Search Results (290)

Sustainability in the agri-food sector has become a cornerstone of global efforts to combat climate change, ensure food security through climate-smart agriculture, and strengthen economic resilience. Sustainability reporting within agri-food systems has gained increasing regulatory significance with the introduction of mandatory frameworks such as the Turkish Sustainability Reporting Standards (TSRSs). This article searches for the sustainability reports of agri-business firms listed in BIST in Turkey. Although TSRS reporting is not yet mandatory for the agribusiness sector, this study examines the first TSRS-aligned sustainability reports published by eight agri-food companies, excluding the retail sector. The analysis assesses how effectively these reports address sector-specific environmental and social challenges defined in the GRI 13 Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fishing Sector Standard and their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using a structured content analysis approach, disclosure patterns were examined at both thematic and company levels. The findings indicate that TSRS-aligned reports place strong emphasis on environmental and climate-related disclosures, particularly emissions, climate adaptation and resilience, water management, and waste. In contrast, agro-ecological and land-based impacts—such as soil health, pesticide use, and ecosystem conversion—are weakly addressed. Economic disclosures are predominantly framed around climate-related financial risks and supply chain traceability, while social reporting focuses mainly on occupational health and safety, employment practices, and food safety, with limited attention to labor and equity issues across the broader value chain. Company-level results reveal marked heterogeneity, with internationally active firms demonstrating deeper alignment with GRI 13 requirements. From an SDG alignment perspective, high levels of coverage are observed across all companies for SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By contrast, SDGs critical to agro-ecological integrity and social equity—namely SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land)—are weakly represented or entirely absent. Overall, the results suggest that while TSRS-aligned reporting enhances transparency in climate-related domains, it achieves only selective alignment with the SDG agenda. This underscores the need for a stronger integration of sector-specific sustainability priorities into mandatory sustainability reporting frameworks. Full article

Anthropogenic climate change represents a critical and complex threat to the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems. This review aims to critically synthesise and evaluate the synergetic and antagonistic mechanisms through which rising water temperature, the most prominent climatic factor, modulates the host–parasite relationship. The systematic literature review was conducted across a high-impact database (Web of Science), focusing on the extraction and qualitative analysis of data concerning infection dynamics and both host and parasite interactions. The findings demonstrate that thermal stress imposes a dual penalty on host–parasite systems: (1) it confers a critical thermal advantage to direct-life cycle parasites, significantly accelerating their virulence, reproduction, and infective capacity; (2) simultaneously, it severely compromises the immunocompetence and physiological resilience of piscine hosts, often through immunometabolic trade-offs and inflammatory dysfunction. This toxic synergy is the root cause of the exponential disease prevalence/intensity of parasites and fish mass mortality events, directly impacting biodiversity and global aquaculture sustainability. In contrast, it may also cause the disruption of the transmission chains to threaten complex life cycle parasites with localised extinction. We conclude that climate mitigation must be urgently recognised and implemented as a primary strategy for biological risk management to secure aquatic health and global food safety. Full article

Aquatic environments have been a critical source of nutrition for millennia, with wild fisheries supplying protein and nutrients to populations worldwide. A notable shift has occurred in recent decades with the expansion of aquaculture, now representing a fast-growing sector in food production. Aquaculture plays a key role in mitigating the depletion of wild fish stocks and addressing issues related to overfishing. Despite its potential benefits, the sustainability of both wild and farmed aquatic food systems is challenged by anthropogenic pollution. Contaminants from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and domestic effluents enter freshwater systems and eventually reach marine environments, where they may be transported globally through ocean currents. Maintaining water quality is paramount to food safety, environmental integrity, and long-term food security. In addition to conventional seafood products such as fish and shellfish, foods such as those derived from microalgae are gaining attention in Western markets for their high nutritional value and potential functional properties. These organisms have been consumed in Asia for generations and are now being explored as sustainable foods and ingredients as an alternative source of protein. Contaminants in aquatic food products include residues of agrochemicals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), as well as brominated flame retardants and heavy metals. Public and scientific attention has intensified around plastic pollution, particularly microplastics and nanoplastics, which are increasingly detected in aquatic organisms and are the subject of ongoing toxicological and ecological risk assessments. While the presence of these hazards necessitates robust risk assessment and regulatory oversight, it is important to balance these concerns against the health benefits of aquatic foods, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, vitamins, and trace elements. Furthermore, beyond direct human health implications, the environmental impact of pollutant sources must be addressed through integrated management approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and the food systems they support. This review covers regulatory frameworks, risk assessments, and management issues relating to aquatic environments, including the impact of climate change. It aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, food businesses who harvest food from aquatic systems and other stakeholders. Full article

Food loss and waste (FLW) is a chronic problem across food systems worldwide, with meat being one of the most resource-intensive and perishable categories. The perishable character of meat, combined with complex cold chain requirements and consumer behavior, makes the sector particularly sensitive to inefficiencies and loss across all stages from production to consumption. This review synthesizes the latest advancements in new preservation technologies and supply chain efficiency strategies to minimize meat wastage and also outlines current challenges and future directions. New preservation technologies, such as high-pressure processing, cold plasma, pulsed electric fields, and modified atmosphere packaging, have substantial potential to extend shelf life while preserving nutritional and sensory quality. Active and intelligent packaging, bio-preservatives, and nanomaterials act as complementary solutions to enhance safety and quality control. At the same time, blockchain, IoT sensors, AI, and predictive analytics-driven digitalization of the supply chain are opening new opportunities in traceability, demand forecasting, and cold chain management. Nevertheless, regulatory uncertainty, high capital investment requirements, heterogeneity among meat types, and consumer hesitancy towards novel technologies remain significant barriers. Furthermore, the scalability of advanced solutions is limited in emerging nations due to digital inequalities. Convergent approaches that combine technical innovation with policy harmonization, stakeholder capacity building, and consumer education are essential to address these challenges. System-level strategies based on circular economy principles can further reduce meat loss and waste, while enabling by-product valorization and improving climate resilience. By integrating preservation innovations and digital tools within the framework of UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, the meat sector can make meaningful progress towards sustainable food systems, improved food safety, and enhanced environmental outcomes. Full article

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁), a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), is a potent hepatotoxic and carcinogenic compound frequently detected in milk and dairy products. Its thermal stability and resistance to processing make it a persistent public health concern, especially in regions prone to fungal contamination of animal feed. This review integrates bibliometric mapping (2015–2025) with toxicological and mitigation perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of AFM₁. The bibliometric analysis reveals a sharp global rise in research output over the last decade, with Iran, China, and Brazil emerging as leading contributors and Food Control identified as the most prolific journal. Five research clusters were distinguished: feed contamination pathways, analytical detection, toxicological risk, regulatory frameworks, and mitigation strategies. Toxicological evidence highlights AFM₁’s mutagenic and hepatocarcinogenic effects, intensified by co-exposure to other mycotoxins or hepatitis B infection. Although regulatory limits range from 0.025 µg/kg in infant formula (EU) to 0.5 µg/kg in milk (FDA), non-compliance remains prevalent in developing regions. Current mitigation approaches—adsorbents (bentonite, zeolite), oxidation (ozone, hydrogen peroxide), and biological detoxification via lactic acid bacteria and yeasts—show promise but require optimization for industrial application. Persistent challenges include climatic variability, inadequate feed monitoring, and heterogeneous regulations. This review emphasizes the need for harmonized surveillance, improved analytical capacity, and sustainable intervention strategies to ensure dairy safety and protect consumer health. Full article

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally significant foodborne parasite, yet epidemiological data in Spain are limited. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of human T. gondii seroprevalence across the Canary Islands and identifies key risk factors. A total of 1223 serum samples were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies using ELISA. Demographic and geographic data were recorded. Overall seroprevalence was 32.3%, with no significant differences between sexes. Geographic variation was notable: the highest seroprevalence occurred in the western islands (La Palma 52.4%) and the lowest in the eastern islands (Gran Canaria 17.6%). Seropositivity increased progressively with age, ranging from 0% in children (0–15 years) to 51.3% in individuals over 60 years. Climatic factors also influenced exposure, with the temperate cold isoclimate associated with higher seroprevalence and arid zones showing more seronegative cases. Logistic regression confirmed age and isoclimate as significant predictors of seropositivity. The observed decline in prevalence compared to historical data suggests improvements in hygiene, dietary practices, and public health measures. Nevertheless, moderate-to-high risk persists, particularly among older adults and in favourable environmental conditions. These findings underscore the importance for One Health strategies, i.e., food safety and education, feral cat control and human and animal surveillance. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important crop globally, being a starchy, energy-dense food source rich in several micronutrients and bioactive compounds. Achieving food security for everyone is highly challenging in the context of growing populations and climate change. As a highly adaptable crop, potatoes can significantly contribute to food security for vulnerable populations and have outstanding commercial relevance. Specific pre- and post-harvest parameters influence potato quality. It is vital to understand how these factors interact to shape potato quality, minimizing post-harvest losses, ensuring consumer safety, and enhancing marketability. This review highlights how pre-harvest (cultivation approaches, agronomic conditions, biotic and abiotic stresses) and post-harvest factors impact tuber’s microbial stability, physiological behaviour, nutritional, functional attributes and frying quality. Quality parameters, such as moisture content, dry matter, starch, sugar, protein, antioxidants, and color, are typically measured using both traditional and modern assessment methods. However, advanced non-destructive techniques, such as imaging and spectroscopy, enable rapid, high-throughput quality inspection from the field to storage. This review integrates recent advancements and specific findings to identify factors that contribute to substantial quality degradation or enhancement, as well as current challenges. It also examines how pre- and post-harvest factors collectively impact potato quality. It proposes future directions for quality maintenance and enhancement across the field and storage, highlighting research gaps in the pre- and post-harvest linkage. Full article

Microplastics are very small particles of plastics, usually smaller than 5 mm. Microplastic pollution has emerged as a rising and challenging issue worldwide, posing serious threats to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and human health. Because of global demand and frequent use in daily routines, including clothing, packaging, and household items, the production of plastic is increasing annually. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the source, classification (based on shape, color, polymer), transportation, and impact of microplastic pollution. Depending upon size, mass, and density, microplastics can be transported to the environment via air and water. However, microplastics can be inhaled and ingested by humans, causing various health issues; for example, aquatic organisms like small fish ingest microplastics, which accumulate through the food chain and end up in the human body. This can lead to physiological harm, including inflammation, digestion tract obstruction, biomagnification throughout the food chain, and reproductive failure. This study further highlighted initiatives taken by government agencies to address plastic and microplastic pollution across India; for example, The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has formulated and amended the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) rules, Mission LiFE (LiFEStyle for Environment) launched campaigns such as “Say No to Single Use Plastic” and “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution” to create awareness at the grassroot level, and institutions like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have initiated a project to detect microplastics in food products. In addition, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to actively take measures to address microplastic pollution across Indian cities, focusing on key parameters like air, water, food, and humans. This study presents several recommendations, including detection and removal techniques (conventional, advanced, and removal); strengthening legislative policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR); research collaboration and monitoring with institutions such as CSIR-IITR, ICAR-CIFT, and BITS-Pilani; integrating EPR and Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) to develop a circular economy model; and mass awareness through government initiatives like the Swachh Bharat and Smart City programs to foster long-term behavioral change. Full article

This study estimates the prevalence of food insecurity and coping mechanisms among low-income rural households in Sri Lanka, collecting primary data from 400 households in the Ayagama Divisional Secretariat in Rathnapura District. The results uncover that around 38.1% of the households faced food scarcity within a year prior to the survey date, with 77.9% being uncertain about maintaining a nutritious diet in the next 30 days. Notably, household dietary diversity scores reveal that they are either moderately (62%) or severely (22.3%) lacking essential nutrients, irrespective of the gender of the household head. The leading cause is the unaffordability of protein-rich foods and certain fruits. Coping strategies are primarily short-term and consumption-based, such as purchasing food on credit and reducing meal sizes, which propagate future food insecurity. The findings underscore the need for government interventions that combine short-term safety nets with long-term agricultural productivity improvements, alongside nutrition-sensitive practices and market stabilisation to enhance food availability and affordability. Consequently, targeted social protection programmes for vulnerable groups, combined with livelihood support and climate-resilient agriculture, could reduce reliance on harmful coping mechanisms. Lastly, this study proposes integrating food security goals within broader development frameworks and community initiatives as pivotal for long-term stability and resilience. Full article

Wheat is a major staple crop in Xinjiang, China; however, comprehensive data on Fusarium mycotoxin contamination in wheat from this region remain limited. Despite recent observations of Fusarium head blight (FHB), few studies have characterized the mycotoxin profiles in wheat from Xinjiang, especially regarding emerging mycotoxins. This study aimed to systematically investigate the occurrence of both conventional and emerging mycotoxins in freshly harvested wheat from Xinjiang, to evaluate the effects of sampling year and geographical region on mycotoxin contamination levels, and to identify the Fusarium species responsible for mycotoxin production. A total of 151 freshly harvested wheat samples were collected from Southern and Northern Xinjiang in 2023 and 2024. Mycotoxins were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Fusarium isolates were obtained and identified through the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α) gene sequencing. Genotyping was assessed by genotype-specific multiplex PCR, and mycotoxigenic potential was detected by rice culture assays. A high incidence (72.9%) of co-contamination with multiple mycotoxins was observed. Conventional mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) were detected in 31.1% and 41.1% of samples. Notably, emerging mycotoxins, including enniatins (ENNs) and beauvericin (BEA), were present at significantly higher concentrations than those reported in some regions of China. Significant spatiotemporal variation was observed, with markedly higher contamination levels of emerging mycotoxins in 2024, particularly in Northern Xinjiang, where the symptoms of FHB epidemic occurred due to the humid climate and maize–wheat rotation system. Fusarium graminearum was identified as the primary producer of conventional mycotoxins, while F. acuminatum and F. avenaceum were mainly associated with emerging mycotoxins except BEA. This study provides the first comprehensive dataset on the co-occurrence of conventional and emerging Fusarium mycotoxins in wheat from Xinjiang and highlights significant spatiotemporal variations influenced by environmental factors. These findings underscore the necessity for continuous, region-specific monitoring and effective risk management strategies to address the evolving mycotoxin threat in Xinjiang’s wheat. Future research should focus on characterizing the populations of Fusarium toxin-producing fungi and the long-term impacts of mycotoxin exposure on food safety. Full article

At present, food safety culture (FSC) is a strategic dimension of food management systems, as established by EU Regulation 2021/382. Understanding how individual and organizational factors influence the safety climate is essential for designing effective training interventions. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Southern Italy from March to September 2025 among 216 workers from 52 food businesses located in the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani, using a questionnaire based on a validated scale, which is structured into five dimensions of leadership, communication, commitment, risk awareness, and resources. Descriptive analyses, χ² tests, and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to identify predictors of positive perceptions. The overall climate was positive for 82.9% of the sample. The strongest dimensions were leadership (88.4%), communication (86.1%), and risk awareness (84.7%), while resources were identified as a critical area (41.2% of respondents perceived deficiencies, especially in personnel and infrastructure). Overall, the results confirm that FSC is significantly influenced by ongoing training, cultural awareness and job stability. Resource-related challenges indicate a need for greater management investment to concretely support food safety practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leguminous plants (Fabaceae) are essential for global food and nutritional security due to their high protein content, bioactive compounds, and ecological role in nitrogen fixation. However, climate change poses significant threats to their productivity, quality, and safety. This review aims to summarize the nutritional, biochemical, and health-related importance of legumes, while highlighting the effects of climate change—particularly heat stress and pest pressure—on their nutritional value and public health implications. Methods: This review is based on an integrative literature review drawing on scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and PubMed (March–October 2025). The relevant literature on climate change, legume composition, stress physiology, pest–plant interactions, and nutrition- and health-related outcomes was identified using targeted search terms. Evidence from diverse study types was synthesized to provide a broad, interdisciplinary perspective rather than a systematic assessment. Results: Legume seeds are rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates, fibers, and essential fatty acids, and contain valuable phytochemicals, including polyphenols, carotenoids, saponins, and bioactive peptides, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, elevated CO₂ levels and temperature stress can reduce protein, iron, and zinc contents, while altering phenolic and isoflavone profiles. Simultaneously, warming enhances pest proliferation and fungal contamination, increasing mycotoxin exposure and associated health risks. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, particularly those emphasizing biological control, show promise in mitigating these risks while ensuring sustainable legume production. Conclusions: Safeguarding the nutritional and ecological value of legumes under changing climatic conditions requires coordinated efforts across plant breeding, agronomy, and food science. Enhancing thermotolerance and pest resistance, reducing pesticide use through IPM, and valorizing legume by-products are key to preserving food safety and human health. Legumes, thus, represent both a challenge and an opportunity in achieving resilient, climate-smart nutrition systems for future generations. Full article

The detection of tetrodotoxins (TTXs) in European shellfish led the European Union to request a risk assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA set a reference limit of 44 µg TTX equivalents kg⁻¹ and called for more data on TTX occurrence, especially in gastropods, which can accumulate in TTXs but remain poorly studied. Recently, preliminary monitoring has revealed the recurrent presence of TTXs in mussels in three areas along the North–Central Adriatic coast of Italy, while research on non-bivalve organisms has not yet been carried out. This study presents a preliminary survey, conducted from January 2023 to March 2025, on the presence of TTXs in gastropods, echinoderms, and arthropods collected from this area. A method in Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) for detecting TTXs in bivalve mollusks was first tested through an international proficiency test, then optimized for the other invertebrates, the object of this study. TTX levels in all gastropods and arthropod samples were undetectable, while traces (~5 µg kg⁻¹) were found in one echinoderm sample (Paracentrotus lividus), marking the first reported occurrence of TTX in this species. Sea urchins are widely consumed in Italy; therefore, this finding is of particular importance from a public health perspective and deserves further investigation. Some gastropod genera or species sampled (e.g., Nassarius, Rapana venosa) have been identified as TTX carriers in other regions; therefore, the negative results obtained in this study may be related to seasonal or geographic variability. These results provide valuable data to EFSA’s call for monitoring emerging risks, particularly as climate change may increase TTX prevalence in European waters as well as worldwide. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils is a critical global concern, threatening ecosystem safety and food security. The wheat–corn rotation system, vital for food production in regions like Northern China, is particularly vulnerable. However, comprehensive studies investigating vertical migration, future dynamics under climate change, and predictive modeling of heavy metals within this system are still limited. This study combined field sampling of soil profiles (0–200 cm) with geochemical modeling (the PROFILE and SSCL models) and machine learning techniques (Multiple Regression, Neural Networks, and Random Forest). Key findings revealed that atmospheric deposition was the primary input source for most heavy metals, contributing 49.50–93.27%. The release rates (Rm) of heavy metals were significantly higher during the corn season than the wheat season and are projected to increase by 1.2–1.5 times under the RCP4.5 climate scenario. Vertical distribution analysis showed a significant accumulation of heavy metals in the middle soil layer (20–120 cm), with Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd) exhibiting the strongest migration potential, posing a threat to groundwater. The Random Forest model demonstrated superior performance (R² > 0.95) in predicting heavy metal behavior, identifying Fed and soil TOC as the dominant controlling factors. This study provides a unique and significant contribution by integrating geochemical fate modeling with climate projections and advanced machine learning to offer a predictive, multi-faceted risk assessment framework, thereby supplying a scientific basis for targeted pollution control and sustainable soil management in wheat–corn rotation systems under a changing climate. Full article

Water scarcity is predicted to intensify due to climate change, population growth, and industrial expansion. This poses serious problems for long-term food safety and agricultural sustainability. This field experiment involved varying the sowing times three times (advance, normal and delayed seed sowing) and the irrigation water levels three times, with three replications. The result shows the maximum height of the plant, length of the tip, number of grains per tip, and grain production (5063 kg ha⁻¹) were achieved via regular planting with sufficient irrigation (T1). Although the output was somewhat reduced (2–3%), the treatment of water irrigation with the deficit (T2, T3) improved the plant level water use efficiency by 10–23%and reduced the trace of blue water by 12–28%. T3 had the lowest blue water track (736 m³ t⁻¹). Conversely, advance and delayed seed sowing combined with deficit irrigation significantly reduced yield up to 14% and increased blue water footprint under full irrigation. Economic analysis revealed that T1 provided the highest net income (Rs: 376,284 ha⁻¹), while T2 and T3 retained 97–98% as compared to the advance seed sowing with well water, while improving water productivity. Therefore, it is concluded that the normal sowing with a 15–30% irrigation deficit enhances water productivity without substantial yield losses, providing a climate-adaptive approach for wheat production in water-scarce regions. Full article