Food Safety Research Articles

A review of ice cream manufacturing process and system improvement strategies

The food industry faces several challenges, including intricate supply chains, compliance with food safety regulations, sustainability concerns, and the rising demand for high-quality products. Furthermore, consumers increasingly seek personalized food products with specific fat, sugar, and micronutrient levels. The ice cream industry is no exception in facing these challenges. Fortunately, Industry 4.0 technologies, such as smart manufacturing, data analytics, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), offer viable solutions to many of the aforementioned challenges. However, a deeper understanding of industrial ice cream manufacturing processes and systems is essential to apply these technologies effectively. While the related literature has often focused on ingredient selection to achieve the desired ice cream flavor and texture, there is a noticeable absence of comprehensive efforts to evaluate the impact of process- and systems-related aspects in ice cream manufacturing. This study employs a semi-systematic literature review approach to compile recent research that examines the influence of process- and system-level factors on ice cream product quality and production processes, focusing on the aspects that can benefit from implementing Industry 4.0 technologies. The literature review reveals that 1) at the process level, researchers have focused on three key processes (i.e., pasteurization, homogenization, and dynamic freezing) and their impact on the quality of the ice cream; 2) at the system level, researchers have concentrated their efforts on techno-economic factors, process scheduling, productivity, and sustainability.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards poultry handling and Salmonella risk among households in Beirut, Lebanon

Food-Borne Disease (FBD) is defined as an illness resulting from consuming foods contaminated with bacteria, their toxins, viruses, or parasites. Food poisoning due to improper food handling is a major global public health problem. In Lebanon, numerous challenges affect safe food consumption, with poultry being a common vehicle for many pathogens, such as Salmonella spp. This bacterium can cause serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis, characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. This study aimed to examine the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAPs) towards poultry handling among households in Beirut, Lebanon, and identify factors influencing KAP levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 125 households in different areas of Beirut. The interview was divided into four main parts: sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The results showed that consumers’ knowledge and practices were inadequate, though their attitude was positive. Participants aged 43-55 had higher odds of having a good knowledge level than those aged 18-29 (OR = 3.889, p = 0.02). Additionally, those with a college education were 7.442 times more likely to have a positive attitude towards food safety compared to those with no formal education (p = 0.005). Most participants (91.2%) do not regularly check their refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Furthermore, significant associations (p < 0.001) existed between the different KAP levels. This study aimed to raise public awareness regarding the handling of chicken to minimize food-borne illnesses by evaluating food handlers’ knowledge and behaviors. Insights from this study can used in campaigns to raise awareness about Salmonella and transmission risks among households. Moreover, findings may guide policymakers to create regulations for safe handling of poultry.

Hot topic: Avian influenza subtype H5N1 in US dairy—A preliminary dairy foods perspective

In February and March of 2024, an unusual illness began affecting dairy herds primarily in Texas and neighboring states. The causative agent of this illness was ultimately confirmed in late March 2024 to be a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b. In the months following the emergence of this viral disease in cattle, infections have spread to at least 191 herds in 13 states at the time of this writing in August 2024, primarily through cattle and human movement. Surprisingly, early examination of raw milk samples from clinically affected animals indicated that the virus had an affinity for the mammary tissue, and viral shedding into raw milk occurred at high levels, exceeding 108 log10 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) in some cases. These high viral loads coupled with evidence that farm cats who consumed raw milk from clinically ill animals were infected and exhibited high mortality rates, raised concerns about the safety of the US milk supply for human consumption. To date, 4 cow-associated human infections have been reported, all from farm employees with direct contact with infected animals. Several parameters ultimately affect the theoretical public health risk from consumption of dairy products manufactured from a milk supply containing H5N1, namely (1) initial viral load, (2) persistence of H5N1 in raw milk, (3) viral inactivation through processing practices including pasteurization, and (4) human susceptibility and infectious dose. In the short period since the emergence of this disease in dairy cattle in the United States, research has begun to answer these critical questions, although our knowledge is still quite limited at this time. Here we review the literature available from the current H5N1 outbreak in US dairy cattle, as well as selected relevant literature from previous research in other animal agriculture sectors, that affect our current understanding of the parameters associated with the food safety risk of this disease in the US dairy supply chain.

Industrial by-products (ferrous sulfate minerals and stone powder) can serve as amendments to remediate Cd-As paddy soil, alleviating Cd-As accumulation in rice

Our previous research has shown that industrial by-products such as ferrous sulfate mineral and stone powder as amendments can remediate Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) soil. However, their role in the soil-rice system is unknown. Therefore, this article explored the effects of the combined use of industrial by-products and commercial conditioners on the accumulation of Cd-As in weakly alkaline and acidic soil-rice systems. Potted experiments shown that SL (stone powder+ferrous sulfate mineral) and SLW (stone powder+ferrous sulfate mineral+Weidikang conditioner) could reduce the availability of Cd-As in soil by adjusting soil pH and CEC, increase iron film content on the root surface, strengthening the “barrier” for fixing Cd-As. Brown rice Cd was lower than the national food safety standard of 0.20 mg kg−1 (GB2762–2022). 1 % SLW could reduce brown rice As from 1.24 mg kg−1 to 0.83 mg kg−1. The results of field experiments confirmed the conclusion of pot experiments. SL and SLW not only reduced the accumulation of Cd-As in rice but also significantly increased rice yield by 16.58 % and 11.68 %, respectively. Compared to the two types of conditioning agents sold in the market, the material costs have been reduced by 79.1 % -86.5 % and 12.4 % -43.3 %, respectively. In summary, this study demonstrates that ferrous sulfate minerals and stone powder could efficiently remediate Cd-As pollution in paddy soil under different acid-base conditions, providing an application example for the resource utilization of industrial by-products for the remediation of Cd-As pollution in paddy soil.

Harnessing RNA interference for the control of Fusarium species: A critical review.

Fusarium fungi are a pervasive threat to global agricultural productivity. They cause a spectrum of plant diseases that result in significant yield losses and threaten food safety by producing mycotoxins that are harmful to human and animal health. In recent years, the exploitation of the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism has emerged as a promising avenue for the control of Fusarium-induced diseases, providing both a mechanistic understanding of Fusarium gene function and a potential strategy for environmentally sustainable disease management. However, despite significant progress in elucidating the presence and function of the RNAi pathway in different Fusarium species, a comprehensive understanding of its individual protein components and underlying silencing mechanisms remains elusive. Accordingly, while a considerable number of RNAi-based approaches to Fusarium control have been developed and many reports of RNAi applications in Fusarium control under laboratory conditions have been published, the applicability of this knowledge in agronomic settings remains an open question, and few convincing data on RNAi-based disease control under field conditions have been published. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge on the role of RNAi in Fusarium disease control by evaluating current research and highlighting important avenues for future investigation.

Investigating soil physicochemical factors influencing trace element contamination at the semi-urban-rural home gardening interfaces on the Fiji Islands

Due to its ecological and public health implications, home gardening soil pollution is challenging. However, the physicochemical factors of trace element pollution in semi-urban-rural home gardening soil interfaces in Fiji are unclear. Self-organizing map (SOM), chemometrics, compositional data analysis (CDA), and soil quality indices were used to evaluate spatial patterns, contamination characteristics, sources, and factors affecting trace element contamination in 55 soil samples from semi-urban and rural Fiji. The average contents of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable forms of trace element levels (mg/kg) increased in rural areas as Fe (55.7) > Mn (40.4) > Zn (9.4) > Cu (5.9) and semi-urban areas as Fe (55.2) > Zn (35.9) > Mn (37.1) > Cu (16.1). Rural soils have less ecological risks to home gardening than semi-urban soils. SOM and CDA analysis showed four spatial clusters: clusters 1 and 3 are natural geogenic in rural regions while clusters 2 and 4 are human-induced non-point sources in semi-urban areas. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that semi-urban Cu-Zn was more affected by manufacturing emissions or fertilization, whereas rural Fe-Mn was more likely to be lithogenic. The research found that pH and organic matter significantly affect Cu and Zn pollution in semi-urban soils (p < 0.05). For rural and semi-urban soils, trace element subsets explained 44 %–87 % of soil contamination changes using the stepwise regression model. These findings aid to establishing a primary database of eco-environmental risks and facilitate comprehensive strategies for assessing soil contamination and potential threats to food safety.

Polydopamine-modified 3D flower-like ZnMoO4 integrated MXene-based label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the food-borne pathogen Listeria Monocytogenes detection in milk and seafood

Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive bacterium that causes listeriosis in humans. This contaminates the ready-to-eat food products and compromises their safety. Thus, detecting its presence in food samples with high sensitivity and reliability is necessary. Herein, we propose a label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on a mussel-inspired polydopamine-modified zinc molybdate/MXene (PDA@ZnMoO4/MXene) composite for effective and rapid detection of L. monocytogenes in food products. Spectrophotometry approaches were employed to examine the resulting composites. Voltammetry and impedimetry techniques were used to confirm the step-by-step assembly of the immunosensor and its sensitive detection of L. monocytogenes in various food products, such as milk and smoked seafood. The results demonstrated the practicality of the constructed immunosensor, with an appreciable linearity of 10–107 CFU/ ml and a reasonably low detection limit (LOD, 12 CFU/ml). Moreover, the immunosensor exhibited excellent selectivity for microbial cocktails and acceptable repeatability, reproducibility, and storage stability. Thus, we believe that the proposed sensitive, reliable, and label-free immunosensor based on the PDA surface modification technique for detecting L. monocytogenes can be extended to monitor various food-borne pathogens to ensure food safety.

High sensitivity distinguishing detection of fluoroquinolones with a cage-based lanthanide metal-organic framework in food

Sensitive and selective detection of fluoroquinolones, especially from different sources, is challenging. This study reported an uncommon three-cage lanthanide metal-organic framework (1-Eu) with a Eu3+ cluster as its structural primitive using a C2-symmetric 5,5-(Pyrazine-2,6-diyl) diisophthalic acid ligand. The 1-Eu probe effectively detected four fluoroquinolones through distinct color changes and spectral emission bands, demonstrating excellent performance with low detection limits: moxifloxacin (LOD: 9.3 nM), danofloxacin (LOD: 33.7 nM), gatifloxacin (LOD: 67.9 nM), and ofloxacin (LOD: 238.6 nM). Mechanistic studies revealed that internal filtration and photoinduced electron transfer (a-PET) effects were key factors. Furthermore, 1-Eu was successfully used to detect fluoroquinolones in food samples. Additionally, portable paper-based sensors were developed to quickly semi-quantify analyte concentrations using a smartphone color recognition app, underscoring the practical potential of this probe. This study introduces a novel methodology for the identification and detection of fluoroquinolones to enhance food safety.

Dissipation, processing factors and risk assessment of chlorothalonil, chlorfenapyr and difenoconazole residues in chilli peppers from field to table

Understanding the residue fates of chlorothalonil, chlorfenapyr and difenoconazole in chilli peppers is essential for safeguarding food safety and human health. Here, the dissipation, removal and risk assessment of chlorothalonil, chlorfenapyr and difenoconazole in chilli peppers from field to table were systematically investigated. In field trials, the dissipation of chlorothalonil, chlorfenapyr and difenoconazole followed the first-order kinetics in chilli peppers, with half-lives of 6.80, 9.00 and 21.00 days, respectively. Residues of the metabolites, including 4-hydroxychlorothalonil (SDS-3701), tralopyril and difenoconazole–alcohol (CGA205375), were also detected in chilli peppers. The processing factors (PFs) in pickled chilli and chilli paste for washing, salting and fermentation were <1, with the overall process having PFs of 0.10–0.93. Chronic, acute and cumulative risk assessments indicated that dietary exposure to chlorothalonil, SDS-3701, chlorfenapyr, difenoconazole and CGA205375 was within acceptable limits of chilli pepper consumption. However, the total dietary risk of chlorothalonil and difenoconazole was alarming, with risk quotients (RQs) of 162% and 140%, respectively. The results could guide the safe and reasonable use of chlorothalonil, chlorfenapyr and difenoconazole in agriculture, as well as provide reference for assessing their residue levels in chilli products.

Variations in Primary and Secondary Metabolites of Panicum maximum under Diverse Wastewater Pollution Conditions

Panicum maximum is planted extensively in tropical and subtropical areas, due to its high-quality forage and high biomass yield. This study aims to assess the varied metabolic dynamics of P. maximum subject to different pollution-related wastewater levels, thus providing information for sustainable agriculture and soil restoration. We analyzed the primary and secondary metabolites in P. maximum subject to two different types of polluted wastewater (WW), compared to a control group. The alterations observed in the metabolite profiles were affected by several factors, including nutrient imbalances and oxidative stress induced by heavy metal accumulation. Initially, the increased nutrient availability stemming from wastewater treatment promoted plant growth; however, this positive effect was later diminished by the adverse impacts of heavy metals, which generated oxidative stress, resulting in metabolic disturbances and a decrease in the plant biomass. Importantly, the substantial increase in antioxidant enzymes, related to primary (e.g., sugars) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolics and flavonoids), underscores plants’ adaptive strategies to cope with stress. The increased biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenolic compounds is a protective mechanism against oxidative stress, which also improves the antimicrobial activity, following the activation of key biosynthetic pathways involved in their synthesis. These complex interactions among diverse metabolites suggest that plants exposed to polluted wastewater use various biochemical strategies to increase both their survival and defenses against pathogens. Collectively, these findings emphasize the significance of understanding how wastewater management practices can affect plant health, metabolic responses, and the broader implications for food safety and ecosystem stability.

Determination of naturally derived propionic, benzoic, and sorbic acids in seafood, meats, and fruits during storage

Propionic acid, benzoic acid, and sorbic acid are common preservatives in processed foods, but their natural concentrations in raw foods are not well understood. In Korea, if propionic acid or benzoic acid exceeds certain levels in processed plant-based foods, manufacturers must prove they are naturally occurring to avoid recalls. This regulation applies to both local and imported products, with non-compliance leading to economic costs and damage to brand reputation. To address this, further research is needed to build a database of naturally occurring preservatives in raw foods and develop food safety standards. This study quantified the levels of propionic, benzoic, and sorbic acids in 37 raw foods stored at different temperatures for 2 weeks, using gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The changes in acid concentrations during storage were examined, with preservatives identified by mass spectrometry. Sensory evaluation and total viable count were used to assess spoilage in seafood and meat samples. The matrix effects were evaluated, and the quantification methods were validated using seven food matrices. The intra- and interday accuracies and precisions (% relative standard deviation, %RSD) values met the Codex guidelines. In general, the propionic acid contents of most seafood and meat samples increased during storage, with the highest content being found in manila clams. Interestingly, the fresh sea squirt sample contained a higher propionic acid content (456mg/kg) than the other samples. However, benzoic acid and sorbic acid were not detected in most samples, with the exception of the jujube and apple samples.

Quantification of the thermal history of insects in foods using real-time PCR-based DNA fragmentation analysis

A major challenge faced by the food industry is the contamination of food by insects. Once an insect is found in a food product, it is important to determine how it entered the food. Given that the thermal history of insects provides a clue to unraveling this mystery, in this study, we have developed a novel real-time PCR-based DNA fragmentation analysis method to quantify the thermal history of insects found in foods.We selected two species of cockroaches (Periplaneta fuliginosa and Blattela germanica) as investigative targets because cockroach contamination often causes significant economic losses in the food industry. A set of real-time PCRs was designed for each species to amplify the species-specific regions of 18S ribosomal DNA at approximate 100 and 300 bp. The degree of DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the differences between the amplification curves for the 100- and 300-bp sequences. We observed that the degree of DNA fragmentation was quantifiable when the insect was heated to >100 °C. Therefore, we determined whether cockroaches contaminate retort foods during the manufacturing or household consumption stages. This novel analytical method is expected to improve food safety and product reliability by identifying the cause of insect contamination.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance elemental iron.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State Austria for the pesticide active substance elemental iron and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of elemental iron in field and greenhouses (permanent and non-permanent structures) via granule application by spreading on all edible and non-edible crops, ornamental plants and amenity grassland to control molluscs. The reliable endpoints, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed.

Adaptive strategies of Listeria monocytogenes: An in-depth analysis of the virulent strain involved in an outbreak in Italy through quantitative proteomics

Despite the general classification of L. monocytogenes strains as equally virulent by global safety authorities, molecular epidemiology reveals diverse subtypes in food, processing environments, and clinical cases. This study focuses on a highly virulent strain associated with a listeriosis outbreak in Italy in 2022, providing insights through comprehensive foodomics approaches, with a specific emphasis on quantitative proteomics. In particular, the ST155 strain of L. monocytogenes strain was subjected in vitro to growth stress conditions (NaCl 2.4 %, pH 6.2, T 12 °C), mimicking the conditions present in the frankfurter, its original source. Then, the protein expression patterns were compared with those obtained in optimal growth conditions.Through quantitative proteomic analysis and bioinformatic assessment, different proteins associated with virulence during the exponential growth phase were identified. This study unveils unique proteins specific to each environment, providing insights into how L. monocytogenes adapts to conditions that are similar to those encountered in frankfurters. This investigation contributes valuable insights into the adaptive strategies of L. monocytogenes under stressful conditions, with implications for enhancing food safety practices.

Impact of microplastics pollution on ciprofloxacin bioaccumulation in the edible mussel (Perna viridis): implications for human gut health risks

Antibiotics and microplastics are prevalent pollutants in mariculture. Consuming contaminated bivalves can potentially endanger human health, but the impact of microplastics on antibiotics bioaccumulation in bivalves and the related health risks to consumer health risks is not fully understood. We obtained bivalves from a mariculture farm and set up exposure scenarios with ciprofloxacin (1μg/L) alone, microplastics (0.6mg/L) alone, or their combination on mussels for 2-weeks. We investigated ciprofloxacin accumulation and analyzed the effects of these pollutants on detoxification and intestinal microbiome changes. Furthermore, potential food safety hazards related to ingestion of antibiotic-tainted bivalves were also assessed. We found that the accumulation of the ciprofloxacin in bivalves was significantly aggravated by the presence of microplastics. There was a significant increase in the production of antioxidant substances in the host's haemolymph, and an enhanced synthesis of antioxidants by the predicted metabolic functions of the intestinal microbiome. Concomitantly, microplastics exacerbated intestinal dysfunction, with a reduction in beneficial Spirochaetes and an increase in pathogenic bacteria Treponema, which may lead to deterioration of detoxification in the host. Additionally, an assessment of human gut health risks was conducted on the residual ciprofloxacin in bivalves combined with human consumption habits. The estimated target hazard quotients and cancer risk were below safety thresholds, directly consuming contaminated bivalves poses little toxicity. However, with raw mussels consumption, the dietary exposure doses of ciprofloxacin to human gut microbiome exceeded minimal selective concentrations for resistance. This could promote the growth of potentially resistant bacteria, indicating a risk of antibiotic resistance.

Efficacy of a Virtual Food Safety Education Program for Immunocompromised Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT) Oncology Patients

Efficacy of a Virtual Food Safety Education Program for Immunocompromised Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT) Oncology Patients

Listeria monocytogenes in the seafood industry: Exploring contamination sources, outbreaks, antibiotic susceptibility and genetic diversity.

Fish and seafood are rich sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals, significantly contributing to individual health. A global increase in consumption has been observed. Listeria monocytogenes is a known problem in food processing environments and is found in various seafood forms, including raw, smoked, salted, and ready-to-eat. Without heat treatment and given L. monocytogenes' ability to multiply under refrigerated conditions, consuming seafood poses a substantial health hazard, particularly to immunocompromised individuals. Numerous global outbreaks of listeriosis have been linked to various fish products, underscoring the importance of studying L. monocytogenes. Different strains exhibit varying disease-causing abilities, making it crucial to understand and monitor the organism's virulence and resistance aspects for food safety. This paper aims to highlight the genetic diversity of L. monocytogenes found in fish products globally and to enhance understanding of contamination routes from raw fish to the final product.

Specific and enzyme-free monitoring of propiconazole pesticide residues in vegetables with a portable nanozyme-based paper sensor

The nanozyme-based colorimetric sensor shows promise for rapid pesticide detection but struggles with non-specific enzyme inhibition. This study developed a portable paper-based sensor for detecting the propiconazole (PC) pesticide using Fe@PCN-224 nanocubes (NCs). Characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of Fe@PCN-224 NCs, which displayed peroxidase-like activity. The specific interaction between PC's triazole ring and the Fe active site inhibited their activity, enabling selective detection with a limit of 8 × 10−9 mol L−1 and a linear range of 0.03 × 10−6 to 0.90 × 10−6 mol L−1. Kinetic studies revealed a Michaelis-Menten constants (Km) of 0.68 × 10−3 mol L−1 for TMB, indicating higher affinity in Fe@PCN-224 NCs. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis revealed the production of •OH, 1O2, O2•− during the catalytic reactions. By integrating smartphone technology, this portable sensor achieved recoveries from vegetable samples between 94.6 % and 109.2 %, demonstrating its potential as an accurate, cost-effective analytical tool for food safety and advancing nanozyme applications.

An ultrasensitive liquid crystal aptasensing chip assisted by three-way junction DNA pockets for acrylamide detection in food samples

Acrylamide, an unsaturated amide found in heat-processed foods, poses serious risks to human health due to its neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity. This highlights the importance of quantitative determination of acrylamide in foods and the environments to ensure public health safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need for simple, rapid, and highly sensitive methods to accurately quantify acrylamide. In the present study, a user-friendly aptasensor was designed to quantify ultra-low levels of acrylamide in nuts for the first time. This innovative approach utilizes chemical engineering of a glass slide as a portable sensing platform, which incorporates liquid crystal (LC) molecules and a three-way junction (TWJ) DNA pocket. The immobilized TWJ pocket can disrupt the vertical alignment of LCs, turning the dark polarized background of the aptasensor to a colorful state. The binding of the specific aptamer to acrylamide disrupts the TWJ structure, enabling the LCs to return to their homotropic alignment. This structural change restores the dark polarized view of the sensing platform. The TWJ-engineered LC aptasensor effectively detects ultra-low concentrations of acrylamide in the range of 0.0005 to 50 fmol/L, with a detection limit of 0.106 amol/L. The aptasensor was successfully applied to real roasted nut samples, including peanut, almond, pistachio, and hazelnut, achieving recovery values ranging from 96.84 % to 99.61 %. With its simplicity, portability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, this aptasensor is a powerful sensing device for food safety monitoring.

In-situ electrochemically synthesized “artificial” Gly m TI antibody for soybean allergen quantification in complex foods

Biosensors, especially those designed for detecting food allergens like Gly m TI in soybean, play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals who suffer from adverse food allergies, extending to both individual well-being and broader public health considerations. Furthermore, their integration into food production and monitoring processes aids in compliance with regulatory standards, reducing the incidence of allergen-related recalls and protecting vulnerable populations. Technological advancements in biosensor development, such as increased portability, real-time monitoring capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces, have expanded their practical applications, making them indispensable in various settings, including manufacturing plants, food service establishments, and even at-home use by consumers.For the first time, a biosensor targeting the Gly m TI allergen based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology was developed to detect/quantify soybean in complex food matrices and effectively address the detection challenges of complex and processed foods. The Gly m TI-MIP underwent a thorough validation process using anti-Gly m TI IgG raised as a polyclonal response to the trypsin inhibitor. Gly m TI-MIP was successfully tested across a range of food matrices, including tree nuts (e.g., peanuts, walnuts, and hazelnuts) and legumes (e.g., lentils, beans, and lupine), presenting minimal cross-reactivity with lupine and walnut. The innovative approach provided a linear response in the 1 ag mL−1 - 10 μg mL−1 range, with a LOD<1 ag mL−1. Applying the Gly m TI-MIP sensor to complex model foods allowed to detect 0.1 mg kg−1 (0.00001 %) of soybean protein isolate in biscuits, ham, and sausages before and after the respective thermal treatments. The innovative biosensor can significantly improve food safety protocols by addressing the complexities of tracing allergens in processed and unprocessed food products. By ensuring rigorous allergen control, these biosensors may support global food trade compliance with international safety standards, boost consumer confidence, and promote transparency in food labeling, ultimately contributing to a safer food supply chain.