Handling Practices Research Articles

Food Safety Knowledge and Handling Practices of Adult Rural Women: A Cross-sectional Survey

Background: Food contamination can occur in any step of handling of food from “farm to table” and lead to a variety of food borne diseases which can cause increased morbidity and mortality. Food handlers play a vital role in transmitting these diseases and pose a significant threat to public health. Objective: This study was aimed to assess knowledge about food safety and handling practices of adult rural women who were actively involved with food preparation. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 664 adult rural women involved with food preparation of households in six villages of Taraganj Upazila, Rangpur district from 20th September 2023 to 19th October 2023. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data and face-to-face interview with the respondents were performed. Results: About 46.1% participants were between the age group of 18-34 years (Mean±SD=36.07±11.6 years). 58.9% educational status was below SSC.43.2% respondents had monthly family income between (10,001-20,000) taka. 95.2%of the respondents did not attend any type of food safety training or session. Among all 47.0% had good knowledge and only 13.4% had good handling practice. 98.8% respondents knew about hand washing before food preparation but only 78.3% practiced it. About 81.5% of respondents knew that keeping raw fish/meat/vegetable in same bag/vessels is harmful to health, but during practice 70.6% participants reported that they always used separate utensils for raw and cooked food during food preparation. 93.8% knew that raw fish, meat, and eggs should be completely cooked, and food should be served piping-hot, although 41% of them always practiced thorough cooking and re-heating cooked foods until it is piping-hot. 89.5% of respondents knew that expiry date of packed/canned food should be checked before eating/cooking but 66.6% always threw away expired foods. 98.9% of the respondents said that it is mandatory to wash raw fruits and vegetables with safe water before cooking/eating but 84.6% of thempractice this. 81.2% knew that diarrhea/skin disease of cook can contaminate food, 70.9% of them avoid servingfood while they are infected with these diseases. The association between food handling practice and food safety knowledge was strongly significant (p<.001) Conclusion: The findings of this study portray the importance of education and awareness and training orcourtyard session about safe food handling knowledge for prevention of food borne illness todecrease mortality and morbidity from these diseases. J Rang Med Col. September 2024; Vol. 9, No. 2: 15-20

Protecting the Safe Water Chain in Refugee Camps: An Exploratory Study of Water Handling Practices, Chlorine Decay, and Household Water Safety in South Sudan, Jordan, and Rwanda.

In refugee and internally displaced person settlements, hygienic water handling and free residual chlorine (FRC) are crucial for protecting water against recontamination after distribution up to the household point-of-consumption. We conducted a secondary analysis of water quality and water handling data collected in refugee camps in South Sudan, Jordan, and Rwanda using statistical and process-based modeling to explore how water handling practices affect FRC decay and household FRC outcomes. The two practices that consistently produced a significant effect on FRC decay and household FRC were storing water in direct sunlight and transferring water between containers during household storage. Samples stored in direct sunlight had 0.22-0.31 mg/L lower household FRC and had FRC decay rates between 2 and 3.7 times higher than samples stored in the shade, and samples that were transferred between containers had 0.031-0.51 mg/L lower household FRC and decay rates 1.65-3 times higher than non-transferred samples in sites in which the effect was significant, suggesting that humanitarian responders should aim to provide additional water storage containers to prevent water transferring in households and encourage water-users not to store water in direct sunlight. By contrast, the effect of the three recommended hygienic water handling behaviors (clean, covered containers and drawing by tap or pouring) was mixed or inconclusive. These inconclusive results were likely due to imbalanced or unreliable approaches to gathering the data, and we recommend that hygienic water handling practices that mechanistically provide a physical barrier against recontamination should always be promoted in humanitarian settings.

Food Safety Awareness and Practices of Street Food Vendors in Selected Barangays of Marawi City

The study delved on identifying vendors’ level of awareness towards food safety and practices on proper food handling. The researcher made use of quantitative approach specifically the descriptive-correlative research design. The data were collected through the use of survey questionnaires distributed to the twenty-six vendors from the three selected barangays namely: Saduc Proper, Lilod Saduc, and Panggao-Saduc. The respondents were selected through convenience sampling. Specifically, this study sought to explore the demographic profiles of the respondents such as sex, highest educational attainment and attended seminar or training related to food safety and hygiene. It also identified the vendors’ level of awareness towards food safety and practices on proper food handling of street food. Lastly, it investigated the relationship between the demographic profiles of the respondents and the vendors’ level of awareness towards food safety. Using the convince sampling, the data were collected from twenty-six (26) sample size. Based on the findings, it was found out that most vendors were females and have low educational levels. It was also revealed that there were only few who have been to seminar/training related to food hygiene and safety. Furthermore, this study found out that respondents were very aware of many food safety practices such as keeping their preparation areas clean and using the right utensils. However, there was a need to improve some practices such as preheating sauces and serving food quickly. In terms of the relationship between the respondents’ demographic profile and their level of awareness on food safety, it resulted to negative moderate correlation between the demographic profile variables of gender, educational attainment, and seminars attended related to food safety and hygiene and the level of awareness among street food vendors on food safety practices. The researcher recommended that street food vendors must strictly observe safe food handling practices. They should be aware of the significance of these practices. In addition, they should attend seminar or training related to food safety and healthy food preparation practices to ensure a safer and healthier food environment for everyone’s health.

The paradox of safe milk supply by small-scale dairy farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa: insights based on current practices in Malawi

Abstract This research paper aimed to assess milking and milk handling practices among small-scale dairy farmers and determine the presence of E. coli in raw and processed liquid milk in Malawi. A total of 113 dairy farmers were interviewed across three agroecological zones of Malawi. Eighty-seven (87) processed and raw milk samples were collected from selected food stores and dairy farms and tested for E. coli. Ninety-five percent of small-scale dairy farmers had at most 2 milking cows, with daily average milk production of less than 10 L. Sixty-nine percent cleaned milking utensils using untreated water, and the farmers had no refrigerators. Eighty-eight percent held raw milk for over 6 hours at room temperature. Escherichia coli was found to be widely distributed in raw milk (76%) and pasteurized milk (75%), averaging 5.38 ± 1.82 and 2.47 ± 1.02 log cfu/ml, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Malawian small-scale dairy farmers employ poor milking and post-milking practices, which compromise the socioeconomic environment of small-scale dairy farmers.

Assessment of Microbial Contamination and Bacterial Characterization in Ready-to-Eat Fruits from Port Harcourt Markets, Nigeria

Food safety is critical in preventing foodborne illnesses, particularly in regions where regulatory oversight may be inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the microbial contamination and characterize bacteria found in whole and sliced ready-to-eat (RTE) fruits sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study area of this research was in Port Harcourt, the capital and largest city in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study employed a simple random sampling technique, and the methodology involved collecting 30 samples of apples, cucumbers, oranges, pawpaws, and watermelons from six markets: Fruit Garden Market, Mile 1 Market, Mile 3 Market, Oil Mill Market, Rumuokoro Market, and Town Market. Samples were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques, including total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) and total coliform count (TCC). Serial dilutions and culturing were performed, and the isolates were identified through morphological and biochemical tests. Results indicated that coliforms such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp and Enterobacter spp were isolated, and the THBC varied significantly among the markets, with the highest contamination observed in Mile 3 Market (9.50 × 10⁴ CFU/ml) and the lowest in Town Market (7.27 × 10⁴ CFU/ml). TCC results showed the highest coliform contamination in Rumuokoro Market (5.16 × 10³ CFU/ml), likely influenced by proximity to unsanitary water sources. Watermelon had the highest contamination levels for both THBC and TCC, while cucumber showed the lowest. Variations in contamination levels were attributed to environmental factors, inadequate handling practices, and hygiene standards. The study concluded that RTE fruits sold in Port Harcourt pose significant health risks due to microbial contamination levels exceeding recommended safety thresholds. It emphasized the importance of stringent hygiene practices among vendors and better regulatory measures to prevent outbreaks. Recommendations include improved food safety training for vendors, stricter sanitation practices during handling and transportation, and regular monitoring by health authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards. Therefore, the study highlights health risks in consuming ready-to-eat fruits, supporting food safety improvements to reduce foodborne illnesses in Port Harcourt.

Practices of maize handling and nixtamalization to reduce fungal toxin exposure in rural Guatemala

Fungal toxins in local food supplies are a critical environmental health risk to communities globally. To better characterize hypothesized toxin control points among households, we conducted household surveys across four departments (first administrative division) in Guatemala. Data gathered included maize harvesting, processing, storage, and traditional nixtamalization practices. In total, n = 33 households participated in the survey and were from 4 unique departments, 17 unique municipalities, and represented 4 different languages. The results suggested that the majority of households consumed a combination of personally cultivated and purchased maize. There was significant variation in how this maize was stored, in regards to pre-processing (kernel vs whole cob), as well as storage system type. For nixtamalization, the largest differences in practices (e.g., cooking time) were based on household size while the majority of households reported practices that aligned with previously reported best practices. Lastly, all reported maize-based food products produced by households utilized the nixtamalization process except one. Current maize handling and nixtamalization practices reported by a majority of households aligned with best practices, however, with locally tailored and culturally sensitive guidance disseminated by key stakeholders, the prevalence of best practice use among households can be improved. Further community-based research on traditional farming and nixtamalization practices can improve these recommendations.

Big Data Analytics And Predictive Analysis In Enhancing Customer Relationship Management (CRM): A Systematic Review Of Techniques And Tools

This systematic review examines the transformative role of big data analytics and predictive techniques in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), focusing on how these advancements enhance customer engagement, satisfaction, and retention strategies. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this review analyzed a final selection of 100 articles, exploring CRM applications such as predictive modeling, real-time data processing, data integration, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Findings indicate that predictive analytics enables CRM systems to anticipate customer behaviors and personalize interactions, while real-time data processing supports immediate responses to customer needs, essential in high-demand sectors. Data integration helps overcome silos, creating a cohesive customer view that enhances personalized engagement across all touchpoints. NLP applications, including sentiment analysis and chatbots, further improve CRM by fostering empathy and responsiveness in customer interactions. Despite these advancements, challenges related to data privacy and regulatory compliance remain central, necessitating strict data protection and ethical handling practices. This review underscores that while CRM technology is evolving to meet modern demands, effective implementation depends on a balance between technical innovation and adherence to ethical standards in data management, ultimately fostering meaningful and sustainable customer relationships.

Metabolomic and enzymatic markers reveal critical air exposure threshold for Crassostrea hongkongensis quality

Post-harvest air exposure is unavoidable during oyster transportation and storage, yet the physiological tolerance limits and underlying metabolic responses of commercially important oyster species remain poorly understood. While previous studies have focused on immediate post-harvest quality changes, there is limited knowledge about the time-dependent metabolic adaptations that determine product quality during extended air exposure. This study investigated the physiological and metabolic responses of Crassostrea hongkongensis during air exposure at 4 °C, focusing on identifying the optimal period for quality preservation. Using a combination of survival analysis, enzyme activity assays, and metabolomic profiling, we examined oysters exposed to air for up to 18 days, with particular emphasis on the critical first three days. Survival analysis showed 100 % survival rate at 4 °C through day 7, with mortality beginning thereafter, compared to significant mortality observed at 25 °C (complete mortality by day 7) and 37 °C (complete mortality by day 2). Analysis of antioxidant enzyme activities revealed complex, time-dependent changes, with robust responses observed within the first three days, indicating effective stress management. Metabolomic analysis identified 38 differentially abundant metabolites throughout the exposure period. Notably, the metabolic profile at day 3 showed a tendency to revert towards the control state, suggesting a temporary adaptive response. Key findings included stability in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels during the initial three days and subtle changes in flavor-related compounds, such as slight decreases in glutamate and aspartate levels. Correlation analyses revealed intricate interactions between enzyme activities and metabolites, highlighting complex stress response mechanisms. The relationship between T-AOC and key osmolytes underscored their critical role in maintaining cellular redox balance during the initial exposure period. Our findings suggest that the optimal window for maintaining C. hongkongensis quality during air exposure at 4 °C is within the first three days. During this period, oysters demonstrate effective adaptive responses, maintaining key quality attributes and nutritional value. Beyond this timeframe, the risk of quality degradation increases significantly. These results have important implications for the oyster industry, providing evidence-based guidelines for post-harvest handling, transportation, and storage practices. We recommend limiting air exposure during cold storage to no more than 3 days to ensure optimal product quality and consumer satisfaction.

Food handling practices and sanitary conditions of charitable food assistance programs in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Unsafe food handling practices by food handlers have dire health and financial implications worldwide. Each year, approximately 600 million people, or about 1 in 10 people, are said to become ill from eating contaminated food, and 420,000 people inadvertently die. According to the 2019 World Bank report on the economic burden of foodborne diseases, the annual cost of treating foodborne illnesses is estimated to be US$ 15 billion, and the total productivity loss caused by foodborne diseases in low- and middle-income countries is estimated to be US$ 95.2 billion annually. The purpose of this study was to assess the food handling practices and sanitary conditions of the charitable food assistance programs (CFAPs) in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 CFAPs in eight study settings across five municipal planning regions (MPRs) of the eThekwini District between January 2021 and May 2021. Data were collected using a standardized 37-item observational checklist and analysed through Stata Statistical Software (TX: StataCorp. 2021 LLC.: Release 17. College Station). Compliance levels were calculated using the compliance score (C-score), whereby 0.0–0.20 (0–20%), 0.21–0.40 (21–40%), 0.41–0.60 (41–60%), 0.61–0.80 (61–80%), and 0.81–1.00 (81–100%) were determined as very poor, poor, average, good, and very good, respectively. Statistically significant associations were declared at p < 0.05. Compliance with food hygiene, storage, and packaging was very poor (C-score = 0.003), as were personal hygiene and staff facilities (C-score = 0.147), as well as product information/labelling (C-score = 0.003). Similarly, waste management and pest control systems (C-score = 0.203), compliance with health and hygiene education/training (C-score = 0.335), as well as use and maintenance of transport (C-score = 0.333), all scored ‘poor’. Only the design of premises and facilities had an average compliance score (C-score = 0.43). Given CFAPs’ role in mitigating the impact of poverty, their strict compliance with hygiene protocols is of utmost importance. Systems for identifying and correcting common noncompliance in CFAPs are required.

Impact of pneumatic tube transportation on the aggregation of monoclonal antibodies in clinical practice

Postproduction handling and in-hospital transportation of antibody drugs cause mechanical stress, including interfacial and shear stress, that can induce antibody unfolding and aggregation. The handling practices differ significantly between hospitals and the impact on protein stability is unknown. For example, the mechanical stress caused by transport via pneumatic tube systems (PTS) on therapeutic antibody aggregation is a potential safety and quality gap.The aim of this study was to investigate whether mechanical stress and PTS transportation in a hospital cause aggregation of five commonly used antibody drugs diluted in infusion bags.Orthogonal analytical methods showed that the handling and PTS transportation in this hospital did not cause aggregation of the investigated mAbs. The absence of aggregation could be explained by the reduction of interfacial stress due to headspace removal from the infusion bags and a mechanical sensor indicated that there was also only a moderate amount of mechanical stress caused by transportation with this particular PTS.Although this case study focuses on five antibody drugs and the practices in one hospital, the work demonstrates how to evaluate whether other handling and transportation practices cause significant mechanical stress that could compromise the quality and safety of antibody drugs.

Farmers’ Perception on Pesticide Use and Pest Management of Vegetable Crops: In the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia, in the Case of Fogera Plain

This study examines the impact of training on smallholder farmers&amp;apos; pesticide handling practices, perceptions, and behaviors, with a focus on the correlation between training and several key factors, including pesticide storage, pest identification skills, pest management strategies, pesticide application frequency, information sources, protective equipment use, pesticide mixing habits, and disposal of empty pesticide containers. The research highlights that training plays a significant role in improving farmers&amp;apos; pesticide handling practices, although some areas still require additional education or interventions for further improvement. Significant associations were found between training and pest identification abilities. Farmers who received training were more adept at recognizing pests such as onion thrips (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 17.130, p &amp;lt; .001), downy mildew (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 10.221, p = 0.001), fruit borers (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 26.246, p &amp;lt; .001), and white flies (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 3.226, p = 0.072) compared to untrained farmers. Trained farmers were also more likely to seek reliable information from extension workers (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 13.18, p &amp;lt; 0.001), chemical dealers (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 15.44, p &amp;lt; 0.001), personal experience (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 8.03, p = 0.005), and product labels (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 14.36, p &amp;lt; 0.001), whereas untrained farmers were more inclined to guess or rely on informal sources (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 21.85, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Regarding pesticide storage, trained farmers were more likely to store pesticides safely, away from living areas, children, and animals, whereas untrained farmers often stored pesticides indoors. Training also affected mixing practices, with trained farmers less likely to mix pesticides near water sources (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 6.4, p = 0.01) and more likely to mix them in the field (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 51.38, p &amp;lt; 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in practices such as mixing pesticides according to the recommended doses (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 3.15, p = 0.08) or mixing different types of pesticides (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 0.31, p = 0.58). Trained farmers demonstrated better adherence to safety protocols, such as using personal protective equipment (PPE) and avoiding pesticide mixing at home. They were also more likely to triple-rinse spray tanks and avoid discharging pesticides into irrigation ditches. However, no significant differences were observed in reading pesticide instructions before spraying (X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 0.24, p = 0.63), indicating a need for further emphasis on this aspect during training. Overall, the study confirms that training significantly improves safe pesticide handling but suggests areas for further education and intervention.

Assessing foodborne outbreak risk in Chinese households: A national survey analysis of pork handling practices

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the risk of foodborne outbreaks associated with household food handling practices in China and identify the consumer groups that are at higher risk for foodborne outbreaks. MethodsA national survey of household pork handling practices was conducted in China. The risk of foodborne outbreaks stemming from consumers’ improper handling practices was assessed utilizing the Weighted Harmonic Outbreak Prevention Index (WHOPI). The index categorized these practices into three levels of good hygienic practice (GHP): low (WHOPI≤0.35), medium (WHOPI: 0.36–0.70), and high (WHOPI>0.70). Logistic regression analyses were used to identify groups at higher risk for foodborne outbreaks. ResultsA total of 2730 households from seven provinces in mainland China were analyzed. Based on WHOPI, only 0.4 % of households demonstrated a high level of GHP, while 55.4 % showed a low level of GHP. The primary non-conforming stage was separation practices, followed by cooking and purchasing practices. Nearly two-thirds of households (64.8 %) didn’t have a separate cutting board for raw meat, and 44.9 % of them claimed to use the same board to handle ready-to-eats afterward. Logistic regression indicated more attention is required for those living in southern and rural areas, working in non-public institutions, possessing lower levels of education, and being single or widowed. ConclusionThe household food handling practices of Chinese consumers involve serious food safety risk. Education programs and interventions concerning safe handling practices in households are urgently needed.

Práticas higiênico-sanitárias em feiras de arte e gastronomia de Niterói/RJ, Brasil

Introduction: Street food is an important market segment with an impact on the generation of jobs, income, and appreciation of food culture. However, it poses a challenge for public health because it increases the risk of transmission of pathogens from foodborne disease. Objective: Evaluate the hygienic-sanitary practices of food handlers at fairs and the physical-functional conditions of gastronomy and arts fairs in the city of Niterói/RJ. Method: The descriptive methodology was applied, using a qualitative and quantitative approach. For data collection, two scripts were developed and applied to evaluate the functional conditions of the fairs and the hygienic-sanitary practices of the handlers during sales, and a questionnaire was administered to outline the socioeconomic profile of the workers. Results: 68.1% were women; average income of 3 minimum wages; 51.1% had completed higher education; 46.8% had never taken a Good Food Handling Practices course; 70.5% did not use hair protection; and 86.8% used adornments. In 40% of the fairs visited, there was the presence of animals/vectors, as well as the absence of toilet facilities for handlers. Conclusions: Thus, despite its socioeconomic importance, the street food trade represents a potential health risk. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the hygienic-sanitary training of handlers and improve the environmental conditions of fairs.

Induced Resistance in Fruit and Vegetable Enhancing Host Defence to Curve Post-harvest Diseases

Induced resistance (IR) is an emerging, environmentally friendly strategy to manage post-harvest diseases in fruits and vegetables by enhancing the plant’s innate immune system. This approach leverages the plant's natural defense mechanisms, including the activation of defense-related enzymes like chitinases, glucanases, and peroxidases, accumulation of secondary metabolites such as phytoalexins and phenolics, and the strengthening of cell walls to prevent pathogen invasion. Additionally, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a crucial role in both signaling and direct pathogen inhibition. Despite its potential, the effectiveness of IR varies across different crops and pathogens, and its success is heavily influenced by environmental factors, such as humidity, temperature, and light. There are also concerns regarding possible trade-offs, such as reduced yield or changes in fruit quality due to the diversion of energy towards defense responses. However, the integration of IR with other disease management strategies, including the use of biological control agents and conventional fungicides, has shown promising results in reducing post-harvest losses. Case studies in fruits like apples, tomatoes, and citrus, as well as vegetables like potatoes and peppers, demonstrate the practical applications of IR in commercial agriculture. Advances in genetic engineering are opening new pathways for enhancing IR by manipulating key genes involved in defense pathways, while new formulations and precision agriculture technologies offer greater control and efficiency in IR applications. These innovations, along with optimized post-harvest handling and storage practices, hold the potential to make IR a more reliable and sustainable solution for managing post-harvest diseases. However, ongoing research is necessary to address the variability in effectiveness and to explore long-term sustainability, especially as pathogens evolve and environmental conditions change. Induced resistance, when integrated with a comprehensive disease management approach, offers a significant step forward in reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security globally.

Impact of Various Washing Protocols on the Mitigation of Escherichia coli Contamination in Raw Salad Vegetables.

Vegetables are an essential component of a balanced diet. The consumption of ready-to-eat foods may lead to the risk of infections and illnesses due to microbial contamination. To mitigate the potential of microbial contamination risks, it is critical to promote safe handling practices among consumers. In this study, our research evaluated the efficacy of different vegetable washing methods, specifically with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, to establish optimal practices for reducing microbial contamination. This study consisted of two phases. Initially, a survey was distributed to 150 volunteers using snowball sampling to assess everyday vegetable handling and washing methods. The survey's results identified four predominant methods: washing with a 5% vinegar solution for 3 min followed by tap water rinse (37.3% of participants), rinsing with tap water for 1 min (29.3%), washing with a 5% salt solution (vegetable soap) for 3 min followed by a tap water rinse (16.6%), and a 3 min tap water rinse (14%). A minor segment (3.33%) reported not washing their vegetables at all. The survey's findings guided the second phase, which tested the aforementioned washing protocols' effectiveness in reducing Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels on spiked contaminated salad vegetables. The tested vegetables were sterilized using UV light, inoculated with 0.5 McFarland E. coli, and then washed using the four identified methods. After that, E. coli enumeration after washing was performed using 3M™ Petrifilm and the comparison was analyzed via one-way ANOVA. During this study, it was revealed that the cucumbers had the highest E. coli contamination levels in comparison to the lettuce and tomato after washing. Interestingly, by comparing the three washing methods, it was found that washing the vegetables with vinegar proved to be the most effective solution for reducing microbial presence on both lettuce and cucumbers. Notably, the natural smoothness of tomato skin led to no significant differences in contamination levels across washing methods. In summary, vinegar washing effectively reduces microbial contamination from salad vegetables, highlighting the need for informed consumer practices to prevent foodborne outbreaks. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring contamination sources and using safe washing techniques.

RETAINING WALL PLANNING IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

This study aims to analyze the performance and productivity of heavy equipment as well as the volume of waste produced in a waste disposal area (TPSA) located in Kuningan Regency. The research was carried out at the Ciniru TPSA located in Jalaksana District, Kuningang Regency, with the aim of finding out the data on the volumes of waste, transport trucks, and excavator heavy equipment. The results show that the amount of existing waste in the area reaches 630 m3 with an average amount of irritation of 71 times per day. In addition, the production of heavy machinery for garbage trucks, excavators, and bulldozers reaches 128.07 m3/hour, which is a working time of 8 hours and operational costs of Rp 244,957/hour, respectively. The findings of this study offer valuable information on the effectiveness of retaining walls in mitigating environmental impact, protecting agricultural areas, and improving waste handling practices. Moreover, investigating methods to extend landfill lifespan through improved spatial planning and capacity forecasting will be crucial, especially for regions facing waste overflow challenges in the near future.

The use of digital health services to combat E-waste health hazards: A review on the impact and awareness in Southwest Nigeria

The rapid advancement of technology has led to a significant increase in electronic waste (e-waste), posing serious health and environmental risks, particularly in developing regions like Southwest Nigeria. This review explores the utilization of digital health services to combat the health hazards associated with e-waste exposure. Digital health technologies, including mobile health applications, telemedicine, and electronic health records, play a critical role in raising awareness about e-waste toxicity, monitoring health impacts, and providing remote healthcare services to at-risk populations. This article discusses the effectiveness of these technologies in promoting safer e-waste handling practices and mitigating health risks, highlighting their potential in supporting public health interventions in underserved areas. The study underscores the need for strategic investments and policy support to enhance the adoption of digital health solutions in managing e-waste hazards by analyzing current challenges and opportunities, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and environmental sustainability.

Investigation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and evaluation of the microbiological quality of raw vegetable sal-ads

Foodborne diseases (FBD) are a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people annually. Symptoms of FBD range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe conditions, which in some cases can lead to death. Raw vegetables, especially those consumed in ready-to-eat (RTE) salads, are particularly susceptible to microbial contamination. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and to evaluate the microbiological quality of 77 RTE raw vegetable salads from 20 restaurants in Niterói, RJ, Brazil. None samples presented STEC, nor the safety indicators (SI) Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. However, 89.6% of the samples were considered unfit for human consumption, since they presented at least one hygiene indicator (HI) outside the established standards. The majority of samples (95.5%) were unsatisfactory for Enterobacteriaceae (EB), followed by total aerobic bacteria (TAB) (76.6%), thermotolerant coliforms (C45) (32.5%) and Escherichia coli (EC) (1.3%). The difference between the occurrences of hygiene indicators was not significant. Given the high percentage of inadequate samples found in the study, it is clear that there is a need for stricter surveillance and adequate hygiene practices in restaurants. To reduce the risks of microbial contamination in RTE raw vegetable salads, several approaches can be implemented. These include continuous training of food handlers, implementation of food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and regular inspections. In addition, consumers also play an important role by demanding safe food and following safe food handling and consumption practices at home.

BACTERIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF RAW MILK SOLD IN SÃO RAIMUNDO DAS MANGABEIRAS, MARANHÃO, BRAZIL

Owing to its nutrient content, milk is among the most consumed foods; however, milk can be easily contaminated or adulterated because of inadequate handling and hygiene practices during its production chain. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the bacteriological, and chemical compositions of raw milk sold in São Raimundo das Mangabeiras in Northeast Brazil. Ten samples were obtained between November 2022 and June 2023. Mesophilic bacteria were enumerated, total (TC) and thermotolerant (TTC) coliforms were quantified, and the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were evaluated. Lactose (%), protein (%), fat (%), and added water (%) contents were also determined. Results showed mesophilic bacterial growth in 80% of our samples, with the highest value being 1×103 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. In contrast, 100% of our samples contained TC and TTC, with the highest values ranging from 150–210 most probable number (MPN)/mL. None of the samples contained Salmonella spp.; however, one sample (10%) contained E. coli. Moreover, 80% of our samples had low fat, 30% low lactose, and 20% low protein content. In addition, 1% added water was detected in one sample (10%). Therefore, some raw milk sold in São Raimundo das Mangabeiras are not suitable for consumption, indicating inadequate handling of this food product.

Modelling a Western Lifestyle in Mice: A Novel Approach to Eradicating Aerobic Spore-Forming Bacteria from the Colonic Microbiome and Assessing Long-Term Clinical Outcomes.

The environmentally acquired aerobic spore-forming (EAS-Fs) bacteria that are ubiquitous in nature (e.g., soil) are transient colonisers of the mammalian gastro-intestinal tract. Without regular exposure, their numbers quickly diminish. These species of bacteria have been suggested to be essential to the normal functioning of metabolic and immunogenic health. The modern Western lifestyle restricts exposure to these EAS-Fs, possibly explaining part of the pathogenesis of many Western diseases. To date, the only animal studies that address specific microbiome modelling are based around germ-free animals. We have designed a new animal model that specifically restricts exposure to environmental sources of bacteria. A new protocol, termed Super Clean, which involves housing mice in autoclaved individually ventilated cages (IVCs), with autoclaved food/water and strict ascetic handling practice was first experimentally validated. The quantification of EAS-Fs was assessed by heat-treating faecal samples and measuring colony-forming units (CFUs). This was then compared to mice in standard conditions. Mice were housed in their respective groups from birth until 18 months. Stool samples were taken throughout the experiment to assess for abundance in transiently acquired environmental bacteria. Clinical, biochemical, histological, and gene expression markers were analysed for diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (the "diseases of the West"). Our results show that stringent adherence to the Super Clean protocol produces a significantly decreased abundance of aerobic spore-forming Bacillota after 21 days. This microbiomic shift was correlated with significantly increased levels of obesity and impaired glucose metabolism. There was no evidence of colitis, liver disease or hypercholesterolaemia. This new murine model successfully isolates EAS-Fs and has potential utility for future research, allowing for an investigation into the clinical impact of living in relative hygienic conditions.