Research Publications (Food Safety)

Enteric protozoan parasites Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and, to a lesser extent, the ciliate Balantioides coli are responsible for severe human and animal intestinal disorders globally. However, limited information is available on the occurrence and epidemiology of these parasites in domestic, but especially wild species in Portugal. To fill this gap of knowledge, we have investigated G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and B.

The presence of pathogenic bacteria in organic feed and food is a topic of current subject of study due to concerns that certain organic practices may heighten the risk of contamination and contribute to the spread of foodborne pathogens. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the main microbial contaminants exclusively associated with organic products, as reported in the literature.

In high‐income countries, the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emerging threat causing autochthonous acute hepatitis in humans, with an increased number of reported cases over the last 10 years and related increased burden of chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised and transplant patients. Pigs are the main reservoir of the HEV‐3 genotype, which is the most common in Europe, and can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw and undercooked pork products.

Abstract Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a type of mycotoxin commonly found in raw and processed foods. It is essential to be aware of this toxin, as it can harm your health if consumed in high quantities. OTA can induce toxic effects in various cell models. However, a more comprehensive understanding of the harmful effects of OTA on human astrocytes is required.

As a legume crop widely cultured in the world, faba bean (Vicia faba L.) forms root nodules with diverse Rhizobium species in different regions. However, the symbionts associated with this plant in Mexico have not been studied. To investigate the diversity and species/symbiovar affiliations of rhizobia associated with faba bean in Mexico, rhizobia were isolated from this plant grown in two Mexican sites in the present study.

A simple method based on solid–liquid extraction with a low-temperature partition (SLE/LTP) and analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was optimized and validated for determining residues of the pesticides triadimenol, flutriafol, λ-cyhalothrin, difenoconazole, and azoxystrobin in oat flour. A factorial design was employed to optimize the technique and establish the best conditions for the simultaneous extraction of the analytes.

Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is a second-generation smart delivery system with a solid matrix at room temperature. This carrier system consists of biocompatible surfactants and lipid materials and is accepted by regulatory authorities for use in various delivery systems. This study is a comparative study between the function of thymol-loaded NLC and thymol-nanoemulsion (NE) in Na-alginate coating to extend the shelf life of fresh chicken meat.

Abstract

Arsenic (As) pollution in rice (Oryza sativa L.), a staple food for over 3.5 billion people, is a global problem. Mixed effects of Zn, Cu, and Si amendments on plant growth and yield, including in the presence of As pollution have been reported in previous studies.

Mycotoxins are potent fungal toxins that frequently contaminate agricultural crops and foods. Mycotoxin exposure is frequently reported in humans, and children are known to be particularly at risk of exceeding safe levels of exposure. Urinary biomonitoring is used to assess overall dietary exposure to multiple mycotoxins. This study aims to quantify multi-mycotoxin exposure in UK children and to identify major food groups contributing to exposure.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a prevalent mycotoxin found in grains and grain-derived products, inducing adverse health effects in both animals and humans. The in-field application of microorganisms to degrade and detoxify ZEN is a promising strategy to enhance the safety of food and feed. In this study, we investigated the potential of three actinobacterial strains to degrade and detoxify ZEN in vitro and in planta on wheat ears.

The overuse of pesticides has resulted in the accumulation of harmful residues in vegetables, which requires monitoring to assess the risks to human health. This article presents the levels of 35 pesticide residues in 15 composite vegetable samples from irrigated farmlands adjacent to Lake Ziway, Ethiopia, using the QuEChERS extraction method (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) and then analyzes them using GC‐MS.

Listeria spp. is an important foodborne bacterium. This microorganism can be discarded from milk using high temperatures such as pasteurization. The milk‐processing methods of many small‐scale retailers lack quality control. This study was to survey Listeria contamination at the farm and retailer levels. The retailers were to be interviewed for knowledge, attitude, and practice as well.

A method for the rapid screening and confirmation of 60 food‐borne stimulants in animal‐derived foods was developed using the ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole/orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q/Orbitrap HRMS). After enzymatic hydrolysis at 37°C for 16 h, the samples were extracted with acetonitrile solution. The extraction solution was purified by PRiME HLB pass‐through solid‐phase extraction cartridge and redissolved by nitrogen blowing.

The food industry has extensively explored postharvest microbial control, seeking viable technologies to ensure food safety. Although numerous chlorine‐based commercial sanitizers serve this purpose, many are plagued by constraints such as instability and diminished disinfectant efficacy. These issues arise from exposure to organic matter in wash water, light, or air.

Background. Foodborne outbreaks and epidemic diseases are common in resource‐limited countries. Many people in developing countries are increasing their habit of eating fast foods prepared on the street due to their low cost and accessibility, while most of them get sick due to poor food hygiene practices and safety measures among the street food vendors. Therefore, this research is aimed at assessing food hygiene knowledge, practices, and associated factors among street food vendors.

Almonds play a significant role in Iran’s economy, and factors that threaten their market, such as aflatoxins, need careful consideration. Plasma‐activated water (PAW) is a new method that has antioxidant activity and can eliminate toxins and microbial agents, making it a suitable solution for removing aflatoxins from almonds.

In Sichuan cuisine, cold‐eating rabbit meat is highly regarded for its very strong taste and historical legacy. This study is aimed at evaluating the quality and bacterial diversity of cold‐eating rabbit meat during storage. Under different storage time and temperatures, cold‐eating rabbit meat underwent a decrease in pH, whereas the contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total volatile basic nitrogen, and total viable count increased.

IntroductionFowl adenovirus (FAdV) is a significant pathogen in poultry, causing various diseases such as hepatitis-hydropericardium, inclusion body hepatitis, and gizzard erosion. Different serotypes of FAdV are associated with specific conditions, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies. Given the rising prevalence of FAdV-related diseases globally, effective vaccination and biosecurity measures are crucial.

Pink pepper essential oil was microencapsulated with chickpea protein (CP) and chickpea protein/pectin (CP-HMP) by spray drying. The reconstitution and storage properties of the powders were evaluated after drying. The impact of microencapsulation in the volatiles release, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of oil was evaluated during 135 days of storage.