Search Results (10,858)

Background/Objectives: Residues of β-lactam antibiotics in foods of animal origin are important for official residue control and public-health risk assessment. Sample storage conditions may affect the measured concentrations of these analytes, whereas cooking may influence consumer exposure. This study evaluated the stability of six β-lactam antibiotics—amoxicillin, ampicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, benzylpenicillin, cefazolin, and cefotaxime—and clavulanic acid, a β-lactamase inhibitor, in chicken meat during storage and thermal processing. Methods: Incurred chicken meat samples were obtained after in vivo administration of the studied compounds. Stability was assessed during storage at +4 °C, −20 °C, and −86 °C for up to 165 days, during repeated freeze–thaw handling, and during heating at 100 °C for up to 30 min. The target compounds were quantified by HPLC–MS/MS after acetonitrile extraction and hexane clean-up. Results: The studied compounds were unstable at +4 °C, with concentrations decreasing below the detection limit within 3–27 days depending on the compound. Storage at −20 °C was insufficient for long-term preservation of most penicillins, whereas −86 °C improved stability. Cefazolin was the most stable compound under the tested storage conditions, while cefotaxime was the least stable. Heating at 100 °C for 30 min caused substantial reduction in parent-compound concentrations, ranging from 63.8 ± 4.0% for cefazolin to complete disappearance below the detection limit for cefotaxime. Conclusions: For reliable official residue analysis, chicken meat samples intended for β-lactam testing should be stored at −86 °C whenever long-term storage is required. Repeated thawing should be avoided. Cooking substantially reduces the concentrations of the parent compounds but cannot be considered a reliable safety measure, because degradation may be incomplete and degradation products were not assessed in this study. Full article

Alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive substances worldwide, with university students representing a subgroup characterized by elevated consumption rates. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered significant behavioral shifts across the general population, with students particularly vulnerable to its psychosocial impacts. In this context, the present study aimed to assess alcohol consumption patterns among university students and to examine the influence of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic on these behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2020 using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire. Alcohol consumption was assessed through self-reported measures of use (yes/no), frequency of intake (e.g., weekly consumption), and perceived changes in consumption compared to the pre-pandemic period. The instrument also collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and COVID-19 diagnosis. A total of 1553 valid questionnaires (i.e., fully completed responses meeting inclusion criteria) were analyzed. The prevalence of self-reported alcohol consumption was 99.93%, reflecting the inclusion of individuals with any level of consumption (including occasional use). Weekly consumption was the most frequently reported pattern. Regarding changes during the pandemic, 248 students reported an increase in alcohol intake, which was considered the main outcome of the study. Students reporting a perceived decline in overall health were less likely to report increased consumption, whereas those with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to report increased use. The findings reveal a high prevalence of alcohol consumption among university students and suggest that periods marked by abrupt behavioral and routine changes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may significantly influence substance use patterns within this population. Full article

The poultry industry is undergoing a major transition to reduce the use of antibiotics, as a result of the growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic residue in meat and increasingly stringent regulatory policies. This trend has led to an increased interest in functional feed additives as potential alternatives that may support bird health, growth performance and meat quality. There are functional additives, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, phytogenics, organic acids, enzymes, essential oils, vitamins, minerals and postbiotics, that have shown potential effectiveness in enhancing gut health, nutrient utilization, immunity and disease resistance in poultry. The advantages that are frequently noticed are increased feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, carcass yield and improved meat quality characteristics, such as water-holding capacity, color stability, tenderness, oxidative stability and shelf life. Furthermore, the decrease in the use of antibiotics decreases the risk of residues and also the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes through the food chain and the environment. Consumer interest in antibiotic-free and naturally raised poultry meat has also led to the emergence of premium market opportunities, where trust, transparency in poultry labelling and perceived safety are key drivers of consumer acceptance. But there are issues yet to be addressed regarding additive efficacy variability, dosage standardization, cost-effectiveness and implementation on farms under different production systems. This review critically evaluates the scientific evidence related to the use of functional feed additives as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry nutrition, focusing on their effects on meat quality, food safety, economic viability, sustainability and consumer perception. Precision nutrition, combinations of synergistic additives, and data-driven feed strategies will be key to future progress to enable profitable and sustainable poultry production. Full article

This field study examined extant aquatic food production and marketing in the three coastal states of Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo before IMTA across 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs)/Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Marketing mix practices in coastal aquatic food systems were explored through a structured, qualitative assessment using a multi-value chain perspective. Monthly sales volumes most frequently fell within the range of 1–5 tonnes. The local market was dominant, with some sales in the international markets. Respondents asserted that post-harvest processing was diverse, and some were satisfied with the technology available to preserve their products. Cold storage practices across coastal states were hindered by unreliable power supply. Zero-level channel distribution dominated among traders, with over 90% relying on word-of-mouth (WOM) to promote their products. Consumers showed a strong preference for the quality of local products and expressed openness to incorporating seaweed into their purchases. Health benefits, taste, and other reasons for purchase decisions varied significantly across the state χ² (df = 8, n = 300) = 92.39, p < 0.001. These findings provide a baseline for IMTA in Nigeria, highlighting existing strengths, market dynamics, and infrastructure gaps that must be addressed to support sustainable integration. Full article

Probiotic supplements are increasingly being touted to have health benefits for pregnant women consuming such supplements and their unborn offspring. The placenta is in direct communication with maternal blood, and bioactive agents can thus easily be transferred to this organ where they may influence gene expression by the different trophoblast (TB) cell lineages. The underlying hypothesis assessed herein is that maternal probiotic supplementation can influence the placenta and fetal brain. The composition of bacterial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was examined in fecal boli of mouse dams on a maternal probiotic supplement relative to control dams. Further, SCFA and transcriptomic profiles were examined in placenta and fetal brain from conceptuses derived from dams on the probiotic supplement and conceptuses from control dams. While this treatment did not affect bacterial SCFAs, placenta and fetal brain changes were evident in male and female conceptuses carried by dams receiving probiotics relative to controls. For the placenta, females were more sensitive to maternal probiotic supplementation, whereas the opposite was the case for the fetal brain. Slc6a4 showed increased expression in female placenta from probiotic-treated dams, which could enhance uptake of maternal 5-HT. Male placenta from probiotic-treated dams had dramatic reduction in Hsd11b2 that may render them more vulnerable to maternal stress. In the fetal brain, maternal probiotic supplementation was associated with genes linked to forebrain development, suggesting this treatment might impact life-long neurobehavioral responses. Current studies suggest that maternal probiotic supplementation might lead to adverse changes in the placenta and fetal brain of their unborn children. Full article

Aflatoxins are widespread hepatotoxic food contaminants, yet age-specific cumulative exposure to multiple aflatoxins and associated health risks remain poorly characterized. This study assessed cumulative dietary exposure to aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), B₂, G₁, and G₂, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk across five age groups, evaluating the influence of packaging and retail sources on contamination. Contamination data of 1179 food samples and consumption data were integrated to calculate the margin of exposure (MoE) and annual HCC incidence. AFB₁ was most frequently detected and often co-occurred with other aflatoxins; bulk vegetable oils showed the highest total aflatoxin detection rate. Roasted peanuts contributed most to aflatoxin exposure, particularly among children aged 3–6 (MoE 900–1206). Rice, rice products, and coarse grains were primary contributors to aflatoxin-attributable HCC risk (0.008 cases per 100,000 person-years). Overall contamination was significantly higher in bulk products than in pre-packaged foods (p < 0.05) and in samples from farmers’ markets and grocery stores than in other sites (p < 0.05). These findings reveal non-negligible aflatoxin-related health risks for Guangzhou residents, especially young children and frequent consumers of staple grains and nuts. Targeted monitoring of high-risk foods and retail environments and age-specific dietary guidance are recommended to reduce population-level aflatoxin exposure and HCC risk. Full article

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is an ultrashort-chain perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) characterized by environmental persistence, water solubility, and a growing global presence, resulting primarily from the degradation of fluorinated compounds. Evidence suggests that plant-based foods may represent an underestimated exposure route, with wine emerging as a significant dietary source due to accumulation in soils, irrigation water, and plant uptake. This review provides an updated summary of the evidence on the environmental sources and temporal evolution of TFA in wine, its analytical detection, its contribution to dietary exposure, potential implications for human health, and current regulatory attention. A structured but non-systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus, supplemented by European reports and monitoring data, and in accordance with SANRA guidelines. Evidence shows that TFA concentrations in wine derive from widespread environmental sources and have increased over time, from negligible levels before the 1970s to a marked increase in recent decades. Reported concentrations range from tens to several hundred µg/L, despite analytical challenges. Exposure estimates indicate that wine may contribute significantly to total dietary TFA intake in regular consumers. Although toxicological data suggest low acute toxicity, uncertainties remain regarding long-term exposure, and regulatory limits for TFA in foods and beverages are lacking. Full article

The increasing popularity of macroalgae products highlights their potential as a safe source of essential macro and microelements for consumers. This study characterized wild and farmed macroalgae elemental composition and assessed the presence of biotoxins to identify potential health risks. Wild and farmed macroalgae samples were collected throughout 2024–2025, from three aquaculture production sites along the Portuguese coast (Ria de Aveiro, Matosinhos, and Olhão). Samples were freeze-dried, compressed and using a micro-XRF spectrometer, elemental composition was assessed. Macroalgae species factor was the strongest driver of elemental composition, explaining over 80% variation in macro and trace elements. Origin did not showcase statistical significance for elemental composition. Seasonal differences, though relatively small in extent, significantly impacted redox-sensitive elements in macroalgae, namely copper and manganese. All elements stayed below 30% of the recommended dietary recommendations, except iron (ranging from 0.5% to 111.8% of UL%) and Mn (ranging from 0.1% to 101% of UL%). All samples revealed the absence of regulated marine toxins. Only traces of the non-regulated cyclic-imine toxin SPX1 were detected in samples of Fucus vesiculosus. All quantified elements do not represent any risk for human health, strengthening the safety of macroalgae from the Portuguese coast. Full article

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) are consumed to reduce intake by providing a sweet taste with little to no energy. Despite regulatory approval and extensive use, uncertainty remains about their long-term role in weight management and health, and about whether exposure to sweet taste itself, independent of energy, influences these outcomes. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from three recent European consortia: SWEET, SWITCH and Sweet Tooth, which together provide complementary data from acute, short- and long-term randomized controlled trials. The studies examined the effects of NNSs and dietary sweet taste exposure on body weight, health-related biomarkers, sweet taste preference, and eating behavior. Across studies, replacing sugars with NNSs appeared to support weight loss maintenance, while NNS consumption and dietary sweet taste exposure showed no adverse changes in body weight, glucoregulatory and endocrine biomarkers, cardiometabolic risk factors, gut microbiota, or liver enzymes. Likewise, neither NNS use nor different dietary sweet taste exposure altered sweet taste liking, appetite sensation, energy intake, or food choice. However, interpretation should consider the characteristics of the included studies, including selected populations, intervention context, outcome heterogeneity, and the fact that several behavioral and biomarker outcomes were secondary or exploratory. Overall, the reviewed evidence suggests that replacing sugar intake with NNSs may support weight management strategies, while differences in habitual dietary sweet taste exposure per se appear largely neutral with respect to health-related biomarkers and sweet taste preferences. Full article

The consumption of wild rodents in certain regions of Southwest China creates a potential interface for zoonotic pathogen exposure, yet the virome composition of edible rodents remains insufficiently characterized. In this study, we performed multi-organ RNA metatranscriptomic analysis of three commonly consumed rodent species (Niviventer andersoni, Berylmys bowersi, and Rattus losea) collected from Guizhou Province, analyzing five visceral organs per species. A total of 1198 viral contigs spanning 37 viral families were identified, revealing diverse viral communities across host species and tissues, with host identity emerging as a key factor shaping virome structure. Sequences related to Seoul virus were detected in the lungs of R. losea, showing high similarity to previously reported strains, and sequences closely related to porcine Rotavirus A were identified in the lung samples of N. andersoni, indicating a close phylogenetic relationship with livestock-associated viruses. While these findings do not confirm active infection or transmission, they may reflect potential environmental exposure or ecological links at the wildlife–livestock interface. Overall, this study provides a baseline characterization of the multi-organ virome of edible rodents and highlights the importance of integrated surveillance and risk assessment within a One Health framework. Full article

This research aimed to develop a rapid, non-destructive, and accurate method for detecting adulteration in turmeric using Visible–Near-Infrared (UV/Vis and NIR) spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms. Spectral data from the samples were collected and analyzed in two ranges: 170–870 nm (UV/Vis) and 900–2170 nm (NIR). Four supervised learning algorithms, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network, and Decision Tree, were evaluated for modeling. To quantitatively assess model performance, we employed not only the accuracy metric but also complementary performance indicators including precision, recall, and the F1-score to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of classification effectiveness. The models developed in the 900–2170 nm spectral range demonstrated highly significant performance, with most models achieving 100% accuracy on the independent test set. To reduce data dimensionality and enhance computational efficiency, a hybrid feature selection method combining SVM with five algorithms—League Championship Algorithm (LCA), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), and Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA)—was employed. Upon evaluation of each method, the SVM-LCA was selected as the optimal feature selection technique. This algorithm successfully extracted the most effective wavelengths with the highest correlation and lowest error, which maintained or improved the accuracy of the classification models. This study confirms the high potential of UV/Vis and NIR spectroscopy as rapid, non-destructive, and precise tools for detecting adulteration in turmeric. The findings can pave the way for the development of intelligent quality control systems in the food and pharmaceutical industries, playing a crucial role in ensuring consumer health and safety. Full article

Conifer-derived essential oils have gained attention as versatile natural additives with potential applications in animal production, including influencing microbial processes and supporting environmental sustainability. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of selected conifer essential oils (EOs), evaluate their antimicrobial activity against rumen microorganisms in vitro, and assess the effects of Pinus sylvestris essential oil on rumen fermentation and methane production under in vitro and in vivo conditions. EOs from Thuja occidentalis, Cupressus sempervirens, Juniperus communis, Picea mariana, Pinus sylvestris, and Pinus pinaster were analyzed by GC–MS, and their inhibitory activity against selected rumen bacteria was determined by MIC and IC₅₀ assays. Based on these results, P. sylvestris oil was selected for fermentation experiments. Ninety-two volatile compounds were identified, with monoterpenes as the dominant constituents and α-pinene as the major compound in P. sylvestris oil. In vitro, P. sylvestris oil influenced fermentation in a dose-dependent manner without affecting ruminal pH. In vivo, ruminal pH, ammonia-related parameters, and total VFA concentration were not significantly affected by treatment, whereas several variables showed a significant effect of time. Temporal changes in VFA profiles suggested a transient adaptation of ruminal fermentation. Methane concentration was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced by Pinus sylvestris essential oil supplementation, with a decrease of approximately 28.7% after 14 days. These findings indicate that P. sylvestris EOs may serve as a promising natural modulator of rumen fermentation, although further studies are needed to optimize dosage and confirm long-term effects. Full article

Coffee is among the most widely consumed beverages globally being cultivated in nearly 80 countries. Its processing generates large quantities of by-products, including mucilage, pulp/husks, silverskin, parchment, and spent coffee grounds. Although traditionally treated as waste, these residues are increasingly recognized as valuable resources rich in bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidant, antimicrobial, and health-promoting properties. This review explores the antimicrobial potential of coffee by-products, with particular emphasis on their chemical composition and mechanisms of action. Compounds such as caffeine, chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, and melanoidins have demonstrated inhibitory effects against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Many of these compounds, which originate from plant’s defensive system or result from Maillard reactions, are known to disrupt microbial membranes, inhibit DNA repair, and interfere with pathogen metabolism. However, the available literature on their antimicrobial effectiveness remains limited. In the context of the rising worldwide concern over antimicrobial resistance, coffee by-products represent a sustainable and promising source of novel antimicrobial agents. Their valorization may support advances in food preservation, pharmaceutical innovation, and waste management practices, contributing to the implementation of a circular economy framework in the coffee industry while promoting environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Full article

Data on arsenic (As) and other potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Pakistani retail meats are limited, constraining evidence-based dietary risk assessment and management. This study aimed to determine the concentrations and profiles of As and seven other PTEs (Cr, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn) in commonly consumed meats and to evaluate the associated non-carcinogenic health risks. Ninety-two paired liver and muscle samples from broiler chicken, goat (mutton), and beef cattle were collected from four cities across the Indus Plain and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Dietary exposure was evaluated using estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazardous index (HI) under typical and high-consumption scenarios. Overall, Zn and Cu exhibited the highest concentrations, followed by Mn and Cr, whereas As, Pb, Ni, and Cd occurred at comparatively lower but environmentally relevant levels. Beef liver exhibited the highest contamination levels, exceeding FAO/WHO permissible limits for Pb, Cu, and Cd in up to 40% of samples. In contrast, mutton and beef muscle contained the highest As and Zn concentrations, while chicken muscle showed elevated Cr levels. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed three dominant co-variation patterns, suggesting potential contamination pathways: (i) geogenic groundwater sources enriched with As, Cr, and Ni; (ii) atmospheric and industrial dust inputs linked with Pb, Cd, and Mn; (iii) mineral-enriched feed additives potentially contributing to elevated Zn and Cu, particularly in poultry. Under high-consumption scenarios, THQ values for As, Cr, Cu, and Zn exceeded the safety threshold (THQ > 1), highlighting beef products as the dominant source of chronic dietary risk. Overall, the findings highlight pronounced tissue- and species-specific accumulation trends, and emphasizes the urgent need for stricter feed and water quality control measures to minimize dietary exposure to PTEs. Full article

The inner beauty functional food sector has grown rapidly in South Korea. These products are orally consumed bioactive formulations designed to improve skin health, hair vitality, and overall wellness. However, empirical evidence on consumption patterns and product format preferences across different demographic groups remains limited. This cross-sectional study examined consumption patterns, purchase channels, and product format preferences among 502 Korean adults who had experience with inner beauty functional foods. Chi-square analysis was used to examine differences in consumption reasons, duration of use, purchase channels, and product format preferences according to socio-demographic characteristics. Results showed that skin health was the dominant consumption motivation (47.6%), particularly among younger and female consumers, while weight management and hair and nail health were more prevalent among older adults. Online purchasing dominated (57.8%), with significant age- and education-based variation; consumers in their 20s purchased online at 67.5%, declining to 44.4% among those aged 40 and above. Capsule and tablet formats were most prevalent overall (41.6%), with males, married consumers, and graduate-degree holders showing significantly stronger preference for this format, whereas gummy and chewable formats were more frequently preferred by female consumers. These findings provide practical implications for inner beauty producers, food distributors, and nutrition educators seeking to align product development and communication strategies with the heterogeneous preferences of Korean inner beauty consumers. Full article