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Foods
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Food Safety and Quality in Aquaculture and Fisheries Products
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Food Safety and Quality in Aquaculture and Fisheries Products

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Foods of Marine Origin".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 3915

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marzia Pezzolato

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
Interests: food frauds; microscopy; spectroscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Elena Bozzetta

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy
Interests: rapid tests; screening; untargeted methods; residues; food frauds; growth promoters

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ensuring the safety of aquatic food products is a growing global priority, particularly in the face of increasing demand for seafood and the expansion of aquaculture production. Contaminants such as pathogens, chemical residues, and environmental pollutants pose significant risks to public health and trade. Advances in food safety management, traceability, and quality assurance are essential to mitigate these risks and promote sustainable practices across the aquatic supply chain. This research area is of great scientific and practical relevance, as it intersects with public health, environmental science, and food policy.

This Special Issue aims to bring together high-quality research articles, reviews, short communications, and case studies that address current challenges and innovations in the field of food safety within aquaculture and fisheries. Topics may include risk assessment, pathogen detection, residue monitoring, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable farming practices that enhance food security. The subject aligns with the journal’s scope, which includes food science, environmental monitoring, public health, and sustainable development. We intend to offer a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange that contributes to the improvement of seafood safety standards globally.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Microbial and chemical hazards in aquaculture and fisheries;
  • Antibiotic and drug residues in seafood;
  • Water quality and its impact on food safety;
  • Monitoring and traceability systems;
  • Regulatory and policy developments;
  • Risk assessment methodologies;
  • Sustainable practices to reduce contamination;
  • Innovative technologies for food safety in seafood production.

Dr. Marzia Pezzolato
Dr. Elena Bozzetta
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • aquaculture
  • fisheries
  • seafood quality
  • chemical contaminants
  • microbial hazards
  • antibiotic residues
  • risk assessment
  • traceability
  • sustainable seafood production

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 2705 KB  
Article
Cadmium Enrichment Characteristics in Different Oratosquilla oratoria Tissues During Various Gonadal Development Stages from Shanghai and Its Health Risk Assessment
by Nana Sun, Rui He, Yongfu Shi, Ruolin Li, Qi Li, Xiaoying Zhang, Dongmei Huang, Changling Fang, Feng Han and Liangliang Tian
Foods 2026, 15(11), 1937; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15111937 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
The bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) in the edible tissues of Oratosquilla oratoria, a seasonal delicacy in Shanghai, poses potential health risks to consumers. This study investigated Cd accumulation in the edible tissues (muscle, gonad, hepatopancreas, intestine, heart) of Oratosquilla oratoria purchased from [...] Read more.
The bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) in the edible tissues of Oratosquilla oratoria, a seasonal delicacy in Shanghai, poses potential health risks to consumers. This study investigated Cd accumulation in the edible tissues (muscle, gonad, hepatopancreas, intestine, heart) of Oratosquilla oratoria purchased from Shanghai markets, focusing on cadmium content during gonadal development using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results revealed the hepatopancreas as the primary site of Cd storage, with concentrations in the intestine and hepatopancreas (10.64–58.27 mg/kg) being orders of magnitude higher than those in the gonads and muscle (0.01–0.48 mg/kg). Strikingly, Cd levels in the gonads remained consistently low throughout development and did not correlate with the gonadosomatic index. This indicates a biological barrier that sequesters Cd in the outer gonad membrane of Oratosquilla oratoria, thereby protecting germ cells from toxicity. Health risk assessment indicated that consumption of the intestine and hepatopancreas poses a potential carcinogenic risk, whereas the most commonly consumed tissues—muscle and gonads—present a low risk. Our findings clarify the differential bioaccumulation of Cd in Oratosquilla oratoria, reveal a potential biological mechanism for gonadal protection, and provide a scientific basis for targeted consumption guidance to mitigate public health risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety and Quality in Aquaculture and Fisheries Products)
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21 pages, 3218 KB  
Article
Predictive Modeling of Channel Catfish Under Varying Temperatures: Quality Dynamics and Warning Thresholds
by Hongyu Jiang, Wang Li, Binchen Wang, Enhao Yao, Yingxi Chen, Sufang Zhang and Beiwei Zhu
Foods 2026, 15(9), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15091557 - 30 Apr 2026
Viewed by 240
Abstract
The objective of this work was to establish mathematical models and an artificial neural network to predict changes in channel catfish quality during storage. Secondary models of microorganisms, using the total viable count (TVC) as an indicator, were established based on the modified [...] Read more.
The objective of this work was to establish mathematical models and an artificial neural network to predict changes in channel catfish quality during storage. Secondary models of microorganisms, using the total viable count (TVC) as an indicator, were established based on the modified Gompertz equation combined with the Belehradek equation. The secondary kinetic models for total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) were developed by combining the primary model with the Arrhenius equation, from which the early warning thresholds for quality change were determined based on the slopes of the kinetic curves. For most samples, the relative error between the measured and predicted values of the secondary kinetic model remained within ±20% across the tested storage temperatures, while during the practically relevant 2–6 days period, the error was tightly controlled within ±15% for the majority of samples. Moreover, the prediction models were established based on Back Propagation Neural Networks and Radial Basis Function Neural Networks, with determination coefficients (R2) exceeding 0.9. In conclusion, the developed predictive models provide a scientific basis and technical support for quality monitoring and cold-chain distribution of channel catfish under varying temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety and Quality in Aquaculture and Fisheries Products)
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18 pages, 1829 KB  
Article
High-Pressure Processing for Anisakis Larvae Inactivation: Fish Quality Changes and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Verify Its Application
by Marzia Pezzolato, Alberto Brugiapaglia, Riccardo Provera, Francesco Gai, Jacopo Pio Salvatico, Francesco Pennisi, Nunzia Giaccio, Alfredo Greco, Elena Bozzetta and Giovanna Esposito
Foods 2026, 15(7), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15071218 - 3 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 625
Abstract
The increasing consumption of raw and minimally processed fish products has raised concerns regarding the risk of anisakiasis, the infection caused by ingesting larvae of the Anisakis genus. Freezing is currently the standard control measure; however, alternative non-thermal technologies are being explored to [...] Read more.
The increasing consumption of raw and minimally processed fish products has raised concerns regarding the risk of anisakiasis, the infection caused by ingesting larvae of the Anisakis genus. Freezing is currently the standard control measure; however, alternative non-thermal technologies are being explored to preserve product quality while ensuring safety. Several studies have investigated the impacts of high-pressure processing (HPP) on seafood products, but limited information is available about the minimum effective pressure required to achieve complete inactivation of Anisakis larvae while maintaining fillet quality. Moreover, no studies have evaluated the use of portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a rapid tool to authenticate HPP-treated fish products. This study evaluated the efficacy of HPP in inactivating Anisakis spp. larvae in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets and investigated the impact of treatment on physicochemical quality parameters. In addition, the reliability of portable NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics was assessed for rapid discrimination between treated and untreated samples. HPP treatments were applied with different pressure–time combinations, and the treatment at 200 MPa for 5 min was selected as the optimal treatment since it was able to achieve 100% larval inactivation. Quality evaluation showed significant changes in color (increase in L* values) and texture parameters, consistent with pressure-induced denaturation, while lipid oxidation remained within acceptable limits. NIR spectra analysis combined with chemometrics approach allowed discrimination between not treated and HPP-treated fillets with an overall accuracy of 98%. The results demonstrate that HPP at moderate pressure levels represents a promising alternative to freezing for Anisakis larvae inactivation in farmed sea bream, and that portable NIR spectroscopy may serve as a rapid, non-destructive tool for on-site verification of treatment. This combined approach could support the development of innovative control strategies in seafood safety management Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety and Quality in Aquaculture and Fisheries Products)
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21 pages, 2073 KB  
Article
Deterministic Pilot Risk–Benefit Assessment of Latvian Inland Fish: Safe Weekly Consumption Guidance
by Janis Rusko, Elizabete Murniece, Santa Sibule, Ilva Lazda, Dzintars Zacs, Ruta Medne and Inese Siksna
Foods 2026, 15(5), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15050901 - 5 Mar 2026
Viewed by 560
Abstract
Fish consumption provides nutritional benefits but can also contribute to exposures to bioaccumulative contaminants, requiring guidance that integrates both dimensions. We conducted a deterministic pilot risk–benefit assessment of Latvian inland lake fish using pooled samples stratified by lakes and species. Risks were characterized [...] Read more.
Fish consumption provides nutritional benefits but can also contribute to exposures to bioaccumulative contaminants, requiring guidance that integrates both dimensions. We conducted a deterministic pilot risk–benefit assessment of Latvian inland lake fish using pooled samples stratified by lakes and species. Risks were characterized for methylmercury, estimated from total mercury, and for Σ4 PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS) by calculating weekly intakes under three consumption scenarios (150, 300, and 450 g/week) for a 70 kg adult and comparing them to health-based guidance values. Benefits were quantified as weekly contributions of EPA + DHA, iodine, and protein relative to reference intakes, combined into a nutritional index and integrated with risk using a benefit–risk quotient (BRQ). The primary decision outputs were safe weekly consumption amounts (g/week) and the contaminant limiting factor. Across lake-species groups, mercury was the dominant constraint on safe consumption for most predatory fish, while PFAS limited selected groups with lower mercury burdens. EPA + DHA provided the strongest differentiating benefit signal between groups, whereas iodine contribution was limited because measurements were left-censored and constant after limit of quantification (LOQ) handling. This pilot demonstrates an interpretable framework for generating lake- and species-specific consumption guidance that can be updated as monitoring coverage expands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety and Quality in Aquaculture and Fisheries Products)
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23 pages, 5799 KB  
Article
Effects of Spartina alterniflora Extract on Growth Performance and Flavor Quality in Mud Crab (Scylla paramamosain)
by Yuanyuan Fu, Ao Li, Peng Gao, Yanrong Li, Lei Liu, Xuedi Du, Xiaojing Dong and Congying He
Foods 2025, 14(24), 4176; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14244176 - 5 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1184
Abstract
The steady rise in living standards has created a growing market demand for aquatic products with superior flavor profiles and enhanced nutritional value. To address this need, the present study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with Spartina alterniflora (SA) extract on growth [...] Read more.
The steady rise in living standards has created a growing market demand for aquatic products with superior flavor profiles and enhanced nutritional value. To address this need, the present study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with Spartina alterniflora (SA) extract on growth performance and muscle quality parameters in mud crabs (Scylla paramamosain). In a 63-day feeding trial, 150 juvenile crabs received experimental diets containing 0% (control), 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, or 0.2% SA extract. The results showed that optimal growth enhancement was achieved with 0.15% supplementation. Flavor analysis revealed dose-dependent improvements in umami characteristics. Supplementation at ≥0.1% significantly increased the concentrations of key umami compounds; their taste activity values; and equivalent umami concentrations. Fatty acid analysis showed that extract supplementation modulated lipid composition, increasing eicosapentaenoic acid while decreasing docosahexaenoic acid content, with the n-3/n-6 ratio remaining stable across all treatments, except in the 0.2% group. Volatile compound analysis demonstrated that ≥0.1% supplementation enhanced aldehyde production, improving flavor profiles. Interestingly, while 0.1–0.15% supplementation produced predictable flavor modifications, the 0.2% group showed atypical responses in flavor profiles. Supplementation with 0.15% SA extract optimally enhanced both growth performance and muscle quality while maintaining nutritional value, supporting the potential utility of this invasive species as a sustainable aquafeed additive. This study provides novel foundations for the regulation of flavor quality in aquatic food animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety and Quality in Aquaculture and Fisheries Products)
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22 pages, 6901 KB  
Article
Integrated Enzyme-Mediated One-Step Sample Processing and Duplex Amplification System for Rapid Detection of Carpione rhabdovirus in Aquaculture-Derived Food Products
by Heng Sun, Haoyu Wang, Jie Huang, Yao Wu, Zhenxin Hu and Yucong Huang
Foods 2025, 14(22), 3929; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14223929 - 17 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 787
Abstract
Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is the largest-scale marine aquaculture fish species in China, with a significant economic and nutritional value as a high-quality seafood product. The recent outbreak of an epidemic caused by a novel Carpione rhabdovirus (CAPRV) occurred in cultured [...] Read more.
Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is the largest-scale marine aquaculture fish species in China, with a significant economic and nutritional value as a high-quality seafood product. The recent outbreak of an epidemic caused by a novel Carpione rhabdovirus (CAPRV) occurred in cultured golden pompano. To address it, a CAPRV enzyme-mediated one-step sample processing–reverse transcription–enzyme-mediated duplex exponential amplification (EmOSP-RT-EmDEA) detection system was developed. This innovative molecular diagnostic tool integrates enzyme-mediated one-step sample processing (EmOSP) with enzyme-mediated duplex exponential amplification (EmDEA) technology. Unlike traditional RPA-Cas12a detection methods, this system directly incorporates fluorophores into RNA components, eliminating the need for exogenous fluorescent probes while maintaining high sensitivity. It enables rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of CAPRV2023 across various sample types, including clinical, invasive, minimally invasive, and environmental specimens. Performance evaluation of the CAPRV2023 EmOSP-RT-EmDEA detection system against conventional diagnostic methods, such as TaqMan qPCR and traditional PCR, demonstrated superior sensitivity, with a detection limit as low as 4 copies/μL, and exceptional specificity. The optimized EmOSP protocol for nucleic acid extraction from fecal, hepatic, and water samples provided robust and reproducible results. The EmOSP-RT-EmDEA system achieved a detection rate of 68.14% in fecal samples, matching the performance of the gold-standard TaqMan qPCR assay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety and Quality in Aquaculture and Fisheries Products)
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