Search Results (713)

Foodborne infections and enterotoxin poisoning caused by S. aureus pose serious threats to food safety and public health. However, conventional detection methods are often time-consuming, technically complex, and typically require relatively large sample volumes. Herein, we report an aptamer-functionalized rough gold nanoparticle (RPG)-based photothermal platform that enables rapid and quantitative detection of S. aureus using a smartphone-compatible thermal imaging system in combination with a laser and an infrared thermal camera. RPGs were synthesized via a facile one-step method, and exhibited uniform particle size and a measured photothermal conversion efficiency of ~73.20%. After optimization of the aptamer concentration, laser irradiation time, and probe concentration, the proposed method exhibited a wide detection range from 1.0 × 10² to 1.0 × 10⁷ cfu/mL, with an operational detection threshold of 100 CFU/mL under the optimized experimental conditions, a total assay time of less than 40 min, and a sample requirement of only 30 μL per assay, while maintaining acceptable reproducibility. Spike-and-recovery experiments in real samples, including orange juice, tap water, and milk, yielded recoveries of 91.8–105.5%, indicating suitable analytical performance in complex matrices. This work provides a rapid, portable, and low-sample-volume detection strategy for S. aureus, offering a practical approach for on-site food safety monitoring. Full article

Histamine (HIS) in food products can cause poisoning or intolerance reactions, which are usually associated with fish and seafood consumption. Therefore, the detection and quantification of histamine in fish and fish products are important for public health protection. This article provides an overview on the current methodologies and recent advances in histamine detection and quantification applied to fishery products. Among the evaluated studies, chromatographic techniques, especially HPLC, are the most common due to their good performance. However, chromatographic techniques present disadvantages, such as complex sample preparation and use of organic solvents, and attempts have been made to solve them with spectroscopic and enzymatic methodologies, and sensors models. Sensor-based methods (biosensors, electrochemical sensors, optical sensors) allow real-time or near-real-time detection of histamine, making them highly valuable for on-site quality control. The incorporation of selective recognition elements, such as enzymes, aptamers, or molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), significantly enhances the selectivity and reduces detection and quantification limits. However, challenges related to stability, interference, and lack of standardisation can limit their ability to fully replace traditional laboratory methods. Future research should therefore focus on developing robust, cost-effective, and standardised detection platforms capable of combining the accuracy of chromatographic methods with the speed and practicality of modern sensors, ultimately strengthening food quality control and reducing the risk of histamine-related intoxications worldwide. Full article

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is an essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid for infant growth and development, commonly added to infant formula and supplementary foods as ARA oil or ARA powder. Since December 2025, infant formula products have been recalled in several countries due to cereulide contamination in ARA ingredients. Cereulide, a heat-resistant emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, presents a serious threat to infant health. However, specific analytical methods for cereulide detection in ARA raw materials remain scarce, hindering effective quality control and source prevention of food safety hazards. This study developed and validated a rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the quantitative determination of cereulide in ARA oil and powder. Sample pretreatment was optimized according to matrix characteristics: for microencapsulated ARA powder, water dissolution was performed to release cereulide before acetonitrile extraction, whereas direct extraction was applied to ARA oil. Subsequent HLB-P pass-through solid-phase extraction effectively eliminated matrix interference in both matrices. The method exhibited excellent linearity (R² > 0.999) from 0.1 to 20 μg·L⁻¹, with an LOD of 0.03 μg·kg⁻¹ and an LOQ of 0.1 μg·kg⁻¹, respectively. Spike recoveries reached 90.7–107.0% for ARA oil (RSDs ≤ 6.5%) and 88.5–107.9% for ARA powder (RSDs ≤ 7.0%). This rapid and reliable method provides a critical analytical tool to monitor cereulide in ARA raw materials and mitigate infant safety hazards at the source. Full article

Clitocybaceae is a family of predominantly saprotrophic fungi with important edible and medicinal value. However, the edibility and toxicity of many species within this family remain unknown, posing a poisoning risk. In this study, 24 Chinese specimens, most of which were collected from poisoning sites, were identified. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and six loci (ITS, LSU, TEF1, RPB1, RPB2, and ATP6) and a phylogenomic analysis based on 485 single-copy genes were conducted to determine their placement within Clitocybaceae. Their morphological features were observed, particularly the spore surface. Based on the obtained results, a new genus with distinctly verrucose spores, Allolepista, is proposed to accommodate the clade that exhibits a very large genetic distance from its sister clade, Lepista s.str. A new species, Clitocybe sinensis, is described. Three new combinations, A. crenata (≡L. crenata), A. benekei (≡Cli. benekei), and A. rhodotoides (≡L. rhodotoides), are made. Clitocybe violaceifolia, originally described from the Pacific coast of the USA, is reported for the first time in China. Collybia sinoborealis and Pseudolyophyllum liwanense are found to be junior synonyms of Col. violea and A. benekei, respectively, while Cli. lamoureae and Col. urbana turn out to be synonymous with Cli. truncicola. Based on the symptoms observed in poisoning cases, A. benekei is found to cause gastroenteritis, while Cli. sinensis, Cli. truncicola, Col. bisterigmata, Col. brunneoumbilicata, and Col. subtropica lead to muscarinic syndrome. These results expand our understanding of the toxicity and species diversity of Clitocybaceae, providing a reference for public food safety. Full article

Clostridium perfringens type F is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that causes food poisoning (FP) in humans. Our previous findings demonstrated that essential oils (EOs), including clove, rosemary, and peppermint oils, significantly inhibited the germination, outgrowth, and vegetative growth of C. perfringens spores. We hypothesized that cytoplasmic membrane damage could be one mechanism by which EOs exert their inhibitory effects against C. perfringens vegetative cells. To test this hypothesis, vegetative cells of two clinical FP strains of C. perfringens, SM101 and E13, were treated with EOs, and the leakage of intracellular molecules was compared between EO-treated and untreated cells. Our results demonstrated increased leakage of intracellular molecules, including ATP, 260-nm-absorbing materials, and proteins, from EO-treated cells relative to untreated cells. In addition, EO-treated cells exhibited greater crystal violet uptake than untreated cells. These results suggest that EOs induced cytoplasmic membrane damage, thereby promoting the leakage of intracellular molecules and the uptake of extracellular crystal violet. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed cytoplasmic membrane damage by revealing substantially greater membrane disruption in EO-treated cells than in untreated cells. In conclusion, EOs may exert their anti-C. perfringens effects by damaging the cytoplasmic membrane, thereby disrupting membrane permeability and suppressing cell multiplication. Full article

Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1) is a potent neurotoxin that occurs in a wide range of marine and terrestrial organisms. 6-DeoxyTTX (2) was isolated from pufferfish as a low-abundance TTX analogue. Although the toxicities of major TTX analogues have been investigated, the acute toxicity and biological distribution of 6-deoxyTTX remain poorly understood because of limited availability of purified or synthetic 6-deoxyTTX. In this study, acute toxicity of 6-deoxyTTX was evaluated based on mouse bioassay. The toxicity of 6-deoxyTTX was estimated to be 1 MU = 570 ng, with an LD₉₉ value of 28 μg/kg. Based on comparison with the LD₉₉ value of TTX (10 μg/kg), the relative potency of 6-deoxyTTX was estimated to be 0.36, indicating higher toxicity than other deoxy analogues. In addition, high-resolution LC–MS analysis revealed the occurrence of 6-deoxyTTX in toxic pufferfish species in the genera Takifugu, Arothron, and Lagocephalus. Although 6-deoxyTTX was generally present at much lower concentrations than TTX, 6-deoxyTTX should be considered a toxicologically relevant analogue because of its relatively high acute toxicity. These results demonstrate that 6-deoxyTTX is a low-abundance TTX analogue with relatively high toxicity, providing new information relevant to food safety assessment and the distribution of TTX analogues in pufferfish. Full article

Pesticide use remains important in modern agriculture, vector control, and household pest management. However, exposure to pesticide active ingredients and residues remains a persistent public health concern. In addition to active ingredients, people may also be exposed to other constituents of commercial pesticide formulations, such as adjuvants and solvents, which can influence overall toxicity and health outcomes. These exposures may occur among direct applicators and may also affect other populations through contaminated air, water, soil, food, clothing, and household surfaces. This narrative review examines pesticide exposure from a community health perspective, emphasizing occupational, para-occupational, residential, dietary, drinking-water, airborne, and cumulative exposure pathways. It highlights vulnerable groups, including agricultural workers, children, pregnant women, women in agricultural communities, older adults, people with chronic illness, and marginalized rural populations. Evidence reviewed in this article links pesticide exposure with acute poisoning, respiratory effects, neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental outcomes, cancer-related risks, reproductive and developmental effects, endocrine and metabolic disruption, cardiovascular outcomes, dermatological reactions, immune dysregulation, and biomarker-based subclinical changes. Beyond disease endpoints, pesticide exposure may also affect household income, education, mental well-being, food security, livelihoods, and intergenerational health. Major challenges include weak exposure assessment, underreporting, limited biomonitoring in low- and middle-income settings, and inconsistent community-level indicators. Strengthening surveillance, risk communication, integrated pest management, safer storage and disposal, protective regulation, and community-centered biomonitoring is essential to reduce pesticide-related health burdens. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen that can cause clinical infections and foodborne illnesses through the production of 25 exotoxin types. The most frequently implicated toxins in food poisoning outbreaks are Staphylococcal enterotoxins type A–E (SEA-SEE), which are the first enterotoxins discovered. While in vitro detection methods are available to identify the presence of enterotoxins, they cannot distinguish between biologically active and inactive forms of the toxins. Detection of biologically active enterotoxins currently relies on in vivo testing, using the emetic response in kittens or monkeys. Here, we show the development of an in vitro assay to detect the active forms of SEB, a potential biological warfare agent and leading cause of food poisoning, and SEC1, a frequent cause of staphylococcal food poisoning. The novel assay involves the implementation of a genetically engineered Jurkat T-cell line expressing TCR Vβ3, resulting in a dose response of IL-2 production when exposed to active toxin. We also show that at a concentration of 100 ng/mL, the biological activity of SEB is significantly decreased at temperatures over 70 °C, while pasteurization at 63 °C only slightly reduces the biological activity of the toxin. Our studies provide an alternative method to animal testing to determine the presence of active toxins and provide possible inactivation methods of the toxins. Full article

Bongkrekic acid (BKA) is a potent respiratory toxin produced by Pseudomonas cocovenenans. This toxin is commonly found in spoiled fermented rice- and wheat-based products, snow fungus, and black fungus and can cause severe foodborne illness. The development of a rapid onsite detection method can effectively prevent food poisoning incidents and ensure food safety. In this study, a highly specific anti-BKA monoclonal antibody was prepared, the reaction conditions were optimized, and an indirect competitive chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunoassay (ic-CLEIA) system was developed for high-throughput screening of BKA in food. The results showed that the ic-CLEIA had good linearity in the range of 7.3–106.6 pg/mL, a limit of detection of 4.7 pg/mL, a limit of quantification of 7.3 pg/mL, a half-maximal inhibition concentration of 28.2 pg/mL, a spike recovery of 86.6–94.1%, a coefficient of variation of less than 10%, and no cross-reactivity with structural analogs. There was no significant difference between the detection results obtained with ic-CLEIA and ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the samples. This method provides reliable technical support for food safety monitoring, especially for grassroots laboratories and large-scale sample screening. Full article

Background: Rayeb milk and yogurt provide lasting energy and maintain hydration during fasting. The surge in demand during Ramadan (the holiest month of the year across the Islamic world) increases production to meet consumer needs, potentially compromising strict adherence to safety standards. Data on the prevalence and characterization of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in fermented dairy products during Ramadan, a model of increased batch turnover, remain to be investigated. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the AMR profile and molecularly characterize the AMR and virulence traits of E. coli isolates prevalent in fermented milk products. Methods: A total of 34 E. coli isolates, representing eight distinct serotypes, were recovered from 150 fermented milk samples; rayeb milk (n = 75) and yogurt (n = 75) collected from densely populated towns in the Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Results: The most prevalent serotypes were O153:H2, O125:H21, and O119:H6, followed by O111:H2, O26:H11, and O127:H6. The virulence genes stx1 and stx2 were detected in 76.47% of isolates, while eaeA and hlyA were found in O26:H11, O119:H6, and O55:H7 serotypes. In total, 73.53% (25/34) of E. coli isolates were classified as MDR, while 26.47% (9/34) exhibited XDR. Resistance was most prevalent against penicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim. The kan, dfrA, blaOXA-1, tetA(A), and van(A) AMR genes were positive in 70.59%, 67.65%, 61.76%, 100%, and 47.06% of isolates, respectively. Conclusions: Identified E. coli AMR and virulence panels reflect that production pressure can challenge strict adherence to hygiene control measures and cold-chain maintenance. Subsequently, authorities must enforce proper quality assurance protocols to minimize the risk of food poisoning. Full article

Saxitoxin (STX) is one of the most potent natural neurotoxins known and is the only marine toxin to be declared a chemical weapon. In both marine and freshwater systems filter feeding organisms can accumulate saxitoxin and human consumption of toxin-contaminated food can result in paralytic shellfish poisoning. Here we highlight for the first time a human cell-based assay for the detection and neutralisation of STX activity on an automated patch clamp (APC) system. We demonstrate that a human embryonic kidney (HEK) cell line expressing human Nav1.6 can rapidly and sensitively detect the presence of a range of sodium ion channel blockers including STX. The use of neutralising monoclonal antibody GT13-A and/or saxiphilin was found to confer specificity to the assay by being able to dissociate between STX (along with closely related analogues) and tetrodotoxin. Finally, the application of the functional assay for the detection of STX in complex samples was evaluated during an international exercise led by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The neutralisation of STX activity in blinded samples enabled the indirect detection of the toxin in the relevant samples and provided an alternative orthogonal technique to corroborate the findings of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Collectively this work demonstrates the significant potential for functional assays in the analysis of samples suspected of being contaminated with STX and related sodium ion channel targeting toxins; complementing traditional direct identification methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD), LC-MS or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Full article

The yield loss of tomatoes grown in Punjab is 30–60% due to early blight caused by Alternaria solani during humid monsoons. Five fungicides, namely, Score 250 EC (difenoconazole), Antracol 70 WP (propineb), Topsin-M 70 WP (thiophanate-methyl), Dithane M-45 80 WP (mancozeb), and Kavach 75 WP (chlorothalonil), were evaluated in this laboratory experiment using the poisoned food technique at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3. Score 250 EC showed the highest antifungal activity, resulting in the lowest mean mycelial growth (26.44 mm) and maximum inhibition. All interventions were significantly better than controls (p < 0.01), and the effect became concentration-dependent. Intensive alternation of difenoconazole and Antracol at the IPM levels is an effective way of reducing selection pressure on resistance. Full article

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major antimicrobial-resistant pathogen affecting both human and animal health. Although historically associated with healthcare settings, MRSA is now established in livestock production and throughout the production chain. Its detection in animals, food products, and processing environments reflects the complex ecology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in modern food systems. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular basis of methicillin resistance and multidrug resistance determinants, as well as the epidemiology of MRSA in food-associated settings. Particular emphasis is placed on its occurrence in animal-derived foods and key reservoirs within farms, slaughterhouses, and processing environments. Livestock-associated populations are dominated by clonal complex CC398. In contrast, CC9 is prevalent in pig production systems in Asia, while CC5-related lineages occur at the human and animal interface. MRSA has been detected in retail meat and animal-derived foods at low but measurable prevalence, indicating contamination during slaughter and processing. Virulence determinants include staphylococcal enterotoxins linked to food poisoning and Panton–Valentine leukocidin associated with severe infections. Biofilm formation and adhesins further support persistence and colonization. Epidemiological and molecular evidence indicates that livestock, processing environments, and food-contact surfaces act as interconnected reservoirs sustaining MRSA circulation. Human exposure occurs primarily through occupational contact and environmental pathways, whereas foodborne transmission appears less common. Effective control requires integrated surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use in livestock production, and strict hygiene practices throughout the production chain within a One Health framework. Full article

Salmonella enteritidis (SE) is recognized as a primary etiological agent of foodborne infection and food poisoning. Selective and sensitive determination of SE in animal-derived products is of great importance for ensuring safety in the food industry. Here, we report a highly sensitive and specific competition assay for detecting SE in eggs without interference from background fluorescence, by using persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) as luminescent probes in combination with aptamer recognition and magnetic separation. Initially, the SE-specific aptamer (SEapt), as previously reported, was conjugated onto the surface of Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles to serve as both the recognition and separation unit. Meanwhile, the ZnGa₂O₄:Cr (PLNPs) were functionalized with the aptamer-complementary DNA (cDNA), serving as the PL signal generator. The constructed PL aptasensor is composed of the aptamer-conjugated MNPs (MNPs-SEapt) and cDNA-functionalized PLNPs (PLNPs-cDNA), integrating the merits of the long-lasting luminescence of PLNPs, the magnetic separation ability of MNPs and the selectivity of the aptamer. This integration offers a promising approach for autofluorescence-free determination of SE in food samples. The proposed aptasensor exhibited excellent linearity in the range from 1.0 × 10²–1.0 × 10⁷ CFU mL⁻¹ with a limit of detection as low as 32 CFU mL⁻¹. The precision for 11 replicate determinations of 1.0 × 10³ CFU mL⁻¹ SE was 3.4% (relative standard deviation). The developed aptasensor achieved recoveries ranging from 98.8% to 102.8% for the determination of SE in the presence of common foodborne bacterial interferents. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of Salmonella genus in egg samples. In principle, the proposed platform may be adapted to other food matrices by substituting the target-specific aptamer, pending target-dependent optimization and validation. Full article

Fungal growth and insufficient thermal comfort degrade building durability and indoor quality, especially in humid and high-radiation regions. Zinc oxide (ZnO) stands out for its strong antifungal activity and radiative cooling potential. In this study, a commercial coating was modified with ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via a green chemistry route using Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) leaf extract as a reducing agent. Structural and morphological characterization by XRD, SEM, and EDS confirmed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite-phase nanoparticles with hemispherical and ellipsoidal morphologies, presenting average sizes of 50.27 ± 19.84 nm and 128.25 ± 33.43 nm, respectively, and an average crystallite size of 20.32 nm. Antifungal activity, evaluated using the poisoned food technique against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp., showed significant growth inhibition, reaching up to 94.63% for A. niger and 72.64% for Penicillium at a concentration of 3 mg/mL after 120 h of incubation. Thermal comfort performance was assessed to direct sunlight, in which coatings modified with 5% w/w ZnO nanoparticles achieved an average internal temperature reduction of 0.6 °C and a maximum reduction of 2.4 °C compared to uncoated surfaces. These results demonstrate that ZnO nanoparticles synthesized through environmentally friendly methods can effectively enhance both antifungal resistance and passive cooling performance. Full article