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Cold-pressed hempseed oil (HO) has been increasingly exploited in the human diet for its excellent nutritional and healthy properties. However, it has a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and chlorophylls, which inevitably accelerate its oxidative deterioration, especially in the presence of light. In this scenario, the filtration technology may ameliorate the oxidative stability of the oil, with positive effects on its nutritional quality and shelf life. Therefore, in this study, the oxidative stability and minor compounds of non-filtered and filtered HO (NF-HO and F-HO) were monitored over 12 weeks of storage in transparent glass bottles. F-HO showed a better hydrolytic and oxidative status than NF-HO during storage. As a result, F-HO also displayed better preservation of total MUFAs and PUFAs in the autoxidation process. Filtration consistently reduced chlorophylls, thus causing a variation in the natural color of HO. Accordingly, F-HO not only revealed an increased resistance to photooxidation but it was also suitable for storage in clear bottles within 12 weeks. F-HO predictably showed lower carotenoids, tocopherols, polyphenols, and squalene compared to NF-HO. However, filtration appeared to play a “protective role” toward these antioxidants, which had lower degradation rates in F-HO than NF-HO for 12 weeks. Interestingly, the element profile of HO was not affected by filtration and remained stable during the study period. Overall, this study may be of practical use to both producers and marketers of cold-pressed HO.

The aim of this work was the investigation of the effect of wastewater generated from the poultry meat industry on the irrigation of olive trees, during a short time period, in order to evaluate its impact on pomological criteria and olive oil quality. Olive trees were subjected to irrigation with different water qualities: (i) poultry wastewater (PWW), (ii) poultry wastewater diluted with tap water 50:50 (v/v) (PWTWW), (iii) rain-fed cultivation system (control). The results showed that PWTWW contains the optimal mineral proportions, leading to improved pomological criteria. However, the highest significant pulp oil content was obtained using poultry wastewater irrigation (69.51%), while this was 66.71% using diluted poultry wastewater, and 58.03 % for the control. Poultry wastewater irrigation yielded the best results in oil standard quality indices. In addition, an enrichment in oil total polyphenols content was achieved. The oil fatty acid profile was not affected following irrigation with poultry wastewater. Nevertheless, there was a significant increase in the contents of oleic acid and alcohols, accompanied by a decrease in total sterols. However, heavy metals accumulation was observed in both fruits and olive oil. In conclusion, our results suggest that among the three water qualities, poultry wastewater is the best alternative to improve olive oil quality.

Sicilian dried nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) was for the first time chemically characterized in relation to the cultivar (i.e., Sanguigna, Surfarina and Muscaredda) and the pruning season (i.e., January-February and June-July 2019). To this purpose, a variety of analytical techniques were employed for elucidating its proximate composition, fatty acid composition, sugars, element fingerprint, and single polyphenols. Sicilian nopal was rich in dietary fiber (44.11-49.55%), inorganic elements -such as Ca (4780.31-5041.47 mg/100 g) and K (4899.25-6612.95 mg/100 g)- phenolic acids (4.10-5.3 g/Kg) and flavonoids (3.80-4.85 g/Kg), including the characteristic kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside. It was also a good source of carbohydrates, with predominant monosaccharides such as glucose (9.30-12.00 g/100 g) and galacturonic acid (6.16-7.90 g/100 g) and demonstrated to be low in fat (0.76-2.46%). In particular, its fatty acid composition was characterized by the predominance of short and long chain fatty acids, such as caprylic acid (3.48-7.65%), linoleic (20.81-24.27%) and linolenic acids (11.02-16.83%). Additionally, obtained results pointed out that macro- and micronutrients were affected by both cultivar and pruning season, however, the influence of the pruning season being more pronounced. Such variability should be taken into account when evaluating the employment of Sicilian nopal in food and nutraceutical areas.

Lipophilic antioxidants such as carotenoids and tocopherols are appreciated components in food because of their potential health benefits. The aim of this study was to describe the composition of these microconstituents in “Ragusano”, a typical Sicilian historical pasta filata cheese, and to compare them during two different production seasons. Specifically, the tocopherols’ composition was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FD), whereas the contents of three main carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS). The scope included studying the influence of dietary supplementation on the potential enrichment of “Ragusano” in antioxidants. The main results regarding the composition of lipophilic vitamins of 56 “Ragusano” cheeses, collected in winter and spring, revealed that α-tocopherol was the predominant component amongst tocopherols and carotenoids, while β-carotene prevailed among the carotenoids. The cheeses obtained in spring turned out to contain larger amounts of antioxidants, both tocopherols and carotenoids, while the dietary supplementation with minerals-vitamins led to a barely detectable increase of antioxidants compared to a measured control group.

140 contaminants belonging to various classes (organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides, pyrethroid insecticides, carbamates, fungicides, acaricides, herbicides, synergists, insect growth regulators, polychlorobiphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were simultaneously analysed by GC-MS/MS in marine sediments, aquatic plant leaves and fish tissues samples. A total of 260 samples from five stations along the coast of Tunisia were evaluated. The results highlight that only 28 residues (12 polychlorobiphenyls, 8 organochlorine pesticides, 7 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and triphenyl phosphate) were detected at levels higher than relative LOQ values. The amounts in sediment samples were compared with Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) showing that the values are acceptable and no toxic effect is expected on aquatic organisms. A little variation of contaminant residues in sediment samples among coastal stations was recorded. Namely, with respect to almost all polychlorobiphenyls and organochlorine pesticides, higher values were recorder in summer. With respect to almost all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, higher values were recorder in autumn. Aquatic plant leaves showed a residue accumulation higher than that of other compartments of marine system. The data about fish samples (Sparus aurata and Sarpa salpa, the two most frequently caught fish species at five sites on the central coast of Tunisia) do not pose direct hazard to human health because values were lower than protection limits.

BACKGROUND Sicilian dried nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) was for the first time chemically characterized in relation to the cultivar (i.e., Sanguigna, Surfarina and Muscaredda) and the pruning season (i.e., January-February and June-July 2019). To this purpose, a variety of analytical techniques were employed for elucidating its proximate composition, fatty acid composition, sugars, element fingerprint, and single polyphenols. RESULTS Sicilian nopal was rich in dietary fiber (44.11-49.55%), inorganic elements -such as Ca (4780.31-5041.47 mg/100g) and K (4899.25-6612.95 mg/100g)- phenolic acids (4.10-5.3 g/Kg) and flavonoids (3.80-4.85 g/Kg), including the characteristic kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside. It was also a good source of carbohydrates, with predominant monosaccharides such as glucose (9.30-12.00 g/100g) and galacturonic acid (6.16-7.90-g/100g) and demonstrated to be low in fat (0.76-2.46%). In particular, its fatty acid composition was characterized by the predominance of short and long chain fatty acids, such as caprylic acid (3.48-7.65%), linoleic (20.81-24.27%) and linolenic acids (11.02-16.83%). CONCLUSION Overall, obtained results pointed out that Sicilian dried nopal had a unique (phyto)chemical profile, not comparable to the dried nopal coming from other relevant producer countries (e.g., Mexico and Spain). Its macro- and micronutrients showed to be affected by both cultivar and pruning season, being, however, the influence of the pruning season more pronounced. Such variability should be considered when evaluating the employment of Sicilian nopal in food and nutraceutical areas. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Lipophilic constituents are important for the color and aroma of apricots, but also for their health benefits. In the present study, carotenoids, fatty acids, and volatiles were analyzed in 11 apricot cultivars, from which nine were obtained in Romania. High performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS methodology applied on unsaponified carotenoid extracts allowed the identification and quantification of 19 compounds. The predominant carotenoids in all cultivars were all-trans-&beta, carotene and its cis isomers. Lutein was present exclusively in non-esterified form, while &beta, cryptoxanthin was predominantly esterified, mainly with oleic, palmitic, lauric, and stearic acid. Moreover, &beta, cryptoxanthin linoleate, linolenate, and stearate were detected for the first time in Harogem cultivar. Variation in carotenoid content and composition was observed, with the highest carotenoid content being recorded in Tudor, Harogem, and Mamaia cultivars. The predominant fatty acids determined by gas chromatography&ndash, mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were linoleic (up to 47%), palmitic (up to 32.7%), and linolenic (up to 17.16%), with small variations among cultivars. In-tube extraction technique (ITEX)/GC-MS was applied for profiling the volatiles in apricot fruits and 120 compounds were identified, with terpenoids and esters as the most abundant classes. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the carotenoids and the fatty acids profile can be used for variety authentication and discrimination in apricots.

Honey is accepted as food and medicine by all generations both ancient and modern. In this study the concentrations of K, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Se, As, Pb, Cd, Sb, Ti, V, Co, Hg and the determination of some physico-chemical parameters in 29 multifloral honeys collected from different North regions of Algeria: Algiers, Bouria, Ghardaïa, Laghouat, M'sila, Naâma, Tlemcen and El Bayadth during year 2018 were carried out. All minerals were determined by ICP-OES/MS and Hg by DMA-80. The most abundant minerals decreased in the following order: K, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn. Lead content exceeded the Codex Alimentarius and the European Union in all honey samples analysed, Cd and As levels were lower than the limits fixed by the European legislation and the regulations of the Codex Alimentarius. The Recommended Dietary Allowance values and benchmark levels were employed to assess the honey quality and safety.

Fish is a nutrient-rich food but, at the same time, consumption of fish is a possible source of exposure to heavy metals. Since many coastal Mediterranean areas suffer from great anthropomorphic pressure, the aim of this study was to assess the level of potentially toxic inorganic elements in different fish samples from the coastal zone of Southern Italy (Gela) where there is a high mortality rate linked to cancer disease and congenital malformations. The presence of mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel, arsenic, vanadium, and chromium was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The risk assessment was evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake by calculating the amount of potentially toxic elements that an average individual adult weighing 60 kg would ingest. Moreover the non-carcinogenic risk was estimated by target hazard quotient (THQ). The study evidenced significant contamination by inorganic elements, especially cadmium, which can be linked to industrial pollution. The THQ indexes, as indicators of human health, suggest that the consumption of fish from the study area is not free of risk.

BACKGROUND The term 'grape (Vitis vinifera) water' refers to a by-product from the cryoconcentration of must that, if not reclaimed, would be considered as wastewater. In this study, the nutraceutical potential of waters reclaimed from the cryoconcentration of Grillo and Moscato musts was evaluated. RESULTS Both waters showed physicochemical parameters in agreement with Italian regulation for drinking water, and interesting levels of F- (3.02-8.02 mg L-1 ) and SO4- (52.85-49.34 mg L-1 ). Inorganic elements, including Mg (5.54-7.78 mg L-1 ), K (47.12-59.87 mg L-1 ), Fe (219.09-205.32 μg L-1 ), and Zn (189.65-127.30 μg L-1 ), and phenolic contents

Capers and caper berries (Capparis spinosa L.) from different Sicilian localities and marked by Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), along with corresponding non Sicilian commercial samples, were subjected to several analytical and multivariate techniques in an attempt to predict the provenance of Capparis spinosa L. within the Sicilian region, and to discriminate Sicilian products from the non Sicilian counterpart. All samples were screened in terms of FA composition and elemental fingerprint. Then, principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) tested the capacity of both chemical classes to differentiate and classify capers and caper berries according to the geographical provenance. About 99% of total samples were discriminated by FAs, as they did not allow for a correct geographical classification of 7 samples of capers and related caper berries. Conversely, elements provided an excellent sample discrimination and prediction over the four locations (100%), revealing specific variables of classification (Mg, K, and Ca). For the first time, a reliable traceability system based on the elemental profiles of caper and caper berries was proposed. It could be useful for protecting the authenticity of Sicilian PGI and PDO capers and caper berries.

In the present study, 18 plasticizers and residues in 10 different Tunisian and Italian culinary herbs and spices (black pepper, mint, caraway, coriander, oregano, rosemary, thyme, fennel, verbena, and laurel) were determined by GC/MS. Di‐methylphthalate, di‐(2‐methylpropyl)adipate, di‐n‐butyladipate, di‐propylphthalate, benzylbenzoate, di‐phenylphthalate, and bisphenol A were lower than their LOQ in all 118 samples. Among the Tunisian samples, di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate was found in all types of samples and di‐butylphthalate in 50% of types; all other phthalates were rarely dectected. Among the adipates, only di‐methyladipate was found in 90% of types; di‐ethyladipate was seldom found and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate only in samples of caraway. Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)terephthalate was found in all types of samples; di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)sebacate was detected rarely but with high values. Among the Sicilian samples, di‐ethylphthalate and di‐(2‐methylpropyl)phthalate were detected only in samples of mint; di‐methyladipate, di‐butylphthalate, and benzylbutylphthalate were identified in oregano and laurel; di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)terephthalate and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)sebacate only in oregano. In any case, the results suggested that intake of these contaminants through spices and herbs is not a dangerous risk to the consumers. Probably, as already observed for the other food, these contaminants could result from pollution of the environment (air, water, and/or soil) and/or farming methods. Plasticizers and BPA in Tunisian and Italian spices were determined by GC/MS. Tunisian spices seem to contain more residues than Italian samples. Intake of these contaminants by spices is not a dangerous risk to the consumers. These pollutants could result from environmental pollution or agricultural practices.

An ICP-MS validated method was employed for monitoring major and trace elements along the “farm-to-fork” chains of whole grain (WG) KAMUT®, common buckwheat and durum wheat, considering the different steps of pasta production, and the cooking procedure as well. A PCA analysis identified the elements responsible for sample discrimination, thus providing potential markers of food quality and safety. Stone milling of grains was responsible for maintaining high mineral contents in the downstream products of all the chains, thus defining their WG nature (mean losses in the range of 1.08–5.52% were tracked). Pasta making affected to a greater extent the elemental profile of the different types of pasta, probably due to bronze extruders and long-time drying processes (mean enrichments between 4.00% and 90.08% were monitored). Pasta cooking induced the most severe elemental enrichments (22–225%) and losses (7.70–84.90%) in the “ready-to-eat-product”, as a consequence of complex chemical transformations underlying moisture gain and leaching events. Overall, WG common buckwheat grains, flour and pasta resulted the major source of valuable minerals (e.g. Mg, Ca, P, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) and the minor source of contaminants (e.g. Ni, Cd, and Pb), when compared to the WG durum wheat and KAMUT® counterparts. Nevertheless, the Sicilian durum wheat (cultivar Simeto) chain was marked by a precious content of Se.

This study focused on the inorganic environmental contaminants in specific food products which form part of the food chain of the population residing in the area of Southern Italy (Gela) where there is a high mortality rate linked to tumor diseases and congenital malformations. Determination of toxic metals was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The toxicological data for every toxic element has been applied to evaluate the risk for the consumer by calculating the amount of potentially toxic element that would ingest an average of 60 kg weight individual adult. The analysis of the investigated samples shows a high level of metal contamination which can be linked both to the polluted water and air. The obtained results give us an idea about the agricultural products contamination and possible exposure of local people through the food chain.

The composition of juice and essential oil of Citrus limetta Risso was investigated. Multidimensional and enantio-gas chromatography were used for the elucidation of the volatile profile and the assessment of enantiomeric distribution. Predominant compounds were linalyl acetate (13.06 g/100 g), β-pinene (6.79 g/100 g), myrcene (1.40 g/100 g) and sabinene (1.05 g/100 g). Through a β-cyclodextrin column eight chiral pairs were separated, equally distributed between laevorotatory and dextrorotatory enantiomers. Liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole ESI-MS and PDA detection showed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds (791.34 ± 36.83 and 32.97 ± 1.92 mg L−1, respectively) in the juice. Sugars (i.e. glucose 202.23 ± 26.81 and fructose 146.73 ± 3.17 mM, respectively), aminoacids (i.e. proline 29.40 ± 3.78 and GABA 8.90 ± 0.95 mM) and organic acids (i.e. citrate 4.68 ± 0.81 mM) were determined in juice by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy.

The quality of chicken burgers reformulated by the partial replacement of meat by Mediterranean plant ingredients and enriched with peculiar amounts of n-3 PUFAs, Mg, Fe, Se, and folic acid, was evaluated in comparison to conventional chicken burgers. Specifically, two types of burger were developed, namely the “Sicilian burger”—based on cherry tomato and rosemary—and the “Mediterranean burger”—with basil leaves and thyme essential oil—every recipe being differentially functionalized according to the nutritional requirements of consumers, such as children, pregnant women and elderly. Mediterranean ingredients were responsible for different pH, color, and cooking loss between conventional and functional burgers. Except for n-3 PUFAs resulting poorly fortified, the functionalization with Mg, Fe, Se, and vitamin B9 was successful in all products. Considering the target consumer categories, the daily consumption of the functional burger may assure an intake of Mg, Fe, and Se equal, respectively, to 37.31–59.90%, 17.76–46.81%, and 27.20–50.05%, and a cover of vitamin B9 of 31.98–48.31% of the relative population reference intakes. Fortified products kept a good microbiological quality during 5 days of refrigerated storage, and, according to the sensorial descriptive analysis and the hedonic test, they showed a higher acceptability than conventional burgers.

Different specialty extra virgin oils, produced by cold-pressing fruits/nuts (olive, pequi, palm, avocado, coconut, macadamia and Brazil nut) and seeds (grapeseed and canola), and retailed in the Brazilian region of Minas Gerais, were chemically characterized. Specifically, for each type of oil, the fatty acid composition was elucidated by GC-FID, the contents of selected polyphenols and squalene were determined respectively by UHPLC-MS and UHPLC-PDA, whereas minerals were explored by means of ICP-MS. Olive oil was confirmed to have the highest MUFA content due to a valuable level of oleic acid, while oils from grapeseed, Brazil nut and canola were marked by nutritionally important PUFA levels. The highest SFA content found in coconut oil was mainly due to the high levels of lauric acid, known for its advantageous HDL-raising effects. As for polyphenols, gourmet oils from palm, coconut and canola showed higher levels of phenolic acids (e.g. p-hydroxybenzoic, ferulic, syringic, acids) than olive oil, which was though characterized by peculiar antioxidants, such as tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. Also, olive oil had the highest amount of squalene, followed by the oil from Brazil nut. Finally, all the investigated oils had very low levels (order of μg/kg) of pro-oxidant elements, such as Cu, Fe and Mn. Overall, these findings may fill the gaps still present in literature on certain compositional aspects of commercially available gourmet oils.

Background: Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller fruits, particularly 'Ficodindia dell'Etna' of Biancavilla (POD), 'Fico d'india tradizionale di Roccapalumba' with protected brand and samples from an experimental field in Pezzolo (Sicily) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in order to determine the multi-element profile. A multivariate chemometric approach, specifically principal component analysis (PCA), was applied to individuate how mineral elements may represent a marker of geographic origin, which would be useful for traceability.; Results: PCA has allowed us to verify that the geographical origin of prickly pear fruits is significantly influenced by trace element content, and the results found in Biancavilla PDO samples were linked to the geological composition of this volcanic areas. It was observed that two principal components accounted for 72.03% of the total variance in the data and, in more detail, PC1 explains 45.51% and PC2 26.52%, respectively.; Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PCA is an integrated tool for the traceability of food products and, at the same time, a useful method of authentication of typical local fruits such as prickly pear. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.