Research Publications (Food Safety)

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Ahead of Print. Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for a broad spectrum of infections, including cutaneous, respiratory, osteoarticular, and systemic infections. It poses a significant clinical challenge due to its ability to develop antibiotic resistance.

Mozzarella cheese is a popular type of fresh cheese, originating from Mediterranean countries and worldwide consumed. As for other soft cheeses, its characteristics might support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes; therefore, the research’s aim was to determine the occurrence of L. monocytogenes strains and Listeria spp. on mozzarella cheese at the time of purchase (T0) and at the end of shelf life (Tf).

Background and aims It is unclear if cadmium (Cd) is loaded into cacao beans directly from the roots and stem or rather via reallocation from leaves and stem via the phloem.

Salmonella and Vibrio cholerae are the deadliest foodborne pathogens, requiring effective routine screening for food safety assurance. Hence, a duplex polymerase chain reaction integrated with a lateral flow immunoassay (PCR-LFIA) was developed for rapid detections of Salmonella and V. cholerae to overcome the laborious, time-consuming, complicated, and costly limitations of standard bacterial culture.

Fresh maize kernels are dried to reduce post‐harvest food loss while preserving product quality. Performance and quality are analyzed together in a 4E analysis and quality assessment (4E + Q analysis) being vital for evaluating the drying system's impact on product quality. Abstract The world's population is projected to increase, impacting a 60% rise in food production demand by 2050, including the demand for maize.

Summary Ensuring rice yield and grain safety quality are vital for human health. In this study, we developed two‐line hybrid rice (TLHR) with ultra‐low grain cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) accumulation by pyramiding novel alleles of OsNramp5 and OsLsi2. We first generated low Cd accumulation restorer (R) lines by editing OsNramp5, OsLCD, and OsLCT in japonica and indica.

Fruits and vegetables are important for the nutrition and health of individuals. They are highly perishable in nature because of their susceptibility to microbial growth. Foodborne pathogens create a significant problem for consumers, food businesses, and food safety. Postharvest factors, including transportation, environment, and preservation techniques, cause a reduction in product quality. The present world is using synthetic preservatives, which have negative impacts on consumer health.

A methodology with rapidity and specificity is of great significance for the effective control and management of outbreaks caused by Salmonella enterica as it has presented an obvious threat to food safety and public health worldwide.

This study developed an affordable electrochemical sensor using thin MXene sheets for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) detection. MXene was etched to form single or small layers, and a paper electrode was created via vacuum filtration. The sensor, with specific aptamer modification, showed wide detection range, selectivity, and reproducibility in detecting AFB1 in real samples.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis A virus (HAV) and in recent years several HAV outbreaks mostly affecting MSM have been described. These outbreaks were caused by subtype IA strains circulating in this high-risk population. After years of low incidence, an outbreak among MSM in Hungary caused a significant increase in reported HAV infections in 2022.

In shrimp aquaculture, disease mitigation may be accomplished by reducing the virulence of the pathogen or by boosting the shrimp's immunity. Biofloc technology is an innovative system that improves the health and resistance of shrimp to microbial infections while providing a viable option for maintaining the quality of culture water through efficient nutrient recycling.

This study investigated proximate composition and heavy metal concentration in wheat flour samples gathered from five districts of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. The sample of Panchkula, Rohtak, Palwal, Dadri, Sirsa, Bhind, Neemuch, Bhopal, Khargone, and Anuppur are referred to as HR1, HR2, HR3, HR4, HR5, MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, and MP5 respectively.

Background and aims

Measurement of Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) can be useful for evaluating crops under stressful conditions. The study aimed to elucidate the NUE regulation post-NP (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) supplementation under the combined effect of drought (D) and arsenic (As) stress in wheat seedlings.

Food products have the potential to contain herbicide residues that may pose a threat to human health and the environment, and the determination of these residues at trace levels is extremely important. In this study, a rapid, simple, accurate and environmentally friendly DLLME-QuEChERS method was developed for the sensitive determination of metobromuron at trace levels in coconut-strawberry samples. Mass spectrometry coupled to gas chromatography was used to perform the analysis.

Pre-cut fresh fruits and vegetables are highly appealing to consumers for their convenience, however, as they are highly susceptible to microbial contamination in processing, the potential risks of foodborne illnesses to public health are not negligible.

The development of sustainable alternatives to conventional antimicrobials is needed to address bacterial virulence while avoiding selecting resistant strains in a variety of fields, including human, animal, and plant health. Quorum sensing (QS), a bacterial communication system involved in noxious bacterial phenotypes such as virulence, motility, and biofilm formation, is of utmost interest.

Gastroenteritis and hepatitis are the most common illnesses resulting from the consumption of food contaminated with human enteric viruses. Several natural compounds have demonstrated antiviral activity against human enteric viruses, such as human norovirus and hepatitis A virus, while little information is available for hepatitis E virus. Many in-vitro studies have evaluated the efficacy of different natural compounds against human enteric viruses or their surrogates.

Maize (Zea mays L.) stands as a vital staple food globally, holding significant nutritional and economic value. However, its susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination under stressful environmental conditions poses a considerable concern. This study aimed to assess the quality and pasting characteristics of maize varieties across two distinct regions and examine the occurrence of mycotoxins influenced by climatic factors.

Produce is a known vehicle for Listeria monocytogenes, with the number of produce-related outbreaks increasing. Consumers occasionally misuse frozen vegetables as ready-to-eat instead of ready-to-cook, raising the possibility of L. monocytogenes contamination. Environmental monitoring studies focusing on the freezing step in frozen produce are relatively scarce, yet essential, as this step could cause post-contamination.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a prevalent mycotoxin present in feed ingredients. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) on the Landes geese exposed to AFB1.

Rapid, accurate, and simultaneous screening of V. parahaemolyticus and its antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) is significant for mariculture monitoring and food safety. Thus, we developed an integrated RPA-microfluidic method to simultaneously detect V. parahaemolyticus and its ARGs floR, sul1 and qnrA.

Infection with Vibrio mimicus in the Siluriformes has demonstrated a rapid and high infectivity and mortality rate, distinct from other hosts. Our earlier investigations identified necrosis, an inflammatory storm, and tissue remodeling as crucial pathological responses in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) infected with V. mimicus.

For the past years, Salmonella has been one of the major foodborne pathogens in Europe, leading to the development of several control efforts to reduce its impact on human health. Poultry meat has been consistently implicated in foodborne cases of salmonellosis.

Abstract BACKGROUND This study evaluated for the first time the potential of orange passion fruit as a base for alcoholic and acetic fermentations, with a view to assessing its profile of organic acids and polyphenols, in vitro digestion, and biological activities. RESULTS In terms of aliphatic organic acids, malic acid was the majority in the wine (3.19 g L−1), while in the vinegar, it was acetic acid (46.84 g L−1).

The 2021 FSIS Stabilization Guidelines for Meat and Poultry Products (Appendix B) Option 1.2 limits Phase 1 cooling from 48.8-26.7°C in uncured meats to 1 hour. However, this time restriction is impractical to achieve in large diameter whole muscle products.