Food Safety Concern Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Histamine in Fresh and Processed Fish Sold in Jordanian Market

Food poisoning from histamine, a biogenic amine formed due to the decarboxylation of histidine by bacteria in fish and fish products, has become a pivotal concern in food safety. This study measured the concentration of histamine in various fish products available in the Jordanian market, but manufactured in multiple countries, utilizing an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The ELISA kit and the protocol were provided by Veratox for histamine. Approximately 93.69% of the samples tested positive for the presence of histamine, with levels ranging between 0.317 and 230.41 mg/kg. Solely 0.9% of the samples exceeded the maximum permissible level established by the European Union (EU) and only 4.5% of the fish samples were free of histamine. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the type of fish was the most significant source of variability in histamine concentration, explaining 31.2% of the variability. Conversely, the sample weight accounted for the least variability (only 20.2%), implying that it has little or no effect on the concentration of histamine in the fish samples.

Deoxynivalenol Detection beyond the Limit in Wheat Flour Based on the Fluorescence Hyperspectral Imaging Technique.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a harmful fungal toxin, and its contamination in wheat flour poses a food safety concern globally. This study proposes the combination of fluorescence hyperspectral imaging (FHSI) and qualitative discrimination methods for the detection of excessive DON content in wheat flour. Wheat flour samples were prepared with varying DON concentrations through the addition of trace amounts of DON using the wet mixing method for fluorescence hyperspectral image collection. SG smoothing and normalization algorithms were applied for original spectra preprocessing. Feature band selection was carried out by applying the successive projection algorithm (SPA), uninformative variable elimination (UVE), competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and the random frog algorithm on the fluorescence spectrum. Random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) classification models were utilized to identify wheat flour samples with DON concentrations higher than 1 mg/kg. The results indicate that the SG-CARS-RF and SG-CARS-SVM models showed better performance than other models, achieving the highest recall rate of 98.95% and the highest accuracy of 97.78%, respectively. Additionally, the ROC curves demonstrated higher robustness on the RF algorithm. Deep learning algorithms were also applied to identify the samples that exceeded safety standards, and the convolutional neural network (CNN) model achieved a recognition accuracy rate of 97.78% for the test set. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility and potential of the FHSI technique in detecting DON infection in wheat flour.

Hepatoprotective effects of leaf extract of Annona senegalensis against aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rats.

Global aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities is of the most concern in food safety and quality. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of 80% methanolic leaf extract ofAnnona senegalensisagainst aflatoxin B1(AFB1)-induced toxicity in rats.A. senegalensishas shown to inhibit genotoxicity of aflatoxin B1in vitro. The rats were divided into six groups including untreated control, aflatoxin B1only (negative control); curcumin (positive control; 10 mg/kg); and three groups receiving different doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg) ofA. senegalensisextract. The rats received treatment (with the exception of untreated group) for 7 days prior to intoxication with aflatoxin B1. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine were measured. Hepatic tissues were analysed for histological alterations. Administration ofA. senegalensisextract demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicityin vivoby significantly reducing the level of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and regenerating the hepatocytes. No significant changes were observed in the levels of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine for the AFB1intoxicated group, curcumin+AFB1andAnnona senegalensisleaf extract (ASLE)+AFB1(100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]) treated groups.Annona senegalensisis a good candidate for hepatoprotective agents and thus its use in traditional medicine may at least in part be justified.Contribution:The plant extract investigated in this study can be used in animal health to protect the organism from toxicity caused by mycotoxins.

Salmonella control for dried apple cubes

Pathogen contamination in low-moisture foods prepared by drying is a food safety concern. Two thermal treatments were explored in this research as pathogen control measures for apple drying operations: high humidity air heating (HHAH) and ascorbic acid (AA) treatments. Their effectivenesses on Salmonella inactivation were assessed. Apple cubes (6.4 mm) inoculated with a three-strain Salmonella cocktail (S. Enteritidis PT 30, S. Montevideo, and S. Agona 447967) were subjected to HHAH and AA treatments, and then enumerated for the survival of Salmonella. In parallel, uninoculated apple cubes treated with HHAH or AA were dried by hot air at 90 °C for 70 min. The moisture content and color values of the dried apple cubes were measured. The results revealed that HHAH treatment at 70 °C for 16 min, at 90 °C for 9 min, and AA treatment using 3.4% ascorbic solutions at 65 °C for 90 s achieved 6.9 ± 0.4, 6.2 ± 0.2, and 7.9 ± 0.6 log CFU/g reduction, respectively. The moisture content of dried apple cubes was not significantly different, highlighting the potential of these methods for enhancing microbial safety of dried apples. The HHAH treatment resulted in an increased browning effect on dried apple cubes, while the AA treatment reduced the browning of dried apple cubes. This study offers valuable insight into preventive controls for pathogen management in food drying operations.

Persistence comparison of two Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serovars during long-term storage and thermal inactivation in various wheat flours.

Foodborne outbreaks associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) contaminated wheat flour have been an increasing food safety concern in recent decades. However, there is little literature aimed at investigating the impact of different flour types on the persistence of STEC during storage and thermal inactivation. Therefore, two serovars of STEC, O121 and O157, were selected to inoculate each of five different types of common wheat flours: whole wheat, bleached, unbleached, bread, and self-rising. Inoculated flours were examined for the stability of STEC during storage for up to 42 days at room temperature (RT) and aw ~0.56. Additionally, the thermal resistance of O121 and O157 under isothermal conditions at 60, 70, 80, and 90°C was analyzed for the inoculated flours. STEC storage persistence at RT was generally not affected by flour type, however, decreases of 1.2 and 2.4 log CFU/day within whole wheat flour for O121 and O157, respectively, were significantly lower than other flours. Though few differences were identified in relation to flour type, O121 exhibited significantly better survival rates than O157 during both equilibrium and storage periods. Compared to an approximate 6 log reduction in the population of O157, O121 population levels were reduced by a significantly lower amount (~3 log) during the entire storage period at RT. At each isothermal temperature, the impact of flour type on the thermal resistance capabilities of O121 or O157 was not a significant factor and resulted in similar survival curves regardless of serovar. Instead of exhibiting linear survival curves, both O121 and O157 displayed nonlinear curves with some shoulder/tail effect. Similar for both O121 and O157, the predicted decimal reduction time (D-value) decreased from approximately 25 min to around 8 min as the isothermal temperature increased from 60°C to 90°C. Results reported here can contribute to risk assessment models concerning contamination of STEC in wheat flour and add to our understanding of the impacts of flour type and STEC serovar on desiccation stability during storage and isothermal inactivation during thermal treatment.

Public health perspective of public abattoirs in Nigeria, challenges and solutions

Abattoirs play a vital role in the supply chain of meat in society. However, the processing of meats in these facilities can lead to the spread of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, posing a significant public health and food safety concern. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global meat production generates about 20 billion tons of animal waste annually, with developing countries accounting for the largest share of this waste and, a significant portion of which comes from abattoirs. This waste contains high levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as organic matter, pathogens, and other contaminants that can have negative impacts on the environment and human health. In Nigeria, slaughterhouse effluents have been found to be a significant source of environmental pollution, containing food-borne pathogens and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. This is particularly worrisome in a growing country like Nigeria which heavily relies on meat as a source of protein. The lack of standard waste management facilities in many abattoirs in Nigeria further exacerbates the problem, exposing inhabitants to harmful pathogens and gases. Despite these risks, little attention has been paid to curbing the menace of unhygienic abattoir waste disposal. This paper aims to raise awareness of the public health and environmental implications of unhygienic abattoir waste disposal in Nigeria and recommends solutions to this challenge. Specifically, the paper explores the potential for commercializing bio-waste into energy production as a sustainable solution. The wider significance of this work is that it highlights the urgent need to address the challenges of public abattoirs to ensure public health and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the wider implications of this work are that the findings and recommendations can be adapted to other countries facing similar challenges. Overall, this paper contributes to planetary health by addressing a critical public health and environmental issue and recommending sustainable solutions.

Extraction of organic pigments from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) for safe use in agro-products

The utilization of synthetic dyes in food industries is a great concern for food safety and health issues. So, natural pigments can be an excellent substitute for synthetic dyes and also health-friendly for consumers. In the experiment, natural pigments were extracted from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.). Then the stability and consumer acceptance of the extracted pigments were examined. The highest amount of pigment was extracted from turmeric (2.14 ± 0.30 %) with ethanol solvent, followed by tomato (0.67 ± 0.06 %) with hexane: acetone (1:1) solvent, and red amaranth (0.78 ± 0.05 %) with acetone solvent. Turmeric pigment showed the highest stability in high temperatures and light exposure. All of the pigments were highly stable in a neutral environment; however, tomato pigment showed the highest stability index (84.33 ± 2.52) at pH 3.0, but turmeric pigment showed the highest stability (91.67 ± 1.53) at pH 5.0. The simple preference test revealed that the use of turmeric pigment in boiled rice had the highest acceptance rate, and in terms of taste and flavor, red amaranth pigments in ice cream. So turmeric pigment can be utilized in high-temperature processing and/or acidic foods, but tomato and red amaranth pigments might be in low-temperature processing foods such as the ice-cream and soft drinks processing industry.

Trichinella spp. in Slaughtered Pigs of India: From Neglected Disease to an Emerging Food Safety Threat for Public Health

Background. In India, Trichinella nematode worm remains highly neglected due to the paucity of research. Recent trichinellosis outbreaks in humans associated with pork meal in north India have highlighted an emerging food safety concern due to this neglected parasite. Aim. This study aimed to ascertain the existence of Trichinella species and to identify them in slaughtered pigs intended for human consumption in the Punjab and Uttaranchal regions of North India. Materials and Methods. A total of 1,194 slaughter pig tongue samples were screened in 239 pools using the double separatory funnel method for recovery of Trichinella larvae. The species of recovered larvae were confirmed by multiplex PCR assay and sequencing. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to ascertain the closest lineage. Results. This study reported 3.77% and 1.26% Trichinella positivity in pooled and individual pig samples, respectively. Pigs slaughtered in Punjab reported higher positivity (1.73%) than pigs in Uttaranchal (0.81%). Among all places, Jalandhar recorded highest positivity of 5.66%, followed by 2.22% in Nainital and 0.8% in Patiala, whereas none of the pig samples from Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Kashipur, Haridwar was positive. Molecular confirmation by PCR and sequencing confirmed the recovered Trichinella larvae as T. britovi and T. nelsoni. Conclusion. Trichinella parasite remained highly neglected in India; however, the detection of sylvatic Trichinella species in pigs intended for human consumption indicated the emergence of zoonotic foodborne risk at wild animal-domestic pig and human interfaces. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting T. britovi and T. nelsoni in pigs of North India. Trichinella positivity in slaughtered pigs is an early alarm for the emergence of foodborne risk from this neglected parasitic worm. Considering the importance of pigs as a source of meat and their role as a reservoir for Trichinella raised the food safety concern that warrants strict meat inspection and extensive studies on neglected parasites in India.

Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in fruits and vegetables from retail and home gardens

Abstract Fruits and vegetables have been identified as vehicles for the transmission of pathogenic antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) microorganisms. This is of food safety concern, thus requiring continuous surveillance. This study aimed to profile AMR bacteria present in selected fruits and vegetables retailed in markets and from home gardens (HGs) in Oyo, Ogun, and Ekiti states, Nigeria. Watermelon, cucumber, tomato, and garden egg samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. The susceptibility of the isolates to eight antibiotics was determined. Multidrug-resistant isolates were screened for the presence of AMR genes by polymerase chain reaction. Fifty three bacteria were isolated and identified, belonging to the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Listeria, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Salmonella, Serratia, Shigella, and Vibrio. Thirty six (67.93%) isolates demonstrated phenotypic resistance to five of the eight antibiotics tested, being the most prevalent pattern observed. BlaTEM and blaCTX-M were detected in Salmonella enterica from retailed tomato, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, and erm(B) were detected in Listeria monocytogenes from retailed watermelon, blaSHV and blaCTX-M were detected in Bacillus cereus from retailed tomato, while blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, and erm(F) were detected in Staphylococcus aureus isolated in garden egg from HG. The presence of multidrug-resistant pathogens in fruits and vegetables could pose a huge food safety and public health risk.

A colorimetric and phosphorescent dual-mode nanosensing platform for the sensitive detection of tobramycin in dairy products

Potential tobramycin (TOB) residues in dairy products have become a concern for food safety, and their accumulation in the food chain may cause great harm to human health. Therefore, in this study, a colorimetric and phosphorescent dual-mode aptamer-sensing platform was developed. The gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based colorimetric assay is convenient and cost-effective and can be used for semi-quantitative detection by observation with the naked eye. Zn2GeO4:Mn2+ persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) without autofluorescence luminescence characteristics and the inner filter effect with AuNPs were introduced to realize more sensitive detection of TOB. Compared to the colorimetric mode with a detection limit of 1.04 μg L−1, the phosphorescent mode with detection limit of 2.48 × 10−3 μg L−1 has higher selectivity and sensitivity for TOB in food samples. Thus, phosphorescent detection is more than three orders of magnitude more computationally sensitive than colorimetric assays. Additionally, this sensing platform was successfully applied to actual samples such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, with 94%–106% recovery rate. This study is expected to expand the application of PLNPs in food-sensing detection, providing a new strategy for the analytical detection of antibiotic residues in food.

Levels of Indicator Bacteria and Characteristics of Foodborne Pathogens from Carcasses of Cattle Slaughterhouses in Korea

The initial microbial contamination of carcasses during slaughtering adversely affects spoilage and shelf life and is of global concern for food safety and meat quality. This study evaluated the hygiene and quality using the prevalence of foodborne pathogens and the level of indicator bacteria on 200 carcasses, collecting 10 from each of 20 cattle slaughterhouses in Korea. The distribution of aerobic bacterial count in carcasses was significantly highest at 2.0–3.0 log10 CFU/cm2 (34.1%), whereas the Escherichia coli count was significantly highest at under 1.0 log10 CFU/cm2 (94.0%) (P < 0.05). Clostridium perfringens was most prevalent (60.0% of slaughterhouses; 17.5% of carcasses), followed by Yersinia enterocolitica (30.0% of slaughterhouses; 6.5% of carcasses), Staphylococcus aureus (15.0% of slaughterhouses; 4.0% of carcasses), Listeria monocytogenes 1/2a (5.0% of slaughterhouses; 1.0% of carcasses), Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Infantis (5.0% of slaughterhouses; 1.0% of carcasses), and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O:66 (5.0% of slaughterhouses; 0.5% of carcasses). Although 28 C. perfringens isolates from 11 slaughterhouses were divided into 21 pulsotypes, all isolates showed the same toxinotype as type A and only carried the cpa. Interestingly, 83.3% of isolates from two slaughterhouses located in the same province showed resistance to tetracycline. Furthermore, 13 Y. enterocolitica isolates from six slaughterhouses were divided into seven pulsotypes that were divided into biotypes 1A and 2 and serotypes O:5 and O:8, except for isolates that could not be typed. Twelve (92.3%) isolates only carried ystB, but one (7.7%) isolate carried ail and ystA. Moreover, 46.2% of Y. enterocolitica isolates showed multidrug resistance against ampicillin, cefoxitin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. This study supports the need for continuous monitoring of slaughterhouses and hygiene management to improve the microbiological safety of carcasses.

Does knowledge and concern regarding food supplement safety affect the behavioral intention of consumers? An experimental study on the theory of reasoned action.

In recent years, health crises have led consumers to make more frequent purchases of food supplements. The global food supplement market, which reached $61.20 billion in 2020, is estimated to reach $163.12 billion by 2022 and $350.96 billion by 2032. However, many consumers still have concerns about the safety of food supplements. Within the scope of the research, firstly, the health consciousness (HC) level of food supplement consumers was determined. Secondly, food safety knowledge (FSK) and food safety concerns (FSCs) were measured. Thirdly, consumers' attitudes (ATUs), subjective norms (SNs), and behavioral intentions (BIs) toward food supplements were determined within the scope of the theory of reasoned action. The study used a convenient sampling, and 327 participants were included in the sample population. The data for the analysis was collected using the online survey method in the third quarter of 2023. The relationships between hypothesized items in the structural model were tested using the Smart-PLS. The validity and reliability of the measurement model were evaluated at the start of the structural equation modelling approach using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Regression analyses were performed in the structural model phase to evaluate overall fit and suggested relationships by way of the Smart-PLS. In light of the findings, it was determined that the interaction between HC and ATU was mediated by FSK, and the interaction between HC and the SN was mediated by FSK. Consequently, this research presents a variety of theoretical and practical implications to give clues for consumers' health regarding food supplement consumption.

1D ZnO–Au nanocomposites as label-free photoluminescence immunosensors for rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes

In this study, we explore the potential of 1D ZnO–Au nanocomposites as innovative label-free photoluminescence (PL) immunosensors for rapidly detecting Listeria monocytogenes, a significant concern in food safety. We synthesized ZnO nanorods (ZnO_NR) and nanowires (ZnO_NW), followed by Au deposition to create ZnO_NR/Au and ZnO_NW/Au nanocomposites. Our analyses, including SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL), revealed distinct structural and optical properties of these nanocomposites, especially noting the superior crystallinity and stability of ZnO_NR/Au. The biosensor performance was evaluated through PL sensitivity to Anti-Listeria antibodies, demonstrating that ZnO_NR with higher concentration of Au nanoparticles exhibited higher sensitivity and a lower limit of detection (LOD), attributed to a greater density of Listeria binding sites. The developed biosensor demonstrated a remarkable limit of detection (LOD) of 8.3 × 102 CFU/mL, rivaling or surpassing conventional culture-based methods and some molecular techniques. This research underscores the critical role of Au deposition duration in optimizing biosensor performance and presents a promising advancement in rapid and sensitive Listeria detection, with significant implications for enhancing food safety protocols.

Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni contamination by using UVA-LED and sodium hypochlorite on the surface of chicken meat.

Campylobacter jejuni causes gastroenteritis in humans and is a major concern in food safety. Commercially prepared chicken meats are frequently contaminated with C. jejuni, which is closely associated with the diffusion of intestinal contents in poultry processing plants. Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is commonly used during chicken processing to prevent food poisoning; however, its antimicrobial activity is not effective in the organic-rich solutions. In this study, we investigated the potential of a new photo-disinfection system, UVA-LED, for the disinfection of C. jejuni-contaminated chicken surfaces. The data indicated that UVA irradiation significantly killed C. jejuni and that its killing ability was significantly facilitated in NaClO-treated chickens. Effective inactivation of C. jejuni was achieved using a combination of UVA and NaClO, even in the organic-rich condition. The results of this study show that synergistic disinfection using a combination of UVA and NaClO has potential beneficial effects in chicken processing systems.

Motives for Consuming Organic Vegetable during Covid-19 Pandemics in Indonesia

COVID 19 has an immense impact on people’s life. One of the impacts is the increasing concern for a healthier lifestyle, including the consumption of organic vegetables. This study aimed to determine variables that have a positive and significant impact on consumers behaviour in consuming organic vegetables, by utilizing Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modelling method. Variables that being analysed in this study are organic food knowledge, environmental concern, price consciousness, health consciousness, quality, subjective norms, risk aversion, perceived behaviour control, convenience to purchase, familiarity, food safety concern, emotional value, promotion, moral attitude, and the impact of COVID 19 on attitudes towards organic food, purchase intention of organic food, and organic purchase behaviour. The result shows that factors strongly influenced consumers’ motivation on the consumption of organic vegetables are subjective norm, risk aversion, price consciousness, emotional value, perceived behaviour control, moral attitude, and promotion respectively. Other factors have unsignificant influence on consumers’ behaviour so those factors can be neglected. The result of this study will be beneficial for organizations or businesses in developing strategy to improve customers’ motivation in consuming organic vegetables.

Evaluation of University Students’ Food Purchasing Behaviors and Food Safety Concerns

Evaluation of University Students’ Food Purchasing Behaviors and Food Safety Concerns

Plasmonic-based Raman sensor for ultra-sensitive detection of pharmaceutical waste

Pharmaceutical waste and contaminants pose a significant global concern for water and food safety.

Oral administration of egg ovalbumin allergen induces dysregulation of tryptophan metabolism in sensitized BALB/c mice.

Food allergy (FA), triggered by specific dietary allergens, has emerged as a substantial global concern for food safety and public health. While studies have elucidated changes in immune cells and cytokines associated with allergen exposure, a comprehensive analysis of the host's metabolic features and the interaction between metabolites and the gut microbiota has not been conducted. In this study, egg allergen ovalbumin (OVA) was administered by the oral route to sensitized BALB/c mice to faithfully replicate key aspects of human FA, including severe allergic diarrhea, mast cell infiltration, and elevated levels of serum IgE, mMCPT-1, and Th2 cell hallmark cytokines (such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13). Furthermore, the untargeted and targeted metabolomic analyses indicated that FA in mice precipitated a substantial decrease in the tryptophan metabolites indole-3-acrylic acid (IA) and indole-3-lactic acid (ILA). The integration of shotgun metagenome and metabolome data further unveiled that the dysregulation of indole metabolism is related to a decline in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Additionally, disruption of the tryptophan indole derivative pathway compromises the maintenance of intestinal mucosal function through the AHR signaling pathway, manifested by decreased expression of Reg3g and IL22. Taken together, this study demonstrated that the anaphylaxis triggered by oral ingestion of food allergens can lead to disruptions in tryptophan metabolism, consequently impairing intestinal immune homeostasis.

SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant remains viable in environmental biofilms found in meat packaging plants.

To determine why SARS-CoV-2 appears to thrive specifically well in meat packaging plants, we used SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant and meat packaging plant drain samples to develop mixed-species biofilms on materials commonly found within meat packaging plants (stainless steel (SS), PVC, and ceramic tile). Our data provides evidence that SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant remained viable on all the surfaces tested with and without an environmental biofilm after the virus was inoculated with the biofilm for 5 days at 7°C. We observed that SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was able to remain infectious with each of the environmental biofilms by conducting plaque assay and qPCR experiments, however, we detected a significant reduction in viability post-exposure to Plant B biofilm on SS, PVC, and on ceramic tile chips, and to Plant C biofilm on SS and PVC chips. The numbers of viable SARS-CoV-2 Delta viral particles was 1.81-4.57-fold high than the viral inoculum incubated with the Plant B and Plant C environmental biofilm on SS, and PVC chips. We did not detect a significant difference in viability when SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was incubated with the biofilm obtained from Plant A on any of the materials tested and SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant had higher plaque numbers when inoculated with Plant C biofilm on tile chips, with a 2.75-fold difference compared to SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant on tile chips by itself. In addition, we detected an increase in the biofilm biovolume in response to SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant which is also a concern for food safety due to the potential for foodborne pathogens to respond likewise when they come into contact with the virus. These results indicate a complex virus-environmental biofilm interaction which correlates to the different bacteria found in each biofilm. Our results also indicate that there is the potential for biofilms to protect SARS-CoV-2 from disinfecting agents and remaining prevalent in meat packaging plants.

Innovations in measuring and mitigating phytohemagglutinins, a key food safety concern in beans

Abstract Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is a seed storage protein and a type of lectin originally discovered in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) for its blood-agglutinating effect. Due to its interactions with gut epithelia and digestive enzymes and its potential to trigger allergic reactions, PHA can lead to various symptoms in the human body. As a result, it has been regarded as a significant antinutritional factor in beans and other legumes. While several published works have summarized its structural, biochemical, and toxicological features, there is a scarcity of literature that reviews the detection, quantification, and reduction of PHA in beans, which is fundamental for the development of safer bean varieties. In this review, we present a comprehensive analysis of traditional and innovative bio-sensing methods for measuring PHA, including the recently available ultrapure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and emerging aptamer sensor-based techniques, while discussing their respective advantages and disadvantages. We also revisit existing studies dedicated to creating PHA-depleted common bean varieties and explore the potential for reducing PHA content in beans without compromising their resistance to biotic stress. Additionally, we offer insights into the potential for controlling PHA content using the latest biotechnologies and breeding strategies. Overall, this review compiles rare and valuable information from studies that solely focuses on detection and depletion of PHA to shed light on and apply technological advancements in addressing potential food safety risks associated with the consumption of common beans.