Food Samples Research Articles

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

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

Vortex-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction of manganese in food samples by using newly synthesized biodegradable poly (3-hydroxy butyrate) diethanol amine

A newly synthesized biodegradable polyhydroxy butyrate diethanol amin (PHB-DEA) was used as adsorbent for vortex assisted dispersive solid phase microextraction (VA-dSPµE) of manganese in food samples. The different parameters were optimized such as pH, amount of adsorbent, time, desorption solvents and time and also number of reuses. After the sample preparation step, the determination of manganese from food samples was carried out using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The present developed method showed good LOD value 0.15ngmL-1 and LOQ 0.5ngmL-1. The 0.5-300ngmL-1 linearity range was found and enhancement factor was 182. The inter-day RSD% was 2.2-4.1 and intra-day RSD% was 2.8-5.2. The recovery of manganese was found in the 95-98% range. The factorial design was employed such as response surface plots, pareto chart, residual plots and ANOVA was applied to estimate the significant level of the model using central composite design (CCD). The developed VA-dSPµE procedure was successfully implemented to determine manganese in food samples.

An ultra-sensitive photoelectrochemical sensor based on ZnIn2S4/rGO nanocomposites for detection of oxytetracycline in water, food and organism samples

Residues of oxytetracycline (OTC) may cause the resistance of bacteria, and even have serious impacts on the ecosystem through the food chain. It was important to monitor OTC of low concentration for preserving human health and environmental safety. In this work, reduced graphene oxide doped ZnIn2S4 (ZnIn2S4/rGO) nanocomposites were composited by straightforward one-step solvothermal reaction. The nanocomposites had superior light absorption property and stable photocurrent response. Because rGO not only had a large specific surface area for immobilizing abundant ZnIn2S4, but also accelerated charge transfer as an electron mediator. Additionally, the oxidation potential of OTC was more negative than the valence band potential of ZnIn2S4. So, OTC can be oxidized by photogenerated holes of the ZnIn2S4 as electron donors, leading significant increase of photocurrent response. Based on this, a “signal-on” photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor was constructed to achieve ultra-sensitive and specific detection of OTC. This sensor exhibited a wide detection range from 100 fM to 50 nM, an extremely low detection limit (61.2 fM) and excellent analytical performance in actual water, food and biological samples.

Pyrochlore stannate synthesis: Unlocking temperature's influence on electrochemical detection of caffeic acid in food samples

Pyrochlore stannate synthesis: Unlocking temperature's influence on electrochemical detection of caffeic acid in food samples

Dual-mode sensing with L-phenylalanine-stabilized copper nanoparticles: Real-time detection of Fe3+ and pH monitoring

Water-soluble copper nanoparticles stabilized with L-Phenylalanine (L-PCuNPs) were synthesized and characterized for dual sensing of Fe3+ ions and pH levels. These nanoparticles exhibited green fluorescence at 486 nm, which was quenched by Fe3+ ions, resulting in a color shift from colorless to yellow. Additionally, L-PCuNPs showed pH responsiveness, with increased fluorescence intensity as the pH shifted from acidic to basic. Their effectiveness was further validated through analysis of environmental, biological, and food samples, demonstrating their practical utility across diverse real-world applications.

Whole genome sequencing reveals circulation of potentially virulent Listeria innocua strains with novel genomic features in cattle farm environments in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Through the last decade, Listeria spp. has been detected in food and environmental samples in Bangladesh. However, the genomic information of this bacterium that prevails in the country remains scarce. This study analyzed the complete genome sequences of two Listeria spp. isolates obtained from cow dung and their drinking water collected from a cattle farm in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Both the isolates were identified as Listeria innocua, which shared almost identical genomic features. The genome sequences demonstrated the presence of 13 virulence genes associated with invasion (iap/cwhA, gtcA, and lpeA), surface protein anchoring (lspA), adherence (fbpA, and lap), intracellular survival (lplA1, and prsA2), peptidoglycan modification (oatA, and pdgA), and heat stress (clpC, clpE, and clpP). Additionally, the gene fosX, conferring resistance to fosfomycin, and two copper resistance-associated genes, copC and csoR, were identified in both. The genome sequences also revealed two plasmid replicons, rep25 and rep32, along with three insertion sequences [ISLmo3 (CP022021), ISLmo7 (CP006611), ISS1N (M37395)]. Notably, a composite transposon [CN_8789_ISS1N (M37395)], was detected in both L. innocua isolates, representing the first documented occurrence of this particular composite transposon in any reported Listeria species. Furthermore, the genomes contained four prophage regions [Listeria phage LP-030-2 (NC_021539), Listeria phage vB_LmoS_188 (NC_028871), Listeria phage A118 (NC_003216) and Escherichia phage RCS47 (NC_042128)]. Two CRISPR arrays were also identified, one belonging to the family type II-A. Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis classified the L. innocua isolates of the same sequence type, ST-637. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis uncovered the presence of 231-340 SNPs between the L. innocua isolates and their closely related global lineage. In contrast, only 42 SNPs were identified between the two isolates, suggesting a potential transmission of L. innocua between cow dung and cattle farm water. The presence of L. innocua isolates harboring virulence genes associated with ruminant infection in the cattle farm environment of Bangladesh raises significant concerns about the potential presence of other human and animal pathogens. This poses a serious threat to the cattle farming industry. Additionally, the genomic analysis of the L. innocua isolates enhances our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of Listeria species.

Visual monitoring of hydrazine in food and environmental samples by wearable probe

Hydrazine is a poisonous compound that has been widely applied in the agricultural and chemical industry, leading to serious environmental pollution. Thus, the detection of hydrazine remained extremely important for ensuring food safety and environmental protection. Considering the importance of hydrazine detection for human health, a novel colorimetric/fluorescent probe (TPB) for the detection of hydrazine in various samples has been developed. In the presence of hydrazine, TPB emits a blue emission band at 452nm with high sensitivity (limit of detection equal to 40nM), ultrafast detection (less than 10s), broad working pH range (6−10), and strong anti-interference capabilities. These excellent performances have been exploited to fabricate hydrogel-based sensing labels (test kits, cotton swabs, glass rods, and gloves), which allowed the detection of hydrazine traces in soil, earthworms, plant samples, and living cells. This work presents a novel sensing approach for future research, aiming to develop a novel fluorescent probe exploiting the ICT process for the detection of hydrazine.

Highly sensitive determination of perfluorooctanoic acid in food and river samples with an electrochemical platform based on MIP and modified MWCNTs

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of the emerging persistent organic pollutants, has received great concern due to high resistance to degradation and potential health risks. Numerous reports have revealed its presence in environment (soil, water, air), multiple foods and human blood with certain levels. In this study, a selective electrochemical molecularly imprinted sensor (MIP/CMC-MWCNTs@GCE) based on a template molecule of PFOA and a functional monomer of methacrylic acid (MAA) was developed via electro-polymerization on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode modified with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for PFOA detection. The composite electrode was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate its microstructure and surface groups. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) results and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) also showed its excellent electrochemical performance. After optimizing the experimental conditions by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the obtained sensor quantified PFOA in a wide range of 0.1 to 2000 ng mL−1 with a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.1287 ng mL−1. Finally, this rapid sensing method has been successfully applied in chicken, peach, tomato and river samples with a recovery rate of 92.00–113.19 %. These results present that the composite sensor has good selectivity, stability and high sensitivity for PFOA determination, which may be a promising alternative for on-site and real-time monitoring in complex samples.

Enhanced Vitamin B12 Detection Using a CxNixOyFeyOx+3 Bimetal-Organic Framework: A Comprehensive Electrochemical Study

The functions of neurons and blood cells are aided by vitamin B12. Serum vitamin B12 levels are picomolar, and their deficiencies may be remedied using vitamin B12 tablets. Consequently, sensitive and selective vitamin B12 detectors that can be used at the point-of-care for food, pharmaceutical, and biological samples are urgently needed. In this study, we present the synthesis and carbonization of a Ni- and Fe-based bimetallic organic framework for the electrochemical sensing of vitamin B12. The crystalline nature and functional groups of the material were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and the oxidation states within the framework were determined using X-ray photoelectron analysis. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform spherical morphology with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 10 nm. Electrochemical analysis was performed to detect vitamin B12 by cyclic voltammetry (CV) on a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with CxNixOyFeyOx+3. CV analysis revealed that the fabricated electrode exhibits excellent redox peaks at approximately 0.0245 and -0.514 V with a low detection limit of 49 nM for vitamin B12 and a wide linear detection range up to 200 µM. Interference studies confirmed the selectivity of the sensor with minimal impact from common biomolecules and inorganic ions. The sensor demonstrated excellent repeatability (RDS = 3.5%), reproducibility, and long-term stability, retaining 94% of its initial current response for over 20 d. The real sample analysis of commercial vitamin B complex tablets demonstrated a recovery rate of 98.59%, highlighting the practical applicability of the sensor in pharmaceutical analysis.

Sustainable analytical approach for selective fluorescence sensing of sulfosulfuron using copper nanoclusters from Tinospora cordifolia leaves extract

In recent times, there has been a growing trend in utilizing medicinal plant extracts for the fabrication of fluorescent nanomaterials. In this work, Tinospora cordifolia-copper nanoclusters (T. cordifolia-CuNCs) were produced by employing Tinospora cordifolia (common name is “giloy”), a medicinal plant. A green chemistry approach was employed to generate blue fluorescent T. cordifolia-CuNCs, displaying λEm at 430 nm when λEx at 330 nm, which shows a good quantum yield (QY) of 26.67 %. Sulfosulfuron pesticide was able to quench the fluorescence intensity of T. cordifolia-CuNCs via a “turn-off” mechanism. It was noticed that T. cordifolia-CuNCs could be used for the detection of sulfosulfuron pesticide in the range of 0.025–90 µM with a detection limit of 6.52 nM. Furthermore, a cellulose-based paper strip sensor was created for thevisual detection of sulfosulfuron pesticide. Moreover, T. cordifolia-CuNCs-based fluorescence method was applied to quantify sulfosulfuron pesticide in apple, tomato, and rice samples, showing good recoveries, which demonstrates that this probe offers great potentiality for sensing of sulfosulfuron pesticide in food and environmental samples

Construction of rhodamine-based fluorescent sensor for fast, on-site quantitative detection of hazardous salicylic acid in practical sample analysis

Salicylic acid (SA) is widely used in food storage, preservatives, additives, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry. However, various poisoning symptoms are frequently reported upon ingestion of a large amount of SA. Therefore, discovering new tools for sensing SA with fast, simple, and portable performance is imperative. Herein, five rhodamine-based fluorescent sensors were constructed, and investigated their SA detection profiles. Probe 1 was excellent selective with a rapid response, highly sensitive (LOD = 2.5 μM), good interference resistance, and unaided eye recognition. The spray experiment and paper-based test strips indicating that probe 1 enables to the on-site and quantitatively detect SA on actual food surfaces by using a smartphone identifying the RGB values. The sensing performance was validated in soil samples, water, and various agricultural food samples. Overall, the constructed SA sensor can function as a promising, convenient, and affordable tool for point-of-care detection of SA in diversiform environmental samples.

Biogenic Amines: Catalysis, Quality, and Safety Aspects of Food Items Consumed in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: In this study, the identification and quantification of biogenic amines in 45 commonly consumed food samples in Saudi Arabia were carried out. The enzymes responsible for producing these biogenic amines include spermidine (SPD), putrescine (PUT), tryptamine (TRP), tyramine (TYR), and histamine (HIS), which are synthesized through organo-catalytic pathways. Method: The diverse range of samples analyzed encompassed various types of beef, pickle varieties, canned fish, vegetables, chicken varieties, spices, fruits, and salad ingredients. Sample preparation involved the use of dansyl chloride after aqueous extraction, followed by isolation and analysis using reversed-phase HPLC with a UV detector. In five beef samples, mean concentrations of SPD, PUT, TRP, HIS, and TYR were identified as 9.41, 8.98, 155.8, 100.8, and 304.2 mg kg-1, respectively. Canned fish samples exhibited mean concentrations of TRP, PUT, HIS, TYR, and SPD at 71.6, 3.88, 29.2, 2.56, and 2.02 mg kg-1, respectively. Result: Among five pickle samples, mean concentrations of TRP, PUT, HIS, TYR, and SPD were reported as 118.8, 39.12, 35.2, 27.2, and 2.56 mg kg-1, respectively. Chicken samples primarily contained TRP, HIS, and SPD as the identified biogenic amines, with mean concentrations of 87.2, 105.6, and 5.22 mg kg-1, respectively. Fruit samples generally exhibited low levels of all enzymes except for TRP. Conclusion: It was found that vegetables, seasonings, and salad ingredients either had undetectable or low quantities of biogenic amines.

Preparation of waste toner-derived magnetic adsorbent for analysis of lead in aqueous and oil-based foods

Waste toner powder contains carbon and ferrosoferric oxide, meaning it has potential as a magnetic adsorbent. Previous efforts have tried to improve its hydrophilicity for aqueous samples, but not non-aqueous food matrices such as edible oils. In this work, we proposed a one-step hydrothermal carbonization method using 50 % (v/v) acetic acid to prepare carboxyl-functionalised magnetic adsorbent for aqueous and oil-based food samples. Owing to the complexation of carboxyl groups and electrostatic attraction, the adsorption capacity for Pb(II) was 50.3 ± 0.4 mg g−1. Combined with GFAAS, the developed method demonstrated a high enhancement factor (91.0), a low detection limit (0.013 μg L−1) and was also validated by the certified standard reference material, including environmental water, rice flour and tea. Furthermore, successful applications were demonstrated in tap and lake water, orange juice, edible oil and mushrooms with recoveries ranging from 84.4 to 108 %.

Optimization and greenness assessments of the supramolecular solvent-assisted cloud point extraction method for copper spectrophotometric determination in water and food samples

For the first time, the green supramolecular solvents (SUPRASs)-based cloud point extraction (CPE) approach was created for copper spectrophotometric determination in food and water samples. SUPRASs were synthesized in six different forms and used as synergistic reagents. SUPRAS (water, salicylic acid, and THF) mixed with TritonX-114 (TX-114) to be the most efficient extraction solvent. The validation investigation found that the linearity range, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), enhancement factor (EF), and preconcentration factor (PF) are 0.2-700.0 μg L-1, 0.1 μg L-1, 0.33 μg L-1, 85.0, and 50.0, respectively. The technique's accuracy was calculated using standard reference materials (SRMs) (GBW07605 Tea Leaves and GBW10019 Apple) and ranged between 96.0 and 98.9%. Lastly, a novel SUPRAS-CPE approach was utilized to determine copper concentrations in real water, food tests, and SRMs. Furthermore, the SUPRAS-CPE conforms to green chemistry principles by using less both time and energy than previous studies. Also, the greenness values were determined by three recent tools. The Analytical Greenness Metric for Sample Preparation (AGREEprep), Complex Modified GAPI (ComplexMoGAPI), and Sample Preparation Metric of Sustainability (SPMS) programs produced results of 0.79, 86.0, and 8.42, respectively. These results are strongly aligned with both green ideals and environmentally friendly practices. The finding increases the possibilities for using SUPRAS-CPE to extract additional mineral ions.

Detection of Adulteration in Besan (Cicer Arietinum) Using Microscopic Technique

Detection of food adulteration in an unambiguous way requires a methodology that provides distinct differentiators between the authentic and adulterated samples. We present a simple method to detect the adulteration of Besan (chickpea flour), an extensively used food ingredient for different food products in the Indian culinary industry. As many as 10 different samples, both branded and non-branded samples, were procured from the market and were evaluated for their purity. Polarized light Microscope was used as a simple evaluation tool to assess the purity of the sample. The quality of the image in light, polarized light, polarized light with analyzer, and dark mode bring about a clear distinction between pure besan and adulterated sample. Sample analyses were done in 50 X to 1000 X magnification. This non-destructive analysis of the sample brings about even a very small degree of adulteration in the sample. From the analysis, it was clear that out of 10 samples tested, 5 samples were seen as adulterated. The chief adulterants were yellow pea flour and corn flour. This simple method provides easy detection of adulterants and adulteration in food samples.

UKURAN PERUSAHAAN MEMODERASI PROFITABILITAS, LIKUIDITAS, DAN LEVERAGE TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM

Changes in share prices show positive sentiment towards the global economy, improvement in the domestic economy, and continued improvement in company performance. Therefore, stock price changes should be taken into consideration. This research aimed to examine the effect of profitability ratio, liquidity, and leverage on the stock price with the firm size as a moderating variable at the Food and Beverages companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The profitability used return on asset, return on equity, net profit margin, earning per share, quick ratio, and cash ratio. Moreover, the liquidity had a current ratio. Then, leverage used debt to asset ratio, debt to equity ratio, long term debt to equity ratio, and time interest earned. Furthermore, the research was quantitative. There were 160 data samples of Food and Beverage companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Additionally, the data analysis technique used Partial Least Square (PLS). The result showed that profitability affected the stock price. However, both liquidity and leverage did not affect the stock price. In addition, firm size was able to moderate the effect of profitability on stock price. In contrast, firm size was not able to moderate the effect of liquidity on stock price. On the other hand, firm size was able to moderate the effect of leverage on stock price.

Estimation of Dietary Exposure to Sodium Benzoate (E211) and Potassium Sorbate (E202) of Children and Adolescents in the Oran Region, Algeria

Sodium benzoate (E211) and potassium sorbate (E202) are two preservatives widely used alone or in combination in the food industry in Algeria. This study aims to estimate the dietary exposure of children and adolescents to these substances in Oran Province (Algeria) and to assess the risks incurred in consuming these two preservatives. For this, a total of 116 commercial food samples were analyzed for potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate content by HPLC, and a survey was carried out on 250 children and 765 adolescents using a consumption frequency questionnaire as the method. The concentration of preservatives in foodstuffs was mostly within the maximum permitted limits set by national and international standards. In scenario 2 and scenario 3, the estimated average dietary exposure to the two preservatives was below the ADI: it was 17–48% and 21–36% of the ADI for potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, respectively. The dietary exposure at the 95th percentile exceeded the ADI for sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate when calculations were made using the average of samples containing these preservatives. The main contributors to exposure were carbonated drinks for sodium benzoate and juices, cheeses, and yogurts for potassium sorbate.

Guardians of resistance and virulence: detection of mec, femA, Van, pvl, hlg and spa genes in methicillin and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from clinical and food samples in Southwestern Nigeria.

Staphylococcus aureus strains are highly virulent and associated with an eclectic range of severe nosocomial and community-acquired infections. This study assessed methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA/VRSA) from clinical and ready-to-eat (RTE) food sources, screened for antibiotic resistance; and molecular determinants of antibiotic and virulence genes. Altogether, 465 clinical and RTE food samples were analyzed via conventional microbiological techniques and S. aureus identification was confirmed by nuc gene detection. Phenotypic screening for methicillin and vancomycin-resistance was by agar-screen cum micro-broth dilution respectively, while antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by the disc-diffusion technique. VanA/vanB/VanC1, femA, mecA/mecC; pvl/hlg and spa gene detection was via Polymerase chain reaction. Phenotypically, 211 Staphylococcal isolates were recovered, 138 (65.4%) of them carrying the nuc gene - all 138 (100.0%) were VRSA, while 59/138 (42.8%) were MRSA phenotypically. Overall, 114/138 (82.6%), 7/138 (5.1%), and 6/138 (4.3%) of isolates had the femA, mecA, and mecC genes, while van genes were detected in only 3 (2.2%) isolates, with virulence determinants pvl, hlg, and spa gene carriage in 8 (5.8%), 10 (7.2%), and 77 (55.8%) isolates respectively. In all, 11.6% carried resistance-associated genes, 55.8% carried virulence genes, and co-detection of resistance and virulence genes was observed in 12.3%. Overall, 96/138 (69.6%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR), while one strain was extremely drug-resistant (XDR). MAR Indices ≥ 0.2 was observed in 83.3% of isolates. This study highlights virulence levels of MRSA and VRSA circulating strains in Osogbo, contributing to their sustained surveillance, and improving available data for successive epidemiology investigations. This study also reports the occurrence of the mecC gene in S. aureus isolates from RTE foods and human samples in Southwestern Nigeria.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Nontyphoidal Salmonella from Food-Animal Products in Bejaia, Algeria.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella presents a significant threat to animal and human health as a food-borne infectious agent. This study focused on the characterization of Salmonella isolates obtained from fresh animal products consumed in Bejaia, Algeria. In total, 495 beef products, 600 chicken products, and 355 dairy products were collected from retail outlets and slaughterhouses in the region. Out of the 1450 samples collected, a Salmonella positivity rate of 3.5% (51/1450) was observed. Traditional Algerian sausages exhibited the highest prevalence of Salmonella contamination (14.1%, 36/256). Fifteen different serotypes were identified, with S. Kentucky (n = 12), S. Anatum (n = 11), and S. Bredeney (n = 9) being the most prevalent. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed resistance to diverse antibiotics, particularly against tetracycline, ampicillin, nalidixic acid, and sulphonamides. Whole-genome sequencing conducted on 21 isolates enabled the comparison of phylogenetic links between isolates. We notably identified clones circulating across the region in different locations and food types, suggesting contamination at the early stages of the food chain (in the herd or slaughterhouses) that disseminated to numerous butcher shops in various cities. We also identified acquired antibiotic resistance genes and point mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region genes, contributing to the observed resistance patterns. This study describes the genomic and phylogenetic characteristics of several Salmonella clones found in diverse food samples in Algeria. It suggests potential transmission dynamics that could better understand Salmonella's contamination routes.

Detection of micro- and nanoplastic particles in leafy green vegetables by SERS coupled with gold-silver core-shell nanoparticles.

Asensitive and accurate method has been developedfor detecting and quantifying polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) in food samples using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with a simple preparation process. Themethod is designed to effectively detect and quantify mixtures of these polymers in varying ratios within the food matrix. By employing gold-silver core-shell nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) as the enhancing substrate, the SERS method demonstrated superior sensitivity in detecting trace amounts of micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs). For 1-µm PS microparticles, the limit of detection (LOD) values range from 12 to 50 mg/L or mg/kg in water, spinach, and kale, while for 100-nm PS nanoparticles, the LOD values range from 18 to 47 mg/L or mg/kg. For 1-µm PE microparticles, the LOD values range from 173 to 416 mg/L or mg/kg in the same matrices, whereas for 65-nm PE nanoparticles, the values range from 446 to 744 mg/L or mg/kg. The mixtures of PS and PE in varying ratios were also tested, with both plastics detectable even at trace levels, emphasizing the method's precision in detecting plastic contaminants. These findings highlight the potential of SERS as a powerful tool for monitoring MNP contamination in food products by detecting both individual plastics and their mixtures, enabling precise quantification of contamination and contributing to improved food safety.