Food Products Research Articles

Development of a Portable Ozone Generation System for Calibration of Online Ozone Water Analyzers

ABSTRACT Ozone water, serving as a disinfectant, plays a significant role in the production of medical, food, and sanitation sectors. However, due to the instability of ozone water, it needs to be produced and used simultaneously in practical applications. It leads to a series of technical challenges. They include the lack of standard ozone water solutions. To address them, this study designs and constructs a new calibration system for online ozone water analyzers with controllable concentrations. This system has been successfully applied to the calibration of online ozone water analyzers from different manufacturers and models available. The concentration values of ozone water were verified using the chemical iodometric method. Calibration results showed that the indication error of the online ozone water analyzers ranged from 0.04 mg/L to 0.07 mg/L, the repeatability was between 0.0% and 4.1%, and the stability ranged from 2% to 9%. This study not only provides an effective solution for the calibration of online ozone water analyzers but also contributes to the standardization and quality control in related fields through the design and implementation of the system.

Co-encapsulation of vitamin D3 and Cordia myxa fruit peel extract in nanoemulsions

PurposeThis study investigated the production of free and encapsulated nanoemulsions using Cordia myxa fruit peel (CMFP) extract and vitamin D3.Design/methodology/approachThe CMFP extract was obtained using an ultrasonic technique, and its characteristics such as total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis were assessed. CMFP was encapsulated in vitamin D3 oil droplets of nanoemulsion prepared by ultra-homogenization using calcium alginate polymer. The nanoemulsions were evaluated for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, antimicrobial activity, morphology, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and release rate in a simulated gastrointestinal model.FindingsThe GC/MS results revealed that pyrocatechol, cholestanoids and propionaldehyde were the predominant compounds in the extract. The highest cytotoxicity effect of CMFP was observed at concentrations of 6.25 and 12.5 ppm of the extract. Encapsulated nanoemulsions exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218). The antioxidant activity of the free and encapsulated nanoemulsions ranged from 25.81 to 36.08 mg/100g and 49.25–55.7 mg/100g, respectively. Free nanoemulsions showed a higher release rate in the simulated gastric model compared to encapsulated ones. The FTIR spectrum allowed for the identification of functional groups responsible for antioxidant and antibacterial properties, indicating that these properties of the nanoemulsions were maintained.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates the successful co-encapsulation of CMFP extract and vitamin D3 in nanoemulsions, which significantly enhanced the stability, bioavailability and functional properties of both compounds. Encapsulated nanoemulsions exhibited higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to their free counterparts, with controlled release in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. These findings confirm that nanoemulsion-based encapsulation is an effective strategy to protect and enhance the bioactivity of plant extracts and vitamins, supporting their potential use in functional food products and therapeutic application.

Nitrogen flow in food production and consumption system of Inner Mongolia from 2000 to 2020

Decoupled crop and livestock production caused serious disconnection of nitrogen utilization in agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China. In this study, we employed a material flow analysis approach to investigate reactive nitrogen (Nr) flow in the food production and consumption system in Inner Mongolia from 2000 to 2020. Results indicated that agricultural production system is the primary source of Nr input for the food consumption system. The environmental nitrogen load in Inner Mongolia has been increasing progressively, from 266 Gg in 2000 to 882 Gg in 2020, primarily due to the rapid increase in livestock farming and significant losses of nitrogen in feces and urine. Our results raise the attention to promote the close integration of farmland production and livestock system in the decoupled crop and livestock production system.

Shortwave Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging to Detect Contaminants in the U.S. Food Supply.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures the safety of the nation's food supply using sampling and laboratory analysis of imported and domestic foods. Accurate detection and identification of extraneous filth elements in inspected food samples is critical in producing evidence for regulatory decision-making. As part of ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency and accuracy of data collection, to better inform regulatory decision-making, scientists at the FDA have been exploring the application of emerging imaging technologies. To this end, we tested the ability of shortwave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral image analysis to simultaneously detect and identify filth elements from a variety of chemically digested single- and multiple-ingredient food matrices. We tested five stored-product beetle species on a background of four different food matrix types. Our analyses successfully detected whole beetles and fragments as small as 0.65 mm in 95% of samples. All beetle species tested were accurately detected from the background matrices, and initial classification results show identification to genus. Our results show that SWIR spectral image analysis is a very promising technology for application in the detection and identification of filth elements in food products in a regulatory context and further development has the potential to increase analytical efficiency at FDA regulatory labs.

Genome-wide association study of metabolic traits in the giant duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza.

The exceptionally high growth rate and high flavonoid content make the giant duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. (Arales: Lemnaceae Martinov) an ideal organism for food production and metabolic engineering. To facilitate this, identification of the genetic basis underlying growth and metabolic traits is essential. Here, we analysed growth and content of 42 metabolites in 137 S. polyrhiza genotypes and characterized the genetics underpinning these traits using a genome-wide association (GWA) approach. We found that biomass positively correlated with the content of many free amino acids, including L-glutamine, L-tryptophan, and L-serine, but negatively correlated with specialized metabolites, such as flavonoids. GWA analysis showed that several candidate genes involved in processes such as photosynthesis, protein degradation, and organ development were jointly associated with multiple metabolic traits. The results suggest the above genes are suitable targets for simultaneous optimization of duckweed growth and metabolite levels. This study provides insights into the metabolic diversity of S. polyrhiza and its underlying genetic architecture, paving the way for industrial applications of this plant via targeted breeding or genetic engineering.

A Cu/β-cyclodextrin/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for efficient and multi-aflatoxin detection in rice, ginger and bean samples.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are some of the most important mycotoxins or fungal toxins that cause contamination of food products and are considered a threat to human and animal health. An efficient Cu/β-cyclodextrin/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (Cu/β-CD/rGO) has been prepared and applied as a new solid-phase extraction adsorbent for the separation and preconcentration of four AFs (B1, B2, G1, and G2) using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). The successful synthesis of the prepared nanocomposite was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The impacts of pH, amount of adsorbent, sample volume, desorption solvent volume, and salt concentration on the recovery of AFs were precisely investigated and optimized by central composite design (CCD). Under the optimal conditions, the introduced method demonstrated good linearity in the range of 0.4-5.4, 0.08-1.08, 0.4-5.4, and 0.08-1.08 ng g-1 for AFs B1, B2, G1 and G2, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification for the four AFs were obtained in the range of 0.06-0.53 and 0.20-1.62 ng g-1, respectively. The accuracy of the method was evaluated using recovery measurements in spiked real samples such as rice, bean, and ginger samples, and satisfactory recoveries were obtained in the range of 83.5-109.0% with good precision (RSDs between 2.4 and 8.6%). The results of this research revealed that our developed method is sensitive, highly effective, and convenient to perform for the trace analysis of AFs in different real samples.

From data to nutrition: the impact of computing infrastructure and artificial intelligence

This article explores the significant impact that artificial intelligence (AI) could have on food safety and nutrition, with a specific focus on the use of machine learning and neural networks for disease risk prediction, diet personalization, and food product development. Specific AI techniques and explainable AI (XAI) are highlighted for their potential in personalizing diet recommendations, predicting models for disease prevention, and enhancing data-driven approaches to food production. The article also underlines the importance of high-performance computing infrastructures and data management strategies, including data operations (DataOps) for efficient data pipelines and findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) principles for open and standardized data sharing. Additionally, it explores the concept of open data sharing and the integration of machine learning algorithms in the food industry to enhance food safety and product development. It highlights the METROFOOD-IT project as a best practice example of implementing advancements in the agri-food sector, demonstrating successful interdisciplinary collaboration. The project fosters both data security and transparency within a decentralized data space model, ensuring reliable and efficient data sharing. However, challenges such as data privacy, model interoperability, and ethical considerations remain key obstacles. The article also discusses the need for ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration between data scientists, nutritionists, and food technologists to effectively address these challenges. Future research should focus on refining AI models to improve their reliability and exploring how to integrate these technologies into everyday nutritional practices for better health outcomes.

Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in People Living Near the Mine-Closure in Tak Province

Heavy metals including lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) can damage the kidney, liver, brain, lungs, blood composition, and other vital organs. As a result, their toxicity, especially when contaminated in food, water, and soil, can be harmful to human health. This study evaluated the risk of adverse health effects to residents near closed zinc mines in Tak Province, Thailand. Data was collected from three subdistrict sites and analyzed for probable health risk. Scenario pathways were oral and dermal contact of heavy metals; including Pb, Zn, and Cd, in four age groups with average daily dose and hazard quantification; hazard index (HI); and cancer risk (CR) considered. Results were that carcinogen risk quantification exceeded the recommended limit (CR ≤10-6) in all scenarios, and the hazard index for non-carcinogenic risk was below the acceptable level (HQ ≤1), in which Cd dominated for all categories. These findings suggest that all medias and food products should be appropriately monitored, especially with carcinogenic surveillance, to mitigate health effects on residents.

Decarbonizing the Food System with Microbes and Carbon-Neutral Feedstocks.

Harnessing CO2 and CO2-derived C1-C2 compounds for microbial food production can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and boost sustainability within the food sector. These innovative technologies support carbon neutrality by generating nutrient-rich edible microbial biomass and biocompounds using autotrophic and heterotrophic microbes. However, qualifying microbial food viability and future impacts in the food sector remains challenging due to their diversity, technical complexity, socioeconomic forces, and incipient markets. This review provides an overview of microbial food systems and then delves into the technical interplay among feedstocks, microbes, carbon fixation platforms, bioreactor operations, and downstream processes. The review further explores developing markets for microbial food products, the industrial landscape, economic drivers, and emerging trends in next-generation food products. The analysis suggests a transformative shift in the food industry is underway, yet significant challenges persist, such as securing cost-effective feedstocks, improving downstream processing efficiency, and gaining consumer acceptance. These challenges require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to ensure the future commercial success of microbial foods-doing so will create myriad opportunities to transform and decarbonize our food system.

Natural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance: The Role of Essential Oils in Poultry Meat Preservation with Focus on Gram-Negative Bacteria

The increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health problem with implications on human and veterinary medicine, as well as food production. In the poultry industry, the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials has led to the development of resistant or multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp., which pose a serious risk to meat safety and public health. The genetic transfer of resistance elements between poultry MDR bacteria and human pathogens further exacerbates the AMR crisis and highlights the urgent need for action. Traditional methods of preserving poultry meat, often based on synthetic chemicals, are increasingly being questioned due to their potential impact on human health and the environment. This situation has led to a shift towards natural, sustainable alternatives, such as plant-derived compounds, for meat preservation. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising natural preservatives in the poultry meat industry offering a potential solution to the growing AMR problem by possessing inherent antimicrobial properties making them effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Their use in the preservation of poultry meat not only extends shelf life, but also reduces reliance on synthetic preservatives and antibiotics, which contribute significantly to AMR. The unique chemical composition of EOs, that contains a large number of different active compounds, minimizes the risk of bacteria developing resistance. Recent advances in nano-encapsulation technology have further improved the stability, bioavailability and efficacy of EOs, making them more suitable for commercial use. Hence, in this manuscript, the recent literature on the mechanisms of AMR in the most important Gram-negative poultry pathogens and antimicrobial properties of EOs on these meat isolates was reviewed. Additionally, chemical composition, extraction methods of EOs were discussed, as well as future directions of EOs as natural food preservatives. In conclusion, by integrating EOs into poultry meat preservation strategies, the industry can adopt more sustainable and health-conscious practices and ultimately contribute to global efforts to combat AMR.

Managing false positives during detection of pathogen sequences in shotgun metagenomics datasets

BackgroundCulture-independent diagnostic tests are gaining popularity as tools for detecting pathogens in food. Shotgun sequencing holds substantial promise for food testing as it provides abundant information on microbial communities, but the challenge is in analyzing large and complex sequencing datasets with a high degree of both sensitivity and specificity. Falsely classifying sequencing reads as originating from pathogens can lead to unnecessary food recalls or production shutdowns, while low sensitivity resulting in false negatives could lead to preventable illness.ResultsWe used simulated and published shotgun sequencing datasets containing Salmonella-derived reads to explore the appearance and mitigation of false positive results using the popular taxonomic annotation softwares Kraken2 and Metaphlan4. Using default parameters, Kraken2 is sensitive but prone to false positives, while Metaphlan4 is more specific but unable to detect Salmonella at low abundance. We then developed a bioinformatic pipeline for identifying and removing reads falsely identified as Salmonella by Kraken2 while retaining high sensitivity. Carefully considering software parameters and database choices is essential to avoiding false positive sample calls. With well-chosen parameters plus additional steps to confirm the taxonomic origin of reads, it is possible to detect pathogens with very high specificity and sensitivity.

Tradeoff optimization of urban roof systems oriented to food-water-energy nexus

Urban roof development serve as a form of urban tinkering that could provide favorable conditions to meet wicked food, water, and energy challenges. In this research, three urban roof systems are designed featuring food production, rainwater collection, building energy saving, and photovoltaic power generation, which are named the bare roof system, green roof system, and open-air farming roof system. Here we establish a generalizable framework to reveal the multifaceted tradeoffs of urban roof schemes integrating geographic information system, life cycle assessment, and multi-objective optimization and decision-making. Testing the framework in a typical compact city Shenzhen, China, results show that the rooftop suitability for food-water-energy function development within the city ranges from 26.21 % to 42.83 %. When implementing a city-wide roof system upscaling, the harvested rainwater on rooftops would contribute to 82.5 % of urban recycled water utilization target in 2035 and exhibit the fewest economic costs, but comes at the cost of life cycle carbon emissions and land occupation with 1850 kt and 140 km2. City-wide roof farming scenario shows potential to achieve the local self-sufficiency of vegetables, and stands out as the avoided transboundary energy footprints which are 4.5 times greater than life cycle energy consumption. Our research can foster the multiple tradeoff understanding between upscaling roof systems and urban food-water-energy nexus. The findings will assist in multi-objective decision-making for roof planning and sustainable transition in cities.

Quantifying and Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Egg-Laying Hen Farming: A Path Towards Carbon Neutrality

This study presents a comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in commercial egg-laying hen farming in Uttaradit Province, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality within the poultry sector. Employing a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) over a 450-day production period, this research identifies key sources of emissions, with feed consumption identified as the largest contributor, followed by water use and energy demands. To address these emissions, the study explores several innovative strategies: transitioning to solar photovoltaic systems for lighting and water pumping, shifting from diesel to biodiesel for fuel, and optimizing feed compositions. Additionally, advanced manure management practices are proposed to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Collectively, these interventions could significantly diminish the emissions associated with hen farming operations, thereby advancing environmental sustainability. This work not only provides actionable insights for poultry farms seeking to lower their emissions but also offers a scalable and adaptable model with broader implications for sustainable practices across the agricultural sector. The findings underscore the importance of renewable energy integration, feed optimization, and efficient waste management in mitigating the environmental impact of agriculture, thereby informing both policy and practice in the pursuit of carbon-neutral food production.

Enhancing Food Production Through Modern Agricultural Technology.

Food security is fundamental to human capacity building and is crucial for sustainable global development. As the global population continues to surge, the demand for food production is increasingly strained, struggling to keep pace with nutritional needs. This challenge is exacerbated by climate change effects, including extreme weather events and natural disasters, leading to significant losses in both crop yield and arable land. In this article, we delve into the innovative strategies employed by plant researchers to enhance crop resilience and productivity. These efforts have led to the development of new crop varieties that boast adaptability to varying climatic conditions, improved resistance to diseases and herbicides, and significantly increased yields. Alongside genetic advancements, the article also highlights sustainable and smart agricultural practices that are pivotal in augmenting crop productivity. These practices include optimizing water resource management during irrigation and integrating modern informational and intelligent technologies in farmland management. By synthesizing these technological and methodological advances, this article proposes a comprehensive approach to addressing the pressing issues of food security. These solutions not only aim to meet the immediate food demands but also foster long-term sustainability in agricultural practices.

Biochemical Characterization of Mannanase from Newly Isolated Acinetobacter sp. KUB-ST1-1 and its Hydrolysate Containing Mannooligosaccharides: Potential as Applied Prebiotic for Pet Food

The β-mannanase enzyme derived from isolated Acinetobacter sp. KUB-ST1-1 was studied for its potential for mannooligosaccharide production. Extracellular mannanase from Acinetobacter sp. KUB-ST1-1, cultured in nutrient broth with 0.5% (w/v) locust bean gum, was purified using ultrafiltration, anion exchange chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The enzyme, with a molecular weight of 57 kDa, had high activity in a 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 6.0 and was stable from pH 4.0 to 7.0. It had high-temperature stability at 40 °C and 50 °C for up to 18 h. This enzyme was highly active toward konjac and galactomannan, especially with locust bean gum and copra meal. The hydrolysis products consisted mainly of the 2 and 3 units of mannooligosaccharide. The mannooligosaccharide exhibited prebiotic properties by promoting increased growth of some beneficial lactic acid bacteria. Furthermore, the defatted copra meal hydrolysate had considerable resistance to pepsin, trypsin, and bile salts under simulated gastrointestinal conditions for dogs. These characteristics highlighted the enzyme's excellent properties and suggested its potential as a promising candidate for applications in the food and bio-industries, particularly in pet food production.

Effect of mulching and organic manure on maize yield, water, and nitrogen use efficiency in the Loess Plateau of China

Current agricultural practices prioritize intensive food production, often at the expense of environmental sustainability. This approach results in greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater pollution due to over-fertilization. In contrast, organic agriculture promotes a more efficient use of non-renewable energy, improves soil quality, and reduces ecological damage. However, the effects of mulching and organic manure on maize yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in China’s Loess Plateau have not been sufficiently researched. In 2017 and 2018, an experiment utilizing a randomized complete block design with two factors (two mulching levels × three organic nitrogen application rates) was conducted. The water content of the upper soil layer was found to be 12.6% to 19.4% higher than that of the subsoil layer. Across all soil depths and years, the soil nitrate-N content in mulched treatments was 10% to 31.8% greater than in non-mulched treatments with varying organic nitrogen rates. Additionally, mulching resulted in an increase in grain yield of 9.4% in 2017 and 8.9% in 2018 compared to non-mulched treatments. A significant interaction was observed between mulching and organic nitrogen application rate concerning WUE, alongside a negative correlation between WUE and NUE. These findings suggest that the application of 270 kg N ha−1 of sheep manure in conjunction with mulching is a highly recommended practice for the Loess Plateau, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural strategies.

Stakeholder perceptions of the Norwegian salmon farming industry and its future challenges

Aquaculture has emerged as the fastest growing sector in global food production, with salmon farming in the lead. Norway is responsible for over half of the world salmon production, but its industry faces significant challenges which must be addressed to achieve sustainability. One key issue is the lack of a unified understanding among stakeholders of how production affects the environment and intersects with the interests of other users. Given this context, this present study aims to understand the diverse perspectives of different groups of stakeholders regarding the expansion challenges faced by the Norwegian salmon farming industry. We assessed environmental, socio-economic, operational, and regulatory aspects, highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement among stakeholders using Q-methodology. Our results reveal four distinct stakeholder groups, two of which reveal polarized views, while the other two present more balanced opinions. We believe that our findings facilitate enriched dialogues among stakeholders and provide insights into the management of the industry, while addressing the dilemma of ensuring sustainability amid pressures for production growth.

Disaster resilience of household-level food-energy-water nexus

This study examines the resilience and sustainability of household-level Food-Energy-Water (FEW) systems in the face of increasing natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. With the backdrop of escalating natural hazards and heightened vulnerabilities, this research explores innovative approaches to enhancing household resilience through the implementation of sustainable FEW systems such as rainwater harvesting, sand filtration, solar energy, geothermal energy, gas-powered and solar generators, hydroponic food production, and small greenhouses. Three primary scenarios, food disruption, energy scarcity, and water shortage are analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of various household-level FEW systems within a residential context. These systems are compared in terms of cost-effectiveness and performance, highlighting their capacity to supply essential needs during crises. The paper also introduces an integrated nexus approach, considering the interdependencies among food, energy, and water systems, and evaluates the compounded impact of simultaneous disruptions. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide actionable insights into the development of resilient infrastructures at a micro-scale, which can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of global environmental changes on local scales.

Informal pricing in formal fish markets: Evidence from the Solomon Islands

How are fish prices determined in the largest formal market in the Solomon Islands? The Honiara Central Market is the country’s primary fresh produce market, serving as an important conduit between rural food producers and urban consumers. One distinctive characteristic of this market is that despite a diverse range of reef fish species being available, all reef fish are traded nominally as homogeneous goods with no price differentiation. Using transaction-level data collected from the market, we show the prevalence of informal pricing, wherein the unit price of fish is implicitly differentiated based on fish species groups, quality, and buyers’ attributes. This result aligns with our expectation that diverse species groups and qualities are traded in a competitive environment with many vendors and buyers, where reef fish are indeed traded as heterogeneous products. Although fish provide a vital source of food and income for Pacific Island countries, the pricing of this vital natural resource is poorly understood. Our study provides new insights into how fish prices are determined in a formal market within the context of small island developing states.

A Study On Effects of Packaging of FMCG Products On the Buying Behavior of Consumers with Reference to Tirupattur District

The present investigation was carried out with 100 respondents from Tirupattur District. Convenience sampling technique was used for the present study for collection of data. The study was conducted by using both Primary and Secondary data. A structured questionnaire was prepared for the present study. The primary data for the present study was collected with the help of a questionnaire. The secondary data for the present study was collected from journals, magazines, researcher newspapers, and websites. Findings revealed that the impact of packaging and its elements consumer’s purchase decision is quite Signiant in respect to the consumer’s varied choice. For this purpose, the Package’s elements were identified on the basis of its graphics quality, color, size, form, and material of packaging being used on the product. Packaging is the prime force to provide information to the consumer and should satisfy legal requirements for product identification nutritional value, ingredient declaration, net weight, and manufacturer information. A package is the face of a product and the only product exposure consumers experience prior to purchase. Consequently, distinctive or innovative packaging can boost sales in a competitive environment. The concerned study has analyzed the consumer buying behaviour of food packaging products and has examined the customer preference to buy different food products. It has also analyzed the reasons for customer preferences over the commonly preferred food product brands in the market.