Prepackaged foods healthiness ranking index: developing front-of-pack labeling to facilitate the assessment and validation of healthiness rankings of prepackaged foods in China.

BACKGROUND: The Medium and Long-Term Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases (2017-2025) in China has highlighted the importance of reducing fat, sodium, and sugar in foods. However, front-of-pack labeling, which enables consumers to assess the health levels of prepackaged foods, is lacking in China. In response to the Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission's request, we sought to develop a method for efficiently evaluating the health level of prepackaged foods. METHODS: Through a comprehensive literature review, we established a systematic framework: the Prepackaged Foods Healthiness Ranking Index (PHRI). We determined specific threshold values and grading criteria and conducted two rounds of Delphi survey to refine the index. Using a measurement dataset, we aimed to determine the optimal limit values for assessing the health level of prepackaged foods in real-world settings. RESULTS: After two rounds of Delphi surveys, the PHRI underwent multiple revisions until consensus among experts was reached. The final decision regarding the upper limit values set 30% Nutrient Reference Values as the limit for solid foods and 15% Nutrient Reference Values for liquid foods. The calculation of PHRI values was successfully implemented with the dataset, in accord with current nutrition awareness and real-world conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The PHRI provides a valuable tool for assessing the healthiness of prepackaged foods. This front-of-pack labeling system provides a convenient method for evaluating the nutritional quality of prepackaged foods. Ultimately, the PHRI has the potential to contribute to advancements in health policy, practice, and education in China.

A water-soluble label for food products prevents packaging waste and counterfeiting.

Sustainability, humidity sensing and product origin are important features of food packaging. While waste generated from labelling and packaging causes environmental destruction, humidity can result in food spoilage during delivery and counterfeit-prone labelling undermines consumer trust. Here we introduce a food label based on a water-soluble nanocomposite ink with a high refractive index that addresses these issues. By patterning the nanocomposite ink using nanoimprint lithography, the resultant metasurface shows bright and vivid structural colours. This method makes it possible to quickly and inexpensively create patterns on large surfaces. A QR code is also developed that can provide up-to-date information on food products. Microprinting hidden in the QR code protects against counterfeiting, cannot be physically detached or replicated and may be used as a humidity indicator. Our proposed food label can reduce waste while ensuring customers receive accurate product information.

To culture or not to culture: careful assessment of metabarcoding data is necessary when evaluating the microbiota of a modified-atmosphere-packaged vegetarian meat alternative throughout its shelf-life period.

BACKGROUND: As the increased consumption of ready-to-eat meat alternatives is a fairly recent trend, little is known about the composition and dynamics of the microbiota present on such products. Such information is nonetheless valuable in view of spoilage and food safety prevention. Even though refrigeration and modified-atmosphere-packaging (MAP) can extend the shelf-life period, microbial spoilage can still occur in these products. In the present study, the microbiota of a vegetarian alternative to poultry-based charcuterie was investigated during storage, contrasting the use of a culture-dependent method to a culture-independent metagenetic method. RESULTS: The former revealed that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were the most abundant microbial group, specifically at the end of the shelf-life period, whereby Latilactobacillus sakei was the most abundant species. Metabarcoding analysis, in contrast, revealed that DNA of Xanthomonas was most prominently present, which likely was an artifact due to the presence of xanthan gum as an ingredient, followed by Streptococcus and Weissella. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results indicated that Lb. sakei was likely the most prominent specific spoilage organisms (SSO) and, additionally, that the use of metagenetic analysis needs to be interpreted with care in this specific type of product. In order to improve the performance of metagenetics in food samples with a high DNA matrix but a low bacterial DNA load, selective depletion techniques for matrix DNA could be explored.

Optimization of wheat flour by product films: A technological and sustainable approach for bio-based packaging material.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the production of sustainable and biodegradable packages made from a little-explored by product of wheat-milling, the glue flour (GF). Films were produced by the casting method and the effect of the incorporation of glycerol, sorbitol, and GF in the properties of the films was investigated following the central composite rotational design (CCRD) approach. The results have been statistically analyzed by the response surface methodology and the desirability function. Due to the rich composition in amylaceous reserve (64.81%; 26% of amylose content), considerable protein content (11.23%), and fibers (8.28%), the GF proved to be suitable for use as a matrix in biopolymer films. All the properties were mainly influenced by the plasticizer type and GF concentration. Film plasticized with glycerol (run 13) was more flexible, had higher moisture (28.39%) content, and was more adhesive than the formulation made with sorbitol (run 11). Film elongation (ELO) ranged from 25.84% to 56.71%, and tensile strength (TS) from 0.10 to 2.8 MPa. The optimized process conditions were 8% for Cf, 0% for Cg, and 4% for Cs. Under these conditions, the films presented low moisture (12.1%), moderate solubility (35.5%) and TS (1.64 MPa), and high ELO (72.06%). This study showed that GF is a promising source for the development of biodegradable films. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Films made from a by product of wheat flour (glue flour) have technological potential to be used as packaging for food products. The valorization of a by product of the agribusiness without pre-treatment for the production of biodegradable films was made possible. The study by casting technique is a previous for scale-up production.

Embalagem para o leite humano ordenhado / Envase para la leche humana extraída / Packaging for expressed human milk

Esta Norma Técnica tem por objetivo estabelecer o padrão de embalagem a ser utilizada no acondicionamento do leite humano ordenhado, visando a garantia da qualidade em Bancos de Leite Humano e sua certificação.

Esta Norma Técnica tiene como objetivo establecer el estándar de envase a utilizar en el acondicionamiento de la leche humana extraída, con el fin de garantizar la calidad en los Bancos de Leche Humana y su certificación.

Verificação da embalagem para o leite humano ordenhado cru / Packaging verification for raw expressed human milk

Esta Norma Técnica tem por objetivo estabelecer os critérios para verificação de da embalagem de acondicionamento do leite humano ordenhado cru, visando a garantia da qualidade em Bancos de Leite Humano e sua certificação.

Seleção e classificação leite humano ordenhado cru / Selection and classification raw expressed human milk

Esta Norma Técnica tem por objetivo estabelecer os critérios necessários para seleção e classificação do leite humano ordenhado cru, visando a garantia da qualidade em Bancos de Leite Humano e sua certificação.

High oxygen atmospheric packaging treatment regulates the postharvest changes of Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) during storage.

Chinese kale is one of the most popular vegetables in southern China and Asia, but it has a short shelf-life. The effect of high oxygen atmospheric packaging (HOAP) treatment on the respiration rate as well as chlorophyll content and the expression of their metabolism-related genes of the soluble proteins in Chinese kale during storage were assessed. The results showed that Chinese kale subjected to HOAP treatment showed stimulated respiration rate and regulated expression of chlorophyll metabolism-related genes, such as BrChlases, BrPPH (pheophytin pheophorbide hydrolase), BrPAO (pheidea oxygenase gene), BrRCCR (red chlorophyll catabolite reductase), and BrSAG12 (senescence-associated gene), compared to the Chinese kale in the control. The activities of chlorophyll enzymes, that is, Chlase and Mg-dechelatase, were also influenced by HOAP treatment during storage. Furthermore, the total content of soluble proteins was stimulated to accumulate, and the intensity of protein bands, detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiling, increased in HOAP-treated samples. Based on the current results, as well as the results of our previous study regarding HOAP treatment of other vegetables, we speculate that HOAP may function by regulating the respiration rate and the accumulation of functional proteins, especially chlorophyll catabolic and antioxidant enzymes, to maintain the freshness of Chinese kale during storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: HOAP treatment could be a potential method for delaying quality changes and extending the shelf-life of Chinese kale after harvest.

How can packaging, source and food safety management system affect the microbiological quality of spices and dried herbs? The case of a developing country.

Spices and herbs are widely used in almost all types of food preparation and their microbial contamination may cause spoilage and pose public health risk. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of packaging, source and a food safety management system (FSMS) on the microbiological quality of spices and dried herbs in a developing country, like Lebanon. For this, a total of 96 composite samples of thirteen most commonly consumed types of spices and dried herbs were collected twice at three-month interval. Each type was purchased in 5 common brands from 4 categories: packaged in companies with FSMS, packaged in companies without FSMS, packaged imported, and unpackaged. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB), sulfite reducing anaerobic bacteria, C. perfringens, coliforms, E. coli, yeasts and molds were found in 89%, 43%, 18%, 15%, 1% and 54% of the samples, respectively. All samples were negative for Salmonella. One per cent, 4%, 6%, 1% and 7% of the samples had unacceptable levels of TAMB, coliforms, sulfite reducing anaerobic bacteria, E. coli, yeasts and molds, respectively. Among the four categories, imported samples had the lowest microbiological load, followed by locally packaged in companies with FSMS, then locally packaged in companies without FSMS and the highest microbiological load was for the unpackaged spices and dried herbs. This study highlighted the importance of storage conditions, good hygienic practices, process controls and FSMSs in the spices and dried herbs sector.

Evaluation of the Storage Conditions and Type of Cork Stopper on the Quality of Bottled White Wines.

The effects of different storage conditions, light exposure, temperature and different commercially available cork stoppers on the phenolic, volatile and sensorial profile of Verdejo wines were studied. Two natural corks of different visual quality and a microgranulated cork stopper were investigated over one year at two different storage conditions. One simulating light exposure and temperature in retail outlets and the other simulating optimal cellar conditions (darkness and 12 °C). The wines stored under commercial conditions showed greater losses of total and free SO2 and higher levels of brown-yellowish tones, related to the oxidation of flavan-3-ols. Although these wines underwent a decrease in the total content of stilbenes, a significant increase in trans-piceid was observed. In addition, these wines suffered important changes in their volatile and sensory profile. Volatile compounds with fruity and floral aromas decreased significantly, while volatile compounds related to aged-type characters, as linalool oxides, vitispirane, TDN or furan derivatives increased. Wines stored in darkness at 12 °C underwent minor changes and their sensory profiles were similar to wine before bottling. The high-quality natural corks and microgranulated corks better preserved the quality of the white wines from a sensory point of view. These results showed that temperature and light exposure conditions (diffuse white LEDs and 24 ± 2 °C) in retail outlets considerably decrease the quality of bottled white wines and, consequently, their shelf life, due to the premature development of aged-type characters.

Multilayer packaging: Advances in preparation techniques and emerging food applications.

In recent years, with advantages of versatility, functionality, and convenience, multilayer food packaging has gained significant interest. As a single entity, multilayer packaging combines the benefits of each monolayer in terms of enhanced barrier properties, mechanical integrity, and functional properties. Of late, apart from conventional approaches such as coextrusion and lamination, concepts of nanotechnology have been used in the preparation of composite multilayer films with improved physical, chemical, and functional characteristics. Further, emerging techniques such as ultraviolet and cold plasma treatments have been used in manufacturing films with enhanced performance through surface modifications. This work provides an up-to-date review on advancements in the preparation of multilayer films for food packaging applications. This includes critical considerations in design, risk of interaction between the package and the food, mathematical modeling and simulation, potential for scale-up, and costs involved. The impact of in-package processing is also explained considering cases of nonthermal processing and advanced thermal processing. Importantly, challenges associated with degradability and recycling multilayer packages and associated implications on sustainability have been discussed.

Understanding American premium chocolate consumer perception of craft chocolate and desirable product attributes using focus groups and projective mapping.

Craft chocolate is a relatively new and fast-growing segment of the American chocolate market. To understand American premium chocolate consumer perception of craft chocolate and desirable chocolate product attributes, we conducted a mixed-methods study using focus groups and projective mapping. Projective mapping revealed that participants segmented products in terms of quality based upon usage occasion rather than cost or other factors. We found that American premium chocolate consumers use search attributes such as segmentation, price, availability, and packaging as quality determinants. Additionally, they desire credence attributes that convey trust through, for example, the presence or absence of sustainability certifications, or a semblance of meaning. Premium chocolate consumers seek out experience attributes such as utility and/or joy, which are achieved by purchasing a chocolate product as a gift, for its nostalgic purposes, or for desired post-ingestive effects. We propose a Desirable Chocolate Attribute Concept Map to explain our findings.

Improvement of starch films for food packaging through a three-principle approach: Antioxidants, cross-linking and reinforcement.

This study uses sunflower hulls, a by-product from the sunflower snack industry, to recover both, valuable phenolic compounds and cellulose fibers, for the production of antioxidant reinforced starch films as potential food packaging material. The phenolic extract provided antioxidant properties to the films with EC50 values of 89 mg film/mg DPPH. The cellulose fibers reinforced the starch films with a threefold increase in Young´s modulus. Furthermore, citric acid was added to induce cross-linking of the starch polymers and improve film integrity. The addition of citric acid induced both, starch polymer hydrolysis and cross-linking, seen in a shift in chain-length distribution after debranching with iso-amylase. This is the first study that focuses on a three-principle approach to improve edible starch films, and follows UN goals on sustainability to reduce waste and increase value in by-products as a step forward to functionalize packaging material.

Investigation of the structural, physical properties, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of chitosan- nano-silicon aerogel composite edible films incorporated with okara powder.

The chitosan/okra powder/nano-silicon aerogel composite films were prepared by casting method and their physicochemical properties and structural characterization were studied. The results showed that the composite film had good mechanical properties, barrier properties and optical properties. The composite film has strong flexibility. The surface glossiness of C/D/S1.5:1:0.1 film was 14.4Gu. As for the antibacterial activity, all the composite films had strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus), and the inhibition zone of C/D/S1.5:1:0.10 against E. coli reached 551.96 mm2, the inhibition zone for S. aureus was 350.29 mm2. The composite film had uniform, non-porous, continuous and dense surface characteristics. The structural characterization confirmed that there was good compatibility between chitosan, okara powder and nano-silicon aerogel. In summary, the composite films had excellent performance and structure, which promoted the research of functional packaging films.

Preparation of sugarcane bagasse nanocellulose hydrogel as a colourimetric freshness indicator for intelligent food packaging.

A sugarcane bagasse nanocellulose-based hydrogel was developed as a colourimetric freshness indicator for monitoring spoilage of chicken breast. Nanocellulose was prepared from sugarcane bagasse cellulose filaments by TEMPO-mediated oxidation, and then used to form a strong self-standing hydrogel matrix through Zn2+ cross-linking. The hydrogel worked as a carrier for pH-responsive dyes (bromothymol blue/methyl red), which changed colour according to the freshness of the chicken sample. CO2 levels were found to increase with the spoilage of chicken, relative to rising levels of micro-organisms. The indicator hydrogel optical colour changed from green to red on the third day, as the log CFU/g passed the limit of acceptability for human consumption and emission of complicated volatiles. This new design of colourimetric freshness indicator made with a nanocellulose hydrogel has a quick response to chicken spoilage and is expected to facilitate the utilisation of bagasse nanocellulose as a value-added material in intelligent packaging.

Surge Response: How the Panhandle Handled One of the State's Biggest COVID-19 Outbreaks.

IN TEXAS, COVID-19 outbreaks have been especially pronounced in three types of facilities: nursing homes, jails or prisons, and meatpacking plants. The Amarillo area has plenty of all three. But it was the meatpacking plants that drew national attention to Amarillo's COVID-19 problems. The city, which straddles Potter and Randall counties, has numerous plants that employ 12,000 to 15,000 people. In early April, Amarillo's two hospitals began filling up with COVID-19 patients who worked at a plant in neighboring Moore County. Two weeks later, workers from a plant in Potter County flooded in.

Development and optimization of dynamic gelatin/chitosan nanoparticles incorporated with blueberry anthocyanins for milk freshness monitoring.

In this study, we prepared gelatin and chitosan as wall materials, and composites with a controlled release capability in a weak acidic environment were synthesized for loading and protecting anthocyanins. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the properties of the nanoparticles. The loading efficiencies and oxidation resistances of the proposed substances were measured. Under optimal conditions, the anthocyanins exhibited a loading efficiency of 83.81 %, and suitable long-term storage capacity at room temperature with a retention rate of ∼50 % after 15 d. When the nanoparticles were used for detecting the milk freshness, spoiled milk exhibited a reddish color, whereas the color of fresh milk did not change. Moreover, these nanoparticles exhibited a stable chroma in milk for 0-16 h. Therefore, the proposed pH responsive nanoparticles can provide a possibility for the dynamic monitoring of milk quality changes, or provide some reference value for future related research.

Antimony and PET bottles: Checking facts.

Over the last 30 years, bottled water has gained in popularity reaching high sales world-wide. Most of this water is sold in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. About 15 years ago, the presence of antimony in water in those PET bottles raised concerns and studies on the subject have been regularly published since then. This review aims to evaluate whether the use of good analytical practices and the correct design of these studies support the accepted facts (i.e., PET is the origin of antimony presence in bottled waters, antimony concentrations are usually below regulated values, temperature increasing favours antimony leaching). The detailed analysis of published data has confirmed these facts but has also revealed frequency of faulty analytical practices and a lack of well-designed studies. A better understanding of the structure of PET polymer in the bottles, coupled with statistically-robust antimony release experiments, is required to progress in the field.