Edible Peel Research Articles

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for imazalil in courgettes, cucumbers and gherkins.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Certis Europe B.V. submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance imazalil in cucumbers, courgettes and gherkins. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal of 0.08 mg/kg for the whole group of cucurbits with edible peel. It is noted that the derived MRL is proposed to replace the existing tentative MRL of 0.1 mg/kg for courgettes, thus also addressing the data gap identified in the context of the MRL review. As regards to cucumbers and gherkins, it is noted that the MRL proposal derived in the current application is covered by the MRL of 0.5 mg/kg currently in place for these commodities. Nevertheless, it is also noted that the aforementioned MRLs are based on Codex maximum residue limits (CXLs) which were revoked in 2019 following the JMPR proposal. Should this proposal be implemented in the EU regulation in the future, the proposed MRL of 0.08 mg/kg as derived in the current application would be considered an appropriate fall-back option for the whole group of cucurbits with edible peel. Further risk management considerations are therefore required. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of imazalil on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.005 mg/kg (QuEChERS method based on LC-MS/MS) and 0.01 mg/kg (HPLC-MS/MS method). Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of imazalil according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. However, it should be noted that a high degree of uncertainty on the overall long-term exposure calculation remains due to the data gaps identified in the context of the MRL review on full toxicological assessment of the metabolite R014821, which is expected to occur following post-harvest uses of imazalil, and animal metabolites FK-772 and FK-284.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for acetamiprid in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Nisso Chemical Europe GmbH and Sipcam Italia S.p.A. submitted requests to the competent national authority in the Netherlands and in Italy, respectively, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance acetamiprid in various crops. The data submitted in support of these requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for plums, aubergines, peppers, cucumbers, courgettes, other cucurbits with edible peel, poppy seeds, mustard seeds, pomegranates and honey. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of acetamiprid in the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of acetamiprid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

An Automatic Handheld Device for Firmness Measurement of Fruit with Edible Peel Based on Resistance Sensing: A Case Study of Peaches

HighlightsA handheld device was developed for automatic on-site measurement of fruit firmness.The prototype device achieved better performance than a typical commercial penetrometer.Two commonly used firmness-related parameters could be predicted based on the prototype readings.The distribution and changes of firmness could be visualized based on 3D models of the prototype readings.Abstract. Firmness is an important indicator of fruit quality. The devices for on-site fruit firmness measurement need to be portable, low-cost, lightweight, reliable, and flexible. Existing portable devices can provide firmness-related parameters, but their measurement results cannot be converted to each other. Their measurement results are also susceptible to operator error due to the manual measurement process. To solve this problem, a prototype handheld device was developed based on sensing fruit resistance to achieve automatic on-site firmness measurement of fruit with edible peel and provide commonly used firmness-related parameters. The prototype’s precision was verified by analyzing the repeatability and reproducibility of the measurement results with four Shore hardness blocks. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the results obtained by the same operator were less than 0.61%, and there was no significant difference among the results obtained by different operators (p < 0.05), which indicated that the prototype could provide reliable measurement results. A case study of peaches was performed, and the results showed that (1) the prototype had better performance than a commercial penetrometer, (2) two commonly used firmness-related parameters could be predicted based on regression models between a texture analyzer and the prototype readings (R2P = 0.908 and RMSEP = 4.191 N for maximum force; R2P = 0.923 and RMSEP = 1.613 N mm-1 for initial slope), (3) changes in the prototype readings for peaches during growth corresponded with the growth characteristics, and (4) the distribution and changes of peach firmness over time could be visualized based on 3D models of the prototype readings. Keywords: Automatic, Fruit firmness, Handheld device, High precision, Peach.

Removal of ten pesticide residues on/in kumquat by washing with alkaline electrolysed water

ABSTRACT As a citrus fruit with edible peel, it is necessary to control the pesticide residues on/in kumquats to lower levels in order to avoid direct intake. This study aimed to investigate the removal of typical pesticide residues in kumquat by alkaline electrolysed water solutions. Field incurred samples and that from laboratory swap method were compared with an established procedure. The pesticide removal rates were similar when using field samples with incurred residues and that by swap method in lab. The removal effects of electrolysed water at pH = 11.0 and pH = 12.5 on ten pesticides were studied with swap method and compared with that of tap water. Samples containing the pesticide residues were extracted and cleaned up with QuEChERS method, followed by determination using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. The analytical results showed that the removal effect of electrolysed water on the studied pesticides depended on the pH value and washing duration. Compared with other washing solutions, the pH 12.5 electrolytic water was the most effective media for pesticide residue removal. Moreover, a washing duration of 20 min was optimum. In conclusion, alkaline electrolysed waterin higher pH provides as a potential removal strategy for pesticide residues on fruit surfaces.

Characterization of allotetraploids derived from protoplast fusion between navel orange and kumquat

In this study, we aimed to produce a citrus fruit with no seed and with edible peel. Therefore, the seedless Yoshida navel oranges (Citrus sinensis ‘Yoshida navel’) and Jangsil kumquat (Fortunella japonica) with edible peel were used as the starting materials. Since two varieties of different genera and different flowering periods would be difficult to crossbreed, protoplast fusion was conducted using the polyethylene glycol method. Yoshida navel orange and Jangsil kumquat were used as an embryogenic callus line and a mesophyll line, respectively. The regenerated plants were analyzed by flow cytometry to identify tetraploids, which were further evaluated by polymerase chain reaction, using simple sequence repeat markers specific for the nuclear and cytoplasmic organellar DNAs of the two parents, to confirm allotetraploids and cybrids. Sixteen allotetraploids were finally produced and characterized phenotypically for leaf morphology and fruit quality. All allotetraploids contained mitochondria originating from Yoshida navel orange; 12 contained chloroplasts derived from navel orange whereas four contained chloroplasts of kumquat origin. We investigated both plant and fruit characteristics of allotetraploids derived from the protoplast fusion of navel orange and kumquat. The sizes of the allotetraploid leaves were intermediate between those of both parents. However, in contrast to the spindle-shaped leaves of both parents, those of the allotetraploids were obovate. Petiole wings were absent in the allotetraploids, a known kumquat trait. Similar to navel oranges, flowering time was mid-May, and pollen was sterile, whereas fruit size, external shape, soluble solids content, and acidity were all intermediate between the two parents. Peel thickness and the number of segments were similar to those of kumquat, and flesh weight was similar to that of navel orange. Collectively, these results indicated that the intergeneric allotetraploids derived from navel orange and kumquat inherited favorable traits of both parents and could be produced and selected despite a lack of extensive parental variation. This is one of the first reports showing fruiting results of protoplast-fused citrus plants. The study reported characteristics of the fruits from both the original plants as well as from the protoplast-fused plant. Detailed characteristics of the allotetraploid fruit produced by protoplast fusion would be very helpful for future polyploid studies.

Physical characteristics of fruits and seeds of Opuntia sp. as evidence of changes through domestication in the Southern Mexican Plateau

The Opuntia genus has high diversity and wide distribution in Mexico; it has fruit (1) with thin skin and seeds surrounded by sweet and abundant pulp, (2) with thin skin and seeds surrounded by scarce or null pulp, known as dry fruits, (3) with thick, succulent, acid and edible peel, with seeds surrounded by sparse pulp, known as acid prickly pear or “xoconostle”, and (4) with intermedial characteristics between 1 and 2 types, and named “xocotuna”. The aim of this study was to characterize the fruits and seeds of 114 variants from 17 cactus species (Opuntia, Cactaceae) collected in the Mexican Plateau. The biomass of the skin, pulp and the normal and aborted (dehydrated) seeds from fruits of those variants and species obtained from 347 collects, from the Southern High Plateau of Mexico, were determined; as well as total soluble solids content (°Brix) in the pulp and quantified the length, width, and thickness of the seeds, the total number of normal and aborted and the hardness of the normal ones. The sampling units were 347 collects, with six repetitions per variant and one fruit as an experimental unit. The statistical treatment of the data included Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and conglomerates. The fruit biomass and number of aborted seeds were the most important variables according to the PCA and separated the species and variants according to a gradient. In the classification, the tendency to higher content of aborted seeds was observed in Opuntia albicarpa and Opuntia ficus-indica, species from much humanized environments and with the highest degree of domestication. The home gardens or backyard environment concentrated the greater Opuntia variant diversity. The pulp biomass is closely related to the proportion of normal and aborted seeds.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for isofetamid in tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, okra and cucurbits with edible peel.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ISK Biosciences Europe N.V. submitted a request to the competent national authority in Belgium, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance isofetamid in tomatoes, sweet peppers/bell peppers, aubergines/eggplants, okra/lady's fingers and the whole subgroup of cucurbits with edible peel. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the commodities under evaluation. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of isofetamid in the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of isofetamid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The reliable end points appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for pyrimethanil in cucurbits with edible peel.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Arysta LifeScience Benelux SPRL submitted a request to the competent national authority in Italy, to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance pyrimethanil in cucurbits with edible peel. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a MRL proposal for cucurbits with edible peel. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of pyrimethanil on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of pyrimethanil according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for etridiazole in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the evaluating Member State (EMS), the Netherlands, received an application from Arysta LifeScience Great Britain Limited to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance etridiazole in various crops. To accommodate for the intended uses of etridiazole, the Netherlands proposed to raise the existing MRLs from the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.05* mg/kg to 0.4 mg/kg in gherkin, courgette and other cucurbits with edible peel, and to raise the existing MRL value of 0.1 mg/kg to 0.4 mg/kg in cucumber. The Netherlands drafted an evaluation report in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. Although the intended uses on gherkin, courgette and other cucurbits with edible peel are supported by residue trials, EFSA did not derive MRL proposals because appropriate information on the toxicological profile and on the relevance of the major plant metabolites 5‐hydroxyethoxyetridiazole acid and 3‐hydroxymethyletridiazole has not been provided. Thus, the tentative risk assessment is affected by a high degree of uncertainty.

Setting of import tolerance for flutriafol in cucurbits with edible peel

Setting of import tolerance for flutriafol in cucurbits with edible peel

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing maximum residue level maximum residue level (MRL) for pyridaben in cucurbits - edible peel

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing maximum residue level maximum residue level (MRL) for pyridaben in cucurbits - edible peel

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for clofentezine in cherries, cucurbits with edible peel, tomatoes and aubergines

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for clofentezine in cherries, cucurbits with edible peel, tomatoes and aubergines

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for proquinazid in tomatoes, aubergines and cucurbits with edible peel

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for proquinazid in tomatoes, aubergines and cucurbits with edible peel

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for difenoconazole in raspberries, blackberries and cucurbits (edible peel)

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for difenoconazole in raspberries, blackberries and cucurbits (edible peel)

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for dithiocarbamates (expressed as carbon disulfide) in bulb vegetables, cucurbits and asparagus

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Italy, herewith referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from the company BASF Italia Srl. to modify the existing MRLs for dithiocarbamate in cucurbits (edible and inedible peel), onions, shallots, garlic and asparagus, resulting from the use of metiram. In order to accommodate the intended uses, the EMS Italy proposed to raise the existing MRL in garlic from 0.5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg; for the other crops they considered there was no need to modify the existing EU MRLs. Italy drafted an evaluation report according to Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. According to EFSA the data were sufficient to derive MRL proposals of 0.6 mg/kg in garlic and 1.5 mg/kg in cucurbits (with inedible peel). For the uses on other crops a need to modify the existing EU MRLs was not identified. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to check the compliance of metiram residues (expressed as carbon disulfide) and the relevant metabolite ethylenethiourea (ETU) in the crops under consideration. EFSA concludes that, the intended use of metiram on garlic and cucurbits (with edible peel) will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a public health concern. The exposure situation for the other crops under consideration is not affected by the new uses requested.

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for teflubenzuron in various fruiting vegetables

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for teflubenzuron in various fruiting vegetables

Setting of MRLs for fenpyrazamine in table grapes, wine grapes, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers and cucurbits with edible peel

Setting of MRLs for fenpyrazamine in table grapes, wine grapes, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers and cucurbits with edible peel

Modification of the existing MRLs for fenamidone in strawberries, cucurbits with edible peel and cucurbits with inedible peel

Modification of the existing MRLs for fenamidone in strawberries, cucurbits with edible peel and cucurbits with inedible peel

Modification of existing MRLs for flubendiamide in cucurbits with edible peel, cucurbits with inedible peel, aubergines and beans

Modification of existing MRLs for flubendiamide in cucurbits with edible peel, cucurbits with inedible peel, aubergines and beans

Anatomical and Morphological Characteristics of Laser Etching Depressions for Fruit Labeling

Fruit etching is an alterative means to label produce. Laser beam-generated pinhole depressions form dot-matrix alphanumerical characters that etch in the required price-look-up information. Pinhole depressions can disrupt the cuticular and epidermal barriers, potentially weakening the natural protection against pathogens. In the present study we describe the anatomical and morphological characteristics of the pinhole depressions in the cuticle/epidermis, and the changes taking place during storage of two fruits: avocado (Persea americana) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). These fruits represent the extremes from a thick, non-edible peel to a thin edible peel. On both tomato and avocado, etching depressions were fairly similar in diameter and depth, averaging 200 μm and 25 μm, respectively, for energy impact durations of 30 μs for tomato and 45 μs for avocado. Immediately after etching, the two- to five-cell-deep depressions contained cuticle/wax deposits. Additional cuticle/wax material was deposited in and around the depressions during storage as demonstrated by confocal, fl uorescent, and light microscopy. In addition, the cells underlining the etch depression increased phenolic and lignin deposits in their walls, creating a potential barrier against pathogenic organisms.