Food Supply Research Articles

Challenges and hotspots in food supply chain quality management practices

Food supply chains face many challenges, including those associated with supply chain quality management practices. Supply chain quality management practices are activities and processes adopted to achieve quality goals. The practices can be quite challenging, especially for food supply chains that are sustainability-oriented, such as those found in alternative food networks. This paper introduces a notion of supply chain quality management practice hotspots to capture incidences of quality management practice challenges that manifest in food supply chains. An approach for identifying supply chain quality management practice hotspots is developed in the paper and illustrated with multiple case studies. Findings show that incidences of supply chain quality management practice hotspots exist in practice, and practitioners perceive the notion of supply chain quality management practice hotspots to be valuable, especially in providing insights into supply chain processes and use as a basis for performance improvement. The paper indicates that the severity of supply chain quality management practice hotspots is influenced by the importance placed on supply chain processes, supply chain practices, and the severity of the quality management practice challenges the supply chain faces. Implications of findings and recommended areas of future work are presented.

A Short Review of Second-Generation Isobutanol Production by SHF and SSF

As isobutanol exhibits higher energy density and lower hygroscopicity than ethanol, it is considered a better candidate biofuel. The sustainable supply of inedible biomass and lack of competition with the food supply have stimulated significant worldwide interest in the production of isobutanol from this resource. Both separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) have been applied to isobutanol production to effectively utilize inedible biomass as a feedstock. However, both processes have various challenges, including low isobutanol yield and high production costs. This review summarizes the potential of isobutanol as a biofuel, methods for conferring isobutanol productivity, recent experimental studies, and developments in both SHF and SSF with the isobutanol-producing strains. Challenges to increasing the isobutanol yield and various suggestions for improvements to enable commercial production are also discussed.

A Short Review of Second-Generation Isobutanol Production by SHF and SSF

As isobutanol exhibits higher energy density and lower hygroscopicity than ethanol, it is considered a better candidate biofuel. The sustainable supply of inedible biomass and lack of competition with the food supply have stimulated significant worldwide interest in the production of isobutanol from this resource. Both separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) have been applied to isobutanol production to effectively utilize inedible biomass as a feedstock. However, both processes have various challenges, including low isobutanol yield and high production costs. This review summarizes the potential of isobutanol as a biofuel, methods for conferring isobutanol productivity, recent experimental studies, and developments in both SHF and SSF with the isobutanol-producing strains. Challenges to increasing the isobutanol yield and various suggestions for improvements to enable commercial production are also discussed.

Second-party international remote audit in food safety management in the context of post-pandemic developments

This study aims to evaluate the post-pandemic scenario regarding to auditing practices in the food safety management, considering the international food supply chains by means of remote or hybrid protocols auditing, as well as such practices impact in the supplier’s qualification efficiency. A bibliographical review of the published scientific articles about the experience of several countries which conducted research in order to capture the stakeholders’ perception involved in remote audits, as well as comparing with Multiple Study Cases of remote auditing carried out by the author, with a descriptive and qualitative statistics in the last twenty-four months are presented. As a result, one hundred per center remote auditing protocols may be effective as part of the process used by companies to qualify international suppliers of food supply chains by following the principles already set in the best practices identified in academic research.

Second-party international remote audit in food safety management in the context of post-pandemic developments

This study aims to evaluate the post-pandemic scenario regarding to auditing practices in the food safety management, considering the international food supply chains by means of remote or hybrid protocols auditing, as well as such practices impact in the supplier’s qualification efficiency. A bibliographical review of the published scientific articles about the experience of several countries which conducted research in order to capture the stakeholders’ perception involved in remote audits, as well as comparing with Multiple Study Cases of remote auditing carried out by the author, with a descriptive and qualitative statistics in the last twenty-four months are presented. As a result, one hundred per center remote auditing protocols may be effective as part of the process used by companies to qualify international suppliers of food supply chains by following the principles already set in the best practices identified in academic research.

Discrimination of different forms and oceanic regions of purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) based on stable isotopes and fatty acid composition

IntroductionPelagic cephalopods play a key role in the Chinese food supply. The market value of seafood frequently fluctuates based on its geographical origin and species, making it imperative to trace the origin and distinguish forms to guarantee food quality and accurate information.MethodsIn this study, we used biochemical tracers, including stable isotope analysis and fatty acid composition profiling, to trace the origin of purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) from the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. We measured the δ13C and δ15N values and fatty acid (FA) contents in samples from different forms of S. oualaniensis obtained from these two oceanic regions. We analyzed the feeding and nutritional differences among these populations and conducted discriminant analysis.Results and discussionSignificant regional and form differences were observed in both isotopic values and FA profiles in the muscle tissues of S. oualaniensis. Forms with larger sizes exhibited higher δ13C and δ15N values, potentially resulting from different feeding preferences and geographical environments. The discriminant analysis revealed that isotopic composition could effectively distinguish individuals from different oceanic regions, whereas FA composition was more effective in distinguishing different forms within the same oceanic region. The combination of isotopes and FAs could accurately discriminate S. oualaniensis of different forms and from different oceanic regions, achieving a discrimination accuracy of 100%. This study provides a reference for tracing the origin of pelagic cephalopods with complex form structures.

Changes in the composition of invertebrate assemblages from wave-exposed intertidal mussel stands along the Nova Scotia coast, Canada.

Rocky intertidal habitats occur worldwide and are mainly characterized by primary space holders such as seaweeds and sessile invertebrates. Some of these organisms are foundation species, as they can form structurally complex stands that host many small invertebrates. The abundance of primary space holders is known to vary along coastlines driven directly or indirectly by environmental variation. However, it is less clear if the invertebrate assemblages associated to a foundation species may remain relatively unchanged along coastlines, as similar stands of a foundation species can generate similar microclimates. We examined this question using abundance data for invertebrate species found in mussel stands of a similar structure in wave-exposed rocky habitats at mid-intertidal elevations along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia (Canada). While the most abundant invertebrate species were found at three locations spanning 315 km of coastline, species composition (a combined measure of species identity and their relative abundance) differed significantly among the locations. One of the species explaining the highest amount of variation among locations (a barnacle) exhibited potential signs of bottom-up regulation involving pelagic food supply, suggesting benthic-pelagic coupling. The abundance of the species that explained the highest amount of variation (an oligochaete) was positively related to the abundance of their predators (mites), further suggesting bottom-up forcing in these communities. Overall, we conclude that species assemblages associated to structurally similar stands of a foundation species can show clear changes in species composition at a regional scale.

Bt corn and cotton planting may benefit peanut growers by reducing aflatoxin risk.

Decades of studies have shown that Bt corn, by reducing insect damage, has lower levels of mycotoxins (fungal toxins), such as aflatoxin and fumonisin, than conventional corn. We used crop insurance data to infer that this benefit from Bt crops extends to reducing aflatoxin risk in peanuts: a non-Bt crop. In consequence, we suggest that any benefit-cost assessment of how transgenic Bt crops affect food safety should not be limited to assessing those crops alone; because the insect pest control offered by Bt crops affects the food safety profile of other crops grown nearby. Specifically, we found that higher Bt corn and Bt cotton planting rates in peanut-growing areas of the United States were associated with lower aflatoxin risk in peanuts as measured by aflatoxin-related insurance claims filed by peanut growers. Drought-related insurance claims were also lower: possibly due to Bt crops' suppression of insects that would otherwise feed on roots, rendering peanut plants more vulnerable to drought. These findings have implications for countries worldwide where policies allow Bt cotton but not Bt food crops to be grown: simply planting a Bt crop may reduce aflatoxin and drought stress in nearby food crops, resulting in a safer food supply through an inter-crop "halo effect."

The opportunities and challenges of provisioning low pesticide risk fresh produce by smallholder farmers to hospitality and foodservice organizations

ABSTRACT This study explores how hospitality businesses source low pesticide risk fresh produce from smallholder farmers. Stakeholder interviews across Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia (n=19) reveal a lack of standardisation for low-pesticide fresh produce. Despite concerns about potential pesticide contamination, local, seasonal and low-carbon options are prioritized, and intermediaries are considered as providers of food safety reassurance. Collaboration with smallholder farmers is limited due to unpredictable supply and capacity. The study calls for the set-up of industry standards on low pesticide risk fresh produce and smallholder collaboration capacity building, potentially through technology, to improve food safety, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.

A just personality as a component of humanistic utopian pedagogical thought in Volga Bulgaria of the late XII – early XV centuries

The relevance of the research lies in the fact that the medieval utopian humanistic pedagogical thought in Volga Bulgaria, reflected in the poem «Kyyssai Yusuf» by the enlightener Kul Gali, has not yet been fully revealed. In this regard, the research problem is to reveal the personal characteristics of the ruler of a humane society, which interested people of all times, but found a solution only in the utopia of medieval enlighteners. The goal of the research is to reveal the humane personal qualities necessary for a ruler to organize a utopian humanistic society, which medieval educators dreamed of and described in their didactic works, including the Bulgar poet Kul Gali. The methodological basis of the study is represented by the use of methods of comparison, induction and deduction, analysis and synthesis, generalization and abstraction.The research results: the study reveals the features of utopian humanistic pedagogical thought, at the center of which is the construction of a just society, which requires a person with a number of positive qualities, which were described in detail by the poet-educator Kul Gali in his poem «Kyyssai Yusuf».Key conclusions: the utopian humanistic pedagogical thought in Volga Bulgaria, described by the medieval poet-enlightener Kul Gali in the poem «Kyyssai Yusuf», is inextricably linked with the positive personal characteristics of the ruler, thanks to which justice, legality, equality, respect, love, mercy, sufficient food supply, etc., reign in society.

A just personality as a component of humanistic utopian pedagogical thought in Volga Bulgaria of the late XII – early XV centuries

The relevance of the research lies in the fact that the medieval utopian humanistic pedagogical thought in Volga Bulgaria, reflected in the poem «Kyyssai Yusuf» by the enlightener Kul Gali, has not yet been fully revealed. In this regard, the research problem is to reveal the personal characteristics of the ruler of a humane society, which interested people of all times, but found a solution only in the utopia of medieval enlighteners. The goal of the research is to reveal the humane personal qualities necessary for a ruler to organize a utopian humanistic society, which medieval educators dreamed of and described in their didactic works, including the Bulgar poet Kul Gali. The methodological basis of the study is represented by the use of methods of comparison, induction and deduction, analysis and synthesis, generalization and abstraction.The research results: the study reveals the features of utopian humanistic pedagogical thought, at the center of which is the construction of a just society, which requires a person with a number of positive qualities, which were described in detail by the poet-educator Kul Gali in his poem «Kyyssai Yusuf».Key conclusions: the utopian humanistic pedagogical thought in Volga Bulgaria, described by the medieval poet-enlightener Kul Gali in the poem «Kyyssai Yusuf», is inextricably linked with the positive personal characteristics of the ruler, thanks to which justice, legality, equality, respect, love, mercy, sufficient food supply, etc., reign in society.

Multi‐objective assessment of the water‐energy‐environment‐food nexus involving a life cycle assessment approach

AbstractThis work addresses the multi‐objective design of water, energy and food supply systems in isolated rural communities using local resources. The approach used considers objective functions based on life cycle analysis such as water and carbon footprint, as well as economic performance considering the application and integration of normalized metrics to address the water‐energy‐environment‐food nexus. The results show that it is possible to build robust and accessible metrics for the analysis of problems with various design objective functions in decision‐making environments. The optimization problem considers decision variables associated with the sizing of units such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, thermal and electrical energy storage, wood‐fired boilers and the integration of food production systems involving aquaculture and local corn production. Water management is associated with domestic activities and crop irrigation.

Multi‐objective assessment of the water‐energy‐environment‐food nexus involving a life cycle assessment approach

AbstractThis work addresses the multi‐objective design of water, energy and food supply systems in isolated rural communities using local resources. The approach used considers objective functions based on life cycle analysis such as water and carbon footprint, as well as economic performance considering the application and integration of normalized metrics to address the water‐energy‐environment‐food nexus. The results show that it is possible to build robust and accessible metrics for the analysis of problems with various design objective functions in decision‐making environments. The optimization problem considers decision variables associated with the sizing of units such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, thermal and electrical energy storage, wood‐fired boilers and the integration of food production systems involving aquaculture and local corn production. Water management is associated with domestic activities and crop irrigation.

Ces44T as an endogenous reference gene in real-time quantitative PCR detection of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) ingredients in food

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is a highly adaptable and nutritious plant that can be used to produce health-enhancing food products, edible oil, and functional ingredients. To ensure transparency, reliability, and accurate labeling throughout the food supply chain, accurate methods for identifying food ingredients are indispensable. In this study, the Ces44T gene was identified and validated as the endogenous reference gene for tiger nut. A real-time quantitative PCR assay targeting the Ces44T gene was developed, demonstrating exceptional specificity in distinguishing tiger nut from other plant species, and exhibiting remarkable stability across different tiger nut cultivars. Standard curves were established to validate the reliability and repeatability of the assay, displaying good linearity (R2 > 0.99) and PCR efficiency (90–110 %). The assay was estimated to have a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0033 ng of tiger nut genomic DNA per reaction and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.013 ng. We applied this assay to both laboratory-prepared samples and commercial food products, confirming its excellent specificity and robust performance. In conclusion, the developed real-time quantitative PCR assay provides an accurate means for the identification and quantification of tiger nut ingredients in various samples.

Recent Advances in Design and Development of Diazole and Diazine Based Fungicides (2014-2023).

With fungal diseases posing a major threat to agricultural production, the application of fungicides to control related diseases is often considered necessary to ensure the world's food supply. The search for new bioactive agents has long been a priority in crop protection due to the continuous development of resistance against currently used types of active compounds. Heterocyclic compounds are an inseparable part of the core structures of numerous lead compounds, these rings constitute pharmacophores of a significant number of fungicides developed over the past decade by agrochemists. Among heterocycles, nitrogen-based compounds play an essential role. To date, diazole (imidazole and pyrazole) and diazine (pyrimidine, pyridazine, and pyrazine) derivatives make up an important series of synthetic fungicides. In recent years, many reports have been published on the design, synthesis, and study of the fungicidal activity of these scaffolds, but there was a lack of a comprehensive classified review on nitrogen-containing scaffolds. Regarding this issue, here we have reviewed the published articles on the fungicidal activity of the diazole and diazine families. In current review, we have classified the molecules synthesized so far based on the size of the ring.

Food security of agri-food system actors during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines: Post-pandemic implications to sustainable development

The COVID-19 pandemic had global reach and widespread effect, particularly concerning food security. As food supply chains become disrupted, food producers struggle to access markets. Thus, there is a need to examine the factors affecting the food security of agri-food system actors, particularly smallholder farmers in the Philippines. Utilizing the eight-question survey module of the FAO's Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and questions regarding their socio-demographic profile, 215 agri-food system actors including smallholder farmers, processors, logistic providers, and traders were surveyed from February to May 2021. An ordered probit regression was used to determine the factors affecting the severity of the food insecurity of agri-food system actors. Smallholder farmers, larger households, and Indigenous Peoples' groups experience an increase in food insecurity. Conversely, the determinants of reduced severity of food insecurity include other agri-food system actors, reporting profitability during the COVID-19 lockdown period, older age, being married, having more employed household members, and having savings. Results reflect farmers being among the severely impacted sectors during the pandemic. The findings shed light on several resilience and post-pandemic implications to sustainable development, such as designing resilient food systems by securing farmers' access to inputs and markets and improving their profitability. Furthermore, there is a need to transform current food systems into being more inclusive by targeting younger farmers, Indigenous Peoples' groups, and poor farmers having limited means to increase their financial capital to improve food security in rural communities. This study is the first empirical evidence documenting the extent of food insecurity among agri-food system actors during extreme shocks.

Nanotechnology in food packaging materials: role and application of nanoparticles.

Global concerns about food security, driven by rising demand, have prompted the exploration of nanotechnology as a solution to enhance food supply. This shift comes in response to the limitations of conventional technologies in meeting the ever-increasing demand for food products. Consequently, nanoparticles play a crucial role in enhancing food production, preservation, and extending shelf life by imparting exceptional properties to materials. Nanoparticles and nanostructures with attributes like expansive surface area and antimicrobial efficacy, are versatile in both traditional packaging and integration into biopolymer matrices. These distinctive qualities contribute to their extensive use in various food sector applications. Hence, this review explores the physicochemical properties, functions, and biological aspects of nanoparticles in the context of food packaging. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of nanoparticles with different biopolymers, alongside its different potential applications such as food shelf-life extenders, antimicrobial agents and as nanomaterials for developing smart packaging systems were summarily explored. While the ongoing exploration of this research area is evident, our review highlights the substantial potential of nanomaterials to emerge as a viable choice for food packaging if the challenges regarding toxicity are carefully and effectively modulated.

Optimizing cultivated land under non-grain expansion in rural China: unveiling the spatial dynamics of trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services

ABSTRACT Non-grain expansion in rural China has affected the stability of cultivated land structure and the sustainability of ecosystem services (ESs). Delving into the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of ES interactions is essential for refined and differentiated cultivated land management practices. Taking Tongxiang City as an example, this study mapped the variations of four ESs of cultivated land from 2000–2020, identified their socio-ecological drivers, explored the spatial non-stationarity characteristics of trade-off/synergy among different ESs, and proposed a zoning control framework for cultivated land. The results indicated that (1) food supply (FS) and habitat quality (HQ) decreased by 40.40% and 1.27%, respectively, while carbon sequestration (CS) and soil conservation (SC) increased by 8.5% and 26.21%, respectively. Areas of decreased ES were mainly concentrated in the southwest, while areas of increased ES supply were dispersed. (2) CS-SC and CS-FS ES pairs exhibited obvious trade-offs, with concave trade-offs dominating between 2000 and 2010, and convex trade-offs prevailing from 2010 to 2020. These ES trade-offs were mainly distributed in the southeast and northern regions. HQ-CS and FS-SC presented significant synergies, predominantly characterized by linear synergy and situated in the northern and central areas. (3) The spatial differentiation of ESs was mostly explained by landscape configuration drivers. (4) Different cultivated land zones were delineated based on the spatial non-stationarity of trade-offs/synergies and ES advantage areas. This study contributes to our understanding of the changes in ESs resulting from non-grain expansion and offers valuable guidance for implementing differentiated measures for cultivated land zoning and management.

Characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in retail dairy products in the US.

In March 2024, clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was detected in dairy cattle in the US, and it was discovered that the virus could be detected in raw milk. Although affected cow's milk is diverted from human consumption and current pasteurization requirements are expected to reduce or eliminate infectious HPAIV from the milk supply, a study was conducted to characterize whether the virus could be detected by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qrRT-PCR) in pasteurized retail dairy products and, if detected, to determine whether the virus was viable. From 18 April to 22 April 2024, a total of 297 samples of Grade A pasteurized retail milk products (23 product types) were collected from 17 US states that represented products from 132 processors in 38 states. Viral RNA was detected in 60 samples (20.2%), with qrRT-PCR-based quantity estimates (non-infectious) of up to 5.4log1050% egg infectious doses per mL, with a mean and median of 3.0log10/mL and 2.9log10/mL, respectively. Samples that were positive for type A influenza by qrRT-PCR were confirmed to be clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIV by qrRT-PCR. No infectious virus was detected in any of the qrRT-PCR-positive samples in embryonating chicken eggs. Further studies are needed to monitor the milk supply, but these results provide evidence that the infectious virus did not enter the US pasteurized milk supply before control measures for HPAIV were implemented in dairy cattle.IMPORTANCEHighly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infections in US dairy cattle were first confirmed in March 2024. Because the virus could be detected in raw milk, a study was conducted to determine whether it had entered the retail food supply. Pasteurized dairy products were collected from 17 states in April 2024. Viral RNA was detected in one in five samples, but infectious virus was not detected. This provides a snapshot of HPAIV in milk products early in the event and reinforces that with current safety measures, infectious viruses in milk are unlikely to enter the food supply.

The impact of risk factors on the sustainability of food distribution chain functioning in Kazakhstan

In conditions of risk and uncertainty, food security is ensured taking into account the requirements of isolation, safety and health, which requires changes to the existing supply chain (SC) system in the food environment, as well as the creation of more sustainable food supply chains. The aim of the study is to assess the conditions and factors of the functioning of the food commodity distribution chain (FCDC) of the agri-food market in conditions of risk, in particular, the COVID-19 pandemic. To formulate a conceptual framework reflecting the structure of the SC elements, the method of systematic review and generalization of literature was used; the method of expert survey of participants in the SC of food products (FP). During the analysis, seven significant factor constraints (technological, financial, economic, institutional, social, epidemiological, geographical) were revealed, the environment and operating conditions of the FCDC associated with the impact of the pandemic were identified. The risk factors of the environment and operating conditions of the FCDC and their possible effects on the SC are evaluated. Practical recommendations are given to reduce risks and improve the efficiency of the agro-food commodity distribution SC. The study attempts to study the influence of various factors caused by the restriction of the functioning of the food environment and affecting the stability of the SC of perishable products. The results could also be used to inform SC participants about the measures needed to create more sustainable SC foods in the future.