Search Results (471)

Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose risks to human health through ingestion and inhalation. This review synthesizes current practices to reduce exposure and toxicity by examining major exposure routes and dietary interventions. More than 130 papers were analyzed to achieve this aim. The findings show that microplastics contaminate a wide range of food products, with particular concern over seafood, drinking water, plastic-packaged foods, paper cups, and tea filter bags. Inhalation exposure is mainly linked to indoor air quality and smoking, while dermal contact poses minimal risk, though the release of additives from plastics onto the skin remains an area of concern. Recommended strategies to reduce dietary exposure include consuming only muscle parts of seafood, moderating intake of high-risk items like anchovies and mollusks, limiting canned seafood liquids, and purging mussels in clean water before consumption. Avoiding plastic containers, especially for hot food or microwaving, using wooden cutting boards, paper tea bags, and opting for tap or filtered water over bottled water are also advised. To mitigate inhalation exposure, the use of air filters with HyperHEPA systems, improved ventilation, regular vacuuming, and the reduction of smoking are recommended. While antioxidant supplementation shows potential in reducing microplastic toxicity, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. This review provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for minimizing daily microplastic exposure. Full article

Nanotechnology, as a burgeoning interdisciplinary field, has a significant application potential in food nutrition and human health due to its distinctive structural characteristics and surface effects. This paper methodically examines the recent advancements in nanotechnology pertaining to food production, functional nutrition delivery, and health intervention. In food manufacturing, nanoparticles have markedly enhanced food safety and quality stability via technologies such as antimicrobial packaging, intelligent sensing, and processing optimization. Nutritional science has used nanocarrier-based delivery systems, like liposomes, nanoemulsions, and biopolymer particles, to make active substances easier for the body to access and target. Nanotechnology offers innovative approaches for chronic illness prevention and individualized treatment in health interventions by enabling accurate nutritional delivery and functional regulation. Nonetheless, the use of nanotechnology encounters hurdles, including safety evaluations and regulatory concerns that require additional investigation. Future research should concentrate on refining the preparation process of nanomaterials, conducting comprehensive examinations of their metabolic mechanisms within the human body, and enhancing pertinent safety standards to facilitate the sustainable advancement of nanotechnology in food production, nutrition, and health. Full article

This research aims to determine the utilization levels of local products and the challenges and opportunities of creating a recognizable food-centered cultural identity based on collaborative networks developed between agriculture and tourism. This has the potential to strengthen collaborative entrepreneurship. It uniquely contributes to the existing literature by exploring the connections between agri-food and tourism, while proposing strategies to maximize business opportunities centered on food culture. Descriptive and inferential statistics are conducted based on primary data collected by distributing a questionnaire to 59 public and private organizations in the Peloponnese region in Greece, which has significant agricultural production but limited tourist flows. The results indicate a lack of collective action and business recognition of the value of regional food culture among participants. The human resources employed in tourism lack the skills to highlight traditional food heritage. The presence of structural and operational barriers undermines efforts to facilitate communication, manage suppliers, and enhance the visibility of products designated with Geographical Indications. This paper offers preliminary results; however, extensive future studies are needed to validate the findings fully. The study highlights key implications: Improved communication between stakeholders could enhance the management of the local food network. Agri-food and tourism businesses can develop educational programs and food-focused tourism packages that promote social cohesion and preserve cultural heritage. Full article

Honey, propolis or royal jelly are considered natural remedies with therapeutic properties since antiquity. Many papers explore the development of antimicrobial biomaterials based on individual bee products, but there is a lack of studies on their synergistic effects. Combining honey, propolis and royal jelly with silver nanoparticles in a biopolymer matrix offers a synergistic strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This approach supports progress in wound healing, soft tissue engineering and other domains where elimination of the microorganisms is needed like food packaging. In this study we have obtained antimicrobial films based on bee products and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated in an alginate–chitosan blend. The novel biomaterials were analyzed by UV-Vis, fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy or microscopy, SEM and thermal analysis. Antibacterial tests were conducted against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while the antifungal properties were tested against Candida albicans. The diameters for growth inhibition zones were up to 10 mm for bacterial strains and 8 mm for the fungal strain. Additionally, cytotoxicity assays were performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of the materials, the results indicating that the combination of honey, propolis, royal jelly and AgNPs does not produce synergistic toxicity. Full article

Buckwheat, a dicotyledonous pseudocereal from the Polygonaceae family, has emerged as a crop of scientific and industrial interest due to its exceptional phytochemical profile, adaptability to different environments, and minimal agronomic input requirements. This paper aims to highlight the proximate composition (carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, lipids, starch, vitamins, and minerals) of the buckwheat principal species, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (common buckwheat) and Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn (Tartary buckwheat). Other bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (e.g., rutin, quercetin), phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, were emphasized, together with their influence on human health. These constituents confer a broad range of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and hypoglycemic effects. Moreover, buckwheat is inherently gluten-free, making it a valuable alternative in formulations targeting gluten-sensitive populations. Finally, the review addresses the possibility of using starch buckwheat as a raw material in starch-based films. Further research is needed to elucidate the potential of buckwheat starch as a viable material for the development of biodegradable food packaging films. Full article

To ensure food security in Xinjiang, scientifically conducting land suitability evaluation is of significant importance. This paper takes an arid and ecologically fragile region of southern Xinjiang—Qiemu County—as an example. Based on the optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model, 14 multi-source environmental variables including climate, soil, hydrology, and topography are integrated. The ENMeval package is used to optimize the model parameters, and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis is employed to screen key variables. The spatial distribution of land suitability and the dominant factors are systematically assessed. The results show that the model AUC values for the mountainous and plain areas are 0.987 and 0.940, respectively, indicating high accuracy. In the plain area, land suitability is primarily influenced by the soil sand content, while in the mountainous region, the annual accumulated temperature plays a leading role. The highly suitable areas are mainly distributed in the northern plains and parts of the southern mountains. This study clarifies the suitable areas for land development and environmental thresholds, providing a scientific basis for the development of land resources in arid regions and the implementation of the “store grain in the land” strategy. Full article

Ensuring the safety and quality of perishable agrifood products throughout the supply chain is essential. Key parameters, such as temperature and humidity, must be consistently monitored to prevent spoilage, maintain nutritional value, and minimise health risks. Fluctuations in transportation conditions can compromise product integrity, leading to deterioration and an increased risk of foodborne illness. Monitoring agrifood supply chains is essential, from packaging to last-mile delivery. Distribution methods that rely on non-automated monitoring systems, such as manual temperature measurements, are error-prone due to the failure of manual treatments and increase the likelihood of product deterioration. Emerging sensor technologies and the rapid development of Information and Communication Technologies offer new possibilities for real-time tracking, enabling stakeholders to maintain optimal conditions and monitor aesthetic, physicochemical, and nutritional quality. This paper proposes a cost-effective temperature and humidity traceability system that utilises wireless sensor networks (WSN) and Internet of Things (IoΤ) services to monitor perishable products within the agrifood supply chain ecosystem. It also provides an overview of recent innovations in sensor technologies, along with food quality indicators relevant to real-time monitoring of food quality. The proposed research examines the available sensor technologies and methodologies that enable continuous monitoring of agrifood supply chains. Moreover, the paper presents a pilot full-scale project from both functional and technological perspectives. Full article

The new generation of food packaging should not only be biodegradable, but also provide additional protective properties for packaged products, extending their shelf life. In this paper, we present the results of research on cast-extruded poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) films coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) modified with CO₂ extract from sea buckthorn (ES) or its ethosomes (ET) at amounts of 1 or 5 pph per HPMC. In addition, the developed films were exposed to accelerated aging (UV radiation and elevated temperature) to determine its effect on the films’ properties. Based on SEM, it can be concluded that accelerated aging results in the uncovering of the extract and ethosomes from the coating’s bulk. GPC showed a decrease in the molecular weight of PBS after treatment, additionally amplified by the presence of HPMC. However, the addition of ES or ET in low concentrations reduced the level of polyester degradation. The presence of the modified coating and its treatment increased the oxygen barrier (a decrease from 324 cm³/m² × 24 h for neat PBS to 208 cm³/m² × 24 h for the coated and modified PBS ET5). Despite the presence of colored extract or ethosomes in the coating, the color differences compared with neat PBS were imperceptible (ΔE < 1). The addition of 5 pph of sea buckthorn extract or its ethosomes in combination with accelerated aging resulted in the complete inhibition of the growth of E. coli and S. aureus, which was not observed in non-aged samples. The results obtained demonstrate an improvement in bioactive properties and protection against the negative effects of UV radiation on the film due to the presence of ET or ES in the coating. The developed systems could be used in the food industry as active packaging. Full article

Heavy metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb) poisoning, is a significant public health issue worldwide. In Bangladesh, Pb contamination of water, soil, air, and food is detected alarmingly. Chronic exposure to Pb leads to severe health complications in the human body, including neurotoxicity, cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and kidney damage. Research has established that there is “no safe level” of Pb exposure, as even minimal exposure can cause detrimental effects. Although existing physical and chemical methods are widely used, they come with limitations, such as high costs and the generation of toxic byproducts. As a green, sustainable alternative, the potential of probiotics as an effective biosorption agent has been explored to reduce Pb contamination in food, especially meat, while preserving its nutritional and sensory properties. This paper aims to integrate current knowledge from these two fields and highlight their capacity to decontaminate Pb-laden meat, the primary protein source in Bangladesh. The study also investigates optimal biosorption parameters, including temperature, pH, and exposure time, to enhance effectiveness. The proposed application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in meat processing and packaging is expected to significantly lower Pb levels in meat, ensuring safer consumption. Full article

As the global plastic pollution problem intensifies and the environmental hazards of traditional petroleum-based plastics become increasingly significant, the development of sustainable alternative materials has become an urgent need. This paper systematically reviews the research progress, application status and future trends of new generation bioplastics in the field of food packaging. Bioplastics are categorized into three main groups according to their sources and degradability: biobased biodegradable materials (e.g., polylactic acid PLA, polyhydroxy fatty acid ester PHA, chitosan, and cellulose-based materials); biobased non-biodegradable materials (e.g., Bio-PE, Bio-PET); and non-biobased biodegradable materials (e.g., PBAT, PCL, PBS). Different processing technologies, such as thermoforming, injection molding, extrusion molding and coating technologies, can optimize the mechanical properties, barrier properties and freshness retention of bioplastics and promote their application in scenarios such as food containers, films and smart packaging. Although bioplastics still face challenges in terms of cost, degradation conditions and industrial support, promising future directions are found in the development of the large-scale utilization of non-food raw materials (e.g., agricultural waste, algae), nano-composite technology to enhance the performance, and the development of intelligent packaging functions. Through technological innovation and industry chain integration, bioplastics are expected to transform from an environmentally friendly alternative to a mainstream packaging material, helping to realize the goal of global carbon neutrality. Full article

To mitigate the serious environmental impact caused by the persistent accumulation of plastics, replacing conventional plastics with paper-based alternatives has emerged as a promising trend. In response to the environmental and health concerns associated with petrochemical-based plastic meal boxes and fluorinated water- and oil-repellent agents, this study proposes a sustainable, fluorine-free coating technology based on chitosan to enhance the water and oil resistance of molded-paper pulp meal boxes. By adjusting the degree of deacetylation and the solution concentration of chitosan, coated meal boxes were fabricated via a spraying method. The results demonstrate that coatings prepared with highly deacetylated (>95%) and concentrated (4% w/v) chitosan significantly improve barrier properties, achieving a water contact angle of 114.9° ± 3°, the highest oil-resistance rating (12/12) according to TAPPI standards, and stable resistance to 95 °C hot oil for up to 30 min without leakage. In addition, the coated samples exhibit enhanced mechanical strength (21.26 MPa) and excellent biodegradability. This work provides a cost-efficient and eco-friendly disposable food packaging solution, facilitating the sustainable substitution of petrochemical-based plastics. Full article

The increasing use of bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics reflects a global push towards more sustainable materials. In the context of food packaging, where plastic waste and contamination risks are acute, these materials offer promising alternatives. However, the transition is complex, requiring coordinated regulatory interventions and lifecycle assessments (LCA) to avoid unintended environmental and health consequences. This paper outlines the pressing need for policies that guide the development and deployment of bio-based plastics in food-related applications. It provides a policy-oriented synthesis focused on Europe and discusses recent concerns such as toxicity, end-of-life impacts, and food safety. The study draws from the literature review and regulatory analysis to suggest policy mechanisms that can accelerate safe, circular solutions in food packaging. Methodologically, this communication uses qualitative synthesis of scientific and regulatory data to assess gaps and align innovations with sustainability targets. Full article

A new active composite film intended for bread packaging is described here. The active film has the aim of prolonging bread’s shelf life while avoiding the use of nanoparticles that, with very few exceptions, are a type of material not allowed by regulatory agencies like EFSA (European Food Safety Agency) and FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) in food contact materials. Moreover, the increasing consumer demand for natural and wholesome products, possibly “clean label”, and packaged in natural, non-petroleum-based materials has been taken into consideration. Accordingly, precursor materials from renewable sources were used to prepare the active film: pectin from citrus peel (PEC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used as the matrix, with oleic acid (OA) as plasticizer. Moreover, the bread preservative calcium propionate (CaP) was used as the crosslinker, and also zeolite microparticles loaded with silver ions (AgZ) were added to the films as an additional antimold agent. This strategy allows us to avoid the addition to bread of the now commonly used preservatives ethanol and calcium propionate, moving the latter to the packaging. Permeance measurements revealed excellent barrier properties against O₂ and CO₂, while the typical high water vapor permeance of polysaccharide films was mitigated by the non-hydrophilic OA plasticizer. Moreover, the quantities of Ag⁺ and CaP released in bread are low and below the limits imposed by regulatory agencies. The antimold activity of the films is excellent, with Aspergillus niger, Penicillium janthinellum, and wild-type Penicillim molds reduction on bread in the 99.20–99.95% range for the films containing only CaP and in the 99.97–99.998% range for the films containing both CaP and AgZ. Finally, the rheological properties of the film-forming solutions were investigated, demonstrating their potential application as coatings on natural packaging materials for bread, such as paper. Full article

The widespread use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in bottled water packaging remains significant and is expected to increase further in the coming years. This trend raises concerns due to the generation of large amounts of waste. The degradation of PET leads to the release of low-molecular-weight substances and microplastic particles, which contaminate food products and the environment. This work highlights the significance of microplastic pollution, summarizes the mechanisms of PET degradation, and discusses methods for microplastic detection. A key section of the paper explores potential degradation management strategies, focusing on their applications and existing limitations. The study underscores the need for coordinated action among the scientific community, industry, and policymakers to mitigate this pressing environmental challenge. Full article

Food packaging is critical to delaying food spoilage, maintaining food quality, reducing food waste, and ensuring food safety. However, the environmental problems associated with petroleum-based packaging materials have led to a search for sustainable alternatives. Bio-based materials are emerging as such alternatives, but they have limitations such as low mechanical strength and poor moisture resistance. Fortunately, nature’s insights guide solutions to these challenges, propelling the evolution of high-performance bio-based packaging. These new food packaging materials are characterized by impact resistance, superhydrophobicity, self-healing capabilities, dynamic controlled release, high mechanical strength, and real-time freshness monitoring. Nature-inspired strategies not only focus on enhancing material performance but also introduce innovative design concepts that effectively avoid the homogenization of food packaging and inspire researchers to develop diverse, cutting-edge solutions. Overcoming the existing problems of bio-based materials and endowing them with breakthrough properties are key drivers for their replacement of food packaging plastics. This review provides insights into the application of biomimetics in enhancing the functionality of bio-based materials and clearly articulates the key drivers for the replacement of plastic food packaging by bio-based materials. By systematically integrating existing research findings, this paper identifies the challenges facing nature-inspired food packaging innovations and points the way to their future development. Full article