Including Fruit Juices Research Articles

Potential antimicrobial and fruit juice clarification activity of amylase enzyme from Bacillus strains

The hydrolytic enzyme, amylase possesses wide industrial applications and its production from bacterial sources by submerged fermentation is much simplified and economical. The research aimed to characterize amylase-producing bacteria and evaluate their potential for amylase activity regarding antimicrobial and fruit juice clarification. In current study, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquifaciens, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus paramycoides was identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. After submerged fermentation, amylase activity of bacteria was measured by 3, 5-dinitro salicylic acid (DNS) assay. A substantial amount of amylase (423.47 mg/ml) in crude extract was measured by Bradford protein assay. Later, ammonium sulfate (80 %) precipitated partially purified amylase showed 1.6 times enhanced amylase activity (1484.94 U/ml) compared to crude amylase (973.23 U/ml). For highest amylase production, 72 h of optimum fermentation period was recorded at pH 7 with 2 % starch as substrate. Potent thermophilic amylase activity was observed at 65 °C. In apple juice clarification activity of amylase, turbidity of juice was reduced to 54.18 %. Potential antimicrobial property of amylase was detected with largest zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (22.36 mm) and Mucor sp. ATCC 48559 (22.45 mm). Considering promising amylase properties, amylase-producing Bacillus strains from rice mill soil can be fermented for large scale amylase production providing application for industrial purposes including fruit juice clarification and antimicrobial activities. It will also overthrow the requirement of employing expensive and harmful chemicals in fruit juice clarification and combating pathogens.

The implications of policy modeling assumptions for the projected impact of sugar-sweetened beverage taxation on body weight and type 2 diabetes in Germany

BackgroundEvaluating sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxation often relies on simulation models. We assess how assumptions about the response to SSB taxation affect the projected body weight change and subsequent health and economic impacts related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using Germany as an example.MethodsIn the main analysis, we estimated changes in energy intake by age and sex under a 20% value-added tax on SSBs in Germany using marginal price elasticities (PE) and applied an energy equilibrium model to predict body weight changes. We then quantified the impact of several assumption modifications: SSB own-PE adjusted for consumption (M1)/based on alternative meta-analysis (M2); SSB consumption adjusted for underreporting (M3); substitution via marginal (M4a) or adjusted (M4b) cross-PE/as % of calorie change (M4c). We also assessed scenarios with alternative tax rates of 10% (S1) or 30% (S2) and including fruit juice (S3). We calculated overweight and obesity rates per modification and scenario. We simulated the impact on T2DM, associated healthcare costs, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) over the lifetime of the 2011 German adult population with a Markov model. Data included official demographics, national surveys, and meta-analyses.ResultsA 20% value-added tax in Germany could reduce the number of men and women with obesity by 210,800 [138,800; 294,100] and 80,800 [45,100; 123,300], respectively. Over the population’s lifetime, this would lead to modest T2DM-related health and economic impacts (76,700 DALYs [42,500; 120,600] averted; €2.37 billion [1.33; 3.71] costs saved). Policy impacts varied highly across modifications (all in DALYs averted): (M1) 94,800 [51,500; 150,700]; (M2) 164,200 [99,500; 243,500]; (M3) 52,600 [22,500; 91,100]; (M4a) -18,100 [-111,500; 68,300]; (M4b) 25,800 [-31,400; 81,500]; (M4c) 46,700 [25,300; 77,200]. The variability in policy impact related to modifications was similar to the variability between alternative policy scenarios (all in DALYs averted): (S1) 26,400 [9,300; 47,600]; (S2) 126,200 [73,600; 194,500]; (S3) 342,200 [234,200; 430,400].ConclusionsPredicted body weight reductions under SSB taxation are sensitive to assumptions by researchers often needed due to data limitations. Because this variability propagates to estimates of health and economic impacts, the resulting structural uncertainty should be considered when using results in decision-making.

Dithizone functionalized carbon nanofibers as novel nanomaterial for microextraction and determination of mercury in non-alcoholic beverages

In this work, a new nanomaterial obtained by surface functionalization of carbon nanofibers with dithizone (CNF@DTZ) was implemented as adsorbent in the dispersive micro-solid phase extraction technique. Preconcentration and determination of Hg in non-alcoholic beverage samples including fruit juices and drinking water were performed with the proposed method. Important parameters of the extraction and back-extraction steps were optimized. Using 3 mg CNF@DTZ only, an extraction efficiency of 98.0 % was achieved for 30 mL of sample. Quantitative back-extraction was achieved with 600 µL of 12 mol/L HCl. A sensitivity enhancement factor of 50 was obtained. The calibration curve was linear in the range from 0.23 to 4.0 µg/L, the LOD was 0.07 µg/L and the RSD% was 3.5 % (2 µg/L Hg, n = 10). This methodology was successfully applied on spiked samples with recoveries from 96.0 to 100 %. This work reports the first application of CNF@DTZ in the dispersive micro-solid phase extraction technique for trace Hg determination in non-alcoholic beverages.

Association of healthy eating index and anthropometric indices among primary school girls in southeast of Iran: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe school-age period is marked by substantial advancements in physical and cognitive development, highlighting the importance of assessing the diet quality and its impact on body weight and height. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the association between diet quality and selected anthropometric indices of primary school girls in southeast of Iran using the healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015).MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 330 students aged 6–12 years from 10 primary schools in Kerman City. Standard protocols and a dish-based food frequency questionnaire were employed to evaluate anthropometric indices and dietary intake. The HEI-2015 was utilized to assess the quality of participants’ diets, with a total score ranging from zero to 100, based on thirteen food score components.ResultsIn the present study, older participants had higher HEI scores (p = 0.02). Additionally, participants in the highest tertile of HEI score had greaterodds of being overweight (OR: 2.13; CI = 1.17–3.85, P = 0.011) and had higher intakes of whole fruits, total fruits including fruit juice, whole grains, total protein foods, seafood and plant proteins, greens, and beans (p < 0.05). However, no significant association was found between HEI score and other anthropometric indices, obesity, and thinness.ConclusionsThe study found no significant association between HEI scores and the likelihood of being thin or obese. However, children with the highest HEI scores were more likely to beoverweight. Therefore, it is recommended to implement health programs for primary school girls in Kerman to improve their eating habits and reduce the risk of overweight and obesity.

Novel advanced materials and magnetic solid phase extraction as approaches in sample preparation to enhance the analysis of ochratoxin A in peanuts.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that can contaminate a variety of agricultural commodities, including fruit juices and wines. The capability of a magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) method with a magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) material having a three-layer core-shell structure to improve the detection of OTA in food matrices using high performance liquid chromatography is described. Analysis of the material through X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated the successful synthesis of the magnetic nanomaterial Fe3O4@SiO2@UiO66-NH2. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Zetasizer lab indicated its nano-sized morphological features. The conditions affecting the magnetic solid-phase extraction procedure, such as material dosage, pH, composition and amount of eluent, desorption solution and desorption time were investigated to obtain the optimal extraction conditions. Under optimized conditions, the recoveries of spiked analytes at three different concentrations ranged from 95.83 to 101.5%, and the relative standard deviations were below 5%. Coupling with HPLC allowed the limit of detection to be 0.3 μg kg-1. This method is simple and specific, and can effectively avoid the influence of coexisting elements and improve the sensitivity of determination through fast MSPE of OTA. It has broad development prospects in OTA detection pre-treatment.

Sugar-Sweetened and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Risk of Liver Cancer and Chronic Liver Disease Mortality

Approximately 65% of adults in the US consume sugar-sweetened beverages daily. To study the associations between intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and incidence of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality. A prospective cohort with 98 786 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative from 1993 to 1998 at 40 clinical centers in the US and were followed up to March 1, 2020. Sugar-sweetened beverage intake was assessed based on a food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline and defined as the sum of regular soft drinks and fruit drinks (not including fruit juice); artificially sweetened beverage intake was measured at 3-year follow-up. The primary outcomes were (1) liver cancer incidence, and (2) mortality due to chronic liver disease, defined as death from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver diseases, and chronic hepatitis. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for liver cancer incidence and for chronic liver disease mortality, adjusting for potential confounders including demographics and lifestyle factors. During a median follow-up of 20.9 years, 207 women developed liver cancer and 148 died from chronic liver disease. At baseline, 6.8% of women consumed 1 or more sugar-sweetened beverage servings per day, and 13.1% consumed 1 or more artificially sweetened beverage servings per day at 3-year follow-up. Compared with intake of 3 or fewer servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per month, those who consumed 1 or more servings per day had a significantly higher risk of liver cancer (18.0 vs 10.3 per 100 000 person-years [P value for trend = .02]; adjusted HR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.16-2.96]; P = .01) and chronic liver disease mortality (17.7 vs 7.1 per 100 000 person-years [P value for trend <.001]; adjusted HR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.03-2.75]; P = .04). Compared with intake of 3 or fewer artificially sweetened beverages per month, individuals who consumed 1 or more artificially sweetened beverages per day did not have significantly increased incidence of liver cancer (11.8 vs 10.2 per 100 000 person-years [P value for trend = .70]; adjusted HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 0.70-1.94]; P = .55) or chronic liver disease mortality (7.1 vs 5.3 per 100 000 person-years [P value for trend = .32]; adjusted HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.49-1.84]; P = .88). In postmenopausal women, compared with consuming 3 or fewer servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per month, those who consumed 1 or more sugar-sweetened beverages per day had a higher incidence of liver cancer and death from chronic liver disease. Future studies should confirm these findings and identify the biological pathways of these associations.

Ovalbumin-coated gold nanoparticles with interesting colloidal stability for colorimetric detection of carbaryl in complex media

Pesticide carbaryl can cause serious environmental pollution and its sensitive detection is of increasing interest. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are classically colorimetric probes for detection of many analytes, but the instability in complex media limits their application. Here, Au@Ova NPs have been developed as a stable, effective, sensitive, and selective sensing system for colorimetric detection of carbaryl. Au@Ova NPs present unique and proper colloidal stability in various medias containing salt, small molecules, organic solvent (DMSO), and seawater, which are distinct from previous ones including citrate (or rhodamine B) capped AuNPs. Compared with Au@BSA NPs, Au@Ova NPs showed efficient responses to carbaryl by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, with a linear concentration range between 0 and 25 μg/L and a detection limit of 0.25 μg/L. In addition, this nanoprobe also has good selectivity and can be applied in different real samples analysis, including fruit juice (tomato and apple) and real water samples (artificial urine and seawater).

Introduction to Novel Approaches in the Valorization of Agricultural Wastes and Their Applications.

Sustainable food production, waste minimization, and valorization are critical concerns for the agricultural and food industry considering their environmental, social, and economic impacts. Foods are processed to prolong shelf life, make products available out of season, produce new products, and improve nutritional value. During processing, a significant amount of waste is generated, which attracts the attention of scientists and industrialists to valorize the value-added components, including dietary fibers, proteins, and bioactive components. This special issue focuses on the latest developments in waste valorization, covering different industries and methodologies. Within the special issue, waste valorization of some specific food groups, including fruit juice wastes, honeybee byproducts, soybean processing waste, grape pomace materials, and olive mill solid waste, are evaluated. On the other hand, novel approaches to valorizing agricultural wastes and their applications, also covering the recovery of natural pigments with potential health effects, are considered. Besides, nanotechnological and microbial bioconversion methods are used to improve the bioavailability and bioactivity of phytochemicals derived from wastes. It can be concluded that there are still some challenges in waste management and valorization concerning economic, safety, sensory, consumer acceptance, and regulative aspects, and further research is required to overcome these challenges and improve the quality and quantity of value-added products obtained from agricultural wastes and byproducts.

Fruit Juices: Technology, Chemistry, and Nutrition 2.0

In recent years, the food industry has increased its interest in the development of functional foods, including fruit juices, due to the increased demand among consumers for foods and beverages that benefit and improve our health [...]

Asymmetric acidic-alkaline design achieves high power density for a direct ascorbate liquid fuel cell without using noble metal catalysts

In order to efficiently convert ascorbic acid/ascorbate to electricity, a direct liquid fuel cell (DLFC) was developed with graphite as electrodes and VO2+/VO2+ as the cathode electron carrier under the activation of HNO3 for promoting electron transfer to the final accepter, oxygen. Alkaline anolyte was used for ascorbate oxidation, while acidic catholyte was used for oxygen reduction. Effects of various operation factors and cell structural features on the discharging performance were studied. Under the optimal operation conditions, the maximal output power density (Pmax) of 449.4 mW cm−2 was obtained at 90 ℃ with a short circuit current density of 987 mA cm−2. The cell showed 98.7% anode efficiency, 98.6% discharging efficiency and 99.9% cathode efficiency, with 97.2% total efficiency of electron transfer. The DLFC developed in this work also can well convert various biomass-derived organic fuels including fruit juice, sugars and sodium lignosulphonate to electricity with Pmax of 48–213 mW cm−2, which are at the highest level of the reported results. Therefore, this work provides a novel asymmetry acidic-alkaline design of DLFC with efficient electron transport chain for promoting the kinetics of oxygen reduction thus achieving high efficiency of electricity generation from ascorbate and various biomass-derived fuels without using any noble metal catalysts and expensive oxidants. This novel DLFC thus may provide new routes for efficient biomass-to-electricity conversion.

Ag3PO4/Ag nanocomposite for selective and sensitive cyanide determination in food samples through catalytical colorimetry using a paper-based test kit

A paper-based test kit for selective and sensitive determination of cyanide was successfully developed using a Ag3PO4/Ag nanocomposite for catalytic colorimetry. The Ag3PO4/Ag nanocomposite synthesized via a one-step chemical bath method could instantly oxidize the chromogenic substrate ABTS for the color development under acidic conditions without the requirement of H2O2. During the detection step, cyanide in the sample was converted into gaseous hydrogen cyanide (HCN) using sulfuric acid. The HCN species then reacted with the generated Ag+ species via coordinate covalent bonding to form silver cyanide complex ions [Ag (CN2)]-. The amount of Ag+ species used for oxidizing ABTS subsequently decreased and so did the color intensity on the paper-based test kit. Specifically, the color intensity decreased with increasing cyanide concentrations in the range of 2.50–20.0 mg L−1. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.48 mg L−1 and 1.59 mg L−1, respectively. The developed test kit showed relatively high selectivity towards cyanide and high tolerance towards other cations and anions present in real samples. When applied to real samples including fruit juices and food products, the performance of the rapid and low-cost test kit was well validated by a conventional precipitation titration method.

Magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction based on carbonized cellulose–ferromagnetic nanocomposite for screening phthalate esters in aqueous samples

In this work, a sorbent of the carbonized cellulose–ferromagnetic nanocomposite has been proposed for the magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction of some plasticizers in aqueous samples. Carbonized cellulose nanoparticles were prepared by treatment of cellulose filter paper with concentrated sulfuric acid and then loaded on Fe3O4 nanoparticles using coprecipitation. This sorbent is compatible with aqueous samples and can be considered as a viable sorbent for extraction of plasticizers from aqueous samples. In this study, magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction is followed by a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method. This combination makes the proposed approach as an efficient clean–up method with high enrichment factors for the selected analytes. The enriched analytes are monitored by gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. Parameters affecting the method efficiency were investigated in details. Under the optimized extraction conditions, limits of detection could reach up to of 0.15–0.50 µg L−1. The satisfactory enrichment factors of 286–403 were obtained, and the extraction recoveries were found to be in the range of 57–80%. Relative standard deviations were in the range of 3–7% for intra–day and inter–day precisions for six replicate extractions at 25 µg L−1 of each plasticizer. Calibration curves were linear in wide ranges with coefficients of determination ≥ 0.995. Eventually, efficiency of the prepared sorbent was confirmed by the extraction of some plasticizers from real samples including fruit juices, mineral water, injection solution, cola, and yoghourt drink packed in plastic containers.

Performance evaluation of Fremont mandarin on different rootstocks under the hot arid environment of India

Performance of an inter-specific hybrid Fremont mandarin was assessed on different rootstocks in the hot arid regions of India as a potential scion species to expand citrus fruit availability in an arid region. Fremont scion attained superior growth and yield characteristics on Karna khatta rootstock by displaying the greatest plant canopy parameters followed by Rough lemon rootstock. However, the Pectinifera as well as the Troyer citrange resulted in dwarfness of the scion. The scion-rootstock compatibility indicators such as scion rootstock ratio, stionic difference and TCSA which were greatest in the Fremont/Pectinifera combination, confirm that the inhibited tree growth on Pectinifera rootstock was caused by intrinsic features of the rootstock rather than an incompatibility reaction. Furthermore, Karna khatta rootstock resulted in highest fruit yield and related traits followed by Rough lemon and Pectinifera rootstocks. The Pectinifera rootstock resulted in a similar response to all fruit physical attributes i.e., fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit index and fruiting density, except fruit number. The fruit maturity of Fremont was obtained earliest on Pectinifera, while it was most delayed on Karna khatta and Rough lemon rootstocks. Fruit quality parameters on Pectinifera rootstock were superior to those of common rootstock species (Rough lemon or Karna khatta) including fruit juice content as well as its nutritional constituents like TSS, ascorbic acid, pH, total sugar, organoleptic taste, ripening index, lower content of acidity and rind thickness. The total AAE, total flavonoids, total phenol contents were also noticeably higher than those obtained on other rootstocks, except Troyer citrange. Overall, Fremont mandarin can be considered a promising scion in arid regions to extend the harvesting period of superior quality fruits, especially on dwarfing Pectinifera rootstock. It would further ease harvesting operations vis-a-vis possible attainment of a better micro-climate due to small tree stature and high-density orcharding.

A Current Perspective to Jam Production

The widespread and growing intake of fruit juice/jam products and their rich phytochemical profile suggest their important potential to affect the health of the populations. The aim of this paper is to review the technology and some of key technical factors that affecting jam production. The fresh fruits and vegetables have limited shelf life and it is necessary to process fresh fruits into different value-added products to increase its availability over an extended period and to stabilize the price during the glut season. The processed products have good potential for internal as well as external trade. The raw materials selected for jam manufacture should be fully ripe and free from defects such as mould and bruises. A perfect kind of jam honours and celebrates the goodness of fruits &amp; value adds and minimizes the post-harvest losses. Jam is the product prepared from sound, ripe, fresh, dehydrated, frozen or previously packed fruits including fruit juices, fruit pulp, fruit juice concentrate or dry fruit by boiling its pieces or pulp or puree with nutritive sweeteners namely sugar, dextrose, invert sugar or liquid glucose to a suitable consistency. The amount of other ingredients (sugar, pectin and acid) is usually calculated according to availability of such ingredients in the basic raw material. Due to the differences in chemical composition of fruits and vegetables the amounts of other ingredients are usually calculated according to availability of such ingredients in the basic raw materials, therefore the analysis of the raw materials is pre-requisite for jam making. Generally, processing of fruits and vegetables offers immense scope for wastage minimization and value addition; thus, can generate significant income and employment in countries of agrarian economy and it is the most suitable method of preservation.

Future probiotic foods

Foods containing edible probiotic bacteria, most commonly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, form a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide. Currently marketed foods containing probiotics are mostly dairy based with yoghurts and fermented milks dominating the industry. Alternative foods as carriers of probiotics are being examined to reduce or eliminate lactose intolerance issues. Food categories including fruit juices, cheese, chocolate and even beer have been shown to be suitable for probiotic delivery. In addition, technologies such as encapsulation in food-grade alginate gels have allowed for improved probiotic survival in certain foodstuffs. We have explored the use of ready-to-eat vegetables such as baby spinach as carriers for commercial probiotics and found that high dose (&amp;gt;8 log CFU/g) can be achieved without having negative effects on appearance, taste or aroma. Leafy greens as well as other foods and beverages may be suitable probiotic containing new food products in the future.

Child Consumption of Whole Fruit and Fruit Juice Following Six Months of Exposure to a Pediatric Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program.

Public health recommendations suggest limiting child consumption of fruit juice in favor of whole fruit due to juice’s high sugar content, lack of fruit fiber, and potential for excess intake. However, replacing juice with whole fruit may be particularly challenging for low-income and minority children, who report the highest intake of 100% juice. To address access and affordability challenges among low-income children, researchers partnered with pediatricians in an urban food desert community, to introduce a fruit and vegetable prescription program (FVPP) that provided a $15 prescription for fresh produce to every child during each office visit. Participating vendors included a farmers’ market and local mobile market. This study assessed changes in daily consumption of total fruit and whole fruit among 108 pediatric patients following six months of exposure to the FVPP. Child-reported mean daily intake of whole fruit increased significantly from the baseline to the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.03): 44% of children reported an increased intake of at least ¼ cup per day, and 30% reported an increased intake of at least ½ cup per day. Changes in total fruit intake (including fruit juice) were not significant. Results suggest a pediatric FVPP may have meaningful impacts on children’s dietary behaviors, particularly with regard to the intake of whole fruits.

Diversity and guaiacol production of Alicyclobacillus spp. from fruit juice and fruit-based beverages

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is an acido-thermophilic, spore-forming bacterial species that can spoil acidic fruit juice and fruit-based beverages. The metabolism of taint compounds by this bacterial species has led to its status as a targeted microorganism in the fruit juice industry. This study aims to assess the genetic diversity of Alicyclobacillus spp. including A. acidoterrestris and its correlation to spoilage taint metabolism.Alicyclobacillus cultures, which were previously isolated from a wide range of domestic and international products including fruit juice, fruit drinks and fruit juice concentrates, were subjected to DNA fingerprint analysis by using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) – polymerase chain reaction. Isolates were classified on the basis of their RAPD profile and the results were used to select representative strains to undergo taint production assessment. The taint guaiacol produced by Alicyclobacillus spp. was measured by headspace gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.From produced RAPD profiles, two genotypic groups and two sub-groups were identified. The groups were independent of product types and geographical origins. A significant number of isolates were clustered in genotypic group I, including A. acidoterrestris ATCC 49025. These isolates produced significant levels of guaiacol, 8.7 mg/L on average. A smaller number of isolates was found in genotypic group II including A. acidocaldarius and they produced no guaiacol. Primer F-64 was useful to identify Alicyclobacillus at the species level, and permitted rapid identification of strains producing fruit juice taint compounds such as guaiacol.

Global, Regional, and National Levels of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption from the ROUND (WoRld Map of COnsUmption of Fruit and Vegetables and Nutrient Deficits) Project (P18-067-19)

ObjectivesLow fruit and vegetable consumption is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for obesity and chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. The aim of the ROUND (WoRld Map of COnsUmption of Fruit and Vegetables and Nutrient Deficits) Project is to evaluate global consumption of fruit and vegetables and to characterize the distribution of related nutrient deficiencies. MethodsData relating to adult consumers from dietary surveys worldwide were identified, obtained, and assessed. Analyses were performed using Bayesian hierarchical models. ResultsData from different worldwide surveys were included in the analysis. Results show considerably variation between countries, even for those of middle-high income. For example in 2007, the mean per capita daily consumption of fruit (including fruit juice) and vegetables (and total) were: USA 325 g and 505 g (830 g, Census data); Germany 624 g and 106 g (730 g); Finland 429 g and 130 g (559 g); Netherlands 345 g and 133 g (478 g), and France 238 g and 145 g (382 g); (EFSA data). In 2012, an estimated 6.7 million deaths worldwide were attributable to a low intake of fruit and vegetables in both high and low-middle income countries. ConclusionsROUND analysis of data on adult fruit and vegetable consumption identifies diversity across nations, which can inform policies and assist in setting priorities for improving global health. Funding SourcesZETA RESEARCH S.r.l.

Association of Sugary Beverage Consumption With Mortality Risk in US Adults

Research has linked sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, but the role of nutritionally similar fruit juice and the association of these beverages with mortality risk is unknown. To assess the association of SSBs and 100% fruit juices, alone and in combination (sugary beverages), with mortality. This cohort study is a secondary analysis of data obtained from 30 183 participants in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. The REGARDS study was designed to examine modifiers of stroke risk. Enrollment took place from February 2003 to October 2007, with follow-up every 6 months through 2013. Overall, 30 183 non-Hispanic black and white adults 45 years and older were enrolled in the REGARDS study. Those with known CHD, stroke, or diabetes at baseline (12 253 [40.6%]) and those lacking dietary data (4490 [14.9%]) were excluded from the current study, resulting in a sample size of 13 440. Data were analyzed from November 2017 to December 2018. Sugar-sweetened beverage and 100% fruit juice consumption was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire and examined using categories of consumption that align with recommended limits for added sugar intake as a percentage of total energy (TE; <5%, 5%-<10%, and ≥10%) and 12-oz serving increments. All-cause and CHD-specific mortality were determined from cause of death records and family interviews and adjudicated by a trained team. Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using regression models. Overall, 13 440 participants had a mean (SD) age of 63.6 (9.1) years at baseline, 7972 (59.3%) were men, 9266 (68.9%) were non-Hispanic white, and 9482 (70.8%) had overweight or obesity. There were 1000 all-cause and 168 CHD-related deaths during follow-up (mean [SD] follow-up, 6.0 [1.8] years). Mean (SD) sugary beverage consumption was 8.4% (8.3%) of TE/d (4.4% [6.8%] TE/d from SSBs; 4.0% [6.8%] TE/d from 100% fruit juice). Among high (≥10% of TE) vs low (<5% of TE) sugary beverage consumers, risk-adjusted HRs were 1.44 (95% CI, 0.97-2.15) for CHD mortality and 1.14 (95% CI, 0.97-1.33) for all-cause mortality. Risk-adjusted all-cause mortality HRs were 1.11 (95% CI, 1.03-1.19) for each additional 12 oz of sugary beverage consumed and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.09-1.42) for each additional 12 oz of fruit juice consumed. In risk-adjusted models, there was no significant association of sugary beverage consumption with CHD mortality. These findings suggest that consumption of sugary beverages, including fruit juices, is associated with all-cause mortality. Well-powered and longer-term studies are needed to inform their association with CHD mortality risk.

Authenticity and traceability in beverages.

Nowadays, consumers expect to be sure that a food product complies with its label and demand further information regarding the geographical origin of the product. Beverages are among the most likely foods to be the target of food fraud. Adulteration through practices including, among the others, mixing or substituting the original material with other materials or useless parts of the same materials, which do not conform to the official standards and the food label, originate non-authentic beverages. For the determination of beverage authenticity, chemical, biomolecular and isotopic approaches could be applied depending on the level in the structure of the matter for obtaining the target information. This review highlights the recent key studies and related analytical approaches on authentication of beverages including fruit juices, coffee and tea, and wine and other alcoholic beverages.