Products In Poland Research Articles

The perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination level in milk and milk products in Poland

Cross-sectional studies concerning the contamination of milk and milk products by perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are presented and the extent of contamination that may occur in food samples, collected in Poland in 2016 is evaluated; not only milk, cottage cheese, natural yoghurt and butter but also previously untested foods, including kefir, sour cream and Camembert-type cheese. Levels of 7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and 3 perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs) were analysed using the QuEChERS extraction method followed by micro-HPLC-MS/MS. All PFASs were detected with an RSD of lower than 10%. The most commonly detected was perfluorooctanoic acid, followed by perfluorobutanoic acid and perfluorohexane sulfonate, on par with perfluorooctane sulfonate. The largest contributor to the total PFAS concentration in the investigated food samples was perfluorobutanoic acid, and its summary concentration within the group was estimated to be 13.34 ng g−1. The results for 43.4% of samples analysed were greater than LOQ (limit of quantification).

Structural Transformations in Agriculture in Poland and Ukraine: Towards Economic Sustainability

The paper discusses the topic of production volume of selected agricultural products in Poland and in Ukraine by taking an attempt to assess the market development in the context of the general characteristics of agricultural farms in these countries. The collected information was analyzed with use of the comparative method, by juxtaposing information about the structure of agricultural farms in Poland and in Ukraine in terms of the organization of farms, their number and surface area according to the adopted area groups and the analysis of plant production according to main cultivated crops and their yield. Further factors used to evaluate the extent of changes in structural transformations in agriculture were statistical measures, including the determination coefficient. In Poland, agricultural production is conducted mainly in individual farms (also called family or private farms). This refers both to animal and plant production. On the other hand, in Ukraine, production takes place in agriculture enterprises and households, whose distribution is similar to uniform distribution. In spite of significant differences in the area covered by agricultural land in Ukraine and in Poland, the latter is characterized by a relatively high share of the production of cereal crops and sugar beet, while Ukraine is the leader in the production of sunflower seeds (second largest manufacturer in the world), which is only a marginal crop in Poland.

Environmental Assessment of the Life Cycle of Bovine Compound Feeds from a Feed Milling Plant in a Large Commercial Farm in Wielkopolska Region, Poland

In recent years, the importance of environmental threats associated with intensive livestock production has been emphasized. Compound feeds make up a part of the animal production chain. A complete assessment of the animal production system with regard to environmental criteria is therefore impossible without considering the environmental consequences of feed production. The goal of this research is to fill the gap in an environmental assessment of production processes of compound feeds in Poland. The study presents an assessment of production impacts of bovine compound feeds according to Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodology. The data for analysis were based on the set of information obtained from the feed milling plant located in a commercial agricultural enterprise in the Wielkopolska region in the years 2015-2016. An inventory table of inputs was prepared in relation to the functional unit of 1 ton of compound feeds and two phases of production processes, i.e. upstream and core. For average compound feed, the impact category indicators for the global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical ozone formation, consumption of mineral resources, fossil fuel resources and the emission of the respirable particles were respectively: 605.9 kg CO2 eq, 8.73 kg SO2 eq, 3.32 kg PO4 eq, 0.73 kg ethylene eq, 3.4x10-3 kg antimony eq, 5141.1 MJ and 2.25 kg PM2.5 eq. The upstream phase had the greatest effect on investigated impacts, while the core processes phase had a relatively low impact on environmental threats. It is recommended to broaden the scope of the research for a larger group of feed milling plants with more complex manufacturing processes, with a more branched supply structure and a wide range of compound feeds for different animal types. The obtained data can be a valuable source base in prospective analyses of the life cycle of various animal products in Poland.

Detection and Molecular Characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in Retail Raw Meat Products in Poland.

Raw and undercooked meat are regarded as important sources of Toxoplasma gondii infection of people in Europe; however, data concerning this issue in Poland are still insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii DNA isolated from raw meat products retailed in Poland. The molecular characteristics of detected DNA were also performed. Samples of cured bacon, raw or smoked sausages, ham, and minced meat were examined for the presence of T. gondii DNA. Samples were digested by pepsin solution, followed by the DNA isolation. Nested and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed based on the amplification of 35-fold-repetitive B1 fragment gene of T. gondii. For selected B1-positive samples, multiplex PCR was performed using SAG1, SAG2 (5′-SAG2 and 3′-SAG2), altSAG2, SAG3, GRA6, BTUB, C29-2, and L358 genetic markers. Amplicons were sequenced and analyzed with NCBI database. Among 3223 examined samples, 175 (5.4%) were PCR positive. The highest percentages of positive results were found for samples originating from south-east regions of Poland—Podkarpackie (17.9%), Małopolskie (12.6%), and Lubelskie (10.8%) (p < 0.001). The percentages of positive results for particular types of meat products—sausages, smoked meat products, ham, and minced meat—ranged from 4.5% to 5.8% and the differences between them were not significant (p > 0.05). Sequence analysis of selected B1-positive samples demonstrated mostly the alleles of clonal type III (49.0%), and less—type II (17.3%), and type I (10.2%) based on nine used genetic markers. The combinations of types I/II or II/III or I/III alleles at different loci were also found in 23.5% of cases. Detection of T. gondii DNA in raw meat products may indicate the potential health threat for consumers in Poland; however, for complete risk assessment of T. gondii infection, the additional studies, including detection of live parasite, are needed.

Sample size in multilevel structural equation modeling – the Monte Carlo approach

In the process of sample selection, an important issue is the relationship between sample size and the type and complexity of the statistical model, which is the basis for testing research hypotheses. The paper presents methodological aspects of sample size determination in multilevel structural equation modelling (SEM) in the analysis of satisfaction with the banking products in Poland. The multilevel SEM results from the necessity to take into account both the sample size at the level of individual respondents, as well as at the higher level of analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient. A comparison of factor loading bias based on the Monte Carlo simulation is made for different cluster sizes and the number of clusters.

Local authorities and tourism: the role of regional tourist products in Poland

The article indicates the role of local authorities in influencing the development of tourism, including the creation of regional tourism products. The aim of paper is to define and characterize the capabilities of local authorities concerning the development of tourism, including legal, organizational, investment and promotional instruments. Also, the importance of regional tourism products was substantiated, including their structure, conditions and approaches to creation as well, as their role in regional development. The article is an introduction to in-depth research on the importance of regional tourism products in providing social and cultural security.

Local authorities and tourism: the role of regional tourist products in Poland

The article indicates the role of local authorities in influencing the development of tourism, including the creation of regional tourism products. The aim of paper is to define and characterize the capabilities of local authorities concerning the development of tourism, including legal, organizational, investment and promotional instruments. Also, the importance of regional tourism products was substantiated, including their structure, conditions and approaches to creation as well, as their role in regional development. The article is an introduction to in-depth research on the importance of regional tourism products in providing social and cultural security.

Eating habits of Polish university students depending on the direction of studies and gender

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the eating habits of students in the field of management and engineering of food products compared to students from faculties not related to food science. Furthermore, another aim is to conduct gender-wise assessment to determine the type of eating habit, i.e., careful or binge eating.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved 400 students from all years of study. The survey was conducted in 2017–2018 and the selection of the sample was intentional. The research used a questionnaire form. Additionally, χ2 test was performed to assess the statistical independence of characteristics.FindingsIt is found that most students who pledge proper nutrition are women. The majority of respondents ate 3–4 meals in day and regular consumption of breakfast was declared among 42 percent of respondents. The consumption of sweet snacks between meals is reaffirmed by the half of the respondents. Students of the food sciences more often than others believed that they eat healthier and more regularly, although students of non-food directions most often declared intake of five or more meals a day.Research limitations/implicationsAn important limitation of the conducted study is a relatively small research sample. It consisted of university students from one of the largest academic centers in Poland. The results cannot be generalized to all students in this country. In the future, a similar survey should be conducted on a larger scale and cover all similar fields of management and engineering of food products in Poland. In addition, it would be worth expanding the research and examine graduates who found employment in the food industry.Practical implicationsThe results of the conducted research are a good source of information on the differences in the way of feeding studying women and men. While such studies are not very revealing, the comparison between students in food and non-food fields can be considered a novelty. The described results can be used by the students themselves, but above all, by the authorities of universities conducting food science programs.Social implicationsThe students do not eat properly which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and can deteriorate mental and physical endurance damaging overall health.Originality/valueThe described research is important due to the observed deteriorating eating habits and growing overweight of young adults in developed countries like Poland. They show that education of food technologists, even at the academic level, does not always allow to avoid mistakes in their own nutrition.

Legitimacy and potential savings in automatic substitution of biological products in Poland, the example of insulin

Legitimacy and potential savings in automatic substitution of biological products in Poland, the example of insulin

IMPACT OF CHANGES IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY PRICES ON CHANGES IN RETAIL PRICES OF AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTS IN POLAND IN 2007–2016

This paper presents the impact of changes in prices of agricultural products on changes in retail prices of agrifood products. The basis for the study was data on changes in prices of milk, wheat, pork and poultry and derived products in Poland in 2007–2016. A relationship was discovered between the variables, on one side, and lags between the examined time series, on the other. The cross-spectral analysis was used to study the periodicity of changes and lags between time series.

Disposal of asbestos and products containing asbestos in Poland

The paper makes analyses and evaluation of work progress in asbestos inventory, as well as removal asbestos and asbestos products in Poland in regional scale (i.e., the voivodeships—the state reported until 30th June 2017). Factors, both the ones which caused asbestos ‘presence’ in Poland related with historical conditioning (i.e., various level of asbestos implementation in economy, building, industry, etc.), but also strictly economic factors, observed in the country after First and Second World War and which at present influence quantity of asbestos removed, were discussed. It was clearly observed in the light of research that quantity of asbestos and asbestos-derived products is significantly much higher in eastern and central regions of Poland, which is a consequence of historical–economic conditions. Moreover, it was indicated that the goals included in ‘The Program for Asbestos Abatement in Poland for 2009–2032’ have not been implemented with expected results. Slow rate of asbestos and products containing asbestos removal in the country makes us suppose that the goals of ‘The Program for Asbestos Abatement in Poland for 2009–2032’ will not be completed successfully.

Road identification method for the roads of the greatest importance in the context of transportation of sensitive goods and exporting meat products

The first part of the paper presents the characteristics of sensitive goods and legal regulations on the conditions that must be met for transportation of the analyzed type of loads by specific means of transport. Next, it describes the identification methods for the roads that have the greatest importance in the context of transportation of sensitive goods. The effect of the method suggested herein, is presented by discussing transportation of meat products in Poland. The final part of the article contains its summary, conclusions, and directions for future research.

Sezonowość cen środków ochrony roślin w wybranych krajach Unii Europejskiej

Środki ochrony roślin wyróżniają się na tle innych środków produkcji dla rolnictwa niewielką dynamiką cen. W artykule analizowano występowanie oraz wielkość i rozkład sezonowych wahań cen środków ochrony roślin w wybranych krajach Unii Europejskiej. Z uwagi na dostępność danych badano ceny środków ochrony roślin w Polsce, Francji, Irlandii i Grecji. Analizę wahań sezonowych przeprowadzono metodą dekompozycji sezonowej. Przeprowadzone badania nie wskazują jednoznacznie na występowanie sezonowości cen środków ochrony roślin na analizowanych rynkach. Sezonowość cen środków ochrony roślin obserwowano jedynie na rynku w Polsce i we Francji, przy czym amplituda wahań sezonowych była niewielka. Sezonowe wzrosty cen obserwowano w przypadku rynku polskiego od marca do czerwca, czyli w okresie zwiększonego popytu na środki ochrony roślin. W drugiej połowie roku ceny zazwyczaj malały. Wielkość oraz rozkład sezonowych zmian cen na rynku francuskim były podobne.

Official control of plant protection products in Poland: detection of illegal products

Market presence of illegal and counterfeit pesticides is now a global problem. According to data published in 2012 by the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA), illegal products represent over 10% of the global market of plant protection products. Financial benefits are the main reason for the prevalence of this practice. Counterfeit and illegal pesticides may contain substances that may pose a threat to the environment, crops, animals, and humans, inconsistent with the label and registration dossier. In Poland, action against illegal and counterfeit plant protection products is undertaken by the Main Inspectorate of Plant Health and Seed Inspection (PIORiN), the police, the prosecution, and the pesticide producers. Results of chemical analyses carried out by the Institute of Plant Protection - National Research Institute Sośnicowice Branch, Pesticide Quality Testing Laboratory (PQTL IPP-NRI Sosnicowice Branch) indicate that a majority of illegal pesticides in Poland are detected in the group of herbicides. Products from parallel trade tend to have the most irregularities. This article describes the official quality control system of plant protection products in Poland and presents the analytical methods for testing pesticides suspected of adulteration and recent test results.

Key Aroma Compounds in Smoked Cooked Loin.

Smoked cooked loin is one of the most popular meat products in Poland. In this study, key volatile compounds in this traditional Polish meat product were determined using gas chromatography-olfactometry and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). In total, 27 odor-active volatile compounds were identified, with flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 4 to 1024, with the highest FD factors noted for 2-methoxyphenol, 2-methoxy-4-(prop-2-enyl)phenol, and 2-methoxy-4-( E)-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol. Results of the quantitative analyses based on determinations with stable isotope dilution assays (SIDAs) and standard addition (SA), followed by calculations of the odor activity value (OAV), enabled identifying 24 of the volatile compounds responsible for flavor development in the analyzed smoked cooked loin. The highest OAVs were obtained for 2-methoxyphenol, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, 1-octen-3-one, and 2-methyl-3-(methyldithio)furan.

ONLINE DISTRIBUTION OF INSURANCE OF CIVIL LIABILITY OF OWNERS OF VEHICLES, THE EXPERIENCE OF POLAND, OPPORTUNITIES OF UKRAINE

Distribution of insurance services online is practically possible only with respect to unified and simple products. The most massive of them is civil liability insurance of vehicle owners, the terms of which are unified by the state, which allows treating this insurance product as optimal for distribution through the Internet. Such a distribution can significantly reduce the cost of acquiring and servicing this insurance service, which is an additional element of competition for insurance companies. In this paper, the dynamics of Internet access in Ukraine and Poland was investigated. The relationship between the internationalization of Poland and the share of insurance premiums received from online sales in the total number of insurance premiums of non-life companies is determined. The purpose of the research is: substantiation of the distribution potential of civil liability insurance of vehicle owners through the Internet in Ukraine. Method (methodology). In order to realize this purpose, the existing state of online sales of risk insurance services in the Republic of Poland is analysed. For analysis, in particular, methods of analysis of dynamics and correlation were applied. Empirical studies use statistics from MTIBU, KNF, GUS, Internet Live Stats, and KPMG reports. Results. It is substantiated that the growth of sales of insurance through the Internet correlates in geometric progression with the index of internetization. It is determined that in addition to the technical component of distribution through the Internet, a regulatory and legal component plays an important role. The practice of distributing online services of insurance of civil liability of vehicle owners substantiated the need for substantial elaboration of the Ukrainian legislation in the sphere of protection of client interests in such transactions. Practical implications. Taking into account the research results, it is proposed to significantly elaborate the mobile applications of insurance companies, both in Ukraine and Poland in order to ensure the supply appropriate for the countries of Western Europe. The necessity of substantive reform of the current legislation in order to bring it closer to the EU standards, namely, in accordance with the Insurance Distribution Directive, as was the case in Poland, is determined. Value/originality. For the first time, there was a study of opportunities for online distribution of insurance products in Ukraine, which became legally possible from February 2018. Based on the dynamics of the dependence between internetization and online sales of insurance products in Poland, significant prospects for this distribution channel are determined.

Dystrybucja produktów dla rolnictwa w Polsce – w poszukiwaniu nowych źródeł przewagi konkurencyjnej

Do 2004 r. dystrybucję produktów dla rolnictwa w Polsce uważano za stosunkowo słabo rozwiniętą na tle innych krajów Europy. Wskazywano dużą liczbę małych przedsiębiorstw prowadzących dystrybucję, których strategie opierały się głównie na konkurencji cenowej. Jednak ta sytuacja po przystąpieniu Polski do Unii Europejskiej zaczęła się szybko zmieniać. Liczba podmiotów zaczęła się zmniejszać, a dystrybutorzy zaczęli przejmować funkcje hurtowników oraz detalistów. Model biznesowy dystrybucji w Polsce wciąż ewoluuje, dostosowując się do dynamiki zmian oczekiwań klientów. Celem pracy jest zaprezentowanie zmian w dystrybucji jako ogniwa rolniczego łańcucha wartości. Na podstawie przeglądu literatury, danych z raportów SM GP i Ibris za lata 2014 i 2015 oraz obserwacji uczestniczącej autora jako wiceprezesa zarządu GA Puławy nadzorującego omawiany obszar przedstawiono nowe aspekty w działalności dystrybutorów takie jak usługi doradztwa rolnego i organizację finansowania działalności gospodarczej rolników.

Creating and Delivering Value for Consumers of Healthy Food – a Case Study of Organic Farma Zdrowia S.A.

Purpose: This paper aims to analyse selected aspects of the marketing strategy of the first and biggest network of self-service shops with organic products in Poland - Organic Farma Zdrowia. Methodology: The adopted methodology involves a qualitative approach. The case study is based on an analysis of company documents and marketing communication, especially that offered on its website and in its social media channels. Findings: The company specializes in distribution of organic products in Poland. It has gone through organic growth, acquisitions, attracting a Dutch investment fund, and entering the NewConnect stock exchange. It operates based on the model of multichannel distribution, combining physical and online retailing. The assortment consists of 4,000 products, including organic food, cosmetics, and cleaning aids. The company has managed to create 3 own label product lines. The online retailer belonging to the company (organic24.pl) is organized in a professional way, although some improvements are possible. In 2015, the company engaged in ambitious marketing projects. Practical implications: The findings may be useful for the Organic Farma Zdrowia company as certain modifications in its marketing communication are recommended. Other companies operating in the sector may also benefit from the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the business in question. Furthermore, our case study may offer a framework of reference for researchers interested in this area. Originality: This is the first study to examine the strategy and marketing activities of Organic Farma Zdrowia, a major player in the sector of organic food distribution in Poland.

Is ecological food also radioecological? – 210Po and 210Pb studies

Presented are results of a study on accumulation of naturally occurring 210Po and 210Pb in ecological and conventional farming food products in Poland: fruits, vegetables and cereals. The main idea behind this research was to determine the activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb in ecological and commercial food as well as calculate and compare the effective dose (radiation) connected to different origin of analyzed food products consumption. The studies showed the majority of all compared food samples contained similar 210Po and 210Pb activities and statistically, the consumption of organic and commercial food would give similar annual effective dose.

PROCESSES OF CONCENTRATION BUSINESS ENTITIES IN PROCESSING OF PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS IN POLAND

The paper presents the directions of change of subjective structures in polish food industry and in processing of plant products in Poland after accession to the EU. There were presented changes the changes in the share of individual groups of companies both in the total number of entities, average employment and the value of sold production and the impact these changes have on productivity in the analyzed groups of companies. The analysis can be concluded that the transnational corporations had huge impact on the concentration processes and the productivity growth of business entities in the plant-based products processing industry in Poland in the years 2004-2014.