Research Publications (Food Safety)

Abstract On August 2019 a staphylococcal food poisoning outbreak occurred in an elderly home in Piedmont, Italy. The epidemiological investigation performed among the persons that consumed the meal identified chicken salad as the most likely source of the outbreak.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to prepare a new antimicrobial Pickering emulsion of which the star anise essential oil was added to the oil phase, and to investigate the effect of stabilization by bio‐based active nanoparticles consisting of zein and pectin loaded with thymol.

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 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 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.

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 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.

Abstract Background Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during meat storage are mainly derived from the decomposition of meat components and the metabolism of spoilage bacteria.

Bovine mastitis is a polymicrobial disease characterised by inflammation of the udders of dairy and beef cattle. The infection has huge implications to health and welfare of animals, impacting milk and beef production and costing up to EUR 32 billion annually to the dairy industry, globally. Bacterial communities associated with the disease include representative species from Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Actinomyces, Aerococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella and Proteus.

In the present study, the characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms matured in tryptic soy broth (TSB), low-fat milk, or whole milk samples were identified along with their resistance to 405 nm light with or without folic acid. Phenotypic properties of carbohydrate and protein contents in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of S. aureus biofilms matured in different conditions were identified.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as an urgent global public health issue that requires immediate attention. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) is a major problem, as it may cause serious human and animal infections, eventually resulting in death. This study determined the proportional distribution, genetic characteristics, and antimicrobial susceptibility of mecA- or mecC-carrying staphylococci isolated from food chain products.

The co-expression of multiple antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in genetically modified (GM) crops can give plants a broader antibacterial spectrum and lower the pathogen risk of drug resistance. Therefore, four penaeidins (shrimp-derived AMPs) were fused and encoded in an artificial gene (PEN1234), driven by the seed-specific promoter Pzein, with the aim of co-expression in seeds of transgenic rice.

Avian arthritis is a relatively common disease in the poultry industry, the cause of which is complex. Bacterial arthritis is often caused by infection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), while viral arthritis is caused by avian orthoreovirus (ARV). To investigate the infection of S. aureus and ARV in cases of avian arthritis, a total of 77 samples characterized by arthritis were collected and detection.

Human milk is the optimal nutrition source for infants and contains a complex mix of bioactive compounds and microorganisms. When unavailable, pasteurized donor milk may be provided, particularly to preterm infants. Holder pasteurization (HP) is typically implemented in human milk banks to prevent pathogen transmission. Given the impact of heat on milk bioactives, ultraviolet-C irradiation (UV-C) is an alternative being explored and has demonstrated effective bactericidal activity.

Introduction The gut-lung axis has long been recognized as an important mechanism affecting intestinal and lung immunity.

Molecular Microbiology, EarlyView. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be transmitted between pigs and humans on farms. Hence, the reduction of MRSA carriage in pigs could decrease the risk of zoonotic transmission. Recently, straw bedding has been found to significantly reduce MRSA carriage in pigs. The mechanisms behind this effect remain unclear but changes in the nasal microbiome may play a role.

Introduction The use of cosmetics has become a habit for women. However, their influence on the microbial diversity of the skin has rarely been studied. Methods Herein, the effect of cosmetics containing complex polysaccharides on the skin bacterial microbiota of female forehead and cheek areas was analyzed.

Healthy, untreated cows of nine dairy herds from the Swiss Canton Tessin were analyzed three times within one year to identify the most abundant species of the intramammary bacteriome. Aseptically collected milk samples were cultured and bacteria identified using MALDI-TOF. Of 256 cows analyzed, 96% were bacteriologically positive and 80% of the 1,024 quarters were positive for at least one bacterial species.

Penicillium nordicum is one of the major producers of ochratoxin A (OTA) in dry-cured ham. Staphylococcus xylosus Sx8 and S. equorum Se31 have been previously proposed as biocontrol agents (BCAs) to prevent the OTA contamination, although their antifungal mode of action has not been established yet. Thus, the aim of this work was to elucidate their mode of action against P. nordicum in a dry-cured ham model system.