Research Publications (Food Safety)

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a phage cocktail in reducing seven Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups present in mung bean sprouts, lettuce, and seeds. The phage cocktail was effective at reducing O157:H7 when present in low levels, in combination with chlorinated water, and under refrigeration. The effectiveness of some phages was affected by the specific food matrix even if the targeted bacteria were highly sensitive to the phage.

Summary of the experimental design used to evaluate the effectiveness peroxyacetic acid, liquid buffered vinegar, and cultured dextrose fermentate as potential antimicrobial interventions for raw chicken livers. Salmonella and APC reductions were used as microbiological responses, and objective color as quality indicator.

Abstract Microbial diversity, final concentration of volatiles compounds during fermentation and the characterization and acceptability of chocolates of three cocoa hybrids (PH 9, PH 15 and PH 16) were evaluated. Hanseniaspora uvarum, Pichia kluyveri, Pichia caribbica and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were the predominant yeasts in the three fermentations.

Abstract This research effort aimed at a better understanding of microbial phenomena taking place during time in spontaneous sourdough fermentation for broa, a traditional Portuguese bread. Unlike most microbiological studies of sourdough, viable counts obtained were not limited to Lactobacillus and yeasts, but encompassed also molds, Gram‐negative rods, endospore‐(non)forming Gram‐positive rods and catalase‐positive/negative Gram‐positive cocci.

Abstract Bacterial contamination during slaughtering process is a safety problem and concern for shelf life in meat production. We compare two different slaughter lines, sheep and cattle samples from Iranian slaughterhouse using PCR‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis for evaluation the sources of bacterial contaminations. Bacterial diversity was significantly different between and within cattle and sheep slaughter lines.

Abstract Effect of lime juice on pink discoloration of sous‐vide chicken in refrigerated storage is reported. Chicken breasts were marinated with 0.9% NaCl solution (CON), citric acid 1% (CIT), lime juice 0.5% (LL) and lime juice 1% (LH) for 12 h before sous‐vide cooking. The pH values in the CIT and LH groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of CON and LL groups. Expressible drip in the LL group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher.

Abstract Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are used as probiotics to improve animal health and production. This study aimed to characterize and assess three LAB, Ligilactobacillus salivarius 1234C, Ligilactobacillus agilis 1235C and Enterococcus durans 12311C, isolated from chicken, as potential probiotic candidates to improve the production parameters of commercial poultry.

Abstract Silicone rubber (SR) is widely used in the food processing industry due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. However, due to the differences in SR product production formulas and processes, the quality of commercially available SR products varies greatly, with chemical and biological hazard potentials.

Abstract An attempt has been made to screen the fish gut‐associated actinobacterial cultures for antifouling compounds. Fifteen morphologically distinct bacterial cultures were recovered from the biofouling samples scraped from the boat surfaces and other maritime structures in the Kovalam beach (Lat. 12.7870°N; Long. 80.2504°E) coastal areas in Tamil Nadu, India. All the bacterial isolates were identified at generic level from which two isolates namely KB6 and KB7 as Staphylococcus sp.

Abstract Phages depend on their bacterial hosts to replicate. The habitat, density and genetic diversity of host populations are therefore key factors in phage ecology, but our ability to explore their biology depends on the isolation of a diverse and representative collection of phages from different sources. Here, we compared two populations of marine bacterial hosts and their phages collected during a time series sampling program in an oyster farm.

The quorum sensing (QS) and c‐di‐GMP signaling pathways are intricately intertwined to control swarming in Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain RIMD 2210633. The QS signals which inhibit LuxOvp phosphorylation are essential for V. parahaemolyticus to swarm efficiently on surfaces. And LuxOvp regulates swarming in a mechanism that involves modulating c‐di‐GMP levels, which may be intracellularly compartmentalized in V. parahaemolyticus.

Abstract This study explored the bactericidal role of the epidermal mucus (EM) of five freshwater Cyprinid fish species namely Ctenopharyngodon idella, Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and Cirrhinus mrigala after treatment with Aeromonas hydrophila.

Abstract Liver‐expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a small peptide, which is consisted of signal peptide, pro‐peptide and the bioactive mature peptide. Mature LEAP2 is an antibacterial peptide with four highly conserved cysteines forming two intramolecular disulfide bonds. Chionodraco hamatus, an Antarctic notothenioid fish that lives in the coldest water, has white blood unlike most fish of the world.

Abstract Aims Effects of H2O2 producing electrochemical‐bandages (e‐bandages) on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and biofilm removal were assessed using a porcine explant biofilm model. Transport of H2O2 produced from the e‐bandage into explant tissue and associated potential toxicity were evaluated. Methods and Results Viable prokaryotic cells from infected explants were quantified after 48 h treatment with e‐bandages in three ex vivo S.

ESEM images of wheat powder and JFDQ (A) and of the cultured microbes from JFDQ (B). A1–A4 represented wheat powder, WDQ, YDQ and BDQ, respectively; B1–B3 represented the microbes observed in WDQ, YDQ and BDQ, respectively. Summary Jiang‐Flavour Daqu (JFDQ) is a type of grain‐based fermentation starter used in Chinese liquor production.

The PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat based on natural antimicrobial substances was successfully prepared by simple dipping method. The PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat could achieve long‐term antimicrobial activity by embedding EG into β‐CD. PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat prolonged the shelf life of chilled pork by more than 50%. Summary This study aimed to prolong the shelf life of chilled pork by simply preparing antimicrobial packaging.

Production and characterization of chicken sausages with sophorolipids. Summary Sophorolipids present antimicrobial and antioxidant activities allowing their application in meat products such as sausages. In this study, formulations of chicken sausages were developed with 0.008%–0.06% sophorolipid supplementation.

Improvement of soybean meal nutritional values by a potential probiotic, Bacillus siamensis FVP1. Summary Microbial fermentation is an effective approach for enhancing the nutritional value of soybean products. In this work, Bacillus siamensis FVP1, isolated from fermented vegetables, was used for the solid‐state fermentation of soybean meal.

Summary The alkaline ionized water (AIW) could inactivate food‐borne microorganisms, ensuring the vegetables and fruits security. However, the application of AIW in preserving fish is still unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the effects of AIW on grass carp fillets during storage at 4 °C for 12 d.

Abstract Hybrid grouper (E. lanceolatu × E. fuscoguttatus) is a high economic value cultured species in Southeast Asia. There is a dangerous stage during its body length from 7 cm to 15 cm, and rotten fins and enteritis often occur in this period.

Abstract A 100‐day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the influences of dietary lipid levels on the immunity and mechanism in abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino. Abalones (initial weight: 10.98 ± 0.05 g) were fed with graded levels of dietary lipid, which were 15.73, 23.41, 31.72, 38.25, 46.35, 55.63, 61.70 and 67.19 g/kg.

Abstract An 8‐week trial was performed to evaluate tributyrin effects on growth, disease resistance, lipid metabolizing, distal intestinal inflammation‐, tight junctions‐ and apoptosis‐related gene expressions caused by high‐level cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) substitution of fishmeal. Fish were fed one fishmeal (50% fishmeal) and six CPC diets (27.5% fishmeal and 25.2% CPC).

Abstract The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of yeast culture on the growth, hepatic antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier and microflora of fish fed a high‐cottonseed protein diet.

Abstract A 60‐day feeding trial was carried out to investigate the effects of fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) in high lupin meal (LM) diets on growth, health and immunity of barramundi. Fish were fed a fishmeal‐based control diet (FM) and three test diets to replace 75% fishmeal protein in the control diet by lupin meal alone (LM), lupin meal with FPH (LM+FPH) and fermented lupin meal with FPH supplementation (FLM+FPH).

Abstract BACKGROUND As feeding probiotics, Bacillus subtilis FJAT‐4842 and Lactobacillus plantarum FJAT‐13737 were employed to improve the nutritional value and reduce the risk of contamination in the solid‐state fermentation of soybean meal (SBM). RESULTS After fermentation with bacterium starters, the crude protein, free amino acid and lactic acid increased, with higher protease and cellulose activity.