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With the emergence of modern agronomy practices and the use of multiple synthetic pesticide agents to keep control over crop and field throughput, there lies a broad requirement for smart, accessible technologies to track pesticide contaminants in food, water, and other environmental matrices. In this work, we report at a proof of feasibility level, a sensor system to perform pesticide detection in aqueous buffers for two pesticides at the opposite ends of polarity (Atrazine and Glyphosate) in a serially combinatorial manner. The sensor construct employs a universal FR‐4 substrate gold interdigitated electrodes with active sensing elements based on selective antibodies (proteins) and polymeric network structures – poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene). Further, to determine metrics of sensor deployment in real‐case scenarios: multi‐modal (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry) and multi‐approach strategies (affinity‐binding and receptor‐free) were used to obtain sensing measurements. Higher specificity repeatable outputs were obtained with the affinity‐based method while greater sensitivity by means of dynamic range (0.5 ng/ml–10 μg/ml for Glyphosate and 10 fg/ml–1 ng/ml for Atrazine) and limit of detection (0.5 ng/ml for Glyphosate and 1 fg/ml for Atrazine) was determined via receptor‐free direct approach for both pesticides. This serves as a first‐step study to perform potential combinatorial assessment and subsequently‐multiplexed analysis of pesticide antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh foods are vulnerable to foodborne pathogens which cause foodborne illness and endanger people's life and safety. The rapid detection of foodborne pathogens is crucial for food safety surveillance. An in situ -synthesized gene chip for the detection of foodborne pathogens on fresh-cut fruits and vegetables was developed. The target genes were identified and screened by comparing the specific sequences of Salmonella Typhimurium, Vibrio parahemolyticus , Staphylococcus aureus , Listeria monocytogenes , and Escherichia coli O157:H7 from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Tiling array probes were designed to target selected genes in an optimized hybridization system. A total of 141 specific probes were selected from 3,227 hybridization probes, comprising 26 L. monocytogenes , 24 S. aureus , 25 E. coli O157:H7, 20 Salmonella Typhimurium, and 46 V. parahemolyticus probes that are unique to this study. The optimized assay had strong amplification signals and high accuracy. The detection limit for the five target pathogens on fresh-cut cantaloupe and lettuce was approximately 3 log cfu/g without culturing and with a detection time of 24 h. The detection technology established in this study can rapidly detect and monitor the foodborne pathogens on fresh-cut fruits and vegetables throughout the logistical distribution chain, i.e., processing, cleaning, fresh-cutting, packaging, storage, transport, and sale, and represents a valuable technology that support the safety of fresh agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certified Food Manager (CFM) training can help ensure proper food safety practices for decreasing risk factor violations associated with foodborne illness. However, the effectiveness of food safety management also depends on the authority of the person in charge (PIC) and the added value of third-party inspectors auditing food safety policies and practices. To examine the effect of food safety management characteristics on risk factor violations cited on routine inspections, we evaluated results of 546 routine inspections in the cities of Bloomington and Richfield, MN, between 2016 and 2017. Food establishment management was characterized by the presence of a CFM of record for the establishment, whether the PIC was certified, and whether the establishment used a third-party inspector to audit food safety policies and practices. For each of these food safety management characteristics, the establishment had fewer risk factor observations that were out of compliance during routine inspections. The relationship between the establishment’s food safety management characteristics and either the percentage of observations out of compliance or the inspections with observations out of compliance differed by risk factor category. For preventing contamination by hands, the lowest rates were found for inspections in which the CFM of record was the PIC. However, for potentially hazardous food time and temperature violations, establishments that used third-party inspectors had lower percentages of both observations and inspections out of compliance across all categories of management characteristics. The results of our study support the recommendations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding CFMs. However, our findings also suggest greater complexity in the characteristics of food safety management, which include the role of third-party inspectors and whether a CFM is acting in the role of the CFM of record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) is a powerful method to observe and detect a large panel of molecules. Through the highly enhanced Raman signal, it is possible to identify a very low concentration of molecules and to improve the limit of detection in sensor applications. In this paper, we propose a review on the use of SERS as sensor for the detection of food contaminants. We describe the different approaches and methods proposed in the literature for such detection as well as the main sensing characteristics provided by the use of this technique. All these results will be discussed and compared with other detection methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviewing the presence of contaminant residues is important both for food safety and for monitoring of environmental pollution. Here, the occurrence of 6 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 15 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 4 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 17 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was evaluated in mussels and clams. A liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) and an innovative QuEChERS extraction followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) methods were developed, validated and applied. We demonstrate good linearity, repeatability and accuracy of these methods, confirming that they are suitable for the analyses of mollusc samples. The prevalence of PCBs, OCPs and PAHs was higher in mussels than in clams. For PFASs, contamination was higher in clams than in mussels. The samples were all compliant with the regulations, and, for the compounds without legislative limits, a risk assessment confirmed that the values were lower than the tolerable intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of black tea residues (Camellia sinens) for preparation of culture media for growth biological resistance fungal Trichoderma harizanum with added (200 g) of powdered tea residue after sterilized to (20 g) of molasses as food for the growth of fungus and (20 g) of hardened of media (Agar). After the solubility of the ingredients was well sterilized the autoclave was sterilized at (121°C) and (15 lb)and for 60 minutes, then pour the medium into plastic petri dishes and leaved to harden and cool. Then, dish the dishes with a piece of laboratory fungus by using a 3-pinch cutter and 3 replicates for each medium made from tea leaves and culture medium (PDA) and placed in the middle of the dish, For (1-7) days at 37C°. The diameter of the developing colony of the tested fungi was measured on the steel medium and compared with the comparison treatment, which included the growth of the fungus on the PDA medium without any addition for 1-7 days and 37°C. The results showed no significant differences between the two culture mediums in the development of T. harizanum despite of the superiority of tea residue in the growth density of the tested fungus. Measure the wet weight and dry weight of the fungus The results showed an increase in the percentage of liquid tea leaves on the liquid food medium (PDB). The wet weight of the fungus on the middle of the tea residue was 13.28g and the dry weight was 1.96g. The comparison was wet weight (11.12 g) for laboratory fungi and total organic carbon content of tea residues, estimated at 0.288% was calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiabendazole, a systemic fungicide used to treat vegetables and fruits during postharvest process, persists as detrimental residue to consumers. We combine a molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to form a novel MISPE-SERS chemosensor and determined thiabendazole in orange juice. Kinetic and static adsorption tests validated the efficient and selective adsorption of thiabendazole using synthesized MIPs via precipitation polymerization. Synthesized MIPs were packed into solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge to serve as tailor-made sorbents for the separation of thiabendazole in orange juice. Silver colloids synthesized by reduction of AgNO 3 by trisodium citrate were used as SERS-active substrate to quantify the eluted thiabendazole from MISPE. The overall process including sample preparation and detection took 23 min and the limit of detection of this chemosensor was 4 ppm for thiabendazole in orange juice. This chemosensor can be used for rapid and sensitive detection of thiabendazole in agri-foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium is an important environmental contaminant. High consumption of chemical fertilizers and industrial activities in recent decades has caused people to be worried about exposure to cadmium. There is no policy for environmental and biological monitoring of exposure to cadmium in the general population in Iran. This study was aimed to review cadmium content in consuming foods and biological samples in Iran, systematically. We developed a comprehensive search strategy and used it to search on Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Scientific Information Database until 28 December 2016. The totals of 285 articles were identified and finally 31 original papers were selected. Cadmium contamination was found in Iranian food groups such as rice, cereal and legumes, canned tuna fish, vegetables, fruit juice, and egg. This study showed that cadmium amount in 75% of the consumed rice samples (domestic and imported) was higher than the maximum limits approved by institute of standards and industrial research of Iran. Lettuce samples in Yazd were recorded the highest concentration of cadmium compared to other studies. In addition, high amount of cadmium was observed in the blood of the general population. Regarding the cadmium contamination in food and blood samples in Iran, policies must be adopted to reduce exposure to cadmium through different matrices as much as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four drying methods, viz hot air drying (HD), vacuum drying (VD), microwave-vacuum drying (MVD), and vacuum freeze-drying (FD), were used to dry white Hypsizygus marmoreus (WHM). The volatile and taste components of the dried WHM were comparatively analysed by electronic nose technology (E-nose) and head-space solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GS-MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that E-nose could distinguish fresh WHM and four dried products clearly. Dominant volatile components in fresh WHM were found to be 1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanone, and (E)-2-nonenal. However, it was found that the drying methods caused damage to the 8-carbon compounds (C8), especially to 8-carbon alcohol greatly. For instance, HD produced more ester materials, MVD yielded more aldehyde compounds, FD brought more hydrocarbon products, and VD produced more ketone substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria contaminated liquid food and water, along with the harmful byproducts from chemical disinfection methods, raise concerns to the public health. This article investigated the inactivation of bacteria in liquid food and water using the pilot-scale concentrated high intensity electric field (CHIEF) system. By generating a strong alternate electric field in a small region of the reactor, the pilot CHIEF system was able to inactivate microbes at a continuous operation. Compared with other disinfection methods, the CHIEF system used relatively less energy density to decontaminate and required a shorter treatment time. The mildest energy density required was 500 kJ/L to obtain a 5-log reduction for Escherichia coli, at the minimum treatment time of 4.7 ms. An electric field analysis was performed using both an equivalent-circuit model and numerical simulation. A logarithm function model and a Weibull model were used to describe the effects of energy density and treatment time on the disinfection effectiveness of the CHIEF system. The CHIEF system was compared with other water disinfection methods in multiple aspects, such as treatment time and energy consumption. Practical applications The concentrated high intensity electric field (CHIEF) process presented in this study is a continuous process that can be used to decontaminate liquid food or water. The process operates under non-thermal conditions, which protects the nutrient and flavor of the food. The process uses alternate electric supply at a relatively low voltage (≤ 10 kV) and frequency (60 Hz). The reactor design and material selection enable a strong electric field to form within the treatment region, allowing the inactivation of microbes without using the pulsed energy. As a result, the process can achieve effective decontamination under a relatively short treatment time (4.7 ms) and moderate energy cost (500 kJ/L). Since the process eliminates the use of pulse generators, it requires less capital investment and has more scale-up potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the use of chloramphenicol (CAP) as a veterinary drug is banned in the European Union and many other countries, monitoring for CAP residues in food is routine. Positive detections are few, but taken extremely seriously. European Union laboratories analysing for CAP should validate methods according to European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, must be accredited to ISO 17025, and will generally participate in proficiency testing (PT) schemes, such as those offered by the Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS®). The FAPAS PTs aim to cover a wide range of relevant matrices including honey, prawns, fish, milk and kidney. Test materials are prepared either by animal dosing studies or by spiking raw matrix. The most common method reported by FAPAS participants used to screen for CAP residues is LC-MS/MS, but ELISA kits are increasingly being used. A recent PT round highlighted that the result obtained might be correlated with the type of analytical method being employed. Follow-up investigations have demonstrated that some of these variations in data are a function of the different stereoisomeric forms of CAP. This paper discusses the implication of this research on method validation requirements and European Union legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nitroimidazoles are not authorised for the treatment of honey bees in the European Union. However, they can be found in honey largely because they are illegally used in apiculture for the treatment of Nosema. The aim of the study was to examine the possible transfer of nitroimidazoles (metronidazole, ronidazole, dimetridazole and ipronidazole) from contaminated beeswax to honey. The wax foundations fortified with a mixture of four nitroimidazoles at three concentration levels (1000, 10,000 and 100,000 μg kg–1) were placed in beehives to let the honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) draw out the contaminated wax foundations to honeycombs. At 1 month from the start, the frames filled with capped honey were removed from the hives for a first sampling of honey. Next, the honeycombs were further incubated for 5 months in the laboratory at 35°C and sampled monthly. In the sampled honey, the concentrations of nitroimidazoles and their main metabolites (hydroxymetronidazole, 2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, hydroxyipronidazole) were determined by LC-MS/MS and compared with those determined in the nitroimidazole-containing wax foundations. Each of the tested nitroimidazoles could migrate from beeswax to honey kept in the contaminated combs at each tested concentration level. Higher maximum concentrations of residues in honey sampled from contaminated combs at 1000, 10,000 and 100,000 μg kg–1 were observed for metronidazole (28.9, 368.5 and 2589.4 μg kg–1 respectively) and ronidazole (27.4, 232.9 and 2351.2 μg kg–1 respectively), while lower maximum concentrations were measured for dimetridazole (0.98, 8.4 and 67.7 μg kg–1) and ipronidazole (0.9, 7.9 and 35.7 μg kg–1 respectively). When we took into account that a frame completely filled with honey on both sides of the comb contained 110 g of beeswax and 2488 g of honey, and that this ratio was constant, then maximum amounts of initial metronidazole, ronidazole, dimetridazole and ipronidazole that migrated from contaminated wax foundations to honey could be calculated: 65–89%, 55–63%, 1.7–2.7% and 1.4–2.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-day-old chickens were individually orally treated with chloramphenicol at a dose of 100 mg per kg of body weight per day for three consecutive days. After the final treatment, the groups of six birds were sacrificed in seven-day intervals up to 42 days. The muscle tissue collected from the breasts and legs of each bird was individually examined for the presence of chloramphenicol residues using a GC/MS-NCI analytical method, which was validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The decision limit (CCα) obtained for the method was 0.05 ng g−1. The results showed a rapid decrease of chloramphenicol concentration in the muscle tissue after termination of the treatment, but also showed a relatively long persistence of low residue concentrations. Levels of chloramphenicol in muscle tissue averaged 64 ng g−1seven days after the final treatment and fell to 0.21 ng g−1after 35 days. All animals tested on the 35th day after the final treatment showed detectable chloramphenicol concentrations above the decision limit of the method used. No residues were detected in the animal tissues 42 days after the end of the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To investigate potential residues in tissues arising from naturally occurring low levels of chloramphenicol in plant material, feeding studies were conducted with chickens. A common chicken feed was prepared containing 0, 10, 50 and 200 μg kg−1 chloramphenicol and levels were confirmed by LC-MS/MS. Four separate groups of broiler chickens, eight animals in each group, were fed all their 35-day life with this contaminated feed. They were allowed ad libitum access to this feed and fresh water. After slaughtering the chickens, the residues in muscle and liver tissues were determined using GC/MS-NCI method. No residues were detected in tissues of animals from groups fed with feed containing 0, 10 or 50 µg kg−1. Low chloramphenicol residual concentrations were observed in a few of the muscle samples obtained from the group of chickens fed with feed containing chloramphenicol in added concentration 200 µg kg−1. No residues were detected in the remaining samples of this group. These results indicate that when residues of chloramphenicol are detected it is in all probability through illegal use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new, simple and fast method was developed for the determination of multi-class antibiotic residues in honey (sulfonamides, tetracyclines, macrolides, lincosamides and aminoglycosides). Separation and determination were carried out by LC-MS/MS. During sample preparation, various parameters affecting extraction efficiency were examined, including the type of solvent, pH, efficiencies of cleavage of N-glycosidic linkages by hydrochloric acid, ultrasonic extraction and its duration compared with shaking, along with dispersive SPE clean-up. Experiments with fortified samples demonstrated that 10 min of ultrasonic treatment with acidified methanol (HCl 2 M) followed by dispersive SPE clean-up with 50 mg PSA gave an effective sample preparation method for several classes of antibiotics in honey. Anhydroerythromycin A, erythromycin A enol ether and desmycosin were used as markers for the presence of erythromycin A and tylosin A in honey samples. The method was validated according to European Commission Decision (EC) No. 2002/657. The recoveries of analytes ranged from 85% to 111%. Repeatability and intra-laboratory reproducibility were < 20.6% and 26.8%, respectively. Decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ) ranged from 6 to 9 µg kg–1 and from 7 to 13 µg kg–1, respectively, except for streptomycin and neomycin, which showed slightly higher CCα at 25 µg kg–1 and CCβ at 34 µg kg–1. Finally, the method was applied to the honey test material 02270 through a FAPAS proficiency test (PT) for the determination of tetracyclines. PT results were obtained within a z-score range of ±2, proving that the validated method is suitable for routine analysis to ensure the quality of honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead isotopic ratios (LIR) of eight common food items, street dust, coal, diesel, sediments, lead ore and rainwater from India have been reported for the first time in this paper. This study characterized the source and extent of lead pollution in the different foodstuff consumed in Kolkata, a major metropolis of eastern India. The atmospheric lead input to the food items, sold openly in busy roadside markets of the city, has been quantified. The mean 207/206 and 208/206 LIRs of the eight food items ranged from 0.8847 to 0.8924 and 2.145 to 2.167, respectively. Diesel had the highest mean 207/206 and 208/206 values of 0.9015 and 2.1869, respectively, apart from the lead ore. The food items had a mean lead concentration between 3.78 and 43.35 mg kg. The two ratio scatter plots of all the different environmental matrices were spread linearly between the uncontaminated Ichapur sediment and diesel. The 207/206 LIRs of the coal with a mean of 0.8777 did not fall in the linear trend, while the street dust and food samples overlapped strongly. The rainwater sample had a 207/206 LIR of 0.9007. Contaminated sediments in Dhapa, the repository of the city's municipal garbage, had a mean 207/206 LIR of 0.8658. The corresponding value obtained from the sewage-fed vegetable grown there was 0.8058. The present study indicated that diesel was one of the main contributor to Pb pollution. The atmospheric lead contribution to the food items was in the range of 68.48-86.66 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare via internet-of-things (IoT) for protection against consumption of contaminated foods was demonstrated via immuno-analysis of pathogenic bacteria and the sharing of results using a mobile device. As wireless internet has spread widely over the world, it can be readily used to communicate information related to, for example, human health. Indeed, some institutes have demonstrated the measurement of physical vital signals (e.g., temperature, pulse, and heartbeat) of the body for monitoring through a smartphone. However, biochemical analytes such as proteins and bacteria are currently difficult to measure based on antigen-antibody binding due to several technological barriers. Among them, the terminal unit of detection for, for instance, pathogens is mostly bulky, insensitive, or even expensive for sophisticated devices. We have studied the use of CMOS image sensor (CIS) for detecting the signal produced from an immuno-analytical system, which could resolve the detection issue hindering monitoring via IoT. In this study, an immunosensor system using CIS for detection means was fabricated to pocket-sized dimensions and then employed for determining a food-borne pathogen, the Vibrio species, in real samples. The analysis was controlled and monitored using a smartphone that was also used to upload the result as data to the internet server for sharing with the public. To our knowledge, this study could be the first exemplification of pathogen monitoring via IoT in the field of healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterize short- and long-term risk for consumers associated with dietary intake of pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, and other foodstuffs available on the Polish market based on 2010–2013 official surveillance results. Among 779 samples collected from 2010 to 2013 no pesticide residue was found in 39.7% samples while 58.5% contained residues at or below the EU Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). Non-compliances (residues above the respective MRLs) were found in 14 samples (1.8%). Most of the estimated daily intakes were well below 1% of respective acceptable daily intake (ADI) values. The highest intake for children and adults was about 7% and 1.5% of ADI, respectively. For non-compliant results acute risk was characterized. Predicted short-term intakes for children and adults ranged from 0.7% to 425%, and from 0.2% to 100% of respective acute reference dose, respectively. Results of chronic risk characterization show that consumers in Poland are adequately protected; however, incidental cases where residue levels may potentially pose a threat to consumers’ health due to acute exposure cannot be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

BACKGROUND Fruit and vegetables are frequently treated with fungicides to reduce possible spoilage. As a result, fungicide residues may be accumulated in derived products. This important group of chemical compounds has been heavily regulated because of their potential toxicity. Therefore, a simple and rapid method to determine fungicides is desired. RESULTS A simple non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) method based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) has been proposed for the determination of imazalil, prochloraz and thiabendazole fungicides in fruits and juice samples. Separation buffer consisted of a methanol-acetonitrile mixture (35:65, v/v) containing 30 mmol L−1 ammonium chloride and 0.5% phosphoric acid. The optimum DLLME conditions were 80 µL trichloromethane as extraction solvent, 0.5 mL tetrahydrofuran as disperser solvent, sample solution pH at 6.0, 5% (w/v) NaCl and 10 s extraction time. Recoveries obtained for various samples ranged from 72% to 102%, with relative standard deviation lower than 6.4%. The limits of detection ranged from 0.47 to 0.72 µg kg−1. CONCLUSION The proposed method takes the advantages of DLLME and NACE. It is rapid, accurate, sensitive and reproducible for the determination of imazalil, prochloraz and thiabendazole in fruit samples. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal and metalloid contamination in food resulting from mining is of major concern due to the potential risk involved. Food consumption is the most likely route of human exposure to metals. This study was therefore to assess metals in different organs and different animal species near gold mines used for human consumption (free-range chicken, goat and sheep) in Tarkwa, Ghana, and to estimate the daily intake and health risk. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were measured with an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer and Hg analysis was done using the mercury analyzer. Principal component analysis of the results showed a clear separation between chicken, grouped on one side, and the ruminants clustered on another side in both offal and muscle. Interestingly, As, Cd, Hg, Mn and Pb made one cluster in the offal of chicken. Chicken muscle also showed similar distribution with As, Hg and Pb clustered together. The daily intake of metals (μg/kg body weight/day) were in the following ranges; As [0.002 (kidneys of goat and sheep)–0.19 (chicken gizzard)], Cd [0.003 (chicken muscle)–0.55 (chicken liver)], Hg [0.002 (goat muscle)–0.29 (chicken liver)], Pb [0.01 (muscles and kidneys of goat and sheep)–0.96 (chicken gizzard)] and Mn [0.13 (goat kidney)–8.92 (sheep liver)]. From the results, daily intakes of As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Mn in these food animals were low compared to the provisional tolerable daily intake guidelines. The THQs although less than one, indicated that contributions of chicken gizzard and liver to toxic metal exposure in adults and especially children could be significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the available foodstuffs (crops, milk and water), their bioaccumulation in human body and potential human health risks in Swat valley, northern Pakistan. Heavy metal concentrations in foodstuffs and human blood (adults (18-above) and children (1–12 years)) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer. The results revealed high level of Mn in foodstuffs followed by Cr>Cu>Zn>Ni>Cd>Pb, which significantly increased the levels of heavy metals in the adult׳s blood as compared to that of children in the order of Cr>Zn>Mn>Ni>Pb>Cu>Cd. Principal component analysis showed that selected foodstuffs were the possible sources of metal contamination in human blood, while correlation analysis revealed that the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in foodstuffs significantly correlated with that in human blood. Moreover, risk assessments for individual metals via foodstuffs were found within safe limits, except for Cd (HQ>1); Whereas, for aggregate multiple metals the risk was calculated as 3.97E+00 (HI>1), in which water and milk were perceived as the greater contributors (81 percent) to HI; while fruits, grains and vegetables contributed 5 percent each, and pulses 4 percent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T-2 toxin is one of the most potent cytotoxic and food-borne mycotoxins. Most experimental studies on the T-2 toxin have been performed at extremely low doses (ppb level). However, several field reports of contaminated feed have shown concentration of T-2 toxin to be as high as ≥20 ppm. Therefore, the impact of high dose T-2 toxin (20 ppm) after subacute exposure was investigated in an experimental setup with respect to growth performance, oxidative stress, and detailed pathomorphology in young male Wistar rats. Furthermore, to see the effect of such a high dose on the accumulation of T-2 toxin, its residues in various organs were quantified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Apart from obvious clinical toxicosis, rats in the toxin-fed group showed significant hemato-biochemical alterations and increased levels of biological markers of oxidative stress with concomitant decrease in levels of serum and tissue catalase and superoxide dismutase. These alterations were strongly supported by histopathological changes, such as hyperkeratosis and hyperplasia of the squamous gastric mucosa, oxidative damage to hepatocytes, atrophy of the thymus and spleen, and overall decrease in the spermatogenic activity of testes. An economical, simple, reliable, and quick method for the detection and quantification of T-2 toxin residues by HPTLC is also reported here. No residual T-2 toxin was detected in any of the organs tested, suggesting that T-2 toxin does not accumulate in tissues even at such a high exposure level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates strongly and adversely affect reproduction, development and liver function. We did a cumulative risk assessment for simultaneous exposure to nine phthalates using the hazard index (HI) and the levels of nine phthalates in 1200 foodstuff samples. DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) present the highest level (mean: 0.443 mg/kg) in 1200 samples, and the highest average daily dose (ADD) was found in DEHP, ΣDBP(i + n) (the sum of dibutyl phthalate [DBP] isomers [DnBP + DiBP]) posed the highest risk potential of all the phthalates. In seven phthalates, the 95th percentiles of the ADDs for ΣDBP(i + n) in 0–6-yr-old children accounted for 91% (79–107%) of the tolerable daily intake, and the 95th percentiles of the HIs for the anti-androgenic effects of five phthalates in 0–3-yr-old children and 4–6-yr-old girls were >1. We conclude that the health of younger Taiwanese may be adversely affected by overexposure of phthalate-contaminated foods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A survey of honey samples from different geographical and botanical origins, including some samples collected from a fire-affected area in Spain, was conducted to assess their content of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The levels of the determined toxic elements (Pb, Cd, As, and Sn) were low and were in the range of those reported by other studies. In our work the total amount of heavy metals and Pb was higher in dark honeys than in pale honeys. In the collected samples, no detectable levels of the 15 PAHs studied were found. The obtained data served to assess the levels of heavy metals and PAHs in honey samples from different geographical and environmental origins and to contribute to the scarce data about pollutant content of this matrix. In light of these results, the analyzed samples do hot pose any serious concern to human health, and the data obtained in this study could serve to contribute to the establishment of specific maximum limits for honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used micro-PIXE to investigate the distribution of Cs and Rb in rice grains. We succeeded, for the first time, in measuring the elemental distributions in entire rice grains (with dimensions of 6.25 mm 6.25 mm) at micrometer spatial resolution. We found that Cs and Rb accumulated in the bran and germ of the rice. The distributions of P, K, Rb and Cs were similar within the rice grain. The concentrations of Cs and Rb in the rice were proportional to those in the soil, as well as to the exposure time. The uptake of Rb was significantly larger than that of Cs. Furthermore, the behavior of Rb was similar to that of Cs in the micrometer-scale regions in plants. It follows that the distribution of Rb can be used to investigate the behavior of radioactive Cs in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in milk samples in Mashhad in Iran. A total of 60 milk samples were collected from retail stores of five regions in June 2011. The occurrence and concentration range of AFM1 in the samples were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography method. AFM1 was found in 100% of the examined milk samples by average concentration of 16.16 ng/L and the contamination level ranging between 2 and 64 ng/L. The concentration of AFM1 in all the samples was lower than the Iranian national standard and Food and Drug Administration limit (500 ng/L), and only in one (1.6%) of the samples, the concentration of AFM1 was greater than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/L) accepted by European Union and Codex Alimentarius Commission. Statistical evaluation showed no significant difference between the mean concentrations of AFM1 in milk samples taken from different regions (p > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Japanese government ordered the analysis of thousands of foods after the Fukushima nuclear accident to ascertain compliance with regulatory limits for anthropogenic radionuclides in food. Four hundred and forty-five samples obtained until 31 December 2011 from 11 prefectures exceeded the regulatory limits that were in force until 31 March 2012. The possibility of these 445 samples representing localized areas of high radiocesium concentration was investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the radiocesium activity ratio (134Cs/137Cs) in foods from each geographic area to possibly identify the radioactive signature of the four different reactors (i.e., four independent sources) in the distinct regions. The average 134Cs/137Cs activity ratio was 0.98 ± 0.01 for all samples. However, no statistically significant deviations from this value could be confirmed in the various regions. Therefore, we conclude that the releases from reactor No. 4 (carrying a significantly smaller activity ratio) are assumed to be small when compared with the other three reactor releases. The individual radioisotopic signatures of reactors No. 1, 2, and 3 could not be identified in various Japanese regions using the food samples, indicating integral radiocesium contamination from these sources. Subsequent releases of fission products from the reactors (e.g., after possible criticalities reported in October 2011) proved to have no impact on the radiocesium activity ratio. A discussion of the development of the regulatory limits in Japan and Europe with regard to the current limits and radiological food safety are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternaria is a cosmopolitan fungal genus that includes saprophytic, endophytic and pathogenic species, widely distributed in soil and organic matter in decomposition. Plant pathogenic species affect cereals, vegetables and fruit crops in the field and during storage. Alternaria spp. contamination is responsible for some of the world's most devastating plant diseases, causing serious reduction of crop yields and considerable economic losses. Alternaria species produce more than 70 secondary metabolites which are toxic to plants, and some of these phytotoxins have been chemically characterised and reported to act as mycotoxins to humans and animals. Exposure to Alternaria spp. toxins has been linked to a variety of adverse effects on human and animal health, including genotoxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic and cytotoxic effects. Alternaria spp. mycotoxins have been isolated from fruits (apple, pear, melon, apricot, grapes, raisins, strawberry, olive, citrus fruits and dried figs), vegetables (tomato, pepper and carrot) and tubers (potato), as well as from several processed foodstuffs manufactured with damaged raw materials (juices, preserves, sauces, etc.). Moreover, Alternaria spp. are frequently associated with allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and electron-capture negative ionization (ECNI) method was developed to quantify perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in composite dietary samples. Benzyl esterification was used for pretreatment before PFCAs analysis. This stabilized the benzyl radical leaving group preferentially, and gave carboxylic anions of the PFCAs with ECNI. The method had a low detection limit (0.3-10 pg g-1) and good recoveries (98-90%) for PFCAs with 8-14 carbon atoms (C8 to C14). The method was applied to 24-h dietary samples from subjects in Japan (Hokkaido, Kyoto, and Okinawa; 1992 to 2007, and 2009), Korea (Seoul; 1994 and 2007), and China (Beijing; 1993 and 2009). The levels of the PFCAs were between 39 and 169 ng day-1 in Korea, 58 and 71 ng day-1 in China, and 56 and 67 ng day-1 in Japan. Between the two sampling years, the total levels of PFCAs (C8 to C14) increased significantly (p < 0.05). The interaction between the sampling location in Korea and year was significant (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revised U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) method for the isolation and detection of Cronobacter from powdered infant formula was recently developed, which combines real-time PCR, chromogenic agars, and RAPID ID 32E biochemical tests. This method provides an expedient analysis within 24 to 48 h. A collaborative validation study involving four different laboratories was conducted to compare the revised FDA method with the reference FDA method using casein- and soy-based powdered infant formula inoculated with different Cronobacter strains. Valid results from 216 test portions and controls from collaborating laboratories were obtained and showed that the revised FDA method performed significantly better than the reference FDA method. Newly revised PCR protocols and VITEK 2 were also evaluated to be integrated into the complete detection procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminium ingestion through cooked food has been blamed for several human diseases. Ordinary people in sub-Saharan Africa are not mindful of the containers their food is prepared in. A comparative kinetic study, therefore, of aluminium leaching from different types of cookware traditionally used in most homesteads on the African continent has been carried out, using a spectrophotometric technique. The cookware investigated included new and old factory-made aluminium pans, new or old locally made (commonly called ‘Katwe-made’) aluminium pans, and clay pots. The results indicate that with cooked food the rate of aluminium leaching depends on the nature of cookware. Total amounts of aluminium leaching in 150 min decreased in the order: new locally-made (0.297 ± 0.002) > old locally-made > new factory-made > old factory-made aluminium saucepans > clay pots (0.081 ± 0.002 μg ml−1). Consequently, the best way to avoid accumulation of aluminium in the body among ordinary Africans is through increased awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A method to determine imazalil (allyl 1 -(2, 4-dichlorophenyl)-2-imidazol- 1-ylethyl ether) on apples using high performance liquid chromatography is described. After harvest, fruits were immersed in an aqueous suspension (1 g litre-1) and cold stored (0-2°C) at 85-90% r.h. Samples were taken monthly and imazalil was determined in the peel, outer pulp, inner pulp and on whole fruit. Residues were 3.8-4.9 mg imazalil kg-1 and decreased during storage. Most imazalil was found on the peel and amounts in the pulp decreased toward the core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the advancement of the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques in terms of their reliability, sensitivity, and specificity. They state the use of LC-MS-MS in environmental analysis and food safety to evaluate and control the risks due to the mixtures of emerging contaminants. They say that the said method is applied to determine many polar and medium-polar classes of environmental, biological, and food contamination.