Food Safety Authority Of Ireland Research Articles

Vendors' handling practices of edible long-horned grasshoppers (Ruspolia differens) products and implications on microbial safety.

Edible grasshopper, Ruspolia ruspolia, has nutritional and cherished cultural and economic importance to people from diverse cultures, particularly in over 20 African countries. It is consumed at home or commercially traded as sautéed, deep-fried, or boiled products. However, there is limited information on the hygiene practices of the vendors and the implications on the microbial safety of the final product. This research aimed at assessing the food safety knowledge, handling practices and shelf life of edible long-horned grasshopper products among vendors and the microbial safety of ready-to-eat products sold in 12 different markets in Uganda. Samples of raw, deep-fried and boiled grasshoppers were randomly collected from 74 vendors (62% street and 38% market vendors) and subjected to microbial analysis. Over 85% of the vendors surveyed had no public health food handler's certificate and >95% had limited post-harvest handling knowledge. Total aerobic bacteria (7.30-10.49 Log10 cfu/g), Enterobacteriaceae (5.53-8.56 Log10 cfu/g), yeasts and molds (4.96-6.01 Log10 cfu/g) total counts were significantly high and above the acceptable Codex Alimentarius Commission and Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) limits for ready-to-eat food products. Eight key pathogenic bacteria responsible for foodborne diseases were detected and these isolates were characterized as Bacillus cereus, Hafnia alvei, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, S. xylosus, S. scuiri, S. haemolyticus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Findings from this study highlight the urgent need to create local and national food safety policies for the edible grasshopper "nsenene" subsector to regulate and guide street and market vending along the value chain, to prevent the transmission of foodborne diseases to consumers.

Detection of hepatitis E RNA in pork products at point of retail in Ireland – Are consumers at risk?

Hepatitis E (HEV), a zoonotic virus, is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in Europe. The presence of HEV in domestic pigs can result in infections in humans through consumption of pork products which are undercooked or where processing methods are insufficient to inactivate the virus. In Ireland, pork accounts for 34 % of all meat consumption (CSO, 2022) and the prevalence of HEV in products at point of retail has not previously been characterised.A sampling strategy was designed in which high pork content sausages, fresh pork liver and raw fermented sausages were systematically purchased from three types of retailers between May 2018 and March 2019. In total, 200 pork products were tested using a lysing agent to release the HEV from the product for detection. RT-PCR for HEV was performed on samples with an extraction efficiency >1 % (n = 188/200) (94 %). Low level HEV RNA was detected in 9/188 (4.8 %) pork products tested. The highest incidence of HEV RNA was in pork liver where 6/25 (24 %) samples were positive. The concentration of HEV ranged from 0.02 – to 9.4 genome copies/g of pork.Based on these data an exposure assessment was performed which found that if consumers followed advice from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to achieve core temperatures of 70 °C or higher when cooking, the risk was likely to be negligible.

A cluster of Histamine Fish Poisoning associated with the ingestion of tuna

Abstract Histamine fish poisoning, also known as scombroid poisoning, arises from the improper handling and refrigeration of scombroid fish that contain naturally occurring histidine such as tuna, mackerel and swordfish. Histidine is converted to histamine when these fish inadequately chilled. Histamine fish poisoning is generally associated with levels greater than 500 mg/kg but poisonings have been observed at lower levels (e.g. >200 mg/kg). European legislation states that scombroid fish species should be tested for the presence of histamine and mean values should be < 100mg/kg. The authors report an outbreak of probable histamine fish poisoning in three individuals following ingestion of tuna. The tuna was bought in a local store. It was cooked and eaten by the 3 cases at home for their evening meal. Symptom onset occurred between 30 minutes and two hours after ingestion and included flushing, facial/lip swelling, an itchy rash and palpitations. All three cases attended the Emergency Department (ED) requiring oral or Intravenous (IV) anti-histamine and/or oral steroids and IV fluids. Fortunately, all cases recovered fully and were discharged from the ED. The public health actions that were taken, crucially included rapid coordination with the Environmental Health Service (EHS). Temperature control is the crucial step in preventing histamine fish poisoning. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Irish Sea Fisheries Board highlight the importance of proper handling and chilling of fish from time of catch through to transportation, processing, storage and distribution. This report highlights the importance of timely and coordinated public and environmental health responses to histamine fish poisoning cases. National Clinical Guidelines are currently being developed in conjunction with the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine (IAEM) on the Management of Histamine Fish Poisoning/Histamine Poisoning in Adult Patients. Key messages • Environment and Health. • Food governance.

Statement on the revised targeted risk assessment for certain maximum residue levels for nicotine.

In accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) of Ireland requested EFSA to re-evaluate the acute (short-term) risk for European consumers related to nicotine exposure via residues in rose hips (code 0154050), teas (Camellia sinensis, 0610000) and capers (0850020) at the level equal to the temporary maximum residue level (tMRL) established in Reg. (EU) 2022/1290 and the tMRL recently voted in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF Committee). The requestor asked EFSA to perform the calculation with a revised version of EFSA PRIMo rev. 3.1, in which the Irish children consumption data for tea should be replaced with consumption data for tea from another EU Member State, since the Irish consumption data implemented in EFSA PRIMo rev. 3.1 were not confirmed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. In the present assessment, EFSA confirmed the previously identified potential acute exposure risks for the intake of nicotine through rose hips jam containing residues at the current EU MRL of 0.3mg/kg. The new tMRL for rose hips of 0.2mg/kg is unlikely to pose a risk to consumers. For the consumption of tea and capers containing residues at the levels of the current and the recently voted tMRLs, a consumer health risk is unlikely.

Malnutrition and disease related malnutrition - A review of Food for Special Medical Purposes notified to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland

Malnutrition and disease related malnutrition - A review of Food for Special Medical Purposes notified to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland

Parental adherence to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's dietary guidelines for vitamin D and iron in young children

Parental adherence to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's dietary guidelines for vitamin D and iron in young children

ScriptNet: An integrated criminological-network analysis tool

Abstract This brief article illustrates the features of ScriptNet, a software package that facilitates a visual analysis of the organisational aspects of criminal enterprise, together with a visual analysis of the network of people, organisations, places and resources that are in some way involved in the commissioning of these goal-oriented crimes. ScriptNet is an amalgamation of the terms ‘script’ and ‘network’ that in turn represent two analytical approaches to understanding criminal and social behaviours. Script refers to crime script analysis, an analytical technique that organises knowledge about the procedural aspects and procedural requirements of the crime commission process. Network derives from social network analysis, and specifically from the framework of multi-mode and multi-link networks, which maps individual and collective actors, together with resources they can access and places where they are located, and the various types of relationships that may link them. In this article we illustrate the functions and features of ScriptNet using data provided by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). We discuss the innovative aspects of ScriptNet and we identify its limits. In its current format, ScriptNet has been developed as proof of concept. The code is open source, and we welcome people to collaborate and implement new and improved functions.

Heavy metal accumulation and risk assessment of lead and cadmium in cultured oysters (Crassostrea iredalei) of Cañacao Bay, Philippines

This study analyzed the lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the water and cultured oysters (Crassostrea iredalei) of Cañacao Bay, Philippines and assessed the health risks associated with these heavy metal contaminations. Oyster and water samples from three sampling stations were collected from October 2016 to January 2017 for heavy metal analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results showed low Pb and Cd concentrations in water and C. iredalei, which were within the maximum limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Pb concentrations in oysters ranged from < 0.1 to 0.4 ± 0.1 mg/kg while Cd ranged from 0.027 ± 0.006 to 0.083 ± 0.006 mg/kg. Pb and Cd bioaccumulated in oyster tissues, but only Pb exhibited seasonal variation in concentration. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) were used to estimate noncarcinogenic health risks for Pb and Cd through oyster consumption. All THQs were below 1.0 indicating that there was no appreciable risk to the general population for developing noncarcinogenic effects caused by Pb and Cd in cultured oysters. Continuous monitoring of heavy metals in aquaculture areas and seafood is warranted to ensure food safety among consuming public.

The use of Nutrition and Health Claims on Yoghurts on the Irish Market

AbstractThe use of nutrition and health claims on food is legislated for in Commission Regulation 1924/2006 and SI No. 11 of 2014. This legislation ensures that any claim made on a food label is clear, accurate and substantiated, enabling consumers to make informed choices. A study undertaken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in 2009 found that yoghurts were the food category with the highest use of nutrition and health claims on the Irish market.In 2018, the FSAI undertook a nutrition label verification study to verify the accuracy of declared nutrition information on yoghurts. The aims of this study were to measure the use of nutrition and health claims on a sample of yoghurts available on the Irish market in 2018 and assess their compliance with Regulation 1924/2006 Nutrition and Health Claims made on Food.Yoghurts identified in a 2016 market scan (n578) were weighted based on categorisation of manufacturer type (branded, own brand), product category (natural, flavoured and luxury) and declared nutrition content. Samples (n200) were randomly selected from these weighted groups for the 2018 nutrition label verification study. A subsample (n100) was randomly sampled and checked for presence of nutrition and health claims. Presence of nutrition and health claims was recorded in Microsoft Excel and checked for compliance with Regulation 1924/2006.Of the yoghurts reviewed, 67% (n67) made at least one nutrition claim and 34% (n34) made at least one health claim. Of these, 29% (n29) made a nutrition and a health claim. Branded yoghurts were more likely to make nutrition and health claims than own brand yoghurts (78% (n49) vs. 48% (n18)). Of yoghurts with a health claim, 88% (n30) were branded and 12% (n4) were own brand. Of yoghurts with a nutrition claim, 1.5% (n1) made a nutrition claim which was potentially non-compliant with Regulation 1924/2006. Of yoghurts with a health claim, 74% (n23) made a health claim which was potentially non-compliant with Regulation 1924/2006. The majority of potentially non-compliant health claims were in relation to probiotic strains and ‘live cultures’.In conclusion, yoghurts continue to be a food category which often uses nutrition and health claims. Nutrition and health claims are more frequently used by branded than own brand products. Potentially non-compliant health claims are an issue amongst this food category which will be further investigated and followed up.

Estimates of Sodium and Potassium intake and their molar ratio in Irish children: Preliminary findings from NCFSII

AbstractThe Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have set target maximum daily salt intakes for children (4–6y: 3 g, 7–10y: 5 g, 11–14y: 6g) while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have set Adequate Intakes (AI) for potassium of 1100mg/d, 1800mg/d and 2700mg/d for children of the same respective age groups. An individual's sodium to potassium (Na:K) intake ratio is an important predictor of hypertension and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend a Na:K intake ratio of ≤ 1.0mmol/mmol for both adults and children. Although the morbidities associated with hypertension may not be seen until adulthood, blood pressure in childhood has a significant association with blood pressure in adulthood. Therefore, estimation of Na:K intake ratios (best measured by urinary excretion) in children may predict their susceptibility to hypertension related diseases in later life. The aim of this study was to estimate sodium and potassium intake and mean molar Na:K intake ratio of Irish children and to assess compliance with dietary guidance.Morning spot urine samples were collected for 572 children aged 5–12 years (95% of total sample) as part of the nationally representative Irish National Children's Food Survey II (2017–2018) (NCFSII; www.iuna.net). Samples were transported, processed and stored using best practice procedures. Urinary excretion of sodium and potassium were measured using a Randox RX Daytona and were corrected for gender and age-specific 24-hour urine volume estimations based on 24-hour urine volume estimates from Australian children. SPSS Version 25 was used for all analyses.Mean 24-hour urinary sodium excretion was 2018mg/d, equivalent to an average salt excretion of 5.0g/d exceeding the FSAI maximum target intake for all age groups except 11–12 year olds. Mean 24-hour urinary potassium excretion was 1411mg/d with mean intakes below the AI from EFSA for all age groups with the exception of 5–6 year olds. The mean molar Na:K ratio of Irish children was 2.8 for boys and 3.4 for girls. Only 5% of Irish children met the WHO recommendation for a Na:K ratio of ≤ 1.0mmol/mmol.High intakes of sodium and low intakes of potassium reported in this study result in a low compliance with the WHO recommendation of a Na:K ratio ≤ 1.0mmol/mmol. This may lead to a higher risk of hypertension and related morbidities in later life. Based on these findings, dietary interventions to combat hypertension related diseases (such as lowering sodium and increasing potassium intakes) should be implemented from childhood.

Adherence to the infant vitamin D supplementation policy in Ireland; data from two longitudinal, prospective birth cohort studies

AbstractThe high prevalence of maternal deficiency and the low vitamin D content of breastmilk places newborns and infants at particular risk of vitamin D deficiency. In response to an increase in the incidence of nutritional rickets, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland published an interim infant vitamin D supplementation policy in 2007, which was implemented by the Health Service Executive in Ireland in May 2010. This recommends that all infants be given a 5μg exclusive vitamin D3 supplement daily from birth to 12 months. As adherence is not monitored nationally and the policy has not been evaluated, the aim of this study was to conduct a detailed evaluation of supplementation practices across two maternal-infant cohort studies. Data from the prospective BASELINE (recruited 2008–2011) and COMBINE (recruited 2015–2017) birth cohorts, based in Cork, Ireland, were used to examine supplementation practices. After supplementation policy implementation, BASELINE collected vitamin D supplement use data (n = 1528) at 2, 6 and 12 months. In COMBINE, 7 study visits from birth to 12 months allowed continuous collection of detailed longitudinal supplementation data in 364 participants. Use of supplemental vitamin D was higher in COMBINE than BASELINE at 2 (93 vs. 49%), 6 (89 vs. 64%) and 12 (72 vs. 44%) months (all P < 0.001). In COMBINE, 92% initiated vitamin D supplementation at birth and the median supplementation duration was 51 (40, 52) weeks, although there was a wide range (3–52 weeks). 94% of COMBINE parents used a vitamin D3 only supplement and 88% used the recommended 5μg dose. Half (51%) always supplemented daily; a further 33% supplemented at least 3–6 times/week. Full policy adherence was defined as the provision of a 5μg vitamin D3 supplement daily from birth; 64% adhered fully to 2 months and 52% did so to 6 months. By 12 months, 30% had adhered fully to the policy and a further 16% gave 5μg frequently for the full 12 months. This data indicates a high level of awareness of the supplementation policy amongst new mothers, with substantially higher rates of supplementation in our current cohort compared with BASELINE. While most parents gave an exclusive 5μg vitamin D3 supplement, frequency and duration were the key barriers to full policy adherence. Given the lack of a maternal vitamin D supplementation policy in Ireland and high prevalence of low vitamin D status at birth, supplementation of infants with vitamin D remains a vital public health policy.

An investigation into the current practice of preparing, handling and reconstituting powdered infant milk in the domestic setting in Ireland

AbstractIt is recommended that infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. As the gold-standard in infant feeding, it is the safest and best way of ensuring infants achieve optimal health and development(1). Powdered Infant Formula (PIF) is not sterile and so, can be associated with bacteria such as Cronobacter spp(1–2). This bacterium can have an adverse effect on health in all age groups. However, the FAO/WHO have identified infants 0–12 months as a vulnerable group, with infants less than two months old and all immunocompromised infants regardless of age, being particularly at risk of infection(1).Guidance set out by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the safe preparation of PIF states that it is essential to boil one litre of fresh tap water and let it cool to 70°C, to kill any bacteria in the powder and retain sufficient amounts of nutrients. By preparing, handling and storing PIF in line with the guidance, parents can reduce potential risks of contamination(1–2).The aim of this study was to determine the current practice of reconstituting PIF in the domestic setting in Ireland. A sample of parents with a child aged 0–12 months (n = 228) completed a 30-item questionnaire online. Most respondents were first time parents (55%), female (89%), aged 25–44 years (99%) and educated to tertiary level (79%).The results revealed that 64% (n = 146) of respondents reported to fill the kettle with one litre of fresh tap water, but less than half (45%) follow the guidance, to cool the boiled water to the required 70oC(1–2). The majority 91% (n = 208), stated that they discard any unused feed within two hours. Furthermore, 29% (n = 67) of respondents reported to use an automatic bottle preparation machine, 75% (n = 171) said they are aware of safety aspects/risks associated with preparing PIF and most (97%, n = 221) felt confident in their ability to safely prepare their infant's PIF feed.It is evident that there is a need to highlight to all parents the importance of why and how PIF should be prepared and reconstituted at 70oC in accordance with the guidance(1–2), to minimise potential risks of contamination.

The accuracy of nutrition labels as a means of monitoring the reformulation of food in Ireland - The case of yoghurts

AbstractOver half of the Irish population is overweight or obese. The Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016–2025 will set reformulation targets for fat, saturated fat and sugar in Ireland and review progress. In 2016, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland undertook a cross-sectional market scan of yoghurts to evaluate the energy, fat, saturated fat and sugar content based solely on declared nutrition labels. The aims of this 2018 study were to verify the accuracy of declared nutrition information on yoghurts and to confirm the suitability of declared nutrition labels for energy, fat, saturated fat and sugar reformulation monitoring.Yoghurts identified in the 2016 market scan (n578) were weighted based on categorisation of manufacturer type (branded, own brand), product category (natural, flavoured and luxury) and declared nutrition content. Samples (n200) were randomly selected from these weighted groups and tested by a laboratory accredited for energy, fat, saturated fat, and sugar analysis. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS (version25). As data was not normally distributed, median values were investigated for declared and tested energy, fat, saturated fat and sugar content using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Spearman Rank-Order Correlation.Of the tested yoghurts, 3% (n6), 5% (n9) and 19% (n31) were outside the recommended European Commission (EC) labelling tolerance for fat, saturated fat and sugar, respectively. Tested nutrient content was consistently lower than declared. There was a statistically significant difference in declared vs. tested energy (87kcal vs. 84kcal p = 0.03), fat (2.7 g vs. 2.5 g p < 0.001), and sugar (9.9 g vs. 8.7 g p < 0.001) content per 100 g yoghurt. Declared vs. tested sugar content per 100 g yoghurt was statistically significant across all yoghurt types, including natural (4.8 g vs. 3.4 g p < 0.001), flavoured (9.7 g vs. 8.6 g p < 0.001) and luxury (15 g vs. 13.6 g p = 0.002). There was a statistically significant difference between declared vs. tested fat (2.8 g vs. 2.5 g p < 0.001) and saturated fat (1.9 g vs.1.6 g p = 0.017) content of own brand yoghurts per 100 g. There was a positive correlation between energy content and portion size (r = .2,p < 0.01).There was a high level of agreement between declared vs. tested fat and saturated fat content of yoghurts, but a lower level of agreement between declared vs. tested sugar content of yoghurts. This indicates that declared nutrition labels are suitable for reformulation monitoring of fat and saturated fat, but may not be suitable for sugar. This finding will be further investigated and tested in future work planned for nutrition label verification of other food categories.

Food Based Dietary Guidance - Weighing up the recommendations

AbstractFood Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) are dietary recommendations described in terms of amounts of foods that should be consumed. They are designed to support healthy eating through simple messaging and indicate how to achieve a nutritionally adequate diet. However, assessing compliance with FBDG targets can be difficult. The quantity of food either being consumed or prescribed and the amount of that food that constitutes a serving are needed to calculate the contribution of the food towards a food group target. The aim of this study was to define the serving weight of foods, guided by definitions from Irish FBDG, to the McCance and Widdowson Composition of Foods Integrated Dataset 2015 (CoFID). This will enable the automatic assessment of compliance to FBDG using Nutritics nutrition analysis software. Foods from CoFID were categorised into six food groups as defined by Ireland's FBDG. Quantified servings from the Irish FBDG were matched to foods. Calculation criteria were developed to establish a serving size for remaining foods within each food group. For fats and oils, as well as raw fruits and vegetables, household measurements were converted to grams, using Food Portion Sizes from the Food Standards Agency. Quantities for cooked fruits and vegetables were calculated using weight-change factors published by Bognar. For the breads, cereals and potatoes group a serving size was calculated using the midpoint for the calorie bands in this group, as defined by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. For the dairy group, a serving size was determined by calculating the quantity needed to provide 250 mg of calcium. This was in line with achieving the total daily recommended amount of calcium from the dairy group from 3 servings. For meat, fish and alternatives (MFA), serving sizes were developed using the recommended amount of protein per body weight reference value for males and females. For foods high in fat, sugar and salt, serving sizes were defined using 100kcal as the recommended amount of energy provided for snacks. Out of 3,291 foods, 1,980 were grouped into 6 food groups. Quantified servings were available for 694 foods in 3 food groups. Calculated serving sizes were developed for the remaining 1,276 foods. The quantity of each food that constitutes a serving will be integrated into Nutritics to automatically assess compliance to FBDG. This will enable Health Care and Food Industry Professionals to deliver informed advice on meeting population health targets.

Salt trends in breakfast cereals from 2003 to 2015: An examination of the impact of reformulation by the food industry

AbstractBreakfast cereals are widely consumed in Ireland with over 80% of adults choosing ready-to-eat cereals or porridge. In terms of healthy eating, breakfast cereals are considered a nutritious choice and are not expected to contribute significantly to daily salt intakes. Since 2003, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has coordinated a salt reduction programme to achieve voluntary reduction by the food industry in the salt content of processed foods available in Ireland. This study aims to examine whether salt levels of breakfast cereals are decreasing due to reformulation practices.A random selection of breakfast cereals on the Irish market were sampled using the following categories: rice-based, bran-based, cornflake-type, biscuit-based, multigrain, muesli and no added salt/low salt varieties in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 (muesli and no added salt/low salt varieties were not sampled again in 2015) (n687). Samples were analysed for sodium content using atomic emission spectrophotometry and converted to salt (g) per 100 g of the food product by multiplying by 2.54. Results were analysed using IBM SPSS (version 25). As data was not normally distributed, median values (minimum and maximum) were investigated across breakfast cereal categories at the different time-points. Differences between the time-points were assessed using Krusal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U tests.In 2003, salt levels were found to be highest in cornflake-type cereals and lowest in no added salt/low salt cereals (2.02 g (0.20–2.31) and 0.01 g (0.0–0.03) per 100 g respectively). The salt content of rice-based, bran-based, cornflake-type, biscuit-based and multigrain varieties significantly decreased (up to 65% in cornflake-type cereals) until 2011. No further reduction was achieved for rice-based, bran-based and cornflake-type varieties in 2015 and a significant increase in salt was observed for biscuit-based (p = 0.001) and multigrain products (p = 0.007). Between 2003 and 2011, no reduction in salt levels was observed for muesli or no added salt/low salt products.This study revealed there has been a significant reduction in the salt content of breakfast cereals since 2003 – an important finding considering breakfast cereals are recommended for healthy eating. However, this work also shows that continuous salt monitoring is necessary to ensure this reduction in breakfast cereals is maintained. Future FSAI reformulation work will examine a range of nutrients in food products as the food industry have committed to achieve a gradual reduction in fat, saturated fat and sugar, as well as salt, as part of the National Obesity Policy and Action Plan.

Regulation of housing quality in Ireland: What can be learned from food safety?

Abstract This paper contrasts, and critically evaluates, the Irish regulatory regimes for building control and food safety. It concludes that the systems are similar in design, but vary greatly in implementation, drawing on analysis of enforcement statistics published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and obtained from building control authorities. It is argued that regulatory systems require enforcement and oversight in order to verify consistency of decisionmaking, compliance with their own rules and standards, and overall effectiveness, and that this lack of emphasis on enforcement and oversight is a significant failing in the Irish building control system.

Effect of different salt and fat levels on the physicochemical properties and sensory quality of black pudding.

Black pudding, also known as blood sausages or blood pudding, is a kind of meat product made by blood, popular in Asia, Europe, and America. Twenty‐five black pudding formulations with varying fat contents of 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (w/w) and sodium contents of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0% (w/w) were manufactured. Sensory acceptance and ranking descriptive analyses as well as compositional and physicochemical analyses were conducted. Samples high in sodium (0.6–1.0%) were scored higher in juiciness, toughness, saltiness, fatness, and spiciness. These samples were the most accepted, whereas samples containing 0.2% sodium were the least accepted. Black pudding samples containing 0.6% sodium and 10% fat displayed a positive (P < 0.05) correlation to liking of flavor and overall acceptability. This meets the sodium target level set by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and shows additionally that a fat reduction in black pudding products is more than achievable.

Effect of using ingredient replacers on the physicochemical properties and sensory quality of low-salt and low-fat white puddings

White pudding, popular in Europe and America, is a processed meat product containing generally pork meat, fat, seasonings, bread, oatmeal and other cereal grains. To achieve highly accepted low-sodium and low-fat white puddings, 22 formulations comprised of two different fat (10, 5 %) and sodium (0.6, 0.4 %) levels and containing 11 different ingredient replacers were produced. Compositional, texture and sensory analyses were conducted. Adding replacers to low-sodium and low-fat white puddings showed a range of effects on sensory and physicochemical properties. Two formulations containing 10 % fat and 0.6 % sodium formulated with sodium citrate, as well as the combination of potassium chloride and glycine, were found to have overall acceptance (P < 0.05) by assessors. These samples showed higher (P < 0.05) hardness values, scored lower (P < 0.05) in fatness perception and higher (P < 0.05) in spiciness perception. Hence, the recommended sodium target level of 0.6 % set by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland 2016 was achieved for white pudding products, in addition to a significant reduction in fat level from commercial levels, without causing negative sensory attributes.

Good governance? Perceptions of accountability, transparency and effectiveness in Irish food risk governance

In an attempt to govern increasingly globalised, industrialised and risky food chains, food safety authorities (FSAs) have been established worldwide as part of a catalogue of food risk governance reforms undertaken in response to continuing food crises. Despite these significant shifts in governing arrangements however, little work has been conducted regarding how consumers respond to, resist and/or engage with these new governance systems in everyday, non-crisis contexts. As such, this paper explores the everyday governance of food risk from the perspective of those whose voices typically go unheard in food policymaking processes – consumers. Drawing on empirical results from focus groups conducted with publics across the Republic of Ireland, consumer perceptions, priorities and lived experiences relating to food risk governance, and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in particular, are explored. This analysis is couched within a normative frame of multi-scalar governance and what makes it ‘good’ or effective. Accordingly, the paper advances food risk policy debates through a lens of normative good food risk governance, including analysis of the perceived accountability, transparency and effectiveness of Irish food risk governing structures from a consumer perspective. Identifying limitations in current governing regimes, the paper concludes by critically reflecting on the opportunities and challenges for adopting more adaptive forms of governance in the multi-scalar and evolving policy context that typifies food risk.

Impact of ingredient replacers on the physicochemical properties and sensory quality of reduced salt and fat black puddings

Twenty-two black puddings possessing different fat (10%, 5%) and sodium (0.6%, 0.4%) levels were used as base formulations for 11 different salt and fat replacers. Compositional, physicochemical and sensory analyses were conducted. Black pudding samples with 5% fat and 0.6% sodium containing potassium chloride (KCl), potassium chloride and glycine mixture (KClG), and seaweed, respectively, and 10% fat and 0.4% sodium containing carrageen were rated higher (P<0.05) for spiciness and saltiness. Samples with 10% fat and 0.4% sodium containing KClG were rated positively (P<0.05) to fatness. Samples with 5% fat and 0.6% sodium containing pectin and a combination of potassium citrate, potassium phosphate and potassium chloride (KCPCl), as well as samples containing 10% fat and 0.4% sodium with waxy maize starch (WMS) were liked (P<0.05) for flavor and overall acceptance. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) recommends a sodium target level of 0.6% and an even lower sodium level (0.4%) was achieved.