Research Publications (Food Safety)

Echinacea species, particularly Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida, are renowned for their immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. This review explores the mechanisms by which echinacea herbal extracts modulate immune responses, focusing on their effects on both innate and adaptive immunity in bacterial and viral infections.

Microbiology Resource Announcements, Ahead of Print.

Development of predictive growth models for Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in alfalfa sprouts. ABSTRACT Sprouts are popular due to their high nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes. However, the conditions favorable for sprouting, such as warm and humid environments, are also ideal for the growth of bacteria, including food‐borne pathogens.

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.

Botulinum toxin A (BT-A), a potential neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is known for its ability to prevent the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular synapse, leading to temporary muscle paralysis. BT-A is used for a wide range of therapeutic applications. Several studies have shown mechanisms beyond the inhibition of acetylcholine release for pain control.

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.

Minimum spanning tree showing Campylobacter jejuni sequence types (STs) according to age group (A) and locations (B). Regarding genetic diversity, no significant differences were found between age groups and locations. There is no clustering of specific genotypes, suggesting that all sampled yellow‐legged gulls have similar exposure to Campylobacter. Abstract The epidemiology of Campylobacter species in wild birds is still poorly understood.

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.

To assess the efficacy of Toxfin and Novasil as aflatoxin-binding agents in broilers exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from 11 to 30 days, 288 mixed-sex Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to four dietary groups: control feed, control feed + 0.25 mg/kg AFB1, AFB1 feed + 0.3% Toxfin, and AFB1 feed + 0.3% Novasil.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic carcinogen severely harmful to humans and animals. This study fabricated SDB-6-K-9@TiO2 composites via the hydrothermal synthesis method to reduce AFB1. The structural characterization results of the photocatalytic composites showed that TiO2 was successfully loaded onto SDB-6-K-9. The different photocatalytic degradation conditions, photocatalyst kinetics, recycling performance, and photocatalytic degradation mechanism were investigated.

Abstract Liquid smoke, an alternative to traditional wood burning smoking, enhances product value by imparting desirable characteristics such as aroma, flavor, and color. Furthermore, it contains components with inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study compares the effects of liquid smoke and conventional smoking methods in bacon processing.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxin widely found in aquafeed ingredients, and hypoxia is a common problem in fish farming. In practice, aquatic animals tend to be more sensitive to hypoxia while feeds are contaminat...

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.

by Thayanne Gabryelle Viana de Souza, Jordana Almeida Santana, Marina Mourão Sena Claudino, Silvia Trindade Pereira, Rafael Gariglio Clark Xavier, Victor Santos do Amarante, Yasmin Gonçalves de Castro, Elaine Maria Seles Dorneles, Flavia Figueira Aburjaile, Vasco Ariston de Carvalho, Bertram Brenig, Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva