Search Results (71)

The concept of using ‘acid-adapted’ challenge cultures in the microbial validation of food processes that incorporate an acidic treatment is that they would be more resistant to acid and require a robust process to obtain targeted log reductions. The recent confirmation that acid-adapted Salmonella challenge cultures for droëwors and biltong processes are more sensitive to those processes than non-adapted cultures changes that preference for the use of non-adapted cultures for validation studies with these specific processes. However, it is difficult to achieve > 5-log reductions with non-adapted cultures, one of two USDA-FSIS parameters available for validation of processes that are not aligned with traditional process conditions for dried beef products in the USA (i.e., beef jerky). A natural multipurpose (flavor, antimicrobial) commercial product, described as a refined liquid smoke flavorant, provided >7-log reductions with droëwors when challenged with non-adapted cultures of Salmonella (5-serovar mixture), Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC, four-strain mixture), and Listeria monocytogenes (four-strain mixture) as well as a >7-log reduction with biltong processing (vs Salmonella). Comparisons between standard droëwors and biltong processes (all <5-log reductions) using non-adapted challenge cultures vs. the same formulation plus 0.75% pyrolyzed liquid smoke extracts (Flavoset) showed greater and significant (p < 0.05) reductions in duplicate trials with triplicate samples at each sampling point in each trial (total n = 6) when analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). Although sold as a flavorant, this study examines the antimicrobial properties of Flavoset 5400L to improve the safety of droëwors and biltong by achieving a >5-log reduction with non-adapted pathogenic challenge cultures. Validation processes for droëwors and biltong established with these parameters should result in greater safety of marinaded, non-thermally processed meats from traditional foodborne pathogens commonly associated with meats or meat processing environments. Full article

This study investigates the influence of different effective precipitation (P_e) estimation methods on drought index performance in a humid region of Türkiye. The standard precipitation index (SPI) and the reconnaissance drought index (RDI) were compared with their effective precipitation-based counterparts, Agricultural Standardized Precipitation Index (aSPI) and Effective Reconnaissance Drought Index (eRDI), using four P_e estimation methods: USBR (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation), USDA-(Simplified and CROPWAT) (U.S. Department of Agriculture), and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). Data from three closely located meteorological stations (Çanakkale, Bozcaada, and Gökçeada) were analyzed across multiple time scales (1-, 3-, 6-, 12-month, and annual). Statistical metrics—coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE)—were used to assess the indices, and trend analyses were conducted using the Mann–Kendall and Sen’s Slope tests. The USDA-Simplified method consistently showed the highest accuracy across all stations and time scales (R² ≈ 0.99; lowest RMSE ≈ 0.09; NSE > 0.95), while the FAO method performed poorly, particularly at the 1-month scale. Drought frequency and severity were found to increase with time scale, contrary to trends observed in arid regions. Trend analysis revealed no significant changes at short time scales, but statistically significantly increasing drought severity was detected in longer scales, especially in Çanakkale, with slopes reaching up to –0.018 per year. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate P_e estimation methods for accurate drought assessment, even in humid climates, and support the use of aSPI and eRDI with the USDA-Simplified method. Full article

Background: Vegetables are consumed worldwide in various forms, including raw, as green leaves in salads, and as ingredients in a wide range of dishes, such as curries, sauces, and burgers. They are rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber (DF), and also provide moderate amounts of protein, fat, oils, essential micronutrients, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. Among their carbohydrate components, simple sugars such as monosaccharides/hexoses significantly influence postprandial blood glucose responses. The glycemic index (GI) is critical for managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, and other metabolic diseases. The influence of individual carbohydrate fractions, such as hexoses, on GI and glycemic load (GL) has not been extensively investigated. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the carbohydrates in vegetables (n = 65), focusing on hexoses and fibers, their carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio, and their effect on the GI and GL. Carbohydrate data were obtained from publicly accessible databases, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), FooDB, European and Australian food databases, and PubMed. The study assessed total carbohydrates (TC), hexoses, dietary starch (DS), total sugars (TS), and DF, and examined their correlations with GI using regression analysis. Results: Our analysis revealed that fiber ratios are a more reliable predictor of GI than conventional net carbohydrate measures. Among the carbohydrates analyzed, TC exhibited the highest positive correlation with GI, both in absolute terms and when normalized to fiber, while TS showed a weak correlation. Among the ratios studied, TC demonstrated a stronger correlation with the GI, followed by DS. Conclusions: Comparative evaluation revealed that DF exerts a buffering effect on glycemic response (GR) and supports the use of fiber ratios as a more stable and intrinsic parameter for predicting GI than standard estimation methods. Traditional approaches that rely on net carbohydrates may overlook important factors affecting glycemic impact, particularly the buffering effects of dietary fiber. This study advocates for the incorporation of carbohydrate-to-fiber ratios into GI estimation models. Our research may help evaluate the carbohydrate content in vegetables for further in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at clarifying the mechanisms and validating these metrics in glycemic regulation. Full article

Rapid biofuel expansion has significantly reshaped agricultural land use in the United States, raising concerns about the conversion and long-term sustainability of marginal croplands. Understanding how policy incentives influence these land-use changes remains a key challenge in sustainable land management. This study aims to quantify the effects of the Renewable Fuel Standard on cropland expansion and subsequent abandonment in the U.S. Midwest using a probabilistic and spatially explicit framework. The analysis integrates geospatial datasets from USDA, USGS, gridMET, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration, combining indicators of soil productivity, slope, precipitation, temperature, and market accessibility. Bayesian logistic regression models were developed to estimate pre-policy baseline probabilities of corn cultivation and to generate counterfactual scenarios—hypothetical conditions representing land-use patterns in the absence of policy incentives. Results show that over one-quarter of marginal land cultivated in 2016 would likely not have been planted without biopower policy-related incentives, indicating that policy-driven expansion extended into less suitable areas. A second-stage analysis identified regions where such lands were later abandoned, revealing the role of climatic and economic constraints in shaping long-term sustainability. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating probabilistic modelling with high-resolution spatial data to evaluate causal policy effects and quantify counterfactual impacts—that is, the measurable differences between observed and simulated land-use outcomes. Full article

Background/Objective: Food insecurity refers to social or economic challenges that limit or create uncertainty around access to enough food. Among college students, food security status is usually determined with the USDA 10-item Food Security Survey Module, which has not been validated for this population. Nutrition security refers to consistent access to food and beverages that promote well-being, prevent disease, and emphasize equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable foods. Currently, there is no standardized measure that assesses food and nutrition security tailored to the unique experiences of college students. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of a newly developed College Student Food and Nutrition Security Survey Module (CS-FNSSM). Methods: A mixed-methods approach that combined an online survey with semi-structured cognitive interviews. Participants were students aged 18 and older from U.S. public universities. Quantitative data were analyzed using RStudio (version 4.4.1), and interview transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results: Survey responses were collected from 953 participants, including a subset of 69 participants for reliability testing and 30 participants for cognitive interviews. Rasch analysis showed good item performance and structural validity. The CS-FNSSM demonstrated strong sensitivity (89.09%), specificity (76.2%), moderate test–retest reliability (0.59), and good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79). Qualitative findings confirmed participant understanding of the items. Conclusions: The CS-FNSSM effectively identifies food and nutrition insecurity, with nutrition security emerging as a key issue. Addressing both is crucial for promoting the overall health and well-being of college students. Full article

Background/Objectives: International students pursuing higher education in the United States face unique challenges that increase their risk of food insecurity, including limited financial resources, employment restrictions, and cultural barriers. While food insecurity among domestic students has been widely studied, limited research focuses on the lived experiences of international graduate students. This study explores the challenges, perceptions, and coping strategies related to food insecurity among international graduate students at a large public university in North Texas. Methods: This qualitative, ethnographic study involved 20 semi-structured interviews with international graduate students who were clients of the university’s food pantry. Participants were recruited using purposive convenience sampling. Interviews focused on students’ experiences with food access, financial constraints, campus resources, and cultural food preferences. Data were analyzed using thematic coding in MAXQDA. Two standardized food insecurity measures—the USDA and FAO scales—were also administered and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Findings revealed that 85% of participants experienced limited access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, with 70% reporting hunger due to financial constraints. Themes included lack of cooking skills, limited campus food options, difficulty accessing familiar groceries, and limited job opportunities. Students expressed that food insecurity significantly impacted their physical health, mental well-being, and social lives, though many continued to prioritize academics over personal nourishment. Conclusions: Food insecurity among international graduate students is multifaceted, shaped by financial, cultural, and institutional barriers. Addressing this issue requires culturally sensitive interventions, improved access to diverse food options, tailored student support services, and institutional efforts to better understand and meet the needs of international students. Full article

Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a critical crop for food security and economic growth in Tsangano and Angónia Districts, Central Mozambique. Challenges like inconsistent yields and variable quality are often linked to suboptimal soil conditions, which limit production. This study aimed to classify and evaluate the suitability of soils for potato cultivation in Tete Province, where detailed soil assessments remain limited. Four pedons—TSA-P01 and TSA-P02 in Tsangano and ANGO-P01 and ANGO-P02 in Angónia—were examined for bulk density, texture, pH, organic carbon, and nutrient content using a combination of pedological methods and laboratory soil analysis. To determine each site’s potential for growing Irish potatoes, these factors were compared to predetermined land suitability standards. The pedons were very deep (>150 cm) and had textures ranging from sandy clay loam to sandy loam. TSA-P02 had the lowest bulk density (0.78 Mg m⁻³) and the highest available water capacity (182.0 mm m⁻¹). The soil pH ranged from 5.6 to 7.9, indicating neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Nutrient analysis revealed low total nitrogen (0.12–0.22%), varying soil organic carbon (0.16–2.73%), and cation exchange capacity (10.1–11.33 cmol⁽⁺⁾ kg⁻¹). Pedons TSA-P01, ANGO-P1, and ANGO-P02 were characterized by eluviation and illuviation as dominant pedogenic processes, while in pedon TSA-P02, shrinking and swelling were the dominant pedogenic processes. Weathering indices identified ANGO-P01 as most highly weathered, while TSA-P02 was least weathered and had better fertility indicators. According to USDA Taxonomy, the soils were classified as Ultisols, Vertisols, and Alfisols, corresponding to Acrisols, Alisols, Vertisols, and Luvisols in the WRB for Soil Resources. All studied soils were marginally suitable for potato production (S3f) due to dominant fertility constraints, but with varying minor limitations in climate, topography, and soil physical properties. The findings hence recommended targeted soil fertility management to enhance productivity and sustainability in potato cultivation. Full article

Bamboo’s perceived potential in livelihood development has led to development interventions that aim to strengthen the bamboo industry via activities such as training participants in bamboo management, strengthening institutions, and raising awareness. Using the Campaign for Environmental Evidence’s guidelines, we systematically map the available evidence of the impact of these interventions. The evidence is scattered across peer-reviewed and grey literature, with no universal reporting standards. Search sources for this systematic evidence map include a bibliographic database, CABdirect (now known as CABI Digital Library); a search platform for peer-reviewed literature, the Web of Science Core Collection; a bibliographic database for academic literature on agriculture and related fields, SEARCH by the USDA National Agricultural Library; a public search engine for scholarly literature, Google Scholar; a general search engine, Google; and the websites of 37 organizations, with both proprietary search engines and Google used to search for pdf files. Overall, 36 documents are included in the final review, describing 28 unique interventions from 13 countries. Most evidence is found outside the peer-reviewed literature. Outcomes including income changes, increased participation and engagement, and policy changes are reported, with economic impacts dominating the evidence base. Very little evidence of negative outcomes is found, likely constrained by reporting bias. Reporting on evidence of these interventions is limited, with many interventions being excluded from the database due to a lack of identifiable evidence of outcomes or impact. Full article

Background: The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act was passed in 2010 to update nutrition standards in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs to be in accordance with evidence-based guidelines. In 2017 and 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture proposed flexibilities to the nutrition standards for milk, whole grains, and sodium. Objective: This study examines the positions used by stakeholders in support for or opposition to the proposed rules. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal qualitative content analysis of public comments posted to the U.S. Federal Register in response to the USDA’s proposed rules in 2017 and 2020. All public comments submitted by individuals and organizations were analyzed (n = 7323, 2017 and n = 2513, 2020). Results: Results indicated three categories of arguments: (1) comments favoring the original law, (2) comments favoring flexibilities, and (3) other. In both comment periods, constituents opposed the implementation of flexibilities, while schools and manufacturers/industry predominately supported them. Academic and advocacy organizations opposed the original proposed change (2017) but relaxed their position in 2020. Conclusions: Any flexibility to the required nutritional standards of school meals has the potential to affect the health trajectory of youth. It is imperative to understand how stakeholders view this issue and inform policy change. Full article

This scoping review aims to understand the cell-based meat production process, including the regulations, potential hazards, and critical points of this production. This review includes studies on cultured meat production processes, health hazards, and regulatory guidelines, excluding those without hazard analysis, incomplete texts, or studies published before 2013. The search was performed in eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, LILACS, and Google Scholar) using MeSH terms and adaptations for each database. The search for local studies on regulations and guideline documents was complemented by a manual search on the websites of governments and regulatory agencies from different regions (e.g., FDA, FAO, EFSA, USDA, Health Canada, EC, EU, ANVISA/Brazil, MAPA/Brazil, FSANZ, and SFA). This step involved reading full texts to confirm eligibility and extract key data, including author, year, country, study design, objectives, results, cultured meat protocols, health hazards, and hazard control measures, followed by data analysis. A comprehensive search of the databases yielded 1185 studies and 46 regulatory or guidance documents. After removing duplicate studies and applying eligibility criteria to titles, abstracts and full texts, 35 studies and 45 regulatory or guidance documents were included. The cultured meat production protocols are well-established, highlighting potential hazards and critical control points. Although guidance documents and regulations are limited, they are expanding globally. The development and commercialization of cultured meat require clear, and up-to-date regulations and supervision, which are being studied and formulated by regulatory agencies worldwide. Cultured meat production presents some potential hazards (chemical, biological, and physical) that require food safety considerations: (i) genetic stability of cells/cell lines; (ii) microbiological hazards related to cell lines; (iii) exposure to substances used in the production process; (iv) toxicity and allergenicity of the product or its component for the population; (v) post-harvest microbiological contamination; (vi) chemical contamination/residue levels; and (vii) nutritional aspects/risks. Currently, no standardized testing approach exists for cultured meat. However, effective hazard and safety assessment strategies, such as HACCP combined with best practices, should be implemented throughout the production process. Full article

The objective of this research is to determine the meteorological drought index and the effective rainfall model that exhibit the highest correlation with the yield of rainfed wheat in the Karkheh watershed. Additionally, using spatial statistics analysis, the trend and status of drought in various parts of the watershed will be identified. This will allow for the determination of suitable areas for rainfed wheat cultivation in the near future. In this research, meteorological drought monitoring was conducted using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) drought indices at 34 synoptic stations of the Karkheh watershed in southwestern Iran from 1981 to 2016. Effective precipitation (EPCP) was calculated using four methods, namely the United States bureau of reclamation method (USBR), the simplified version of soil conservation service of the United States department of agriculture method (USDA-SCS simplified), the food and agriculture organization of the United Nations method (FAO), and the CROPWAT version of the USDA-SCS method (USDA-SCS CROPWAT). The correlation between SPI and SPEI and between wheat yield and these indices was performed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R) to select the best index for assessing the effects of meteorological droughts on the agricultural sector. The analysis of the drought features showed that the SPEI reported milder and longer droughts in most synoptic stations. The spatial pattern of drought in the Karkheh watershed was determined using spatial statistics methods, and global Moran’s I statistic showed that the drought in the Karkheh watershed had spatial autocorrelation and a clustered pattern with a 99% confidence level. The results of global and local Moran’s I and the Getis-Ord statistic (Gi*) showed that milder droughts prevailed in the northern clusters and more severe droughts in the southern clusters. Also, the correlation between wheat yield and the SPI and SPEI was positive in all stations except for the stations of Kermanshah province and Aqa Jan Bolaghi, which is due to the existence of numerous dams and springs in these areas. Considering the impact of temperature (Tmean) on meteorological drought, it is suggested that in addition to the SPI, the SPEI should also be used to predict droughts in the Karkheh watershed. Full article

Nutrient composition data that accurately represent available beef products are critical to understanding beef’s role in healthy dietary patterns. The quality of beef products has changed over the past several decades, and updated nutrient data are warranted as USDA Prime beef cuts become more available. In an effort to provide a complete nutrient profile for frequently purchased USDA Prime beef cuts, five USDA Prime cuts; strip loin steak, tenderloin steak, ribeye steak, top sirloin steak, and rib roast were collected from retail stores in six geographical locations over three collections for macro- and micronutrient analysis in both the raw and cooked state. The separable lean portion of all analyzed USDA Prime cuts qualified as a good or excellent source, providing 10–19% or at least 20% of the daily value, respectively, for protein, niacin, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc per FDA labeling claim standards. There was not a significant difference in cholesterol content between any of the cuts, raw or cooked (p ≥ 0.44 and 0.34, respectively). The percent lipid in raw, separable lean portions of the rib roast and strip loin steak was significantly greater than the lipid portion in tenderloin and top sirloin steaks (p ≤ 0.01). Per USDA standards, the separable lean portions of tenderloin steak and top sirloin steak qualify as lean beef, containing less than 10 g total fat, less than 4.5 g saturated fat, and less than or equal to 95 mg cholesterol. The current study provides the most up-to-date nutrient analysis for USDA Prime beef cuts, helping consumers and health professionals better identify the role of high-quality beef cuts in healthy dietary patterns. Full article

Nutrient quality of plant-based meat and fish alternative (MFA) products has been reported as variable. The present objective was to compare the nutrient density of raw meat and fish with MFA products and to examine MFA ingredients and fortification patterns. Nutrient composition data for raw beef, pork, and chicken (n = 450) came from the USDA Standard Reference Legacy Reselase (SR28) nutrient composition database (n = 450). Data for plant-based meat alternatives (n = 118) came from the USDA Branded Food Products Database (BFPDB). Data for fish and seafood (n = 68) and alternatives (n = 12) came from the Danish Frida Database and Mintel (n = 503). Analyses compared macronutrient content and selected micronutrients per 100 g and percentage of US Daily Values. Nutrient density scores were based on the NRF5.3 algorithm. NRF5.3 scores were significantly lower for MFA products as compared to meat or fish. Saturated fat content was lower, but the mean MFA sodium content was 660 mg/100 g compared to 60 mg/100 g for beef. Mean protein content (17 g) was lower than for beef and pork (20 g). A search of ingredient lists found that fortification with most nutrients associated with animal source proteins (such as B vitamins, vitamin D, iodine, zinc, and omega-3 EPA and DHA) was minimal. Plant-based MFA products would benefit from nutrient standards and fortification guidelines to ensure that these products are not nutritionally inferior to the originals. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is widely grown in the tropics, where its production is subjected to heavy disease losses. A goal of tomato breeders is genetic improvement of early maturity genotypes with higher fruit quality under challenging environmental conditions, such as the presence of multiple pathogens, is the goal of tomato breeders. In Mexico, tomato is one of the main exported vegetables, grown in most of the northwestern states of the country, with the state of Sinaloa as one of the largest producers. In this study, we evaluated fruit quality parameters in 16 tomato hybrids (14 hybrids under development in Sinaloa and 2 as commercial lines), which were previously analyzed with molecular markers to detect gene resistance. The hybrids were harvested at the “red ripe” stage at three different harvest dates. Total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, pH, color, firmness, and the TSS/acidity ratio were evaluated. Of the 16 hybrids analyzed, 2 showed the presence of genes for resistance to TYLCV, 7 for resistance to TSWV and Fol race 3, 15 for resistance to Fol race 2, and all 16 for resistance to Fol race l. Results show that most of the tomato hybrids analyzed during the three harvest dates met market standards reported in the USDA’s fresh tomato import regulations and Mexico Supreme Quality 2005 (MCS Mexico Calidad Suprema for its acronym in Spanish). However, two of the advanced developmental hybrids better met the market requirements and are also maturing early. Full article

Drought, a crucial abiotic stressor, markedly reduces the growth and yield of tomato crops (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Consequently, adopting drought-resistant cultivars and implementing breeding programs to enhance drought tolerance have emerged as enduring solutions to alleviate the adverse effects of drought in various tomato cultivation regions. In this study, 68 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tomato accessions were assessed in a controlled greenhouse experiment, encompassing both water deficit treatment and a control group subjected to standard watering conditions. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results of this study pinpointed four accessions, PI 365956, PI 584456, PI 390510, and PI 370091, as drought-tolerant accessions. Additionally, high broad-sense heritability was revealed for leaf wilting, leaf rolling, and SPAD chlorophyll content (total leaf chlorophyll). Furthermore, positive correlations were found among parameters associated with leaf wilting, leaf rolling, and SPAD chlorophyll content. The findings offer valuable insights for tomato breeding initiatives, especially those focused on enhancing drought tolerance in elite cultivars. Future studies will expand the evaluation to include a larger pool of tomato accessions and conduct a genome-wide association study to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for molecular breeding in tomatoes. Full article