Research Publications (Food Safety)

Abstract

Background

Bromus japonicus Thunb. is a hazardous weed in wheat fields in China. One B. japonicus population, HB-1, which was collected in Hebei Province, survived field rate flucarbazone-sodium exposure.

Metal enrichment in aquatic ecosystems has compromised the potential of fish to enhance food security. The uMgeni River drains urban and industrialized catchment and flows through economically disadvantaged rural communities that opt for fish to supplement their protein needs. However, there are uncertainties on the safety of consuming fish from the uMgeni River.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide and a major source of human cadmium (Cd) intake. Limiting grain Cd concentration (Gr_Cd_Conc) in wheat is necessary to ensure food safety. However, the genetic factors associated with Cd uptake, translocation and distribution and Gr_Cd_Conc in wheat are poorly understood.

Cadmium (Cd) is a nonbeneficial heavy metal that is toxic to living organisms. Nevertheless, it enters our food chain. Common staple cereals, such as wheat and rice, accumulate Cd in their grains as a “hidden toxicant” and can cause organ damage in humans (Clemens et al. 2013).

Abstract Antibiotic residues have become a significant challenge in food safety, threatening both ecosystem integrity and human health. To combat this problem, we developed an innovative photo‐powered, self‐powered aptasensor that employs a novel carbon‐doped three‐dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (3D‐CN) combined with a metal‐organic framework composed of N‐doped copper(I) oxide‐carbon (Cu2O@C) skeletons.

by Alvira Ajadee, Sabkat Mahmud, Md. Bayazid Hossain, Reaz Ahmmed, Md. Ahad Ali, Md. Selim Reza, Saroje Kumar Sarker, Md. Nurul Haque Mollah

Abstract The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Poland and co‐rapporteur Member State France for the pesticide active substance flufenacet are reported. In addition, the assessment of the confirmatory data following the Article 12 maximum residue limit (MRL) review of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 is also reported.

Quinoline-related antimalarial drugs have been associated with cardiotoxicity risk, in particular QT prolongation and QRS complex widening. In collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture, we discovered novel plasmepsin X (PMX) inhibitors for malaria treatment. The first lead compounds tested in anesthetized guinea pigs (GPs) induced profound QRS widening, although exhibiting weak inhibition of NaV1.5-mediated currents in standard patch clamp assays.

Abstract Existing cleaning methods mainly focus on removing free‐state pesticides. However, mancozeb can bind to the wax layer of grapes, forming bound‐state residues that are difficult to remove. This study aims to develop an effective cleaning strategy to eliminate both free and bound mancozeb residues from grapes.

Various regulatory frameworks and multi‐residue screening methods reviewed since 2010 have been implemented to ensure consumer safety by controlling antimicrobial residues in milk. Antimicrobial residues in milk pose a significant risk to human health, prompting regulatory bodies to establish safety limits to protect consumers.

ABSTRACT To address the challenges posed by chemical methods for detecting pesticide residues in sorghum, such as complicated sample preparation and prolonged detection periods, this study presents a rapid and nondestructive detection approach based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology. A group of sorghum without pesticide residues and three groups uniformly sprayed with pesticides were used in this study.

The Vaal River catchment drains the largest and most populated industrial and mining region in Southern Africa. Heron, ibis, cormorant, egrets, and darter eggs, representing three habitats and four feeding guilds, were collected at four locations in 2009/10 to identify hotspots and hazards associated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Apple polyphenols (APs) have gained attention for their various bioactivities, while no studies on anti-liver fibrosis activity are reported. This study evaluated the protective effect of APs on liver fibrosis using LPS-treated activated HSC-T6 cells and alcohol-treated liver fibrosis (ALF) mice.

In swine production, using feed antibiotics as antimicrobial growth promotants has been reduced; thus, feed alternatives to manage gut health are required. Dietary fiber and similar carbohydrate structures such as resistant starch, oligosaccharides, and exopolysaccharides are nutritional tools that may enhance gut health in pigs.

Composting is a viable disposal option for livestock-mortalities and offal; however, is illegal in California due to the perceived risk of disease transfer, heavy metal and nutrient leaching into ground water. Objectives were to determine heavy metal and nutrient concentration in non- and livestock-mortality compost.