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31 pages, 1454 KiB  
Review
Biosecurity Implications, Transmission Routes and Modes of Economically Important Diseases in Domestic Fowl and Turkey
by László Kovács, Gerda Domaföldi, Pia-Charlotte Bertram, Máté Farkas and László Péter Könyves
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(4), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12040391 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 2256
Abstract
The poultry industry is a critical source of affordable protein worldwide; however, it faces continuous threats from various poultry diseases that significantly impact public health, economic stability, and food security. Knowledge of and examination of the transmission routes, risk factors, and environmental survival [...] Read more.
The poultry industry is a critical source of affordable protein worldwide; however, it faces continuous threats from various poultry diseases that significantly impact public health, economic stability, and food security. Knowledge of and examination of the transmission routes, risk factors, and environmental survival characteristics of the most important pathogens affecting poultry populations, as well as the importance of strict biosecurity, are pivotal. Transmission routes are split into direct and vector-borne pathways, and indirect ways, which include infections via contaminated surfaces and vector-borne pathways, including insects and rodents. Avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus spread through respiratory droplets, and their transmission risk increases with increasing stocking density. While other pathogens (e.g., infectious bursal disease virus and Salmonella spp.), to persist long-term in the environments, for example, feed and litter, increasing the probability to persist long-term in the environments, for example, feed and litter, increasing the probability of infection. The long-term resilience of pathogens in multiple pathogens in various environmental conditions highlights the role of biosecurity, sanitation, and hygiene controls in preventing disease outbreaks. High stocking density in production systems, suboptimal ventilation, and inadequate biosecurity controls further increase transmission risks. This paper summarizes important disease transmissions and reinforces the need for strict biosecurity protocols and routine health monitoring to prevent the spread of pathogens within and beyond poultry facilities. These strategies can support safe poultry production, address growing global demand, and ensure food safety and public health. Full article
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15 pages, 447 KiB  
Article
Awareness of Poultry Farmers of Interconnected Health Risks: A Cross-Sectional Study on Mycotoxins, Biosecurity, and Salmonellosis in Jimma, Ethiopia
by Tadele Kabeta, Tadele Tolosa, Alamayo Nagara, Ilias Chantziaras, Siska Croubels, Filip Van Immerseel and Gunther Antonissen
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233441 - 28 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2329
Abstract
Poultry farming in Ethiopia is crucial for food security and income, but it faces significant challenges due to gaps in farmer awareness. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Biocheck.UGent™ biosecurity scoring system and a questionnaire to evaluate poultry farmers’ basic and practical [...] Read more.
Poultry farming in Ethiopia is crucial for food security and income, but it faces significant challenges due to gaps in farmer awareness. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Biocheck.UGent™ biosecurity scoring system and a questionnaire to evaluate poultry farmers’ basic and practical knowledge concerning salmonellosis and mycotoxins. The questionnaire revealed substantial gaps in basic and practical knowledge regarding Salmonella spp infections and mycotoxin among 38 poultry farmers in Jimma. About 68.4% of farmers were unaware of the impact of salmonellosis on both poultry and human health. Moreover, 78.9% had limited basic knowledge of how salmonellosis affects production and the economy. Farmers also showed limited practical knowledge of farm management and hygiene practices essential for preventing Salmonella spp. infections. Regarding mycotoxins, 63.2% of farmers lacked awareness of poultry feed management, 60.5% were unaware of the health risks mycotoxins pose, and 73.7% did not recognize signs of mycotoxin contamination. Although 55.3% of farmers demonstrated acceptable practical knowledge of strategies to reduce the impact of mycotoxin contaminations, there are still concerns, particularly since 65.8% and 55.3% only showed moderate practical knowledge of feed storage and mycotoxin prevention, respectively. The overall biosecurity scores of poultry farms were below the global average, with a score of 41.7 compared to the worldwide average of 64. The overall mean score for external biosecurity was 44.9, below the global average of 63. All 3 scoring platforms and biosecurity parameters indicated that internal biosecurity was the weakest aspect, with a score of 31.6, well below the global standard of 64. The results showed a weak correlation (rₛ = 0.06) between farmers’ basic and practical knowledge scores about Salmonella spp. infections and mycotoxins. Similarly, there was a weak correlation between the poor biosecurity score of poultry farms and the basic and practical knowledge of poultry farmers on Salmonella spp. infections (rₛ = 0.17) and mycotoxins (rₛ = 0.25). In conclusion, the study found that poultry farmers in Jimma had poor basic and practical knowledge scores on Salmonella, mycotoxins, and biosecurity measures. Thus, awareness creation is paramount to improve these gaps to reduce the impact of mycotoxin contamination and poultry diseases and consequently to improve food security and food safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)
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20 pages, 1310 KiB  
Article
Political Economy of Maternal Child Malnutrition: Experiences about Water, Food, and Nutrition Policies in Pakistan
by Farooq Ahmed, Najma Iqbal Malik, Shamshad Bashir, Nazia Noureen, Jam Bilal Ahmad and Kun Tang
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2642; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162642 - 10 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3656
Abstract
This study examined access to water, food, and nutrition programs among marginalized communities in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and their effects on nutrition. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study. We held two focus group discussions (one with 10 males and [...] Read more.
This study examined access to water, food, and nutrition programs among marginalized communities in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and their effects on nutrition. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study. We held two focus group discussions (one with 10 males and one with 10 females) and conducted in-depth interviews with 15 key stakeholders, including 20 mothers and 10 healthcare providers. A survey of 235 households was carried out to evaluate water and food insecurity, with the data analyzed using Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test, t-test, and Pearson’s chi-square test. The results revealed that 90% of households experienced moderate-to-severe water insecurity, and 73% faced moderate-to-severe food insecurity. Household water and food insecurity were positively correlated with each other (correlation coefficient = 0.205; p = 0.004). Greater household water (p = 0.028) and food insecurity (p < 0.001) were both associated with higher perceived stress. Furthermore, lower socioeconomic status was strongly related to higher levels of water (p < 0.001) and food insecurity (p < 0.001). Qualitative findings highlight the impact of colonial and post-colonial policies, which have resulted in water injustice, supply issues, and corruption in water administration. Women face significant challenges in fetching water, including stigma, harassment, and gender vulnerabilities, leading to conflicts and injuries. Water scarcity and poor quality adversely affect sanitation, hygiene, and breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers. Structural adjustment policies have exacerbated inflation and reduced purchasing power. Respondents reported a widespread lack of dietary diversity and food quality. Nutrition programs face obstacles such as the exclusion of people with low social and cultural capital, underfunding, weak monitoring, health sector corruption, and the influence of formula milk companies allied with the medical community and bureaucracy. This study concludes that addressing the macro-political and economic causes of undernutrition should be prioritized to improve nutrition security in Pakistan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)
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24 pages, 3684 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Interplay of Food Security, Safety, and Psychological Wellness in the COVID-19 Era: Managing Strategies for Resilience and Adaptation
by Fanrui Zhou, Zhengxin Ma, Ahmed K. Rashwan, Muhammad Bilawal Khaskheli, Wessam A. Abdelrady, Nesma S. Abdelaty, Syed Muhammad Hassan Askri, Ping Zhao, Wei Chen and Imran Haider Shamsi
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1610; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111610 - 22 May 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2510
Abstract
The global population surge presents a dual challenge and opportunity in the realms of food consumption, safety, and mental well-being. This necessitates a projected 70% increase in food production to meet growing demands. Amid this backdrop, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates these issues, [...] Read more.
The global population surge presents a dual challenge and opportunity in the realms of food consumption, safety, and mental well-being. This necessitates a projected 70% increase in food production to meet growing demands. Amid this backdrop, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates these issues, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between food consumption patterns and mental health dynamics during this crisis. Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 hinges upon rigorous adherence to personal hygiene practices and heightened disease awareness. Furthermore, maintaining stringent food quality and safety standards across both public and private sectors is imperative for safeguarding public health and containing viral transmission. Drawing upon existing research, this study delves into the pandemic’s impact on mental health, food consumption habits, and food safety protocols. Through a comprehensive analysis, it aims to elucidate the nuanced relationship among food, food safety, and mental well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting synergistic effects and dynamics that underpin holistic human welfare. Our study offers a novel approach by integrating psychological wellness with food security and safety. In conceiving this review, we aimed to comprehensively explore the intricate interplay among food security, safety, and psychological wellness amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our review is structured to encompass a thorough examination of existing research, synthesizing insights into the multifaceted relationships among food consumption patterns, mental health dynamics, and food safety protocols during the crisis. Our findings provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for enhancing food security and psychological well-being, thus supporting both academic research and real-world applications in crisis management and policy development. Full article
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23 pages, 2978 KiB  
Review
Food Security and Foodborne Mycotoxicoses—What Should Be the Adequate Risk Assessment and Regulation?
by Stoycho D. Stoev
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030580 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2106
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to elucidate the actual threat of the most prevalent mycotoxins in agricultural commodities and human/animal food/feed for the induction of foodborne diseases or ailments. The underestimated hazard of combined mycotoxin uptake by animals or humans is critically [...] Read more.
The purpose of this review is to elucidate the actual threat of the most prevalent mycotoxins in agricultural commodities and human/animal food/feed for the induction of foodborne diseases or ailments. The underestimated hazard of combined mycotoxin uptake by animals or humans is critically discussed with regard to synergistic or additive interaction between some target mycotoxins. The real toxicity of target mycotoxin combinations as it happens in practice is evaluated and possible lower limit values or control measures are suggested in such cases. Some critical points on adequate risk assessment, hygiene control, and regulation of mycotoxins are discussed. The efficiency of current mycotoxin regulations and control measures is evaluated in regard to human/animal health hazards. The risk assessment in the case of multiple mycotoxin exposure of humans/animals via food/feed or agricultural commodities is evaluated and some suggestions are proposed in such cases. Appropriate control measures and food safety issues throughout the food supply chain are proposed in order to prevent the target foodborne diseases. Some preventive measures and possible veterinary hygiene controls or risk evaluations are proposed in some natural cases of foodborne diseases for preventing mycotoxin contamination of animal products designed for human consumption and to avoid possible public health issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)
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14 pages, 591 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Microbial Quality of Shrimp (Xiphonaeus kroyeri) and Mussels (Perna perna) Illegally Sold in the Vitória Region, Brazil, and Investigating the Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolates
by Daniella Tosta Link, Gustavo Guimarães Fernandes Viana, Lívia Pasolini Siqueira, Carolina Magri Ferraz, Romário Alves Rodrigues, Luis Antonio Mathias, Marita Vedovelli Cardozo and Gabriel Augusto Marques Rossi
Antibiotics 2024, 13(3), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13030242 - 6 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2874
Abstract
The consumption of seafood is crucial for food security, but poor hygiene along the food production chain can result in low microbiological quality, posing significant risks for public health and seafood quality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and antimicrobial [...] Read more.
The consumption of seafood is crucial for food security, but poor hygiene along the food production chain can result in low microbiological quality, posing significant risks for public health and seafood quality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and antimicrobial sensitivity of E. coli from 69 samples of illegally marketed shrimp and mussels in the Vitória Region, Brazil. These foods exhibited poor microbiological quality due to high counts of mesophilic, psychrotrophic, and enterobacteria microorganisms. While this issue is widespread in this area, shrimp samples displayed higher microbial counts compared to mussels, and fresh mussels had elevated counts of enterobacteria compared to frozen ones. Among the 10 E. coli isolates, none carried the genes blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-2, blaCTX-M-3, blaCTX-M-15, mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and tet, associated with antibiotic resistance. Phenotypical resistance to tetracycline and fosfomycin was not observed in any isolate, while only 20% demonstrated resistance to ciprofloxacin. Regarding ampicillin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, 60% of isolates were resistant, 10% showed intermediate susceptibility, and 30% were sensitive. One isolate was considered simultaneously resistant to β-lactams and quinolones, and none were conserved as ESBL producers. These findings highlight the inherent risks to local public health that arise from consuming improperly prepared seafood in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance in Foodborne Pathogens)
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17 pages, 1461 KiB  
Review
Nourishing the Mind: How Food Security Influences Mental Wellbeing
by Ovinuchi Ejiohuo, Helen Onyeaka, Kingsley C. Unegbu, Obinna G. Chikezie, Omowale A. Odeyemi, Adebola Lawal and Olumide A. Odeyemi
Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040501 - 9 Feb 2024
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 10534
Abstract
Food insecurity is a significant public health problem worldwide and critical to mental health. There is a complex relationship between food security and mental health. We carried out a narrative review study aiming to address how food insecurity impacts mental wellbeing by focusing [...] Read more.
Food insecurity is a significant public health problem worldwide and critical to mental health. There is a complex relationship between food security and mental health. We carried out a narrative review study aiming to address how food insecurity impacts mental wellbeing by focusing on the mental health repercussions of food insecurity, recognizing its pivotal role in attaining Sustainable Development Goals 2 (on hunger) and 3 (on enhancing global wellbeing). A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar, incorporating Google searches for pertinent reports and policy documents. To address these questions, we emphasized and elucidated the interconnectedness between food security and mental health. The review shows that food security and mental health share a profound relationship influenced by multifaceted factors like socioeconomic conditions, access to nutritious food, and societal inequalities. We then provide recommendations for integrating food security into mental health strategies based on the insights and conclusions drawn. Strategies ranging from sustainable farming practices to urban agriculture initiatives and digital mental health services demonstrate avenues for enhancing food safety and mental wellbeing. This highlights the need for collaborative interdisciplinary efforts and systemic reforms to address these interconnected challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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11 pages, 891 KiB  
Article
Formulating a Community-Centric Indicator Framework to Quantify One Health Drivers of Antibiotic Resistance: A Preliminary Step towards Fostering ‘Antibiotic-Smart Communities’
by Philip Mathew, Sujith J. Chandy, Satya Sivaraman, Jaya Ranjalkar, Hyfa Mohammed Ali and Shruthi Anna Thomas
Antibiotics 2024, 13(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13010063 - 8 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3034
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is increasing the mortality and morbidity associated with infectious diseases, besides increasing the cost of healthcare, saturating health system capacity, and adversely affecting food security. Framing an appropriate narrative and engaging local communities through the ‘One Health’ approach is essential [...] Read more.
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is increasing the mortality and morbidity associated with infectious diseases, besides increasing the cost of healthcare, saturating health system capacity, and adversely affecting food security. Framing an appropriate narrative and engaging local communities through the ‘One Health’ approach is essential to complement top-down measures. However, the absence of objective criteria to measure the performance of ABR interventions in community settings makes it difficult to mobilize interest and investment for such interventions. An exercise was therefore carried out to develop an indicator framework for this purpose. A comprehensive list of indicators was developed from experiences gathered through community engagement work in a local panchayat (small administrative area) in Kerala, India and a consultative process with health, veterinary, environment, and development experts. A prioritization exercise was carried out by global experts on ABR, looking at appropriateness, feasibility, and validity. A 15-point indicator framework was designed based on the prioritization process. The final set of indicators covers human health, animal health, environment management, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) domains. The indicator framework was piloted in the panchayat (located in Kerala), which attained a score of 34 (maximum 45). The score increased when interventions were implemented to mitigate the ABR drives, indicating that the framework is sensitive to change. The indicator framework was tested in four sites from three other Indian states with different socioeconomic and health profiles, yielding different scores. Those collecting the field data were able to use the framework with minimal training. It is hoped that, this indicator framework can help policymakers broadly understand the factors contributing to ABR and measure the performance of interventions they choose to implement in the community as part of National Action Plan on AMR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance and Environmental Health)
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6 pages, 225 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Performance Assessment of Food Safety and Hygiene in Physical Stores Engaged in Online Food Business in Taiwan
by Kuan-Chuan Tao, Jia-Jia Wu, Kai-Ling Chan and Mei-Chin Mong
Eng. Proc. 2023, 55(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2023055024 - 29 Nov 2023
Viewed by 925
Abstract
To examine the safety of food purchased online, a food safety project was conducted by the Office of Food and Drug Safety (OFDS) of Taichung City. Through collaboration with eight universities, the performance of food safety and hygiene in the physical stores engaged [...] Read more.
To examine the safety of food purchased online, a food safety project was conducted by the Office of Food and Drug Safety (OFDS) of Taichung City. Through collaboration with eight universities, the performance of food safety and hygiene in the physical stores engaged in online food businesses was assessed from October 2021 to January 2022. A total of 80 physical stores were involved in the present project. The results indicate that the most common nonconformities were as follows: (1) the food service standard form contract for distance transactions was not correctly displayed on websites (71%), (2) the food-related items were not sorted, were not stored on pallet boards or racks, and were not kept clean (46%), (3) the food preparation area and sales area did not have appropriate and adequate equipment for hand washing and drying (33%), and (4) the food safety and hygiene self-evaluation checklist was not prepared (33%). More efforts regarding food safety and hygiene are needed to improve and secure the knowledge of, attitude towards, and skills for good food safety and hygiene practices of online food businesses. Full article
23 pages, 585 KiB  
Review
Evaluation of Community Restaurants Linked to Government Food and Nutrition Safety Programs: A Scope Review
by Mateus Santana Sousa, Carlos Rodrigo Nascimento de Lira, Eduardo Yoshio Nakano, Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho and Rita de Cássia Coelho de Almeida Akutsu
Foods 2023, 12(21), 4009; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12214009 - 2 Nov 2023
Viewed by 2857
Abstract
Community restaurants linked to government food and nutritional security programs are establishments created to offer meals to the population in socially vulnerable situations. The objective was to identify the methods, approaches, criteria, and indicators used to evaluate restaurants linked to government food and [...] Read more.
Community restaurants linked to government food and nutritional security programs are establishments created to offer meals to the population in socially vulnerable situations. The objective was to identify the methods, approaches, criteria, and indicators used to evaluate restaurants linked to government food and nutrition security programs. A scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology and the international guide’s recommendations of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews was conducted. Medline databases via PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were used. Primary observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, ethnographies, documentary studies, and case studies were included, with a quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed approach. A total of 2498 studies were identified. After taking out 180 duplicated articles, another 2202 articles were excluded by the title. Among the 71 studies selected for complete reading, 10 did not correlate with the research objective, and 12 were included after analyzing the references, totaling 73 included studies. In this review, evaluative approaches were mapped and systematized on the menu, food consumption, food health, food security and/or insecurity, nutritional education, and human right to adequate food; users’ profile and health, implantation, history, perceptions, senses, and meanings; handlers/workers; hygienic–sanitary quality; evaluation and monitoring; physical–functional planning, and rest–intake. The presented data provide elements that can be adapted in future evaluations and describe the panorama of academic production in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Security and Sustainability)
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10 pages, 878 KiB  
Article
Evacuation of Refugees from Afghanistan: Health Control at the Spanish Border in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Miguel Dávila, Patricia López, Maria Ramiro-Gonzalez, Ana M. Saénz de Urturi, Rocío del Pilar Palmera, Concepción Sánchez, Irene G. M. Wijers, Iratxe Moreno, Fernando Riesco, Lourdes Oliva, Sergio Béjar, Inmaculada Vera, Gloria González, Fernando Carreras and Pilar Aparicio
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(7), 5292; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075292 - 28 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2122
Abstract
Following the announcement of the retreat of troops from Afghanistan, the Spanish Government organised the so-called “Antigone Operation” for the evacuation of Afghan collaborators. The most relevant ministries were involved in the response. The Ministry of Health, through the Foreign Health Department, performed [...] Read more.
Following the announcement of the retreat of troops from Afghanistan, the Spanish Government organised the so-called “Antigone Operation” for the evacuation of Afghan collaborators. The most relevant ministries were involved in the response. The Ministry of Health, through the Foreign Health Department, performed the health control on arrival. The whole operation was conducted at an air base. It included the health control of refugees composed of temperature measurement, a basic visual control and a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rapid antigen test for those over 12 years of age; the assessment of their basic needs (food and hygiene); identification and security procedures; and the initial administrative processing. The refugees were accommodated in a temporary facility at the base, where they waited to be transferred to their final destinations. Between 19 and 27 August 2021, 2168 refugees arrived on 17 flights; 680 of them were children under 12 years of age. One thousand four hundred and ninety-nine rapid antigen tests were performed, with one positive result. “Antigone Operation” is unprecedented in Spain and is one of the most complex operations carried out in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic required the establishment of a health control system on arrival, performed by Foreign Health, which contributed significantly to the overall success of the operation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health: Infectious Disease Research)
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13 pages, 2785 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Communities in Lanna Fermented Soybeans from Three Different Ethnolinguistic Groups in Northern Thailand
by Rujipas Yongsawas, Ammarin In-on, Angkana Inta, Jatupol Kampuansai, Hataichanok Pandith, Nakarin Suwannarach, Saisamorn Lumyong, Thararat Chitov and Terd Disayathanoowat
Microorganisms 2023, 11(3), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030649 - 3 Mar 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3156
Abstract
Northern Thailand, the main part of the Lanna region, is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, each with their own food and cultural heritage. The bacterial compositions in fermented soybean (FSB) products indigenous to three Lanna ethnolinguistic groups, including Karen, Lawa, [...] Read more.
Northern Thailand, the main part of the Lanna region, is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, each with their own food and cultural heritage. The bacterial compositions in fermented soybean (FSB) products indigenous to three Lanna ethnolinguistic groups, including Karen, Lawa, and Shan, were investigated in this study. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the FSB samples and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Illumina sequencing platform. Metagenomic data showed that the predominant bacteria in all FSBs were members of the genus Bacillus (49.5–86.8%), and the Lawa FSB had the greatest bacterial diversity. The presence of genera Ignatzschineria, Yaniella, Atopostipes in the Karen and Lawa FSBs and Proteus in the Shan FSB might be indicators of food hygiene problems during processing. The network analysis predicted antagonistic effects of Bacillus against some indicator and pathogenic bacteria. The functional prediction revealed some potential functional properties of these FSBs. The presence of Bacillus in all FSBs and Vagococcus in the Shan FSB suggests that these FSBs could potentially be good sources of beneficial bacteria, and they should be conserved and promoted for health and food security reasons. However, food processing hygiene measures should be introduced and monitored to warrant their properties as health foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Microbial Bioprocesses)
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17 pages, 1211 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Ecological and Toxicological State of Soils and Waters in the Neighborhood of Mining Industry Enterprises in the Armenian Highlands
by Meruzhan Haykaram Galstyan, Maxim Viktorovich Larionov, Hovik Yakhsibek Sayadyan and Karine Shahen Sargsyan
Life 2023, 13(2), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020394 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2668
Abstract
The article presents the results of the seven-year study on the state of arable lands and wastewaters in the districts of mining enterprises in Armenia. An assessment of the ecological and toxicological state of wastewaters and contaminated areas was carried out. Methods for [...] Read more.
The article presents the results of the seven-year study on the state of arable lands and wastewaters in the districts of mining enterprises in Armenia. An assessment of the ecological and toxicological state of wastewaters and contaminated areas was carried out. Methods for their purification are proposed aimed at their further use and obtainment of environmentally safe agricultural products. An area of about 0.5 ha, next to the rural community of Syunik in southern Armenia, has been polluted for many years by mining sludges from the nearest mine watertight cofferdam of the Zangezur copper-molybdenum combine. Activities have been carried out to clean up the soil in this area. After plowing, soil improvers (zeolite, bentonite, and manure) were introduced into the soil. On-site treatments, soil tillage, and the introduction of soil improvers into the soil was implemented in late autumn. Soil and plant samples were taken to determine the content of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Co, Mo, Ni). In the following spring, the area was planted with potatoes, eggplant, and peas. A rather high yield was obtained. Analysis of plant samples showed that the content of heavy metals does not exceed the permissible level of the international food safety standard. At the same time, soil studies were carried out in the adjacent areas of the Sotk mine, located to the southeast of Lake Sevan. It was revealed that due to the increase in the volume of the mining industry and the amount of rock dumps, the organoleptic and chemical indicators of the waters of the Sotk and Masrik rivers deteriorated. Compared to the previous decade, the amounts of suspended particles per 1 L of water have increased by 210…317.0%, in the waters of Sotk—by 32.1 mg/L, and in the waters of Masrik—by 13.2 mg/L. The same tendency is observed regarding the amounts of nitrates, sulfates, and hydrogen index, which is mainly due to the chemical composition of rocks. They contain a large amount of Ca, K, Na, Mg, etc. This trend is especially noticeable along the rivers, where intensive agriculture, primarily livestock farming is carried out. The material of the work solves a complex of environmental and economic problems. It is aimed at ensuring environmental safety, improving the ecological and resource properties of soils, increasing the productivity of cultural phytocenoses and the sanitary and hygienic quality of food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Diversity and Ecology)
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16 pages, 972 KiB  
Review
Ropiness in Bread—A Re-Emerging Spoilage Phenomenon
by Nicola Pacher, Johanna Burtscher, Sophia Johler, Danai Etter, Denisse Bender, Lars Fieseler and Konrad J. Domig
Foods 2022, 11(19), 3021; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11193021 - 29 Sep 2022
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 11445
Abstract
As bread is a very important staple food, its spoilage threatens global food security. Ropy bread spoilage manifests in sticky and stringy degradation of the crumb, slime formation, discoloration, and an odor reminiscent of rotting fruit. Increasing consumer demand for preservative-free products and [...] Read more.
As bread is a very important staple food, its spoilage threatens global food security. Ropy bread spoilage manifests in sticky and stringy degradation of the crumb, slime formation, discoloration, and an odor reminiscent of rotting fruit. Increasing consumer demand for preservative-free products and global warming may increase the occurrence of ropy spoilage. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, the B. cereus group, B. pumilus, B. sonorensis, Cytobacillus firmus, Niallia circulans, Paenibacillus polymyxa, and Priestia megaterium were reported to cause ropiness in bread. Process hygiene does not prevent ropy spoilage, as contamination of flour with these Bacillus species is unavoidable due to their occurrence as a part of the endophytic commensal microbiota of wheat and the formation of heat-stable endospores that are not inactivated during processing, baking, or storage. To date, the underlying mechanisms behind ropy bread spoilage remain unclear, high-throughput screening tools to identify rope-forming bacteria are missing, and only a limited number of strategies to reduce rope spoilage were described. This review provides a current overview on (i) routes of entry of Bacillus endospores into bread, (ii) bacterial species implicated in rope spoilage, (iii) factors influencing rope development, and (iv) methods used to assess bacterial rope-forming potential. Finally, we pinpoint key gaps in knowledge and related challenges, as well as future research questions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)
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17 pages, 291 KiB  
Article
The Effect of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Workers Regarding COVID-19 Precautionary Measures on Food Safety at Foodservice Establishments in Jordan
by Amin N. Olaimat, Anas A. Al-Nabulsi, Mohammad O. Nour, Tareq M. Osaili, Hana Alkhalidy, Murad Al-Holy, Mutamed Ayyash and Richard A. Holley
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8193; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138193 - 5 Jul 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4033
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused sequential ripples of public health concern worldwide. Restaurant owners and workers have been significantly affected by safety regulations which have governed the activities of both employees and consumers. The objective of this study was to investigate [...] Read more.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused sequential ripples of public health concern worldwide. Restaurant owners and workers have been significantly affected by safety regulations which have governed the activities of both employees and consumers. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of restaurant owners and workers in the context of COVID-19 and assess the effect of COVID-19 precautions on the implementation of food safety measures at foodservice establishments in Jordan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted that involved 605 participants from 91 restaurants and catering establishments in Jordan. The questionnaire was filled out during a face-to-face interview or via online platforms. Most (77%) of the respondents were male and under 35 years old (79%), with 42% of them having a high educational level (bachelor’s degree or postgraduate studies) and 46% having 1–5 years of work experience. It was found that only 20% of workers possessed good knowledge (scores above 75%), 56% had positive attitudes, and 55% had good practices, with a mean of 47% being compliant with the KAP levels expected. In total, 19 to 34% of participants observed that the precautions and preventive measures put in place during the pandemic improved the application of key food safety regulations within their workplaces. It is evident that more training is required for both employees and employers to ensure the effective implementation of the regulations required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and food-borne pathogens via the application of good hygienic practices that improve food safety, reducing illnesses and food waste while maintaining food security and economic sustainability. Full article
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