Search Results (337)

Pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables pose a serious threat to food safety. Traditional detection methods have defects such as complex operation, high cost, and long detection time. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop rapid, non-destructive, and efficient detection technologies and equipment. In recent years, the combination of spectroscopic techniques and imaging technologies with machine learning algorithms has developed rapidly, providing a new attempt to solve this problem. This review focuses on the research progress of the combination of spectroscopic techniques (near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), hyperspectral imaging technology (HSI), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and imaging techniques (visible light (VIS) imaging, NIRS imaging, HSI technology, terahertz imaging) with machine learning algorithms in the detection of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. It also explores the huge challenges faced by the application of spectroscopic and imaging technologies combined with machine learning algorithms in the intelligent perception of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables: the performance of machine learning models requires further enhancement, the fusion of imaging and spectral data presents technical difficulties, and the commercialization of hardware devices remains underdeveloped. This review has proposed an innovative method that integrates spectral and image data, enhancing the accuracy of pesticide residue detection through the construction of interpretable machine learning algorithms, and providing support for the intelligent sensing and analysis of agricultural and food products. Full article

Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides screened by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) methods, which are widely used in food analysis. Aptamers have the advantages of low molecular weight, ease of preparation, simplicity of chemical modification, and structural stability. Aptamers generated by SELEX are typically 80–100 bases in length, and the affinity of the aptamer can be improved by sequence optimization. Methods of aptamer optimization commonly include truncation, mutation, and chemical modification, and molecular docking, molecular dynamics, circular dichroism, and isothermal titration to assess often the binding performance of the aptamer to the target. Optimized aptamers usually enhance the affinity of the aptamer for the target and increase its sensitivity in the detection of pesticides, heavy metals, fungal toxins, pathogenic bacteria, and other objects. This paper focuses on truncation, mutation, chemical modification, the introduction of rare nucleotides, and computer-aided design. It provides an overview of non-immobilized optimization metrics. Full article

Food safety plays an important and fundamental role, primarily for human health and certainly for the food industry. In this context, developing efficient, highly sensitive, safe, inexpensive, and fast analytical methods for determining chemical and biological contaminants, such as electrochemical (bio)sensors, is crucial. The development of innovative and high-performance electrochemical (bio)sensors can significantly support food chain monitoring. In this review, we have surveyed and analyzed the latest examples of electrochemical (bio)sensors for the analysis of some common biological contaminants, such as toxins and pathogenic bacteria and chemical contaminants, such as pesticides, and antibiotics. Full article

Fruits and vegetables are crucial components of a healthy diet, which are susceptible to pests. Therefore, the application of pesticides is a basic manner of crop chemical protection. The aim of this study was a comprehensive analysis of pesticide occurrence in 1114 samples of fruits and vegetables. A unified multi-analytical protocol was used composed of primary–secondary amine/graphitized carbon black/magnesium sulfate to purify samples with diversified profile of interfering substances. Moreover, the obtained analytical data were used to evaluate the critical acute health risk in subpopulations of children and adults within European limits criteria. Out of 550 pesticides analyzed, 38 and 69 compounds were noted in 58.6% of fruits and 44.2% of vegetables, respectively. Acetamiprid (14.1% of all detections) and captan (11.3%) occurred the most frequently in fruits, while pendimethalin (10.6%) and azoxystrobin (8.6%) occurred the most frequently in vegetables. A total of 28% of vegetable and 43% of fruit samples were multiresidues with up to 13 pesticides in dill, reaching a final concentration of 0.562 mg kg⁻¹. Maximum residue level (MRL) was exceeded in 7.9% of fruits and 7.3% of vegetables, up to 7900% MRL for chlorpyrifos in dill (0.79 mg kg⁻¹). Notably, 8 out of 38 pesticides found in fruits (21%; 1.2% for carbendazim) and 24 out of 69 compounds in vegetables (35%, 7.4% for chlorpyrifos) were not approved in the EU. Concentrations of pesticides exceeding MRL were used to assess acute health risk for children and adults. Moreover, the incidence of acute health risk was proved for children consuming parsnip with linuron (156%). In other cases, it was below 100%, indicating that Polish food is safe. The work provides reliable and representative scientific data on the contamination of fruits and vegetables with pesticides. It highlights the importance of legislative changes to avoid the occurrence of not approved pesticides in the EU, increasing food and health safety. Full article

Aphis gossypii is a significant global pest that impacts numerous agricultural crops and vegetables, causing direct damage to food plants and indirect damage through the transmission of phytopathogenic viruses, primarily begomoviruses. In Panama, particularly in the Azuero region, viral infections transmitted by this aphid can affect a substantial share of tomato crops cultivated for industrial use. A traditional alternative to synthetic pesticides involves exploring plant extracts with insecticidal properties derived from wild plants found in our tropical forests, which can be easily prepared and applied by farmers. In this context, the present research aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of ethanolic extracts from the stems and leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata on both nymphs and adults of A. gossypii. Mortality was assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h after applying three doses of each extract (25, 50, and 100 µg/L). A standard phytochemical analysis to determine insecticidal activity revealed that both extracts exhibited significant efficacy at the highest concentration tested; however, the leaf extract demonstrated greater effectiveness at lower concentrations. A comprehensive metabolomic study indicated that the active compounds are diterpenes derived from the pimarenyl cation. These compounds have been extensively documented for their insecticidal potential against various insect species, suggesting that ethanolic extracts from this plant could serve as viable candidates for agricultural insecticides to combat aphid infestations. Full article

The evolution of global agriculture encourages the extensive use of pesticides although significant concerns regarding their impact on human health and the environment must be considered. The present paper highlights the presence and concentrations of various pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables available on Romanian markets. A total of 74 pesticide compounds authorized for agricultural use were identified and quantified in 620 randomly selected samples spanning a wide range of horticultural products by employing the QuEChERS extraction method and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The most often detected pesticides comprised boscalid and azoxystrobin, present in 42% and 37% of apple and strawberry samples, respectively, with mean concentrations of 0.12 mg/kg and 0.09 mg/kg. In cucumbers and tomatoes, difenoconazole and acetamiprid were predominant, detected in 35% and 40% of samples, with average residue amounts of 0.08 mg/kg and 0.07 mg/kg, respectively. Statistical analysis, achieved with Python 3.13.2, the pandas library (alongside descriptive statistics), and ANOVA, revealed significant variations in residue levels based on the product type and geographic origin. Boscalid and azoxystrobin were commonly encountered in apples and strawberries while difenoconazole and acetamiprid predominated in cucumbers and tomatoes. Even though the majority of pesticide residues conformed to EU maximum residue limits (MRLs), about 6% of samples, generally from imported products, displayed some residue concentrations approaching critical thresholds, with the highest exceedance observed for chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin at concentrations of up to 0.25 mg/kg. This research provides a comprehensive overview of pesticide residues prevalence in Romania’s fresh product supply while, at the same time, supporting consumer awareness initiatives and evidencing the critical demand for continuous monitoring and strengthened regulatory frameworks for food safety. Full article

This study investigates the effect of high urban land temperatures on pesticide residue (PR) accumulation in cabbage and lettuce and on public health in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) in Ghana. A comparative toxicological analysis regarding the food system was conducted with 66 farmers across three land surface temperatures: low (Atomic, n = 22), moderate (Ashaiman, n = 22), and high (Korle-Bu, n = 22). Pesticide residue concentrations were assessed using an ANOVA to examine spatial variations across sites. The results indicate a strong correlation between high land surface temperatures and pesticide residue accumulation, with lettuce recording significantly (p < 0.05) higher PR levels than cabbage. Several pesticides, including carbendazim (CBZ), Imidacloprid (IMI), Thiamethoxam (TMX), and Chlorpyrifos (CHL), exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) at moderate and high-temperature sites. carbendazim was the dominant pesticide detected, with a concentration of 19.0 mg/kg in lettuce, which far exceeded its maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.10 mg/kg across all study sites. Statistical analyses (PERMANOVA) confirmed that land surface temperatures and pesticide types significantly influenced the PR concentrations. Public health risk assessments indicate that children are more vulnerable to pesticide exposure than adults. The toxicity hazard quotient (THQ) for organophosphate pesticides, particularly CHL and Dimethoate (DMT), exceeded safe thresholds at moderate and high-temperature sites. Full article

Background: Contemporary agriculture heavily relies on synthetic chemicals to ensure high yields and food security; however, their overuse has led to health issues and the development of pesticide resistance in pests. Researchers are now exploring natural, eco-friendly alternatives for pest control. Methods: This study evaluated two ethanol-based formulations (1.25% and 2.50%, v/v) derived from the tangerine peel (Citrus reticulata L. var. Clementina) against conventional chemical treatments and an untreated control group in the cultivation of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L. var. Capiro). A randomised block design was used, with three blocks per treatment containing 45 plants. The experiment was conducted during the wet season (February–April 2023). Results: According to visual inspections and yellow traps, following weekly application from days 30 to 105 post-planting to monitor pest (e.g., Frankliniella occidentalis, Aphididae) and beneficial insect (e.g., Coccinellidae, Apis mellifera) populations, the 2.50% formulation performed similarly to chemical treatments against pests, whilst being harmless to beneficial insects. Post-harvest analysis showed that the formulations achieved 73% of conventional yields, with comparable tuber damage and levels of Premnotrypes vorax larvae. Conclusions: Toxicological tests confirmed the eco-friendliness of the formulations, making them suitable for small-scale Andean ‘chakras’ in organic farming and honey production, without the use of chemicals. Full article

In recent years, the excessive use of pesticides has raised environmental and health concerns, which has led to research into natural alternatives. Essential oils may represent a sustainable solution to this problem. In this study, essential oils from Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Eucalyptus globulus Labill, and Mentha piperita L. were analyzed by GC–MS and tested in vitro using the poisoned food technique against six olive pathogen fungi: Alternaria sp., Arthrinium marii, Colletotrichum acutatum, Fomitiporia mediterranea, Fusarium solani, and Verticillium dahliae. T. capitata essential oil (0.1 g/L) showed the highest antifungal activity when compared to E. globulus and M. piperita essential oils, which exhibited significantly lower efficacy against the tested olive phytopathogenic fungi. GC–MS analysis revealed that carvacrol is the main compound (76.1%) in T. capitata essential oil. A comparison of the inhibitory effect of T. capitata essential oil (0.1 g/L) and carvacrol (0.07 g/L) on selected fungal strains showed similar results, with carvacrol slightly more effective, although the differences were mostly statistically insignificant, except for C. acutatum. To the authors knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the inhibitory effect of Thymbra capitata essential oil against A. marii and F. mediterranea. The results of this study represent a basis for the development of new biochemical biopesticides based on T. capitata essential oil as a useful tool for the contrast of some fungal olive tree diseases. Full article

Terahertz spectroscopy (0.1~10 THz), as a new type of non-destructive testing method with both microwave and infrared characteristics, has shown remarkable potential in the field of food quality testing in recent years. Its unique penetration, high sensitivity, and low photon energy characteristics, combined with chemometrics and machine learning methods, provide an efficient solution for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex food ingredients. In this paper, we systematically review the principles of terahertz spectroscopy and its key applications in food testing, focusing on its research progress in pesticide residues, additives, biotoxins, and mold, adulteration identification, variety identification, and nutrient content detection. By integrating spectral data preprocessing, reconstruction algorithms, and machine learning model optimization strategies, this paper further analyzes the advantages and challenges of this technology in enhancing detection accuracy and efficiency. In addition, combined with the urgent demand for fast and nondestructive technology in the field of food detection, the future development direction of the deep integration of terahertz spectroscopy technology and artificial intelligence is envisioned, with a view to providing theoretical support and technical reference for food safety assurance and nutritional health research. Full article

Ensuring the security of agricultural systems is essential for achieving national food security and sustainable development. Given that agricultural systems are inherently complex and composed of coupled subsystems—such as water, land, and energy—a comprehensive and multidimensional assessment of system security is necessary. This study focuses on Northeast China, a major food-producing region, and introduces the concept of agricultural system coupling security, defined as the integrated performance of an agricultural system in terms of resource adequacy, internal coordination, and adaptive resilience under external stress. To operationalize this concept, a coupling security evaluation framework is constructed based on three key dimensions: reliability (Rel), coordination (Cor), and resilience (Res). An Agricultural System Coupling Security Index (AS-CSI) is developed using the entropy weight method, the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method, and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, while obstacle factor diagnosis is employed to identify key constraints. Furthermore, bivariate and trivariate Copula models are used to estimate joint risk probabilities. The results show that from 2001 to 2022, the AS-CSI in Northeast China increased from 0.38 to 0.62, indicating a transition from insecurity to relative security. Among the provinces, Jilin exhibited the highest CSI due to balanced performance across all Rel-Cor-Res dimensions, while Liaoning experienced lower Rel, hindering its overall security level. Five indicators, including area under soil erosion control, reservoir storage capacity per capita, pesticide application amount, rural electricity consumption per capita, and proportion of agricultural water use, were identified as critical threats to regional agricultural system security. Copula-based risk analysis revealed that the probability of Rel–Cor reaching the relatively secure threshold (0.8) was the highest at 0.7643, and the probabilities for Rel–Res and Cor–Res to reach the same threshold were lower, at 0.7164 and 0.7318, respectively. The probability of Rel–Cor-Res reaching the relatively secure threshold (0.8) exceeds 0.54, with Jilin exhibiting the highest probability at 0.5538. This study provides valuable insights for transitioning from static assessments to dynamic risk identification and offers a scientific basis for enhancing regional sustainability and economic resilience in agricultural systems. Full article

The popularity of small-scale and local fruit and vegetable production has increased in recent years due to perceived economic, environmental, and social benefits. However, these operations face contamination risks that both consumers and small-scale producers may underestimate. The present study aimed to assess the microbiological and chemical hazards on fruit, vegetables, soil, and water samples from small-scale farms in north-western Portugal during pre-harvest activities. Additionally, the study investigated farmers’ non-compliance with food safety regulations and good agricultural practices (GAPs), exploring how their behaviour might contribute to the identified hazards. A before-and-after analysis of non-compliant behaviours was conducted to determine the impact of training on improving food safety practices. The analysis identified the presence of pathogenic bacteria, pesticides, flame retardant residues, nitrates, and heavy metals. Lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded EU limits in organic carrots from one producer (0.156 ± 0.043 mg/kg) and in chard from another (0.450 ± 0.126 mg/kg). Cadmium (Cd) levels were also above regulatory thresholds in bell peppers (0.023 ± 0.009 mg/kg) and organic tomatoes (0.026 ± 0.015 mg/kg) from two different producers. Elevated levels of heavy metals were detected in irrigation water from two sites, with zinc (Zn) at 0.2503 ± 0.0075 mg/L and Pb at 0.0218 ± 0.0073 mg/L. Among food samples, the most prevalent microorganisms were Pseudomonas spp. (88.2%), Bacillus cereus (76.5%), and aerobic mesophilic bacteria (100%). Phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), particularly tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), were detected in all food and soil samples. Some EU-banned pesticides were detected in food and soil samples, but at levels below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Chlorpyrifos (35.3%) and p,p’-DDD (23.5%) were the most detected pesticides in food samples. After the training, GAP behaviour improved, particularly that related to hygiene. However, issues related to record-keeping and soil and water analyses persisted, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving full compliance. Full article

(1) Background: Exposure to pesticide residues through food remains a critical issue in public health, especially given their potential cumulative neurotoxic effects. (2) Methods: This study investigated the presence of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables, fruits, and cereals based on official laboratory reports and evaluated the intestinal microbiome profiles of individuals whose diets consisted of over 50% plant-based foods. (3) Results: Analytical results from accredited laboratories in Romania demonstrated that all tested food samples were compliant with European regulations (Regulation (EC) 396/2005), with either undetectable or below-quantification-limit pesticide residues. However, organophosphates such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon were frequently tested, indicating persistent regulatory concern due to their known neurotoxic potential. A parallel analysis of stool samples revealed significant imbalances in neuroactive gut bacteria, including consistently low levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, and elevated levels of Oscillibacter and Alistipes, which are implicated in modulating GABA and serotonin pathways. Markers of proinflammatory activity, such as LPS-positive bacteria and histamine producers, were also elevated. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that even in diets rich in plant-based foods, microbial dysbiosis with neuroactive relevance can occur, potentially linked to environmental or dietary factors. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of food safety and microbiome function as interconnected determinants of neurological health. Full article

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), with their excellent photoluminescence, tunable surface chemistry, and low toxicity, have emerged as versatile nanomaterials in sensing technologies. Meanwhile, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) possess exceptionally porous architectures and extensive surface areas, and tunable functionalities ideal for molecular recognition and analyte enrichment. The synergistic integration of CQDs and MOFs has significantly expanded the potential of hybrid materials with enhanced selectivity, sensitivity, and multifunctionality. While several reviews have addressed QD/MOF systems broadly, this review offers a focused and updated perspective on CQDs@MOFs composites specifically tailored for food safety and environmental sensing applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in the design, synthesis, and surface functionalization of these hybrids, emphasizing the mechanisms of interaction, photophysical behavior, and performance advantages over conventional sensors. Special attention is given to their use in detecting food contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics, mycotoxins, pathogens, and aromatic compounds. Key strategies to enhance stability, selectivity, and detection limits are highlighted, and current challenges and future directions for practical deployment are critically discussed. Full article

Background: Food safety remains a global concern due to biological and chemical contaminants, including adulterants, pathogens, antibiotic residues, and pesticides. Traditional detection methods are accurate but limited by time requirements, complex sample preparation, high costs, and poor field applicability. Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) offers non-destructive analysis with low detection limits and high specificity, yet conventional SERS substrates face challenges with reproducibility, nanoparticle aggregation, and sensitivity in food matrices. Hydrogels have emerged as supporting materials for SERS due to their water content, tunable porosity, flexibility, and ability to entrap plasmonic nanostructures. Scope and Approach: This review examines recent advances in hydrogel-integrated SERS platforms for food safety applications. The three-dimensional structure of hydrogels enables homogeneous distribution of metal nanoparticles, prevents aggregation, and offers analyte enrichment. We analyze material design, functionalization strategies, and how hydrogel properties—crosslinking density, porosity, surface charge, and nanoparticle distribution—influence SERS performance in food matrices. Key Findings and Conclusions: Hydrogel-integrated SERS platforms demonstrate superior performance in detecting various food contaminants—including pesticides, adulterants, and additives—in real food matrices, often achieving detection limits in the nanomolar to picomolar range, depending on the analyte and substrate design. Current limitations include storage stability concerns, batch-to-batch variability, and regulatory acceptance hurdles. Future research directions should focus on multiplex detection capabilities, integration with smart sensing technologies, and industrial scalability to facilitate practical deployment in global food safety monitoring across diverse supply chains. Full article