Food Chain Analysis Research Articles

Mycotoxins and Maize Value Chain: Multi-Matrix and Multi-Analyte Tools towards Global Feed and Food Safety

Maize value chains represent invaluable end-consumer products in food systems worldwide. Mycotoxin contamination along these chains causes severe economic and health impacts from the plant, animal and human safety points of view. This work aimed to develop a single standardized methodology that fulfilled extraction and detection procedures for 22 mycotoxins in maize chain matrices. The main goal concerned the validation of a QuEChERS-based ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method in compliance with established performance criteria for mycotoxin determination. Validation parameters encompassing specificity/selectivity, linearity, precision, recovery, Limits of Detection (LOD) and Limits of Quantification (LOQ) were evaluated, and acceptable data were found for all the mycotoxins in the matrices under study, namely, seeds, flowering plants, silage and feed. The applied method presented LODs and LOQs lower than 40.3 and 42.1 ng g−1, respectively, and recoveries ranging from 80.7 to 118.1%, with precision values below 20.5%. A first-time full analytical procedure in a multi-matrix and multi-analyte approach was successfully validated, representing a valuable control tool for mycotoxin monitoring in maize chains. This approach will ultimately allow a response to the need for integrated risk assessments encompassing full, comprehensive analysis of whole food chains in compliance with the maximum levels established in European regulations, and the establishment of accurate solutions in each chain-specific critical point, helping to provide more sustainable, safer and healthy food systems.

Quality control of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. based on value chains and food chain analysis

Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. has been proposed as a medicine and food homology, thus playing an important role in disease prevention and health promotion, with great potential for research and value in clinical application. We aimed to analyze stakeholders' production behavior and financial performance from a value chain (VC) perspective and provide a basis for improving the quality of P. grandiflorum and the interests of stakeholders. P. grandiflorum collected from different producing areas were chemically analyzed, and the quality of platycodin D was evaluated. Rstudio3.6.0 was used to analyze the correlation between total platycodins (as platycodin D, platycoside E, and platycodin D3) and platycodin D in P. grandiflorum, providing the basis for quality control of P. grandiflorum. In addition, we studied the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of P. grandiflorum extract under different links. Based on the food chain energy pyramid, the transfer efficiency of active components of P. grandiflorum in different links was studied. Accordingly, 10 different types of VCs were determined in producing P. grandiflorum. Our results show that vertical coordination has led to a more consistent traceability system and strict regulation of supply chains.

The Sustainable Development Strategy of Marine-Based Gastronomy Ecotourism at Southern Malang, Malang Regency, East Java

Covering an area of 334 787 ha, Malang Regency is quite well-known for its coastal ecotourism potential, with various enjoyable tourist attractions and tempting marine-based gastronomy tourism. However, it has not been well-developed and promoted sustainably by the government or the locals. Thus, the research aims to find out the improvement areas to construct a strategy to develop marine-based gastronomy ecotourism that practices pro-nature and cultural behavior. Qualitative methods (in-depth interviews with experts, experienced sources, and literature reviews), food chain analysis, and SWOT analysis were applied in this research. The study shows that the best strategy to develop marine-based gastronomy ecotourism requires penta-helix collaboration with W-O strategic combinations by improving tourism infrastructure, promoting cultural and local-wisdom aspects behind the local seafood, and implementing the added value to fight off overfishing conditions due to the high demand for seafood.

DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODOLOGY FOR MODELING THE STATE OF THE WATER ECOSYSTEM BASED ON THE METHODS OF ECOLOGICAL STOICHIOMETRY, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ENERGY APPROACH

The article develops a methodology for modeling the state of the food chain of the aquatic ecosystem in terms of biomass growth of producers based on ecological energy stoichiometry. The research is based on a number of sinusoidal functions developed during the simulation of the monthly solar energy arrival per unit area by latitude. The average forecast indicator of energy input for southern Ukraine of 2518 MJ/m2 is very close to the results of similar applied measurements in Odesa. For modeling, the average latitude for Ukraine is 48°23′, the average inclinations of the sun for each of the 8 months according to the astronomical calendar (about 14), as well as the average duration of a sunny day, and the angle of incidence and reflection of the sun’s rays on water are determined based on them, taking into account only the angle of incidence at noon, and changes during the day (the angle of reflection ranges from 17.5 in June to 29.26 in September). Correction coefficients for latitude were derived, the percentage ratio of days with cyclonic weather, due to which there is an increase in reflection due to cloudiness and waves, was calculated – 638 hours and 30 minutes. The efficiency of photosynthesis for the main groups of phytoplankton organisms was calculated, which is 1.98 % for Chlorophyta, 2.38 % for Cyanophyta, 1.96 % for Euglenophyta and 1.65 % for all others. The overall average efficiency of photosynthesis was thus 1.83 %. Taking into account the area of ​​the water mirror, the arrival of energy, reflection, scattering and absorption. Taking into account the efficiency of photosynthesis, a stoichiometric simulation of the increase in biomass of producers was carried out. The potential of carbon dioxide deposition is 2.6 kg/m2 per year, oxygen release is 1.92 kg/m2, and biomass growth is 1.8 kg/m2. This is the maximum potential. The study is supplemented by derived correction factors based on energy and toxicological indices of environmental safety, ORP and the Redfield ratio. This gives a real total energy per square meter of 12335.66473 kJ, biomass growth of 773.1266184 g/m2. The predictive model yields 577.6 kg/ha per year of fish, which is close to the value of natural bioproductivity for herbivorous fish (505 kg/ha). At the stage of food chain analysis, it is proposed to additionally use the deduced regularity of the effect of salinity on the growth of macroliths and correction coefficients of fish productivity for different soils. The basis for automation and local modeling is laid.

Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 linked with consumption of a fast-food product containing imported cucumbers, United Kingdom, August 2020

BackgroundIn August 2020, an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 occurred in the United Kingdom. Whole genome sequencing revealed that these cases formed a genetically distinct cluster. MethodsHypotheses generated from case interviews were tested in analytical studies, and results informed environmental sampling and food chain analysis. A case–case study used non-outbreak ‘comparison’ STEC cases; a case–control study used a market research panel to recruit controls. ResultsA total of 36 cases were identified; all cases reported symptom onset between August 3 and August 16, 2020. The majority of cases (83%) resided in the Midlands region of England and in Wales. A high proportion of cases reported eating out, with one fast-food restaurant chain mentioned by 64% (n = 23) of cases. Both the case–case study (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 31.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–624.9) and the case–control study (aOR 9.19, 95% CI 1.0–82.8) revealed statistically significant results, showing that the consumption of a specific fast-food product was independently associated with infection. ConclusionsConsumption of a specific fast-food product was a likely cause of this outbreak. The only ingredient specific to the product was cucumbers. The supply of cucumbers was immediately halted, and no further cases have been identified.

Food Chain Analysis Based on Graph Centrality Indicators

The knowledge of the structure and complexity of the food web is central for a better understanding of the ecosystem functioning. The food web analysis examines both species and energy flows among them, providing a natural basis for characterizing the ecological roles of the species and the mechanisms by which biodiversity influences the dynamics of the ecosystem. This paper, for the first time, presents the analysis of high-resolution food chain for the mixed forest ecosystem of Khvalynsky National Park.

Negative frequency-dependent foraging behaviour in a generalist herbivore (Alces alces) and its stabilizing influence on food web dynamics.

Resource selection is widely appreciated to be context-dependent and shaped by both biological and abiotic factors. However, few studies have empirically assessed the extent to which selective foraging behaviour is dynamic and varies in response to environmental conditions for free-ranging animal populations. Here, we assessed the extent that forage selection fluctuated in response to different environmental conditions for a free-ranging herbivore, moose (Alces alces), in Isle Royale National Park, over a 10-year period. More precisely, we assessed how moose selection for coniferous versus deciduous forage in winter varied between geographic regions and in relation to (a) the relative frequency of forage types in the environment (e.g. frequency-dependent foraging behaviour), (b) moose abundance, (c) predation rate (by grey wolves) and (d) snow depth. These factors are potentially important for their influence on the energetics of foraging. We also built a series of food-chain models to assess the influence of dynamic foraging strategies on the stability of food webs. Our analysis indicates that moose exhibited negative frequency dependence, by selectively exploiting rare resources. Frequency-dependent foraging was further mediated by density-dependent processes, which are likely to be predation, moose abundance or some combination of both. In particular, frequency dependence was weaker in years when predation risk was high (i.e. when the ratio of moose to wolves was relatively low). Selection for conifers was also slightly weaker during deep snow years. The food-chain analysis indicates that the type of frequency-dependent foraging strategy exhibited by herbivores had important consequences for the stability of ecological communities. In particular, the dynamic foraging strategy that we observed in the empirical analysis (i.e. negative frequency dependence being mediated by density-dependent processes) was associated with more stable food web dynamics compared to fixed foraging strategies. The results of this study indicated that forage selection is a complex ecological process, varying in response to both biological (predation and moose density) and abiotic factors (snow depth) and over relatively small spatial scales (between regions). This study also provides a useful framework for assessing the influence of other aspects of foraging behaviour on the stability of food web dynamics.

Applicability of a food chain analysis on aquaculture of Atlantic salmon to identify and monitor vulnerabilities and drivers of change for the identification of emerging risks

The objective of Aquarius project was to test the applicability of a food chain analysis on Atlantic salmon farmed in Norway to identify and monitor vulnerabilities and drivers of change for the identification of emerging risks. To this end, a comprehensive literature review was conducted complemented with expert views collected by on-line questionnaires and in-depth interviews. This review provided an overview of the various stages in the supply chain from farm to consumer and the identification of i) existing and emerging human and animal health hazards, ii) vulnerabilities, iii) control measures, iv) drivers of change, and v) related indicators. Next step in the study was to i) complement the list of vulnerabilities followed by a prioritisation using focus group discussions and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method and ii) link drivers of change acting upon the (prioritised) vulnerabilities and identification of associated indicators and data sources by means of a Delphi method. Based on the experiences obtained with the different methodologies during this project, the Aquarius team considers literature review, and a direct face-to-face interaction with experts (in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and FMEA in a workshop setting) as being most effective regarding output and effort. The comprehensive information collected formed the basis for the methodology to baseline key indicators of the selected vulnerabilities. The methodology proposed comprised a Bayesian Network (BN) that links data sources for indicators and drivers of change to the prioritised vulnerabilities and was demonstrated for salmon health. A Decision Support System (DSS) with such BN integrated was designed. The current BN and DSS could flag an increased exposure of known hazards that may occur due to changes in indicators but new hazards are not identified. The proposed methodology could be used instead to show trends in vulnerabilities, indicators, increased exposure of known hazards and for scenario studies.

EFSA's activities on emerging risks in 2017

The main objectives of EFSA's activities on emerging risks are: (i) to carry out activities to identify emerging risks in the areas within the remit of EFSA; and (ii) to develop and improve emerging risk identification methodologies and approaches. The current technical report summarises the activities of all groups involved in the emerging risk identification procedure, the issues identified in the course of 2017, a description of methodologies being developed and collaborative activities.EFSA networks of knowledge include the Emerging Risks Exchange Network, the stakeholder discussion group on emerging risks, EFSA's scientific units, scientific panels and the Scientific Committee and its working groups. Summaries of emerging risk identification procedures in use by different stakeholders are presented.A project on the applicability of global food chain analysis for identification of vulnerabilities and drivers of change (AQUARIUS) and two grant agreements with Member States for the development of methodologies and collaboration tools for emerging risk identification (DEMETER) and data collection on ciguatera food poisoning in Europe (EuroCigua) are ongoing. A new project on the application of the procedure for screening chemicals (REACH 2) was initiated.A total of 17 potential emerging issues were discussed in 2017. The issues were assessed against a set of pre-defined criteria: a) new hazard, b) new or increased exposure, c) new susceptible group, and d) new driver. Five issues were not considered to be emerging issues according to EFSA's definition.Follow-up of developments in knowledge or measures taken concerning issues previously identified is extremely difficult and performance of the emerging risk identification procedure should not be based on numbers of issues identified but rather on the process itself. Better collaboration with the scientific community both within EFSA (EFSA units, EFSA networks, panels and working groups) and EU institutions and international organisations is a priority for EFSA but in order to make the procedure more effective, data management systems and digital collaboration platforms are necessary to manage the large amount of data and information available.

The ILLIAD project: sustainable, local or localized, innovative food chains – application to apricot production

ILLIAD (2012-2015), a French national project, aims to propose a set of indicators of system sustainability (sustainable food system, local agri-food systems, food chain analysis), and to test them on three case studies, which are three typical trajectories of construction of sustainable food chains, namely chain innovation (stone fruits), chain differentiation (rice) and territorial embedding (wheat). Although French apricot production resists outside competition, it is weakened by the high variability of harvests and the resulting high variability of apricot price and supply, particularly for processing. A solution to this variability could be the setting up of dedicated orchards with long-term commitments from both producer and processor. The project explores the conditions and consequences of this dedicated orchard, from technical to economic points of view. An ideotype for a dedicated orchard will be built, including aspects of cultivar selection, and conditions in terms of chain organization will be designed. Concerning fresh apricot, the ILLIAD project will work on development of alternative marketing channels, such as direct sales from producers to consumers.

Distribution of the Multidrug Resistance Gene cfr in Staphylococcus Isolates from Pigs, Workers, and the Environment of a Hog Market and a Slaughterhouse in Guangzhou, China.

Bacteria harboring cfr, a multidrug resistance gene, have high prevalence in livestock in China and might be transmitted to humans through direct contact or via contaminated food products. To better understand the epidemiology of cfr producers in the food chain, the prevalence and genetic analysis of Staphylococcus isolates recovered from pigs, workers, and meat-handling facilities (a slaughterhouse and a hog market in Guangzhou, China) were examined. Twenty (4.5%) cfr-positive Staphylococcus isolates (18 Staphylococcus simulans, 1 S. cohnii, and 1 S. aureus) were derived from pigs (16/312), the environment (2/52), and workers (2/80). SmaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of 26 staphylococcal strains (22 S. simulans and 4 S. cohnii), including previously reported cfr-carrying staphylococci of animal food origin, exhibited 19 major pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns (A-S). Clonal spread of cfr-carrying staphylococci among pigs, workers, and meat products was detected. The genetic contexts of cfr in plasmids (pHNKF3, pHNZT2, and pHNCR35) obtained from S. simulans of swine or human origin were similar to that of Staphylococcus species isolated from human clinics and animal-derived food. The cfr-carrying S. aureus strain isolated from floor swabs of the hog market was spa-type t889 and belonged to the ST9 clonal lineage. In summary, both clonal spread and horizontal transmission via mobile elements contributed to cfr dissemination among staphylococcal isolates obtained from different sources. To monitor potential outbreaks of cfr-positive bacteria, continued surveillance of this gene in animals at slaughter and in animal-derived food is warranted.

20 years since the introduction of DNA barcoding: from theory to application

Traditionally, taxonomic identification has relied upon morphological characters. In the last two decades, molecular tools based on DNA sequences of short standardised gene fragments, termed DNA barcodes, have been developed for species discrimination. The most common DNA barcode used in animals is a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase (COI) mitochondrial gene, while for plants, two chloroplast gene fragments from the RuBisCo large subunit (rbcL) and maturase K (matK) genes are widely used. Information gathered from DNA barcodes can be used beyond taxonomic studies and will have far-reaching implications across many fields of biology, including ecology (rapid biodiversity assessment and food chain analysis), conservation biology (monitoring of protected species), biosecurity (early identification of invasive pest species), medicine (identification of medically important pathogens and their vectors) and pharmacology (identification of active compounds). However, it is important that the limitations of DNA barcoding are understood and techniques continually adapted and improved as this young science matures.

Resolving the Trophic Relations of Cryptic Species: An Example Using Stable Isotope Analysis of Dolphin Teeth

Understanding the foraging ecology and diet of animals can play a crucial role in conservation of a species. This is particularly true where species are cryptic and coexist in environments where observing feeding behaviour directly is difficult. Here we present the first information on the foraging ecology of a recently identified species of dolphin (Southern Australian bottlenose dolphin (SABD)) and comparisons to the common bottlenose dolphin (CBD) in Victoria, Australia, using stable isotope analysis of teeth. Stable isotope signatures differed significantly between SABD and CBD for both δ13C (−14.4‰ vs. −15.5‰ respectively) and δ15N (15.9‰ vs. 15.0‰ respectively), suggesting that the two species forage in different areas and consume different prey. This finding supports genetic and morphological data indicating that SABD are distinct from CBD. In Victoria, the SABD is divided into two distinct populations, one in the large drowned river system of Port Phillip Bay and the other in a series of coastal lakes and lagoons called the Gippsland Lakes. Within the SABD species, population differences were apparent. The Port Phillip Bay population displayed a significantly higher δ15N than the Gippsland Lakes population (17.0‰ vs. 15.5‰), suggesting that the Port Phillip Bay population may feed at a higher trophic level - a result which is supported by analysis of local food chains. Important future work is required to further understand the foraging ecology and diet of this newly described, endemic, and potentially endangered species of dolphin.

Food chain analysis by nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids : Application to terrestrial environments

Food chain analysis by nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids : Application to terrestrial environments

Food chain analysis by nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids

Food chain analysis by nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids

Comparison of concentrations of mercury in ambient air to its accumulation by leafy vegetables: An important step in terrestrial food chain analysis

A biomonitoring network with leafy vegetables was established near a chlor-alkali plant in order to compare the accumulation of mercury to the atmospheric total gaseous mercury (TGM) concentration. Based on data obtained in the reference area the ‘normal’ mercury concentration in vegetables is between 0.6 and 5.4 μg kg −1 FW. The effect detection limits (EDLs) are between 1.2 and 11.0 μg kg −1 FW and the biological detection limits (BDLs), the lowest [TGM] that can be detected significantly, are between 3 and 4 ng m −3. The accumulation rate is lowest for lettuce and high for curly kale that proved to be an excellent accumulator and as such it is very useful for biomonitoring purposes. A comparison made in the 1980s between biomonitoring results with grass and the mercury concentration in leafy vegetables from private gardens nearby proved to be valid when applied to the current biomonitoring results with vegetables.

Transparency in netchains as an organizational phenomenon: exploring the role of interdependencies

Abstract Transparency has become a buzzword in the analysis of food chains. This paper analyzes the transparency of food chains from an organizational point of view by referring to the concept of interdependencies. It is argued that a lack of transparency can be rooted in the number and the coordination requirements of inter-company process interdependencies, which on their part result from the division of labor in food chains. Empirical evidence is taken from the German meat industry. The paper suggests some organizational solutions for improving transparency in netchains.

Potential for Food Chain Analysis by Measurement of Stable Isotope Ratios in a Paddy Field Ecosystem

Potential for Food Chain Analysis by Measurement of Stable Isotope Ratios in a Paddy Field Ecosystem

Modelling food web complexity: The consequences of individual-based, spatially explicit behavioural ecology on trophic interactions

We present a prototype simulator that enables one to explore the influence of individual behaviour on the dynamics and structural complexity of food webs. In the simulations, individuals act according to simple, biologically plausible rules in a spatially explicit setting. We present the results of a series of simulation experiments on artificial, tri-trophic level food chains used to calibrate the simulator against real-world systems and to demonstrate the simulator's promise for ecological modelling. Our primary objective was to discover the biological features leading to stability of artificial food chains over ecological time and under different conditions of trophic efficiency. This involved a qualitative analysis of food chains comprised of a plant, a herbivore and a carnivore species. We explored the consequences of allowing individual heterotrophs to make active choices about resource selection (perception and intentional behaviour) under high and low degrees of trophic efficiency. We found that individuals had to adopt realistic behavioural ecological strategies, such as active resource selection, for systems to persist, especially under conditions in which trophic efficiencies were of the magnitude observed in real systems (e.g. 10%). Our results reaffirm previous convictions that a better understanding of food web interactions in real-world systems will require approaches that blend animal behavioural ecology with population and community ecology. However, the evidence comes from a new mathematical perspective.

Food Chain Analysis of Exposures and Risks to Wildlife at a Metals-Contaminated Wetland

Food Chain Analysis of Exposures and Risks to Wildlife at a Metals-Contaminated Wetland