Research Publications (Food Safety)

by Shuyuan Yu, John E. Opfer

ABSTRACT In polluted water, cooccurrences of two carcinogens, arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr), are extensively reported. Individual effects of these heavy metals have been reported in kidney of fishes, but underlying molecular mechanisms are not well established. There is no report on combined exposure of As and Cr in kidney.

Abstract Extensive monitoring programs of chemical hazards in the animal feed chain are in place, both organized by public and private organizations. The objective of this review was to prioritize chemical hazards for monitoring in the European animal feed supply chain.

Abstract The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Czech Republic and co‐rapporteur Member State Austria for the pesticide active substance pyrimethanil and of confirmatory data following the maximum residue limit (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported.

Abstract BACKGROUND Highly polar herbicides, such as imidazolinones, are used for weed control to increase agricultural productivity and crop quality. However, their misapplication can lead to residues in ready‐to‐eat food with a potential health risk for consumers. Hence, the fast determination of these herbicides is necessary for timely action.

Abstract

Background

Bromus japonicus Thunb. is a hazardous weed in wheat fields in China. One B. japonicus population, HB-1, which was collected in Hebei Province, survived field rate flucarbazone-sodium exposure.

Metal enrichment in aquatic ecosystems has compromised the potential of fish to enhance food security. The uMgeni River drains urban and industrialized catchment and flows through economically disadvantaged rural communities that opt for fish to supplement their protein needs. However, there are uncertainties on the safety of consuming fish from the uMgeni River.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide and a major source of human cadmium (Cd) intake. Limiting grain Cd concentration (Gr_Cd_Conc) in wheat is necessary to ensure food safety. However, the genetic factors associated with Cd uptake, translocation and distribution and Gr_Cd_Conc in wheat are poorly understood.

Cadmium (Cd) is a nonbeneficial heavy metal that is toxic to living organisms. Nevertheless, it enters our food chain. Common staple cereals, such as wheat and rice, accumulate Cd in their grains as a “hidden toxicant” and can cause organ damage in humans (Clemens et al. 2013).

Abstract Antibiotic residues have become a significant challenge in food safety, threatening both ecosystem integrity and human health. To combat this problem, we developed an innovative photo‐powered, self‐powered aptasensor that employs a novel carbon‐doped three‐dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (3D‐CN) combined with a metal‐organic framework composed of N‐doped copper(I) oxide‐carbon (Cu2O@C) skeletons.

by Alvira Ajadee, Sabkat Mahmud, Md. Bayazid Hossain, Reaz Ahmmed, Md. Ahad Ali, Md. Selim Reza, Saroje Kumar Sarker, Md. Nurul Haque Mollah

Abstract The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Poland and co‐rapporteur Member State France for the pesticide active substance flufenacet are reported. In addition, the assessment of the confirmatory data following the Article 12 maximum residue limit (MRL) review of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 is also reported.

Quinoline-related antimalarial drugs have been associated with cardiotoxicity risk, in particular QT prolongation and QRS complex widening. In collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture, we discovered novel plasmepsin X (PMX) inhibitors for malaria treatment. The first lead compounds tested in anesthetized guinea pigs (GPs) induced profound QRS widening, although exhibiting weak inhibition of NaV1.5-mediated currents in standard patch clamp assays.