Studying the impact of 3d printing technology on safety indicators of plant-based burger.

This study investigate the impacts of 3D printing technology on safety indicators in plant-based burgers. Experiments were performed in the refrigerator on days 0, 5, 7, 12, and 14 and at room temperature at 0, 24, and 96 h after printing. On days 7 and 12 in the refrigerator, PTC of printed samples was significantly higher than conventional. On day 1, the printed sample had higher pH, but on the other days, the pH decreased and no significant difference was reported. TVBN showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the refrigerator and room. Peroxide value and TBARS increased (p < 0.05) in all groups and the printed sample showed a higher value, which could be due to porosity during printing. The results of the sensory showed that the appearance and overall acceptance of the 3D printed sample were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the conventional sample.

Implementation of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) in yogurt production.

This study aimed to review hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) in the dairy industry for the production of yogurt. The food safety management system (FSMS) was implemented over the last several decades with several amendments. The need for practical and proactive procedures in the dairy industry was identified so that HACCP implementation could ensure that consumers would always have safe food. The concept of HACCP is a systemic and science-based method that can result in safe dairy products such as yogurt based on the complete analysis of manufacturing processes, recognition of hazards potentially present at all stages of production, and risk prevention. In yogurt production, raw milk receipt, pasteurization, packaging, and storage are the steps most susceptible to contamination and were considered critical control points. Further steps also need to be implemented to achieve other related control measures, and these will be discussed.

Determination and risk assessment of aflatoxin B1 in the kernel of imported raw hazelnuts from Eastern Azerbaijan Province of Iran.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is widespread and seriously threatens public health worldwide. This study aimed to investigate AFB1 in imported hazelnut samples in northwest of Iran (Eastern Azerbaijan Province) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescent Detector (HPLC-FLD). In all tested samples AFB1 was detected. The mean concentration of AFB1 was 4.20 µg/kg and ranged from 3.145 to 8.13 µg/kg. All samples contained AFB1 levels within the maximum acceptable limit except for one sample. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment of AFB1 from consuming imported hazelnuts by Iranian children and adults was evaluated based on the margin of exposure (MoE) and quantitative liver cancer risk approaches. The MoE mean for children was 2529.76, while for adults, it was 8854.16, indicating a public health concern. The present study found that the risk of developing liver cancer among Iranian children was 0.11100736 per 100,000 people, and in the Iranian adult population was 0.0314496 cancers per 100,000 people. Since environmental conditions potentially affect aflatoxin levels in nuts, countries are advised to monitor aflatoxin contents in imported nuts, especially from countries with a conducive climate for mold growth.

Polycaprolactone/polyacrylic acid/graphene oxide composite nanofibers as a highly efficient sorbent to remove lead toxic metal from drinking water and apple juice.

Due to the characteristics of electrospun nanofibers (NFs), they are considered a suitable substrate for the adsorption and removal of heavy metals. Electrospun nanofibers are prepared based on optimized polycaprolactone (PCL, 12 wt%) and polyacrylic acid (PAA, 1 wt%) polymers loaded with graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO NPs, 1 wt%). The morphological, molecular interactions, crystallinity, thermal, hydrophobicity, and biocompatibility properties of NFs are characterized by spectroscopy (scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis), contact angle, and MTT tests. Finally, the adsorption efficacy of NFs to remove lead (Pb2+) from water and apple juice samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The average diameter for PCL, PCL/PAA, and PCL/PAA/GO NFs was 137, 500, and 216 nm, respectively. Additionally, the contact angle for PCL, PCL/PAA, and PCL/PAA/GO NFs was obtained at 74.32º, 91.98º, and 94.59º, respectively. The cytotoxicity test has shown non-toxicity for fabricated NFs against the HUVEC endothelial cell line by more than 80% survival during 72 h. Under optimum conditions including pH (= 6), temperature (25 °C), Pb concentration (25 to 50 mg/L), and time (15 to 30 min), the adsorption efficiency was generally between 80 and 97%. The adsorption isotherm model of PCL/PAA/GO NFs in the adsorption of lead metal follows the Langmuir model, and the reaction kinetics follow the pseudo-second-order. PCL/PA/GO NFs have shown adsorption of over 80% in four consecutive cycles. The adsorption efficacy of NFs to remove Pb in apple juice has reached 76%. It is appropriate and useful to use these nanofibers as a high-efficiency adsorbent in water and food systems based on an analysis of their adsorption properties and how well they work.

Modeling sunset yellow removal from fruit juice samples by a novel chitosan-nickel ferrite nano sorbent.

Analysis of food additives is highly significant in the food industry and directly related to human health. This investigation into the removal efficiency of sunset yellow as an azo dye in fruit juices using Chitosan-nickel ferrite nanoparticles (Cs@NiFe2O4 NPs). The nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using various techniques. The effective parameters for removing sunset yellow were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) based on the central composite design (CCD). Under the optimum conditions, the highest removal efficiency (94.90%) was obtained for the initial dye concentration of 26.48 mg L-1 at a pH of 3.87, a reaction time of 67.62 min, and a nanoparticle dose of 0.038 g L-1. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model had a better fit for experimental data (R2 = 0.98) than the other kinetic models. The equilibrium adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 212.766 mg g-1. The dye removal efficiency achieved for industrial and traditional fruit juice samples (91.75% and 93.24%), respectively, confirmed the method's performance, feasibility, and efficiency. The dye adsorption efficiency showed no significant decrease after five recycling, indicating that the sorbent has suitable stability in practical applications. variousThe synthesized nanoparticles can be suggested as an efficient sorbent to remove the sunset yellow dye from food products.

The association between toxic metals (As, Pb and Cd) exposure and rice cooking methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Heavy metal exposure through rice consumption (Oryza sativa L.) is a human health concern. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association between toxic metals exposure and rice cooking methods. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, fifteen studies were selected as eligible for the meta-analysis. Our results showed a significant decrease in the content of arsenic, lead, and cadmium following the cooking rice (WMD= -0.04 mg/kg, 95% CI: -0.05, -0.03, P = 0.000), (WMD = -0.01 mg/kg, 95% CI: -0.01, -0.01, P = 0.000), and (WMD = -0.01 mg/kg, 95% CI: -0.01, -0.00, P = 0.000), respectively. Furthermore, based on the subgroup analysis the overall rank order of cooking methods in the rice was rinsed > parboiling > Kateh > high-pressure, microwave, and steaming. The findings of this meta-analysis indicate the beneficial effects of cooking on reducing arsenic, lead, and cadmium exposure via rice consumption.

Analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in edible oils using the QuEChERS/GC-MS method: A health risk assessment study.

Population growth has made it difficult to provide safe food; because various toxic substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can contaminate food products such as edible oils which have very high-rate consumption worldwide. Aims of study are to determine the concentration of PCBs in edible oil samples and to evaluate the carcinogenic risk of PCBs in them among Iranian people by Monte Calo Simulation (MCS). After finding the location of high customer hyper market in Tehran, 42 samples of 7 various types of edible oils were collected; then PCBs content of them measured using the modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) extraction method and GC/MS technique. According to the findings the mean level of NDL-PCB in oil samples were ranged from 1.88 to 25.62 ng/g fat. Results of uncertainty analysis showed that among children the 95th percentile of Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) were 7.80E-3, 5.37E-4, 5.37E-4, 2.00E-3, 1.59E-3, 13.9E-3 and 7.04E-4 for animal oil, corn oil, frying oil, olive oil, bran oil, sesame oil and sunflower oil, respectively. Also, the 95th percentile of ILCR among adults were 4.12E-2, 3.04E-3, 3.09E-3, 1.06E-2, 8.43E-3, 7.38E-3 and 3.74E-3 for animal oil, corn oil, frying oil, olive oil, bran oil, sesame oil and sunflower oil, respectively. The risk evaluation showed that in all edible oils the 95th percentile of simulated ILCR were more than 10-5, so it can be threatening health among both aging groups, although, the producers don't deliberately subject the users' lives to such danger, but high consumption rate and accumulation of PCBs in body tissues are contribute to increasing carcinogenic risk. Also, the 95th percentile of ILCR among adults were more than children, because the edible oil ingestion rate among adults was more than children.

The effect of flavorings on PAHs level in the roasted sunflower seeds.

The amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be reduced by food additives. In this study, the impact of various flavors was investigated on the formation of PAHs in roasted sunflower seeds. PAHs was measured in the shell and kernel of sunflower with the flavors of lemon, golpar (hogweed), salt, ketchup and raw sunflower. Measuring the amount of PAHs was analyzed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). PAHs with low molecular weight were detected. The total of PAHs of sunflower seeds were in the range of 0.4-3.2 mg kg-1. The lowest amount was related to the hogweed kernel, and the highest amount was related to the lemon. High molecular weight PAHs were not detected because the temperature did not rise above 100 °C during roasting. Some flavors, such as hogweed can reduce the amount of PAHs because of their antioxidant properties. On the contrary, the PAHs level with lemon juice was higher than other flavors.

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.

4-Methylimidazole, a carcinogenic component in food, amount, methods used for measurement; a systematic review.

4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) is widely used industrially. This carcinogenic component has been reported in some types of food. It is usually produced by the caramelization process in food, drinks and caramel coloring. The possible mechanism for the formation of this compound in food is the Maillard reaction. In order to estimate the amount of substance 4-MEI in food, a systematic study was conducted. The selected keywords were 4-methylimidazole, 4-MEI, beverage, drink, meat, milk, and coffee. 144 articles were obtained from the initial search. The articles were evaluated and finally, the data of 15 manuscripts were extracted. Based on the data extracted from selected articles, the highest amount is reported in caramel color, coffee, and cola drinks. In 70% of the selected studies, the analytical method was based on liquid chromatography. In this method, there is no need for derivatization. SPE columns were used to extract samples in most manuscripts. According to per capita consumption, the most exposure to 4-MEI is through coffee. In high risk food products, regular monitoring with analytical methods with high sensitivity is recommended. Furthermore, most of the selected studies were about the validation method, so few samples were selected. It is recommended to design more studies with a high sample size to accurately evaluate this carcinogenic compound in food.

Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Refined and Cold-Pressed Vegetable Oils Distributed in Ahvaz, Iran: a Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment.

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in vegetable oils using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was measured. Probabilistic non-carcinogenic risk in consumers was estimated using the target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The highest content of PTEs was found in blend oil for As (0.39 ± 0.07 mg/L), in cold-pressed rapeseed oil for Cd and Cu (0.07 ± 0 and 0.40 ± 0.06 mg/L) respectively, in cold-pressed sunflower oil for Fe (0.15 ± 0.10 mg/L), in refined sesame oil for Ni and Pb (0.44 ± 0.07 and 0.65 ± 0.07 mg/L, respectively), and in cold-pressed sunflower and rapeseed oils for Zn (0.19 ± 0.04 mg/L). THQ in adults and children due to individual vegetable oils (cold-pressed and refined vegetable oil) was lower than 1 value. TTHQ in adults and children due to consumption of cold-pressed vegetable oils was 0.05 and 0.26, and also refined vegetable oil was 0.51 and 0.33, respectively. TTHQ due to consumption of both types of oils was less than 1; therefore, the population is not at risk of non-carcinogenicity.

Advances in plant gum polysaccharides; Sources, techno-functional properties, and applications in the food industry - A review.

Gums are biopolymers with many functional and innovative properties in the food industry. They are complex carbohydrate biomolecules capable of bonding with water, generating gel and mucilage structures. Among different gums, plant-based gums (PBGs) are one of the most important groups as they possess key characteristics such as stabilizing potential, viscosity enhancement, emulsifying and surface-active property, extensive adaptability, and affordability leading to their application in the formulation of food products. PBGs are extensively used in the confectionery, encapsulation of flavors and colors, emulsions, carrier agents, as dietary fiber, thickening/foaming agent, formulation of functional foods, and stabilizers in beverages and other food products. More importantly, researchers and food industries have been engrossed to reveal the undisclosed potential of PBGs and the impact of chemical composition and molecular structure on their techno-functional characteristics Therefore, this review study aims to explore the structure and physiochemical/functional properties of PBGs and their application as techno-functional materials in different food industries.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impacts of glyphosate on the reproductive hormones.

Worldwide use of glyphosate is constantly increasing and its residues are detected in drinking water, agriculture, and food products. There are controversial data regarding the potential reproductive adverse effects of glyphosate herbicide. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the studies in which the alteration of at least one sexual hormone including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol was reported as a measured outcome in rats. In November 2020, 284 articles were screened, of which eight were eligible for the meta-analysis. An overall considerable effect of glyphosate exposure was found on decreasing of testosterone (7 studies, WMD = - 1.48 ng/mL; 95% CI, - 2.34 to - 0.61; P = 0.001), LH (3 studies, WMD = - 2.03 mIu/mL; 95% CI, - 3.34 to - 0.71; P = 0.003), and FSH (3 studies, WMD = - 2.28 mIu/mL; 95% CI, - 5.12 to 0.55; P = 0.115). According to our results, glyphosate intake could have major effects on the health of reproductive system. Consequently, strict monitoring of the residual glyphosate content in the drinking water, agricultural crops, and food products is necessary.

Evaluation of pesticide residues and risk assessment in apple and grape from western Azerbaijan Province of Iran.

West Azerbaijan, especially the city of Urmia, is the center of Iranian apple and grape production hence the importance of this, residues of 85 pesticides in these products were investigated using modified QuEChERS extraction followed by UHPLC-MS/MS technique. Residues of 17 different pesticides detected in some apple samples. In grape sample only 7 pesticides detected. The levels of the residues found in all apple and grape samples were below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) of Iran, except for iprodione. Health risk assessment associated with pesticide residues in apples and grapes were estimated by hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI), which indicated that the HI value was lower than 1 in adults and children due to apple and consumption. HI in adults and children were 0.012 and 0.054 in apple; 0.001 and 0.003 in grape samples, respectively. Although the health risk assessment showed that the consumers are not at considerable risk but due to pesticide residue, implement control plans to manage the proper application of this pesticide, or replace it with safer alternatives in apple and grape is required.

Analysis and health risk assessment of nitrosamines in meat products collected from markets, Iran: with the approach of chemometric.

The aim of study was evaluate of the concentration and health risk of nitrosamines in 150 meat products samples by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with the chemometric approach. Among the identified nitrosamines, the levels of N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), and total nitrosamines in meat sausages samples were significantly higher than chicken sausages (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis and heat map visualization confirmed meat percentage and sausages type (meat or chicken) which had significant effects on nitrosamines content. The NPIP and NPYR intake was 1.17E-07 and 2.12E-07 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. The Monte Carlo simulation results indicated that the 95th percentile from NPIP and NPYR based on ILCR index were 9.07E-07 and 4.72E-07, respectively. In conclusion, the carcinogenic risk of nitrosamines was considerably lower than the safe risk limit (CR > 1E-4) recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency for Iranian population.

The preliminary survey on the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in salt samples collected from Tehran, Iran: a probabilistic health risk assessment.

The present study aimed to assess the potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in refined, rock, and sea salt samples collected (n=60) from Tehran's local market by the aid of an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Besides, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults were estimated with the aid of the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The rank order of PTEs in refined salt was Pb (13.378 µg/g) > Cu (6.448 µg/g) > Zn (0.363 µg/g) > As (0.184 µg/g) > Hg (0.049 µg/g); in sea salt was Pb (22.972 µg/g) > Cu (3.963 µg/g) > Zn (0.986 µg/g) > As (0.387 µg/g) > Hg (0.224 µg/g); and in rock salt was Cu (31.622 µg/g) > Pb (22.527 µg/g) > Zn (0.638 µg/g) > As (0.235 µg/g) > Hg (0.095 µg/g). It was concluded that the average concentration of some of the investigated PTEs was higher than the national standard limits and Codex's guidelines. A significant non-carcinogenic risk (TTHQ > 1), except for adult consumers, was noted based on the health risk assessment who consume refined salt. All consumers were also at the threshold carcinogenic risk of As (between 10-4 and 10-6). Given the considerable health risks due to consumption (refined, rock, and sea salt), approaching effective monitoring plans to control the PTEs concentrations in salt distributed in Tehran are recommended.

Association between Presence of RmpA, MrkA and MrkD Genes and Antibiotic Resistance in Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Hospitals in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infection in human. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of genes involved in biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae isolated from patients and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. METHODS: Biochemical tests were used for the identification of K. pneumonia isolated from urine samples referred to hospitals in Tehran, Iran, from Sep 2018 to Jan 2020. The antibiotic resistance pattern was performed and biofilm formation was assessed phenotypically. Finally, ß-lactamase genes and adhesion genes were detected by the PCR method. RESULTS: We collected 457 K. pneumoniae isolates from hospitals in Tehran, Iran. 110 isolates were resistant to imipenem. Fifty isolates were positive for metallo-ß-lactamases that thirty-nine isolates (35.45%) has blaKPC gene, 18 isolates (16.36%) had blaVIM-1 gene and 9 isolates (8.18%) had blaIMP-1 gene detected by PCR. Sixty isolates (54.54%) had strong biofilm, 35 isolates (31.81%) had moderate biofilm and 15 isolates (13.63%) had weak biofilm. The presence of adhesion genes in K. pneumoniae isolates significantly correlated with resistance genes (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: It is clear antibacterial resistance has been significant association with biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae isolates. Therefore, understanding resistance pattern and mechanisms leading to biofilm formation can facilitate efficient treatment of infections caused by K. pneumoniae.

Determination of melamine contamination in chocolates containing powdered milk by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Melamine is widely being reported as a food adulterant. Although its toxicity is currently recognized, melamine adulterations of dairy products are ongoing to apparently increase the amount of protein. The study was conducted to investigate the determination of melamine amounts in chocolates containing powdered milk. In this study, 60 samples of chocolates containing powdered milk, both imported and domestic brands, were collected. The samples were prepared by solid phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). According to the results, melamine was found in about 94% of imported samples and about 77% of Iranian samples. Melamine concentration in imported samples ranged from 0.032 to 2.692 mg/kg, while in Iranian ones it ranged from 0.013 to 2.600 mg/kg. The mean melamine concentrations of foreign and Iranian samples were 0.685 ± 0.68 and 0.456 ± 0.73 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of melamine were 0.017 and 0.052 µg/ml, respectively. The recovery rate (R%) at fortified levels of 1-2 mg/kg was found to be 89.20-95.69% with an RSD (Relative Standard Deviation) of 1.8-2.7%. Based on the study results, melamine was present in 85% of all samples and the melamine level in one Iranian brand and one imported brand was higher than the Codex Organization standard. However, the consumption of chocolates containing these low levels of melamine does not constitute a health risk for consumers.

Eco-friendly control of licorice aqueous extract to increase quality and resistance to postharvest decay in apple and tangerine fruits.

BACKGROUND: Postharvest diseases in fruits and vegetables are one of the major problems in storing them as a fresh agri-product. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) aqueous extract against the Penicillium expansum and the Penicillium digitatum in apple and tangerine fruits as well as their postharvest decay during storage time. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the molds, and the decay inhibition percentage (%DI) with the P.expansum for apple and P.digitatum for tangerine after treatment with licorice aqueous extract were measured. Additionally, the lesion diameter, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and organoleptic properties were determined. RESULTS: The growth of molds was almost inhibited at the concentration of 62.5 mg/mL. The ability of licorice aqueous extract to significantly control and reduce the growth of P. expansum in apple by 60 and 20 % after 7 days and 21 days of storage time was proved, respectively. Furthermore, significant differences in pH and TSS (p < 0.05) were observed in apples. Also, the growth of P. digitatum in the tangerine reduced by 33.3 % after 7 days, while there was no significant difference between the control and treatment groups in pH and TSS for apples, and similarly, there was no significant difference in TA for tangerine samples. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the licorice aqueous extract treatment could postpone the blue mold decay in apple fruits and green mold decay in tangerine without any significant effect on fruit quality characteristics. It can be considered as a new eco-friendly control in fruit preservation, while it did not result in any significant adverse effect on  the quality.