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With an ever-increasing world population and decreasing arable land, there is an urgent need to improve the quantity and quality of food crops in an environmentally sustainable manner. Plant biotechnology is one way in which these goals can be achieved. Over the past several years, major crops, such as corn, soybeans, cotton, and canola, have been genetically altered to enhance their resistance to pests and herbicides. These changes allow farmers to use decreased amounts of chemical pesticides and herbicides while maintaining or improving crop yields. The next generation of genetically modified crops will be nutritionally improved to have more healthful proportions of fatty acids, higher nutrient levels, and improved flavor and stability. Public reaction to plant biotechnology in food production has been mixed. Part of the difficulty has been the lack of information and understanding of what biotechnology is, its risks and benefits, and the regulatory systems in place to assure food safety. Increased knowledge about biotechnology will permit consumers to make informed decisions about foods de-rived from this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of modified dietary fiber (MDF) generated from cassava pulp to modulate the bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of heavy metals may be helpful to mitigate health risk associated with select foods including select fish high in methyl mercury. Using a coupled in vitro digestion/Caco-2 human intestinal cell model, the reduction of fish mercury bioaccessibility and intestinal uptake by MDF was investiaged. MDF was prepared from cassava pulp, a byproduct of tapioca production. The highest yield (79.68%) of MDF was obtained by enzymatic digestion with 0.1% α-amylase (w/v), 0.1% amyloglucosidase (v/v) and 1% neutrase (v/v). MDF and fish tissue were subjected to in vitro digestion and results suggest that MDF may reduce mercury bioaccessibility from fish to 34% to 85% compared to control in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, accumulation of mercury from digesta containing fish and MDF was only modestly impacted by the presence of MDF. In conclusion, MDF prepared from cassava pulp may be useful as an ingredient to reduce mercury bioavailability from food such as fish specifically by inhibiting mercury transfer to the bioaccessibile fraction during digestion., (© 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®)

Background: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with health benefits throughout life and are obtained primarily through fish and fish oil supplements. Due to the growing popularity of dietary supplements, 47 commercial fish, krill, and algal oil supplements were analyzed for EPA, DHA, and other fatty acids., Results: For fish- and krill-based supplements, the range of EPA was 81.8 to 454.6 mg g(-1) oil and DHA was 51.6 to 220.4 mg g(-1) oil. For algal oil supplements, EPA ranged from 7.7 to 151.1 mg g(-1) oil and DHA ranged from 237.8 to 423.5 mg g(-1) oil. The percentage of the stated label amount for EPA and DHA ranged from 66 to 184% and 62 to 184%, respectively. Only 10 supplements (21% of those tested) had at least 100% of the stated label amount of EPA, while 12 supplements (25% of those tested) had at least 100% of the stated amount of DHA. Over 70% of the supplements tested did not contain the stated label amount of EPA or DHA., Conclusions: These results indicate that the quality of fish oil supplements is not being adequately monitored by manufacturers or government agencies and increased testing is needed to ensure regulatory compliance., (© 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Total mercury was measured via thermal decomposition amalgamation atomic absorption spectroscopy in the muscle tissue of 82 swordfish originating in the Pacific Ocean and was found to range from 228 to 2,090 ppb. The relationships between total mercury concentration and the size of the fish (i.e., length and weight) were analyzed. It was found that dressed weight (DW) was a better predictor of mercury concentration than cleithrum-to-caudal keel length in a single variable model, and DW was the only significant predictor of mercury concentration in a multivariable model. Based on these relationships, swordfish with a DW greater than 96.4 kg (213 lb; 95% confidence interval, 88 to 107 kg [195 to 235 lb]) will exceed 1,000 ppb of mercury-the action level in the United States, Canada, and Europe-and should not be sold in commercial markets. Additionally, a logistic regression model was created to illustrate the probability of a swordfish at any DW being unsafe to consume (i.e., containing more than 1,000 ppb of mercury). In this model, the probability of a swordfish being unsafe exceeds the probability of being safe at 94.6 kg (209 lb). Taken together, the models presented in this report give regulators valuable postharvest tools to use for rapid determination of the safety of swordfish intended for sale in commercial markets.

Fish has many health benefits but is also the most common source of methylmercury. The bioavailability of methylmercury in fish may be affected by other meal components. In this study, the effect of green tea on the bioavailability of methylmercury from an oral bolus of fish muscle tissue was studied in rats and compared to a water treated control group and a group treated with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), a compound used medically to chelate mercury. Rats were given a single oral dose of fish tissue via gavage and one of the treatments. Rats were given access to food for 3 h at 12 h intervals. They were dosed with each of the treatments with each meal. Blood samples were collected for 95 hours. Green tea significantly increased the concentration of total mercury in blood relative to the control, whereas DMSA significantly decreased it. In addition, feeding caused a slight increase in blood mercury for several meals following the initial dose.

Fillets of 76 finfish species (293 composites of three fish) were obtained from commercial seafood vendors in six regions of the United States (i.e., Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest). Full fatty acid profiles were determined for each species and are presented here. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been associated with many health benefits. Thus, fillets of each species were compared for total EPA plus DHA content, which ranged from 17 mg/100 g (pangasius/swai) to 2430 mg/100 g (Chilean sea bass). Of the top ten most popularly consumed seafoods in the US, finfish, including salmon species (717-1533 mg/100 g), Alaskan pollock (236 mg/100 g), tilapia (76 mg/100 g), channel catfish (44 mg/100 g), Atlantic cod (253 mg/100 g), and pangasius/swai (17 mg/100 g), exhibited a wide concentration range of EPA plus DHA. Large variances were found within many of the farmed species analyzed, which likely stems from dietary differences in the farm-fed diet. The results of this study provide current information on a broad range of species and will help nutritionists and the public make informed decisions regarding seafood consumption.

Seventy-seven finfish species (300 composites of three fish) were obtained from commercial vendors in six regions of the United States: Great Lakes, mid-Atlantic, New England, northwest, southeast, and southwest. Total mercury in fish muscle tissue ranged from 1 ppb (channel catfish) to 1,425 ppb (king mackerel). Of the top 10 most commonly consumed seafoods in the United States, all finfish species, including salmon species (13 to 62 ppb), Alaskan pollock (11 ppb), tilapia (16 ppb), channel catfish (1 ppb), Atlantic cod (82 ppb), and pangasius (swai) (2 ppb), had low total mercury concentrations. However, two large predatory species, king mackerel and swordfish (1,107 ppb), contained mercury concentrations above the current U.S. Food and Drug Administration action level of 1,000 ppb, indicating that consumers may be unaware that species that are high in mercury are being sold in the marketplace.

Toxicity equivalents is a measure of "dioxin-like" toxicity contributed by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans). Calculation of toxicity equivalents require the use of analytical procedures that are expensive and slow, making them impractical for routine analysis. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Fish Tissue Study (2003) data were used to determine the most significant predictors of toxicity equivalents with multiple regression analysis. The strongest predictive model (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.97) included five compounds (PCB-118; PCB-126; 2,3,7,8-TCDD; 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD; 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF). However, the required lower limit of detection for an analytical method measuring these congeners is 0.1 ppt and would not provide much benefit over the current analytical method. An alternative model (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.68) that included three PCBs (PCB-138, PCB-153, PCB-118) would require a limit of detection of 1,000 ppt and be more practical. This research demonstrates that the measurement of selected compounds can be used to estimate toxicity equivalents and consequently serve as the impetus for the development of lower cost, rapid analytical methods for analysis of fish.

Increased popularity of the Internet, along with the development of new software applications have dramatically improved our ability to create and deliver online continuing education trainings to professionals in the areas of nutrition and food safety. In addition, these technological advances permit effective and affordable measurement of training outcomes, i.e., changes in knowledge, attitude, and behavior, that result from these educational efforts. Impact assessment of engagement programs is becoming increasing important for demonstrating the value of training activities to stakeholders. A novel software program, called X-Train, takes advantage of technological advances (databases, computer graphics, Web-based interfaces, and network speed) for delivering high-quality trainings to teachers and health care professionals. X-Train automatically collects outcome data, and generates and sends certificates of completion and communicates with participants through electronic messages. X-Train can be used as a collaborative tool whereby experts from various academic institutions are brought together to develop Web-based trainings. Finally, X-Train uses a unique approach that encourages cooperative extension specialists and educators to promote these educational opportunities within their state or county.

Sportfish samples (n = 133) that originated from Indiana waters were analyzed for total mercury using inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) and thermal decomposition, amalgamation/atomic absorption spectrophotometry (TDA/ AAS). Total mercury concentrations obtained by the two methods were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The correlation coefficient for total mercury obtained for the two methods was 0.94. The limit of detection using TDA/AAS was 0.1 ppm. TDA/AAS is a preferred technique for the analysis of total mercury in fish tissue because it is rapid (6 min per sample) and easy to use and requires little sample preparation.

Mercury and fatty acids were measured in fish sandwiches from six retail restaurant chains. Average mercury concentrations ranged from 5 to 132 ppb and were well below the Food and Drug Administration action level (1,000 ppb). The average concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid ranged from 91 to 620 mg per sandwich. Consuming one or two fish sandwiches per week could result in the consumption of 2 to 40% of the reference dose for mercury for a 60-kg individual and would provide 18 to 126% of the adequate intake for eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid as recommended for a pregnant or lactating woman.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in fish tissue were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC/ECD) methods. Fish samples were collected in 2000 and 2001 during an Indiana fish survey. For samples with concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 ppm (n = 40) and 0.5 to 5.0 ppm (n = 12), the ELISA results were not significantly different from GC/ECD (P < 0.05). This research has demonstrated the effectiveness of analysis of fish samples by ELISA in the development of fish consumption advisories that accurately articulate health risks from the consumption of contaminated fish.

Triolein-filled semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were immersed at three locations along the St. Joseph River in northern Indiana for 30 days to see if the PCB content of fish from the same location could be predicted with this model device. Triolein from the SPMD's was analyzed for PCB using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared to residues detected in fish collected from the same locations. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in total PCB concentrations between SPMD samples. However, due to variability in PCB residues between species and low PCB residues in SPMDs, a direct correlation between PCBs in sportfish and SPMDs could not be determined.

Objective: Consumer education is an important aspect in the adoption of any new technology. The objective of this work was to determine whether consumer's knowledge and attitudes would be influenced by a face-to-face presentation involving food biotechnology., Materials and Methods: Participants (576) were requested to complete a pre-test prior to receiving a 45-80 minute presentation, which was then followed by a post-test. Participants included members from a community organization, undergraduate and graduate college students and cooperative extension educators (county agents)., Results: Following training, 98% to 99% correctly indicated that fruits and vegetables contain chromosomes and that foods from biotech crops were currently sold in grocery stores. Prior to training, only 31% felt that these crops were properly regulated by federal agencies, and only 25% were confident that bioengineering was unlikely to make an existing food allergenic. Following training, 83% felt that these crops were properly regulated, and 63% believed that biotechnology was unlikely to add new allergens to our food supply. In addition, 90% of those trained would eat or serve genetically-modified foods to their family, and 90% believed that they or their family would benefit from genetically-modified foods within the next five years., Conclusions: It is apparent from these results that when provided sound, science-based information, participants are more accepting of this technology and the regulatory process.

The reduction in residues of chlordane and toxaphene following cooking (frying, baking, and smoking) of fillets obtained from treated Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) was determined. On average, cooking reduced moisture content by 17% and increased fat content by 28 to 274%. Frying reduced chlordane residues by 56 to 86% on a dry basis (db) or 84 to 92% on a percent fat basis (fb) when raw fillets were compared to cooked fillets. Baking and smoking reduced chlordane significantly less (P < 0.05) than frying with reductions in residues of 12% and 9% (db) or 30% and 33% (fb), respectively. Frying reduced toxaphene residues by 40 to 49% (db) or 65 to 77% (fb), while baking and smoking reduced toxaphene by 35% and 24% (db) or 51% and 59% (fb), respectively.

The influence of cooking (frying, baking, and smoking) on dieldrin and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis[4-chlorophenyl]ethylene (DDE) residues in treated channel catfish ( Ictalarus punctatus ) was determined. Dieldrin and DDE were significantly reduced ( P < 0.05) during cooking of catfish by 50 to 65% (dry basis) and 50 to 80%, respectively. Smoking resulted in maximum reduction (82%) of DDE residues, while baking resulted in the least reductions for both dieldrin (50%) and DDE (50%) when compared to the other preparation methods.

This study investigated the performance of the wipe test in determining contamination from tritiated triolein or thymidine on various surfaces. Filter papers were saturated with water, methanol, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate or maintained dry, and wipes were taken from lead, stainless steel, polyurethane, wood, painted lead, treated floor tile, Formica, or bench paper that were spotted with either 3H-thymidine or 3H-triolein. The recovery of contamination using the dry wipe test averaged 3% for all surfaces. Recoveries using wet wipes were directly related to the solubility of the tritiated compounds in the wipe solution and the physical nature of the wipe surface.

Processing conditions were chosen to determine the influence of temperature, pH, and processing on model solutions containing daminozide residues. Daminozide (succinamic acid 2, 2-dimethylhydrazide) fortified solutions (12.5 ppm) containing 50mM NaH 2 PO 4 and 24% sucrose (w/w) were adjusted to pH 3.0, 3.6, or 4.0 and either heated (100°C) for 0, 5, 10, or 15 min in sealed cans and cooled or heated (80°C) for 0, 5, or 10 min in open cans, sealed, heated (100°C) for 5 min, and cooled. Daminozide degradation due to heating was less than the HPLC detection limit (1.5 ppm) for all of the treatments. Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) concentration was significantly affected by heating time, pH, and processing. Heating of daminozide solutions in sealed cans produced approximately 1 ppm of UDMH for every minute of heating at 100°C. Heating of daminozide solutions in open cans at 80°C resulted in simultaneous production of UDMH in the solution and loss of UDMH through volatilization. Maximum degradation of daminozide was observed at pH 3.6.