Consumer Risk Research Articles

Determination of 23 furocoumarins in 82 food samples and implications for risk assessment

AbstractBackgroundFurocoumarins are a class of substances, which naturally occur in plants and may be present in certain foods. Roughly two dozen structurally different but related substances (congeners) have been described in plants to various degrees of depth. At sufficiently high concentrations furocoumarins pose a risk to consumers' health because of their phototoxic and photogenotoxic effects. Past studies on furocoumarin content in food usually focused on a limited number of congeners or specific food types. More information on occurrence in a broad range of foods was needed.ResultsIn order to improve occurrence data, the content of 23 furocoumarin congeners in 82 food samples, known to contain furocoumarins, is presented in full. A method was developed using liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Samples ranging from soft drinks to vegetables were extracted with a methanol/water mixture. Chromatography and transitions in the MS/MS detection were optimised and all parameters are given. The furocoumarin content quantified ranged from 29 μg/kg in ginger to 98 mg/kg in lime juice. A table showing all the results of each congener in each food sample is presented. As more congeners were covered in this study than in the past, previous risk assessments were revisited, in order to determine if the risk for consumers has changed.ConclusionThe new occurrence data determined with the newly developed method makes a valuable contribution to the available data of furocoumarins in foods. The deducible exposure data enables a review of existing risk assessments on furocoumarins. Despite the higher number of analysed furocoumarins in this study compared to other studies, the total content for each food type was only slightly different to previously published data. Therefore, conclusions of previous risk assessments were found to be still valid: Normal dietary exposure should not lead to phototoxic effects in consumers. However, due to photogenotoxic properties of certain furocoumarins, their exposure should be reduced as much as possible and some foods should be consumed in moderation.

Occurrence of ochratoxins in coffee and risk assessment of ochratoxin a in a Costa Rican urban population

Costa Rica is a coffee producer and consumer country, but this product is prone to ochratoxin contamination; therefore, this study aims evaluates the human health risk associated with ochratoxin exposure among coffee consumers in the Costa Rica. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic compound classified as a Group 2B carcinogen, produced by the fungi Aspergillus section Circumdati, Aspergillus section Nigri and Penicillium spp. The presence of OTA and ochratoxin B (OTB) in Costa Rican coffee products (n = 175) was determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. OTA was detected in 58.2% of the green coffee beans (1.01 ± 0.85 ng g −1), in 36.8% of the pure roasted coffee (2.59 ± 4.41 ng g −1), in 23.1% of the sugar-added roasted coffee (1.59 ± 0.33 ng g−1) and 75% of the instant coffee samples (0.69 ± 0.58 ng g−1). The contamination with OTB was 45.5% (1.28 ± 0.83 ng g −1), 31.6% (1.60 ± 2.04 ng g −1), 30.8% (1.42 ± 0.86 ng g −1), and 41.7% (2.64 ± 2.07 ng g −1), respectively. The dietary exposure to OTA of the Costa Rican population was assessed by a probabilistic approach. The mean estimated daily intake (EDI) of OTA from coffee was: 0.184 (90% IC: 0.179–0.189) ng kg−1 bw day−1 for the total population (0.189 [90% IC: 0.184–0.194] ng kg−1 bw day−1 for males and 0.181 [90% IC: 0.176–0.186] ng kg−1 bw day−1 for females). The EDIs were lower than the tolerable human intake benchmarks for OTA set by international food safety authorities (even though more than 80% of OTA is extracted during coffee preparation). The results evidence a low risk (related to ochratoxin) for coffee consumers in Costa Rica.

Mycoflora diversity, exposure to mycotoxins, and cancer risk characterization associated with the consumption of two traditionally fermented alcoholic beverages in the Ho municipality of Ghana

Traditionally fermented alcoholic drinks are made with locally sourced ingredients and traditional knowledge, and they are typically drank in the immediate area of production. The ingredients are sources of microbial contamination in these drinks. This study aimed to update the mycoflora and evaluate levels of Ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins contamination of some local beverages (Raffia Sap ‘Palm wine’ and sorghum beer ‘Pito’) in the Ho municipality, Volta Region, Ghana. Standard mycological analyses were carried out on the samples and the plates were incubated for 5–7 days at 28 ± 1 °C. Mycotoxin levels in the samples were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) was used. Deterministic models recommended by a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Additives were used to assess cancer risk. The fungal counts of palm wine samples in the Ho municipality recorded were in a range of 3.29- 4.59 log10 CFU/ml, while pito samples recorded a fungal range between 2.55 and 4.08 log10 CFU/ml. A total of 13 fungal species, namely; Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oligosporus, Fusarium verticillioides, Trichoderma harzianum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium verrucosum, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa., Mucor racemosus and Yeasts were isolated from both palm wine and pito samples. Notably, ochratoxin A (OTA) quantities ranged between 5.50 and 14.93 μg/kg for both samples while Total aflatoxins ranged between LOD-10.70 μg/kg for pito. No aflatoxins were detected in palm wine. Consumer risk assessment values computed for both moderate and heavy drinkers ranged between 4.08–40.20 ng/kg bw/day, 13.88–50.44, and 0.314–1.156 cases/10,000 person/year for Total aflatoxins while ochratoxin A contents ranged 4.08–40.20 ng/kg bw/day, 0.44–4.38, and 0.131–1.286 cases/10,000 person/year correspondingly for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), and Cancer Risks for the age categories considered. Generally, mean fungal counts in both palm wine and pito beverages were high and were found to be unsatisfactory while the fungi species in these beverages showed great diversity. Cancer Risk assessments for the mycotoxins suggested a potential health hazard to the consumers of these beverages in the Ho municipality.

How can consumers without credit history benefit from the use of information processing and machine learning tools by financial institutions?

This research aims to enhance the predictability of creditworthiness among marginalized consumers affected by the widespread adoption of AI frameworks. We utilize ensemble methods to handle the imbalanced dataset used for evaluating the credit risk of consumers with sparse or non-existent credit histories. To promote fairness in the Machine Learning (ML) model, we employed the disparate impact remover—a recognized bias mitigation tool to minimize group bias. Three strategies were employed to tackle dataset imbalance: oversampling, undersampling, and class weight adjustment. Our findings reveal that adjusting the class weight proved most effective in sustaining commendable performance, demonstrating higher accuracy and F-1 scores surpassing 80% in most experiments. While the application of the disparate impact remover might compromise the ML model’s predictive capabilities, our results underscore the necessity of deliberating over the use of potentially bias-sensitive, unprotected features. Recognizing the critical nature of this trade-off for financial decision-makers, we delve into its implications.

Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Procedure for Determination of Antibiotics and Metabolites in Mussels: Application in Exposure Bioassays.

The presence of antibiotics in seafood for human consumption may pose a risk for consumers. Furthermore, some marine organisms, such as mussels, can result in appropriate bioindicators of marine contamination. In this work, a multiresidue analytical methodology suitable for the determination of antibiotics and metabolites in mussels is proposed. The target compounds include three sulphonamides and trimethoprim (TMP) and six of their main metabolites. Sample treatment involves extraction and clean-up in a single step using matrix solid-phase dispersion with acetonitrile. Analytical determination was carried out by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Good linearity (R2 > 0.99), accuracy (from 80.8 to 118%), and limits of quantification (lower than 5 ng g-1 (dry matter, dm)) were obtained for all selected compounds. The method was applied to the determination of antibiotics in mussel samples from an exposure assay with contaminated seawater with TMP and sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Both antibiotics were detected in the analysed samples with concentrations up to 77.5 ng g-1 dm. TMP was bioconcentrated to a higher extent than SMX, attributable to its higher hydrophobicity. None of the metabolites were detected. These results demonstrate that Mytilus galloprovincialis is a suitable bioindicator to assess marine pollution.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in beer brands from Tanzania market

Heavy metal contamination in the environment, often resulting from industrial activities, mining, and improper waste disposal, leads to the accumulation of heavy metals in soil, water, air, drinks and food. Prolonged exposure to these metals can cause serious health issues in humans, including neurological damage, kidney failure, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of cancer. High levels of heavy metals in food are hazardous to human health. Heavy metals can find their way into beer at different stages, including through raw materials, the brewing process, equipment, bottling, and storage. This study examined the presence of Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe, and Zn in ten of the most consumed beer brands in Tanzania using an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in the beer samples increased in the order of Zn < Cu < Fe < Cr. Cd and Pb were not detected in any beer samples. Compared to WHO guidelines, the levels of Zn and Cu were below the limit, while Fe and Cr exceeded it. Estimated daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) were used to evaluate the potential human health risks. The EDI values of Fe and Zn were lower than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) set by the FAO/WHO. However, the mean EDI for Cr surpassed the recommended value, posing a potential risk for moderate and high beer consumers. The HQ and HI values for Zn and Fe were below 1, signifying no non-carcinogenic health concerns. In contrast, Cr had HQ and HI values greater than 1, indicating a notable non-carcinogenic health risk through beers consumption. ILCR due to Cr ranged from 0.029 to 0.695. These ILCR values for Cr in all beer samples are above range of 10−6−10−4 recommended by USEPA, suggesting a potential carcinogenic risk linked to this toxic metal and, consequently, a possible cancer risk for beer consumers. Therefore, beer manufacturers should continuously work to minimize public health risks. Additionally, further research involving a larger variety of beer brands and the implementation of policy interventions is needed.

Consumer Risk Perception of Food Contamination as an Influencer to Purchase Irradiated Ground Beef, Chicken, and Leafy Greens – United States, October 2022

Foodborne illness continues to be a substantial public health concern in the United States with contaminated ground beef, chicken, and leafy greens identified as important sources of illnesses and outbreaks. These foods also have been identified by consumers as foods that are likely to carry germs that can make people sick. Food irradiation is a promising tool to enhance food safety. Despite this, there has been limited application of food irradiation in the U.S. During October 7–9, 2022, we licensed data from a Porter Novelli Public Services survey (N = 1,008) to examine consumer risk perception of contamination of ground beef, chicken, and leafy greens with pathogens, and the potential influence risk perception has on purchasing irradiated versions of these foods. Among respondents familiar with food irradiation, a higher proportion of those who believed ground beef and leafy greens were likely contaminated also indicated they were likely to consider purchasing irradiated ground beef (55.6% vs 35.4%; p = 0.0061) and leafy greens (60.8% vs 36.1%; p ≤ 0.0001) compared with those who did not; chicken was not significant (58.6% vs 45.4%; p = 0.0727). This survey demonstrated the importance of risk perception as an influencer on a consumer’s decision to purchase irradiated foods.

Consumer Protection on the Trade of Stolen Goods at Marketplace in the Perspective of Maslahah Mursalah (Case Study at Facebook Marketplace)

Trading stolen goods on online platforms, such as Facebook marketplace, is a serious consumer protection issue. This research aims to determine the implementation of forms of trading in stolen goods on the Facebook marketplace, forms of legal protection for consumers, as well as consumer protection against trading in stolen goods from the perspective of maslahah mursalah. This research uses empirical (juridical analysis) and qualitative research methods, where this research uses empirical facts and laws. The research results show that trading in stolen goods on Facebook marketplace includes various types of goods with legal risks for perpetrators and consumers. Existing legal protection, based on the Information and Electronic Transactions Law (ITE Law) and the Criminal Code (KUHP), provides the basis for taking action against perpetrators of trafficking in stolen goods and protecting consumer rights. From maslahah mursalah perspective, consumer protection emphasizes justice and public benefit, as well as avoiding detrimental transactions. This research emphasizes the importance of legal and ethical awareness in online transactions to prevent and deal with trafficking in stolen goods.

Evaluation of Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, and Nickel Content in Various Types of Nuts: Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Peanuts, and Walnuts - Health Risk of Polish Consumers.

World production and consumption of nuts continue to rise year on year. Nuts, due to their high nutrient content, are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. A potential health risk may result from the consumption of nuts contaminated with metallic trace elements like cadmium or lead. In this research, we measured the content of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni in various edible nuts. All elements were detected using the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry analytical technique (ETAAS). The study material comprised 69 nut samples including almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, and walnuts available on the Polish market. Indicators such as the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were used to assess the health risk of consumers. The concentrations of elements in all analyzed samples of nuts were as follows: Cd: peanuts > almonds > hazelnuts > walnuts > cashews, Pb: peanuts > almonds > hazelnuts > walnuts > cashews, Ni: cashews > peanuts > walnuts > hazelnuts > almonds, Cr: almonds > cashews & hazelnuts > peanuts > walnuts. Health risk indicators estimated for consumers whose diet is rich in nuts, in which metallic trace elements were recorded, indicate that an unacceptable impact may occur, and the risk of negative health effects (non-cancer) will be moderate to high.

Regulated 1-2 Carbon Disinfection Byproducts do not Correlate with Cytotoxicity with Increasing Disinfectant Contact Time During Chlorination, Chlorination Followed by Chloramination or Granular Activated Carbon Followed by Chlorination.

Regulations typically use four trihalomethanes (THM4) and five haloacetic acids (HAA5) as metrics of consumer exposure to disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and their chronic health risks. Their use as exposure metrics assumes that their concentrations correlate with DBP-associated toxicity. For a chlorine-disinfected surface water, this study demonstrates that increasing chlorine contact time from 1 to 7 days was associated with a 62-76% increase in THM4 and HAA5 but a 40-47% decrease in total cytotoxicity. Thus, the use of THM4 and HAA5 may divert regulatory attention away from the low water age sections of distribution systems near treatment facilities that may feature the highest cytotoxicity but lowest THM4/HAA5 concentrations. Among common options to reduce THM4/HAA5, this study also shows that chlorine disinfection followed by chloramines for maintaining a distribution system residual did not substantially reduce cytotoxicity. Granular activated carbon followed by chlorine reduced cytotoxicity by 28-80%, even at the lowest water ages where cytotoxicity was maximized. These findings highlight the need to identify DBPs that better correlate with toxicity than THM4/HAA5 to serve as metrics of exposure. These metrics could help identify distribution system locations exhibiting higher consumer risk and develop modifications to disinfection systems that effectively reduce consumer risk.

Food control strategies to support and enforce food business operators that repeatedly violate food safety legislation

Food business operators (FBOs) that repeatedly violate food safety legislation (repeat violators) represent a recurring health risk for consumers. Thus, special attention should be paid to the control of these FBOs. The aim of this study was to identify challenges in the control of repeat violators and understand the kind of control measures that are effective with these FBOs. Our hypothesis was that the risk management of repeat violators can be strengthened by various means. We received answers to our questionnaire from 95 food control inspectors from 30 of the 62 municipal food control units in Finland. Almost half the respondents reported having inspected more than five repeat violators during the last five years, and almost 80% of respondents considered them a fairly or extremely large problem for food safety. According to the inspectors we surveyed, the most commonly recurring non-compliances found during inspections of repeat violators were related to the performance of own-check, information provided on foods, and the cleanliness of facilities, surfaces, and equipment. The most frequent and difficult challenges experienced by inspectors in the food control of repeat violators were FBOs’ lack of knowledge of legislative requirements and food hygiene risks. Only one fifth of respondents stated that the current methods for the control of repeat violators were sufficient and less than half reported having sufficient time for inspections or the provision of guidance. Inspectors suggested improvements for motivating FBOs to correct non-compliances, for example increasing FBOs’ understanding of hygienic hazards and legislation, and financial incentives. In addition, coercive measures should be used early enough in the process and inspectors should be supported in the use of these measures.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for propamocarb in radishes (roots and small leaves).

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food chain Safety and Environment submitted a request to the competent national authority in Belgium (evaluating Member State, EMS) to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance propamocarb in radishes for the residues occurring in radish roots and in small radish leaves (proposed to be classified under the subgroup of Roman rocket/rucola). The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for radishes and small radish leaves. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of propamocarb on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of propamocarb according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The chronic consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative since affected by uncertainty related to the data gaps identified in the MRL review.

Analysis of the Influence of Consumer Trust, Perceived Benefits, and Usage Risks on QRIS User Satisfaction with Ease of Use as a Mediating Variable: A Case Study of Jatinegara District, East Jakarta

This research aims to analyze the influence of consumer trust, benefits, and risks on user satisfaction with QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) through ease of use. In today’s era, payment or transaction systems are mostly conducted online using QR code scanning. Therefore, this research focuses on understanding the extent to which trust affects consumer satisfaction in using QRIS as a payment tool and explores the benefits of QRIS usage for the community. Additionally, the research assesses the impact of risks associated with using QRIS on user satisfaction. Ease of use serves as a mediating factor contributing to user satisfaction as the final outcome. The research employs stratified sampling as the sampling method. Data collection methods include interviews, observations, and distributing questionnaires. The analysis is conducted using SmartPLS 4 with Path Coefficient testing to measure the direct influence of independent variables on the dependent variable. The final results of this study are expected to provide insights specifically for QRIS service providers and developers.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 Related to the Consumption of Raw Cow's Milk in Daloa (Côte d’Ivoire)

Cow's milk represents a potential health risk for consumers. The objective of this work is to assess the sanitary quality of raw cow's milk produced and consumed by the populations of Daloa. For this purpose, a total of 30 raw milk samples were collected from 3 raw cow's milk extraction points in the city of Daloa. Mycotoxins were determined using gas chromatography. The results showed that 100% of the analyzed samples were contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFLM1). These results indicated that the aflatoxin M1 levels in the analyzed samples exceeded the maximum limit (ML) set by European regulations. To assess the risk of contamination for the population of Daloa, a survey was conducted among consumers of raw cow's milk. A total of 388 individuals were interviewed to gather their opinions. The survey involved a form with questionnaires related to the objectives of the study. This form provided information on identity, marital status, consumption patterns, frequency, quantity, and the socio-economic characteristics of the consumers. The results showed that the risk of liver cancer related to the consumption of raw cow's milk in the city of Daloa is approximately 36.08% to 36.16%; representing 36,080 to 36,150 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Thus, to ensure consumer safety, good hygiene practices in the preservation of feed for cattle and the construction of enclosures for them must be implemented.

Evaluating the Human Risks of Consumption of Foods of Bovine Origin with Ivermectin Residues in Ecuador.

Ivermectin is a widely used antiparasitic in livestock, but its use can result in residues in bovine products and excretions. The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of ivermectin residues in cattle meat, liver, milk, faeces, and urine and assess consumer risk from chronic exposure through contaminated bovine products using a deterministic approach. To determine the presence of ivermectin residues, 124 samples were analysed by liquid chromatography. Residues were found in 68% of faeces samples and small percentages (3%) in liver, milk, and urine, with no residues detected in meat. The mean ivermectin residue in the liver (16.46 µg/kg) remained below the maximum residue limit (MRL); however, in milk (12.46 µg/kg), the residues exceeded the permitted MRL. The results obtained from chronic dietary exposure show that the consumption of ivermectin residues was low, and the risk was assessed as being rare to very rare. Additionally, this study reveals concerning levels of ivermectin residues in milk that may far exceed established safety limits. This situation emphasises the urgent need for stricter regulations and monitoring in milk production, particularly from small farms, to protect vulnerable populations. However, from a one health perspective, the presence of residues in faeces poses potential environmental hazards, warranting further research. Moreover, the detection of residues in milk, despite the ban on ivermectin use in dairy cattle, underscores the importance of compliance with food safety regulations and the need for continued vigilance in this area.

Evaluation of Label Compliance to Allergens in Imported Asian Food Sold in Northern Italy

Abstract Background The import of Asian food is strongly increasing in the EU. In Italy, the Asian market has expanded over the last 3 decades. Unfortunately, the labelling of these products often implies errors, mainly due to linguistic differences. Consequently, it can become a consistent problem regarding food safety, in particular for allergens declaration. According to EU Reg. 1169/2011 (Annex II), allergens must be labelled in bold and translated in the current language of the Member State. Asian food non-compliant labelling could enhance the probability of allergic consumers to get adverse events; accordingly, it is important to increase controls on the imported products. The present work investigates the label compliance to allergens on Asiatic products imported in Northern Italy. Methods Totally, 39 foodstuffs were tested for gluten, 93 for white egg proteins and 118 for milk proteins by commercial ELISA kits according to manufacturers’ instructions. Samples were considered non-compliant when the results were above 20 mg/Kg, the law limit for gluten, or above the milk LOD (10 µg/Kg) and the egg LOD (0.4 mg/Kg). Results Data showed 18% (CI 95% 0.09-0.32) of non-compliant samples for gluten: 6 samples &amp;gt; 80 mg/Kg (snacks and ready to eat meal) and 1 sample containing 48 mg/Kg (snack). In addition, 19.4 % (CI 95% 0.13-0.28) showed presence of egg proteins (noodles, snacks, patties and pasty). Finally, 13.6% (CI 95% 0.08-0.21) samples were irregular for undeclared milk (noodles and snacks). Conclusions Products label report their content and represent an important element for food trading and tracing. The results obtained confirm a high percentage of non-compliant labels, underlining how the consumption of imported products can represent a health risk for allergic consumers. The present work highlights the importance of imported food monitoring to guarantee the consumers health, and of the implementation of standardized/international regulated labelling rules. Key messages • Many non-compliant labels about allergens was observed on Asiatic products. • Correct labelling of allergens in imported food should be monitored to avoid adverse events.

Residue dissipation and dietary risk of cyprodinil and fludioxonil residues in green onions: ensuring safe consumption in Egypt

ABSTRACT As a vegetable commodity, onions are of considerable economic significance. They are a significant source of foreign exchange revenues in the fruit and vegetables sector, in addition to being essential for domestic consumption. However, green onions are frequently treated with multiple fungicides. As a result, there is currently a significant focus on the potential health hazards of consuming green onions, due to dietary risks and the presence of various fungicide residues. The pre-mixture fungicide cyprodinil and fludioxonil are widely used to control fungal disease in green onions. To assure consumer safety, residues in the final product must be investigated. Following Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), field studies were carried out to investigate cyprodinil and fludioxonil dissipation and terminal residues on green onions. The concentrations of cyprodinil and fludioxonil in green onions decreased with time by a first-order kinetic model, with considerable degradation of 95.6% and 83.5%, respectively, after 14 days of single treatment at the recommended rate. According to the terminal results, it is advisable to wait for 7 days after applying the recommended dose of Switch fungicide before harvesting. The findings indicated that the presence of cyprodinil and fludioxonil residues in green onions did not pose a significant dietary risk for consumers. This study is intended to ensure the safe and proper use of cyprodinil and fludioxonil in green onions in Egypt.

The Pharmacokinetics of Subcutaneous Eprinomectin in Plasma and Milk in Dry Dairy Cattle.

Parasitic infections in dairy cattle reduce herd immunity, milk production, and conception rates. This leads to higher production costs, compromised animal welfare, and increased interest in extralabel drug use. The extralabel use of anthelmintics poses food safety risks for consumers since appropriate withdrawal intervals in milk have yet to be established. Although topical eprinomectin has no milk withdrawal time, more research is needed to determine the residues present in milk after subcutaneous administration. This study aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetics of injectable eprinomectin in dry dairy cows. We hypothesized that, when given at the labeled dose, eprinomectin residues in dry dairy cattle would be below the FDA milk tolerance at the onset of lactation. Plasma was collected daily from 13 mature dairy cattle for 7 days postadministration, followed by periodic samples for 90 days. After calving, milk was collected daily until 90 days. Eprinomectin concentrations were measured using HPLC-fluorescence detection. The maximum eprinomectin concentration in plasma and milk was approximately 36 ng/mL 43 h after administration and 3 ng/mL at the onset of lactation, respectively. The low eprinomectin levels in milk collected from these lactating dairy cattle suggest that administering eprinomectin at dry-off is unlikely to result in violative residues. However, subcutaneous eprinomectin in lactating dairy cattle would be hard to justify unless there is evidence that the approved topical formulation is clinically ineffective.

Consumer Risk in the Purchasing Process in the Organic Food Market

Risk is an inherent part of our lives and every action we take. It accompanies us in various areas of our lives. Each of us encounters risk in everyday life by undertaking and performing specific activities or actions. Risk is not always perceived by us; there are situations when we do not notice it in our actions. The main objective of this article is to identify and assess the factors influencing the level of risk in consumer purchasing decisions in the organic products market. Additionally, it aims to indicate the desired directions of actions taken by producers and suppliers of organic food to reduce the risk associated with the purchasing process perceived by consumers. The research process took into account existing scientific achievements and the survey method, chosen due to the subject and nature of the research. The survey was addressed to consumers from the Lubuskie Voivodeship and was anonymous. The conducted research shows that the greatest risk perceived by consumers is in the case of online purchases, and the way to reduce this risk is through buyer loyalty to the place of purchase. The empirical research also provides grounds to assume that there is a relationship between individual types of risk. The research shows that respondents are most afraid of safety and social risk, and the least afraid of the risk of losing too much time. Consumers who want to reduce the risk use their own experiences or positive opinions about the product. The results provide valuable information for producers and suppliers of organic food who want to build lasting relationships with consumers based on trust and loyalty. The higher the trust, the greater the customer loyalty, and the lower the perceived risk.

Amputated life-testing based on extended Dagum percentiles for type of group inspection plans: optimal sample sizes, termination time ratios analysis

This paper introduces a novel approach to life-testing using Extended Dagum (EXD) percentiles within the framework of group inspection plans. The methodology focuses on optimizing sample sizes and analyzing termination time ratios to enhance the reliability of quality control procedures. By leveraging the flexibility of the EXD distribution, the proposed approach accurately models complex survival data, accommodating heavy-tailed characteristics often encountered in practice. The study presents a detailed analysis of optimal sample sizes and the critical termination time ratios that balance producer and consumer risks. Through comprehensive simulations and real applications, the paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in ensuring robust and efficient life-testing strategies, offering valuable insights for practitioners in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and reliability analysis.