Investigation of melamine and cyanuric acid concentration in several brands of liquid milk and its non-carcinogenic risk assessment in adults and infants.

In this study, the melamine and cyanuric acid concentration of widely used milk brands and the probability of non-carcinogenic risk of the brands for adults and infants were investigated. These values were 1.37 mg/L, 1.10 mg/L, and 1.09 mg/L, which corresponded to creamy sterilized sample, high-fat (creamy) pasteurized sample, and low-fat (less-creamy) pasteurized sample, respectively. Similarly, the highest amount of cyanuric acid occurred in brand A with the values of 0.79 mg/L, 0.65 mg/L, and 0.64 mg/L, which was reported in the same samples mentioned for melamine. The HQ (Hazard Quotient) of melamine in the brands of A, B, C and D for adults was 0.0025, 0.0011, 0.0006 and 0.0008 respectively. These values for infants were reported as 2.2280, 0.9444, 0.5714 and 0.6714 respectively. The risk probability of melamine for adults was less than 1. However, the HQ in brand A for infants was greater than 1 (2.380), which indicate the high probability of non-carcinogenic risk. Furthermore, the HI (Hazard Index) values of the brands of A, B, C and D for infants were 2.7913, 1.1737, 0.7067 and 0.838, respectively. The simultaneous melamine and cyanuric acid in the brands A and B in for infants increase the non-carcinogenic risk probability by approximately 2.8 and 1.2 times, respectively. The results revealed that the melamine and cyanuric acid concentrations in creamy milk samples (0.5%) were higher than in less-creamy milk samples (2.5%). Moreover, the amount of the compounds in sterilized milk samples was higher than pasteurized. In this study, a conversion factor (0.7) was proposed in order to find out the concentration of cyanuric acid in milk sample with the amount of melamine is known but the cyanuric acid concentration is unknown.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel magnetic chitosan-nickel ferrite nanocomposite for antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

A novel nanomagnet modified with nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) coated with hybrid chitosan (Cs-NiFe2O4) was synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The resulting nanomagnets were characterized using various techniques. The size of the nanomagnetic particles was estimated to be about 40 nm based on the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) pattern (using the Debye-Scherrer equation). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicated that the surface of Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs is flatter and smoother than the uncoated NiFe2O4 NPs. According to value stream mapping (VSM) analysis, the magnetization value of Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs (17.34 emu/g) was significantly lower than NiFe2O4 NPs (40.67 emu/g). The Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs indicated higher antibacterial properties than NiFe2O4 NPs and Cs. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs against S. aureus and E. coli were 128 and 256 mg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activity (evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging test) for NiFe2O4 NPs and Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs at the concentration of 100 µg/mL were 35% and 42%, respectively. Consequently, the synthesized Cs-NiFe2O4 NPs can be proposed as a viable material for biomedical applications.

Investigation of cocoa and cinnamon effect on acrylamide formation in cakes production using GC/MS method: A risk assessment study.

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of cinnamon and cocoa on the formation of acrylamide in cake samples and their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. The cake samples were prepared using alkaline extraction, xanthidrol derivative and micro-extraction, then injected into a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify acrylamide. The maximum and minimum mean concentration of acrylamide among samples was related to the cinnamon cakes (212.28 ng/g) and the cocoa cake samples (10.14 ng/g), respectively. Acrylamide concentration for unflavored samples, cinnamon cake samples and cocoa cake samples were 61.86 ng/g, 169.38-212.28 ng/g and 10.14-44.64 ng/g, respectively. Human health risk assessment based on Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) indicated that the target hazard quotient and incremental lifetime cancer due to ingestion of acrylamide formation in cake samples for adults and children were in the acceptable limits (THQ > 1 and CR > 1E-4). In conclusion, cocoa flavor was able to decrease the concentration of acrylamide in cakes. According to the results, it is necessary to measure the amount of acrylamide in consumer cakes by regulatory organizations.

Potential toxic elements (PTEs) concentration in wheat and flour products in Iran: A probabilistic risk assessment.

The aim of This study was to assess the concentration of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in wheat, flour of Sangak, and Lavash bread samples and the possible effect of the milling process due to a depreciation of the device. Levels of PTEs in tested samples (n = 270) from 10 factories in Iran were determined by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry). In addition, the associated human health risk due to consumption of wheat, Sangak and Lavash bread flours in adults and children was estimated. In this approach, percentile 95% hazard quotient (HQ), Hazard index (HI), and Total Hazard Index (THI) was used as a symptom for endangering the consumer people health. A significant difference was detected in Ni concentration between wheat and two brands of flours i.e., Sangak and Lavash samples. The PTEs concentration order in the wheat and flour samples was Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > As > Cd, respectively. Consistent with findings, the concentration of PTEs in all samples was less than the permitted limit set by the European Commission and JECFA committee. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human health risk assessment (HRA) was calculated. Bread consumption per capita is 0.45 kg for adults and 0.27 kg for children per day. The results showed that both adults and children groups are not at remarkable health risk for PTEs at mean HQ, HI, THI <1 and ELCR <10E-4, but for HRA at the percentile 95% showed there is HRA of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic disease for children group (HQ, HI, THI >1 and ELCR >10E-4).

Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Baby Food and Milk Powder Using ICP-OES Method.

This study was conducted to evaluate the concentration and health risk of trace elements in milk powder and baby food samples marketed in Iran using inductive couple plasma/optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were ranged from 1.80 × 10-5 to 2.17 × 10-3 and 6.00 × 10-5 to 7.22 × 10-3 mg/kg, respectively, with recoveries ranged from 92 to 105%. Zinc (Zn) was found in a high mean concentration (8.49 × 10-1 ± 3.93 × 10-2 mg/kg) in milk powder, and iron (Fe) was found in the highest mean concentration (2.04 ± 3.61 × 10-2 mg/kg) in baby food. The Monte Carlo simulation results for the infants revealed that the rank order of the hazard quotient (HQ) index was mercury (Hg) > nickel (Ni) > arsenic (As) > cadmium (Cd) > aluminum (Al). Further, the result of non-carcinogenic and probability of carcinogenic risk was lower than the limits of safe risk (HQ > 1 and cancer risk (CR) > 1 × 10-4). In conclusion, the toxic elements content in the tested products was sufficiently low, and all of the milk powder and baby food sold in Iran could be considered safe for infants and children.

GC-MS determination of the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bread and potato Tahdig prepared with the common edible oil.

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content of the Tahdig of the breads and potatoes prepared with edible oil was determined by GC-MS. The Tahdigs of bread and potato were baked under the same condition (volume of any oil 40 cc, temperature 180 °C, time 30 min). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon determination was performed by an Agilent 6890 N Gas chromatography with mass selective detector, equipped with a capillary column. The highest contents of PAHs in Tahdig of bread and Tahdig of potato were observed in canola with 550 ± 3.9 ng/kg and sesame with 408.3 ± 41 ng/kg. The mean of PAH content was significantly higher in the Tahdig of bread compared to the Tahdig of potato (p < 0.05). Among the 16 PAHs examined by GC/MS, 10 PAHs were detected. The amount of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs were significantly more than low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs (p < 0.05). Benzo [b]fluoranthene and benz[a]anthracene concentrations were significantly more than the other detected compounds (p < 0.05). Due to high PAH contamination of both Tahdig groups, the consumption of Tahdig (any type) was not recommended.

The analysis and probabilistic health risk assessment of acrylamide level in commercial nuggets samples marketed in Iran: effect of two different cooking methods.

The aim of current study was to evaluate the acrylamide level in chicken, meat and shrimp nugget samples cooked in both traditional and industrial methods using "Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe" QuEChERS extraction and gas chromatography-flame-ionization detection (GC-FID). Results revealed the traditional frying method has significant effect on the increase of acrylamide compared to industrial frying method and it was also found that the different cooking temperatures and time have significant effect on increase of acrylamide formation (p < 0.05), but type of edible oils had no significant effect. The highest acrylamide level found in shrimp nuggets (27 ± 1.5 ng/g) which fried by colza oil and traditional cooking method (6 min at 220 °C), while the lowest content of acrylamide found in chicken nuggets (7.3 ± 0.1 ng/g) which fried by corn oil and industrial method (3 min at 180 °C). Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) results indicated that the trend of potential non-carcinogenic risks on THQ for children was chicken nugget (3.51E-3) > meat nugget (1.36E-3) > shrimp nugget (1.43E-4) and for adults was chicken nugget (3.49E-4) > meat nugget (1.35E-4) > shrimp nugget (1.38E-5). The health risk of acrylamide for adults and children, was considerably lower than the safe risk limits (HQ >1 and CR > 1E-4) for Iranian population.

Measurement of phthalate acid esters in non-alcoholic malt beverages by MSPE-GC/MS method in Tehran city: chemometrics.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are compounds that are used in the bottle as the main plasticizers. Therefore, the possibility of releasing phthalate esters into beverages is very high and there is a concern to consumer health and monitoring organizations. The aim of this research was to assess the phthalic acid esters (di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), bis(di-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and total PAEs) in bottled non-alcoholic malt beverages (n = 120) by multi-walled carbon nanotubes were magnetized with iron (MWCNT-Fe3O4) using gaschromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the highest and the lowest levels of total phthalate esters in samples were 9483.93 and 2412.50 ng/L, respectively. The mean of DEHP which has also been found to be carcinogenic in all samples was lower than 5944.73 ng/L. The highest concentration of DEHP in four samples was upper than 8957.87 ng/L. Perceived limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 13 to 30 ng/L and the limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 39 to 90 ng/L. Multivariate techniques and heat map visualization were used to assess the correlation among the type and levels of PAEs with the brand, color, product date, pH, sugar, volume, and gas pressure. Therefore, based on heat map and principal component analysis (PCA) results, the DEHP and total PAEs were the closest accessions, indicating that these variables had similar trends. Based on the results, it can be stated that due to the low average of total phthalate esters in non-alcoholic malt beverages, there is no serious health hazard of these compounds for humans.

A Comparative Survey on Antioxidant Activity of Iranian Shrimp Waste (Penaeus semisulcatus) and Synthetic Antioxidants.

BACKGROUND: Shrimp waste, as an important source of natural carotenoids, is produced in large quantities in the seafood processing industry. One of the important characteristics of carotenoids is their ability to act as antioxidants, thus protecting cells and tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals and singlet oxygen. AIMS: The aim of this study was to find an effective method for carotenoid extraction (Enzymatic and alkaline treatment) from shrimp waste and compare their antioxidant potential with synthetic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) using sunflower oil. METHODS: The sunflower oil was exposed to three concentrations of extracted carotenoid (470, 235, and 118 mg/kg) and synthetic antioxidants. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was evaluated for Malondialdehyde and peroxide value. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The mean values of carotenoid extract were 243 and 170 mg/kg for enzymatic and alkaline treatment, respectively. Therefore, the highest efficacy of carotenoid extraction was obtained from enzymatic extraction. The oil samples containing 470 ppm carotenoid, which were extracted by alcalase as the default treatment, exhibited a less peroxide value and higher antioxidant potential than the oil samples containing synthetic antioxidants. CONCLUSION: According to the results, the synthetic antioxidants can be replaced by extracted carotenoids from shrimp waste as a natural antioxidant to inhibit oxidation.

pH-responsive color indicator films based on methylcellulose/chitosan nanofiber and barberry anthocyanins for real-time monitoring of meat freshness.

A new pH-responsive color indicator film was prepared by blending barberry anthocyanin (BA) with methylcellulose (MC)/chitosan nanofiber (ChNF) composite film. The addition of ChNF and BA increased the mechanical and water barrier properties but reduced the UV-vis light transmittance of the composite film. Anthocyanin showed proper compatibility with the composite film. The color indicator film showed an apparent color change in response to pH changes and ammonia gas, being suitable for indicating the change in food pH, the formation of volatile nitrogen compounds, and food decay. The color indicator film changed clearly from reddish-pink to pale peach and finally to yellow when exposed to different pH buffers. However, in response to ammonia vapor, the color changed from pink to pale green and yellow. Besides, the color indicator film exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity. Therefore, the pH-sensing color indicator film can be used as a smart indicator for real-time freshness monitoring of meat and seafood products.

Biocontrol effect of Kluyveromyces lactis on aflatoxin expression and production in Aspergillus parasiticus.

Aspergillus parasiticus is one of the most common fungi able to produce aflatoxins, which are naturally occurring carcinogenic substances. This study evaluated the effects of the safe yeast, Kluyveromyces lactis, on fungal growth, aflatoxin production and expression of aflR gene in A. parasiticus. Antifungal susceptibility was evaluated by exposing A. parasiticus to different amounts of K. lactis, and aflatoxin production was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Expression of the aflR gene was determined by measuring the cognate aflR mRNA level by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. The growth of A. parasiticus was inhibited by 7 days of incubation at 30°C with a minimum population of 1.5 × 105 CFU/ml of K. lactis, which also suppressed expression of the A. parasiticus aflR gene, reducing the total production of aflatoxins by 97.9% and aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 by 97.8, 98.6, 98 and 94%, respectively. Accordingly, K. lactis could be considered as a potential biocontrol agent against toxigenic molds in food and animal feed.

A simple and accurate PCR method for detection of genetically modified rice.

BACKGROUND: Legislation regulating for labeling and use of genetically modified (GM) crops are increased considerably worldwide in order to health and safety assurance of consumers. For this purpose, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method has been developed for detection of GM rice in people's food diet. METHODS: In this study, eighty-one non-labeled rice samples were collected randomly from different market sites of Tehran, Iran. In order to analysis, rice genomic DNA was extracted using MBST DNA extraction kit and subsequently, sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene was used to confirm the quality of extracted DNA. Then, cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter and Agrobacterium nopaline synthase (NOS) terminator were selected as screening targets for detection of GM rice sequences by PCR. RESULTS: According to our results, 2 out of 81 (2.4%) samples tested were positive for CaMV 35S promoter while no positive result was detected for NOS terminator. CONCLUSION: The obtained data indicated that this method is capable to identify the GM rice varieties. Furthermore, it can demonstrate the possibility of the presence of GM rice in Tehran's market, thus putting emphasis on the requirement for developing a precise approach to evaluate this product.

The concentration of heavy metals in noodle samples from Iran's market: probabilistic health risk assessment.

In the current study, the concentration of heavy metals including lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and aluminum (Al) in commonly instant noodles consumed in Iran (either imported from other countries or produced in Iran) was investigated by acid digestion method followed by an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry system (ICP-OES). Also, the associated non-carcinogenic risk due to ingestion of heavy metals for adults and children was estimated by calculating percentile 95% target hazard quotient (THQ) in the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The average concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, and Al in Iranian instant noodle samples were measured as 1.21 ± 0.81, 0.08 ± 0.10, 0.03 ± 0.06, and 9.15 ± 4.82 (mg/kg) and in imported instant noodle samples were 1.00 ± 0.61, 0.07 ± 0.07, 0.04 ± 0.03, and 15.90 ± 0.93 (mg/kg), respectively. A significant difference (p value < 0.05) in the mean concentration of Pb, Cr, Cd, and Al of Iranian instant noodle and imported instant noodle samples was observed. Also, the concentration of Pb, Cr, Cd, and Al in all brands of instant noodle (0.025 mg/kg, 0.050 mg/kg, 0.003 mg/kg, and 0.237 mg/kg, respectively) surpassed the WHO-permitted limits for Pb, Cr, Cd, and Al. Percentile 95% of THQ of Pb, Cr, Cd, and Al for the adult consumers was calculated as 0.012, 0.000007, 0.010, and 1.789; while in the case of children, percentile 95% of THQ of Pb, Cr, Cd, and Al was defined as 0.044, 0.00023, 0.035, and 6.167, respectively. Health risk assessment indicated that both adults and children are at considerable non-carcinogenic health risk for Al (THQ > 1). Therefore, approaching the required strategies in order to reduce the concentration of heavy metals particularly Al in the instant noodle is recommended.

Method development for determination of migrated phthalate acid esters from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging into traditional Iranian drinking beverage (Doogh) samples: a novel approach of MSPE-GC/MS technique.

In the current study, a novel magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) technique combined with a gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) was developed to determine the phthalate ester content of bottled Doogh samples. Doogh is a yogurt-based drinking beverage, which is frequently consumed in Middle East and Balkans. It is produced by stirring yogurt in Chern separation machine and consists of substances such as water, yogurt, and salt in addition to aqueous extracts of native herbs. The magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-Fe3O4) were used as adsorbents of phthalate acid esters (PAEs) due to a superior adsorption capability of hydrophobic compounds. In this context, the quantity of the extractable migrated phthalate esters (dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-N-octyl phthalate (DNOP), and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into Doogh samples was measured. The correlation between the concentration of migrated PAEs and some factors such as the type of Doogh (gaseous and without gas), difference in brand (five brands), volume (1500 and 300 mL), and the storage time also was investigated. The migration level into Doogh samples was increased by incorporating of gas as well as increasing the volume of PET bottles. Also, with elaborating of storage time, the migration of some phthalates such as DEHP (the mean from 2419.85 ng L-1 in the first week to 2716.15 ng L-1 in the second month), DEP, and total phthalate was increased. However, no significant difference in concentrations of migrated phthalate esters among different examined brands was noted. Finally, the concentration of migrated PAEs from bottle into all the examined Doogh samples was below the defined standards by EPA; 6 µg/L for DEHP in drinking water. Graphical abstract ᅟ.