Polish Retail Market Research Articles

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in bivalve molluscs. Risk to Polish consumers?

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) were investigated in six species of bivalve mollusc purchased on the Polish retail market. The risk to consumers was calculated as a percentage of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) (2 pg World Health Organization toxic equivalent (WHO-TEQ) kg-1 body weight (b.w.)). Altogether 32 samples were analysed using an isotope dilution technique with high resolution gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. Low levels of all analysed compounds were found. The range of PCDD/Fs was 0.08-0.37 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 of wet weight (w.w.) and 0.04-0.41 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 w.w. for DL-PCBs. The highest concentrations of all analysed compounds were found in Pacific oysters, at 0.30 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 w.w. for the sum of PCDD/Fs and 0.19 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 for the sum of DL-PCBs. These concentrations were 2-4 times higher than those detected in the other analysed mollusc species. Different species-dependent congener profiles were observed for PCDD/F concentrations, while PCB congener concentration profiles were species independent. The risk to consumers was assessed relating theoretical intakes of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs per 25, 50 and 100 g of consumption of molluscs per week to the TWI. Taking into account the low consumption of molluscs in Poland and low concentrations of analysed compounds, neither adults nor children are likely to exceed the TWI by ingestion of food in this category.

Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Attributes of Cold-Pressed Camelina Oils from the Polish Retail Market

Cold-pressed camelina oil (CPCO) is exceptional seed oil with a unique fatty acid profile promoting health and wellness. Therefore, this work focused on estimating and comparing the physicochemical properties and sensory quality of eight CPCO samples available on the Polish market. All analyzed oils were rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA = 29.91–36.27%) and contained low amounts of saturated fatty acids (SAFA = 10.61–12.20%). Oxidative stability of the studied CPCO samples, using the Rancimat test, ranged between 4.8 and 6.8 h, while peroxide (PV = 0.58–4.61 meq O2/kg) and anisidine (AnV = 0.15–1.60) values differed significantly. Moreover, the water and volatile matter contents (WVMC = 0.05–0.17%) and phosphorus level (P = 3.03–13.58 mg/kg) were monitored in commercial CPCO samples. Low concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants (Σ4PAHs = 0.72–7.22 μg/kg) were established in all oils. A quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) was developed to characterize the sensory properties of eight CPCO samples. Six oil samples had high overall sensory quality (OSQ > 4.0), but OSQ < 3.5 was an unacceptance sensory quality for two of the oils. The developed lexicon might be used in the oil industry to monitor product quality, sensory profiling of new product development, and benchmark competitors’ samples.

The art of adaptation: how to attract customers and increase effectiveness of retail stores in a VUCA world

In the study the author presented the adjustments implemented by various business entities operating within the retail industry and their impact on the competitiveness of reviewed discount stores. The companies analysed are considered as key players within the Polish retail market classified by the number of shops in each shop chain, number of customers attracted (also known as market penetration) and income from sales. Before the study, the author performed a literature search. In the first part of the article, the readers can find information presenting the operational background –a number of definitions, such as retailing and black swan, have been adduced to introduce the topic. Subsequently, the writer describes the scale of unexpected incidents affecting specific parts of society. Next paragraphs highlight the consumer trends of 2022 and their influence on customers. Furthermore, the author of the study presents the advantages of retail and market structure based on the size of outlets. In the last part, the readers can learn about the activities taken by several companies (Biedronka, Lidl, Netto, Aldi and Żabka) in recent years that created a difference in the results achieved by them.

Biogenic Amines and Free Amino Acids in Traditional Fermented Vegetables-Dietary Risk Evaluation.

Biogenic amines (BAs) are low molecular weight organic bases. BAs occurring naturally in living organisms are responsible for a number of vital functions, including (in humans) secretion of gastric acids, controlling body temperature, differentiation and growth of cells, immune reactions, and brain activity. However, if oversupplied with food, BAs may cause food poisoning and produce undesirable effects. Nine BAs and eight free amino acids (FAAs) were determined in 85 samples of 19 different varieties of fermented vegetables available on the Polish retail market. Both BA and FAA levels differed significantly among various varieties of the studied fermented vegetables. Averages for the sum of all tested BAs ranged from 30.29 ± 16.43 mg·kg-1 in fermented olives to 612.1 ± 359.33 mg·kg-1 in fermented Brussels sprout. BA profiles were dominated by putrescine (42%), tyramine (20%), cadaverine (18%), and histamine (8%); jointly, the four amines amounted to 88% of all nine studied BAs. The combined level of the latter four BAs was calculated for each vegetable variety as the so-called BA index (BAI). On that basis, the risk of BA-related adverse health effects has been assessed as high/medium/low in 6/3/10 of all 19 studied varieties of fermented vegetables. Brussels sprout and broccoli turned out to be the most risky vegetables from that point of view (BAI above 400 mg·kg-1). FAA levels ranged from 54.8 ± 12.76 (fermented olives) to 3917.42 ± 1528.73 mg·kg-1 (fermented garlic). The high content of FAAs may increase the risk of forming toxic amounts of BAs, depending on characteristics of the current and added microflora as well as on environmental and technological conditions the product is subjected to.

Assessment of thermal processing contaminant levels in dried and smoked fruits

The paper reports the levels of thermal processing contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and acrylamide (AA) in 28 dried (raisins, dates, apricots, cranberries and plums—prunes) and 15 smoked (pears, apples and plums) fruit samples from Polish retail market. Analytes were determined using GC–SIM–MS, after being subjected to modified QuEChERS method. The results showed that almost all PAHs were detected in smoked fruit samples, except of dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, which was identified only in 4 from 15 samples. In case of dried fruits they were quantified in all 28 samples. The highest 3-MCPD content in group of smoked fruits was noted in plums (70.9 µg kg−1), while in dried fruits for raisins (33.0 µg kg−1). The lowest amount, with the value of 9.3 µg kg−1 was identified in dried raisins and cranberry. In the group of smoked fruits, the lowest AA amount was found in apple sample (19.6 µg kg−1) and the highest in sample of plums (730 µg kg−1) followed by pears sample (696 µg kg−1). The AA concentration in dried fruits ranged from < LOQ for dates sample, raisins, and cranberry samples to 141 µg kg−1 for plums sample in our best knowledge, the present paper is the first study concerning the level of the contamination by these heat-induced compounds in such a diversity of foodstuffs such as dried and smoked fruits.

Dietary risk evaluation for 28 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tea preparations made of teas available on the Polish retail market

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work was to assess dietary risk resulting from consumption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with tea infusions. To this end, levels of 28 PAHs in black, green, red and white teas available on the Polish retail market have been assessed. Profiles and correlation between concentrations of individual PAHs have been identified. A model study on transfer of PAHs from tea leaves into tea preparations has been conducted. Relatively high concentrations of 28 evaluated PAHs have been found in 58 tested samples of black, green, red and white teas sampled on the Polish retail market. Total concentration ∑28PAH ranged from 57 to 696 µg kg−1 with mean 258 µg kg−1 (dry tea leaves). The most mature tea leaves fermented to a small degree contained relatively the highest PAH levels among all four tested tea types. Relatively low PAH transfer rates into tea infusions and limited volumes of the consumed tea keep the risks associated with PAH dietary intake at a safely low level.The worst-case scenario dietary intake values were 7.62/0.82/0.097 ng kg−1 b.w. day−1 (estimated on the basis of the maximum found concentrations 696/113/23 µg kg−1 and maximum observed transfer rates 24/16/9%) for ∑28PAH/∑PAH4/B[a]P, respectively. MOE values calculated using the above worst case estimates exceeded 700,000 and 400,000 (BMDL10 0.07 and 0.34 mg kg−1 b.w. day−1) for B[a]P and PAH4, respectively. Both B[a]P and PAH4 concentrations may be used as indicators of total PAH concentration in tea leaves; PAH4 slightly better fits low molecular weight PAHs. Several correlations between various PAHs/groups of PAHs have been identified, the strongest one (R2 = 0.92) between PAH4 and EU PAH 15+1.

Store Price Image – the Power of Perception

The purpose of the article is to indicate the complexity of the store price image – its variously identified dimensions and dynamic character. This topic is extremely important for the effectiveness of brand store management and brand store competitiveness. The fact that the store price image is based on perception rather than reality does not facilitate the process of creating desirable store price image. In the article the results of a literature review are presented, and the final part of the paper contains some practical conclusions. Focusing on this topic is due to the significant changes in the store formats in Polish retailing. Purpose – The purpose of the article is to indicate the complexity of the store price image – its variously identified dimensions and dynamic character. This topic is extremely important for the effectiveness of brand store management. Design/Methodology/Approach – Literature review. Findings – The fact that the store price image is based on perception rather than reality, does not facilitate the process of creating desirable price store image – on the contrary. Proper and effective management of store price image requires a thorough knowledge of price management. So many different aspects are behind this area of marketing activities that managers become necessary to enter into related areas – e.g. consumer behavior psychology. Since the process of shaping the price image by consumers is a dynamic process, the management of price image cannot be perceived as static. Originality/Value – The main value of the article involves indication of complexity of the image price and thus difficulty of managing it. An overview of various approaches to the understanding of the price image, which is presented in the article, can facilitate an extremely demanding process of store price image management. Due to the current changes on the Polish retail market, it seems necessary to update the existing scientific achievements in the field of image price.

Zawartosc hydroksymetylfurfuralu, aktywnosc diastazy i barwa miod�w wielokwiatowych w zaleznosci od pochodzenia i czasu przechowywania

The aim of the study was to compare the quality of multifloral honeys in relation to origin (domestic vs. foreign), and storage time (before vs. after the date of minimum durability) available on the Polish retail market. The study was conducted on 24 samples of multifloral honey, including domestic ones (i.e. originated directly from beekeepers in open-air markets, or purchased in a retail chain), and foreign (i.e. from inside or outside the EU) bought in hypermarkets. In addition, the study comprised 5 samples of honey after the date of minimum durability. The content of hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), diastase number (DN) and colour according to CIE L*a*b* were determined in honeys. In the fresh multifloral honeys (irrespective of origin) the content of 5-HMF ranged from 1.17 to 18.54 mg·kg-1, and DN ranged from 8.36 to 34.88. Thus all samples met the legal requirements (5-HMF<40 mg·kg-1 and DN<8 on the Schade scale). Significant (P≤0.01) deterioration in the quality of the honey was noted after the date of minimum durability. The mean HMF content (93.87 mg·kg-1) was twice as high as the acceptable value, and the mean DN (6.45) was lower than the accepted limit. Significant differences (P≤0.01) were noted between mean values for all colour coordinates considering the date of minimum durability. The colour of the honey after the date of minimum durability was significantly darker and had lower saturation (L*=43.18 and C*=21.23) than the fresh honey (L*=62.11 and C*=32.66).

Fumonisins and their masked forms in maize products

In recent years many papers on masked mycotoxins in maize-based products appeared, including reports on fumonisins capable to form non-covalent bonds with food macro constituents. Such so-called “hidden fumonisins” are frequently present in food at quantities higher than the free forms. The aim of this work was to assess levels of free and total (free + hidden) fumonisins (B1, B2 and B3) in 88 maize products available on the Polish retail market. Isotope dilution ion trap mass spectrometery coupled to a high performance liquid chromatography was used. 57% of all tested samples contained free fumonisins at concentrations above our limit of quantification LOQ (mean 390 ± 676 μg/kg). More than 77% of the samples contained free + hidden fumonisins at concentrations above LOQ (mean 574 ± 1177 μg/kg). The highest mean fumonisins concentrations 1006 ± 1131 μg/kg, 1651 ± 2317 μg/kg, respectively for free and free + hidden forms were observed in the group of maize snacks. The lowest fumonisin concentrations were found in maize-based starch concentrate products. None of the tested products within that group had free fumonisins concentrations above LOQ, while mean concentration of free + hidden fumonisins was as low as 82 ± 42 μg/kg. In thermally processed products like corn flakes and various snacks the hidden-to-free fumonisin concentration ratio was higher than in unprocessed products like flour, groats or raw popcorn grains.

Influence of hen breeding type on PCDD/F, PCB & PBDE levels in eggs

The aim of this study was to assess levels of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in free range eggs and in farm eggs available on the Polish retail market. Congener profiles that might be used to identify different sources of contamination have also been assessed. Generally higher mean values of PCDD/F, PCB and PBDEs found in free range eggs than in farm eggs reflect occurrence of highly contaminated samples. However, medians were similar in both groups; PCDD/F medians were even higher in farm eggs. High concentrations (accompanied by changed congener profile) indicate contamination sources other than environmental background. Congener profiles and absolute concentration values found in majority of the tested samples from both groups were typical for environmental background of the studied persistent organic pollutants. Due to their small market share free range eggs do not seem to pose any essential threat to human health.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorine pesticides in selected cereals available on the Polish retail market

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (DDT, HCH, HCB, chlordane, endrin, dieldrin, aldrin, nitrophene, metoxychlor) are man-made chemicals manufactured for numerous applications. The aim of this study was to assess levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and organochlorine pesticides in selected types of cereals available on the Polish retail market. 191 samples of various cereals have been analyzed in total. Average EC6 concentrations ranged from 56.4 (snacks) to 442.2pgg−1 (bran) while the concentration of 12 dioxin-like PCBs was in 15 (groats)–37.6pgg−1 (snacks) range. Mean dioxin equivalency concentration calculated as lower bound results in 2005 TEF values amounted to 0.120±0.445pgTEQg−1, while 0.091±0.338pgTEQg−1 if 1998 TEF values were used. Average concentration of all 14 studied BDEs (∑14 BDE) was 112±80pgg−1, while average concentration of 13 BDEs excluding BDE #209 was only 15±6pgg−1. Pesticide concentrations observed in the analyzed samples were generally low in comparison to maximum residue levels (MRLs) actually permitted by the European Union. However, MRLs were exceeded in 7 out of all 191 analyzed samples. Total concentration of DDT isomers in one of the tested bran samples was as high as 0.053mgkg−1. DMDT concentrations slightly above MRL=0.01mgkg−1were observed in 6 other samples (2×bran, 1×children porridge, 2×snacks and 1×bread). This study has shown that levels of PCBs, PBDEs and organochlorine pesticides in cereal products available on the Polish market are generally low. However, elevated levels of individual pollutants were observed in several instances.

Occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry and poultry products for sale on the Polish retail market.

In 2007 and 2008, a monitoring study was carried out in Poland to examine the occurrence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in raw and cooked chicken products available on the retail market. A total of 912 samples were tested: 443 samples of raw chicken meat, 146 samples of giblets, and 323 ready-to-eat poultry products (150 samples of spit-roasted chicken, 56 samples of smoked chicken, and 117 samples of pâté and cold meats). A high level of contamination of raw chicken meat (51.7% of samples) and chicken giblets (47.3% of samples) was detected. However, thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. were found in only 1.2% of the ready-to-eat poultry products.

Non-dioxin-like and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in butter sampled from the Polish retail market

The aim was to investigate levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in butter available on the Polish retail market. A gas chromatography-based method was developed for the purpose of this study. An ion-trap mass spectrometer was used as a detection system with high-resolution chromatography. Recoveries of individual PCBs from spiked samples varied from 58% to 105% with a recovery relative standard deviation in the range 3–16%. Levels of eight non-dioxin-like and twelve dioxin-like congeners were determined. Toxic equivalent factors (TEQs) were calculated using World Health Organization (WHO) TEQs. The average concentration of the sum of six PCBs (28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180) was found to be 1561 ± 728 pg g−1 (fat) and the upper-bound concentrations of dioxin-like congeners were (1 standard deviation uncertainty) 0.441 ± 0.384 pg PCB-TEQ g−1 (fat).