Organic contamination of Italian and Tunisian culinary herbs and spices.

Contaminants belonging to various classes, as polychlorobiphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorous pesticides, pyrethroid insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, synergists, carbamates, acaricides and insect growth regulators were simultaneously analysed by GC-MS/MS in 118 Italian and Tunisian culinary herbs and spices. The results obtained in Italian samples shown that laurel samples were the most contaminated with the presence of 15 residues on 140, whereas in rosemary (max value of 35 ng/g for cis-chlorfenyvinphos) and oregano (max value of 118.16 ng/g for ethion) some occasional residues can be observed, but always lower than the maximum residue levels; all the others samples shown no contamination. Among Tunisian samples, only rosemary contains a notably high content of pollutants exceeded the EU maximum residue limits (i.e., alachlor and phosalone with level of 359.2 and 43.3 ng/g, respectively), while oregano was determined to be free of contaminant residues. Considering the comparison among the different organic pollutants in Italian and Tunisian spices and herbs evaluated and the differences observed in this study a harmonization of regulation on contaminant residues in herbs and spices for human consumption should be needed, considering their increased use in diet and cooking.

POP levels in beans from Mediterranean and tropical areas.

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of beans as food, few studies are conducted to control their contamination by persistent organic pollutants (POPs), compounds of great importance because of their toxicity and tendency to accumulate in food chains. In order to evaluate the human exposure to POPs by the consumption of beans a monitoring programme was conducted on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues in samples coming from Italy, Mexico, India, Japan, Ghana and Ivory Coast. All beans were extracted with an accelerated solvents extractor in triplicate; the clean-up step was done with a Florisil column; identification and quantification was carried out using a TSQ Quantum XLS Ultra GC-MS/MS in selected reaction monitoring mode. RESULTS: Results revealed concentrations of ∑PAHs ranged from 7.31 µg kg-1 to 686 µg kg-1 , ∑PCBs between 1.85 µg kg-1 and 43.1 µg kg-1 and ∑OCPs ranged from 1.37 µg kg-1 to 71.8 µg kg-1 . CONCLUSION: Our results showed that beans coming from Ivory Coast are the most exposed to the risk of contamination by all the pollutants investigated. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mapping toxic mineral contamination: the southern oyster drill, S. haemastoma (L., 1767), as evaluable sentinel species.

The nickel, chromium, arsenic, cadmium, and lead content have been evaluated, by ICP-MS, in digestive gland of the amphiatlantic gastropod Stramonita haemastoma, sampled along the highly anthropized Gulf of Milazzo (Central Mediterranean). Concentrations notably higher than those reported in literature for other Mediterranean Muricidae have been recorded. The results also indicated a different impact in different sites, according to distribution and typology of human activities, whilst recorded seasonal variations might relate with rapid metabolic response. Such preliminary results suggest S. haemastoma may be considered a promising sentinel species for inorganic contamination in marine environment, especially in terms of short-medium-term exposure.

Mineral composition of some varieties of beans from Mediterranean and Tropical areas.

In this study has been evaluated the mineral composition (Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Ba, Cr, Co, Ni, Se, Sb, V, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mo, Na, K, Ca, Mg) of some varieties of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, Vigna unguiculata and V. angularis) from Mediterranean and Tropical areas of the world (Italy, Mexico, India, Japan, Ghana and Ivory Coast); the correlation between beans mineral composition in micro and macroelements and botanical and/or geographical origin; trace elements dietary intake by beans consumption. The results showed a correlation between beans mineral composition and their geographical origin, with higher values in Ivory Coast samples. Moreover, minerals content found confirmed the importance of these legumes in the diet for the significant content of essential micro and macroelements and a safe consumption of beans for the low residual levels of toxic metals.

Total Polyphenol Contents and Mineral Profiles in Commercial Wellness Herbal Infusions: Evaluation of the Differences between Two Preparation Methods.

The popularity of the consumption of wellness herbal teas is due to the many health-promoting properties they seem to possess. Modern preparation methods using coffee machines are also popular today. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate differences in infusions obtained by the traditional method using filters and by espresso coffee machines using pods. In this regard, different herbal materials were selected and purchased in two different types of herbal containers, and the corresponding infusions were analyzed for the contents of total polyphenols and mineral elements. Results showed that filter infusions had higher polyphenol and mineral contents than pod infusions, excluding Cd and Pb. For each of the plant materials used, differences due to the method of infusion preparation are highlighted. From a qualitative point of view, both methods of infusion preparation are valid, but the filter infusion method allows a higher transfer of minerals and polyphenols into the infusion, improving quality. The analyzed infusions can be safely consumed with respect to As, Cd, Pb, and Hg contents. Good amounts of polyphenols and Mn can be obtained by drinking a cup of any of the infusions analyzed, especially the mate infusion obtained by the filter technique, with amounts of 429 mg for polyphenols and 69.27% of the RDA for manganese.

Study of Physicochemical Quality and Organic Contamination in Algerian Honey.

Honey is a natural product extensively consumed in the world for its nutritional and healthy properties. However, residues of pesticides and environmental contaminants can compromise its quality. For this reason, the physicochemical parameters, and the organic contamination of monofloral and multifloral honey from three regions of Algeria (Tiaret, Laghouat, and Tindouf) were monitored to evaluate the quality of the honey and its safety for consumers. In general, the results obtained from the physicochemical analyses were in line with the EU standards. In terms of contamination, pesticides authorised and used in Algerian agriculture (metalaxyl-M and cyromazine), as well as a banned pesticide (carbaryl), were found in almost all the samples. However, only the concentration of cyromazine was higher than the relative EU maximum residue levels. PCB 180, PCB 189, anthracene, fluorene, and phenanthrene were mainly detected. All the honey shows traces of DiBP, DBP, DEHP, and DEHT, but no traces of bisphenols were found. Moreover, according to the dietary exposure assessment, a small amount of Algerian honey can be safely consumed. Overall, the data from this study should motivate the Algerian government to enhance their monitoring activities in beekeeping and to find solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices harmonising with international legislation.

Chlorpromazine's impact on Mytilus galloprovincialis: a multi-faceted investigation.

The antipsychotic chlorpromazine (Cpz) has raised concern as a pharmaceutical effluent due to its wide medical applications. Moreover, its potent pro-oxidant properties and impact on the cell viability of the marine mollusc Mytilus galloprovincialis, even at low concentrations (ng/L), have been noted. Based on this evidence, in this study, we investigated the physiological effects of Cpz on M. galloprovincialis, to elucidate its fate within the organism, in terms of bioaccumulation, biotransformation, byssus changes and stress responses of the cellular thiolome. Histological and indicators of vitality analyses were also performed to better evaluate the influence of the drug on the morphology and cell viability of the digestive gland. To this end, two different concentrations of Cpz (Cpz I (12 ng/L or 37 pM) and Cpz II (12 µg/L or 37 nM)) were administered to mussels over 14 days. Cpz accumulation in the digestive gland significantly increased with water concentration (BCF of Cpz I and Cpz II). Biochemical analyses indicated lysosomal dysfunction, reflected in elevated total Cathepsin D activity and compromised lysosomal membrane stability. Stress-related and metal-buffering proteins (GST and metallothionein) responded to both Cpz concentrations. Cpz I induced phase I biotransformation activity (CYP450-dependent EROD), while Cpz II triggered caspase-3 activation, indicative of detoxification overload. Histological analysis revealed digestive gland atrophy, epithelial thinning, haemocyte infiltration, and brown cell presence. Byssus analysis showed significant alterations. In conclusion, our study underscores Cpz-induced physiological and histological changes in M. galloprovincialis, posing potential implications for mussel health and confirming the utilisation of this mussel as an indication of Cpz ecotoxicity.

Statistical analysis of heavy metals in Cerastoderma edule glaucum and Venerupis aurea laeta from Ganzirri Lake, Messina (Italy).

Our study was carried out on two species of clams, Venerupis aurea laeta and Cerastoderma edule glaucum, from Ganzirri Lake considered as "environmental biomarkers" for their changes in physiology, morphology or distribution under the influence of substances in the environment. The aim of the present study was to conduct a statistical analysis on Venerupis and Cerastoderma to investigate the difference between the two autochthonous clams according to the presence of metals, and to link metal concentrations to the reproductive cycle of clam during 2009-2010. Metal analysis was carried out with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Accuracy and precision were assessed by analyzing the certified standard matrix: mussel tissue NIST SRM 2976. The multivariate analysis was made using the SPSS 13.0 software package for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). In this study, the concentrations of some metals found in clam tissues showed seasonal cycles with higher values in summer than in winter. The significances of metal concentrations differences between Venerupis and Cerastoderma samples were estimated with Mann-Whitney U-test. The concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Mn, Se and Zn show a significant p-level that suggests a difference between the two group samples. Statistical analysis showed that the link of metal concentrations to the reproductive cycles of Venerupis and Cerastoderma was not evident.

Assessment of the Accuracy of Nutrition Label and Chemical Composition of Plant-Based Milks Available on the Italian Market.

Growing health, environmental, and ethical concerns have encouraged interest in plant-based milks (PBMs), but it remains questionable whether the nutrition labeling of these products is adequately reliable for consumers, and whether nutritional standards can be defined for a given PBM type. On this basis, cereal, pseudocereal, nut, and legume PBMs available on the Italian market were analyzed in order to check the accuracy of nutritional labels on packages and generate new or updated compositional data. Most labels provided inaccurate information, especially with respect to the declared energy, fat, and saturated fat. Cereal- and pseudocereal-based PBMs were generally characterized by high MUFA (34.04-59.35%) and PUFA (21.61-52.27%). Almond, soy, rice, and hazelnut beverages displayed the highest levels of total tocopherols (11.29-13.68 mg/L), while buckwheat and spelt PBMs had the highest total polyphenol content (34.25-52.27 mg GAE/100 mL). Major and trace elements greatly varied among samples, being more abundant in buckwheat and coconut-based drinks. A PCA confirmed that nutritional standards cannot be unequivocally established for a given PBM, and indicated that, among the investigated variables, inorganic elements had more weight in the sample differentiation. Overall, to reliably guide consumers in their dietary choices, there is a need for greater accuracy in the development of nutrition labels for PBMs, as well as greater effort in assessing the nutritional quality of the ever-increasing variety of products available on the market.

Monitoring Moroccan Honeys: Physicochemical Properties and Contamination Pattern.

The physicochemical traits and an array of organic and inorganic contaminants were monitored in monofloral honeys (i.e., jujube [Ziziphus lotus], sweet orange [Citrus sinensis], PGI Euphorbia [Euphorbia resinifera] and Globularia alyphum) from the Moroccan Béni Mellal-Khénifra region (i.e., Khénifra, Beni Méllal, Azlal and Fquih Ben Salah provinces). Moroccan honeys were in line with the physicochemical standards set by the European Union. However, a critical contamination pattern has been outlined. In fact, jujube, sweet orange, and PGI Euphorbia honeys contained pesticides, such as acephate, dimethoate, diazinon, alachlor, carbofuran and fenthion sulfoxide, higher than the relative EU Maximum Residue Levels. The banned 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) and 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB180) were detected in all samples and quantified in jujube, sweet orange and PGI Euphorbia honeys; while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as chrysene and fluorene, stood out for their higher contents in jujube and sweet orange honeys. Considering plasticizers, all honeys showed an excessive amount of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), when (improperly) considering the relative EU Specific Migration Limit. Furthermore, sweet orange, PGI Euphorbia and G. alypum honeys were characterized by Pb exceeding the EU Maximum Level. Overall, data from this study may encourage Moroccan governmental bodies to strengthen their monitoring activity in beekeeping and to find suitable solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices.

Screening of phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers and bisphenols in Sicilian women's blood.

The plastic accumulation and its degradation into microplastics is an environmental issue not only for their ubiquity, but also for the release of intrinsic chemicals, such as phthalates (PAEs), non-phthalate plasticizers (NPPs), and bisphenols (BPs), which may reach body organs and tissues, and act as endocrine disruptors. Monitoring plastic additives in biological matrices, such as blood, may help in deriving relationships between human exposure and health outcomes. In this work, the profile of PAEs, NPPs and BPs was determined in Sicilian women's blood with different ages (20-60 years) and interpreted by chemometrics. PAEs (DiBP and DEPH), NPPs (DEHT and DEHA), BPA and BPS were at higher frequencies and greater levels in women's blood and varied in relation to age. According to statistical analysis, younger females' blood had higher contents of plasticizers than older women, probably due to a more frequent use of higher quantities of plastic products in daily life.

Effect of Filtration Process on Oxidative Stability and Minor Compounds of the Cold-Pressed Hempseed Oil during Storage.

Cold-pressed hempseed oil (HO) has been increasingly exploited in the human diet for its excellent nutritional and healthy properties. However, it has a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and chlorophylls, which inevitably accelerate its oxidative deterioration, especially in the presence of light. In this scenario, the filtration technology may ameliorate the oxidative stability of the oil, with positive effects on its nutritional quality and shelf life. Therefore, in this study, the oxidative stability and minor compounds of non-filtered and filtered HO (NF-HO and F-HO) were monitored over 12 weeks of storage in transparent glass bottles. F-HO showed a better hydrolytic and oxidative status than NF-HO during storage. As a result, F-HO also displayed better preservation of total MUFAs and PUFAs in the autoxidation process. Filtration consistently reduced chlorophylls, thus causing a variation in the natural color of HO. Accordingly, F-HO not only revealed an increased resistance to photooxidation but it was also suitable for storage in clear bottles within 12 weeks. F-HO predictably showed lower carotenoids, tocopherols, polyphenols, and squalene compared to NF-HO. However, filtration appeared to play a "protective role" toward these antioxidants, which had lower degradation rates in F-HO than NF-HO for 12 weeks. Interestingly, the element profile of HO was not affected by filtration and remained stable during the study period. Overall, this study may be of practical use to both producers and marketers of cold-pressed HO.

Determination of Fatty Acid Profile in Processed Fish and Shellfish Foods.

Seafood products are a crucial dietary source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which are essential for human health. However, the presence of these n-3 PUFA may be subject to changes related to different processing methods. The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition, focusing on n-3 PUFA, in different processed fish and shellfish products of both EU and non-EU origin. The products were purchased from supermarkets and ethnic food shops in Messina (Italy). Gas chromatography with a flame-ionization detector (GC-FID) was used for analysis. Based on the fatty acid profile, the atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenicity index (TI), and flesh lipid quality index (FLQ) were determined: 0.13-1.04 (AI), 0.19-0.89 (TI), and 0.41-29.90 (FLQ). The percentages of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids fell within the following ranges: 13.55-50.48%, 18.91-65.58%, and 13.84-52.73%, respectively. Considering that all samples showed low AI and TI indices and that all processed fish products proved to be a good source of beneficial PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), their consumption is recommended for humans.

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in common buzzard (Buteo buteo) from Sicily (Italy).

In the present study, we investigated the concentrations and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in intestine, liver, and muscle samples of 11 common buzzards (Buteo buteo) from Sicily used as bioindicator for monitoring pollution in environment. All samples of common buzzards were collected at the "Recovery Center of Wild Fauna" of Palermo, through the Zooprophilactic Institute. Quantitative determination of OCs and PCBs in the samples examined has been carried out using HRGC-ECD and GC-MS. The results obtained show the presence of concentrations of ∑DDT and ∑PCB in almost all samples. Regarding ∑DDT (4,4(')-DDE, 2,4(')-DDD, 4,4(')-DDD, 2,4(')-DDT, and 4,4(')-DDT), the highest concentrations were found in intestine (0.411 ± 0.050 µg/g) followed by muscle (0.130 ± 0.017 µg/g) and liver samples (0.109 ± 0.014 µg/g). As regards the ∑PCB congeners (PCB-28, PCB-52, PCB-95, PCB-99, PCB-101, PCB-110, PCB-138, PCB-146, PCB-149, PCB-151, PCB-153, PCB-170, PCB-177, PCB-180, PCB-183, and PCB-187), the highest concentrations were found in intestine (1.686 ± 0.144 µg/g) followed by liver (1.064 ± 0.162 µg/g) and muscle samples (0.797 ± 0.078 µg/g). Our data deserve particular attention not only for their significance but especially because they were recorded in Sicily, a region with a very low risk of environmental pollution due to the shortage of industries.

Valorization of Traditional Alcoholic Beverages: The Study of the Sicilian Amarena Wine during Bottle Aging.

Traditional alcoholic beverages have always been part of the Mediterranean culture and, lately, they have been re-evaluated to valorize both the territory and local customs. In this study, the Amarena wine, a fortified wine included in the national list of the traditional agri-food products, was characterized during bottle aging for oenological parameters, chromaticity, volatiles, and inorganic elements. Then, experimental data were visually interpreted by a principal component analysis (PCA). PCA revealed that most of oenological parameters (i.e., alcoholic grade, total dry extract, sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds) had a scarce discriminating power. Additionally, ethyl esters were only present in younger products, while remaining at quite constant levels. Conversely, certain metals (i.e., Mg, Na, Mn, Zn, and Cu), chromatic properties, and pH differentiated older Amarena bottles from the younger counterpart. Particularly, acetaldehyde and furanic compounds proved to be valid aging markers. A sensorial analysis highlighted that fruity and floral odors and flavors characterized younger beverages, while dried fruity, nutty, and spicy notes were displayed by older products, along with the valuable attribute of "oxidized" typically observed in aged Sherry wines. Overall, this study may encourage the production and commercialization of the Amarena wine, thus preserving the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean area.

Mineral content and physico-chemical parameters of honey from North regions of Algeria.

Honey is accepted as food and medicine by all generations both ancient and modern. In this study the concentrations of K, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Se, As, Pb, Cd, Sb, Ti, V, Co, Hg and the determination of some physico-chemical parameters in 29 multifloral honeys collected from different North regions of Algeria: Algiers, Bouria, Ghardaïa, Laghouat, M'sila, Naâma, Tlemcen and El Bayadth during year 2018 were carried out. All minerals were determined by ICP-OES/MS and Hg by DMA-80. The most abundant minerals decreased in the following order: K, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn. Lead content exceeded the Codex Alimentarius and the European Union in all honey samples analysed, Cd and As levels were lower than the limits fixed by the European legislation and the regulations of the Codex Alimentarius. The Recommended Dietary Allowance values and benchmark levels were employed to assess the honey quality and safety.

Evaluation of Chemical Contaminants in Conventional and Unconventional Ragusana Provola Cheese.

Organic contaminants belonging to various classes (plasticizers, bisphenols, pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs,) were analyzed in samples of provola cheese produced from Friesian dairy cows fed with a conventional diet (group CTR), and an unconventional diet (group BIO) enriched with olive cake (OC). The results show that for most determined contaminants, the differences between the two diets were very slight, indicating that the contamination does not depend on the olive cake integrated in the unconventional diet. The results also indicate that the minimal contamination could result from environmental contamination or the production process. It can be concluded that unconventional provola is as safe for the consumer as conventional provola.

Mineral Composition in Delactosed Dairy Products: Quality and Safety Status.

Mineral elements are ingested through the diet (Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb, and Bi). Essential minerals have structural, biochemical, nutritional and catalytic functions; therefore, they are fundamental for human health. In this research, thirty commercial delactosed dairy products from different varieties were supplied by various markets in Sicily (Italy), and their mineral contents were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with the following aims: (1) to highlight the differences among various products; (2) to evaluate if it is possibly related to the analyzed samples of their product group; (3) to evaluate the nutritional quality and safety related to intake of these dairy products. Evident differences were found among the samples depending on the type of product. A good separation between mozzarella-on the one hand-and crescenza and primo sale-on the other-was observed. The mozzarella samples were distinguished by the higher Fe, V and Co contents, and the lower amount of Al. Based on shares of the RDA, the analyzed dairy samples are a good source of Ca (up to 58% of the nutrient reference values), with a relatively high concentration of Na (between 5.5% and 22%). Any safety risk for consumers due to exposures to toxic elements through analyzed samples is excluded. The obtained results give reason to expect further insight concerning the direct comparison between the delactosed and non-delactosed product, in order to evaluate if the manufacturing process can affect the content of some mineral.

Chemical Characterization of Different Products from the Tunisian Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.

Various dried (by-)products from the Tunisian O. ficus-indica were elucidated for their proximate composition, fatty acid (FA) composition, inorganic elements, sugars, and polyphenols. Nopal and prickly pear peel and seeds were abundant in fiber (respectively, 28.39, 12.54, and 16.28%). Seeds had also high protein (17.34%) and may be source of an edible oil, due to lipids (9.65%) poor in saturated FAs (14.12%) and rich in linoleic acid (61.11%). Nopal and peel showed the highest levels of Mg (493.57 and 345.19 mg/100 g), K (6949.57 and 1820.83 mg/100 g), Mn (59.73 and 46.86 mg/Kg) and Fe (23.15 and 15.23 mg/Kg), while the fruit pulp predominantly constituted of sugars, glucose and arabinose being predominant (42.57 and 13.56 g/100 g). Total polyphenols widely varied among the Opuntia products (108.36-4785.36 mg GAE/100 g), being mainly represented by hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, and flavonoids as well. In particular, peel may be revalorized for these valuable bioactives, including 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (484.95 mg/100 g), cinnamic acid (318.95 mg/100 g), rutin (818.94 mg/100 g), quercetin (605.28 mg/100 g), and several isorhamnetin and kaempferol glycosides. Overall, the Tunisian prickly pear cactus could encourage a sustainable production, an effective waste management, and may provide several benefits for human health, in accordance with the model of the Mediterranean diet.

Discrimination of Tunisian Honey by Mineral and Trace Element Chemometrics Profiling.

The concentrations of 19 chemical elements have been determined in 36 honey samples of different botanical (wildflower, eucalyptus, eucalyptus red flowers, prickly pears, lemon blossom, thyme, almond, rosemary and jujube) honeys from the three geographical areas of Tunisia (Sidi Bouzid, Nabeul and Sfax) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The aim of this work was to use the multielement analysis together with chemometric tools to verify the botanical and the geographical origin of honeys. The correlation on the basis of mineral element content between the honey samples and their botanical and/or geographical origins was in some measure achieved. The data collected on the samples were also used to evaluate the nutritional quality and the potential health risks associated with elements via consumption of the Tunisian honey. According to the results obtained, the intake of essential elements was small, and the potential health risks associated with toxic or potentially toxic elements via consumption of this food were overall insignificant.