Optimal Storage Conditions Research Articles

Enhanced Preservation of Bioactives in Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.) through Advanced Primary Processing

Medicinal and aromatic plants, such as wild garlic (Allium ursinum), are valuable sources of bioactive compounds in traditional and modern medicine. However, the challenges in cultivating wild garlic and its seasonality limit its availability primarily to early spring. To maintain the quality of wild garlic, effective postharvest practices are essential, considering the delicate nature of its leaves and their susceptibility to rapid decay. This study focuses on implementing eco-friendly postharvest practices to address the seasonality and perishability of wild garlic. Optimizing storage conditions and drying processes is essential for extending its shelf life and preserving bioactive components. Two postharvest approaches were evaluated, with vacuum packaging at 4 °C demonstrating the most effective preservation of sensory attributes and bioactive composition over a 9-day period. Additionally, different drying methods, including convective and vacuum drying at various temperatures, were investigated. When the best drying temperature was selected, the results revealed that convective drying is more efficient at preserving phenolic compounds in wild garlic leaves at 60 °C. Conversely, vacuum drying shows superior preservation of alliinase activity and total thiosulfinate content at 70 °C. Furthermore, this study explores the utilization of unused wild garlic, which is typically discarded as waste during storage. By employing suitable drying methods, this material can be preserved and provide a valuable source of phenolic compounds (7.17–10.12 g GAE/100 g) and thiosulfinate (9.35–12.72 mg AC/110 g) compounds for various extraction processes. Accordingly, this research presents significant implications for the integration of wild garlic into diverse industries, particularly in the fields of food and pharmaceutical sectors. The findings offer opportunities for sustainable utilization, economic benefits, and a more environmentally friendly and economically viable approach to wild garlic production and processing.

Investigation of select radionuclides stability in urine under various conditions for liquid scintillation counting (LSC).

Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) gross alpha/beta screening is a valuable tool for providing rapid laboratory response for the analysis of human clinical urine samples during a large-scale radiation incident event. Verification of method performance, as required for clinical laboratory testing, is accomplished by the evaluation of routine, periodic measurements of radioactive spiked samples for quality control, performance testing, and accuracy checks. Radionuclide stability of alpha and beta emitters in urine for LSC analysis is an important consideration. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate optimal preparations and storage conditions of samples used for method verification.

Experiment on long-term storage of vegetable seeds under natural conditions

Preservation of the genetic diversity of crop plants and genetic collections of cultivated plants in a living state is an important state task. Seeds are a convenient form of storing genetic material, as the specimens are small in volume, require relatively little care, and remain viable for a long period. The genetically determined period of seed viability can be signifi cantly extended by creating optimal storage conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to search for or create environmental conditions under which seeds could remain viable for as long as possible. There are modern high-tech seed storage facilities in the world, but in the event of emergency situations, natural storage facilities, one of which is located on the Taymyr Peninsula, will be in a more advantageous position. Since 1974, an experiment has been carried out to study the safety of various products in diff erent types of packaging in permafrost conditions with the participation of a number of research institutions. Employees of the breeding laboratories selected seeds of 27 varieties of seven main types of vegetable crops; the samples were planted in triplicate, in accordance with the planned three extraction dates: in 2022, 2028, and 2034.

Influence of the storage conditions of embryo culture media on mouse development.

The culture of preimplantation embryos in vitro is an important method for human and mouse reproductive technology. This study aims to investigate the influence of different conditions of culture media on the preimplantation stage of mouse embryos cultured in vitro, and monitor the post-implantation development of new mice after embryo transfer to surrogate females. We demonstrated here that mouse embryos cultured in vitro in fresh M16, KSOM, Global, and HTF embryo culture media from one cell to the blastocyst stage and the subsequent embryo transfer to surrogate females are able to proceed through post-implantation development and, after birth, develop into healthy mice. However, culture of embryos in differently aged media shows various (often unpredictable) results. To find the optimal storage conditions of culture media, we suggest that the freezing and long-term storage of these media at - 80°C will not influence the quality of the media. To test this hypothesis, we grew embryos from one cell to blastocysts in vitro in the selected media after thawing and subsequently transferring them to surrogate females. Embryo culture in these four media after thawing does not affect preimplantation and postnatal mouse development. Thus, we have shown that storage of embryo culture media at low temperature (- 80°C) does not impact the quality of the media, and subsequently, it can be used for the culture of embryos for the full preimplantation period, the same as in fresh media.

GRAIN TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN METAL SILOS WITH LONG-TERM STORAGE

The temperature of grain in storage is a complex process determined by the interaction of various factors. It is important to establish effective monitoring and management systems to ensure optimal storage conditions and avoid negative consequences such as spontaneous combustion or product spoilage. Grain temperature plays an important role in maintaining its quality during storage. Temperature control is a key element to avoid problems such as spontaneous combustion, fungal and bacterial growth, and to ensure optimal storage conditions. Grain thermometry is an important part of monitoring grain storage and processing conditions in elevators and warehouses. Temperature plays an important role in maintaining quality and avoiding problems such as self-ignition. Various factors can affect the change in grain temperature during storage: climatic conditions, grain moisture, location of thermometers, grain condition, storage period, seasonal changes, level of ventilation, etc. Proper management of these factors is important to maintain grain quality and prevent potential problems such as spontaneous combustion or mold growth. We conducted a study of temperature changes in the formed layers of grain during its storage in metal silos. The influence of natural conditions and the location of silos on the storage of grain was established and recommendations were given for its storage in metal silos. Special attention should be paid to the contact zones with the surface of the grain embankment and the zones adjacent to the walls of the slurry, they are the most sensitive to temperature changes. The air temperature in the silo affects the temperature of the upper layers of the grain mass, which are in direct contact with it. When the ambient temperature rises, the air temperature in the silo rises, because the metal surfaces of the silo have high thermal conductivity.

Post-harvest cold shock treatment enhanced antioxidant capacity to reduce chilling injury and improves the shelf life of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

This study investigates the impact of storage temperature and cold shock treatment (CST) on the postharvest quality and shelf life of guava fruits. Guavas were stored at varying temperatures (4°C, 6°C, 8°C, and 10°C) for 25 days to evaluate the incidence of chilling injury (CI) and determine optimal storage conditions. Results indicated that the best storage temperature was 6°C, which effectively maintained fruit quality by inhibiting CI, controlling weight loss, and preserving soluble solid content and soluble sugars. Further analysis on the effect of CST on guavas showed that longer cold shock durations (6, 9, and 12 h) before storage at a constant 4°C improved the storage quality and shelf life significantly by decreasing the CI rates, reducing weight loss, maintaining firmness, and improving the fruit’s nutritional quality. Notably, a 12-h CST yielded the best outcomes, evidenced by the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the highest increases in proline and soluble protein content - biomarkers of enhanced cold tolerance and reduced CI. Additionally, CST was found to modulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, increasing the activity levels of key antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), alongside higher contents of ascorbic acid. The study identified a correlation between the length of cold shock and improved antioxidant capacity, crucial for extending guava’s shelf life and preserving quality during cold storage. These findings have significant implications for the postharvest management of guava, recommending 6°C storage and 12-h CST as effective strategies for extending shelf life and ensuring quality in cold storage settings.

Metabolomics and transcriptomics reveal molecular mechanisms of anthocyanin accumulation in 'Nanhong' pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) peel at different temperatures

The bright red hue of the 'Nanhong' pear's pericarp is a key sensory attribute, yet its susceptibility to discoloration at harvest poses challenges for maintaining its commercial appeal. This study, employs quality metrics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics to examine fruit quality and anthocyanin metabolism, along with gene expression involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, under dark conditions at 0 °C, 10 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C for up to 21 d. Findings indicate that 0 °C is optimal for long-term storage, while 10 °C is preferable for retail display. LC-MS/MS identified 42 anthocyanin metabolites cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (cya-3-O-gal) being the primary pigment in the pericarp. Discoloration was primarily associated with cyanidin-type and peonidin-type anthocyanins. Transcriptome analysis identified a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in different comparison groups, KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the significant enrichment of DEGs in phenylpropane and flavonoid metabolic pathways. Key genes in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway, including PuPAL, PuCHS, PuCHI, PuF3`H, PuANS, and PuDFR were markedly down-regulated at 20 °C and 30 °C. Transcription factors such as AP2/ERF, WRKY, MYB, NAC, C2H2, bHLH,and bZIP played an influential part in this process. The study also established that fruit senescence and high-temperature stress were the primary causes of pericarp discoloration at these temperatures. Consequently, identifying optimal storage conditions that preserve fruit quality, delay senescence, and sustain anthocyanin accumulation is crucial. In this study, storage at 10 °C demonstrated the most favorable outcomes for maintaining the pericarp's red color during the marketing period.

Profiling the antioxidant biomarkers in marine fish larvae: a comparative assessment of different storage conditions to select the optimal strategy.

Research on antioxidant biomarkers can generate profound insights into the defense mechanisms of fish larvae against different stressors and can reveal manipulation strategies for improved growth and survival. However, the number of samples to process and unavailability of required infrastructure in larval-rearing facilities limit the immediate processing, requiring the preservation of specimens. Silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii), a potential marine aquaculture species, shows a low larval survival rate due to poorly developed antioxidant mechanism. In this context, 39 storage conditions, including three storage temperatures and different buffers, were scrutinized to select the most suitable preservation strategy for five important antioxidant biomarkers of fish larvae, viz. catalase activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, measurement of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), and ascorbic acid contents. The paper proposes the optimum larval storage conditions for these five evaluated antioxidant biomarkers to generate similar results in preserved and non-preserved larval samples. Larval samples preserved in PBS at lower temperatures (- 20°C and - 80°C) are recommended for evaluating catalase activity and ascorbic acid content. Catalase activity can also be evaluated by preserving the larval samples at - 20°C or - 80°C without buffers. Larval samples held in PBS or without any buffers at - 20°C and at - 80°C were found to be suitable for SOD and GSH evaluation, respectively. Preservation in 50% glacial acetic acid at - 80°C or - 20°C was preferred for the lipid peroxidation assays. Apart from methodological perspectives, the paper provides insights into the dynamics of larval antioxidant profiles of T. blochii, for the first time.

Development of a Decision Support System for Perishable Food Management in Culinary Education Institutions Using Machine Learning with Linear Regression

This study presents the development of a decision support system tailored for educational institutions with culinary programs, aimed at optimizing the management of perishable food items. The system employs a machine learning approach, specifically linear regression, to predict and enhance decision-making regarding the handling, storage, and utilization of perishable ingredients. The foundation of the system lies in the collection and analysis of historical data pertaining to various perishable food items commonly utilized in culinary education. Key variables, including temperature, humidity, storage duration, and other relevant factors, are identified to build a robust linear regression model. This model serves to predict the remaining shelf life of perishable goods, offering valuable insights into optimal storage conditions. Instructors benefit from a tool that enhances the practical learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding of food preservation and waste reduction. Continuous feedback mechanisms are integrated to improve the system's accuracy and relevance over time. Culinary educators can contribute insights, ensuring that the system remains aligned with the dynamic needs of culinary education.By incorporating this decision support system into culinary programs, educational institutions can not only empower students with practical skills but also in still a culture of sustainability and resource efficiency. The linear regression model, as a part of the system, aids in making informed decisions that align with industry best practices, contributing to the development of responsible and skilled culinary professionals. This research represents a significant step towards leveraging machine learning techniques to enhance culinary education, offering a practical and innovative solution for the management of perishable food items within educational settings.

Optimum storage conditions for ‘Abate Fetel’ pears

Optimum storage conditions for ‘Abate Fetel’ pears

IoT-Enabled crop storage monitoring system

This paper introduces an innovative IoT-enabled crop storage monitoring system designed to revolutionize the preservation and quality assurance of stored agricultural produce. Central to this system are IoT sensors strategically deployed within storage facilities. These sensors are tasked with the continuous tracking and monitoring of crucial environmental parameters, specifically temperature, humidity, and gas levels. Leveraging this real-time data, the system is engineered to promptly detect and respond to any deviations from the prescribed optimal storage conditions. The core strength of this system lies in its ability to generate instantaneous alerts upon detecting irregularities. These alerts serve as preemptive measures, effectively averting potential spoilage and curtailing post-harvest losses by enabling timely interventions and corrective actions. By harnessing IoT technology, this paper aims to create a proactive, automated, and responsive framework that ensures the integrity and safety of stored agricultural produce, ultimately contributing to enhanced food security and sustainability.

Investigation of hydrogen-propane hydrate formation mechanism and optimal pressure range via hydrate-based hydrogen storage

Hydrogen-propane hydrate is a promising practical hydrogen storage medium. However, the optimal conditions for the hydrogen-propane hydrate remain unclear. In this study, the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of hydrogen-propane gas (molar ratio 0.67/0.33) hydrate formation were investigated using experiments and molecular dynamics simulation. Moreover, the effect of liquid propane on hydrogen-propane hydrate formation in the pressure range of 0.5–2.8 MPa was investigated. The characteristic peaks of the heat flow curve during the experiment showed that under the pressure range of 2.0–2.8 MPa, propane hydrate and the ice-liquid propane mixture formed but not hydrogen-propane hydrate. Raman spectroscopy verified that when the initial pressure was higher than 2.0 MPa, only propane hydrate formed. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that if liquefied propane exists, propane molecules will aggregate, preventing water molecules from contacting crystal nuclei and inhibiting hydrogen bonding, further hindering the growth of hydrogen-propane hydrate. Based on the experimental and theoretical analysis, the pressure range of 0.8–1.8 MPa is optimal for hydrogen-propane hydrate formation, specifically corresponding to the initial molar ratio of hydrogen to propane at 0.67/0.33. This study aids in determining the optimal operating conditions for hydrate-based hydrogen storage.

Sorption Isotherms and Thermodynamic Characteristics of Gelatin Powder Extracted from Whitefish Skin: Mathematical Modeling Approach.

Moisture adsorption and desorption isotherms of gelatin extracted from whitefish skin powder (FSGP) at different temperatures across a wide range of water activity were determined along with their thermodynamic properties. Nine mathematical models were utilized for fitting the experimental data and simulating the adsorption and desorption behavior. The thermodynamic properties were determined and fitted to the experimental data. The results showed that Peleg and GAB models were the best fit for FSGP. The energies involved in the adsorption and desorption process of FSGP indicated a stronger dependence on equilibrium moisture content (Xe). When Xe decreased, there was a consistent trend of increasing thermodynamic properties. Both the moisture adsorption and desorption behaviors of FSGP were, therefore, non-spontaneous processes. Linear correlations between the changes in enthalpy and entropy for adsorption and desorption were observed, indicating the presence of enthalpy-entropy compensation for FSGP. For preserving FSGP quality, it should be stored with Xw ≤ 8 (gw/gdm, d.b.) at temperatures below 53 °C and an RH of 50% to avoid it becoming rubbery. These findings are crucial for providing insight into the optimal drying and storage conditions.

The Influence of Storage Temperature and Packaging Technology on the Durability of Ready-to-Eat Preservative-Free Meat Bars with Dried Plasma.

Food business operators must include the results of shelf life testing in their HACCP plan. Ready-to-eat preservative-free meat products enriched with blood plasma are an unfathomable area of research in food safety. We tested modified atmosphere (80% N2 and 20% CO2) and vacuum packaged RTE preservative-free baked and smoked pork bars with dried blood plasma for Aerobic Plate Count, yeast and mould, lactic acid bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter spp., and the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. during storage (temperatures from 4 to 34 °C) up to 35 days after production. The obtained data on the count of individual groups of microorganisms were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and statistically tested (Student's t-test with the Bonferroni correction); for temperatures at which there were statistically significant differences and high numerical variability, the trend of changes in bacterial counts were visualised using mathematical modelling. The results show that the optimal storage conditions are refrigerated temperatures (up to 8 °C) for two weeks. At higher temperatures, food spoilage occurred due to the growth of aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and mould. The MAP packaging method was more conducive to spoilage of the bars, especially in temperatures over 8 °C.

Feasibility of Optical Genome Mapping from Placental and Umbilical Cord Sampled after Spontaneous or Therapeutic Pregnancy Termination

Optical genome mapping (OGM) is an alternative to classical cytogenetic techniques to improve the detection rate of clinically significant genomic abnormalities. The isolation of high-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA is critical for a successful OGM analysis. HMW DNA quality depends on tissue type, sample size, and storage conditions. We assessed the feasibility of OGM analysis of DNA from nine umbilical cord (UC) and six chorionic villus (CV) samples collected after the spontaneous or therapeutic termination of pregnancy. We analyzed quality control metrics provided by the Saphyr system (Bionano Genomics) and assessed the length of extracted DNA molecules using pulsed-field capillary electrophoresis. OMG data were successfully analyzed for all six CV samples. Five of the UC samples did not meet the Saphyr quality criteria, mainly due to poor DNA quality. In this regard, we found that DNA quality assessment with pulsed-field capillary electrophoresis can predict a successful OGM analysis. OGM data were fully concordant with the results of standard cytogenetic methods. Moreover, OGM detected an average of 14 additional structural variants involving OMIM genes per sample. On the basis of our results, we established the optimal conditions for sample storage and preparation required for a successful OGM analysis. We recommend checking DNA quality before analysis with pulsed-field capillary electrophoresis if the storage conditions were not ideal or if the quality of the sample is poor. OGM can therefore be performed on fetal tissue harvested after the termination of pregnancy, which opens up the perspective for improved diagnostic yield.

Hygroscopic analysis of pre-dried madder roots (Rubia tinctorum L.) using a solar dryer: Implications for safe storage conditions

Current study investigated the sorption proprieties of madder roots. Sorption isotherms were measured through a gravimetric static technique using chemical salts, to control the surroundings water activity in a range of 0.05–0.9. Sorption measurements were conducted in three temperature 20, 30, and 40 °C. Integral proprieties were evaluated through Clausius-Clapeyron equation for a constant value of spreading pressure. In this study the optimal conditions for storage of madder roots were discussed in the indicated interval of temperature. The study findings showed that the madder roots isotherms were type II and the moisture content of product increased with the increase of water activity. Peleg and GAB models showed highly performance in fitting the sorption data. Integral entropy exhibited a minimum value in the region of 6–7% db, and 0.34–0.38 for moisture content and relative humidity, respectively. These conditions were considered as the best to preserve the madder roots shelf-life.

Extending the postharvest life of wild blueberries with proprietary plastic pallet covers

Wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait) face limited consumption due to their short production period of one month. The lack of specialized storage infrastructure quickly saturates the local market. A cost-effective solution using existing facilities and proprietary plastic pallet covers is proposed. This alternative aims to extend the shelf life of wild blueberries to remain marketable for extended periods. This project aimed to evaluate several parameters to optimize storage conditions specifically for this fruit from the Lac-Sainte-Jean region of Quebec. Two seasons, 2021 and 2022, were considered, and the experimental setup included two temperature regimes (0 and 4 °C), four different polymer types (polyethylene; Lifespan®, and PrimePro®, SPAC®), three carbon dioxide concentrations (0 %, 10 %, and 20 %), the presence or absence of sulfur dioxide (SO2) releasing patches, and two fruit types (sorted or unsorted). Fruit quality was then evaluated, considering weight loss on the pallet, berry color, firmness, acidity, total soluble solids, and overall quality. In both cases, the fruit was stored for approximately one month. It was observed that fruit could be kept effectively for up to one month using PrimePro® covers at 0 °C.

Contactless estimation of apple fruit respiration rate using machine learning models based on laser speckle imaging

This article presents the application of the laser speckle imaging method, a nondestructive and contactless method monitoring the gas exchange rate of intact apples. Red and infrared lasers in a typical setup for laser speckle imaging were used. A new parameter, speckle pattern relaxation time, has been proposed to evaluate speckle dynamics. Machine learning methods were used to develop a set of predictive models calibrated and validated against the respiration rate of two apple fruit cultivars measured with the flush system. The model with the highest performance used three variables: the speckle pattern relaxation time (τRED or τIR), fruit mass, and categorical variables describing apple varieties. This model provided satisfactorily low values of mean absolute prediction errors of 6.04%. Data from laser light scattering measurements combined with modern machine learning algorithms provided a nondestructive and fast method for estimating the apple fruit respiration rate. The developed solution has the potential for a wide range of industrial applications, especially in fruit storage, where the fruit respiration rate indicates optimal storage conditions.

Expression and Characterization of a β-Galactosidase from the Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea gigas, and Evaluation of Strategies for Testing Substrate Specificity.

β-Galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) are exoglycosidases that catalyze the cleavage of glycoconjugates with terminal β-D-galactose residues in β1,3-, β1,4- or β1,6-linkage. Although this family of exoglycosidases has been extensively studied in vertebrates, plants, yeast, and bacteria, little information is available for mollusks. Mollusks are a diverse and highly successful group of animals that play many different roles in their ecosystems, including filter feeders and detritivores. Here, the first β-galactosidase from the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas was discovered, biochemically characterized, and compared to our previously characterized slug enzyme from Arion vulgaris (UniProt Ref. Nr.: A0A0B7AQJ9). Overall, the mussel enzyme showed similar biochemical parameters to the snail enzyme. The enzyme from C. gigas was most active in an acidic environment (pH 3.5) and at a reaction temperature of 50 °C. Optimal storage conditions were up to 37 °C. In contrast to the enzyme from A. vulgaris, the supplementation of cations (Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Ba2+) increased the activity of the enzyme from C. gigas. Substrate specificity studies of the β-galactosidases from the mussel, C. gigas, and the slug, A. vulgaris, revealed activity towards terminal β1,3- and β1,4-linked galactose residues for both enzymes. Using the same substrates in labeled and unlabeled form, we were able to detect the effect of labeling on the β-galactosidase activity using MALDI-TOF MS, HPTLC, and HPLC. While lactose was cleaved by the enzymes in an unlabeled or labeled state, galacto-N-biose was not cleaved as soon as a 2-amino benzoic acid label was added. In this study we present the biochemical characterization of the first recombinantly expressed β-galactosidase from the Pacific oyster, C. gigas, and we compare different analytical methods for the determination of β-galactosidase activity using the enzyme from C. gigas and A. vulgaris.

Impact of Modified Atmosphere Packaging Conditions on Quality of Dates: Experimental Study and Predictive Analysis Using Artificial Neural Networks.

Dates are highly perishable fruits, and maintaining their quality during storage is crucial. The current study aims to investigate the impact of storage conditions on the quality of dates (Khalas and Sukary cultivars) at the Tamer stage and predict their quality attributes during storage using artificial neural networks (ANN). The studied storage conditions were the modified atmosphere packing (MAP) gases (CO2, O2, and N), packaging materials, storage temperature, and storage time, and the evaluated quality attributes were moisture content, firmness, color parameters (L*, a*, b*, and ∆E), pH, water activity, total soluble solids, and microbial contamination. The findings demonstrated that the storage conditions significantly impacted (p < 0.05) the quality of the two stored date cultivars. The use of MAP with 20% CO2 + 80% N had a high potential to decrease the rate of color transformation and microbial growth of dates stored at 4 °C for both stored date cultivars. The developed ANN models efficiently predicted the quality changes of stored dates closely aligned with observed values under the different storage conditions, as evidenced by low Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values. In addition, the reliability of the developed ANN models was further affirmed by the linear regression between predicted and measured values, which closely follow the 1:1 line, with R2 values ranging from 0.766 to 0.980, the ANN models demonstrate accurate estimating of fruit quality attributes. The study's findings contribute to food quality and supply chain management through the identification of optimal storage conditions and predicting the fruit quality during storage under different atmosphere conditions, thereby minimizing food waste and enhancing food safety.