Research Publications (Food Safety)

Abstract Type III secretion system (T3SS) is an important virulence system in Gram‐negative bacteria. In this investigation, different environmental conditions that regulate the expression of T3SS genes in Yersinia ruckeri were investigated aimed at obtaining a better understanding about its modulation after various environmental challenges. Four isolates of Y.

The investigation of antimicrobial films is essential to prevent pathogen proliferation in food, extending shelf life and ensuring safety. Developed cassava starch‐based films with 1% and 2% biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Bio‐SeNPs) show altered luminosity, smooth surface, and reduced water vapour permeability.

by Isabelle Reichert, Ji-Young Lee, Laura Weber, Marceline M. Fuh, Lina Schlaeger, Stefanie Rößler, Volker Kinast, Sarah Schlienkamp, Janina Conradi, Florian W. R. Vondran, Stephanie Pfaender, Pietro Scaturro, Eike Steinmann, Ralf Bartenschlager, Thomas Pietschmann, Joerg Heeren, Chris Lauber, Gabrielle Vieyres

by Amir Zarrabi, Reza Ghasemi-Fasaei, Abdolmajid Ronaghi, Sedigheh Zeinali, Sedigheh Safarzadeh

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is currently recognized as an emerging problem and a growing concern for public health in developed countries, with HEV infections mainly attributable to foodborne transmission of HEV-3. The zoonotic HEV genotype 3 infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, with swine considered as the primary host. This study investigates the occurrence of HEV among small ruminants in Portugal.

The use of antibiotics in the livestock care can influence the starter culture activity. In particular, these compounds (β‐lactams and sulfonamides) did not affect the development of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus but hampered the Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus acidifying activity also after the withdrawal period. The antibiotic administration in dairy livestock is a current widespread practice.

Variation in levels of natural AFM1 after processing of milk, for example, skimming, pasteurisation, boiling, sterilisation and fermentation. The focus of this research was to investigate the fate of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in naturally contaminated milk samples during various processing treatments such as skimming, boiling, sterilisation, pasteurisation and fermentation.

Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 is a food-borne pathogen which causes gastrointestinal illness in humans. Ruminants are considered the main reservoir of infection, and STEC exceedance has been associated with heavy rainfall. In September 2022, a large outbreak of STEC O157:H7 was identified in the United Kingdom (UK). A national-level investigation was undertaken to identify the source of the outbreak and inform risk mitigation strategies.

Eight extraction methods using binary systems of acetonitrile or methanol, with variations including formic acid and solid‐phase extraction, enable the detection of fumonisins (potentially carcinogenic toxins from Fusarium) in Mexican foods. Egg had the highest levels of fumonisins. The findings highlighting the need for monitoring and regulation of these toxins in Mexican foods. Summary Food safety is crucial globally, particularly regarding mycotoxins in food.

Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella serotypes host-adapted to cattle is of increasing concern to the beef and dairy industry. The bulk of the existing literature focuses on AMR post-slaughter.

HFUS + NaClO exhibited a significant synergistic bactericidal effect. HFUS caused pores on the cell membrane and increased the oxidative activity of the solution. Oxidative damage caused by combined treatments mainly occurred intracellularly. The alterations in cell structure and intracellular contents were investigated.

by Matti Viluksela, Pertti Saurola, Juhani Koivusaari, Matts Finnlund, Anders Bignert, Riikka Airaksinen, Päivi Ruokojärvi, Matti Verta, Hannu Kiviranta, Jouni T. Tuomisto, Panu Rantakokko

Various chemicals present at different stages in the food supply chain can lead to the leaching of heavy metals. These metals can accumulate in the human body through the consumption of contaminated food. Consequently, it is necessary to validate an analytical technique for the quantification chemical that could contaminate food.

Bagega community is an artisanal mining community with a history of Pb poisoning. The community is served by a small lake as an important source of water for cattle watering, irrigation, washing, and fishing among other uses. The concentration of Cd, Cr, and Pb in soil and plants at the bank, surface water, sediment, and fish of the lake were analysed using Agilent 4210 MP-AES machine after microwave digestion using the Advanced Microwave Digestion System model (Ethos easy).

The food industry is seeking alternatives to chemical additives and preservatives due to the increasing consumers’ demand for healthier food products. Ziziphora tenuior L. (Z. tenuior) is an aromatic medicinal plant that exhibits various biological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Z.