Remote assessment of quality, processing and economic criteria in qualification of suppliers to the meat packaging foil producer-A Greek case study.

Supervision over the suppliers of packaging as well as suppliers of raw materials for packaging production is important to ensure the quality and safety of meat products. The aim of this study was to verify the remote evaluation procedure of quality, processing and economic criteria in qualification of raw materials suppliers to the meat packaging foil producer during the Covid-19 pandemic. The evaluation was done remotely in terms of meeting some of the requirements of the quality management system (QMS) in conditions where regular audit could not be carried out. The survey was conducted in one of the biggest packaging foil producers in Greece via its supplier evaluation. The evaluation consisted of: 1/ economic criteria and 2/ quality and processing criteria. The highest and the lowest rated economic criteria were procedural compliance and price of raw materials. Among the quality and processing criteria, the highest score was given to warranties and claims policies and material quality, and the lowest one to lead time. The highest ratings obtained suppliers of raw materials directly involved in production, suppliers from Greece, the USA and Denmark, as well as suppliers to the R&D department. The results of the study showed that the quality of the raw materials directly used in the production of packaging foil was adequate. Therefore, their use ensure production of packaging foil and finally packaged meat products of adequate quality and safety. The presented procedure occurred to be useful for remote evaluation of quality, processing and economic criteria in qualification of suppliers during the Covid-19 pandemic. It may inspire other producers of food packaging materials to continuing supervision over their suppliers while regular methods of control are limited.

Increasing Physical Activity at School Improves Physical Fitness of Early Adolescents.

(1) Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an increase in organized PA at school on the physical fitness (PF) of early adolescent boys and girls. (2) Methods: A total of 294 children born in 2007 took part in the study. The sample was divided into two groups: of increased PA at school (n = 140, girls n = 66, boys n = 74) and standard PA (n = 154, girls G n = 70, boys n = 84). Increased and standard PA levels consisted of 10 and 4 h of physical education lessons (PE) per week, respectively. PE consisted of team games and fitness exercises. Three of the Eurofit tests, core strength, long jump, and running speed, were used to measure PF. Tests were conducted in May 2018 and 2019, at an average age of a participant of 11 and 12 years, respectively. Descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were applied for analyzing the results. (3) Results: After one year of observation PF of children was improved in both groups (p < 0.001). However, it was greater in the increased PA group than in the standard one. A higher percentage of very good scores and lower of poor and very poor were noted in the increased PA group than the standard one (20.36% vs. 12.90%, p = 0.003 and 18.58% vs. 24.85%, p = 0.022, respectively). Boys obtained better results than girls (p = 0.003). Children achieved the best results in the shuttle run test, and the worst in the core strength. Children with normal body mass obtained better results than those with excessive ones. (4) Conclusions: Increasing the number of PE at school beneficially affects the fitness performance of early adolescents. To improve the health status of adolescents it is advisable to increase the number of compulsory PE lessons in the school curriculum.

The Impact of Physical Activity at School on Eating Behaviour and Leisure Time of Early Adolescents.

(1) Background: Diet and physical activity (PA) significantly impact health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of long-term increase in organized PA level at school on the eating behaviour and leisure time of early adolescences in the period from the age of 10 to 12. (2) Methods: Children born in 2007 (n = 278) in groups with a standard (control group) and increased level of organized PA at school (4 and 10 h a week) were subjected to an anonymous follow-up survey. The questionnaire included 22 questions related to the eating behaviour and ways and frequency of leisure time PA. The study was conducted in the same groups in three assessment sessions in September 2017, 2018 and 2019. (3) Results: During the course of the study, it was shown improvement of eating behaviour in the increased PA group whereas decline in the standard PA one. The share of children with good and very good scores of eating behaviour decreased in the standard PA group from 56.89% to 54.54% and increased in the increased PA from 58.06% to 60.29%. In the increased PA group children more frequently than standard PA ate vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry meat, wholemeal bakery products, milk, dairy products and drinking tea without sugar, as well as ate breakfast. The standard PA children more frequently than increased PA ate high sugar and/or fat content food as sweets, savoury snacks and drank fizzy drinks as well as fast foods. The frequency of often undertaken leisure time PA increased in the increased PA group from 67% to 74%, while decreased in the standard PA from 58% to 52%. (4) Conclusions: Increase in organized PA at school beneficially influenced early adolescents' eating behaviour and frequency of leisure time PA during 2 years observation. It also increased early adolescents' awareness of healthy diet. Increased PA at school helps shaping healthy lifestyle among early adolescents.

The Impact of Physical Activity at School on Body Fat Content in School-Aged Children.

(1) Background: Excessive amounts of adipose tissue is a health risk. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of increased physical activity (PA) at school on body fat content in children aged 10 to 12 years over a 2-year follow-up. (2) Methods: Children born in 2007 (n = 245) in two groups, (1) standard PA and (2) increased PA at school, 4 and 10 h of physical education lessons per week, respectively. BIA measurements of body fat content were taken twice a year. Results were interpreted based on children's fat content reference curves. (3) Results: During 2 years of observation, the percentage of children with excessive fat mass (overweight and obese) increased by one-third (from 28.11% to 39.67%) in the group of standard PA, while decreased by one-third in the increased PA one (from 28.92% to 21.00%); with normal fat content increased by one-quarter in the increased PA group (from 59.86% to 76.26%) and decreased by one-tenth in the standard PA one (from 61.61% to 56.29%). (4) Conclusions: An increase in PA at school has a positive impact on children's body fat content. It is recommended to increase the number of physical education lessons at school, which has a positive effect on children's health, reducing the risk of obesity.

Increased Physical Activity at School Benefits Arterial Blood Pressure in Children-A Prospective Follow-Up Cohort Study.

(1) Background: A sedentary lifestyle and low physical activity (PA) increase the risk of hypertension in children. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of increased PA at school by elevation of the number of compulsory physical education (PE) lessons on arterial blood pressure in children during a two-year follow-up. (2) Methods: Children (n = 245) born in 2007 attending a standard or elevated number of PE lessons in the school timetable (4 and 10 h a week, respectively) took part in the study. Blood pressure was measured starting from age approx. 10 to 12. (3) Results: Starting from a similar level, after 2 years, the percentage of children with normal blood pressure decreased in the standard-PE children from 83.25% to 78.03% but increased in the elevated-PE ones from 83.15% to 86.13%. The prevalence of both prehypertension and hypertension increased by one-third in the standard-PE children from 16.74% to 21.97% but decreased by one-sixth in the elevated-PE ones from 16.85% to 13.87%. The prevalence of hypertension itself increased by one-third in the standard-PE children from 9.82% to 13.12% but decreased in the elevated-PE ones by one-fifth from 9.60% to 7.75% (4) Conclusions: An increase in PA at school by the elevation of the number of PE lessons benefits children's arterial blood pressure. Early prevention of hypertension in children can be supported by an adequate number of PE lessons in the school timetable.

The Impact of Physical Activity at School on Children's Body Mass during 2 Years of Observation.

(1) Background: Children's overweight and obesity are a growing public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of physical activity (PA) at school on body mass of children aged 10-12 during 2 years of observation. (2) Methods: Primary school children (n = 245, 48% girls and 52% boys) took part in the study. Children were divided in two groups, (1) of standard PA and (2) of elevated PA at school corresponding to 4 and 10 h of physical education lessons (PE) a week, respectively. Weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were measured starting from the 4th grade and ending at the 6th grade of school. (3) Results: The number of children with excessive body weight (overweight and obese) increased by » in children of standard PA while slightly decreased in children of elevated PA. Many more children of elevated PA changed body mass category from overweight to healthy weight than those of standard PA. Girls, especially of standard PA, had more often excessive body weight compared to boys. (4) Conclusions: Increasing time of physical activity at school by elevation of the number of PE lessons favorably affects the body mass of children.

Food Safety When Eating Out-Perspectives of Young Adult Consumers in Poland and Turkey-A Pilot Study.

Food safety is perceived differently by consumers in different countries. The objective of this study was to examine the experience of young adults regarding the safety of meals eaten outside the home in Poland and Turkey. Questionnaire surveys were conducted on a group of 400 young adults. The findings provided new insights into cross-cultural consumer perceptions of the food safety of meals eaten out. Differences in the perception of the safety of the meals eaten out concerned both the manner in which consumers chose an eating establishment, the frequency with which they ate out, their experience of the meals consumed, and their practice of lodging complaints. Consumers in Poland and Turkey experienced different problems with the health quality of meals eaten out. The experience of consumers in Turkey reflected the occurrence of numerous cases of meals of poor quality, while in Poland it was smaller. This suggests that meals eaten out in Poland (an EU country) may have a lower health risk than in Turkey (a non-EU country). The method described in this study could be an additional tool for checking the operation of food safety systems in eating out establishments.

Eating Behaviour and Physical Fitness in 10-Year-Old Children Attending General Education and Sports Classes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the body mass index (BMI), selected eating behaviour and physical fitness of children aged 10 years attending general education and sports classes in Siedlce. Subject children were 272 girls and boys mean aged 10.8-years attending general education (GC) and sports classes (SC). Survey questionnaires consisted of 18 questions about eating behaviour and physical activity. The BMI was determined for each child and compared with reference percentile charts. Eurofit testing was used to measure physical fitness. Increased physical fitness was positively correlated with beneficial eating behaviour among children. SC children showed significantly more frequent dietary intakes of milk, dairy products, poultry, fish, wholegrain bread, groats and vegetables when compared to GC ones. However, significantly more GC children ate red meat more frequently along with snacking on confectionery and savouries than SC ones. Most subjects fell within correct BMI percentile ranges. Underweight was more frequent in SC children at 12.85% than in GC children 9.88%. Overweight and obesity was most often observed in GC children (respectively 19.73% and 5.51%) compared to SC ones (respectively 14.37% and 3.8%). SC children achieved significantly better results in the Eurofit tests. The highest levels of physical fitness and most favourable BMIs and eating behaviour were observed more often among SC children than GC ones. The results confirmed the beneficial health effects of physical fitness for children.

Evaluation of nutritional status of children aged 7-12 in terms of overweight and obesity.

Background: The occurrence of overweight and obesity in childhood promote many diseases, causing complications both in childchood and in adulthood. Objective: The aim of study was to evaluate body mass index (BMI) of children aged 7-12 from primary schools in Siedlce (city in Poland) and determining the risk of obesity in this group. Material and methods: Subjects were 450 primary school children aged 7-12 years living in Siedlce, studied between 2017-2018, and consisted of 269 (59.7%) girls and 181 boys (40.3%). The BMIs were determined and total body composition was measured by a SC-240 Analyzer. Result were compared with percentile grids elaborated in the OLAF study. Results: The average BMI for 7-year-olds was 16.6, (16.8 for girls, c50=15.6 and 16.2 for boys, c50=15.8), whilst for 12-year-olds they were 19.0, (19.7 for girls, c50=18 and 19.1 for boys, c50=18). Despite 70.2% of average BMI values being correct, individually abnormal clusters were observed within the girl and boy grouping. We found that 5.8% children were underweight (6.7% girls and 4.4% boys), whilst 16.7% were overweight (19.7% girls and 12.1% boys), and those obese were 7.3% (8.2% girls and 6.1% boys). Conclusions: The BMI to height ratio was found to be correct in most subjects, nevertheless it was 12% higher in boys than girls. Abnormal BMIs were found in 1/3 of children, wherein overweight and obesity were more frequent than those being underweight. Excessive body mass was found in 24% of all children, with the highest rates being in 9-year-old girls (30.2%) and 12-year-old boys (29.4%). It is necessary to constantly monitor the BMI among school children.

The Nutritional Behaviour of Pregnant Women in Poland.

A woman's diet during pregnancy can significantly affect her health, as well as her child's future development and well-being. Unfortunately, many pregnant women do not follow the recommended nutritional guidelines. The reason could be that they have insufficient knowledge about nutritional best practice. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to investigate the nutritional behaviour of pregnant women in Poland. The research was conducted using a questionnaire to survey a sample of N = 815 pregnant women in first pregnancy. Among the findings were that the subjects ate an excessive amount of sweets, and white bread, and consumed insufficient quantities of fish, milk and fermented milk drinks. Subjects chose white bread more often than wholemeal bread, and fruit rather than vegetables. The study showed that the nutritional behaviour of pregnant women was characterised by many bad practices.

Dietary exposure to meat-related carcinogenic substances: is there a way to estimate the risk?

N-Nitroso compounds (NOCs), heterocyclic amines (HCAs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAs) are examples of carcinogenic substances, which are formed during cooking and processing of meat. Many researches suggest that high consumption of meat is positively associated with increased risk of some cancers. The majority of the researches are of epidemiological nature and, therefore, provide only associations related to population exposure to diet-related carcinogenic substances. The individual's exposure risk may be estimated by using food frequency questionnaire and analytical methods. However, there is a lack of methods which enable estimation of the risk concerning particular meat meals. The purpose of this paper was to summarize and emphasize the importance of factors influencing the formation of carcinogenic substances in meat during cooking.

Seasonal variability in intake of fish oil dietary supplements among inhabitants of Warsaw.

The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of sale and intake level of dietary supplements containing fish oil among inhabitants of Warsaw. The survey was carried out during 25 months in the years 2004 to 2006 in 3 selected drugstores localized in the central areas of Warsaw. The amount of fish oil, level of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids declared on the label, price and rate of sale of particular supplements, as well as the reasons why customers purchased the supplements were collected and analyzed. The rate of sale of fish oil supplements was low; however, it showed a tendency for increase during the time of evaluation. Strong seasonal variability of supplements sale and therefore intake were observed. The highest levels for these parameters occurred from October to February and the lowest from May to July. The most often purchased supplements were fish liver oil capsules. The main reason for fish oil supplement purchases was medical recommendations. The health benefits of fish liver oil were known among customers of drugstores; however, the term omega-3 was almost unknown.

Fish oil stabilisation by microencapsulation with modified cellulose.

Fish oil is the richest dietary source of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Stabilisation of omega-3 PUFA against oxidation is an important task in food processing. The ability of modified celluloses to act as microencapsulating agents for fish oil was investigated. Fish oil microcapsules were produced by spray-drying of homogenised emulsions containing modified celluloses and maltodextrin as coating materials. The quality of microcapsules was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, determination of encapsulation efficiency, peroxide value during storage and solubility in water. Methylocellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylocellulose (HPMC) showed good emulsifying properties. Homogenisation of emulsions resulted in creation of high amount of stable foam. More damage occurred in the powders coated with HPMC. The oil retention level was very high, 98.5% (i.e. up to 400.0 g/kg ready powder). Samples with fish oil content of approximately 500.0 g/kg exhibited more structural damage impairing the stabilisation effect. This study indicates that the use of modified cellulose, especially MC, as a coating material for the preparation of spray-dried fish oil microcapsules improves the stability and the concentration of fish oil in the powder.