Search Results (1,467)

Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) are leading causes of adult bacteremia, neonatal meningitis, pneumonia, and the vast majority of urinary tract infections. ExPEC are present in food, mostly in poultry products. Despite the high burden of ExPEC on human health, their source and impact on food safety are largely unknown. Food-isolated ExPEC carry an abundance of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes and are suggested to have zoonotic potential. Here, ExPEC were characterized for sanitizer tolerance, biofilm formation, antibiotic susceptibility, and adherence to Caco-2 cells (a human intestinal epithelial-derived cell line). The ExPEC used were isolated from poultry meat and from archived collections of poultry and human clinical samples. Overall, low frequency of sanitizer tolerance (2.4%) and biofilm formation (6%) were observed under the test conditions used. The frequency of antibiotic susceptibility was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among human clinical ExPEC (55%) compared to poultry-isolated ExPEC (27.9%). Overall, 62.8% of poultry ExPEC showed adherence to human intestinal epithelia at a level comparable to that of the control enteric pathogen E. coli O157:H7. In summary, the results of this work suggest that the human gastrointestinal tract could serve as a reservoir of high-risk poultry ExPEC if consumed, and, hence, it is a potential source of extraintestinal infections. Full article

Plant materials rich in proanthocyanidins are fractionated to determine the structure of these compounds and relate it to bioactivity. The aim of this study was to fractionate a procyanidin-rich hawthorn bark extract using low-pressure liquid chromatography and to determine the compound profile and antioxidant activity of the obtained fractions. We identified and quantified the phenolics of four fractions (I–IV) separated on a Toyopearl HW-40S column with methanol as the mobile phase, using HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-MS techniques. The antioxidant activity was determined to comprise ABTS^•+ and DPPH^• scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and inhibition of β-carotene-linoleic acid emulsion oxidation. Characteristic data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). Fraction I contained mainly (−)-epicatechin (741.3 mg/g) and a lower amount of flavones and quercetin derivatives (100.7 mg/g). Fraction II was almost pure procyanidin B2, which accounted for 88.8% of the total phenolics. The subsequent fractions were rich in B-type procyanidin dimers, trimers, and tetramers. FRAP and antiradical activity against ABTS^•+ and DPPH^• of the fraction containing low-molecular weight phenolics was lower than those of the fractions with procyanidin oligomers. The antioxidant activity of fractions II–IV ranged from 8.95 to 9.28 and from 6.45 to 6.71 mmol TE/g in the ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. Their FRAP was in the range of 17.67–21.06 mmol Fe²⁺/g. According to PCA, the procyanidin dimers of fractions II and III were associated with antioxidant activity in these assays. In turn, the procyanidins with the highest degree of polymerization (trimers and tetramers) present in fraction IV were related to the antioxidant activity measured in the β-carotene-linoleic acid emulsion system. Overall, the separation of purified hawthorn bark extract using low-pressure Toyopearl HW-40S column chromatography resulted in a fraction rich in procyanidin B2, as well as fractions containing procyanidins with an increasing degree of polymerization, all with high levels of antioxidant activity under various conditions and the potential for future applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics products. Full article

This study aimed to examine the potential influence of backyard poultry farming, which can be readily established in urban and peri-urban environments, on the production capacity of backyard poultry and its potential contribution to food security among low-income households. Publicly accessible secondary microdata from the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey were used. To account for the non-random nature of backyard poultry-keeping decisions, the Heckman selection model was applied to estimate both the probability of engaging in poultry farming and the number of birds raised. The study revealed that over 20% of urban households and more than 30% of the poorest 11% households engaged in poultry farming. Although the number of birds raised is generally lower, the proportion of households raising poultry is higher among poorer households than among wealthier households. Among the poorest 11% households, the estimated per capita production of meat and eggs from backyard poultry farming was expected to be 5.4 g and 6.8 g per day, respectively. Due to data constraints, we compare production estimates with stratum-level consumption averages, providing an indication of potential contribution rather than household-level self-sufficiency. This comparison suggests that backyard poultry could serve as an important supplementary source, potentially contributing to approximately 15% of meat consumption and 47% of egg consumption for participating households from the lowest income strata. Full article

At the European level, potato cultivation is highly polarized. In Western Europe (Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark), yields are high, agricultural technology is advanced, and production systems ensure stability and competitiveness. In contrast, in Eastern and Southern Europe (including Romania, Poland, Italy, and Spain), yields are considerably lower due to the use of outdated agricultural practices, a low degree of mechanization, and increased exposure to adverse climatic factors. In Romania, potato cultivation is marked by significant territorial disparities and structural imbalances, influenced by land fragmentation, agro-pedoclimatic variability, and the lack of capital necessary for investments in modern technologies and irrigation systems. This study analyzes these regional disparities in relation to the country’s real agricultural potential and quantifies the economic impact of its failure to realize it. The methodology applied is based on descriptive statistical analysis of data at the county and regional level for the period 2003–2024, including minimum, maximum, average, and standard deviations of yields. These were integrated into a production function that correlates cultivated areas with average prices, highlighting major intra-regional differences and significant economic consequences at the national level. The results indicate a double crisis: a drastic reduction in the areas cultivated with potatoes (from 196,000 ha in 2017 to 76,000 ha in 2024) and consistently low yields (12,000–18,000 kg/ha), which led to the collapse of total production (from 3.1 million tons in 2017 to under 1 million tons in 2024). As a result, Romania registers a productivity three to four times lower than the reference Western European countries. Moreover, Romania has moved from being a net exporter to a net importer of potatoes, with the food self-sufficiency indicator decreasing from 100.3% in 2017 to 48.1% in 2023. Although domestic production could theoretically cover consumption needs, structural problems regarding yields, the sharp reduction in cultivated areas, and distribution deficiencies have seriously affected the balance of the domestic market. While per capita consumption has remained relatively constant, the decline in production has led, after 2021, to an increasing dependence on imports. These trends highlight the need for urgent structural reforms, technological modernization, and targeted agricultural policies to increase productivity and restore food security in the Romanian potato crop system. Full article

Against the accelerating of global climate change and carbon neutrality transitions, energy price volatility exerts complex effects on the employment dimension of economic sustainability through both industrial and agricultural channels as intermediaries. This study employed a mixed-frequency vector autoregression model to statistically analyze the weekly prices of four major industries and 24 sub-markets in China. The main outcome was the urban unemployment rate in China, and it was verified against the urban unemployment rates in 31 cities and the unemployment rates by age group (YUR/LUR). The study investigated the employment dimension of economic sustainability. Energy and energy metal prices represent the energy transition, while food and industrial goods prices characterize the intermediary linkages. Unemployment rates serve as the employment dimension of economic sustainability. The findings reveal bidirectional interactions and heterogeneous transmission mechanisms between prices and unemployment: energy prices exhibit weaker direct links to unemployment, partly influenced by demand inelasticity and policy adjustments; agricultural products face more persistent impacts, reflecting policy interventions and demand constraints; chemical products demonstrate the highest sensitivity and fastest response to unemployment shocks; metals show significant internal variations, with sub-market-level impacts being more pronounced yet shorter-lived. These insights advance climate and energy economics by guiding low-carbon transition policies, optimizing resource allocation, and managing energy market risks for resilient economic sustainability. Full article

The global trend toward sustainable and health-promoting foods has encouraged the reformulation of meat products that strategically incorporate high-quality animal proteins and functional compounds derived from plants. This study focuses on a complex food concept: meat-based pasta formulated from pork, semolina, and dietary fibers (apple and sugar beet). The quality attributes and the effects of different formulations were evaluated in comparison with a control sample. The findings show that the addition of dietary fibers significantly impacted the chemical composition, lowered the pH and increased water activity. The incorporation of the apple and sugar beet fibers increased the total dietary fiber content from 2.94% (control) to 9.59% and 11.15%, respectively, at the highest level of inclusion. Moreover, texture profile analysis of the raw samples revealed an enhancement in hardness (from 8.01 N in the control to maximum values of 21.23 N and 26.37 N), gumminess (from 3.28 N to 10.43 N and 12.36 N), and slight improvements in cohesiveness (from 0.41 to maximum values of 0.49 and 0.51) with the addition of apple and sugar beet fibers, respectively. The color parameters (L*, a*, b*) varied depending on the fiber source, with beet fiber imparting higher lightness and redness, while apple fiber contributed to darker tones. An initial consumer acceptability test revealed a positive perception of the innovative product, particularly for formulations with low and medium percentages of fiber addition. Overall, the results demonstrate that meat-based pasta can be successfully formulated with dietary fibers, providing an innovative and feasible alternative that meets current consumer expectations for novel, healthy, and sustainable foods. Full article

Exploring how urban landscape patterns and diversity affect crop yields is critical for landscape optimization to increase food production under rapid urbanization. In this study, we used Landsat remote sensing data combined with field-measured crop yields to map the spatial distribution of yields in suburban Changchun, Northeast China, and to examine their relationships with urban landscape patterns and diversity indices. Our results showed that the urban landscape composition, such as impervious surface areas (ISA) or forest coverage, significantly affected crop yield, and the suburban crop yield decreased consistently with increasing impervious surface and decreasing forest coverage (p < 0.001). Additionally, crop yield exhibited a nonlinear increase as impervious surface edge density (ED_ISA) decreased, with a threshold identified at 200 m/ha. We also identified that the driving mechanisms of landscape patterns and diversity on crop yield varied across different levels of urbanization intensities. In the low-urbanization area (ISA coverage < 50%), the crop yield was mainly affected by the composition and pattern of the surrounding landscape, such as ISA or forest coverage, patch and edge density, and the largest patch index; In the medium-urbanization area (50% ≤ ISA coverage ≤ 80%), landscape diversity played a dominant role and had a strong positive effect on crop yield. In the heavy-urbanization area (ISA coverage > 80%), crop yield was mainly affected by indicators of the farmland itself, such as coverage, edge density, and the largest cropland patch index. These findings clarify the relationship between urban landscapes and crop yields, offering new insights into reconciling urban development with food security. Full article

Spatial distribution of trace elements (TEs) in soils of the city of Dschang (Cameroon) was studied to identify their origin (geogenic vs. anthropogenic). The topsoil (at different depths) of 71 sites was analyzed using the rapid portable X-ray fluorescence analysis method. Soils from locations associated with metal-related activities exhibited the highest levels of contamination (average concentrations in mg kg⁻¹: As, 8.2; Cr, 213.7; Cu, 201.8; Pb, 97.4; Zn, 838.0), followed by household waste dumps and agricultural plots (levels close to those of cultivated low-lying areas). The observed decrease in TE concentrations with depth (notably for Zn) supports the hypothesis of a human origin (compared with soil-geochemical background of control sites). Geostatistical approach indicated an underestimation of health risks associated with the consumption of crops from several sites. Specifically, 87.32%, 49.30%, and 47.89% of the sites exceeded the Food Crops Reference Value (FCRV) for Cr, Zn, and Cu, respectively. Additionally, the number of contaminated sites for each TE varies depending on the method: Cu > Zn > Pb > Cr > As = Ni > Cd and Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > As > Cd with the geostatistical and FCRV approach respectively. From the first step of the soil chemical quality investigation, our study highlights the need to use methods based on health risks, especially for sensitive uses of soils such as food production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Orange peels (OP), a major by-product of the juice industry, are rich in bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, pectin, carotenoids, and essential oils). Its valorization represents a promising route to reduce food waste and foster a circular bioeconomy. This review aimed to map scientific progress in OP upcycling, focusing on the extraction of bioactive ingredients for human nutrition and integrated biorefinery approaches aligned with zero-waste principles. Methods: A bibliometric analysis and a scoping review were conducted covering studies published between 2003 and 2023. Scopus database and VOSviewer was usedto identify research trends, hotspots, and gaps. Conventional and emerging green extraction methods were critically compared, and integrated biorefinery strategies for maximizing OP valorization were systematically assessed. Results: The analysis revealed an exponential rise in OP research over the past decade, reflecting growing interest in sustainable food waste valorization. Polyphenol- and pectin-rich extracts are currently the focus of research and applications, driven by their high economic and nutritional value. Innovative multi-extraction and zero-waste biorefinery models have emerged, yet most remain at low technological readiness levels. Carotenoids and other bioactive compounds remain underexplored, and challenges persist regarding standardization and scalability. Conclusions: OP valorization is shifting towards integrated green extraction and biorefinery frameworks that address clean-label demands, promote circular economy goals, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Future research should prioritize (i) standardized protocols, (ii) scalable green extraction technologies, (iii) the inclusion of underutilized compounds such as carotenoids, and (iv) regulatory pathways to accelerate industrial translation. Full article

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen widely used in the manufacture of food packaging materials, raising concerns due to its potential migration into food products. This study aims to determine BPA levels in pasteurized milk marketed in Algeria, using an easy-to-handle and efficient liquid–liquid extraction method coupled with liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. A total of 30 pasteurized milk samples packaged in plastic were analyzed. The method validation demonstrated excellent linearity, with a limit of detection of 3.76 µg/L and a limit of quantification of 11.40 µg/L. Among the analyzed samples, 17 contained detectable BPA levels, ranging from not detectable to 24.07 µg/L, with an average concentration of 3.77 ± 5.77 µg/L, compliant with European regulation. The health risk assessment, based on estimated chronic daily intake and hazard index, indicated no significant risk associated with BPA exposure through milk consumption in the studied population. Additionally, the estrogenic equivalence of BPA in milk was 6.032 × 10⁻⁵ µgE₂/L, confirming a low estrogenic activity. Full article

This study investigated the impact of two different temperature regimes (high and low) on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antidiabetic properties of mango jellies. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity were assessed using the conventional 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the recently developed direct current (DC) polarographic method. Jellies prepared under low-temperature conditions contained higher TPC levels (82.0 ± 2.0 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/kg jelly) and exhibited stronger antioxidant activity (65.0 ± 2.2 ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100 g jelly by DPPH; 12.40 × 10⁻⁶ mol reduced Hg(II)/g jelly by DC polarography). Antidiabetic evaluation revealed that the low-temperature jelly significantly inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Thermal analysis further confirmed distinct structural behavior between low- and high-temperature products. This novel processing approach—combining mild heating (55 °C), vacuum treatment, and reduced sugar content (40%) without pectin addition—proved effective in preserving bioactive compounds and functionality. Notably, this is the first report applying DC polarography to assess antioxidant capacity in fruit jellies, highlighting its potential as a robust tool in functional food research. Full article

The degradation of soil structure in black soils has become a key factor limiting the productivity of farmland ecosystems. However, systematic studies on restoring soil physical properties and improving crop yields through biological tillage remain scarce. In this study, Eisenia fetida was employed as a biological tillage agent to create soil macropores. An orthogonal experiment with three factors was conducted to investigate the mechanisms by which different gradients of soil moisture, decomposed straw, and soil compaction affect soil pore structure and the yield of Brassica chinensis L. X-ray-computed tomography (CT) was used to quantitatively characterize the macropore network mediated by earthworms. The results indicated that the critical threshold conditions for optimized biological tillage were 50 g of decomposed straw, a compaction of 50–150 kPa, and a soil moisture content of 30–37%. Under these conditions, earthworm activity significantly enhanced the leaf dry weight of Brassica chinensis L. by approximately 55.29%, while root dry weight increased by 96.60%. Compared with treatments of low soil moisture combined with 50 g of decomposed straw, higher moisture levels further increased total biomass by 75.46%. Compared with the control, earthworm-induced macropores had 27 times more pore throats than abiotic pores, and network models showed significantly improved connectivity, indicating enhanced soil structure. This study revealed a synergistic threshold of water–food–physical resistance regulation for soil structural improvement under biological tillage and innovatively proposed a biological tillage evaluation system based on CT-quantified pore networks and root structure–function relationships. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the ecological restoration of degraded black soils. Full article

The increasing incidence of metabolic disorders, including diabetes, as well as diseases related to gluten sensitivity, has increased the demand for healthier foods, particularly those with both a low glycemic index and that are gluten-free. However, baked goods of this type of product generally do not have good physical properties. In the present study, specific moisture content maximized studied properties: specific volume, hardness, stickiness and adhesiveness. In addition, small variations in the moisture content of the mini pizzas made from cassava starch modified by alpha amylase and Ca lactate caused the physical parameters studied to vary significantly. On the other hand, strong positive and negative correlations were found between moisture content and the studied physical parameters. Thus, moisture content could be a determining factor in studied pizza’s physical properties and can be a predictor of these properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical properties of a gluten-free, low-glycemic-index mini-pizza made from modified cassava starch with alpha amylase and Ca lactate. Cassava of the INIAP 651 variety grown in Manabí, Ecuador, was used. The starch was extracted, sun-dried, and subsequently modified with alpha-amylase (6 U/g) and Ca lactate (6 mg/g). Water, oil, egg, and salt were added to the resulting modified starch to prepare mini-pizza doughs, which were tested at different moisture levels (39.5, 40.5, 41.5, 42.5, and 43.5%) to evaluate their expansive and textural properties. The evaluation results of the pizza at specific volumes (0.954–1.313 mL/g) showed that the highest value was obtained at 39.5% moisture content. However, the hardness (12.654–23.498 N), stickiness (−0.347–−0.246 N), and adhesiveness (−1.328–−1.547 N·mm) determined the lowest values at 43.5% moisture content. Positive correlations were found between moisture content vs. specific volume, as well as between specific volume vs. stickiness. Likewise, negative correlations were found between moisture content vs. specific volume, hardness and stickiness, as well as between specific volume vs. stickiness. Thus, moisture content could be a determining factor in pizza’s physical properties and can be a predictor of certain properties such as specific volume, hardness, stickiness and adhesiveness. Full article

This study investigated the effect of storage time on the quality of low-sugar apple jams partially substituted with steviol glycosides (SGs). Apple jams were prepared with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% sugar replacement using highly purified SGs (95.1%). The jams were evaluated immediately after production and after 3 and 6 months of storage at 22 °C in the dark. Physicochemical analyses included dry matter, total soluble solids, vitamin C, total ash, pH, titratable acidity, malic acid, and color parameters (L*, a*, b*). Sensory and microbiological assessments were also carried out. During storage, the dry matter content significantly decreased from 41.4% (control) to 35.6% (40% SGs), while titratable acidity increased from 10.69° to 16.73° (p < 0.05), and pH values remained stable (3.15–3.29). Vitamin C content decreased significantly (from 0.56 mg/100 g to 0.19 mg/100 g; 33–66% degradation). The color of jams became lighter with increasing SG substitution (L* increased from 17.19 to 24.73; ΔE up to 9.66) and slightly darkened after storage (ΔL ≈ −1.0). Microbiological analysis confirmed complete safety, with total colony counts < 10 CFU/g and no presence of Listeria monocytogenes or coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. Sensory evaluation by a trained panel (10 assessors, aged 34–56 years, with similar training in fruit and vegetable preserve evaluation) showed that jams with 10–30% SG substitution maintained desirable apple aroma and sweetness, whereas higher SG levels enhanced metallic odor (0.12–0.95 c.u.) and bitterness (0.2–1.9 c.u.) while slightly reducing apple flavor intensity (p < 0.05). Despite these differences, all jams remained acceptable after 6 months of storage. Overall, replacing up to 40% of sucrose with steviol glycosides provided microbiological stability, controlled color changes, and acceptable sensory quality, supporting the production of low-sugar jams in line with clean-label and sustainability trends in modern food technology. Full article

This study assessed the exposure to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Cd, Pb, As, and iAs in rice collected from 30 provinces in Indonesia using data from the national Total Diet Study (TDS). As rice is the main staple food and a major source of contaminant intake, the study estimated dietary exposure and evaluated the associated health risks across different age groups. The objective was to estimate exposure to PTEs (Cd, Pb, As and iAs) through rice consumption and to evaluate their associated health risks across various age groups. Cd concentrations ranged from 0 to 136 µg/kg, Pb from 0 to 684 µg/kg, total As from 0 to 609 µg/kg, and iAs from 0 to 267 µg/kg. On average, all levels were below the maximum limits set by Codex Alimentarius Standard 193-1995 (2023 revision). Cooking reduced Cd content by 76% and increased Pb levels by 1403%, while As levels remained unchanged. Estimated daily exposures reached 0.134–0.248 µg/kg bw/day for Cd, 0.258–0.475 µg/kg bw/day for Pb, 0.348–0.642 µg/kg bw/day for total As, and 0.236–0.435 µg/kg bw/day for iAs. Exposure to Cd posed a minimal health risk, remaining below the Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake (PTMI). In contrast, Pb exposure showed a Margin of Exposure (MOE) greater than 1, suggesting a low level of concern as defined by the EFSA CONTAM Panel, while iAs exposure resulted in an MOE below 10,000, indicating a possible health risk. Pb exposure from cooked rice consumption may pose a potential risk of IQ reductions of up to 2.59 ± 0.95 points in toddlers and 5.27 ± 1.93 points in children. These findings highlight the need to implement food safety risk management strategies in rice production and processing, particularly given the high rice consumption in Indonesia. Full article