δ13C data of the total water-soluble fraction and triacylglycerols as related indexes for differentiating the geographical origin of saffron (Crocus sativus L.).

Using isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) measurements, this study analyzed samples of saffron originating from two distinct geographical regions. We then used the results to distinguish saffron of the two considered origins. δ13C data related to the crocin fractions in 48 saffron samples from Western Macedonia (Greece) and 48 samples from Khorasan Province (Iran) were correlated to an index derived from triacylglycerols. Isotopic data could clearly differentiate between samples from the two areas. The isotopic measurements were -28.3 to -26.9 for Greek samples, and -26.1 to -24.5 for Iranian samples. Another index, derived from a gas-chromatographic analysis of the triacylglycerols, successfully determined that the range of isotopic values that characterized Greek samples was 52% larger than the range that characterized Iranian samples. The application of statistical evaluations permitted us to identify the two groups of saffron with confidence and to accurately identify the site of origin of a saffron sample.

A 3-year survey of Italian honey bee-collected pollen reveals widespread contamination by agricultural pesticides.

Honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health is compromised by complex interactions between multiple stressors, among which pesticides play a major role. To better understand the extent of honey bee colonies' exposure to pesticides in time and space, we conducted a survey by collecting corbicular pollen from returning honey bee foragers in 53 Italian apiaries during the active beekeeping season of 3 subsequent years (2012-2014). Of 554 pollen samples analysed for pesticide residues, 62% contained at least one pesticide. The overall rate of multiresidual samples (38%) was higher than the rate of single pesticide samples (24%), reaching a maximum of 7 pesticides per sample (1%). Over 3years, 18 different pesticides were detected (10 fungicides and 8 insecticides) out of 66 analysed. Pesticide concentrations reached the level of concern for bee health (Hazard Quotient (HQ) higher than 1000) at least once in 13% of the apiaries and exceeded the thresholds of safety for human dietary intake (Acute Reference Dose (ARfD), the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), and the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL)) in 39% of the analysis. The pesticide which was most frequently detected was the insecticide chlorpyrifos (30% of the samples overall, exceeding ARfD, ADI, or MRL in 99% of the positive ones), followed by the fungicides mandipropamid (19%), metalaxyl (16%), spiroxamine (15%), and the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid (12%). Imidacloprid had also the highest HQ level (5054, with 12% of its positive samples with HQ higher than 1000). This 3year survey provides further insights on the contamination caused by agricultural pesticide use on honey bee colonies. Bee-collected pollen is shown to be a valuable tool for environmental monitoring, and for the detection of illegal uses of pesticides.

Easy Extraction Method To Evaluate δ13C Vanillin by Liquid Chromatography-Isotopic Ratio Mass Spectrometry in Chocolate Bars and Chocolate Snack Foods.

An easy extraction method that permits the use of a liquid chromatography-isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (LC-IRMS) system to evaluate δ(13)C of vanillin in chocolate products and industrial flavorings is presented. The method applies the determination of stable isotopes of carbon to discriminate between natural vanillin from vanilla beans and vanillin from other sources (mixtures from beans, synthesis, or biotechnology). A series of 13 chocolate bars and chocolate snack foods available on the Italian market and 8 vanilla flavorings derived from industrial quality control processes were analyzed. Only 30% of products considered in this work that declared "vanilla" on the label showed data that permitted the declaration "vanilla" according to European Union (EU) Regulation 1334/2008. All samples not citing "vanilla" or "natural flavoring" on the label gave the correct declaration. The extraction method is presented with data useful for statistical evaluation.

Identification of ethylene oxide in herbs, spices and other dried vegetables imported into Italy.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyse ethylene oxide (EO) in 63 samples of dried vegetable materials for food use derived from import commodities and subjected to quality control for three food-transformation industries. EO residues were quantified through the determination of ethylene chlorohydrin (ECH). About 29% of the samples analysed contained more than 0.3 mg kg(-1) of EO. Thus, this specific analytical control limited to 20% of import aromatic matters needs to be increased. This paper demonstrates the importance of this specific control considering the banned use of microbial decontamination EO treatment in the European Union.