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To assess how mothers classify foods and how their eating practices interact with these classifications, with special attention to meanings and uses given to ultra-processed foods. Qualitative research with in-depth interviews and pile sorts. Urban Brazilian Amazon. A sample of 34 mothers were selected through theoretical sampling. Content analysis for in-depth interviews and multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis for pile sorts. Food classification. Classifications were based on context (ie, a time or a situation in which the food is eaten) and foods' healthiness. Five food groupings based on mothers' classifications were defined: (1) main meal foods, (2) fruits and fruit juices, (3) convenient foods, (4) leisure foods, and (5) canned sardines. Ultra-processed foods were classified differently from non-ultra-processed foods and considered unhealthy, consumed on special occasions or when there was no time or desire to cook. Results highlight the potential of incorporating context-based categories and personal experiences to guide nutrition interventions and the potential of pile sorts to tailor messages to target populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caatinga is a Brazilian semi-arid ecosystem that stands out for presenting unique environmental characteristics with a dry, spiny and deciduous shrub/forest vegetation with several species that can be renewable oil sources with potential applicability in oleochemical and nutrition. Caatinga oilseeds have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and sterols, and this composition is related to its nutritional potential. The present review summarizes the knowledge on the oil contents and fatty acid profiles of seeds from six representatives caatinga species. It was observed that plants species like Caju (Anacardium occidentale L.), Favela (Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl), Licuri (Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc.), Pinhão-bravo (Jatropha mollissima Pohl Baill), Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb) and Oiticica (Licania rígida Benth) contains approximately 33.1, 33.5, 49.2, 18.3, 70.16 and 57.0% w/w of oil, respectively, on a dry weight basis. Their fatty acid profiles are mostly saturated for Licuri oil, with a high content of lauric acid (up to 40%) and unsaturated for Favela, Pinhão-bravo, Cashew nut, Pequi and Oiticica oils. Oiticica oil shows a high concentration of unusual conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids, like α-Eleostearic and Licanic acid with 16.90 and 43.20% w/w, respectively. Image 1 • Licuri oil can be an alternative to coconut and palm kernel oils use. • Presence of high concentration of conjugated fatty acids in Oiticica oil. • Licanic and Lauric acid are the major compound in Oiticica and Licuri oil, respectively. • α-eleostearic acid is the second most concentrated fatty acid in Oiticica oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the objectives and competencies sought by the discipline of food and nutrition education (FNE) in the training of nutritionists. A qualitative study, based on the Theory of Social Representations. A total of 381 Brazilian public and private higher education institutions with undergraduate courses in nutrition were invited to complete an online questionnaire. A total of 104 professors of FNE participated in the study. Qualitative analysis using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method and the Central Core Theory. The FNE discipline aims to bring awareness to the importance of the promotion of health and food and nutrition security, to break with the biological and normative vision of food, to problematize the factors related to food, and to seek strategies of promoting healthy eating habits. In addition to preparing students for their role as educators, from planning to the evaluation of FNE actions, the intended competencies range from the development of criticality in educational practices to the application of appropriate pedagogical approaches. The objectives of FNE and the desired competencies are articulated and involve, among others, preparing nutritionists for their role of educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The offer and consumption of fish and other aquatic organisms in Brazil comprise a great complexity of interacting factors, from the origin and production of these goods, to their processing and marketing. Unexpected factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic might contribute for increasing the complexity of such interactions and shift consumption patterns. This study aimed at characterizing the consumption of fish in the Brazilian territory, identifying factors that influence such consumption and investigating how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the country's consumption pattern. A closed and semi-structured questionnaire was applied and gathered responses from 1763 Brazilian participants from all the country's macro-regions, regarding fish consumption and factors affecting it. Data were presented descriptively and analyzed by means of a multivariate approach. Three patterns of fish meat consumption were identified in the study. Northern participants consume this foodstuff in recommended amounts by dietary guidelines in higher proportions than other regions. In general, during the pandemic most respondents did not change their fish consumption (59.7%) and declared that no risks were associated with consuming this foodstuff (65.6%). It was found that the origin of fish is a major driver of consumption, whereas from 49.2% (Southeast and Midwest) to 58.2% (North) of the population would increase their consumption in case the origin of the foodstuff was declared. Fish consumption in Brazil is influenced by multiple factors and it can be stimulated by exploring differences existing among the territory's macro-regions. • Fish consumption by the Brazilian population was characterized. • COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected fish consumption in the North region. • Informal markets interruption caused reduced consumption by low-income families. • High-income families did not have their fish consumption altered during the pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the exposure of Brazilian residents (N = 86) from rural areas to multiple mycotoxins and characterize the associated risk in two sampling periods (SP) (April–May and December/2016). Mycotoxins in food and urine samples were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Mean probable daily intake (PDI) values based on occurrence data in foods in both SP varied from 0.007 to 0.013, 0.069 to 1.002, 0.119 to 0.321 and 0.013–0.156 μg kg−1 body weight (bw) day−1 for aflatoxins (AFs), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FBs) and zearalenone (ZEN), respectively. Mean PDI values based on urinary biomarkers were 0.001, 84.914, 0.031, 0.377 and 0.002 μg kg−1 bw day−1 for AFB 1 , DON, ochratoxin A (OTA), FB 1 and ZEN, respectively. Hazard quotient (HQ) calculated using food data revealed a potential health concern for ZEN in 2nd SP. HQ > 1 based on urinary biomarkers were observed for DON in the two SP. Although OTA was not detected in any food sample, the HQ based on urinary OTA levels was >1 in the 1st SP. Margin of exposure values for AF from food and urine data in the 1st SP were below 10,000, indicating potential health risks. Image 1 • Mycotoxin exposure evaluation and risk assessment in rural areas from Brazil. • 53% of food samples analyzed (N = 203) presented at least one type of mycotoxin. • Urinary biomarkers of mycotoxins found at levels of 0.02–12.0 ng mg−1 creatinine. • PDI based on biomarkers in urine exceed recommended TDI values for DON and OTA. • Margin of exposure values indicated health risks associated with dietary aflatoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is the third largest exporter of fruits and vegetables in the world and, consequently, uses large amounts of pesticides. Food contamination with pesticide residues (PRs) is a serious concern, especially in developing countries. Several research reports revealed that some Brazilian farmers spray pesticides on fruits and vegetables in large quantities, generating PRs after harvest. Thus, ingestion of food contaminated with PRs can cause adverse health effects. Based on information obtained through a systematic review of essential information from 33 articles, we studied the assessment of potential health risks associated with fruit and vegetable consumption in children and adults from Brazilian states. This study identified 111 PRs belonging to different chemical groups, mainly organophosphates and organochlorines, in 26 fruit and vegetable samples consumed and exported by Brazil. Sixteen of these PRs were above the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) established by local and international legislation. We did not identify severe acute and chronic dietary risks, but the highest risk values were observed in São Paulo and Santa Catarina, associated with the consumption of tomatoes and sweet peppers due to the high concentrations of organophosphates. A high long-term health risk is associated with the consumption of oranges in São Paulo and grapes in Bahia due to chlorothalonil and procymidone. We also identified that 26 PRs are considered carcinogenic by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and the carcinogenic risk analysis revealed no severe risk in any Brazilian state investigated due to the cumulative hazard index (HI) < 1. However, the highest HI values were in São Paulo due to acephate and carbaryl in sweet pepper and in Bahia due to dichlorvos. This information can help regulatory authorities define new guidelines for pesticide residue limits in fruits and vegetables commonly consumed and exported from Brazil and monitor the quality of commercial formulations. [Display omitted] • We identified 111 pesticide residues, mainly organophosphates and organochlorines. • Sixteen residues were above the limit allowed by legislation. • A serious non-cancerous long-term health risk has been evidenced. • Twelve carcinogenic PRs were found in thirteen Brazilian states. • A low carcinogenic risk was evidenced for children and adults in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is the second part of a model-based approach to examine the suitability of the current cutoffs applied to the raw score of the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale [Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA)]. The approach allows identification of homogeneous groups who correspond to severity levels of food insecurity (FI) and, by extension, discriminant cutoffs able to accurately distinguish these groups.Objective: This study aims to examine whether the model-based approach for identifying optimal cutoffs first implemented in a local sample is replicated in a countrywide representative sample.Methods: Data were derived from the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey of 2013 (n = 116,543 households). Latent class factor analysis (LCFA) models from 2 to 5 classes were applied to the scale's items to identify the number of underlying FI latent classes. Next, identification of optimal cutoffs on the overall raw score was ascertained from these identified classes. Analyses were conducted in the aggregate data and by macroregions. Finally, model-based classifications (latent classes and groupings identified thereafter) were contrasted to the traditionally used classification.Results: LCFA identified 4 homogeneous groups with a very high degree of class separation (entropy = 0.934-0.975). The following cutoffs were identified in the aggregate data: between 1 and 2 (1/2), 5 and 6 (5/6), and 10 and 11 (10/11) in households with children and/or adolescents <18 y of age (score range: 0-14), and 1/2, between 4 and 5 (4/5), and between 6 and 7 (6/7) in adult-only households (range: 0-8). With minor variations, the same cutoffs were also identified in the macroregions. Although our findings confirm, in general, the classification currently used, the limit of 1/2 (compared with 0/1) for separating the milder from the baseline category emerged consistently in all analyses.Conclusions: Nationwide findings corroborate previous local evidence that households with an overall score of 1 are more akin to those scoring negative on all items. These results may contribute to guide experts' and policymakers' decisions on the most appropriate EBIA cutoffs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA) is the main tool for assessing household food insecurity (FI) in Brazil, assisting in monitoring and improving national public policies to promote food security. Based on the sum of item scores, households have been classified into 4 levels of FI, with the use of cutoffs arising from expert discussions informed by psychometric analyses and policy considerations.Objectives: This study aimed to identify homogeneous latent groups corresponding to levels of FI, examine whether such subgroups could be defined from discriminant cutoffs applied to the overall EBIA raw score, and compare these cutoffs against those currently used.Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study with a representative sample of 1105 households from a low-income metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro was conducted. Latent class factor analysis (LCFA) models were applied to the answers to EBIA's items to identify homogeneous groups, obtaining the number of latent classes for FI measured by the scale. Based on this and a thorough classification agreement evaluation, optimal cutoffs for discriminating between different severity levels of FI were ascertained. Model-based grouping and the official EBIA classification cutoffs were also contrasted.Results: LCFA identified 4 homogeneous groups with a very high degree of class separation (entropy = 0.906), endorsing the classification of EBIA as a 4-level measure of FI. Two sets of cutoffs were identified to separate such groups according to household type: 1/2, 5/6, and 10/11 in households with children and adolescents (score range: 0-14); and 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 in adult-only households (score range: 0-7).Conclusion: Although roughly classifying EBIA as in previous studies, the current approach suggests that, in terms of raw score, households endorsing only one item of the scale would be better classified by being placed in the same stratum as those remaining negative on all items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have hypothesized that higher n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake is associated with better lipid profile, higher 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum concentrations, and healthy food consumption and nutritional status. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relationships between n-3 PUFA intake, serum 25(OH)D, lipid profile, nutritional status, and food consumption among adolescents. A total of 198 Brazilian adolescents (51% male), with mean age of 16.3 ± 1.4 years, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Blood was collected for 25(OH)D and lipid profile serum measurement. Weight and height were measured, and food consumption was accessed by a 24-hour food record (n = 69). Analysis of variance, the Student t test, and Pearson correlation were performed using SPSS software (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy (25(OH)D, <30 ng/mL) was 71.7%. Serum 25(OH)D negatively correlated with body mass index ( r = −0.294; P < .0001) and positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( r = 0.323; P < .0001). N-3 PUFA intake negatively correlated with body mass index ( r = −0.286; P = .017), total cholesterol ( r = −0.292; P = .015), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( r = −0.333; P = .005) and positively correlated with the intake of fat meats and eggs ( r = 0.391; P = .006), vegetable proteins ( r = 0.297; P = .048), fats/oils ( r = 0.574; P < .001), and refined cereals ( r = 0.351; P = .006). Vitamin D status and n-3 PUFA intake were related with better nutritional status and favorable lipid profile. Food groups usually found in Brazilian traditional meals (characterized by rice, beans, meat, and vegetables) were associated with higher n-3 PUFA intake, which may contribute to prevent the development of noncommunicable diseases in adolescence and adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most contemporary Western cultures are characterized by fatphobia. The fat body is seen as morally incorrect, a sign of disease, loss of control and weakness. People with obesity and overweight, especially women, are discriminated against and stigmatized for their body size, including by health professionals like dietitians. This study sought to understand and compare social representations of obesity and overweight among dietitians and laywomen from three nationalities: Brazilian, French and Spanish. A qualitative and comparative methodology was established based on 131 semi-structured individual interviews. The analysis revealed that the categories of overweight and obesity were negatively perceived by laywomen and dietitians from all three nationalities. Moral discourses linking these conditions with lack of discipline and a lack of emotional control were frequently used. Fatness was associated with irrationality, putting individuals who were overweight and obese in a position of social and moral inferiority. In the case of obesity, these ideas were more discriminatory and stigmatizing. Although environmental, genetic, hereditary or metabolic causes were mentioned as factors causing obesity, behavioural aspects occupied a central place in the discourses. Differences were also observed among the three nationalities. Cultural factors related to the relationship with body and food seemed to influence the interviewees' social representations. Brazilian laywomen and dietitians put more emphasis on moral and individual aspects. Spanish, French and informants who were overweight were more likely to cite physiological and environmental determinants. French informants also mentioned the role of food education given by parents. In conclusion, the discourses of professionals and laywomen had more similarities than differences, were based on moral and normative judgements and influenced by sociocultural norms. Fatphobic attitudes may impact dietitians' perception of patients with obesity and the eating education process. • Fatphobia is widespread among Brazilian, French and Spanish dietitians and laywomen. • The discourses of professionals and laywomen had more similarities than differences. • Fatness was associated with irrationality, lack of discipline and control. • Behavioural aspects occupied a central place in the discourses on obesity causes. • The construction of fatphobic discourses is also modelled by cultural aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were: 1) identify the state anxiety, trait anxiety levels and perceived stress levels of food handlers and; 2) Verify the association of these scores with food safety variables like: food safety knowledge, attitudes, practices and with job characteristics. This study involved 183 randomly selected food handlers from different food businesses in Santos city, Brazil, as follows: street food kiosks, beach kiosks, restaurants, hospitals and school meal services. To evaluate knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practices, a structured questionnaire was used. Observed practices were evaluated using a checklist. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory – STAI was applied to assess the levels of state and trait anxiety with a score range from 10 to 80. To evaluate stress the Perceived Stress Questionnaire – PSQ was used with a score range from zero to one. Food handlers presented 39.22; 10.1 (mean; standard deviation) of state anxiety score, 39.58; 9.6 of trait anxiety score and a perceived stress score of 0.36; 0.09. Observed practices presented a weak negative correlation with state anxiety ( r = −0.26; p = 0.014) but not with trait anxiety ( r = −0.18; p = 0.09) and stress ( r = 0.03; p = 0.78). Using generalized linear models were observed that a higher stress level, trait anxiety and state anxiety were found in food handlers who do not participated in food safety training and with lower knowledge scores of food safety. These findings show that training can not only improve knowledge but possibly empower food handlers, increase their self-efficacy and reduce anxiety and stress levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mandatory information was stated correctly on the packaging of food bars. • Front-of-pack claims obeyed legislation, indicating that products might be healthy. • Ingredients lists showed that food bars were ultra-processed, therefore unhealthy. • Differing information between FoP claims and composition show laws need reformulation. This article compares information on the labels of Brazilian food bars with National Health Surveillance Agency legislation. Twenty-six brands of food bars were identified, comprising 50 commercial lines and 153 flavors. The marketing appeal to consumers on the front of pack labeling appeared in many ways to identify these products with a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. However, mandatory information was hard to see, both on the packaging and online, making it difficult for consumer to access. Most of the information on labels followed current legislation, but nutritional irregularities were identified since most bars were ultra-processed and one had incorrect information on the label. The claim that these foods are healthy reinforces the need to reformulate nutrition labeling in Brazil to facilitate identification of nutritional quality/value of foods as part of healthy and sustainable diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of Brazil's staple food, rice, beans and manioc, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) in adults assisted by a Brazilian Family Doctor Program (FDP). Methods: The baseline information was collected on visits to 13 units of the FDP from July 2006 to December 2007 (CAMELIA Study). The units were revisited by trained researchers between July and December 2011, who reviewed medical records of all participants of the baseline. Biochemical, anthropometrical and blood pressure measurements, new diagnoses, and medical prescriptions were collected. Individuals ages ≥ 20 y, who were non-diabetic at baseline were included (N = 409). Food consumption was estimated using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Incident of diabetes was classified according to fasting serum glucose (126 mg/dL), individual's use of antidiabetic drugs, and/or diagnosis of diabetes described in the medical record. Individuals who were negative at baseline and also were negative for the above conditions were classified as non-diabetics. Results: Individuals who developed T2DM (N = 30) reported higher consumption of red meat and beans and less consumption of cassava our, independent of the interval between visits and other potential confounding variables. The cassava our showed a protective effect (relative risk, 0.910; 95% confidence interval, 0.842-0.982). Conclusions: The consumption of cassava our, a low-cost product, could be considered in diets for the prevention and control of diabetes. The hypothesis must be investigated in cohorts from different populations and tested in randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To validate an adapted instrument that assesses the nutritional environment of food stores in Brazilian urban areas. Methods: The instrument measured aspects of food environment such as availability, prices, and quality. The Harvard Healthy Eating Pyramid and the degree of processing were used to define healthy foods. The sample included 44 food stores in 3 census tracts in the city of Santos. Inter-rater reliability and stability coefficient were obtained with measurements performed by different individuals at different times. Internal consistency and construct validity were assessed by Cronbach a and the known-groups comparison method, respectively. Results: Inter-rater reliability was high. The mean intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.98 and the mean kappa was 0.77. Cronbach a values ranged from .68 to .93. Conclusions and Implications: The instrument can be useful in the development of interventions to promote healthy eating through actions focused on healthy food availability in Brazilian communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Information on the main dietary sources of sodium is essential for developing public health strategies to reduce sodium intake. This study aimed to describe sodium intake according to sex, age, and income and identify the main dietary sources of sodium in Brazil. In total, 34,003 subjects aged 10 years and older participated in the first Brazilian National Dietary Survey, conducted in 2008-2009. Food was classified according to the sodium profile into 31 groups based on a 1-day food record. The daily per capita intake of sodium (mg/day) and sodium density (mg/100 g) were estimated for each food group and stratified by sex, age, and per capita income quartile. The average daily intake of sodium was 3,190 mg/day. The sodium density of the diet increased with age and income (P<0.05). Food groups with the highest densities for both sexes and across all income quartiles included salty preserved meats (997 mg/100 g), processed meats (974 mg/100 g), cheeses (883 mg/100 g), crackers (832 mg/100 g), sandwiches (800 mg/100 g), pizza (729 mg/100 g), and breads (646 mg/100 g), as well as oils, spreads, sauces, and condiments (804 mg/100 g). Altogether, these food groups contributed to 811 mg/day of sodium, which is more than half of the recommended daily sodium intake. Mean sodium intake in Brazil exceeded the tolerable upper intake level of 2,300 mg/day. Processed food contributed to half of the recommended intake and should be targeted by future public health policies aiming at reducing total sodium intake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We studied hawksbills from Brazilian feeding aggregates and nesting colonies to ascertain the origin and genealogical relationship of individuals in the largest southern Atlantic remnant population by using sequences of the mitochondrial (mtDNA) control region and five autosomal genes. A phylogeographic analysis of 246 hawksbills showed four distinct mtDNA haplogroups in the feeding grounds, while only one was found in Brazilian rookeries. We found significant differences among nesting sites in Brazil, and among them and other rookeries worldwide. Differences among Brazilian feeding aggregation sites and others around the world were also found. We were able to show that hawksbills from feeding aggregates at the Brazilian islands of Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll were mainly derived from Brazilian and Caribbean rookeries, although some were related to individuals from the eastern Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, indicating large transoceanic migrations for this species. The nuclear data presented no structure and no signal of demographic change. Mixed stock analyses indicated that Brazilian rookeries contribute mostly to Brazilian feeding grounds, and in a smaller proportion to feeding aggregations in the Caribbean and eastern Atlantic. Finally, hybrids found frequently in rookeries of the Bahia State are not present in the feeding grounds, and thus, may display different feeding and migratory behaviors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To estimate the nutritional risk in children 2 to 6 y old. Methods: The sample consisted of 3058 children enrolled in public and private schools in nine Brazilian cities. The assessment of nutrient intake was based on 1-d data combining direct individual weighing of foods and a food diary. A second evaluation of food consumptionwas conducted in a subsample to estimate the usual intake. Results: There was low prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamin B6 (<0.001%), riboflavin (<0.001%), niacin (<0.001%), thiamin (<0.001%), folate (<0.001%), phosphorus (<0.1%), magnesium (<0.1%), iron (<0.5%), copper (<0.001%), zinc (<0.5%), and selenium (<0.001%). However, 22% of children younger than 4 y and 5% of children older than 4 y consumed fiber quantities larger than the adequate intake. Approximately 30% of the sample consumed more saturated fat than recommended. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin E intake ranged from 15% to 29%. More than 90% of the children had an inadequate vitamin D intake. In children older than 4 y, the prevalence of inadequate calcium intake was approximately 45%. Sodium intake was higher than the upper intake level in 90% of children younger than 4 y and 73% of children older than 4 y. Conclusions: The prevalence of inadequate dietary intake was low for most nutrients. However, fiber, calcium, and vitamin D and E intakes were lower than recommended. Moreover, children consumed large amounts of sodium and saturated fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterial pathogen of great concern to food industry. This is mainly due to its capacity to grow at low temperatures, its wide distribution in the environment and ability to adhere to various surfaces that come into contact with food. The aim of this study was to investigate the clonal relationship among L. monocytogenes isolates. Our purpose was to better understand the diversity of this pathogen in foods and food production chains in southern Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). Forty four L. monocytogenes strains were characterized by serotyping and PFGE. Six different serotypes were found in the food and food environment (1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, 3a, 4b, 4e) and combination of macrorestriction patterns using AscI and ApaI, yielded 29 different pulsotypes. Strains with identical restriction patterns were isolated from foods of different sources and environments at different times. The presence of persistent strains of L. monocytogenes emphasizes the importance of cross-contamination in these food processing environments. It is likely that this occurs mainly due to ineffective cleaning and sanitization procedures, which allow for the survival and adaptation of these strains in the food processing environment, thereby causing persistence and contamination of final products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A total of 13,556 samples of 22 fruit and vegetable crops, rice, and beans were analyzed within two Brazilian pesticide residue monitoring programs between 2001 and 2010. Pesticide residues were found in 48.3% of the samples, and 13.2% presented some irregularity, mostly non-authorized active ingredient use. Less than 3% of the samples had residue levels above the MRL. Apple, papaya, sweet pepper and strawberry were the crops with the higher percentages of positive samples (about 80%). Dithiocarbamates and organophosphorus compounds were found in 41.6% and 30.8% of the samples, respectively. Carbendazim and chlorpyrifos were the pesticides most found (26.7 and 16.1% of positive samples, respectively). Almost half of the samples analyzed had multiple residues (up to 10 residues), with multiple residues most common in samples of apple, sweet pepper and tomato. About 8% of positive samples contained up to four residues of the same chemical class, mainly organophosphorus compounds (18.6%, mostly in apple) and triazoles (16.1%, mostly in papaya and grape). In general, the scenario of pesticide residues in foods investigated within the Brazilian governmental monitoring programs in the last decade is similar to what has been found in other countries. However, the use of non-authorized active ingredients is a common practice among the farmers in the country, a problem that the government authorities have been trying to solve. A preliminary cumulative acute exposure assessment for organophosphates and carbamates in apple has shown that the intake by individuals ≥10 years old accounts for 100% of the acephate ARfD, indicating a need to further investigate the exposure through the consumptions of other crops and group of pesticides, mainly for children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Little is known of copper content of Brazilian food. In this paper, copper contents of several typical Brazilian foods were determined. The samples were bought in retail stores in cities of the southeast region of Brazil. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry with wet oxidation of the organic material was employed. The highest copper content was found in beef liver (6.06 mg/100 g of fresh product). Lowest copper content was found in milk and in fish fillet, with values below 0.01 mg/100 g of fresh product. Crude beans, NescauTM and whole wheat had copper contents from 0.44 to 1.04 mg/100 g of fresh food. Other foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grain products, baked products, roots and meat products had copper contents varying from 0.02 to 0.41 mg/100 g. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The phosphate region located in the Northeast of Brazil covers an area of approximately 150km long with an average width of 4km, along the coast of the states of Pernambuco and Paraíba. The inhabitants of this area are exposed to natural radioactivity levels higher than the background values recorded in the literature, mainly due to the presence of uranium and its decay products in the phosphatic sediments. The main aim of this study was to determine the activity concentration of uranium and 226Ra in foodstuffs cultivated in this area, where the phosphate mineral has been extracted. The activity concentrations found for uranium and 226Ra in the foodstuffs analyzed varied from 13 to 186mBqkg−1 (wet weight), with a mean value of 46mBqkg−1 and from 43 to 2209mBqkg−1 (wet weight), with a mean value of 358mBqkg−1, respectively. The annual intake of these radionuclides, for rural residents, was 7.45Bq for uranium and 69.3Bq for 226Ra. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper models retailers’ choices between public and private grades and standards (G&S) and their means of administering them. It focuses on the firm-specific factors influencing the decision. Increasing use of private G&S worldwide, particularly by large, powerful retail chains has implications for competition, participation, and the effectiveness and efficiency of public policy regarding G&S. Drawing from a study of fresh produce markets in São Paulo, Brazil, the paper shows that the importance of the product in the firm’s activities or sales, market power, scale of operations, and investment in brand capital and reputation are key firm-specific factors encouraging the use of private G&S regimes over public. Important contextual determinants are the strategic objective of the standard, the institutional environment, and the characteristics of the product and market. A range of formal and informal, private and public methods for administering G&S was found. The paper discusses policy implications of the results, focusing on issues of substitutability and complementarity between public and private G&S regimes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Until recently, Brazil did not have a national instrument with which to assess household food insecurity (FI). The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) to describe the process of adaptation and validation of the 15-item USDA FI module, and 2) to assess its validity in the city of Campinas. The USDA scale was translated into Portuguese and subsequently tested for content and face validity through content expert and focus groups made up of community members. This was followed by a quantitative validation based on a convenience (n = 125) and a representative (n = 847) sample. Key adaptations involved replacing the term "balanced meal" with "healthy and varied diet," to construct items as questions rather than statements, and to ensure that respondents understood that information would not be used to determine program eligibility. Chronbach's alpha was 0.91 and the scale item response curves were parallel across the 4 household income strata. FI severity level was strongly associated in a dose-response manner (P < 0.001) with income strata and the probability of daily intake of fruits, vegetables, meat/fish, and dairy. These findings were replicated in the 2 independent survey samples. Results indicate that the adapted version of the USDA food insecurity module is valid for the population of Campinas. This validation methodology has now been replicated in urban and/or rural areas of 4 additional states with similar results. Thus, Brazil now has a household food insecurity instrument that can be used to set national goals, to follow progress, and to evaluate its national hunger and poverty eradication programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for healthy and nutritious products as a consequence of consumers being better educated and more demanding, contributes to a continuous need for new products, and a more differentiated food product assortment. Many consumers are choosing foods closer to those ‘in natura’. This scenario contributes to the development of emerging technologies which may lead to the availability of products with better sensory and nutritional quality. However, the concern about the acceptance of such products becomes an important factor during their developments. This study aimed at evaluating the consumer attitude towards the information presented on the label about the technology used for the fruit juice processing — high pressure — by Brazilian consumers. Focus group sessions were conducted with students and housewives to obtain information about consumers’ awareness, attitudes, opinions, behaviours, and concerns toward processed foods and beverages, and to provide strategies that could aid in marketing products. A protocol delineating the sequence of question to be asked in each focus group was designed beforehand and applied to each group. Discussions were conducted with two groups each of students and of housewives. Pineapple juice labels were created by varying the nutritional, sensory, and technological information about the product were used to motivate the discussion. Although the participants in this study were very different in terms of age and level of education, most of their perceptions about the pineapple juices were similar. The students and the housewives considered the information about the technology an important factor during the product evaluation, however, the employed ladies who worked at the administrative side of a food research institution asked for more explanation about the technology in order to show the benefits it could provide to consumers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The resource nexus consists of a framework to address interlinkages between natural resources and systems that provide water, energy, food and waste management. It transcends traditional assessments conducted in "silos", raising trade-offs and synergies that are rarely acknowledged. The nexus framework is intrinsically context-specific, as each respective region has particularities in terms of critical interlinkages. Brazil is the world's eighth largest economy [1] and is heavily reliant on natural resources. This paper considers Brazil to be a textbook case for nexus research that identifies critical interlinkages that are neglected by literature, which is typically based on single-resource analysis. It proposes a research agenda to advance resource nexus assessments and improve resource governance in Brazil. We propose a novel method for nexus research, systematically reviewing geographical context-specific papers in relevant single nexus dimensions and establishing resource interlinkages that characterise research gaps and policy priorities. We found that 36% of practices reviewed involve more than one resource at a time, characterising interlinkages not analysed by the literature. Lastly, selected quantitative indicators were used to identify critical interlinkages by analysing the representativeness of practices in the national context, and the relevance of synergies or trade-offs for Brazil. Critical interlinkages in Brazil were found to be irrigation for energy crop expansion (water, food and energy); transport biofuels and fuelwood (water, energy, food); deforestation for new pasture (water, energy, food); and hydropower generation (water and energy). These are, therefore, priorities for future nexus research and for efforts to address synergies and trade-offs in resource governance. • The nexus framework assesses and emphasizes critical interlinkages across natural resources. • Critical interlinkages embedded in resource use practices were identified. • Interlinkages between water, waste, energy and food in resource use and management practices were identified. • A research agenda around resource interlinkages in Brazil was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nutritionally matched foods differed on indicators of perceived healthiness including perceived fat content. • Implicit wanting for high-fat sweet food increased after the perceived-low-fat meal. • Cognitive restraint was an independent predictor for the healthiness perception of the foods. • Cognitive restraint also moderated the impact of perceived-fat-content on subsequent food reward. The perception that a food is 'healthy' or 'low fat' has been proposed as an important issue influencing eating behaviour. This study had two aims: a) to test the perceived health value of two popular foods in Brazil and, b) to investigate the impact of consuming these foods on subsequent food reward. Individual differences in adiposity and eating behaviour traits were also explored. Twenty-four adults (36.9 ± 9.8 years) were included (10 male, 14 female), mean Body Mass Index 27.6 ± 4.1 kg/m2 and mean weight 77.4 ± 14.8 kg. They attended the laboratory on two different occasions, for Perceived high-Fat [PHF] and perceived Low-Fat [PLF] conditions. Food reward was tested by the LFPQ-BR in fasted and fed states for each condition. Two popular food in Brazil were chosen to be used as test meals and were prepared in order to be similar in terms of weight, calorie content and macronutrient composition; it was hypothesised that Coxinha [shredded chicken meat, covered in dough] (PHF condition) would be perceived as less healthy and higher fat content than a chicken sandwich (PLF condition). A paper-based visual analogue scale was used to confirm this hypothesis. Anthropometric measures (weight, height, neck and waist circumference) and eating behaviour traits scores (uncontrolled eating, cognitive restraint and emotional eating – TFEQ-R21) were undertaken. Results showed that the two nutritionally matched foods differed on several indicators of perceived healthiness including perceived fat content. Post consumption, there was an increased implicit wanting for high-fat sweet food after the PLF meal. Exploratory analyses showed that cognitive restraint was an independent predictor for the perception of the fat content of PHF and moderated the impact of PHF on implicit wanting. These findings have implications for food marketing and the role of restrained eating on food perception and food reward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]