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Strawberry is one of the most socially and economically important small fruits in Brazil, with strong demand by the food industry driving high levels of production. However, phytosanitary problems, especially insect damage, can hamper strawberry cultivation. A pest of great concern is the strawberry sap beetle, Lobiopa insularis (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), which damages the fruits. Chemical control has not been effective against L. insularis, as it makes harvesting and marketing the product unfeasible. Parasitoids have been effectively utilized to control various strawberry pests and support sustainable production. We report the occurrence of the wasp Cerchysiella insularis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) as a parasite of L. insularis on strawberries in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil. Samples of strawberries (San Andreas cultivar) attacked by L. insularis were collected from February to March, 2019. Lobiopa insularis larvae were individually placed in rearing pots, fed on San Andreas strawberries, and checked weekly for symptoms of parasitism or parasitoid emergence. Parasitism rates were 33.85% in March and 45.90% in February. The sex ratio varied between 0.88 and 0.86. All parasitized larvae were infested by C. insularis. The natural parasitism rate above 33% and high sex ratio of C. insularis in strawberry crops indicated that it may have the potential in the control of L. insularis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a review related to the obtainment of cellulose from different structures in agro-industrial residues, both for application in the food industry and for the reinforcement of other materials. Cellulose nanofibers are produced by the heart of palm (Bactris gasipaes) industry in Brazil and are used as a stabilizer in avocado oil emulsions; conversely, cellulose nanocrystals are produced in waste from the tequila industry (Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul) in Jalisco, Mexico, and are used for reinforcement applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food additives are ingredients added to food and beverages in order to modify physical, chemical, biological or sensory characteristics, contributing to the development of products that are safer and more convenient and attractive. Although they are widely used by food industries, little is known about the distribution of the food additives currently employed in products marketed in Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to use labelling information of commercial food and beverages in order to identify the substances currently used by the Brazilian industry. For this, 3300 labels of 426 food items described in the Personal Food Consumption module of the Household Budget Survey (POF 2017/2018) of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) were searched on websites of supermarket chains and food companies as well as by visits to commercial establishments. According to the ingredient lists of the evaluated samples, 186 distinct food additives were identified. The average number of declared substances per product was between 4 and 5, with most of the labels indicating the presence of 2 or 3 additives. Considering the identified substances, 93 had an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) not specified or not limited and 89 were additives with a numerical ADI. Citric acid and lecithin were the most frequent substances with ADI not specified or not limited while potassium sorbate and pentasodium triphosphate were the most frequent food additives with numerical ADI. The most frequent combinations found in the evaluated samples were of potassium sorbate and citric acid, and also sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, and sodium diphosphate. This study demonstrates the distribution of food additives in products marketed in Brazil, allowing the creation of a comprehensive and unprecedented database, which will contribute to the evaluation of usage trends and future exposure studies for health risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Babassu is a tropical palm native in South and Central America that produces high‐quality oil from its fruit. The babassu oil extraction results in the production of babassu coconut by‐products (BCBs) – epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, and almond cake. In this study, we utilised bibliometric analysis and literature review to understand and evaluate their potential for food applications. Our analysis revealed a total of 165 studies published between 1945 and 2022 in the Web of Science database. Notably, Brazil emerged as a prominent contributor to research in this field. The babassu epicarp and endocarp were identified as lignocellulosic materials. Although they are not directly consumable, they possess the potential to serve as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds. In contrast, the babassu mesocarp primarily consists of starch, while the babassu cake exhibits a high protein content. These ingredients play pivotal roles in bakery products and plant‐based formulations, respectively. Despite these findings, our investigation uncovered a knowledge gap regarding the assessment of these fractions in the context of food science and nutrition. By addressing this research gap, we aspire to contribute to the exploration and use of the full potential of BCBs, promoting their integration into the food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper describes the first web-based self-completed 24-h recall designed to categorise food intake according to Nova groups – Nova24h – and its agreement with a reference tool in estimating the dietary relative contribution of the four Nova food groups (% of total energy intake). Design: Comparisons of estimates of dietary relative contributions of Nova groups obtained by Nova24h and one standard interviewer-led 24-h recall. Setting: Nationwide adult cohort study in Brazil. Participants: The subjects were 186 participants of the NutriNet Brasil Cohort Study (n 186). Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the Nova24h and the reference tool mean contributions of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (52·3 % v. 52·6 %), processed culinary ingredients (11·6 % v. 11·9 %), processed foods (17·1 % v. 14·7 %) and ultra-processed foods (19·0 % v. 20·9 %). Intraclass correlation coefficients between individual estimates obtained for each Nova group showed moderate to good agreement (0·54–0·78). Substantial or almost perfect agreement between the tools was seen regarding the ability to rank participants according to quintiles of contribution of each Nova group (PABAK 0·69–0·81). Conclusions: Nova24h is a suitable tool for estimating the dietary relative energy contribution of Nova food groups in the NutriNet Brasil cohort. New studies are necessary to verify its adequacy in other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at estimating the regional and sectoral impacts of the Covid‐19 pandemic in the state of Sergipe, Brazil in 2020. We use an input‐output model with partial hypothetical extraction. The main results suggest a significant reduction in economic activity in the state, particularly in the Transport and Industry sectors. On the other hand, the Real estate and Food and Accommodation sectors have a greater capacity for recovery with the introduction of an emergency aid program. The municipalities with the largest absolute impact on gross domestic product are Aracaju, Canindé de São Francisco and Nossa Senhora do Socorro, two of them located in the metropolitan area of Aracaju. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to understand the dynamics of the relationship between organizational resilience and the adaptive capacity of a family company from Rio Grande do Sul, aiming to sustain its performance in the midst of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. Design / methodology / approach: The research was operationalized by means of a case study, carried out in a family company in the food industry in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Afterwards, the material was transcribed and entered into NVivo® software to perform the content analysis. Findings: The results indicate that the resilience dimensions enabled the emergence of the company's adaptive capacity to sustain itself amidst the turbulent environment. Therefore, the findings indicate that the organizational resilience of the company analyzed in this case study provided the company's adaptation to the pandemic context through coping, recovery and resumption of the company in the face of change and uncertainty. Limitations / implications: We highlight the non-participation of the researchers effectively in the field, due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. This fact prevented the expansion of data triangulation through non-participant observation of the daily life of the family business. Practical implications: The study enables managers to reflect on how to sustain their companies in crisis environments through anticipatory or reactive actions, characterized based on dimensions of organizational resilience, which enable the company's adaptive capacity. Originality / value: The originality of this study is confirmed by a bibliometric survey that found a lack of studies which use the approaches of organizational resilience, adaptive capacity, and perceived performance together, in the light of the socioemotional wealth theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of grains and flour can be influenced by genetics, crop management, and environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technological quality of wheat grains and flour influenced by the interaction among genotype, nitrogen (N) fertilization and weather conditions in different regions of wheat crop adaptation in southern Brazil, aiming to support farmers and the bakery industry sector in their decision-making processes. The experiment was carried out in three environments (Londrina in rainfed and irrigated conditions; and Ponta Grossa in rainfed) in a randomized block design with a 10 × 2 factorial scheme. Ten wheat genotypes (BRS Sanhaço, BRS Graúna, BRS Gaivota, BRS Gralha-Azul, TBIO Sinuelo, TBIO Mestre, TBIO Sossego, TBIO Sintonia, TBIO Toruk, and Quartzo) and two N rates (40 and 120 kg ha-1) were assessed. The following technological quality analyses were performed in grains or flour: hectoliter weight, thousandkernel weight, falling number, grain protein concentration, experimental flour extraction (i.e. flour yield), wet gluten concentration, and alveography. Increasing N rates from 40 to 120 kg ha-1 enhanced the concentrations of grain protein and wet gluten. However, it did not influence dough gluten strength and the commercial classification of the flour. Nitrogen fertilization also influenced the flour yield, dough tenacity and elasticity index, depending on the genotype × environment interaction. Environments with higher temperatures favored the flour yield and wet gluten concentration, while lower temperatures increased thousand-kernel weight and falling number. Water deficit increased the dough extensibility and grain protein concentration, whereas higher water availability favored the falling number, dough tenacity, and tenacity/extensibility ratio. Therefore, these outcomes are important drivers for farmers when choosing specific wheat genotypes for the environmental conditions of their farms, when they intend to meet the industrial requirements of mills and food companies that use wheat flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational safety and health are ongoing concerns for many organizations, especially for economic sectors that are leaders in work-related accidents, such as the food industry. An established safety culture is essential to support the development and successful progress of any safety management program. Therefore, monitoring the maturity of a company's safety culture is required for change planning and continuous improvement to ensure a safe workplace. This paper aims to assess the maturity degree of the safety culture of a multinational food industry, representing one of the segments with more occupational accidents in Brazil. An exploratory and descriptive research was developed, with a quantitative approach and based on a case study strategy. The manufacturing sector showed a mature safety culture, with a predominance of the sustainable level (58%), while the administration segment presented a high dispersion of data, incurring in a safety culture between the bureaucratic (23%), proactive (29%), and sustainable (33%) degrees. Safety at work was found to be associated with variables of different natures and the diagnosis carried out in this paper points out that the implementation of an organizational culture focused on safety requires a holistic view that goes beyond the technical aspects of the activity or the employees' attributes, encompassing social and organizational elements, as well as the characteristics of each sector that must be considered by leaders for safety management to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies that address dietary intake theme during pregnancy are generally centered on specific nutrients or on dietary patterns. However, the maternal dietary profile according to the degree of food processing is poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to describe the dietary profile of high-risk pregnant women according to the degree of food processing. A prospective cohort study was conducted at Prof. Dr. Jose Aristodemo Pinotti Women's Hospital (CAISM), University of Campinas, Brazil, with high-risk pregnant women in the third trimester of gestation. Data from 125 high-risk pregnant women were collected between September 2017 and April 2019. The mean total energy intake (EI) was 1778.3 ± 495.79 kcal/day and the majority of the calories was from unprocessed foods (52.42%), followed by ultra-processed foods (25.46%). The consumption of free sugar and sodium exceeded recommendations, while the consumption of fiber, calcium, folate and iron was below recommendations. The ultra-processed foods intake affects dietary patterns negatively. More than 50% of the EI of high-risk pregnant women is from unprocessed or minimally processed foods, but it is insufficient for meeting dairy fiber, iron, folate and calcium recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrants in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability face many hardships regarding their eating practices. The aim of this study was to identify how migratory trajectories affect their food choices and the processes of dietary acculturation they experience. This is a qualitative study, conducted through the episodic narrative method, based on interviews of eight migrants. The Food Choice Process Model was adopted as the theoretical framework for the Content Analysis. Integration, assimilation, and separation were identified as acculturation processes and it was concluded that the financial situation was what most affected migrants' food choices in the early stages of life in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the politics of corporate political activity and policy interference in response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a new area of scholarly research. The objective of this article is to explain how, in Mexico and Brazil, the ultra-processed foods and beverages industry succeeded in creating the political and social conditions conducive for their on-going regulatory policy influence and manipulation of scientific research. In addition to establishing partnerships within and outside of government, industry representatives have succeeded in hampering civic opposition by establishing allies within academia and society. Ministries of Health have simultaneously neglected to work closely with civil society, while legislative representatives have continued to benefit from industry campaign contributions. Findings from this article suggest that ultra-processed foods and beverages industries wield on-going regulatory policy influence in Mexico and Brazil, and that government is still not fully committed to working with civil society on these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is a fruit of socioeconomic importance in Brazil, and its consumption occurs in natura and also in the form of processed products. There are a lot of losses that occur along the entire production chain. The disadvantage due to its high perishability becomes a problem for producers. One of the alternatives developed for its use is fermentation, which is an efficient and low-cost technology, being an option for the food industry and the production of fermented beverages. The use of tomato pulp for this type of production will avoid waste, add important nutritional value to the drink and reduce food waste. In the present study, the production of alcoholic fermented beverages was elaborated, analyzed, and compared through the pulp of two tomato varieties, Italian (Solanum lycopersicum) and Sweet Grape (Sweet heaven). Aims: To study the production of alcoholic fermented two tomato varieties, Italian and Sweet Grape. Methods: The concentration of soluble solids, pH and alcohol content (%v/v) were analyzed, in the fermentation process of the two varieties, higher alcohol content was observed in Sweet Grape. Results and Discussion: The results were acceptable, demonstrating that there is a possibility of producing a fermented tomato drink Conclusions: The production of a fermented tomato drink becomes an alternative for the use of the fruits, but it is necessary to make the chaptalization to obtain a higher alcohol content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium present in several environments able to survive and proliferate in food processing plants, contaminating products that when ingested can lead to listeriosis. Worldwide, the bacterium has been isolated from foods of animal and plant origin and its occurrence in ready-to-eat foods is a challenge for food processing establishments. Serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, and 4b related to 95% of listeriosis cases have been detected in different foods and presented resistance to common antibiotics such as tetracycline and penicillin. The analysis and dissemination of the presence of L. monocytogenes in different foods are essential to anchor control and prevention measures. In Brazil, despite the lack of official data on contamination by L. monocytogenes, some studies have reported the presence of bacteria in various foods and food processing environments. Thus, this review focuses on presenting the main characteristics of the L. monocytogenes, resistance to antimicrobial agents, and occurrence in several foods and countries from 2010 to 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate energetic contribution according to the degree of industrial food processing and its association with sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and behavioural characteristics in adolescents.Design: Cross-sectional study (Adolescent Lifestyle Study). Food consumption was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls, with foods classified by degree of industrial progressing. The usual diet was estimated using the Multiple Source Method. In a linear regression model, the energy percentage (E %) was associated with sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and behavioural characteristics, after adjustment for sex and age.Setting: Juiz de Fora, Brazil.Participants: Eight hundred and four adolescents, of both sexes, 14-19 years of age, enrolled in public schools.Results: The E % of unprocessed or minimally processed foods corresponded to 43·1 %, processed foods to 11·0 % and the ultraprocessed foods to 45·9 %. E % of unprocessed foods was associated with socio-economic stratum (adjusted β = -0·093; P = 0·032), neck circumference (adjusted β = 0·017; P = 0·049), screen time (adjusted β = -0·247; P = 0·036) and HDL-cholesterol (adjusted β = -0·156; P = 0·003). E % of ultraprocessed foods was associated with socio-economic stratum (adjusted β = 0·118; P = 0·011), screen time (adjusted β = 0·375; P = 0·003), BMI (adjusted β = -0·029; P = 0·025), neck circumference (adjusted β = -0·017; P = 0·028) and HDL-cholesterol (adjusted β = 0·150; P = 0·002).Conclusions: There was a high E % of ultraprocessed foods in the diet of the adolescents. Actions are needed to raise the awareness of adopting healthy eating habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyse the association between food consumption according to the degree of processing and incidence of hypertension in CUME project participants.Design: Longitudinal study in which food consumption was evaluated according to the percentage contribution of daily energetic intake (%/d) of each NOVA classification group (unprocessed/minimally processed foods and culinary preparations (U/MPF&CP); processed foods and ultra-processed foods (UPF)). Hypertension was defined according to American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) criteria. Adjusted relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95 % CI) were estimated by Poisson regression models with robust variances.Setting: Brazil.Participants: 1221 graduates classified as non-hypertensive at baseline and monitored for 2 years.Results: Daily energetic percentage from each group according to degree of processing was 64·3 (sd 12) % for U/MPF&CP; 9·9 (sd 5·8) % for processed foods and 25·8 (sd 11) % for UPF. Incidence of hypertension was high (152/1000 person-years; n 113, 193/1000 person-years in males and n 257, 138/1000 person-years in females). After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the upper quintile of daily energetic intake of U/MPF&CP presented a reduced risk of hypertension (RR: 0·72; 95 % CI 0·52, 0·98), while those in the upper quintile of daily energetic intake of UPF presented an increased risk of the outcome (RR: 1·35; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·81).Conclusions: In this prospective cohort of Brazilian middle-aged adult university graduates, the highest consumptions of U/MPF&CP and UPF were associated with, respectively, reduced and increased risk of hypertension. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a social and health problem of global dimensions that demands coordinated solutions from different sectors as well as intersectoral efforts to overcome it. However, policies to overcome obesity affect the interests of the commercial private sector. In Brazil, the Intersectoral Strategy for Obesity Prevention and Control (EIPCO) is the result of participative public action and integrates a set of policies in the field of food and nutrition security. Based on the premise that EIPCO expresses public interests to be protected, promoted and guaranteed by the federal government, this article aims to analyze corporate political activity (CPA) and conflict of interest (COI) situations involving the private commercial sector in the food and nutrition field in Brazil, using EIPCO as a reference. The methods include document analysis and identification of cases reported by the Brazilian civil society organizations that are part of the National Council on Food and Nutrition Security. The results highlighted the actors, actions, ideas and interests addressed by EIPCO and also indicated that EIPCO does not question the private commercial sector's practices in regard to obesity and some of its recommended actions reflect disputes about the concept of healthy eating. All cases analyzed involved CPA to promote ultra-processed food consumption, including lobbying and funding researchers. Those practices and goals are in the opposite direction from the objectives of EIPCO to overcome obesity which indicates potential COI once these representatives of the private sector are directly influencing the governmental political process and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the complementary food consumption according to the extent and purpose of food processing based on NOVA classification among children aged 6-24 months of Federal District, Brazil.Design: We performed a cross-sectional study using a 24-h recall to estimate the daily energy intake and nutrients according to NOVA classification. We conducted a linear regression to assess the association between the processed and ultra-processed foods (UPF) energy intake and the daily energy intake from saturated fat, daily energy intake from total sugars and daily intake of sodium.Setting: Federal District, Brazil.Participants: Five hundred and thirty-eight children aged between 6 and 24 months attended at Primary Health Care Units from March 2017 to March 2018.Results: On average, children aged from 6 to 12 and from 12 to 24 months consumed 2393 and 4054 kJ/d, respectively, and processed and UPF represented one-third of dietary energy intake. Group 2 (processed and UPF) was higher carbohydrate contributors, and lower protein, fibre and most micronutrient contributors, when compared with Group 1 (unprocessed, minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients). In addition, the higher the energy intake from processed and UPF, the higher was the daily energy intake from saturated fat, daily energy intake from total sugar and daily intake of sodium.Conclusion: Children are being exposed early to processed and UPF and their share affect the diet's nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical scholarship has shown that neoliberalism has reinforced Islamophobia, anti-Muslim racism and projections of Muslims as undesirable in many contexts, particularly in 'the West'. Little is said about other impacts neoliberal ideology has had on the ways Muslim (immigrant) communities are viewed and (dis)integrated into Muslim-minority contexts. Against this backdrop, this paper argues that Muslims can also be desired and systematically mobilized in predominantly non-Muslim countries where neoliberalized economies capitalize on their identities. The argument is illustrated through case studies in contexts of halal food production and trade in New Zealand and Brazil. Drawing on conceptualizations of neoliberal utility/necessity perspectives on immigrants as well as on assemblage thinking, this paper shows, first, that neoliberal restructuring has played a major role in the development of trade relations with the Islamic world and thus in the emergence of demands for Muslim expertise, service providers and workers in both countries. It demonstrates, second, how Muslim identities have been systematically assembled to meet these demands, and third, that the assemblages are at the same time limited by largely (though not exclusively) neoliberal logics. Finally, the paper shows that many of the assembling practices and logics are similar in both contexts and likely to be found elsewhere. Their effects, however, diverge due to different local conditions. The findings imply that relations between neoliberal ideology and the ways Muslims are viewed and (dis)integrated in Muslim-minority contexts are complex and unfold differently across space, and that this complexity deserves greater academic scrutiny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food information environment includes food advertising disseminated in various media. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of schools, universities, non-essential commerce, public leisure areas, bars, restaurants, among others, the food information environment has changed in Brazil. People spent more time at home which led to greater exposure to television and internet advertising content. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the food production sector has invested in new ways to advertise their products that include advertising messages of support, empathy and solidarity, as well as social responsibility campaigns looking for self-promotion such as food donation and financial aids. Sponsoring online events promoted by Brazilian musicians on social media was also enhanced during the pandemic and allowed food companies to become part of the consumer's leisure and entertainment moments. The advertising strategies adopted by the food industry during the COVID-19 pandemic are used to generate market demands, influence the consumer purchase decision and increase their loyalty to the supplier brands. Consequently, individuals may have been more vulnerable to excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods during this health crisis. This commentary aims to describe the changes in the food information environment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and propose a pathway to promote a healthier food information environment after this health crisis. Perspectives for promoting a healthier food information environment after the pandemic are also discussed, focusing on regulating food advertising with a shared responsibility between government, the food industry, the academy and civil society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current globalized model of food production leads to the homogenization of diet, with a reduction in the consumption of unprocessed foods and the considerable participation of ultra-processed foods. Objective: Investigate factors associated with food consumption among adults considering the degree of food processing. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with adults in the state of Pernambuco involving the assessment of food consumption. Data were also collected on sociodemographic characteristics, food insecurity and aspects related to food acquisition. A food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate food intake, with the categorization of foods according to the degree of processing and the subsequent analysis of consumption scores. Associations between food consumption and explanatory variables were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test, the latter of which was complemented with the post hoc Mann-Whitney U test. Associations with a p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: One thousand sixty-six adults were interviewed. Most had a low level of schooling and low income, were beneficiaries of the income transfer program and were in a situation of food insecurity. These variables were associated with the consumption of particular food groups. Differences in consumption were found according to place of residence, sex, age group, mode of food acquisition, place of purchase and the habit of reading food labels. Conclusions: In the globalized context that stimulates the consumption of industrialized foods, aspects such as sex, economic status, place of residence and food purchasing environment and practices can serve as protective factors that ensure the greater consumption of minimally processed foods or risk factors for the consumption of ultra-processed foods products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies on perceived healthiness of foods have often compared nutrient and hedonic claims, neglecting comparisons to a control condition. The effect of food claims focusing on the food processing level has received considerably less research attention, although food processing has been included in dietary guidelines in Brazil. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the effect of a control and processing claim, additionally to the effects of a nutrient. and hedonic claim, on perceptions related to a food item typically considered "less healthy" (chocolate cake). We further compared these effects between Brazil and Germany, a country where food processing is currently not included in dietary guidelines. A total of 634 lay adults were recruited in a cross-sectional online study and randomised to see the photo of a piece of cake with one of the four different claim conditions and to report their health-related perceptions of the cake. The main analyses included two-way ANCOVAs (4 claims x 2 countries) for each dependent variable controlled for gender, age and level of hunger; followed by post hoc tests. Overall, results revealed that in both countries, the claims highlighting nutrients or processing aspects rendered the perceptions of the cake healthier compared to the control claim. These effects were more pronounced among Brazilian than among German participants. Food-related perceptions mostly did not differ between the hedonic and control claim and did not differ at all between the nutrient and processing claims. In conclusion, it is noteworthy that, even for an inherently considered "less healthy food item" (chocolate cake) nutrient and processing claims increase healthiness perceptions. While our findings may imply that in both countries lay people are highly susceptible to nutrient claims, food processing aspects seem to be similarly relevant. [Display omitted] • Nutrient and processing claims rendered food-related perceptions healthier. • Perceptions did not differ between nutrient vs. processing claims. • Perceptions did mostly not differ between control vs. hedonic claims. • Claim effects on food-perceptions were more pronounced among the Brazilian than German sample. • Study closes research gap regarding a processing focus claim in a diverse sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyse the extent and nature of food and beverage advertising on the three major Brazilian free-to-air television (TV) channels.Design: Cross-sectional study. A protocol developed for the International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support was applied for data collection. A total of 432 h of TV programming was recorded from 06.00 to 24.00 hours, for eight non-consecutive and randomly selected days, in April 2018. All TV advertisements (ads) were analysed, and food-related ads were classified according to the NOVA classification system. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the number and type of ads, food categories and the distribution of ads throughout the day and time of the day.Setting: The three most popular free-to-air channels on Brazilian TV.Participants: The study did not involve human subjects.Results: In total, 14·2 % (n 1156 out of 7991) of ads were food related (858 were specific food items). Approximately 91 % of food items ads included ultra-processed food (UPF) products. The top three most promoted products were soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and fast-food meals. Alcoholic beverage ads were more frequently broadcast in the evening.Conclusion: The high risk of exposure of the Brazilian population to UPF ads should be considered a public health concern given the impact of unhealthy food advertising on people's food choices and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an important methodology for assessing the environmental aspects and impacts of a product, good or service. LCA is an analytical environmental management tool that can analyze the acquisition of raw materials, manufacture, use, maintenance and even its final destination. This study quantified the environmental impacts associated with the production of French bread in a bakery in northeastern Brazil. The environmental impact assessment methods employed in the LCA were IPCC 2013 GWP 100a (midpoint, which expresses environmental impacts in kg CO2-eq) and ReCiPe (endpoint, which groups impacts on human health, damage to ecosystems and use of energy resources). It was verified that the energy source with the greatest environmental impact was natural gas, for both methods evaluated, reaching a participation of more than 23% in the environmental impacts generated. Because natural gas is a major contributor to the energy mix of the bakery, the costs associated with its consumption were higher. Sugarcane bagasse briquettes presented lower levels of environmental impacts and reduced price, but the substitution of natural gas by briquettes is not direct and should consider its significantly lower heating value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although food insecurity configures a public health issue in developing countries going through nutrition transition, there is still lack of evidence on how it is affected by social determinants and its relationship with ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption. Using qualitative methods, we investigated the experience of food (in)security among mothers living in the Brazilian Amazon area, identifying aspects of food insecurity promoting UPF consumption. In-depth interviews were performed with 40 women and inductive content analysis was used. Signs of food insecurity included difficulties in food affordability and irregular access to food. Strategies to deal with lack of food quantity took place during food production (growing foods and raising animals), acquisition (gaining food, shopping incentives and food substitutions) and preparation (creativity in cooking). Not being able to afford staple foods was the main aspect of food insecurity promoting UPF consumption, as fresh foods were substituted by UFP options. Our study contributes to the current literature by presenting explanatory insights about the inconclusive quantitative results on the relationship between food insecurity and UPF consumption. Additionally, it supports the need of policies and interventions focused on promoting sustainable food systems and the regional food culture, which may approach food insecurity through an intersectional perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathotype associated with human gastrointestinal disease that may progress to severe complications. Ruminants, especially cattle, are the main reservoirs of STEC contaminating the environment and foods of animal or vegetable origin. Besides Shiga toxin, other virulence factors are involved in STEC virulence. O157:H7 remains the most frequent serotype associated with disease. In Brazil, the prevalence of STEC reaches values as high as 90% in cattle and 20% in meat products which may impact the Brazilian food export trade. However, only few reports are related to human disease. The stx1 gene prevails in cattle, whereas the stx2 gene is more frequent in food. Several STEC serotypes have been isolated from cattle and food in Brazil, including the O157:H7, O111:NT, NT:H19 as well as O26 and O103 serogroups. O113: H21 STEC strains are frequent in ruminants and foods but with no report in human disease. The virulence profile of Brazilian STEC strains from cattle and food suggests a pathogenic potential to humans, although some differences with clinical strains have been detected. Further studies, employing recent and more discriminative techniques are in need to better clarify their virulence potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, health and well-being are focus of research in the food industry, which should contribute to the proper functioning of the human body and confer other beneficial functions to it, thus, evidence the consumption of functional foods, such as yogurt. Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) is widely distributed in Brazil, and the fruit can be consumed after processing or added to other foods, such as yoghurt. Therefore, this study aims to elaborate yoghurts and supplements of prebiotics, to evaluate their sensory acceptance and physical and chemical characteristics. Four formulations of açaí yogurt were formulated: F1 (yogurt with fiber addition and 10% of pulp), F2 (yogurt without addition of fibers and 10% of pulp), F3 (yogurt with fiber addition and 20% of pulp) and F4 (fiberless yogurt with 20% pulp). The yogurts were submitted to pH, water activity, instrumental color, soluble solids (TSS), sensory acceptability and purchase intention analyzes. Higher concentrations of pulps obtained products with lower Luminosity values (L *), but there was no variation of the SST and pH. Thus, a product with good sensory acceptability and physical and chemical characteristics was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contemporary context in which the food industry is set up instigates a new product conception towards food ethics. However, how effectively does this perspective materialize on the gondolas of retail chains? In order to bring some elements to discussion, this article presents an exploratory study based on the decoding of information contained in food labels marketed in Brazil. In total, 287 labels regarding four categories (juices, snacks, chocolates, and yogurt) were analyzed using the Reverse Engineering methodology. The results indicate a movement of brand differentiation structured in actions conducted inside (a result of product and process engineering) and outside (regarding relationship engineering along the value chain). In other words, the internalization of innovations in products and processes (inside perspective) and; the development of vertical cooperation and coordination relations outside the company (outside perspective). In this sense, participation in globally connected markets is described as a driver of differentiation strategies regarding ethical aspects in the food processing industry and has direct effects on the vertical structures of firms, as suggested by the value chain literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is a country with different biomes and the Cerrado is known for its rich resources and flora. Among the fruits in the Cerrado, we can highlight the tamarindeiro, whose fruit, tamarind, exhibit excellent nutritional quality. Tamarind is enough explored on the continent of origin (Africa), however surveys involving all utilities of the plant are still insignificant. So, the objective of the work was to characterize shells, pulp and tamarind seeds of the Cerrado, Goiás, as to physico-chemical, technological and thermal properties. The collected fruits obtained average proportions of 22,2 ± 1,1% shells, 44,0 ± 2,4% pulp and 14,4 ± 1,6% seeds, and approximately 20% fibers. It presented high carbohydrate content and low water activity for the three portions and lower values of ash, lipids and proteins. The shell and seed flours presented high content of total dietary fiber and fruit pulp presented acid pH (3,02 ± 0,01) and high titratable acidity (29,82 ± 0,24). The seed flour had a water absorption and solubility index greater than the shell flour, and lower oil absorption index. The tamarindo pulp presented 4 peaks in your thermogram, being the first relative to the gelatinization of starch, 2 and 3 peaks suggested the formation of carbohydrate-lipid complexes and protein denaturation and 4 peak the glass transition. Tamarind shell and seed flour showed similar behavior to pulp after 115 °C, with 2 endothermic peaks. Concluded that the integral tamarind fruit has specific physico-chemical, nutritional, thermal and technological characteristics and suitable for use in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short marketing circuits and territorial rural development policies emphasize the importance of the reconnection between food production and consumption, with repercussions on the food security and sovereignty of local populations. For this, we analyzed official documents of the Program for the Sustainable Development of Rural Territories, the Citizenship Territories Program, the Territorial Development Plans, as well as field research on projects carried out in three rural territories and citizenship in the South of Brazil. From this analysis, it is possible to think of the strengthening of short circuits as the mechanism to promote rural territorial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the preoperational cleaning process of a poultry slaughterhouse regarding microbial ecology, microorganisms indicators of hygienic-sanitary conditions, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. Three hundred and twenty samples were collected from the surfaces of meat cut conveyor belts before (n = 160) and after (n = 160) the preoperational cleaning process to count mesophilic aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas spp., in addition to the detection of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., and identification of microbial ecology by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. The hygiene process reduced the counts of all the indicator microorganisms (87% a 91%) and eliminated Salmonella spp. Despite this significant decrease, L. monocytogenes persisted on some of the conveyor belts. Microorganisms associated with obtaining and handling meat cuts, including Aneurinibacillus , Anoxybacillus , Enterococcus , and Pseudomonas , were used to characterize the microbial ecology before cleaning. A disturbance in microbial ecology was identified post-cleaning, in which microorganisms with greater adaptation and tolerance to industrial conditions, such as Pseudomonas , Acinetobacter , and Aeromonas , were more prevalent. Our results revealed that the cleaning and sanitization procedures were effective in reducing the levels of indicator microorganisms and Salmonella spp. The applied hygiene process also shaped the composition of the existing microbial ecology. • The indicator microorganism count was reduced after the cleaning process. • The cleaning process was able to eliminate Salmonella spp. from the surfaces. • Listeria monocytogenes remained on some surfaces after the cleaning process. • Aneurinibacillus, Anoxybacillus, and Enterococcus were predominant before cleaning. • Pseudomonas , Acinetobacter, and Aeromonas were predominant after cleaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The historical struggles that Brazil faced to overcome malnutrition coincided with the empowerment of civil society and social movements which played a crucial role in the affirmation of health and food as social rights. After two decades under military dictatorship, Brazil went through a redemocratization process in the 1980s when activism emerged to demand spaces to participate in policy-making regarding the social agenda, including food and nutrition security (FNS). From 1988 onward institutional structures were established: the National Council of FNS (CONSEA) convenes government and civil society sectors to develop and monitor the implementation of policies, systems and actions. Social participation has been at the heart of structural changes achieved since then. Nevertheless, the country faces multiple challenges regarding FNS such as the double burden of disease, increasing use of pesticides and genetically modified seeds, weak regulation of ultra-processed products, and marketing practices that affect the environment, population health, and food sovereignty. This article aims at examining the development of the participatory political system and the role played by Brazilian social movements in the country's policies on FNS, in addition to outlining challenges faced by those policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of the Industrial Revolution world demand of fossil fuel for the generation of energy has always been high and contributed towards an increase in the levels of pollutant emission over the years. The use of solar energy for industrial heating processes has been an alternative to substitute fossil fuel and minimize the levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The Evaluation of the Life Cycle methodology has been employed to quantify carbon footprint associated with the pasteurization process in an ice cream factor and other ice derivates in João Pessoa PB Brazil. The study also compares the replacement of petroleum liquefied gas air burner by solar heating system. SimaPro® was employed for the development of current analysis through IPCC environmental 2013 GWP 100a impact evaluation. Results indicate that solar heating system provided the lowest carbon footprint rate when compared to gas burner. It has also the capacity to lessen climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New researches have stimulated a large reevaluation of species with regards to the use of fruits from native plants. Araçá (a small Brazilian guava-like fruit) is found scattered in the wild in Pernambuco/Brazil. There is a scarcity of detailed studies on such regional fruit trees, especially the Psidium araça Raddi species, whereas there is an enormous possibility to explore the potential offered by these fruits, such as in the field of gastronomy, where the search for new ingredients and exotic flavors associated with functional properties has been increasing. This article aimed to evaluate the physical, physicochemical and taxonomic characterization of araçá obtained from different agricultural regions of Pernambuco in order to investigate the possibility of developing new products from this native fruit. The taxonomic identification confirmed that all collected material belonged to the species P. araçá Raddi. An average weight of 7.45 g/fruit was observed. With respect to pH, values between 3.17 and 3.48 were found, and the acidity as a percentage of citric acid was on the order of 0.96% to 0.99%. It was shown that the P. araça Raddi fruit has a desirable quality for the food industry, presenting excellent conditions for the development of formulations of high commercial value and promising application in the national gastronomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify ingredients from products and by-products derived from GM crops in packaged food products and to analyse the presence of these ingredients in the foods most commonly consumed by the Brazilian population.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: A search of the scientific literature to identify the use of products and by-products derived from GM crops in foods in Brazil and a study of food labels in a supermarket belonging to one of the ten largest supermarket chains in Brazil.Subjects: To identify the ingredients present in packaged food products and their nomenclatures, the labels of all packaged food products available for sale in a supermarket were analysed. Subsequently, the presence of potential GM ingredients in the foods most commonly consumed by the Brazilian population was analysed.Results: A total of twenty-eight GM crops' by-products with applications in the food industry (from soyabeans, corn, cotton and a yeast) were identified. Such by-products are presented as food ingredients or additives on food labels with 101 distinct nomenclatures. Most of the variety (63·8 %) and the quantity (64·5 %) of the foods most commonly consumed by Brazilians may contain a least one GM ingredient.Conclusions: The presence of at least one potential GM ingredient was observed in more than half of the variety of foods most commonly consumed by the Brazilian population. Such ingredients were identified with distinct nomenclatures and incomplete descriptions, which may make it difficult to identify potential GM foods and confuse consumers when making food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clonal relationships and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from three fresh Minas cheese production lines were investigated. Putative S. aureus were confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and were characterised by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and antimicrobial susceptibility. Overall, 33 out of 64 samples were contaminated with S. aureus (51.6%). The contamination rates of the dairies were 60.8%, 21% and 68.2%. Thirty representative isolates were selected to be typed by MLST and five sequence types (ST) were found (ST1, 97, 126, 3531), including the new ST 3816. The clonal complex 1 (CC1) was dominant. Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials was observed but only one strain was resistant to methicillin. This methicillin resistant S. aureus strain belonged to the CC126 that is commonly associated with mastitis in ruminants. The dissemination of zoonotic bacteria through the food chain is not a frequent event but represents a concern to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for organic food is increasing worldwide. Studies have shown that the circular economy can bring environmental and operational improvements to the food sector. However, little is known about how the circular economy can contribute to organic food. From the perspective of circular ecosystems, this exploratory study aims to contribute to the emerging debate by identifying and analyzing the relationships between different actors in an ecosystem of organic food producers. Addressing this objective, a case study was carried out involving seven actors from an organic food ecosystem in Brazil. The main results revealed: (i) that the production of organic food is aligned with the principles of the circular economy; (ii) that the common goal of using and disseminating organic agriculture facilitates alignment between the actors in an ecosystem; (iii) the important role of the orchestrator, mainly to coordinate the different actors and technically support small producers/farmers; and (iv) that collaboration in an ecosystem favors the reuse of "waste" between farmers. In addition, our results identified that ecosystems face bureaucratic barriers to obtaining resources, and there is little collaboration between the actors and universities. • The circular ecosystem concept is investigated in the organic food sector. • The orchestrator plays an important role in the governance of the ecosystem investigated. • The common objective of using and disseminating organic agriculture facilitates alignment between the actors. • The integration between the actors has facilitated the adoption of practices related to the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketchup is a popular tomato-based sauce also containing differing proportions of sugar and vinegar. While tomato is a plant with the C 3 photosynthetic metabolism, sugarcane is a tropical grass with C 4 photosynthesis, used in Brazil as feedstock for sugar and alcohol vinegar production. Sugarcane derivatives are often widely used in the Brazilian food industry. In this paper, we investigated the relative isotopic proportion of C 3 and C 4 -derived products in 25 ketchup brands commercialized in Brazil, through the carbon (C) isotopic ratio (δ13C). The aim was to identify the contribution of tomatoes to the final ketchup composition, as the manufacturers do not provide this information to the consumer. The overall δ13C mean in the analyzed ketchup was –16.2 ± 1.4 ‰, suggesting a predominance of C 4 - over C 3 -derived sources in these brands. Using a Bayesian isotopic dilution model, we estimated that approximately 75 % of the carbon source of ketchup comes from C 4 plants (p < 0.05). A low correlation between ketchup price and δ13C was found, probably because price reflects attributes such as brand and, not necessarily, product composition. In addition, our study also presents a robust regressive predictive model of the sugar percentages in the final ketchup composition. Combining these approaches, consistent tools can be incorporated to evaluate ketchup quality. [Display omitted] • The main carbon source in Brazilian ketchup is not tomatoes but derived from C 4 plants. • Increase in ketchup prices is not due to the increase of tomatoes in their compositions. • Models allowed identification and prediction of tomato/sugar ratio in Brazilian ketchup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyse the content and extent of marketing of ultra-processed food products (UPP) and their brand pages on Facebook, which are highly accessed by Brazilians.Design: Descriptive.Setting: Sixteen UPP brand pages on Facebook were selected from 250 pages that were the most liked by Brazilians in October 2015.Subjects: We analysed the frequency of 'likes' and members 'talking about' each one of the pages, in addition to fifteen marketing techniques used in the previous year (September 2014 to October 2015). The number of posts, likes, 'shares' and 'commentaries', and the mean number of likes, shares and commentaries per post, were collected for one month, from 23 September to 23 October 2015.Results: The two most liked pages were: Coke® (93 673 979 likes) and McDonald's® (59 749 819 likes). Regarding the number of people talking about the pages, McDonald's led with 555 891 commentaries, followed by Coke (287 274), Burger King® (246 148) and Kibon® (244 523). All pages used marketing techniques, which included photos, user conversations, presence of brand elements and links. Videos were observed on 93·8 % of the pages; promotions on 68·8 %; and celebrities on 62·5 %. In one month, Garoto®, Outback® and Coke were brands that published more than one post per day. Kibon achieved the highest ratio of likes per post (285 845·50) and Burger King had the highest mean shares per post (10 083·93), including commentaries per post (7958·13).Conclusions: UPP marketing is extensively used on Facebook pages and is highly accessed by Brazilians, with UPP companies employing a diversity of marketing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on an analysis of the energy mix profile and energy efficiency of the Brazilian dairy industry. It investigates dairies’ energy mix and energy efficiency and identifies some actions for a cleaner energy mix. Primary data from 37 dairy cheese-making establishments distributed among the Brazilian regions were obtained from online surveys. The results indicate that woodfuel plays a critical role, being the most used fuel in thermal energy generation, while diesel is dominant in electric generation. It also emphasizes that only 51% of the dairy establishments utilize electric energy generators. Other alternative biomass sources are still incipient in the sector, restricted to just 9.5% of the cases for thermal energy generation and no cases for electricity. Regarding the energy efficiency analysis, the results suggest dairies are more scale efficient than pure technical efficient. However, the dairies present a low energy efficiency level. There is no evidence that inefficiencies are differently distributed according to their size. These findings are important for government agencies, industry associations, scientists, universities and research institutes. High inefficiencies, regarding the use of electricity and thermal energy, are a key issue in sustainable bioenergy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores some features of the development paths taken by Brazil and China (two member countries of the BRICS grouping) in the current context of the crisis of neoliberal globalization and transformation of the political and economic world order. The authors use Polanyi’s ‘double movement’ thesis to argue that newly emerging rural development (RD) dynamics in China and Brazil are part of a protective ‘countermovement’, driven by actors and institutions responding to the contradictions of the concentration and internationalization of agrifood systems. However, thedirectionand scope of these countermovements are still open; their transformative potential should be viewed in Gramsci’s terms as a struggle for hegemony the outcome of which depends on the concrete ‘balance of social forces’. First, the paper characterizes the impacts of China’s rise on Brazil’s development, which subsequently found its economy under threat of reprimarization and deindustrialization. The paper then sketches some stylized facts of production and consumption within the Brazil–China soy–meat complex, a key element of the current global food regime, with a focus on corporate control of the soy–meat value chain, and its negative consequences. Finally, the paper identifies the key roles that actors and institutions linked to peasants and family farmers are playing in the RD dynamics of each country. Although China and Brazil represent two very different realities, the comparison shows that critical rural and agrifood issues are indeed moving onto the centre stage of the contemporary ‘double movement’. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Our ability to research dietary changes over time and their effects on health is limited by challenges in accurately measuring food consumption. In countries where dietary surveys are scarce and rarely nationally representative, household budget surveys may serve as a useful alternative for assessing food consumption. The objective of this study was to evaluate how well household acquisition data reflects the actual intake of ultra-processed foods, using data from the 2008 to 2009 Brazilian Household Budget Survey. The food acquisition module was conducted for all households selected for the survey (n = 55,970) and a subsample corresponding to 25% of the households (n = 13,569) was randomly selected for the individual food intake module, which was conducted for all individuals aged 10 years or older (n = 34,003). Ultra-processed foods were defined as formulations made by the food industry mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods or obtained with the further processing of constituents of foods or through chemical synthesis, with little if any whole food. Examples included candies, cookies, chips, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ready-to-eat dishes. Our results showed an important agreement between the estimates of ultra-processed food consumption obtained from household acquisition data and individual intake inside-the-home data, particularly for the relative (% of total energy) consumption of these foods. Our study thus indicates that household budget surveys are quite promising for tracking population-level changes in the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The trend toward increased consumption of food away from home in other low- and middle-income countries indicates that future household budget surveys should include the collection of these data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oils are widely used for food production at different levels: domestic, commercial or industrial. The estimated production of vegetable oil, in Brazil, is three billion liters per year. Only 2.5% of cooking oil waste (WCO) are recycled. The environmental impacts caused by WCO arrangement in soils still need to be better studied. The interaction of soils and organic pollutants makes it difficult to evaluate its behavior in the environment. This paper presents to evaluate the environmental impact of OVR in two Brazilian soils (sandy and loamy) and to estimate the terrestrial toxicity level (leakage test) and phytotoxicity (germination tests using lettuce seeds - Lactuca sativa L. - as well as in lettuce cultivation under greenhouse conditions). After leaching, the sandy soil had a slight lower WCO adsorption capacity than the clayey soil. The introduction of WCO caused clayey soil compaction. The WCO presence was toxic to earthworms, regardless of soil type. WCO negatively influenced germination and radicle growth in the eco toxicity assays. The different tested doses of WCO in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivation caused changes in plant morphology for all physical parameters analyzed for both soils. We concluded that the WCO is a potential contaminant residue when improperly disposed over the soil, compromising the soil-plant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of diet shakes of three brands widely marketed in Brazil, named in this study of A, B and C. Assessments were carried out on root meristem cells of Allium cepa at exposure times 24 and 48 hours. The products (treatments) for A and B were evaluated at concentrations of 0.05; 0.10 and 0.20 g/mL, and C at the concentration 0.08; 0.16 and 0.32 g/mL. The diet products at the three concentrations tested, including those suggested as ideal for consumption by the manufacturers, at the two exposure times considered, were found to have significant antiproliferative effect on the meristems evaluated. However, none of the treatments caused significant cellular changes to the tissues of roots. Thus, the products tested were cytotoxic, but not genotoxic, to root meristem cells of A. cepa. Furthermore, it was observed that in all the treatments performed, in the three concentrations, the majority of the dividing cells were at prophase, not being observed cells at anaphase and telophase. Thus, it is suggested to conduct more in-depth studies on the cytotoxicity of these shakes in physiologically more complex bioassays for the verification and deepening of the data obtained here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess progress towards the elimination of trans-fatty acids (TFA) in foods after the 2008 Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommendation of virtual elimination of TFA in Latin America.Design: A descriptive, comparative analysis of foods that were likely to contain TFA and were commonly consumed in four cities in Latin America.Setting: San José (Costa Rica), Mexico City (Mexico), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina).Subjects: Foods from each city were sampled in 2011; TFA content was analysed using GC. TFA of selected foods was also monitored in 2016.Results: In 2011-2016, there was a significant decrease in the content of TFA in the sampled foods across all sites, particularly in Buenos Aires (from 12·6-34·8 % range in 2011-2012 to nearly 0 % in 2015-2016). All sample products met the recommended levels of TFA content set by the PAHO. TFA were replaced with a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fats.Conclusions: Our results indicate a virtual elimination of TFA from major food sources in the cities studied. This could be due to a combination of factors, including recommendations by national and global public health authorities, voluntary and/or mandatory food reformulation made by the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information about National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA)'s changes to labeling rules for packaged foods in Brazil, including innovations in nutritional information, frontal nutrition labeling, and nutrition claims. It also mentions the adoption of the frontal nutrition labeling model to highlight high content in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

This study evaluates a bio-based laser-perforated and recyclable SO 2 -generating liners, alone or in combination with ultra-fast SO 2 -generating before packaging, to extend the shelf life of 'Benitaka' table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.). Grape bunches were harvested from a commercial vineyard in Parana, southern Brazil, in 2020 and 2021, and packaged in clamshells organized in cardboard boxes (10 clamshells per box). Boxes were sealed with liners and were stored at 1.0 ± 1 °C and at 70–80% relative humidity. The presence of gray mold was assessed 30 d and 45 d after cold storage, and after 3 additional days at room temperature (22 ± 1 °C); bunch weight loss, stem browning, shattered berries, and bleaching were assessed. Bio-based and SO 2 -generating liners, in combination with ultra-fast SO 2 -generating pads applied before packaging 'Benitaka' table grapes, were effective in controlling the incidence of gray mold at 45 d of cold storage (< 0.4%) and at 3 d of room temperature (< 0.8%); this extended the shelf life of grapes, with low weight loss, fewer shattered berries, and the maintenance of stem freshness. The bio-based liner alone does not control gray mold effectively, but it has no adverse effect on the physicochemical qualities of 'Benitaka' grapes and is an eco-friendly packaging material. Using compostable bio-based or recyclable SO 2 -generating perforated plastic liners to control gray mold and other postharvest diseases may promote the near future use of sustainable materials in the food industry. • Bio-based liners helps to extend the cold preservation of table grapes. • Bio-based liner in combination with ultra-fast SO2-emitter pad is highly effective. • SO2-generating plastic liners alone have a moderate performance. • Bio-based liner alone does not effectively control gray mold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The struggle for healthy eating is a nascent social movement that represents active resistance to the hostile food environments created by multinational food and beverage corporations. Using a political economy approach and leveraging Winson's [2013.The industrial diet: the degradation of food and the struggle for healthy eating. Vancouver: UBC Press] concepts of dietary regimes and the industrial diet, this paper will examine the strengths and limitations of Brazil's new dietary guidelines and discuss its role as a precursor to a new dietary regime that incorporates social justice and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate food intake changes from pre-conception to gestational period according to the degree of food processing.Methods: Prospective cohort conducted in a public health care center in Rio de Janeiro with Brazilian pregnant women (n = 189). A food frequency questionnaire was applied at the first (5(th)-13(th)) and third (30(th)-36(th)) gestational trimesters. The food items were classified according to characteristics of food processing in four groups: unprocessed/minimally processed foods; sugar/fat; processed foods and ultra-processed foods. The variation of food intake according to the degree of processing between the pre-conception and gestational period was compared using paired Student's t-test. Linear regression models were performed to estimate the association of mother's characteristics on the variation of food group contribution to the total energy intake between periods.Results: Total energy intake was 2415 (SD = 813) in the pre-conception and 2379 (750) kcal in the gestational period. We excluded women who had implausible total energy intake (<600 and >6000 kcal/day). The contribution of unprocessed/minimally processed food group to total energy intake during pregnancy when compared to the pre-conception period was higher [50.5 (14.1) vs. 48.8 (12.4), p-value = 0.048], while the caloric share of ultra-processed food group was lower [41.3 (14.6) vs. 43.1 (12.5), p-value = 0.032]. We observed a negative association of age (p-value = 0.009) and a positive association of pre-pregnancy BMI (p-value = 0.060) with the variation of ultra-processed food intake.Conclusions: Ultra-processed food intake decreased, while minimally/unprocessed food intake slightly increased from the pre-conception to gestational period. These results indicate potential for a larger improvement in the women's diet quality and that nutritional counseling interventions in pregnant women are still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]