Food Contamination Research Articles

Nanobiosensors based on on-site detection approaches for rapid pesticide sensing in the agricultural arena: A systematic review of the current status and perspectives.

The extensive use of chemical pesticides has significantly boosted agricultural food crop yields. Nevertheless, their excessive and unregulated application has resulted in food contamination and pollution in environmental, aquatic, and agricultural ecosystems. Consequently, the on-site monitoring of pesticide residues in agricultural practices is paramount to safeguard global food and conservational safety. Traditional pesticide detection methods are cumbersome and ill-suited for on-site pesticide finding. The systematic review provides an in-depth analysis of the current status and perspectives of nanobiosensors (NBS) for pesticide detection in the agricultural arena. Furthermore, the study encompasses the fundamental principles of NBS, the various transduction mechanisms employed, and their incorporation into on-site detection platforms. Conversely, the assortment of transduction mechanisms, including optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric tactics, is deliberated in detail, emphasizing its advantages and limitations in pesticide perception. Incorporating NBS into on-site detection platforms confirms a vital feature of their pertinence. The evaluation reflects the integration of NBS into lab-on-a-chip systems, handheld devices, and wireless sensor networks, permitting real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making in agronomic settings. The potential for robotics and automation in pesticide detection is also scrutinized, highlighting their role in improving competence and accuracy. Finally, this systematic review provides a complete understanding of the current landscape of NBS for on-site pesticide sensing. Consequently, we anticipate that this review offers valuable insights that could form the foundation for creating innovative NBS applicable in various fields such as materials science, nanoscience, food technology and environmental science.

FOXO3a/PI3K/Akt pathway participates in the ROS- induced apoptosis triggered by α-ZEL and β-ZEL

Zearalenone (ZEN), an estrogenic mycotoxin, is one of the most common food and feed contaminants. Also, its metabolites α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL) are considered to induce oxidative stress, however its effect in prostate cells is not known yet. Our previous observations showed that forehead box transcription factor 3a (FOXO3a) expression is modified in hormone- sensitive cells in the response to mycotoxins, similar to the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Thus, this study evaluated the direct molecular effect of α-ZEL and β-ZEL in a dose of 30 µM in hormone-dependent human prostate cancer (PCa) cells with the focus of the involvement of FOXO3a and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in that effect. We observed that both active metabolites of ZEN reduced cell viability, induced oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PCa cells. Furthermore, we observed that FOXO3a as well as PI3K/Akt signaling pathway participate in ZELs induced toxicity in PCa cells, indicating that this signaling pathway might be a regulator of mycotoxin-induced toxicity generally.

Exploring organophosphate ester contamination and distribution in food: A meta-analysis

This study examines the food safety risk of organophosphate esters (OPEs) by analyzing data from 23 studies with 14,915 data points. We found EDP contamination highest in cereals, dairy, and meats, and TEHP most prevalent in vegetables and fruits, with contamination levels reaching 4.54 ng/g and 1.46 ng/g, respectively. Food processing influences OPE contamination through complex and multifaceted, akin to a “double-edged sword.”, as meta-analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed. Estimated Dietary Intakes (EDI) identified vegetables and cereals as primary OPE sources, contributing 33.3% and 23.8% of total intake, with EDI values of 44.74 ng/kg bw/day and 32.25 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. Current exposure levels are within U.S. EPA safety thresholds (HQ < < 1), but the heightened risk to infants and children necessitates revising safety standards and ongoing monitoring.

Characterization of two virulent Salmonella phages and transient application in egg, meat and lettuce safety

Salmonella, a prominent foodborne pathogen, has posed enduring challenges to the advancement of food safety and global public health. The escalating concern over antibiotic misuse, resulting in the excessive presence of drug residues in animal-derived food products, necessitates urgent exploration of alternative strategies for Salmonella control. Bacteriophages emerge as promising green biocontrol agents against pathogenic bacteria. This study delineates the identification of two novel virulent Salmonella phages, namely phage vB_SalS_ABTNLsp11241 (referred to as sp11241) and phage 8-19 (referred to as 8-19). Both phages exhibited efficient infectivity against Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE). Furthermore, this study evaluated the effectiveness of two phages to control SE in three different foods (whole chicken eggs, raw chicken meat, and lettuce) at different MOIs (1, 100, and 10000) at 4°C. It’s worth noting that sp11241 and 8-19 achieved complete elimination of SE on eggs after 3 h and 6 h at MOI = 100, and after 2 h and 5 h at MOI = 10000, respectively. After 12 h of treatment with sp11241, a maximum reduction of 3.17 log10 CFU/mL in SE was achieved on raw chicken meat, and a maximum reduction of 3.00 log10 CFU/mL was achieved on lettuce. Phage 8-19 has the same effect on lettuce as sp11241, but is slightly less effective than sp11241 on chicken meat (a maximum 2.69 log10 CFU/mL reduction). In conclusion, sp11241 and 8-19 exhibit considerable potential for controlling Salmonella contamination in food at a low temperature and represent viable candidates as green antibacterial agents for food applications.

Hybrid photo paper-based microfluidic device for colorimetric detection of iodine in salt

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) have gained widespread use in various analytical applications because they are low-cost and suitable for onsite testing. The development of µPADs, including fabrication methods, new materials, and enhancement functionality is crucial to advance their practical application in analytical chemistry. In this study, we introduce a new hybrid paper-based analytical device, the hybrid photo paper-based microfluidic device (hPPMD), which combines a photo paper-based microfluidic device (PPMD) with a µPAD. We conducted a systematic study that detailed hPPMD’s characteristics, including surface properties and fluidic transportation. The hPPMD showed two fluidic transportation behaviors: continuous flow and discontinuous flow at the device junction, depending on the orientation of the device combination. Our hPPMD could increase fluidic flow approximately four times the speed when six layers of guided channels were added. The customized hPPMD was used for colorimetric detection of iodine in table salt, and then the result was quantitatively analyzed using a computer and smartphone with color analysis software. The detection zones of the hPPMD showed a flawless circular color signal. Under optimum conditions, the hPPMD was sensitive enough to detect iodine in salt solutions at various concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 ppm. The developed hPPMD should be a simple and low-cost analytical device for onsite qualitative analysis of the iodine and other chemical contaminants in food and the environment.

Tag-free fluorometric aptasensor for detection of chromium(VI) in foods via SYBR Green I signal amplification and aptamer structure transition.

In response to growing concerns regarding heavy metal contamination in food, particularly chromium (Cr)(VI) contamination, this study presented a simple, sensitive and practical method for Cr(VI) detection. A magnetic separation-based capture-exponential enrichment ligand system evolution (SELEX) method was used to identify and characterize DNA aptamers with a high affinity for Cr(VI). An aptamer, Cr-15, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 4.42 ± 0.44 μmol L-1 was obtained after only eight rounds of selection. Further innovative methods combining molecular docking, dynamic simulation and thermodynamic analysis revealed that CrO4 2- could bind to the 19th and 20th guanine bases of Cr-15 via hydrogen bonds. Crucially, a label-free fluorometric aptasensor based on SYBR Green I was successfully constructed to detect CrO4 2-, achieving a linear detection range of 60-300 nmol L-1 with a lower limit of detection of 44.31 nmol L-1. Additionally, this aptasensor was able to quantitatively detect CrO4 2- in grapes and broccoli within 40 min, with spike recovery rates ranging from 89.22% to 108.05%. The designed fluorometric aptasensor exhibited high selectivity and could detect CrO4 2- in real samples without sample processing or target pre-enrichment. The aptasensor demonstrated its potential as a reliable tool for monitoring Cr(VI) contamination in fruit and vegetable products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A comparative study of the effect of extracts extracted from Ocimum basilicum leaves using organic extract and essential oil

Background: Medicinal plants that possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties have garnered significant attention for their role in maintaining food quality, improving safety, and impeding spoilage. They also can aid in controlling food contamination risks and augmenting the nutritional value of foods. Objective: The study aimed to obtain botanical extracts possessing antimicrobial capabilities and use them to inhibit the growth of molds and yeasts. Additionally, these extracts are aimed at prolonging product shelf life by harnessing their antioxidant attributes. Methods: Several microorganisms, including E. coli and Pseudomonas, were subjected to testing. Ethanolic alcohol, chloroform, and essential oil extracts were prepared; the tablets were then immersed in these solutions to test their efficacy. Results: The leaf extracts displayed significant antimicrobial efficacy against essential oil extracts with Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens, while the organic extracts, which included ethyl alcohol and chloroform, did not show any inhibitory effects against bacteria. Conclusion: The basil leaf extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against microorganisms, particularly in the case of essential oil extracts compared with other methods of extraction. However, Gram-positive bacteria showed a better response for the essential oils method than that of Gram-negative bacteria. Keywords: Ocimum basilicum; basil leaf; Clevenger; chemical active compounds; essential oil; organic extracts

Isolation and characterization of two phages against emetic Bacillus cereus and their potential applications

AbstractBacillus cereus is a common foodborne pathogen capable of producing cereulide and enterotoxin. Consumption of food contaminated with cereulide can even result in fatality. Bacteriophages are increasingly being utilized as biocontrol agents to combat specific pathogens in a variety of food products. However, there are currently no lytic phages available to target cereulide‐producing B. cereus. This study aims to isolate and characterize two novel phages, DC1 and DC2, and assess their potential for use in food substrates. These two phages possessed the widest host range among the reported lytic phages that target B. cereus. The whole genome analysis demonstrated that DC1 and DC2 belonged to the Tsarbombavirus genus of the Bastillevirinae subfamily, which is part of the Herelleviridae family. The one‐step growth curve analysis revealed that DC1 had a latent period of 30 min and a burst size of approximately 39 PFU (plaque‐forming units) per cell. On the other hand, DC2 exhibited a shorter latent period of 15 min and a larger burst size of 124 PFU per cell. Both phages had a burst period of 30 min. Furthermore, DC1 and DC2 displayed excellent stability within a wide range of pH levels and temperatures. After undergoing a brief phage‐soaking treatment, DC1 and DC2 effectively reduced the bacterial count in spiked food samples. Additionally, they inhibited the formation of biofilms and degraded already‐formed biofilms. Collectively, DC1 and DC2 exhibit great potential as biocontrol agents for the prevention and control of B. cereus contamination in foods.

Analysis of natural occurring radionuclide activity concentration of fish in west coast waters of Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract Fish is an important source of protein in human diets, but concerns arise due to natural radionuclide contamination in food and water sources. The study aimed to assess the concentration radionuclides activities (232Th, 238U, and 40K) in three commercial fish species from west coast waters of Sabah, Malaysia. Additionally, the annual effective dose and cancer risk for adults consuming these fish were evaluated. The concentration analysis was conducted using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) technique. The average concentration levels of radionuclide activity detected, and the annual effective dose was estimated to be much lower than UNSCEAR recommendations. The collective effective dose was estimated at 1.88 μSv y−1 for 232Th, 1.11 μSv y−1 for 238U, and 15.12 μSv y−1 for 40K. The cancer risk for adults from the annual effective dose was also found to be much lower than UNSCEAR and ICRP recommendations. Based on the study’s findings, consuming fish from west coast waters of Sabah is deemed safe. However, it is recommended to establish a long-term monitoring system for radionuclide bioaccumulation in fish to gather valuable information for assessing the potential health risks associated with radionuclides in Malaysia, particularly in the Sabah.

Hannaella sinensis, a promising biocontrol agent for combating postharvest pear fruit diseases and patulin degradation

Postharvest pear fruits are susceptible to fungal decay and patulin (PAT) contamination during storage and transportation. PAT is a harmful mycotoxin contaminant of fruits and fruit products. Our team has identified a strain of Hannaella sinensis through preliminary research and validated its ability to degrade PAT in vitro. However, whether H. sinensis can effectively combat postharvest diseases of pears and control PAT within the fruit was yet unknown. Therefore, our current work aimed to determine the ability of H. sinensis to control blue mold decay and PAT contamination in postharvest pear fruit. The results showed that H. sinensis could effectively control postharvest blue mold decay, significantly reducing both the decay rate and lesion diameter in pear fruits and the PAT content in pear wounds. In addition, H. sinensis treatment had no negative impression on pear storage. H. sinensis was shown to have a better ability to adapt to the environment, occupy space, and utilize nutrients than pathogens, which provides favorable conditions for H. sinensis to colonize the wound and surface of pear fruit. The inhibitory effect of H. sinensis on PAT represents a new solution to control PAT contamination in food.

Assessment of Variables in Fruit Product Safety Procedures in Surabaya City Modern Retail

Abstract Public health problems with food contamination, both microbial and chemical, continue to be a challenge for the food industry. Therefore, it is crucial for modern retail outlets to keep their fresh food in a safe-to-eat condition. The research objective is to analyze various factors in fruit product safety procedures at modern retail in the city of Surabaya. The research sample was deliberately determined to consist of Distributor and Logistics Managers from each supermarket and hypermarket, quality control staff and fresh food staff, totaling 50 samples. The capacity to identify the procedures for ensuring food safety at their places of employment was the criterion used to select each respondent. The data analysis method uses a factor analysis approach and is supported by IBM SPSS Ver. software. 23. The research parameters are based on the Guidance on Hygiene and Safety in the Food Retail Sector Sector as a standard from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Result show that there are 5 main components that have gone through a reduction process and have been assessed properly. The five factors are the factors of ‘Storage’, ‘Proper Cleaning and Sanitation’, ‘Pest Control’, ‘Incoming Material Inspection’ and ‘Product Traceability’. This study discovered that in order to guarantee quality assurance for food goods, modern ritel in Surabaya must emphasize storage, good cleaning and sanitation, pest control, inspection of incoming materials, and product tracking.

Phenotype and Genotypic Characteristics of Isolated Clinical Salmonella typhi Strains from Children with Diarrhea

Abstract Background: Salmonella and its stereotypes are an important source of human food contamination and are very strong and pathogenic in humans. Objectives: This study aimed to isolate Salmonella typhi from children with diarrhea and study its phenotypic and genotypic characterizations. Materials and Methods: In this study, 150 stool samples of children with diarrhea were collected from hospitals and medical centers and were transferred to the specialized laboratory of Islamic Azad University, Sabzevar branch, with full respect for health conditions. Peptone water, Selenite F broth, XLD, and Salmonella Shigella agar were used for primary isolation. To confirm the diagnosis, biochemical tests, such as triple sugar iron, urea agar, VogesProskauer, Indole, Simmons’ citrate, and movement, were used. Results: A total of 45 cases of Salmonella bacteria were isolated using the microbial culture method. This is while using the Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular method, resistance and pathogenicity genes were detected in all 45 cases of Salmonella bacteria in the samples, and most of them are homogenous in terms of antibiotic resistance content, both phenotypically and molecularly were the target genes. Therefore, it can be said that the PCR method is more accurate than the microbial culture and also the traditional methods of microbial culture are often time-consuming, tiring, and expensive. Conclusion: This study concludes that for diagnosis and isolation of bacteria, two methods are generally used, such as traditional methods and new methods. However, the isolation of bacteria by these methods is time-consuming and time-effective and has always caused problems for researchers. This is especially important when faced with time limitations and we have to announce the result immediately or in cases where we encounter the size of the samples.

Advanced radiation detector design for applications in food safety and national security

We describe a new concept for a radiation detector based on extruded scintillator technology and commercially available solid-state photo-detectors. The detector is simple in construction, robust, very efficient, cost-effective and easily scalable in size from tens of cm2 to tens of m2. We describe two possible applications: flagging radioactive food contamination and detection of illicit radioactive materials, such as those potentially used in a dirty bomb.

The Role of Probiotics in Improving Food Safety: Inactivation of Pathogens and Biological Toxins.

Currently, many advances have been made in avoiding food contamination by numerous pathogenic and toxigenic microorganisms. Many studies have shown that different probiotics, in addition to having beneficial effects on the host's health, have a very good ability to eliminate and neutralize pathogens and their toxins in foods which leads to enhanced food safety. The present review purposes to comprehensively discuss the role of probiotics in improving food safety by inactivating pathogens (bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasite agents) and neutralizing their toxins in food products. Some recent examples in terms of the anti-microbial activities of probiotics in the body after consuming contaminated food have also been mentioned. This review shows that different probiotics have the potential to inactivate pathogens and neutralize and detoxify various biological agents in foods, as well as in the host body after consumption.

Development and validation of a simultaneous quantitative analytical method for two Alternaria toxins and their metabolites in plasma and urine using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Much more attention has been paid to the contamination of Alternaria toxins because of food contamination and the threat to human health. In this study, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous detection of the prototypical alternariol, alternariol monomethylether, and the metabolites 4-oxhydryl alternariol, and alternariol monomethylether 3-sulfate ammonium salt of Alternaria toxins. The positive samples were used as matrix samples to optimize the different experimental conditions. 0.01% formic acid solution and acetonitrile were used as the mobile phase, and analytes were scanned in negative electron spray ionization under multiple reaction monitoring, and quantitative determination by isotope internal standard method. Application of this method to samples of human plasma and urine showed the detection of the above analytes. The results showed that the recoveries were from 80.40% to 116.4%, intra-day accuracy was between 0.6% and 8.0%, and inter-day accuracy was between 1.1% and 12.1%. The limit of detection of the four analytes ranged from 0.02 to 0.6µg/L in urine, and 0.02 to 0.5µg/L in plasma, respectively. Thus, the developed method was rapid and accurate for the simultaneous detection of analytes and provided a theoretical basis for the risk assessment of Alternaria toxins for human exposure.

Protective properties of the edible halophyte Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. towards neoformed food contaminants-related oxidative stress and genotoxicity

Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. is an edible halophyte native to South Africa, where it has been traditionally consumed as food, revealing its nutritional value, and used in the treatment of human diseases probably due to the accumulation of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. These compounds have potential to display valuable biological activities that could bring several benefits to the human being, including the mitigation of toxicity induced by food contaminants. Therefore, this study investigated biological activities with health-promoting potential of a C. edulis ethanol extract (CEE), such as antioxidant, antigenotoxic, and antimutagenic. CEE was shown by LC-DAD-ESI/MSn to be composed of 16 polyphenols. The extract exhibited antioxidant properties by protecting Saccharomyces cerevisiae viability and improving the redox state of HepG2 cells under oxidative stress. Antigenotoxicity of CEE against H2O2-induced oxidative damage was detected in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells by comet assay and subsequently observed in the dominant deletion assay in S. cerevisiae. Antigenotoxicity and antimutagenicity of CEE towards the neoformed contaminant benzo[a]pyrene was found in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells by comet assay and in Salmonella typhimurium using the Ames test, respectively. The disclosed antigenotoxic and antimutagenic properties of C. edulis further advance its potential for application in food and nutraceutical industries for health benefits.

Prevention of Cadmium Contamination by Microbial Inoculant and Its Potential Mechanism

Cadmium is the main heavy metal contaminant of food in the world. The extent of cadmium pollution in peanut in China remains unclear. To determine the cadmium pollution level in peanut, samples from the main producing regions in China were assessed. The findings revealed that the cadmium pollution level in Chinese peanuts was relatively low. Moreover, the Aflatoxin Rhizobia Couple B. amyloliquefaciens, B. laterosporu, B. mucilaginosus, E. ludwiggi (ARC-BBBE) microbial inoculants on cadmium contamination in peanut were evaluated. The fertilization methods were categorized into conventional fertilization and conventional fertilization supplemented with 60 kg/hectare of microbial inoculant ARC-BBBE as the base fertilizer. The cadmium contents in the soil and peanut plant parts were detected and analyzed. The results demonstrated that the microbial inoculant ARC-BBBE significantly reduced the total cadmium content in peanut, as well as the available cadmium and exchangeable cadmium in soil. Furthermore, the pH and urease and alkaline phosphatase activities in soil were significantly enhanced, suggesting that the microbial inoculant ARC-BBBE decreased cadmium content in soil and reduced the cadmium uptake by plants through a combination of the action of the bacteria itself and the secretion of extracellular substances. This ultimately achieves the goal of reducing the cadmium content in peanut seeds.

Internal exposure to heat-induced food contaminants in omnivores, vegans and strict raw food eaters: biomarkers of exposure to acrylamide (hemoglobin adducts, urinary mercapturic acids) and new insights on its endogenous formation

The urinary mercapturic acids N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine (AAMA) and N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (GAMA) are short-term biomarkers of exposure from acrylamide and its metabolite glycidamide, respectively. The medium-term exposure to acrylamide and glycidamide is monitored by the adducts N-(2-carbamoylethyl)-Val (AA-Val) and N-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-Val (GA-Val) in hemoglobin (Hb), respectively. Three questions were addressed by application of these biomarkers in two diet studies including 36 omnivores, 36 vegans and 16 strict raw food eaters (abstaining from any warmed or heated food for at least four months): first, what is the internal acrylamide exposure following a vegan or a raw food diet in comparison to that in omnivores? Second, did the exposure change between 2017 and 2021? And third, what is the stability over time of AAMA/GAMA excretion compared to that of AA-Val/GA-Val levels in Hb between both time points? Median urinary AAMA excretion per day in non-smoking omnivores, vegans and raw food eaters were 62.4, 85.4 and 15.4 µg/day, respectively; the corresponding median AA-Val levels were 27.7, 39.7 and 13.3 pmol/g Hb, respectively. Median levels in strict raw food eaters were about 25% (AAMA excretion) and 48% (AA-Val) of those in omnivores. In comparison to 2017, AAMA and GAMA excretion levels were hardly altered in 2021, however, levels of AA-Val and GA-Val in 2021 slightly increased. There was a weak correlation between AAMA excretion levels determined four years apart (rS = 0.30), and a moderate correlation between levels of AA-Val (rS = 0.55) in this timeframe. Our data in strict raw food eaters confirm a significant endogenous formation to acrylamide in a size range, which is—based on the levels of AA-Val—distinctly higher than reported previously based on levels of urinary AAMA excretion. The relatively lower AAMA excretion in raw food eaters likely represents a lower extent of glutathione conjugation due to missing hepatic first-pass metabolism in case of endogenous formation of acrylamide, which leads to a higher systemic exposure.

Comparative analysis of commercial cleaning and disinfection formulations and protocols for effective eradication of biofilms formed by a Pseudomonas fluorescens strain isolated from a poultry meat plant

Pseudomonas spp. is the main genus of spoilage bacteria for meat stored under aerobic chilling conditions. Given their ability to adapt to various environmental conditions and to form biofilms, they are common among residential microbiota in the food industry. Biofilms are complex, structured microbial communities encased in a self-produced exopolysaccharide matrix. Resident biofilm bacteria show increased resistance against disinfectants and dynamic or hostile environments, and are therefore a persistent source of food contamination. Hence, there is a need to design and implement control strategies that are effective against biofilms in the food industry. In this study, we tested a series of commercial cleaning and disinfection agents applied by immersion or aerosolization against robust biofilms of a Pseudomonas fluorescens strain isolated from a poultry meat plant by comparing the sessile cell counts before and after the procedure. The single application of a) an alkaline or an enzymatic detergent, b) a disinfectant based on peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, or c) a detergent-disinfectant based on tertiary alkylamines or sodium hypochlorite, failed to completely eradicate the biofilm. However, two-step cleaning and disinfection procedures involving the application of a detergent (either alkaline or enzymatic at 50 °C) followed by the application of the disinfectant based on peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide at the manufacturer's recommended concentrations did result in the complete eradication (p ≤ 0.05) of the robust biofilm. In addition, cleaning and disinfection procedures applied by aerosolization showed a notable efficacy (p ≤ 0.05) against surface-dried cells and sessile cells of P. fluorescens. Therefore, this approach could be regarded as a potentially viable alternative to commonly applied immersion techniques.

Glyphosate as a Food Contaminant: Main Sources, Detection Levels, and Implications for Human and Public Health.

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum pesticide that has become the most widely used herbicide globally. However, concerns have risen regarding its potential health impacts due to food contamination. Studies have detected glyphosate in human blood and urine samples, indicating human exposure and its persistence in the organism. A growing body of literature has reported the health risks concerning glyphosate exposure, suggesting that the daily intake of contaminated food and water poses a public health concern. Furthermore, countries with high glyphosate usage and lenient regulations regarding food and water contamination may face more severe consequences. In this context, in this review, we examined the literature regarding food contamination by glyphosate, discussed its detection methods, and highlighted its risks to human health.