Entire Food Research Articles

Measuring Food Loss and Waste Costs in the Italian Potato Chip Industry Using Material Flow Cost Accounting

Material flow cost accounting (MFCA) represents an innovative tool to identify inefficiencies in the use of resources in agribusiness, measuring either mass flows or costs incurred along the entire supply chain. The purpose of the article is to estimate the meso-level ecological and economic impacts of food loss and waste in the Italian salty snack sector before and during the COVID-19 lockdown by applying MFCA. Furthermore, in the light of the European Commission Delegated Decision 2019/1597, it aims to assess whether MFCA is a suitable tool to support food waste management along the entire food supply, discussing implications for researchers, academics and managers, as well as for public authorities. The research explores potato chip production from the agricultural stage (either considering plant cultivation and harvest) to the final consumption stage. The functional unit is 1 ton of unpackaged chips produced. The Italian lockdown spurred an intense upsurge in snacking activities (i.e., the consumption of salty snacks), justifying the need to investigate an agri-food segment often overlooked from an economic, resources and waste management perspective. It emerges that the “chips system” generates production valued at EUR 461 million (78%) and costs associated with food loss and waste that exceed EUR 131 million (22%), revealing an economically important potential for savings through a reduction in undesirable negative material flows, or through the valorization of previously hidden material losses according to circular economy paradigms. This suggests that the company-level adoption of appropriate material and financial accounting systems could enhance both internal savings and collective benefits towards sustainable resources and waste management.

Deciphering Active Prophages from Metagenomes.

ABSTRACTTemperate phages (prophages) are ubiquitous in nature and persist as dormant components of host cells (lysogenic stage) before activating and lysing the host (lytic stage). Actively replicating prophages contribute to central community processes, such as enabling bacterial virulence, manipulating biogeochemical cycling, and driving microbial community diversification. Recent advances in sequencing technology have allowed for the identification and characterization of diverse phages, yet no approaches currently exist for identifying if a prophage has activated. Here, we present PropagAtE (Prophage Activity Estimator), an automated software tool for estimating if a prophage is in the lytic or lysogenic stage of infection. PropagAtE uses statistical analyses of prophage-to-host read coverage ratios to decipher actively replicating prophages, irrespective of whether prophages were induced or spontaneously activated. We demonstrate that PropagAtE is fast, accurate, and sensitive, regardless of sequencing depth. Application of PropagAtE to prophages from 348 complex metagenomes from human gut, murine gut, and soil environments identified distinct spatial and temporal prophage activation signatures, with the highest proportion of active prophages in murine gut samples. In infants treated with antibiotics or infants without treatment, we identified active prophage populations correlated with specific treatment groups. Within time series samples from the human gut, 11 prophage populations, some encoding the sulfur metabolism gene cysH or a rhuM-like virulence factor, were consistently present over time but not active. Overall, PropagAtE will facilitate accurate representations of viruses in microbiomes by associating prophages with their active roles in shaping microbial communities in nature.IMPORTANCE Viruses that infect bacteria are key components of microbiomes and ecosystems. They can kill and manipulate microorganisms, drive planetary-scale processes and biogeochemical cycling, and influence the structures of entire food networks. Prophages are viruses that can exist in a dormant state within the genome of their host (lysogenic stage) before activating in order to replicate and kill the host (lytic stage). Recent advances have allowed for the identification of diverse viruses in nature, but no approaches exist for characterizing prophages and their stages of infection (prophage activity). We develop and benchmark an automated approach, PropagAtE, to identify the stages of infection of prophages from genomic data. We provide evidence that active prophages vary in identity and abundance across multiple environments and scales. Our approach will enable accurate and unbiased analyses of viruses in microbiomes and ecosystems.

Analysis of Collaborative Sustainable Practices in multi-tier food supply chain using integrated TISM-Fuzzy MICMAC model: A supply chain practice view

Increasing sustainability demands of stakeholders and government regulators are driving Food Manufacturing Companies (FMCs) towards embedding sustainability practices across the entire food value chain. This is most relevant in emerging economies such as India, as the sustainable growth of the food supply chain (SC) is predominantly dependent upon its multiple tiers of suppliers. Regrettably, the most impactful tier of suppliers, which are the grass-root suppliers, lie outside the reach of the sustainable efforts of the FMC. Significantly, the incorporation of the sustainability initiatives needs consistent and coordinated efforts of all the tiers of suppliers and stakeholders, especially in the current situation where a global pandemic badly hits farmers. This can be achieved by adopting Collaborative Sustainable Practices (CSPs) for channelization of joint efforts of FMC and stakeholders towards sustainability of grass-root suppliers using supply chain practice view. However, minimal documentation exists regarding the same, and the present study intends to fill this gap. Based on a case study of an Indian flour milling company, the focus of the research work is (1) identifying CSPs that FMC can adopt, (2) ascertaining the role of interim suppliers for ensuring sustainability up to the last tier of suppliers, and (3) developing a structural model utilizing combined efficiencies of Total Interpretive Structural Modeling technique and Fuzzy-MICMAC analysis, which the FMC can adopt for effectively implementing both the traditional practices as well as the CSPs. Through the result findings, decision-makers can visualize the impact and strength of each CSP and its interactions with other CSPs. It can enable them to cascade effective managerial responses into the respective tiers of SC for successful implementation of the CSPs and transmission of sustainability benefits to include the grass root suppliers. The study provides significant theoretical implications contributing to the existing literature on sustainability in a multi-tier food SC. Further, inputs to policy formulators for enhancing sustainability of farmers are outlined.

Intersectoral economic relations in the field of storage of grain and grain products

The problems of improving intersectoral economic relations in the current conditions of economic development of Kazakhstan are determined by market forms of selling grain and grain products. The goal – one of the main tasks to be solved - to provide a set of measures to overcome the imbalance in the relationship between agricultural and processing enterprises, since the organizational and economic relations between them are one of the bottlenecks in the grain product subcomplex. Methods – comparative analysis, statistical and economic, system analysis, logical generalization. Results – an increase in grain production requires the expansion of the capacities of enterprises in the elevator industry, mainly through new construction. Enterprises in modern conditions are characterized with increased capacity and more modern equipment in comparison with elevators in the territory of the CIS countries. As the main type of intersectoral interaction, the economic relations of agriculture and the elevator industry for the sale of grain are singled out. Conclusions – in any form of ownership, the expensive fixed assets of elevators created over decades should be used rationally, in the interests of the entire food system of the country. In addition to the types of services, such as exchange operations, assistance in the preparation of varietal seeds of grain crops, elevators and grain-receiving enterprises should form commodity lots of grain for its producers, carry out commercial transactions on market on their behalf, and also engage in mortgage transactions. In conditions of limited material and financial resources for commodity producers, joint use of the capacities of large elevators, grain-receiving and processing enterprises acquires importance. Elevators and other grain-receiving enterprises, being the main participants in grain market of the Republic of Kazakhstan, are designed to ensure the promotion of grain from commodity producers to processors and directly to consumers, the main task of these enterprises is to give the grain a marketable appearance to maximize consumer demand.

Multi-decadal environmental change in the Barents Sea recorded by seal teeth.

Multiple environmental forcings, such as warming and changes in ocean circulation and nutrient supply, are affecting the base of Arctic marine ecosystems, with cascading effects on the entire food web through bottom‐up control. Stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) can be used to detect and unravel the impact of these forcings on this unique ecosystem, if the many processes that affect the δ15N values are constrained. Combining unique 60‐year records from compound specific δ15N biomarkers on harp seal teeth alongside state‐of‐the‐art ocean modelling, we observed a significant decline in the δ15N values at the base of the Barents Sea food web from 1951 to 2012. This strong and persistent decadal trend emerges due to the combination of anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Atlantic, increased northward transport of Atlantic water through Arctic gateways and local feedbacks from increasing Arctic primary production. Our results suggest that the Arctic ecosystem has been responding to anthropogenically induced local and remote drivers, linked to changing ocean biology, chemistry and physics, for at least 60 years. Accounting for these trends in δ15N values at the base of the food web is essential to accurately detect ecosystem restructuring in this rapidly changing environment.

Risk-Benefit Assessment of Feed Additives in the One Health Perspective.

Safety and sustainability of animal feeds is a pillar of the safety of the entire food chain. Feed additive assessment incorporates consumer safety as well as animal health and welfare, which, in turn, can affect productivity and hence food security. The safety of feed users and the environment are other important components of the assessment process which, therefore, builds on a One Health perspective. In several instances the assessment entails a balanced assessment of benefits and risks for humans, animals and/or the environment. Three case studies are selected to discuss issues for a consistent framework on Risk-Benefit Assessment (RBA) of feed additives, based on EFSA opinions and literature: (a) Supplementation of feeds with trace elements with recognized human toxicity (cobalt, iodine) - RBA question: can use levels, hence human exposure, be reduced without increasing the risk of deficiency in animals?; (b) Aflatoxin binders in dairy animals - RBA question: can the use reduce the risk for human health due to aflatoxin M1, without unexpected adverse effects for animals or humans?; (c) Use of formaldehyde as preservative in feedstuffs to prevent microbial contamination - RBA question: is the reduction of microbiological risks outweighed by risks for the consumers, farmed animals or the workers? The case studies indicate that the safety of use of feed additives can involve RBA considerations which fit into a One Health perspective. As in other RBA circumstances, the main issues are defining the question and finding “metrics” that allow a R/B comparison; in the case of feed additives, R and B may concern different species (farm animals and humans). A robust assessment of animal requirements, together with sustainability considerations, might be a significant driving force for a RBA leading to a safe and effective use.

Preventing food waste in the Chinese catering supply chain：from a tacit knowledge viewpoint

PurposeIn China food waste during the catering service process namely the back end of the entire food supply chain has neither received sufficient attention nor been evaluated precisely even though it has been the cause of food security concerns. In response considering the complex tacit knowledge embedded at the front end of the Chinese catering supply chain this article aimed at addressing relevant issues from the viewpoint of tacit knowledge.Design/Methodology/ApproachThis article is conceptual in nature. From the perspective of knowledge management (KM), we used a deductive method to explore intricate tacit knowledge embedded at the front end of the catering supply chain in China.FindingsThe key challenges in preventing food waste in the Chinese catering supply chains are: (1) a variety of knowledge icebergs in Chinese catering culture, (2) the complex tacit dimension of knowledge in Chinese cookery, and (3) difficulties in bringing standardization to the Chinese catering business. The three KM-based step-by-step solutions are: (1) standardizing the essential cookery techniques of Chinese cuisine, (2) encouraging catering enterprises to create online knowledge-sharing platforms to reduce food waste for all stakeholders, and (3) using big data to build a nationwide KM system.Practical ImplicationsOur research indicates that the of a comprehensive KM system specific to the Chinese catering supply chain is crucial for standardizing the essential cookery techniques of Chinese cuisine and analyzing big data, which could help improve Chinese catering processes and gastronomic habits in reality, so as to more effectively prevent food waste.Originality/ValueOur research contributes to the literature by connecting the reduction of food waste issues with the KM perspective. A key to more efficiently reducing food waste in China lies in the lack of a deeper, more systematic understanding of the tacit dimension of knowledge in Chinese cookery and impressive dietary culture, namely the front end of the catering supply chain.

A comprehensive review on lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.): Nutritional composition, health-related bioactive properties, and industrial applications

Lotus is a member of a small family of Nelumbonaceae and is regarded as a sacred flower grown as a freshwater aquatic plant. All plant parts are utilized as food and medicine. Lotus seed (LS) is an important part of the lotus plant due to its nutritional and bioactive components. The presence of phenolic compounds imparts numerous bioactivities to the LS extracts. Nutritional composition is considered crucial for evaluating new ingredients for food applications. Hence, the review deals with the nutritional composition of the LS and bioactivities of LS extracts, viz., anti-cancer, anti-proliferation, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory action. LS also possesses a significant amount of industrially important components which are beneficial for the formulation of food products. The overall profile of the lotus seed makes them potential nutraceutical and bioactive food ingredients. Utilizing this low-cost horticultural waste for producing value-added products is a novel step in its sustainable utilization. The article aimed to comprehensively collate some of the vital information published on lotus seeds incurred in the agri-food sector and critically discussing the potentiality of tapping bioactive compounds from lotus seeds considered as wastes and/or by-products in the entire agriculture-based food sector.

The Italian Observatory on Food Surplus, Recovery, and Waste: The Development Process and Future Achievements.

Food loss and waste (FLW) is an environmental, social, and economic problem. Countries all around the world are looking for efficient strategies to prevent and reduce FLW, as recommended by target 12.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The European Union (EU) is strongly committed to helping solve the FLW issue, setting up the Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste, and adopting the Farm to Fork Strategy. Italy has also adopted a consolidated approach toward this issue, in particular through the redistribution of food surplus to those in need, a policy that was instituted with the Gadda Law 166/2016. Importantly, this normative framework also provided for the establishment of the National Observatory on Food Surplus, Recovery, and Waste [Osservatorio sulle Eccedenze, i Recuperi e gli Sprechi Alimentari (OERSA)]. This article describes the creation and development of the OERSA, as the technical entity supporting national FLW policies. One of the first actions taken by the OERSA was that of mapping the FLW initiatives that were being implemented along the entire food supply chain in Italy. This gave the OERSA a solid foundation on which to begin working on two different fronts: (1) Collecting data regarding the primary production sector and at the consumer level and (2) Establishing educational programs and awareness campaigns. The data collected by the OERSA highlight that, although several actors of the Italian supply chain are already conscious of the causes of FLW, new strategies that focus on innovation and cooperation should be encouraged.

Cross‐linked boron nitride‐piperazine amide thin film nanocomposite membranes for rejection and concentration of per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-contaminated wastewaters present major public health risks given the PFAS thermo-chemical stability and its demonstrated adverse impacts on aquatic life, extended to the entire food chain. To date, remediation of PFAS-contaminated wastewaters have been mainly undertaken with poorly cost-effective strategies, involving multi-step processes. Advanced separation systems enabling the selective capture and concentration of PFAS must be developed. In this work, the potential of nanofiltration (NF) membranes to reject short chain length PFAS, potassium nonafluoro-1-butanesulfonate (C4F9SO3K), is demonstrated with both bare polymeric and amine functionalized-boron nitride BN(NH2) nanosheet-decorated membranes. The BN(NH2)-decorated membranes exhibited almost 1.04 times higher permeation upon C4F9SO3K filtration compared to the bare poly(piperazine amide) (PPA) membranes (53 versus 26 L m−2 h−1), while maintaining very high C4F9SO3K rejection levels above 93%. A commercial membrane exhibited similar permeation to BN(NH2)-decorated membrane, but only retained ∼65% of the C4F9SO3K. The improved filtration performance of the BN(NH2)-decorated membrane was rationalized based on advanced characterization results to its enhanced wettability and negative charge density, resulting in weak interactions between the C4F9SO3K and BN(NH2) nanosheets. This communication demonstrates the role and potential of fine surface modifications of NF membranes to support improved separation performance towards PFAS removal.

Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals comparable responses to agricultural stressors on different trophic levels of a freshwater community.

Freshwater habitats are under stress from agricultural land use, most notably the influx of neonicotinoid pesticides and increased nutrient pressure from fertilizer. Traditional studies investigating the effects of stressors on freshwater systems are often limited to a narrow range of taxa, depending heavily on morphological expertise. Additionally, disentanglement of multiple simultaneous stressors can be difficult in field studies, whereas controlled laboratory conditions do not accurately reflect natural conditions and food webs. To overcome these drawbacks, we investigated the impacts of two agricultural stressors (the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid and fertilizer) in full‐factorial design in a semi‐natural research site, using environmental DNA sampling to study three different taxonomic groups representing three trophic levels: bacteria (decomposers), phytoplankton (primary producers), and chironomids (consumers). The results show considerable impact of both stressors across trophic levels, with an additive effect of fertilizer and thiacloprid on community composition at all levels. These findings suggest that agricultural stressors affect the entire food web, either directly or through cascade reactions. They are also consistent with morphological assessments that were performed in the same study site, even at a lower number of replicates. The study presented shows that the use of multimarker environmental DNA provides a more comprehensive assessment of stressor impacts across multiple trophic levels, at a higher taxonomic resolution than traditional surveys. Additionally, many putative novel bioindicators for both agricultural stressors were discovered. We encourage further investigations into stressors impacts at different trophic levels, which will lead to more effective monitoring and management of freshwater systems.

How do French agri-tech start-ups contribute to the sustainability of food value chains?

ABSTRACT The development of digital technologies is one of the solutions being implemented to empower the food industry, especially now, when the sector is struggling to meet sustainable development goals by 2030. The attention of digital solutions has been widely given to its use at the production segment of the food value chains; that is, on-farm activities. We argue that digital technologies can enhance productivity and resilience along the entire food value chain, while increasing sustainability in this domain. Our results show complete digitalization of food value chains in France, driven by innovative start-ups, with some stages more digitalized than others. Indeed, digital technologies are shown to support the three dimensions of sustainable development goals: economic, social, and environmental. However, their benefits should be equally accessible to all actors in this field, and we therefore suggest further research.

Diatoms and fatty acid production in Arctic and estuarine ecosystems—a reassessment of marine food webs, with a focus on the timing of shorebird migration

This review highlights diatoms and their production of fatty acids at Arctic ice edges and temperate estuaries as strategic in initiating high spring productivity. As important as their energy production is their synthesis de novo of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), which are bioactive molecules fundamental to maintaining ecosystem processes, and are necessary for reproduction and growth for the entire marine food web. Without these fatty acids, consumers can suffer poor reproduction and growth even with sufficient energy intake, and shorebirds may need LCPUFAs for nonstop long-hop migration. Timing of high energy fatty acid and LCPUFA production by diatoms coincides with growth and reproduction of consumer populations, with the arrival of seabirds in the Arctic and staging of shorebirds in estuaries. The switch from diatom production of carbohydrates to fatty acids is triggered by changes in chemical and physical environmental factors, which can be muted by factors such as climate change or habitat modification. Higher ocean temperatures and lower pH from climate change alters the ability of diatoms to make LCPUFAs, and habitat degradation reduces the numbers of diatoms in the area, subsequently reducing the amounts of LCPUFA produced. Changes in LCPUFA output could impact functionality of ice-edge and estuarine ecosystems, impacting shorebird migration and consumer productivity. Research is scarce on marine consumer reproduction and growth comparing quantity vs. quality of ingested saturated, monounsaturated, and omega-3 LCPUFAs, and nonexistent for seabirds and shorebirds. Future studies of marine food webs should include the role of diatoms and their contribution of not just energy, but also LCPUFAs to the food web.

ОЦІНКА ТЕНДЕНЦІЙ РОЗВИТКУ РОСЛИННИЦТВА В СІЛЬСЬКОМУ ГОСПОДАРСТВІ УКРАЇНИ МЕТОДАМИ ПРОГНОЗНОЇ ЕКСТРАПОЛЯЦІЇ

The article proves that one of the main types of economic activity of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine is agriculture. Its state and potential for development depends on the production of crop and livestock products. In addition to providing the population with food, crop production also provides the food industry with agricultural raw materials and livestock with feed. Therefore, we can say that the state of the entire agro-industrial complex and food security of the state directly depends on crop production. This determines the relevance of this work. It was found that it is impossible to achieve growth in this sector of the economy without improving the efficiency of agricultural enterprises. To achieve this goal, according to the authors, is possible through financial, technological and economic balance with processing and service enterprises of agriculture. Also, an important factor that can ensure the competitiveness of products is the reduction of material, technical and energy costs. Extrapolation methods, in particular, pairwise regression analysis, were used to predict the targets. Using the least squares method, the following were investigated: linear, polynomial, exponential, power, and logarithmic dependences. The choice of the form of dependence was performed using Fisher's criterion, which characterizes their adequacy to the input statistics, which should not be less than 95%. In addition, criteria were used to verify the adequacy and homogeneity of the data. Forecasting was performed for indicators of sown area of main crops and average yield. This also allows you to determine the estimated amount of gross collection for the forecast period. The scientific novelty of this work is the further development of the methodology of statistical analysis of crop production in agriculture of Ukraine based on methods of predictive extrapolation, which in contrast to the existing takes into account the dynamics of quantitative and qualitative factors and allows to perform long-term calculations.

The impact of preservation technology investments on lot-sizing and shipment strategies in a three-echelon food supply chain involving growing and deteriorating items

Food production systems are complex industrial operations that often involve multiple parties. This study proposes inventory management strategies for a multi-echelon perishable food supply chain with growing and deteriorating items. The upstream end of the proposed food supply chain is the farming echelon where newborn growing items are reared to maturity. Following this, the items are sent to the processing echelon for processing, a term that collectively describes activities such as slaughtering, cutting and packaging. The aim of the processing echelon is to transform live growing items into processed food products that are suitable for human consumption. The downstream end of the supply chain is the retail echelon where consumer demand for processed food products is met. Once the items are processed, they are subject to deterioration at both the processing and retail echelons. In light of this, an integrated inventory model aimed at optimising the performance of the entire food supply chain is formulated. The impact of investing in preservation technologies is also investigated due to the perishable nature of food products. To do this, a secondary model that incorporates an investment in preservation technologies is formulated. The model, representing a simplified industrial food production system, is aimed at jointly optimising the lot-size, number of shipments, growing cycle duration, processing cycle duration and the preservation technology investment amount. The results from the numerical example demonstrate that the preservation technology investment is worthwhile because it results in reduced inventory management costs across the supply chain.

Ranljivost slovenskega prehranskega sistema v povezavi z vojno v Ukrajini

The Russian-Ukrainian war brings many economic and social challenges. Among other, it causes turmoil in the global energy and food markets, affects the functioning of global food systems and threatens food security. Ukraine and Russia are important global exporters of cereals, oilseeds, fossil fuels, and mineral fertilizers. The war disrupts the flow of these goods to the world market, which has greatly increased their prices and in some countries caused food shortages. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the war on food chains in Slovenia. For this purpose, the self-sufficiency in cereals, the agri-food trade between Slovenia and the two countries at war, and the prices of some agricultural commodities and inputs were analysed. The results show that the import of agri-food products from Ukraine and Russia to Slovenia is not significant, but the negative effects of the war are felt nevertheless. These are shown mainly through the rising prices of production inputs, as well as uncertain political and economic developments, which affect stakeholders along the entire food chains. Due to various factors, the world prices of agricultural inputs and commodities were already at a very high level even before the Russian invasion, and additional pressure on prices was caused by the outbreak of war. The European Union, which is Slovenia’s main trading partner, covers domestic needs for most agricultural products through production, so there is no threat of food shortages. Nevertheless, food affordability remains a major concern due to high market prices and inflationary trends.

Omic applications to understand food system microbiomes

Understanding the microbial communities associated with food systems has traditionally used culture-based techniques that can provide a snapshot of the microorganisms present. However, this approach requires multiple media types and only allows for the identification of a limited number of culturable species. Culture-independent methods such as sequencing and omic techniques provide a deeper understanding of the microbial community, how they interact and function together across the entire food system. This review provides a brief introduction to omic techniques used in microbiome studies and touches on microbiome research that has been undertaken across the farm to fork continuum focusing on leafy vegetables where possible.

How Relevant is High-Cadence Earth Observation for Maize Crop Phenology Classification?

Crop phenology can be defined as the study of biological processes such as emergence, flowering, and senescence that are associated with and affected by environmental growing conditions. The ability to reliably detect crop phenology and its spatial-temporal variability is critical for farmers, policymakers, and government agencies, since it has implications for the entire food chain. Currently, two methods are the most used to report crop phenology. Land surface phenology provides insight into the overall trend, whereas USDA-NASS weekly reports provide insight into the development of specific crops at the regional level. High-cadence earth observations may be able to improve the accuracy of these estimations and bring more precise crop phenology classifications closer to what farmers need. The use of robust classifiers (e.g., random forest, RF) to manage large data sets is required to successfully achieve this goal. This study compared the output of an RF classifier model using weather, two different satellite sources (Planet Fusion; PF and Sentinel-2; S-2), and ground truth data to improve maize (Zea mays L.) crop phenology classification during the 2017 growing season in Kansas. Our findings indicate that high-cadence (PF) data can enhance crop classification metrics (f1-score = 0.94) as compared to S-2 (f1-score = 0.86). This study emphasizes the significance of very high temporal resolution (daily) earth observation data for agricultural crop monitoring and decision-making tools.

Food traceability system in India

The need for food safety has arisen because of increasing awareness of consumers and concerns of the regulators regarding quality, hygiene and authenticity of food supplies. One of the tools used for assuring quality and safety in the entire food supply chain is providing reliable information through traceability. A survey was conducted to understand Indian food supply chain from product identification and traceability, industry preparedness for undertaking recalls across food categories, identification of gaps and recommend the way forward. The IT based traceability system for export supply chains was also examined. It was observed that barcodes are used primarily for price displays and low awareness on importance of food traceability system for assuring food safety was observed.

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in the aquatic food web of a temperate urban lake in East China: Bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and probabilistic human health risk

The bioaccumulation and biomagnification of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in temperate urban lacustrine ecosystems is poorly understood. We investigated the occurrence and trophic transfer of and probabilistic health risk from 15 PFAAs in the food web of Luoma Lake, a temperate urban lake in East China. The target PFAAs were widely distributed in the water (∑PFAA: 77.09 ± 9.07 ng/L), suspended particulate matter (SPM) (∑PFAA: 284.07 ± 118.05 ng/g dw), and sediment samples (∑PFAA: 67.77 ± 17.96 ng/g dw) and occurred in all biotic samples (∑PFAA: 443.27 ± 124.89 ng/g dw for aquatic plants; 294.99 ± 90.82 for aquatic animals). PFBA was predominant in water and SPM, with 40.11% and 21.35% of the total PFAAs, respectively, while PFOS was the most abundant in sediments (14.11% of the total PFAAs) and organisms (14.33% of the total PFAAs). Sediment exposure may be the major route of biological uptake of PFAAs. The PFAA accumulation capacity was the highest in submerged plants, followed by emergent plants > bivalves > crustaceans > fish > floating plants. Long-chain PFAAs were biomagnified, and short-chain PFAAs were biodiluted across the entire lacustrine food web. PFOS exhibited the greatest bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential among the target PFAAs. However, biomagnification of short-chain PFAAs was also observed within the low trophic-level part of the food web. Human health risk assessment indicated that perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) posed health risks to all age groups, while the other PFAAs were unlikely to cause immediate harm to consumers in the region. This study fills a gap in the knowledge of the transfer of PFAAs in the food webs of temperate urban lakes.