Level Of Food Safety Research Articles

INSTITUTIONAL BASES FOR ENSURING ECONOMIC AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF AGRICULTURAL LAND USE

It is proved that increasing the level of anthropogenic loading on agroecosystem leads to negative destructive changes in the state of agricultural land, which poses a potential threat to the level of agroecological and food safety. Under of the existing organizational and economic conditions of commodity production in the crop production sector, there are no trends towards positive changes in the expansion of the complex of implementation of land conservation measures and the prudent attitude towards the use of agricultural land. Instead, the increase in profits and yields, the expansion of arable land in the narrowing of the agricultural land provoke a decrease in the level of agro-ecological safety, the spread of erosion and degradation processes, the decrease of humus stocks and the level of fertility. In particular, according to the information of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, in January–June 2018 Ukrainian agricultural exports amounted to $ 8.6 billion. The USA, and the total foreign trade turnover of agro-industrial products reached 11.3 billion dollars. USA, representing 23% of the total foreign trade turnover of Ukraine. However, despite the increase in the economic efficiency of the crop sub-sector of agriculture, the scope and organization of the implementation of measures to restore and preserve agroresource potential require radical changes on scientifically grounded positions. The above was the basis for the choice of the purpose of the study — the systematization of agroecological safety factors, which, based on detailed confirmation of statistical reporting, substantiates a complex of measures not only for the protection of the land, but aimed at ensuring an acceptable level of agroecological safety. The subject of the study is a set of theoretical aspects of improving the organizational and economic conditions of land use in relation to the introduction of economic responsibility of growers of marketable crop production for a qualitative state of soils. The approach outlined in the work can be used as a strategic aspect of the development of state programs for the use and protection of soils on agricultural lands of national and regional levels. In addition, its implementation contributes to the intensification of the land reform in relation to the introduction of economic conversion of agricultural plots.

The effects of income and food safety perception on vegetable expenditure in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how consumers’ concern for food safety and income levels influence vegetable consumption patterns and expenditure in Tamale, Ghana.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from a survey of 300 urban consumers, quantile regression analyses are used to examine how food safety consciousness, income and other factors influence vegetable expenditure across different quantiles.FindingsWhereas protein-rich foods take smaller proportion, vegetables and cereals take more than half of the household food budget. Poor households spend greater proportion of income on food relative to wealthier households, although absolute amounts spent on food takes the opposite direction. Engel’s law applies to composite food expenditure and individual food classes. Bennett’s law applies to various food groups, with high-income households showing high dietary diversity than middle- and low-income households. Food safety consciousness and income groupings significantly influence vegetable expenditure at various quantiles. Expenditure of food safety conscious and high-income consumers are positioned on higher quantiles.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest a potential for agribusiness investors to develop safer vegetable niche markets in the study area.Originality/valueThe study is the first to analyze vegetable consumption in Ghana with a focus on food safety consciousness, income levels and consumers’ location.

Food Safety Level on Bivalves Consumption from Kenjeran Waters Surabaya, East Java

Kenjeran waters are one of the waters located in the eastern part of the city Surabaya which has been polluted by heavy metals. The presence of heavy metals in the waters, automatically affect bivalves that live in these waters which will accumulate the metal on the body. This research aim was to determine the Health Benefit Value of Selenium (HBV-Se) as a food safety index from mercury contamination in bivalves consumption and to recognize MeanWeekly Intake (MWI) bivalves consumption in Kenjeran waters. The concentration analysis for Selenium using ICP-OES and Total mercury (THg) using Mercury Analyzer NIC-MA3000. Mercury and Seleniumwere calculated to gain HBV-Se index. The mercury concentration result showedPerna viridis 0.09 mg/kg, Siliqua patula 0.07 mg/kg, Trisidos tortuosa 0.08 mg/kg, and Anadara antiquata 0.08 mg/kg. The selenium concentration in bivalves between 0.91 mg/kg-2.49 mg/kg. The concentration of mercury below the quality standard on the limit determined by SNI, about 1 mg/kg. Total mercury from highest concentration were Perna viridis>Anadara antiquata>Siliqua patula>Trisidos tortuosa. From the calculation HBV-Se result showed positive value, it means indicating mercury contained in bivalves at Kenjeran Waters were not potentially to be toxic on the body. For the safety purpose, maximum consumption on bivalves for an adult is Perna viridis 8.64 kg/week, Siliqua patula6.62 kg/week, Trisidos tortuosa 3.91 kg/week and Anadara antiquata 4.49 kg/week. For the same reason, the maximum consumption for children Perna viridis 1.44 kg/week, Siliqua patula 1.10 kg/week, Anadara antiquata 0.65 kg/week, Trisidos tortuosa 0.75 kg/week

Relation of qualitative and quantitive levels of availability and adequacy of food in determing the level of food safety

Relation of qualitative and quantitive levels of availability and adequacy of food in determing the level of food safety

Aflatoxins in almonds: Monitoring and exposure assessment

AbstractAflatoxins (AFs) are naturally occurring contaminants classified as human carcinogens. This article describes presence and concentrations of AFs in both raw and roasted almonds collected from Turkey from September 2017 to February 2018. Long‐term exposure to AFs was then calculated using the per capita consumption of almonds and the concentration of AFs in almonds. AFs were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detector (HPLC‐FLD). The analytical method fulfilled the requirements on method performance according to Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006. AFs were detected in 15% of almonds, but at levels far below the European Union (EU) maximum levels (MLs). The long‐term mean exposure to AFB1 and total AFs via the consumption of almonds for Turkish consumer were calculated as 0.0019 and 0.0021 ng kg−1 b.w. day−1 at the lower bound, and 0.0043 and 0.0067 ng kg−1 b.w. day−1 at the upper bound, respectively.Practical applicationsThe present work was focused on aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) contamination levels of raw and roasted almond kernels consumed in Turkey. The exposure assessment of general Turkish population to AFs through the consumption of almonds was also assessed. This study underlines the importance of periodic monitoring studies to provide a high level of food safety. This is the first report on exposure to AFs through the consumption of almond kernels for Turkish consumers.

¿Hambre en México? Una alternativa metodológica para medir seguridad alimentaria

Objetivo: proponer un método alternativo al “indicador de carencia por acceso a la alimentación” para medir la seguridad alimentaria en México y mejorar la focalización de políticas públicas, tomando como referencia la definición de la FAO. Metodología: se combinan variables cualitativas y cuantitativas para cubrir cuatro dimensiones (acceso físico, acceso económico, estabilidad y calidad de la alimentación) a partir de cinco criterios (marginación, ingreso, gasto, percepción de cantidad y percepción de variedad). Resultados: 2 de cada 10 hogares en México pueden clasificarse con seguridad alimentaria y 15 % presenta problemas en todos o la mayoría de los indicadores. Para el grueso de los hogares, los principales problemas son que se destina una proporción muy elevada del gasto para cubrir la canasta básica y que la dieta es considerada de baja calidad por no ser suficiente, variada y nutritiva. Limitaciones: los indicadores no reflejan una medida nutricional asociada al nivel de seguridad alimentaria. Conclusiones: las políticas públicas deben distinguir niveles de seguridad alimentaria y dar prioridad a políticas económicas y de salud a nivel nacional, sin dejar a un lado la política social con programas de combate a la pobreza alimentaria, que persiste en regiones específicas de México.

Macro- and trace elements in Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) from Szczecin Lagoon, Poland – Implications for human health

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is a valued foodstuff in China. However, their elemental composition is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the concentrations of Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in muscle, hepatopancreas, gonads, gills, and exoskeletons of E. sinensis caught in spring and autumn in the Szczecin Lagoon, and to compare these levels to Dietary Reference Intake. High levels of Ca (>20, 000 μg g−1) in the exoskeleton, K (5,980 μg g−1) and Zn (80.8 μg g−1) in muscle, Ni (0.678 μg g−1) and Cd (0.3278 μg g−1) in the hepatopancreas, As (0.0411 μg g−1) and Se (0.3208 μg g−1) in the gonads, Fe (204 μg g−1), Cu (59.0 mg g−1), and Pb (0.0742 mg g−1) in the gills were measured. The edible parts of E. sinensis caught in Poland can be a valuable source of macro- and microelements important in human diet. Levels of Pb and Cd did not exceed the established food safety level of 0.50 μg g−1. The results showed that introduction of commercial fishing of this species may be profitable and would also comply with the European Union's legal regulations concerning the reduction of invasive animal populations in Europe.

USING THE STANDARDS IN THE INDUSTRY FOR PRODUCTION OF MILK

The HACCP system in the food industry has a different impact, depending on the structure of the market mechanisms. In order to make a real assessment of the process from the introduction of the HACCP system, as well as the benefit of the analysis, it is necessary to assess the positive effects of the information available to consumers for the purpose of choosing and making the right decision when purchasing food in order to reduce the risk that can be caused by the consumption of food. The analysis also determines the responsibility of a higher level of food safety through measurements that relate to the marginal profit and costs, not only at the level of critical points in the process, but also the marginal profit expected from the investments. Food quality and safety are part of the most important aspects of food production and distribution. Each manufacturer, through the proper way of managing food safety, has an obligation to offer quality food on the market, with proper nutritional properties, organoleptic properties, hygienically correct, which positively influences the health of consumers.

Інституційні важелі забезпечення еколого-економічної ефективності сільськогосподарського землекористування

The purpose. To carry out ecological-economic assessment of efficiency of use of land resources of agricultural purpose in Kyiv oblast in comparison with state of ecological-economic efficiency of land-use at national level and to offer institutional levers of maintenance of its efficiency. Methods. By means of system analysis and synthesis with engaging statistical and correlation analysis with the subsequent demonstration of results and application of graphical method ecological-economic assessment of differences of level of efficiency of use of agrilands in Kyiv oblast from its state at national level is made. On the basis of monographic method generalization of experience of researches of domestic schools of pedology, agroecology is carried out. That may become a basis of the offered directions of institutional improvement of ways of overcoming ecological-economic crisis of agricultural land-use. Results. It is determined that modern organizational-economic approaches to agricultural land-use in Ukraine do not provide its balanced state. Conceptual aspects of maintenance of admissible level agroecological safety of agricultural land-use are specified at commodity production of plant growing and the role of local communities in solution of that problem in view of administrative reform of Ukraine is shown. Significance of heading free economic turnover of ground areas of agricultural purpose is underlined. Conclusions. It is proved that escalation of profits of farms leads to depletion of agricultural potential which descends now in Ukraine, and creates threats to maintenance of comprehensible level of agroecological and food safety. Significance of institutional and economic levers in innovation of organizational-economic conditions of managing is shown. These conditions are aimed at level of agrochemical parameters of qualitative state of soil covering of agrilands, that is an effective direction of maintenance of recovery and conservation of agricultural potential.

Impact of Biogenic Amines on Food Quality and Safety.

Today, food safety and quality are some of the main concerns of consumer and health agencies around the world. Our current lifestyle and market globalization have led to an increase in the number of people affected by food poisoning. Foodborne illness and food poisoning have different origins (bacteria, virus, parasites, mold, contaminants, etc.), and some cases of food poisoning can be traced back to chemical and natural toxins. One of the toxins targeted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the biogenic amine histamine. Biogenic amines (BAs) in food constitute a potential public health concern due to their physiological and toxicological effects. The consumption of foods containing high concentrations of biogenic amines has been associated with health hazards. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of food poisoning cases associated with BAs in food, mainly in relation to histamines in fish. We need to gain a better understanding of the origin of foodborne disease and how to control it if we expect to keep people from getting ill. Biogenic amines are found in varying concentrations in a wide range of foods (fish, cheese, meat, wine, beer, vegetables, etc.), and BA formation is influenced by different factors associated with the raw material making up food products, microorganisms, processing, and conservation conditions. Moreover, BAs are thermostable. Biogenic amines also play an important role as indicators of food quality and/or acceptability. Hence, BAs need to be controlled in order to ensure high levels of food quality and safety. All of these aspects will be addressed in this review.

Promoting traceability for food supply chain with certification

Traceability systems are perceived as a powerful solution to cope with food safety issues. It is important to improve the traceability for food supply chains to address potential food safety events. This paper studies the sourcing decisions in a food supply chain, in which the buyer is exposed to potential food safety events due to supplier responsibility. It is shown that the buyer may fail to source from the supplier with high-level traceability on account of information asymmetry. To address this adverse selection problem, this paper employs the certification as a screening tool, and find that the buyer could separate the two types perfectly with a pooling contract with certification, if the probability of the high type is low; otherwise, a pooling contract only separate the two types partially. This paper further considers a setting in which traceability strengthens the food safety level. It is shown that the buyer prefers the supplier with high-level traceability even the unit cost incurred by food safety events or the probability of the supplier with high-level traceability is lower.

Applied food safety requirements in the case of organic farmers’ food processing activity and their effects on the production

The improvement of the organic farming is a basic aim of the national agricultural policy for years. The new CAP 2014-2020 also strengthen the central role of organic agriculture in the fight against climate change, the protection of the environment and the preservation of biodiversity. The organic farms are usually small scale enterprises so their development also relating to the improvement of the Short Food Supply Chains which is supported in the frame of the Rural Development Programme. The health related characteristics of the food product gained on importance in the past decade among the European consumers. The organics has more favourable characteristics from this aspect as compared to the conventional food, which is due to the organic producing principles. However the food safety, hygienic characteristic of the food stemming from local small scale farmers are similar to the organics. The aim of the article is to reveal the judgement of the applied rules by the organic and small scale farmers and to find the main differences in food safety level in the two product categories in this field.

Food fingerprints - A valuable tool to monitor food authenticity and safety.

In recent years, food frauds and adulterations have increased significantly. This practice is motivated by fast economical gains and has an enormous impact on public health, representing an important issue in food science. In this context, this review has been designed to be a useful guide of potential biomarkers of food authenticity and safety. In terms of food authenticity, we focused our attention on biomarkers reported to specify different botanical or geographical origins, genetic diversity or production systems, while at the food safety level, molecular evidences of food adulteration or spoilage will be highlighted. This report is the first to combine results from recent studies in a format that allows a ready overview of metabolites (<1200 Da) and potentially molecular routes to monitor food authentication and safety. This review has therefore the potential to unveil important aspects in food adulteration and safety, contributing to improve the current regulatory frameworks.

Determinants of Food Safety Level in Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers' Supply Chain: Evidence from Spain and France.

Food safety management in short supply chains of fruit and vegetables, controlled by large retailers, has been widely studied in the literature. However, when it comes to traditional long supply chains, which include a greater number of intermediaries and wholesalers who, in some cases, play a dual role as resellers and producers, the mechanisms which promote the use of safety certifications have yet to be clearly defined. The present study intended to fill this gap in the literature and shed light on the food safety level that exists in this channel. In addition, this work attempted to identify the existence of differences between both sales systems. For this purpose, the empirical research studied the most important variables that influence the food safety level of some of the main European fruit and vegetable wholesalers. A survey was thus designed and later applied to Spanish and French intermediaries working in key wholesale markets and in the southeast of Spain, which is the leading commercialization area of these products in Europe. The results revealed the positive influence of specific customers (big retailers) on establishing stricter safety controls within wholesale companies. It was also observed that specific wholesalers also play an important role in the system, namely those dedicated to importing, but which are also responsible for quality and safety inspection of agri-food products exported from third countries into the European Union.

Novel foods: a risk profile for the house cricket (Achetadomesticus).

Novel foods could represent a sustainable alternative to traditional farming and conventional foodstuffs. Starting in 2018, Regulation (EU) 2283/2015 entered into force, laying down provisions for the approval of novel foods in Europe, including insects. This Approved Regulation establishes the requirements that enable Food Business Operators to bring new foods into the EU market, while ensuring high levels of food safety for European consumers. The present risk profile tackles the hazards for one of the most promising novel food insects, the house cricket (Acheta domesticus). The risk profile envisages a closed A. domesticus crickets rearing system, under Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and good farming practices (GFP), in contrast with open cricket farms. The methodology used involves screening the literature and identifying possible hazards, followed by adding relevant inclusion criteria for the evidence obtained. These criteria include animal health and food safety aspects, for the entire lifespan of crickets, based on the farm to fork One Health principle. When data were scarce, comparative evidence from close relatives of the Orthoptera genus was used (e.g. grasshoppers, locusts and other cricket species). Nevertheless, significant data gaps in animal health and food safety are present. Even if HACCP‐type systems are implemented, the risk profile identifies the following considerable concerns: (1) high total aerobic bacterial counts; (2) survival of spore‐forming bacteria following thermal processing; (3) allergenicity of insects and insect‐derived products; and (4) the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (e.g. cadmium). Other hazards like parasites, fungi, viruses, prions, antimicrobial resistance and toxins are ranked as low risk. For some hazards, a need for additional evidence is highlighted.

Aspectos socioeconómicos presentes en la práctica alimentaria de niños entre 2 a 5 años en un municipio del departamento de Boyacá, Colombia

Un análisis interdisciplinario acerca de la recolección, el cultivo, el consumo y la distribución de los alimentos vegetales y animales en zonas rurales, permite la descripción de las prácticas alimentarias de las familias campesinas. Esta investigación realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, para evaluar los hábitos alimenticios y el nivel de seguridad alimentaria, en relación con la primera infancia, de 32 familias del municipio Boyacá, en el departamento de Boyacá, Colombia. Los resultados del estudio evidenciaron que la alimentación de las personas es el resultado del aprendizaje cultural y depende de condicionantes económica, laboral y política. Su ausencia pone en riesgo, en gran medida, el desarrollo integral de niños de primera infancia. A partir de éste, se identifica el rol del profesional de Trabajo Social en torno estudiar, describir y gestionar procesos posibles que ayuden a mejorar la seguridad alimentaria de las poblaciones en las que intervienen.

Improving the level of food safety and market access in developing countries

The EU has been implementing strict food laws and regulations that de facto constrain exports from Indonesia, particularly regarding agricultural products. This study uses the comparative law method and the FSO/ALOP framework to analyze how to design better strategies for Indonesia when dealing with the more stringent food laws and regulations of the EU, particularly in the case of shrimp and nutmeg. This study proposes that the choice of strategy should depend on the nature of the hazard, the existing national food control system, and the availability of the relevant international standard.

The Accumulation of Nutrients and Contaminants in Aromatic Plants Grown in a Hydroponic System

Abstract Hydroponic systems are highly appreciated today, due to their potential to protect the environment and ensure a high level of food safety. In general, aromatic plants play a very important role in the food, pharmacy, cosmetics, perfumery and aromatherapy industries, all these products being highly appreciated by consumers. Due to their importance, different hydroponic systems are put in place to grow at different levels, these aromatic plants. In the present study, is analyzed the influence of three different hydroponic systems (two vertical and one horizontal) on minerals content and nutritional quality of two varieties of Occimum basilicum and one Mentha piperita variety. In this study are presented dry matter content, ash, micro and macro elements and contaminants content of leaves are presented. The results showed that the vertical system without foil had the best results, followed by the vertical system with foil comparative to the horizontal system that had the lowest content in nutritious principles. The vertical eco-sustainable systems proved to be a promising innovation for growing aromatic plants at the household level and a promising start for the intensive growing.

Hygiene assessments of school kitchens based on the microbiological status of served food.

According to European trends, more children eat at school canteens than ever before, therefore food safety and quality have become increasingly significant in recent years. Nevertheless, there are large differences in food safety levels in different school canteens. We hypothesize that the microbial status of the served meal represents on the general hygiene of the kitchen. Our research examines whether mesophilic aerobic bacteria measured in served food are connected with the level of hygiene in the catering unit, and whether this indicator can be used as a criterion for assessing school kitchens. Meal samples were collected from six school kitchens, and mesophilic aerobic bacterial count was measured. Samples were collected on five different days, so each kitchen was monitored five times. Two meals per visit were collected: a soup and a main course. Out of the 60 samples, 26 were good (CFU/g < 103), 24 were acceptable (CFU/g: 103&ndash;105), and in 10 samples, the microbial count was found to be above the limit (CFU/g > 105). Statistical calculations revealed that microbial contamination of served meals was influenced neither by the supplier nor by the type of meal (soup or main course). However, the level of hygiene in the serving kitchen significantly affects the microbial status of meals. Based on the results, a qualification system can be developed using the mesophilic aerobic bacterial count measurable in the served meal to assess hygiene. By regular determination of mesophilic aerobic bacterial count and the presence of Enterobacteriaceae, the food safety of a catering unit can be quantitatively evaluated.

Food safety in restaurants: The consumer perspective

The study aimed to reveal the indicators that consumers in Mainland China employ to evaluate food safety level of restaurants and find how the use of them varies across consumer subgroups. A national survey was carried out and 1076 respondents completed questionnaires which consisted of 33 questions. The results showed that the consumers preferred to assess a restaurant’s food safety level based on “sensory perception of food” and “restaurant environment”. Although official inspection certificate is one of the reliable indicators, the consumers seldom use it. Furthermore, consumers from different subgroups used different indicators. The females were much more finicky – they employed more indicators to protect them from unsafe restaurants. These results demonstrated a need for better education to create discerning consumers to expel those that fail to deliver safe food. Restaurants can rely on the results to develop effective marketing communication to match the consumers’ decision attributes.