Consumer Health Research Articles

Sharing Consumer Health Information in Florida: Understanding Challenges to Navigating Health Care Library Organization Collaboration

ABSTRACT In 2019, the Florida Health Sciences Library Association (FHSLA) and the Tampa Bay Library Consortium, Inc. (TBLC) joined together to increase awareness of reliable vetted health information resources for Florida residents. FHSLA, composed of approximately 75 academic/health sciences/hospital librarians, contacted TBLC, composed of public librarians and various library personnel in Florida, to explore opportunities for their members to work together and network through monthly health-focused webinars. This article describes their collaborative initiative.

Molasses-based waste water irrigation: a friend or foe for carrot (Daucus carota L.) growth, yield and nutritional quality

Management of molasses-based wastewater generated in yeast and sugar industries is a major environmental concern due to its high chemical oxygen demand and other recalcitrant substances. Several strategies have been used to reduce the inland discharge of wastewater but the results are not satisfactory due to high operating cost. However, reuse of molasses-based wastewater irrigation in agriculture has been a major interest nowadays to reduce the freshwater consumption. Thus, it is crucial to monitor the impacts of molasses-based waste water irrigation on growth, metabolism, yield and nutritional quality of crops for safer consumer’s health. In present study, carrot seeds of a local cultivar (T-29) were germinated on filter paper in Petri dishes under controlled conditions. The germinated seeds were then transplanted into pots and irrigated with three different treatments normal water (T0), diluted molasses-based wastewater (T1), and untreated molasses-based wastewater (T2), in six replicates. Results revealed that carrot irrigated with untreated molasses-based waste water had exhibited significant reductions in growth, yield, physiology, metabolism, and nutritional contents. Additionally, accumulation of Cd and Pb contents in carrot roots irrigated with untreated molasses-based waste water exceed the permissible limits suggested by WHO and their consumption may cause health risks. While, diluted molasses-based waste water irrigation positively enhanced the growth, yield of carrot plants without affecting the nutritional quality. This strategy is cost effective, appeared as most appropriate alternative mean to reduce the freshwater consumption in water deficit regions of the world.

Reuterin Enhances the Efficacy of Peracetic Acid Against Multi-species Dairy Biofilm.

Biofilms may contain pathogenic and spoilage bacteria and can become a recurring problem in the dairy sector, with a negative impact on product quality and consumer health. Peracetic acid (PAA) is one of the disinfectants most frequently used to control biofilm formation and persistence. Though effective, it cannot be used at high concentrations due to its corrosive effect on certain materials and because of toxicity concerns. The aim of this study was to test the possibility of PAA remaining bactericidal at lower concentrations by using it in conjunction with reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde). We evaluated the efficacy of PAA in pure form or as BioDestroy®, a PAA-based commercial disinfectant, on three-species biofilms formed by dairy-derived bacteria, namely Pseudomonas azotoformans PFlA1, Serratia liquefaciens Sl-LJJ01, and Bacillus licheniformis Bl-LJJ01. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the three agents were determined for each bacterial species and the fractional inhibitory concentrations were then calculated using the checkerboard assay. The minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of each antibacterial combination was then calculated against mixed-species biofilm. PAA, BioDestroy®, and reuterin showed antibiofilm activity against all bacteria within the mixed biofilm at respectively 760ppm, 450ppm, and 95.6mM. The MBEC was lowered significantly to 456ppm, 337.5ppm, and 71.7mM, when exposed to reuterin for 16h followed by contact with disinfectant. Combining reuterin with chemical disinfection shows promise in controlling biofilm on food contact surfaces, especially for harsh or extended treatments. Furthermore, systems with reuterin encapsulation and nanotechnologies could be developed for sustainable antimicrobial efficacy without manufacturing disruptions.

Assessment of some Insecticide Residues in Strawberry and Pear Fruits and their Risks on Consumer Health

Assessment of some Insecticide Residues in Strawberry and Pear Fruits and their Risks on Consumer Health

Machine learning methods to discover hidden patterns in well-being and resilience for healthy aging.

A whole person approach to healthy aging can provide insight into social factors that may be critical. Digital technologies, such as mobile health (mHealth) applications, hold promise to provide novel insights for healthy aging and the ability to collect data between clinical care visits. Machine learning/artificial intelligence methods have the potential to uncover insights into healthy aging. Nurses and nurse informaticians have a unique lens to shape the future use of this technology. The purpose of this research was to apply machine learning methods to MyStrengths+MyHealth de-identified data (N = 988) for adults 45 years of age and older. An exploratory data analysis process guided this work. Overall (n = 988), the average Strength was 66.1% (SD = 5.1), average Challenges 66.5% (SD = 7.5), and average Needs 60.06% (SD = 3.1). There was a significant difference between Strengths and Needs (p < 0.001), between Challenges and Needs (p < 0.001), and no significant differences between average Strengths and Challenges. Four concept groups were identified from the data (Thinking, Moving, Emotions, and Sleeping). The Thinking group had the most statistically significant challenges (11) associated with having at least one Thinking Challenge and the highest average Strengths (66.5%) and Needs (83.6%) compared to the other groups. This retrospective analysis applied machine learning methods to de-identified whole person health resilience data from the MSMH application. Adults 45 and older had many Strengths despite numerous Challenges and Needs. The Thinking group had the highest Strengths, Challenges, and Needs, which aligns with the literature and highlights the co-occurring health challenges experienced by this group. Machine learning methods applied to consumer health data identify unique insights applicable to specific conditions (e.g., cognitive) and healthy aging. The next steps involve testing personalized interventions with nurses leading artificial intelligence integration into clinical care.

Nutritional and Functional Value of Andean Native Legumes and Their Potential Industrial Application.

Legumes are edible seeds that have high nutritional and functional value. Their cultivation and consumption turn out to be an alternative to hunger and guarantee food security in vulnerable populations. This manuscript explores the nutritional and functional properties and potential uses of native Andean legumes such as Pajuro, Tarhui, Common bean, and Lima beans. They contain macro and micronutrients and bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive that benefit consumer health. These compounds are particular proteins, peptides, polyphenols, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, and among others. Moreover, Andean legumes have shown industrial potential due to their technological properties that could be useful in adding value to other food products. These properties are due to their content of starch, oil, fiber, and protein that could facilitate their processing and obtain products with adequate sensory characteristics. Andean legumes have good nutritional and functional value and have the potential to be included in daily diets. Given the accumulated evidence, we believe that the consumption of Andean legumes in nature and processed should be strongly encouraged.

Novel flaxseed mucilage-based probiotic film: Application to sheep Sicilian cheese preservation

Edible probiotic films incorporated by probiotics can be used to keep away from undesirable microbes on the surface of the cheese to improve its quality and promote beneficial effects on consumer health. In this study, flaxseed, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotics were used to produce active edible packaging and evaluate its application in the sheep Sicilian cheese surfaces stored 10 days at 4°C. Microbiological, physicochemical, sensorial quality, antibacterial and antioxidant effects of cheeses were studied. The flaxseed mucilage-probiotic film improved cheese preservation by reducing the weight loss, preserving the pH and colour. Advantageously, flaxseed coating allowed improving probiotic viability throughout storage period. Native microbiota counts remained under safe levels. Probiotic coating cheeses exhibited 12.8±0.25 mm of maximum diameter inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes and enhanced oxidation (maximum DPPH inhibition: 51±0.33%) with acceptable sensorial properties for consumers. Hence, flaxseed mucilage probiotic film has proved to be suitable for quality preservation of functional foods.

Research on enhancing the efficiency of food safety sampling inspections in China based on Pareto's law.

Food safety is pivotal for public welfare and directly impacts consumer health. Food safety sampling inspections (FSSIs) are essential in detecting unqualified food products and non-compliant manufacturers, which form an integral part of government regulatory frameworks. However, given the constraints on budgetary resources, improving the efficiency of food safety sampling inspections (EFSSIs) remains a considerable challenge in China's food quality and safety supervision. This study aims to apply Pareto's law, starting from the examination of food sample testing items and major hazard types, to theoretically analyze methods for improving the EFSSIs. Following the theoretical analysis, the research employs provincial food sampling data from China in 2022 to empirically validate the proposed improvement strategies. The research findings indicate that applying Pareto's law significantly reduces the number of items that should be tested for each food subcategory, effectively lowering testing costs for each batch of food samples. Theoretically, employing Pareto's law in sampling inspections can increase the EFSSIs to 2.78 times the current observed level. Furthermore, empirical validation using food sampling data confirms that EFSSIs can be improved to 2.12 times the existing level, consistent with theoretical predictions. Implementing Pareto's law in FSSIs facilitates the detection of more unqualified food products and non-compliant manufacturers without additional financial burden, significantly enhancing the EFSSIs. This approach provides an innovative strategy for government to bolster their food safety management efforts. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

An innovative variant based on generative adversarial network (GAN): Regression GAN combined with hyperspectral imaging to predict pesticide residue content of Hami melon

The rapid and non-destructive detection of pesticide residues in Hami melons plays substantial importance in protecting consumer health. However, the investment of time and resources needed to procure sample data poses a challenge, often resulting in limited data set and consequently leading insufficient accuracy of the established models. In this study, an innovative variant based on generative adversarial network (GAN) was proposed, named regression GAN (RGAN). It was used to synchronically extend the visible near-infrared (VNIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral data and corresponding acetamiprid residue content data of Hami melon. The support vector regression (SVR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were trained using the generated data, and subsequently validate them with real data to assess the reliability of the generated data. In addition, the generated data were added to the real data to extend the dataset. The SVR model based on SWIR-HSI data achieved the optimal performance after data augmentation, yielding the values of Rp2, RMSEP and RPD were 0.8781, 0.6962 and 2.7882, respectively. The RGAN extends the range of GAN applications from classification problems to regression problems. It serves as a valuable reference for the quantitative analysis of chemometrics.

Study Of The Effect Of Accumulated Cypermethrin Residues In Cattle Meat In Some Areas Of Karbala Province

The synthetic pesticide cypermethrin is used in livestock and agriculture in Iraq. Due to the excessive use of these pesticides, they accumulate in the first feed of animals, causing health problems. Accordingly, the following study was designed for demonstration determination of synthetic cypermethrin by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) in cattle meat samples. One hundred samples were collected from various local markets and butcher shops from (Al- Hassainya, City Center, Al-Hur, Twairij, and Ain Al-Tamer) Kerbala-Iraq. Five grams were collected separately from each sample. Then, the samples (cattle meat) were crushed and homogenized, after which 25 ml of acetonitrile was added for extraction the pesticides residues from these sample then the reagents were added to extract then the extract were injected to HPLC instrument. The obtained results revealed that (Al-Hassainya, City Center, Al-Hur, Twairij, and Ain Al-Tamer) (0.1569; 5.408; 6.409; 5.509; 5.408ppm), in cattle meat, respectively. From the results in this study, Al-Hur cattle meat (6.409±0.1137) was contaminated more than all regains of Karbala distract. This study showed the dangers of the presence of synthetic cypermethrin in cattle meat, threatening consumer health.

Inheritance and QTL mapping identified multi-effects loci for fatty acid related traits in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil and edible protein crop. The fatty acid composition not only influences the quality of peanut oil but also impacts flavor, shelf life, and consumer health. Peanut oil comprises approximately 80% oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2), 10% palmitic acid (C16:0), and the remaining 10% includes stearic acid (C18:0), arachidic acid (C20:0), gadoleic acid (C20:1), behenic acid (C22:0), and lignoceric acid (C24:0). To unravel the genetic foundation of fatty acid content and delve into QTL localization, we utilized high-density SNP microarrays for genotyping the RIL population of ‘SunOleic 97R’ × ‘NC94022’. A genetic linkage map was constructed with 3141 SNP markers, covering a total genetic distance of 3051.81 cM. We identified 60 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with fatty acids which distributed in 11 linkage group, with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) ranging from 1.37% to 44.92%. Notably, the QTL qFAT_A05.1 and qFAT_A08.1 are multiple-effect loci contributing to various fatty acid compositions. Moreover, we identified 15 haplotypes for the QTL qFAT_A05.1 and qFAT_A08.1 through genotyping 178 peanut germplasms. Haplotypes analysis in natural population confirmed the closely relationship of the QTLs with the content of oil, oleic acid, lignoceric acid, palmitic acid and behenic acid. This study serves as a valuable reference for selecting improved peanut genotypes with superior oil quality and desirable fatty acid composition.

DAMPAK PENGGUNAAN PESTISIDA DALAM KEGIATAN PERTANIAN TERHADAP LINGKUNGAN HIDUP DAN KESEHATAN

Pesticides are chemicals whose use is close to human life. Agricultural systems based on high energy input materials such as chemical pesticides can cause environmental pollution, especially the agricultural environment. Inappropriate use of pesticides endangers the health of farmers, consumers, and non-target microorganisms and has an impact on environmental pollution both soil and water. Data collection techniques with secondary data collection methods, where the author collects 10 articles and then processes the data into new data. The results showed that when the behavior and use of pesticides were classified as good criteria with a score of 65.9%, the environmental impact was also classified as good criteria. The impact of the use of pesticides found in farmers is in the form of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, itching on the skin. Of the 100 samples, most of them, 75%, experienced these health problems. The impact of using pesticides in agricultural activities on the environment and health can have good and bad effects depending on how the attitudes and behavior of farmers in using pesticides. Excessive use of pesticides, not in accordance with applicable regulations will cause pollution to the environment (soil pollution, water pollution and wild organisms and animals) and health problems that interfere with the physical condition of the farmers themselves such as dizziness, nausea and others, this is due to farmers who tend not to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with pesticides

Genomic insights into oxalate content in spinach: A genome-wide association study and genomic prediction approach

Oxalate content in spinach is a key trait of interest due to its relevance to human health. Understanding the genetic basis of it can facilitate the development of spinach varieties with reduced oxalate levels. In pursuit of understanding the genetic determinants, a diverse panel comprising 288 spinach accessions underwent thorough phenotyping of oxalate content and were subjected to whole-genome resequencing, resulting in a comprehensive dataset encompassing 14 386 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Leveraging this dataset, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify noteworthy SNPs associated with oxalate content. Furthermore, we employed genomic prediction (GP) via cross-prediction, utilizing five GP models, to assess genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for oxalate content. The observed normal distribution and the wide range of oxalate content, exceeding 600.0 mg · 100 g−1, underscore the complex and quantitative nature of this trait, likely influenced by multiple genes. Additionally, our analysis revealed distinct stratification, delineating the population into four discernible subpopulations. Furthermore, GWAS analysis employing five models in GAPIT 3 and TASSEL 5 unveiled nine significant SNPs (four SNPs on chromosome 1 and five on chromosome 5) associated with oxalate content. These loci exhibited associations with six candidate genes, which might have potential contribution to oxalate content regulation. Remarkably, our GP models exhibited notable predictive abilities, yielding average accuracies of up to 0.51 for GEBV estimation. The integration of GWAS and GP approaches offers a holistic comprehension of the genetic underpinnings of oxalate content in spinach. These findings offered a promising avenue for the development of spinach cultivars and hybrids optimized for oxalate levels, promoting consumer health.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Saudi Coriandrum sativum L. Seed Extract: A Potential Natural Preservative for Enhancing Food Safety and Shelf Life

Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate the antimicrobial activity of an aqueous extract of Saudi Coriandrum sativum L. seeds against bacteria that cause food contamination and food poisoning. Methods: The study utilized an aqueous extract of Saudi Coriandrum sativum L. seeds to assess its antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains associated with food contamination and food poisoning. The bacterial strains tested included Streptococcus sp., Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria were exposed to the extract for a period of 72 hours, after which their growth rates were measured and categorized to determine the extract's effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial proliferation. Results: The bacterial isolates were divided into three groups based on their growth rates after 72 hours of exposure to the aqueous extract. The first group, which demonstrated the highest susceptibility, included Streptococcus sp. and Enterococcus faecalis, with an average growth reduction of 9.2%. The second group, comprising Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, exhibited an average growth reduction of 22.5%. The third group, which included Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Listeria monocytogenes, showed the least susceptibility, with an average growth reduction of 45.8%. Conclusions: The aqueous extract of Coriandrum sativum L. seeds has shown effective inhibition of bacterial growth. While additional research is needed to fully assess its potential, the extract could be recommended as a natural preservative in the food industry. It has the potential to extend shelf life, improve food quality, and safeguard consumer health.

Bioactive Natural Leads and Traditional Herbal Plants in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Brief Review

: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic relapsing disorder that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the GIT. Depending upon the location, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease come under IBD. The exact etiology of IBD is still unknown. Over 8 lakhs of people were affected by inflammatory disease yearly, and the death rate increased daily. Depending upon the severity of the disease, JAK inhibitors, anti-TNF agents, and immunosuppressants can be used to manage ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. However, these treatments have been associated with harmful adverse effects, which cannot be ignored. To treat inflammatory diseases safely, various herbal medicines and their bioactive are preferred as game changers. Recently, the effectiveness of herbal plants has been recommended as the treatment against IBD, as shown by various in vivo models and clinical trials. The various herbal plants reported in the literature include gallic acid, lupeol, and curcumin aloe vera. This review focused on medicinal plants' anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-ulcer properties. Over 1.2 million healthcare practitioners are using herbal bioactive and have the advantages of lower side effects. Therefore, it is estimated that in Europe, the demand for plant-based products/formulations has risen by millions in 2020, showing the current position of herbal-based products in consumer health awareness.

Natural deep eutectic solvents: A paradigm of stability and permeability in the design of new ingredients

Ascorbic Acid (AA) is a crucial component in the food industry, serving as both a quality and safety criterion. It is used to fortify foods due to its significant role in human health, acting as an antioxidant. Its benefits extend to both product quality and consumer health in the food and cosmetic industry. Due to their physicochemical properties, Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) have the potential to be used for the extraction and stabilization of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study is to characterize various NADES, simulate the solubility of AA, evaluate the antioxidant and protective capacity of NADES, and investigate the permeability of this vitamin through the skin and gastrointestinal membrane. Antioxidant capacity was measured using three methods: TEAC, DPPH, and ORAC. The solubility of AA in NADES systems was simulated using the COSMOTherm software. The degradation of AA was monitored by HPLC/UV–Vis for 30 days at two different storage temperatures. Additionally, the membrane solubility was measured using the PAMPA method in both skin and gastrointestinal. The results indicate that organic acid-based NADES are more polar than sugar and polyalcohol-based NADES. The solubility prediction shows that reduced ln(γ) in Choline chloride-based NADES results in low AA solubility, which positively correlates with higher pH values. AA degradation increased at lower pH, and its half-life time was longer at 4 °C, being the best choline chloride (ChChl):xylose. Moreover, betaine:malic acid, ChChl:tartaric acid, and ChChl:lactic acid gave worse stabilizing results than control. According to the PAMPA study, AA in lactic acid:glucose had the highest Pe (permeability coefficient) for both gastrointestinal (Log Pe: −4.99) and skin (Log Pe: −4.78). Malic acid:glucose, on the other hand, had the lowest LogPe value (−6.9). In this study, some NADES can play a protective role in the preservation of ascorbic acid. This statement could be extended to other bioactive compounds found in NADES extracts that may be impacted by oxidative processes. Moreover, not all NADES stabilized equally AA. These findings could be applied to the formulation of ascorbic acid-containing drugs, cosmetics, and food products.

Preliminary Evaluation of the Effect of Domestication on the Marketable and Nutritional Quality of B. aegyptiaca (L.) Delile Oil from Algeria.

Balanites aegyptiaca is a multipurpose fruit tree that grows wild in many arid and semi-arid African areas; however, recent domestication efforts have been undertaken to protect the species from the threat of urbanization and climate change. Within this context, the impact of the domestication of Algerian B. aegyptiaca was evaluated on its seed oil, which is already valued as food. Hence, oils from wild and domesticated trees were comparatively investigated for their physicochemical and compositional quality. Both oil types had a good oxidative stability and met the requirements for human consumption in terms of the saponification index, the free acidity, and the peroxide value. Moreover, they showed a comparable FA composition, with high levels of oleic and linoleic acids, which are beneficial for the consumer's health. Domestication led to a statistically significant decrease in the tocopherols and polyphenols in the oil. The phytosterols and squalene were slightly lower in the domesticated oil than in the wild relative, although no statistically significant differences were observed. A comparable mineral profile was revealed and the minimal variations in the trace elements between the oils could be related to the natural variability in the seeds. Hopefully, this study will encourage the domestication of B. aegyptiaca as a sustainable strategy for enhancing its socioeconomic value in Algerian rural areas.

Are the Websites of the Dentistry Faculties in Turkey Adequate for Informing Pediatric Patients?

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality and readability of information provided by the websites of the Department of Pedodontics in the Dentistry Faculties of State Universities (SU) and Foundation Based Universities (FBU) in Turkey for pediatric patients. Method: All dentistry faculties in Turkey were identified through the Council of Higher Education database and classified as public and FBU. The websites of the faculties were accessed via the Google search engine, and the information pages of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry prepared for the patients were evaluated according to the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), and Atesman Readability Formula. Results: No significant differences were observed among universities in terms of DISCERN scores (p=0.05), except in Section 1 (p0.05), and no significant differences were found between universities on the JAMA benchmark scale (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was determined that the quality and readability of information on websites prepared by the Faculty of Dentistry in Turkey for parents of pediatric patients are low. It is recommended that information on university websites, which are official institutions that closely follow scientific developments and are preferred by parents of patients for information purposes, should be checked with appropriate evaluation tools in terms of quality and readability.

Metagenomic and transcriptome insights into the disease resistance mechanisms in fresh-cut apple under pyridoxine treatment

Microbial spoilage poses a significant challenge to fresh-cut apples during storage, impacting quality and consumer health. This study explores pyridoxine’s (vitamin B6; VB6) potential mode of action to mitigate microbial spoilage in fresh-cut apples through physiological, transcriptomic, and metagenomic analysis. VB6 notably reduces microbial spoilage at room temperature by suppressing bacterial genera (Pseudomonas, Curtobacterium, Frigoribacterium) and fungal genera (Alternaria, Penicillium, Aureobasidium, Pseudogymnoascus) proliferation. Spoilage-causing identified biomarkers include species related to Pseudomonas, Curtobacterium, Frigoribacterium, and Penicillium. KEGG analysis suggests correlations of induced disease resistance with tropane alkaloids biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways in fresh-cut apples. Moreover, VB6 treatment enhanced the antioxidant system via maintaining higher total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and ascorbic acid under elevated catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes activities, induced disease resistance under higher enzymes activities including phenylalanine ammonialyase, chitinase, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, β-1,3-glucanase, and 4-coumarate: co-enzyme A ligase enzymes activities, maintained elevated VB6 contents, and reduced H2O2 accumulation. Notably, 6 elevated transcription factors involving WRKY, NAC and MYB might regulate disease resistance pathways in fresh-cut apples under VB6 treatment. This research establishes a theoretical and practical foundation for preserving post-processing quality of fresh-cut apples by restraining microbial proliferation through the proposed VB6-induced disease resistance regulatory mechanism.

Behavioral Intention to Purchase Sustainable Food: Generation Z’s Perspective

Sustainable food consumption is critical for addressing global environmental challenges and promoting health and ethical practices. Understanding what drives sustainable food choices among younger generations, particularly Generation Z, is essential for developing effective strategies to encourage sustainable consumption patterns. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as the theoretical framework, this study aims to explore how the variables of the theory (personal attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control), along with consumer knowledge, trust, and health concerns, affect Generation Z’s intentions to buy sustainable food. The research was carried out in Poland via the online interview method (CAWI), with 438 users ranging between the ages 18 and 27. The results show that attitudes and knowledge are significant predictors of sustainable food consumption among Generation Z, while subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, health consciousness, and trust do not significantly affect purchase intentions. This research underscores the importance of educational campaigns and marketing strategies that enhance consumer knowledge and shape positive attitudes towards sustainable food. These insights offer valuable implications for policymakers, marketers, and educators aiming to encourage sustainable practices. Understanding the drivers of Generation Z’s sustainable food consumption behaviors can provide valuable insights for developing effective strategies to promote sustainable consumption patterns. This study adds to the body of knowledge on sustainable food consumption by highlighting the specific factors that drive Generation Z’s purchasing intentions.