, and 1% [w/v]) as prebiotic along with probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum BB536). Fat, protein, lactose, total solid contents, pH, and viscosity decreased, whereas syneresis and acidity were increased during the storage period of 28 days. The addition of hydrolyzed xanthan gum as prebiotic proved to be the best for enhancing the viability of yogurt culture and probiotics maintaining the viable count of the B. longum BB536 above 6 Log CFU/g during storage with maximum count of 7.898 Log CFU/g in yogurt containing 1% of enzyme hydrolyzed xanthan gum (EHXG). The addition of EHXG beyond this limit disturbed the final texture of yogurt due to phase separation. Hence, hydrolyzed xanthan gum can be the best candidates as prebiotics to be added in yogurt. Practical applications The finding of the present study is beneficiary from the industrial point of view in order to develop the versatile dairy products having valuable influence on human health that provide healthy gut functions with a balance between good and bad bacteria. The use of prebiotics from microbial sources (xanthan gum) will serve as a sustainable, fast, and cheaper source and can be obtained even from waste. The study will have a good economic impact when executed in the form of commercial synbiotic food products.

Evaluation of canine raw food products for the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing bacteria of the order Enterobacterales.

To assess the potential contamination of commercial raw dog food products with bacteria of the Enterobacterales order that produce extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase enzymes, determine risk factors for contamination, and understand isolate genetic diversity. A total of 200 canine raw food products. Products were cultured on selective chromogenic agar following enrichment steps. Whole-genome sequencing was performed for isolates that were confirmed to produce an ESBL. Isolates were characterized by antimicrobial resistance genes, and multilocus sequences typing, and compared to other isolates in the NCBI database for clonality. Preservation method and protein sources were assessed as potential risk factors for contamination with ESBL and carbapenemase-producing bacteria of the Enterobacterales order. No carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) were identified, but ESBL-producing Enterobacterales bacteria were isolated from 20/200 products (10.0%; 95% CI, 7.3 to 16.5%), all of which were frozen. Pork-derived protein source products were 8.1 times (P = .001; 95% CI, 2.53 to 26.2) more likely to carry ESBL-producing Enterobacterales bacteria than other protein sources. WGS analysis confirmed the presence of ESBL genes in a total of 25 distinct isolates (19 Escherichia coli, 5 Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 1 Citrobacter braakii). Genes encoding CTX-M type ESBL enzymes were the most common (24/25 isolates, 96.0%) with blaCTX-M-27 being the most common allele (8/25, 32.0%). Frozen, raw food products may serve as a route of transmission of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales bacteria to companion animals. Veterinarians should advise owners about the risks of raw food diets, including potential exposure to antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

Produksi Infused Water Berbahan Dasar Seledri untuk Para Penderita Hipertensi

Hypertension is one of the causes of premature death worldwide or better known as the “silent killer,” because people with hypertension often do not feel any symptoms. The prevalence of hypertension in the community is included in the high category, which is 34.1%. The general purpose of this community service is to improve the knowledge and skills of nutrition alumni who are members of IKAGIZI. The specific goal is to foster an entrepreneurial spirit by producing infused water as a functional food product made from celery. These efforts can have health and economic value for the community. Programs and activities are carried out through training and practice in making celery-based infused water products. The service produced commercial functional food products and was expected to be the main solution to reducing hypertension in the community.

Nutritional adequacy of commercial food products targeted at 0-36-month-old children: a study in Brazil and Portugal.

In the context of the global childhood obesity, it is essential to monitor the nutrition value of commercial foods. A cross-sectional study (November 2018 to April 2019) aimed to evaluate the nutritional adequacy of processed/ultra-processed food products targeted at 0-36-month-old children in Portugal and in Brazil. The nutrient profiling model developed by the Pan American Health Organization was used. A total of food 171 products were assessed (123 in Portugal and forty eight in Brazil). From the fifteen available meat- or fish-based meals in Brazil, 60 % exceeded the amount of Na and 100 % exceeded the target for total fat. Given the lack of specification of sugars within carbohydrates in the label of the foods in Brazil, it was not possible to calculate free sugars. In Portugal, from the seventeen fruit and vegetable purees and the six juice/smoothie/tea/drinks available, 82 % and 67 %, respectively, surpassed the level of free sugar, while total and saturated fat was excessive in all yogurt and yogurt-related products (n 21), 40 % of biscuit/wafer/crisps (two out of five) and 13 % meat- or fish-based meals (two out of sixteen). These findings demonstrate the relevance of improving the nutritional profile of some food products targeted to young children.

Rapid On-Site Identification for Three Arcidae Species (Anadara kagoshimensis, Tegillarca granosa, and Anadara broughtonii) Using Ultrafast PCR Combined with Direct DNA Extraction

Granular ark (Tegillarca granosa), broughton’s ribbed ark (Anadara broughtonii), and half-crenate ark (Anadara kagoshimensis) are important fishery resources throughout Asia; granular ark exhibiting a higher economic value due to its rarity. However, due to the similar morphological characteristics of the three species, the less valuable species could be exploited for food fraud. In this study, we developed a rapid on-site identification method based on a microfluidic chip for the detection of the three ark shell species. We designed new species-specific primers, targeting the genes encoding mitochondrial cytochrome b or cytochrome c oxidase I, for the identification of the three ark shells and estimated their specificity against 17 species, which amplified only the target species. The sensitivity of each primer was 0.001 ng. In addition, this method was further improved to develop a direct ultrafast polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for on-site food monitoring, which would allow for completing the entire procedure (from sampling to obtaining the results) within 25 min without DNA extraction. Our direct, ultrafast PCR was successfully applied to differentiate the three species from 29 commercial products. Therefore, this assay could be used as a rapid and cost-effective approach for the on-site identification of ark shells in commercial food products.

Fast Sensitive and Accurate Analysis of the Most Common Synthetic Food Colorants in 65 Egyptian Commercial Products Using New HPLC–DAD and UPLC-ESI–MS/MS Methods

Overexposure to food colorants above the allowed daily intake (ADI) level can provoke hyperactivity and other disturbed behaviors especially in children. Two new methods were developed to separate five synthetic colorants, which were Tartrazine (E102), Sunset Yellow (E110), Allura Red (E129), Carmoisine (E122), and Brilliant Blue (E133). They are labeled on a large variety of commercial food products in the Egyptian market without mentioning their definite concentrations. Therefore, there was a real need to determine these colorants with simple, accurate, and fast methods. This is the first study to determine these colorants in a wide variety of food products present in the Egyptian market. The HPLC approach with photodiode array detection was developed to quantify these colorants, on a C18 column, with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and water containing 1% ammonium acetate (pH 6.8), separation was carried out using a gradient program. The colorants were eluted and efficiently separated within 9 min. Then, as a complementary technique to HPLC, the UPLC-ESI–MS/MS approach was developed for identification and accurate mass measurement of the colorants found in high concentrations, the colorants were obtained simultaneously in negative mode, the run time was only 3 min. These developed methods were validated according to ICH recommendations and they were applied to analyze 65 food products including jelly powder, puddings, ice cream powders, concentrated soft drink powders, carbonated drinks, chewing gums, and sugar confectionery.

Qualitative and Quantitative Detection of Mealworm DNA in Raw and Commercial Food Products Using Real-Time PCR

Considering food safety and an increasing public awareness of the ingredients, production process and origin of foods, the application of insects as food requires the development of tests for the reliable identification of their presence. The aim of the study was (1) the determination of appropriate modifications of the selected method for isolating the DNA of two life stages of mealworm, i.e., larva and adult, from commercial food products; (2) the determination of the method parameters for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of mealworm contents based on the detection of a species-specific mitochondrial DNA fragment, using real-time PCR; (3) the application of a method to test the commercial food products of mealworm. A total of nine species of adult insect were investigated (field cricket, Dubia cockroach, Madagascar cockroach, banded cricket, migratory locust, yellow mealworm, superworm, house fly and lacewing), theirlarvaes (yellow mealworms and superworms) and thirteen commercial food products (dried whole insects, powder and granules) representing various insect species and origins which were purchased from the European market. The obtained results showed that the efficiency of the modification of the DNA extraction method is dependent on the life stage of the mealworm. We proved the high sensitivity of the test, with the range of the method being 0.1–100%; we also proved the biological specificity in this range, and the linearity. The linearity of the test was also statistically verified using the Fisher–Snedecor test. One-way variance analysis showed statistically significant differences between the cT values of the two mealworm life stages studied, and similarly, between the threshold cycle (cT) values of adult forms. In contrast, for the inside group of mealworm larvae, there was no significant difference observed between the results of the cT values. The test is effective for processed food products and may be used to monitor food. The research proved the suitability of the applied method for the analysis of samples that are commercially available as food for exotic animals. The hereby-developed method is based on widely used laboratory techniques, and does not require any additional investment in equipment. The availabilityof such a methodallows for the verification of the accuracy of the declared species component of the food products.

Development of a GC–MS/MS method coupled with HS-SPME-Arrow for studying formation of furan and 10 derivatives in model systems and commercial foods

Furan has been described as a carcinogen, being present in numerous food products available to the everyday consumer. The objectives of this study were to determine the formation of furan and its derivatives in 3 model systems during heating, with their contents being determined in selected commercial food products by HS-SPME Arrow coupled with GC/MS/MS. A high accuracy and precision was attained for the method developed in this study. The model system of 0.5 M glucose/alanine + 0.1 M ascorbic acid generated the highest furan level (5603.63 ng/g) when heated at 121 °C for 2 h. The addition of ascorbic acid favored formation of furfural and furfuryl alcohol, while linoleic acid favored formation of furfuryl alcohol. In addition, the total furan contents in various commercial foods ranged from 21.14 to 3183.39 ng/g. Most importantly, the outcome of model systems may be used to predict the presence of furan and its derivatives in commercial foods.

Tracking Arachis hypogaea Allergen in Pre-Packaged Foodstuff: A Nanodiamond-Based Electrochemical Biosensing Approach.

The present work reports a nanodiamond-based voltammetric immunosensing platform for the analysis of a food allergen (Ara h 1) present in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea). The possibility of the usage of nanodiamonds (d = 11.2 ± 0.9 nm) on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE/ND) in a single-use two-monoclonal antibody sandwich assay was studied. An enhanced electroactive area (~18%) was obtained and the biomolecule binding ability was improved when the 3D carbon-based nanomaterial was used. The antibody-antigen interaction was recognized through the combination of alkaline phosphatase with 3-indoxyl phosphate and silver ions. Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) was applied for fast signal acquisition and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) support the voltammetric approach and confirm the presence of silver particles on the electrode surface. The proposed immunosensor provided a low limit of detection (0.78 ng·mL−1) and highly precise (RSD < 7.5%) and accurate results. Quantification of Ara h 1 in commercial foodstuffs (e.g., crackers, cookies, protein bars) that refer to the presence of peanuts (even traces) on the product label was successfully achieved. The obtained data were in accordance with recovery results (peanut addition, %) and the foodstuff label. Products with the preventive indication “may contain traces” revealed the presence of peanuts lower than 0.1% (m/m). The method’s results were validated by comparison with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This allows confident information about the presence of allergens (even at trace levels) that leads to profitable conditions for both industry and consumers.

Amine-incorporated quinoxaline based fluorescent sensor for detection of trace water: Solvent influenced self-assembly

Polarity is a complex parameter, with important effect in chemistry and biology. In recent years, polarity exploration attracted more and more attention hence, it’s of great importance to exploit new methods for polarity determination. A novel class of long, coplanar, and amine incorporated electron-rich quinoxaline scaffold(L1) furnished maximum solvatochromic effect and large Stokes shift and was chosen to determine water content in organic solvents e.g. acetonitrile, THF, DMF, and methanol through fluorescence spectroscopy. Moreover, the probe was found to perform as an effective fluorescent sensor for the quantitative detection of low-level moisture content in four commonly-used organic solvents with low detection limits (0.018%, 0.027%, 0.012%, and 0.43% respectively). This study also describes the morphological transformation of L1 form a fibrous network to spherical aggregates upon increasing water content in several organic solvents. Real-life implementation of the probe was successfully employed for the detection of moisture content in commercial food products and building materials such as cement, sand, limestone, salt, wheat, and detergent powder. Furthermore, probe L1-immersed easy-to-prepare test strips provide a reliable approach for qualitative monitoring of water content in organic solvents by a simple color-changing method under UV irradiation via smartphone-assisted RGB analysis.

Levels of FD&C certified food dyes in foods commonly consumed by children

Studies support a relationship between food dye exposure and adverse behavioral outcomes in children. The amount of Food, Drug, & Cosmetic (FD&C) dyes used in commercial food products is proprietary information and can only be determined through the direct analysis of foods. Herein FD&C dyes were quantified in ten categories of foods previously identified as commonly consumed by children. Dyes were isolated using solid phase extraction (SPE) and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Significant in-lot and between-lot variability was observed in some brands. FD&C Red No. 40 was the most prevalent dye identified in all food categories. The maximum exposure levels of FD&C dyes for an average-weight six-year-old to ten-year-old are all below 10 % of the US ADI for each food category based upon one serving per day. Red No. 40 accounted for 7–9 % of the maximum value of the US ADI in the drink categories for one serving. When the azo dyes are considered together, they contribute 10–22 % of the ADI in the drink categories and 8 % in the fruit snack/candy category based upon one serving. For an average weight six-year to ten-year old child, Red No. 40 is the most significant source of food dye in their diet.

Discovery of marker peptides of spirulina microalga proteins for allergen detection in processed foodstuffs

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) proteins were extracted, digested, and analyzed by LC-ESI-FTMS/MS to find highly conserved peptides as markers of the microalga occurrence in foodstuffs. Putative markers were firstly chosen after in silico digestion of allergenic proteins, according to the FAO and WHO criteria, after assuring their presence in food supplements and in (un)processed foodsuffs. Parameters such as sensitivity, sequence size, and uniqueness for spirulina proteins were also evaluated.Three peptides belonging to C-phycocyanin beta subunit (P72508) were designated as qualifiers (ETYLALGTPGSSVAVGVGK and YVTYAVFAGDASVLEDR) and quantifier (ITSNASTIVSNAAR) marker peptides and used to validate the method for linearity, recovery, reproducibility, matrix effects, processing effects, LOD, and LOQ. The main aim was to determine spirulina in commercial foodstuffs like pasta, crackers, and homemade bread incurred with the microalga. The possible inclusion of the designated peptides in a standardized method, based on multiple reaction monitoring using a linear ion trap MS, was also demonstrated.

Development of a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent kit for reliable detection of milk allergens in processed food

The inclusion of undeclared cow's milk proteins may cause health complications to milk-allergic consumers and is one of the leading cause of food recall in many countries all over the world. Therefore, to keep control on such incidences in processed products, we established a milk sandwich ELISA test kit by incorporating two polyclonal antibodies against milk proteins obtained from different species. Its analytical effectiveness in terms of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, trueness, and precision were all analyzed. The limit of detection (LOD) of the test kit was 0.011 ppm, with high specificity for milk protein residues. The test kit was highly specific, apart from considerable cross-reactivity with goat milk and minor cross-reactivity with donkey and horse milk. The coefficient of variation of the test kit for intra-assay ranged from 4.02% to 14.62% and inter-assay ranged from 6.05% to 15.08% respectively. The sandwich ELISA was highly specific in detecting commercial food products. In a limited retail survey, 5/6 of the milk proteins declared on the ingredient labels tested positive for milk proteins. The study offers effective technical support for the sensitive detection of milk products both for food manufacturers and regulatory authorities.

Second-order derivative of square-wave voltammetry for determination of vanillin at platinum electrode

A simple and sensitive method of data treatment by second-order derivative square wave voltammetry (SD-SWV) was developed for the determination of vanillin at a platinum electrode. It was shown that the irreversible oxidation reaction is controlled by the adsorption and occurs following a mechanism involving two electrons, similar to other phenolic derivatives. The experimental parameters of SWV which exert influence on vanillin determination, such as frequency, pulse amplitude, or step potential, were optimized. The calibration curve shows a linear range between 50 and 430 nM vanillin with a detection limit of about 19 nM (signal/noise = 3). The mathematical treatment of experimental data leads to enhances the sensitivity of the determination and was successfully used for the estimation of vanillin in commercial food products.

Development of a multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of big blue octopus (Octopus cyanea), giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini), and common octopus (Octopus vulgaris).

Since octopuses are similar in appearance and can be processed into various forms, seafood fraud has been reported. In this study, we developed the PCR assay to simultaneously detect three octopuses (big blue octopus, giant Pacific octopus, and common octopus). Specific primer sets were designed based on COI gene. We observed that the specific PCR amplicon sizes were 84bp for big blue octopus, 117bp for giant Pacific octopus, and 166bp for common octopus, respectively. This assay was then used to test for specificity and did not show cross-reactivity with 15 cephalopods families. The limit of detection of the multiplex PCR assay was 0.1pg. Subsequently, 30 commercial food products were then monitored to evaluate the applicability of this assay. All products were specifically amplified, and three octopus species of interest were distinguished. Therefore, this assay can be used as an octopus authentication tool in the seafood industry.