Research Publications (Food Safety)

ABSTRACT In the present study, the ethanolic extracts derived from Hass avocado pulp were observed to exhibit exceptional bioactive qualities and demonstrate bactericidal efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms, encompassing both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Therefore, this work aimed to develop a biodegradable active film by incorporating the Hass avocado extracts into chitosan/gelatin‐based film (HGCF) for the preservation of beef and pork.

ABSTRACT To address the challenges posed by chemical methods for detecting pesticide residues in sorghum, such as complicated sample preparation and prolonged detection periods, this study presents a rapid and nondestructive detection approach based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology. A group of sorghum without pesticide residues and three groups uniformly sprayed with pesticides were used in this study.

ABSTRACT Campylobacter jejuni is a causative agent of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide, and wild and domestic poultry carry of this bacterium in their gastrointestinal tract. Molecular studies to determine the pathogenicity, origin, and epidemiological relationships among C. jejuni isolates from poultry such as chicken, turkey, and goose consumed as human food are important for public health and infection control.

A two‐level factorial design was used to evaluate the effect of food‐related stresses on the biofilm formation ability of Salmonella serotypes. Freezing time was the most important factor affecting biofilm formation response of Salmonella. Interaction of pH and heat was the most significant interactive effect on biofilm of S. typhi. Interaction of NaCl and cold showed the most significant effect on the biofilms of S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium.

In suspension tests, all tested acids achieved impressive decontamination, with a 5‐log10 reduction of the test organisms Enterococcus hirae, Salmonella Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni at minimal concentrations. Peracetic acid also effectively sanitized chicken skin, even when used in low concentrations, both in laboratory‐based testings and in the experimental slaughtering facility.

Nanotechnology‐based approaches for mycotoxin detection in food and feed. Abstract Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain molds and fungi that contaminate various food commodities, posing serious adverse effects on humans and animals. Aflatoxin, ochratoxin, trichothecene, fumonisin, zearalenone, patulin, and citrinin are some of the major mycotoxins affecting food and feed.

Global prevalence of staphylococcal enterotoxins in food contaminated by Staphylococcus spp. Abstract This systematic review (SR) and meta‐analysis integrates the results of studies on the occurrence of staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE), the knowledge related to the profile of the foods most often involved, and the types of SE found.

The growth of Salmonella spp. in grated carrots. Abstract The consumption of fresh and fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, has increased for the last decades for a healthy life and an adequate diet, but concerns regarding the microbial safety of them have been raised. The present study was conducted to develop predictive models for Salmonella spp. in grated carrots. The results showed that Salmonella spp.

Pre‐ and post‐harvest management practices to mitigate patulin. Abstract Patulin, a toxic secondary metabolite produced by certain molds (Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssochlamys), poses a significant health risk when present in apple juice products above permissible levels. Its presence is a major concern for both consumers and regulatory bodies due to its potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effects.

This study established a CLIA for trace detection of MG, and this is the first time that automated detection of MG residues has been achieved by combining POCT with CLIA. Abstract Malachite green (MG), a triphenylmethane dye is often used as a fungicide and preservative in fisheries due to its effectiveness against water molds in fish and fish eggs. However, excessive inhalation can be hazardous to human health.

The graphical abstract presents a detailed analysis of data from the RASFF concerning herbs and spices. On the left, various herbs and spices are depicted, representing the subjects of the notifications. Below this, a pie chart categorizes the types of RASFF notifications, with border rejections constituting the majority. On the right, the graphic lists the top 10 notifying countries, countries of origin, and notified products, with chili being the most frequently reported product.

Decontamination of egg‐associated pathogens using plasma‐activated water and plasma‐activated hydrogen peroxide, along with examining their characteristics and effects on egg quality. Abstract This study investigated the effectiveness of plasma‐activated water (PAW) and plasma‐activated hydrogen peroxide (PAHP) in reducing egg‐associated pathogens.

The present study showed a positive correlation (both clpC and hly were downregulated) between stress response and virulence on apple surfaces, which indicates that the low‐dose gaseous ClO2 may not trigger Listeria to increase virulence or enhance the stress response. Abstract Fresh apples are vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) contamination during handling and storage causing subsequent foodborne outbreaks.

The study compared the effects of the flow regimes (laminar, transitional, and turbulent), treatment time, and the volume of water and plasma‐activated water bubbles circulation on the inactivation of the mixed‐species biofilms of Salmonella Typhimurium and Aeromonas australiensis grown on the inner surfaces of the polyvinyl chloride pipes. Abstract Biofilm formation in broiler drinking water systems is a public health concern.

Validation of traditional crust pepperoni pizza baking process. Abstract The objective of this study was to validate a simulated commercial baking process for traditional crust pepperoni pizza to inactivate Salmonella when contamination was introduced through inoculated flour and pepperoni slices.

This study determined the impact of food residues on the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium from stainless steel surfaces. Results show that food residue types tested in the present study had differentially impacted the recovery of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella during environmental monitoring. Abstract This study evaluated the impact of different food residues on the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium from stainless steel surfaces.

Schematic illustration of PO combined with NFT inhibiting browning and maintaing qualities of fresh‐cut nectarines. Abstract Fresh‐cut fruits were convenient for consumers but vulnerable to quality deterioration, including browning, softening, and volatile aroma loss. In this study, the whole nectarines were pretreated with 100% O2 (pure oxygen, PO) for 2 h and stored at near‐freezing temperature (NFT, −1.5 ± 0.1°C) for 9 days after cutting.

A novel loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay was established on the basis of screening and verification of detection targets for rapid detection of Staphylococcus aureus. After amplification, there are two distinct methodologies for result determination: one involves the analysis of fluorescence curves, while the other involves the observation of color changes.

This research study the effect of the food product, even present in trace in the bacteria's habitat, on the bacteria potential of biofilm formation. Understanding the conditions that favor or disadvantage the formation of biofilms could help in the development and implementation of new alternative strategies to combat food‐borne infections.

Combined antibacterial effect of Origanum essential oils and antibiotics against multiresistant foodborne Salmonella in Morocco. Abstract The present study aims to assess the antibacterial activity of endemic Moroccan Origanum essential oils (Origanum elongatum and Origanum compactum) alone and in association with antibiotics against multidrug resistant foodborne Salmonella. The well diffusion and microdilution procedures were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity.

We demonstrated for the first time that Salmonella enterica Typhimurium can form dry surface biofilms (DSB) on surfaces. Mean reduction in viable cells recovered from Salmonella Typhimurium DSB following treatment with water (A and C) or the most efficacious disinfectant formulation (B and D) tested from a panel of candidates, with or without a subsequent wiping step. Contact times used were as per manufacturer's instructions.

The study determined the occurrence and molecular characteristics of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes in Salmonella strains from chickens sampled at the informal market in Gauteng province, South Africa. Human consumers of chickens contaminated with virulent and AMR gene‐carrying Salmonella pose a risk of salmonellosis with therapeutic implications in South Africa.

Gaseous ozone treatment, recovery and counting of microbial cells inoculated on stainless steel. Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate the resistance of two pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Senftenberg), and three airborne food‐spoiling filamentous fungi (Hyphopichia burtonii, Penicillium nordicum, and Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404) to gaseous ozone on stainless steel.

Effect of inoculation protocol on thermal inactivation of Salmonella spp. Abstract The laboratory inoculation techniques should ideally mimic the real‐life environment to reliably estimate the decimal reduction time (D‐value) of bacteria for process validation. This study aims at investigating the influence of the inoculation method on the D‐value of Salmonella in black pepper powder.

Graphıcal Abstract The antimicrobial activity of eugenol against Campylobacter jejuni in a food model system. Abstract Campylobacter jejuni is the predominant bacterial cause of gastroenteritis, the main cause of foodborne deaths. Currently, Campylobacter is a common foodborne pathogen found in poultry; thus, there is a need for the development of novel intervention strategies. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of eugenol on C. jejuni load in an experimental chicken meat model.