Microbiological Risks of Traditional Raw Cow's Milk Cheese (Korycinski Cheeses).

Traditional and regional foods have been increasing in popularity among consumers in Poland for many years. The observed trend of searching for natural and authentic taste encourages many producers to craft products from raw milk, including Korycinski cheeses. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological hazards resulting from the presence of pathogenic bacteria in Korycinski cheeses available in retail trade. The tests were carried out using accredited methods, including the detection of the presence of Salmonella spp., the enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes, the enumeration of coagulase-positive staphylococci, and the detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins in food when the number of coagulase-positive staphylococci in the sample exceeded the limit of 105 cfu/g. The research material consisted of 45 Korycinski cheeses. The tests conducted revealed that Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the examined cheeses. However, coagulase-positive staphylococci were present in 68.9% of the samples. In as many as 15 tested cheeses, the level of S. aureus contamination was above 105 cfu/g; therefore, these samples were tested for the presence of staphylococcal enterotoxins. The presence of staphylococcal enterotoxins was found in one Korycinski cheese. In four cheeses, the number of L. monocytogenes exceeded the level of 102 cfu/g, the limit specified in Regulation 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs. The obtained research results confirm the validity of monitoring the microbiological quality of Korycinski cheeses and the need to increase awareness of ensuring proper hygienic conditions of production, including the increased risk associated with unpasteurized milk products.

Prevalence of Bacillus cereus in food products in Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen causing two main types of gastrointestinal diseases: emetic and diarrheal. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the Bacillus cereus group in ready-to-eat (RTE) food products available in retail in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples were collected by Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations within the framework of the national official control and monitoring sampling programme in Poland. In 2016-2020, a total of 45,358 food samples, such as: 'confectionery products and products with cream', as well as 'cereal grains and cereal and flour products', 'milk and milk products', 'sugar and others', 'meat offal and meat products', 'poultry offal and poultry products', 'eggs and egg products', 'fish, seafood and their preserves', 'vegetables' (including legumes), 'coffee, tea, cocoa, fruit, and herbal teas', 'delicatessen and culinary products', and 'foods for particular nutritional uses' were collected. RESULTS: The presence of the presumptive B. cereus group was monitored mainly in two categories of food products: 'confectionery products and products with uncooked cream' and 'confectionery products and products with heat-treated cream'. The number of samples disqualified due to presumptive B. cereus was 339 (0.75%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides useful information regarding the contamination of RTE products with the B. cereus group, which may have implications for food safety.

Assessment of Furan and Its Derivatives Intake with Home Prepared Meals and Characterization of Associated Risk for Polish Infants and Toddlers.

Furan and its derivatives are found in various heat-treated foods. Furan is classified as a possible human carcinogen. The European Union authorities recommend collecting data on the occurrence of these compounds, estimating consumer exposure, and taking measures to protect human health based on a scientific risk assessment. The aim of this study was to estimate the exposure of infants and toddlers to furan and its methyl derivatives-2-methylfuran, 3-methylfuran, and ∑2,5-dimethylfuran/2-ethylfuran-present in home-prepared foods and to characterize the associated health risks. The compounds of interest were determined using the HS-GC/MS. The risk was characterized by the calculation of the margin of exposure (MoE). Levels of furan and its derivatives in analyzed samples were in the range of

The content of lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and tin in fruit and their products based on monitoring studies - exposure assessment.

BACKGROUND: Fruit and fruit products are important part of our daily diet. In addition to the ingredients necessary for the proper functioning of the body, these products can also be a source of intake elements harmful to human health. OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the results of monitoring studies conducted in Poland in 2015 concerning contamination of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and tin (Sn) in fruit and fruit products and exposure assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Approximately 600 samples of fresh, frozen, dried fruits, fruit preserves and canned fruits were tested. The laboratories of State Sanitary Inspection were involved in testing. Accredited and validated analytical methods were used. The test samples were prepared in accordance with the standard PN-EN 13804:2013. The contents of lead, cadmium and tin were determined by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) or flameless with electrothermal atomization spectrometry (GFAAS); arsenic by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry method (HGAAS) and mercury the "cold vapor" atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) method. RESULTS: Contamination of investigated samples with elements harmful to human health (Pb, Ca, As, Hg and Sn does not rise concern to human health and was in most cases comparable with contamination reported in other European Union countries. The estimated average exposure of adults and children to lead intake with fruit and fruit products ranged from 0.5% to 14.6% of the respective Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence Limit (BMDL) established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The mean intake of cadmium with these groups of foodstuffs was in the range 0.3 - 8.5% of the TWI value (Tolerable Weekly Intake) established by EFSA for adults and children (0.1 - 3.6% of the PTMI (Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake) established by JECFA. In case of arsenic mean intake was in the range 0.5 - 1.6% BMDL whilst for mercury (inorganic form) intake represented 0.5 - 1.4% of TWI value established by JECFA and then confirmed by EFSA. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained results, it was found that content of Pb, Cd, As, Hg and Sn in the tested samples of fruit and their products does not pose a risk to consumer health. Estimated exposure of consumers does not exceed tolerable doses established by EFSA and JECFA for these elements.

Genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from ready-to-eat food products in retail in Poland.

The study describes the characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from the general 2017-2019 national official control and monitoring sampling program. A total of 60,928 of ready-to-eat (RTE) food products were collected in retail in Poland, while the number of L. monocytogenes contaminated samples was 67 (0.1%). The majority of the strains belonged to molecular serotype IVb followed by IIa, frequently associated with human listeriosis. Furthermore, 61.2% of the isolates were resistant at least to one of the tested antimicrobials: penicillin, ampicillin, meropenem, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, vancomycin, tetracycline and rifampicin. Virulence genes inlA, inlC, inlJ and lmo2672 were detected in all of the isolates. In our study the llsX gene (encoding LLS) exhibited 11.6% positivity. The 32 strains were grouped into 12 clonal complexes (CCs) which belong to the major clones that are in circulation in Europe. Among them, seven strains with the cgMLST close relatedness (CC2) were isolated from diverse food sectors, underlining a large circulation of this clone in Poland, most likely from multiple introduction sources. Additionally, two RTE strains CC6 and one CC37 were identified as closely related by cgMLST to two publicly available genomes of clinical strains isolated in Poland in 2012-2013. These results indicate the large strain circulation and point to RTE food products as a potential source of human listeriosis. The present study provided data to capture the contamination status of L. monocytogenes in foods at the retail level in Poland and assess the potential risk of this pathogen for human safety.

Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human diet - exposure and risk assessment to consumer health.

BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants, they are also present in food, in which their presence results from environmental pollution and food processing processes. Many compounds from this group, such as benzo(a)pyrene show important toxicity, including genotoxic carcinogenicity. In food heavier PAHs significantly toxic are observed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was assessment of consumers exposure to PAHs from the diet of surveyed respondents. The assessment of contaminants content in daily food rations is characterized by less uncertainty factor than the assessment based on data on the contamination of individual foodstuffs and their consumption by humans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Research material consisted of daily diets obtained from respondents participating in the study. Content of 22 PAHs (fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(c)fluorene, benz(a)anthracene, chrysene, 5-methylchrysene, perylene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(j)fluoranthene, benzo(e) pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(ghi)perylene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, dibenzo(a,e)pyrene, dibenzo(a,l)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)pyrene, dibenzo(a,i)pyrene) in each of diets was tested using liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. The samples were purified by saponification, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and solid phase extraction (SPE). RESULTS: 52 respondents (n=52) took part in the study. The highest median of PAHs were found for pyrene (1.412 µg/kg), phenantrene (1.276 µg/kg), fluorene (1.151 µg/kg) and fluoranthene (1.087 µg/kg), they were about 10-80 higher than the levels of heavier PAHs. In group of heavy PAHs quantitatively prevailed benzo(e)pyrene (0.109 µg/kg), benzo(b) fluroanthene (0.070 µg/kg), benzo(ghi)perylene (0.065 µg/kg) and perylene (0.059 µg/kg). Generally the median level of contamination with light PAHs was 6.045 µg/kg, while with heavy ones 0.504 µg/kg, in the case of the sum of 4 PAHs regulated in EU law content was 0.301 µg/kg. In the tested samples average 24% of the PAH content was pyrene, light PAHs with a lower toxicity potential accounted for 92% of the content of tested compounds. Sum of 4 regulated PAHs accounted for 58% of content compounds selected by the EU as significant for the assessment of food contamination by PAHs. The composition of the participants' diets was analyzed in terms of determining factors influencing on high levels of PAHs. They were high fat level and presence of smoked or grilled meat and fish products. The mean exposure to benzo(a)pyrene was 0.52 ng/kg b.w. per day, while for the sum of 4 PAHs 3.29 ng/ kg b.w. per day. For light PAHs high exposure was 90.6 ng/kg b.w. per day, while for heavy PAH it was 10.7 ng/kg b.w. per day. Risk assessment was performed by calculating the value of margin of exposure (MoE), which for benzo(a)pyrene and for sum of 4 PAHs were above 25,000 in both considered: mean and high exposure scenario. CONCLUSIONS: Studied diets were a source of exposure to PAHs. Higher levels have been reported for light, less toxic PAH as compared to heavy PAH. In both considered scenarios margin of exposure were >25 000. In case of studied diets no risk for consumer was found.

Silent Genes: Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Production.

Silent genes are DNA sequences that are generally not expressed or expressed at a very low level. These genes become active as a result of mutation, recombination, or insertion. Silent genes can also be activated in laboratory conditions using pleiotropic, targeted genome-wide, or biosynthetic gene cluster approaches. Like every other gene, silent genes can spread through horizontal gene transfer. Most studies have focused on strains with phenotypic resistance, which is the most common subject. However, to fully understand the mechanism behind the spreading of antibiotic resistance, it is reasonable to study the whole resistome, including silent genes.

Incidence and genetic variability of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from vegetables in Poland.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in various fresh and frozen vegetable products available in Poland. The samples were collected at retail market within the framework of national official control and monitoring program. In the years 2016-2019 a total of 49 samples out of 8712 collected vegetable samples were positive for L. monocytogenes. Our findings demonstrated that the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in various vegetable products was generally low, on average only 0.56% in the studied years. All isolates were susceptible to 11 antimicrobial agents: penicillin, ampicillin, meropenem, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, vancomycin, and tetracycline. All of them harbored virulence-associated genes (inlA, inlC, and lmo2672), 82% harbored inlJ gene and few of them (22%) also possessed the llsX gene. The majority of collected isolates (65%) belonged to molecular serogroup 1/2a-3a, followed by 4ab-4b-4d-4e (33%), and only one to serogroup 1/2b-3b-7 (2%). Isolates yielded 18 different restriction profiles, revealing a large cluster of contamination linked to frozen corn (21 strains) and distributed in 3 pulsotypes. MLST analysis classified selected isolates into nine clonal complexes (CCs). The obtained results contribute to characterizing the diversity of L. monocytogenes isolated from various vegetable products in Poland and their impact on food safety and public health.

Assessment of exposure to nickel intake with selected cereal grains and cereal-based products.

BACKGROUND: Cereal grains and their products are among the basic components of the diet all over the world. Their consumption varies depending on the dietary habits in each country. Apart from ingredients valuable from a health point of view, these products can also be a source of contaminants. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) included these foodstuffs in the group of main contributors to the dietary exposure to nickel by different groups of the population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the studies was to determine the nickel content in cereal grains and selected cereal products commercially available in Poland and to assess the exposure of consumers to nickel intake with these foodstuffs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 56 samples of cereal grain and cereal products from trade were tested. Nickel content was determined after microwave mineralization of the samples by atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace atomization (GFAAS). The estimated exposure for the different groups of the population was assessed and compared with the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) value established by the European Food Safety Authority based on an updated risk assessment at 13 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) per day. RESULTS: The mean (MB) and 95th percentile (MB) nickel content in investigated samples of cereal grains and their products were 0.66 mg/kg and 1.93 mg/kg. The mean content of Ni in the analyzed samples of grains was 1.16 mg/kg. Obtained results in this group of products ranged from 0.10 mg/kg for rye to 4.80 mg/kg for millet. In the group of grain products, the mean (MB) concentration of nickel was 0.61 mg/kg (95th percentile (MB) 1.84 mg/kg). The highest nickel level was determined in the samples of bran, groats, and flakes compared to other grain-based products. The highest content of Ni in the group of cereal products was found in the samples of roasted buckwheat 1.81 mg/kg and oat flakes 2.53 mg/kg. Significantly lower nickel content was observed in barley groats as well as for pasta and flour. The estimated average exposure of adults and children to nickel intake with grains and grain-based products ranged from 1.1% to 13.4% of TDI and it does not pose a health risk for consumers. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained results, it was found that the nickel content in the tested samples of cereals and their products does not pose a health risk, even though the contamination of individual samples was significant.

Biofilm-Forming Ability of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Retail Food in Poland.

ABSTRACT: Biofilms have a significant impact on food safety in the food industry. Many foodborne outbreaks have been associated with pathogenic bacterial strains that can form a biofilm. The present study was conducted under the Official Control and Monitoring Program in Poland to examine the ability of pathogenic bacteria collected from retail food samples to form biofilms. Biofilm formation was assessed by qualitative detection of extracellular polymeric substances on Congo red agar, by adherence to glass with the tube method, by the crystal violet biofilm (CV) assay, and by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. A total of 40 isolates from food samples (10 strains each of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus) were examined. The strains were classified as adherent, slightly adherent, or nonadherent; biofilm production was classified as weak (WBP), moderate (MBP), or strong (SBP); and metabolic activity was classified as weak (WMA), moderate (MMA), or high (HMA). The incubation conditions and time influenced the amount of biofilm formed as well as did the growth medium. In the test tubes with Luria-Bertani broth (LBB), 22.5% of the strains were adherent and 77.5% were slightly adherent. Stronger adhesion was obtained in brain heart infusion (BHI) with 2% sucrose; 60% of the isolates were classified as adherent. With the CV assay with LBB, SBP was noted for 7.5% of the strains after 24 h of incubation and for 37.5% of the strains after 48 h. In BHI plus 2% sucrose, SBP was noted for 42.5 and 37.6% of the strains after 24 and 48 h, respectively. With the MTT assay with LBB, HMA was found for 15% of the strains after 24 h of incubation and for 25% of the strains after 48 h. In BHI plus 2% sucrose, 70 and 85% of the incubated strains were classified as HMA after 24 and 48 h, respectively.

Occurrence and Characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Meat Products in Poland.

ABSTRACT: Listeria monocytogenes is a potential hazard for food safety and therefore for public health. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of L. monocytogenes in Polish ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products for retail sale. Among the 184,439 food samples collected within the framework of a national official control and monitoring program, only 0.3% were positive for L. monocytogenes. A significant group of products that did not meet the criteria were RTE meat products. This group accounted for 40% of all noncompliant samples. Seventy L. monocytogenes isolates from these RTE meat products (meat, sausages, and delicatessen products with meat) were examined. The majority of the tested isolates (51%) belonged to serogroup 1/2a-3a followed by 1/2c-3c (21%), 1/2b-3b-7 (14%), and 4ab-4b-4d-4e (13%). Serogroup 4a-4c was not present among the tested isolates. All L. monocytogenes isolates harbored the virulence-associated genes inlA, inlC, inlJ, and lmo2672. The llsX marker was detected in 12 (17%) of the 70 isolates. Ampicillin resistance was the most common resistance phenotype and was identified in 83% of the L. monocytogenes isolates. A low incidence of resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (6% of isolates) was also detected. All L. monocytogenes isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, tetracycline, and erythromycin. This work provides useful information regarding contamination of RTE meat products with L. monocytogenes, which may have implications for food safety risks.

Assessment of changes in the occurrence of Fusarium toxin and ochratoxin A in Poland related to extreme weather phenomena

Background: Mycotoxins ­ substances harmful to humans, are ubiquitous in the environment. Mycotoxins are generated primarily by Penicilium, Aspergillus and Fusarium genus fungi. Their presence is associated with the unavoidable presence of mold fungi in the environment. The presently observed adverse climatic changes could negatively affect agriculture, causing erosion and loss of organic matter from soil, promulgation of pests and plant diseases, including those originating from pathogenic molds, and also migration of certain mold species into new regions, ultimately creating more favorable conditions for generation of mycotoxins. Objective: The purpose of this work was to investigate contamination of cereals in Poland with Fusarium and ochratoxin A. Elucidating a correlation between precipitation levels in the individual Provinces and reported levels of the investigated mycotoxins, referring to the generally available meteorological databases, would result in more efficient planning of sampling processes and focusing further preventive actions associated with establishing sampling plans for the following years. Material and methods: Investigations were performed on cereal and cereal product samples taken by the official foodstuffs inspection staff. Some 100 samples were taken annually in the 2009-2012 period (357 samples in total). Tests were performed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Precipitation data were obtained from the Central Office of Statistics, based on data received from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management. Results: Analysis of the influence of precipitation levels during vegetation period on mycotoxin levels in the investigated foodstuffs was performed by associating each recorded content of deoxynivalenol (n=52, corresponding to 14.6% tested samples), zearalenone (n=30, 8.4%), total T-2 and HT-2 toxins (n=21, 5.9%) and ochratoxin A (n=88, 24.6%) above quantification limit with precipitation levels within the Province from which the sample originated. Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone levels show distinct variability corresponding with variability of precipitation levels, well reflecting the reported higher deoxynivalenol and zearalenone levels observed during the rainy years of 2011-2012. Variability in average ochratoxin A levels was not statistically significant. The relatively higher mycotoxin levels in 2009 may result from the heavy rainfall and flooding of 2007-2008. Dependence between the precipitation levels and number of samples showing levels above quantification limit has been also observed for deoxynivalenol. However, a similar analysis made for zearalenone and ochratoxin A does not point to any significant relationship. No data analysis was possible in reference to total T-2 and HT-2 toxins content due to the insufficient number of results available. However, it should be noted that 21% analyzed samples in 2009 contained T-2 and HT-2 levels above the quantification limit, with average of 8.9 µg/kg, whereas in 2010-2012 only one sample of the 263 tested contained contaminants in quantities above the quantification limit. Conclusions: The model used for forecasting presence of mycotoxins in cereals does not allow its practical application during routine generation of official control and monitoring plans on national scale. Notably, tests performed show that exceeding of maximum contamination levels occurred just incidentally, notwithstanding the adverse weather conditions. Further systematic collection of data on mycotoxin contamination of agricultural crops is required for effective continued investigations.

Exposure assessment of infants and young children on selected Fusarium toxins

Background: Mycotoxins belong to substances harmful to human health. They are found mainly in cereal products and their preparations. In particular, infants and young children who consume cereal products, including porridge and gruel, are exposed to these substances. Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the exposure of infants and young children in Poland to micotoxins (ochratoxin A. deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, fumonisins B1 and B1, T-2 and HT-2 toxins) derived from cereal products intended for infants and children. Material and methods: Samples of products (302) were taken from all over the country in the following three years (2011, 2012 and 2013). HPLC-MS / MS method was used to determine the test compounds. Results: Using the HPLC-MS / MS method, the assessment of population exposure in Poland to mikototoxins (ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, fumonisins B1 and B1, T-2 and HT-2 toxins) derived from cereal products (porridge, gruel) intended for infants and small children. Samples (302) were taken from across the country over the next three years. The exposure values obtained in the average exposure scenario range from 0.2 to 3% compared to the reference toxicological parameters. Considering that in the case of infants and young children, the tested products constitute a quantitatively significant part of the balanced diet of these consumers, and the remaining groups of foodstuffs, including vegetable products. fruit and meat and dairy products do not contribute significant amounts of mycotoxins to the diet can be accepted. that the level of contamination of cereal products does not pose a significant risk to the health of consumers. In the case of high exposure, it did not exceed 10% of the reference values for deoxynivalenol and the sum of fumonisins B1 and B2. These values were assessed as not relevant for the exposure of infants and young children. In contrast, in the case of zearalenone, the high level of exposure corresponded to 36% of the value of tolerable daily intake (TDI), and for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, the value of 48% of tolerable daily intake. In both cases, the contribution of pollutants to the diet was significant, but still remained 2-3 times less than the tolerable daily intake. Given, that cereal products are the main source of these contaminants, it can be estimated that exceeding the TDI value in relation to the total diet of infants and young children is unlikely. Conclusions: The exposure values obtained in the average exposure scenario range from 0.2 to 3% compared to the reference toxicological parameters. In the case of zearalenone, the high level of exposure corresponded to 36% of the TDI value. and for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, 48% TDI. The contribution of pollutants to the diet in both cases was significant. however, it still remained 2-3 times less than the tolerable daily intake. Considering, that cereal products are the main source of these pollutants can be assessed. that exceeding the TDI value for the total diet of infants and young children is unlikely.

Food as a source of exposure to nickel

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), food is the main source of nickel intake by the general population. Based on the risk assessment, EFSA determined the tolerable daily intake of this element (TDI) from all sources at the level of 2.8 µg/kg body weight, which is for an adult 196 µg, while for a child 56 µg. The Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence Limit (BMDL10) associated with dermatitis at 1.1 µg/kg body weight was also determined as well as the Margin of Exposure (MOE). Nickel intake in the Member States varies and depends on consumption habits. CONTAM Panel of EFSA considered the unlikely possibility of developing cancers related to the intake of nickel with food. According to experts, other harmful effects on the human body are more often identified. An additional aspect requiring further investigations that will allow an actual estimation of exposure associated with intake of this element by various groups of population is the issue of nickel absorption in the human body. The review of the EFSA opinion on the request of the European Commission planned in the near future based on the collected data as part of the action of the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/1111 on monitoring the presence of nickel in food will contribute to taking appropriate actions related to consumer protection, including the most vulnerable groups of population.

Exposure assessment of the population in Poland to the toxic effects of nickel from vegetable and their products

Background: According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), vegetable and vegetable products can significantly contribute to dietary nickel intake. Consumption of vegetable across European Union can vary significantly and depends on consumption habits in individual Member States. Toxicity of Ni is dependent on the chemical form, the route of exposure and solubility of nickel compounds. Objectives: Determination of nickel content in commercially available vegetables and vegetable products and assessment of consumer exposure to Ni intake with these groups of foodstuffs. Materials and methods: 66 samples of vegetables and their products were analysed for nickel content. Nickel was determined after microwave mineralization of samples by atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace atomization (GFAAS). Nitric acid and perhydrol were used for the mineralization of the samples. The estimated exposure for adults and children was compared with the tolerable daily intake (TDI -Tolerable Daily Intake) set by the European Food Safety Authority at 2.8 µg /kg body weight (b.w.) per day. Results: Mean (MB-middle bound) Ni content from all investigated vegetable samples was 0.09 mg/kg (95th percentile MB 0.23 mg/kg). In vegetable products, mean Ni concentration was 0.191 mg/kg (95th percentile: 0.67 mg/kg). The highest nickel level was determined in the sample of roman lettuce (0.32 mg/kg), whereas lowest contamination was observed in the sample of onion (0.04 mg/kg). Contamination of investigated fruiting and leaf vegetable with nickel was slightly higher than root and bulb vegetables. The estimated average adults exposure to nickel from vegetable taking into account maximum absorption was 4.8% of TDI and 16.8% of TDI and does not pose a health risk. Exposure to nickel from vegetable products was 1.9% and 6.8% TDI, respectively. Conclusions: Obtained results demonstrate that dietary nickel intake from vegetables and their products do not constitute a significant health threat to consumers in Poland.

Ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid resistance of Salmonella spp. isolated from retail food in Poland.

Distribution of amino acid substitutions in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA, gyrB, parC, parE and determinants of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) were investigated among quinolone-resistant Salmonella spp. strains isolated from retail food in Poland in the years 2008-2013. Ten different amino acid substitutions were identified in QRDRs. Five different amino acid substitutions were identified in gyrA: Ser83Tyr, Ser83Phe, Asp87Tyr, Asp87Asn, Asp87Gly, two amino acid substitutions in parC: Thr57Ser, Ser80Ile and in parE: Leu445Phe, Arg511Ser. One substitution - Ser464Phe - was detected within gyrB. In gyrA a single substitution (Ser83Tyr) was identified the most frequently - 34.8% (63/181). Second most frequently identified variant (21.0%-38/181) was a co-existence of two single substitutions in gyrA: Ser83Tyr and parC: Thr57Ser. In four isolates co-existed three substitutions in three different genes: gyrA: Ser83Tyr + parC: Thr57Ser + parE: Leu445Phe (two isolates), gyrA: Ser83Phe + parC: Thr57Ser + parE: Leu445Phe, and gyrA: Ser83Tyr + parC: Thr57Ser + parE: Arg511Ser. In the two isolates four substitutions were identified - in gyrA: Ser83Phe + Asp87Tyr and in parC: Thr57Ser + Ser80Ile. Among resistant isolates, MIC values varied between 32 and 2048 mg/L (nalidixic acid) and between 0.125 and 16 mg/L (ciprofloxacin). MIC values of two isolates harboring qnrS1without any substitutions were 32 mg/L (NA) and 0.5-1.0 mg/L (CIP). The highest MIC values for NA and CIP were observed in two isolates of Salmonella spp. carrying double substitutions in gyrA: Ser83Phe + Asp87Tyr and parC: Thr57Ser + Ser80Ile. MIC value for NA was 2048 mg/L while for CIP - 16 mg/L.

Exposure assessment to lead, cadmium, zinc and copper released from ceramic and glass wares intended to come into contact with food

Background: One of the important source of food contamination with elements harmful to human health such as lead or cadmium is migration from the articles intended to come into contact with food. Ceramic and glass articles can also be a source of zinc and copper which compounds are used during the production process of vessels. Objective: Determination of migration of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper from ceramic and glass wares available on the market in Poland and assessment of consumer exposure to these elements. Material and methods: Ceramic and glass articles which were available on the retail market and mainly produced in China were tested for release of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper. Samples for testing were prepared in accordance with European Standards: EN 1388-1 and EN 1388-2 and the migration of elements into a food simulant (4% acetic acid) was measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Validated and accredited methods according to EN ISO/ IEC 17025:2005 meeting the criteria set in the legislation were applied. Exposure assessment was performed taking into account actual reference doses introduced by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Results: 736 samples of ceramic and glass wares were tested. Among investigated samples for migration of lead 82% of results were below limit of quantification (LOQ = 0.1 mg/L) of the analytical method used. For cadmium zinc and copper results below LOQ were found in 94%, 79% and 100% tested samples, respectively (Cd LOQ = 0.01mg/L; Zn LOQ = 0.05 mg/L; Cu LOQ = 0.03 mg/L). Only one sample release lead in amount higher than limit set in Polish Standard PN-B-13210:1997, it was rim of the glass mug and migration value was 4.81 mg/article. In case of cadmium there were two samples which exceeded permissible migration limit, it was flat ceramic dish and the rim of the glass mug, migration values were: 0.14 mg/dm2 and 0.42 mg/article respectively. The most measurable results (above LOQ) in case of lead and cadmium were for the samples of ceramic and glass drinking vessels. Quantifiable amounts of zinc were found also in other groups of articles tested: flat and deep ceramic dishes. None of the tested articles released copper in amount higher than LOQ value. The risk assessment showed that lead and cadmium exposure for some of the samples far exceed the reference doses. For children, assuming a single use only of these vessels, these doses may be exceeded: in the case of lead, 69 times and in the case of cadmium, 8 times. Conclusions: It is the urgent need to introduce requirements into the applicable legislation for the rim area of drinking ceramic and glass vessels to reduce exposure especially by the most vulnerable groups of population such as children.

Exposure assessment of the population in Poland to the toxic effects of arsenic compounds present in rice and rice based products

Background: Rice is a staple food for many people in the world and an important ingredient for production of food for infants and young children. According to European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), cereals, primarily rice and rice products, are an important source of human exposure to inorganic arsenic, which has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as group I carcinogen. Arsenic is present in rice and rice products mainly as an inorganic form being more toxic than organic compounds Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the total and inorganic arsenic content in rice, rice-based products including food for infants and young children available on the market in Poland and thus to estimate consumer exposure to inorganic arsenic from these groups of foodstuffs Materials and Methods: A total of 62 samples of rice and rice products from trade, including a group of rice products for infants and young children, were tested. Contents of total and inorganic arsenic were determined by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS), after dry mineralization of samples and reduction of arsenic to arsenic hydride with sodium borohydride. To extract the inorganic arsenic forms, the samples were subjected to hydrolysis in concentrated HCl and then reduced in the presence of hydrobromic acid and hydrazine sulphate after which triple chloroform extractions and triple 1M HCl re-extractions were performed. Exposure of different groups of populations (adults and children), was estimated in relation to the Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence Limit (BMDL05) as set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) that resulted in a 0.5% increase in lung cancer (3.0 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) per day) Results: Mean content of total and inorganic arsenic in investigated rice samples was 0.12 mg/kg (median: 0.09 mg/kg; 90th percentile 0.22 mg/kg) and 0.04 mg/kg (median: 0.03 mg/kg, 90th percentile 0.07 mg/kg). Brown rice was found to be more highly contaminated with both total and inorganic arsenic than white rice. Mean contamination of brown rice with total arsenic and inorganic arsenic was: 0.18 mg/kg (median: 0.12 mg/kg, 90th percentile: 0.32 mg/kg) and 0.05 mg/kg (median: 0.05 mg/kg, 90th percentile: 0.07 mg/kg). In turn for the white rice contamination was lower, mean total arsenic content: 0.10 mg/kg (median: 0.08 mg/kg, 90th percentile: 0.19 mg/kg) and mean inorganic arsenic: 0.03 mg/kg (median: 0.03 mg/kg, 90th percentile: 0.06 mg/kg). Contamination of rice-based products both total and inorganic arsenic was similar to those reported for rice, except rice wafers (mean: 0.24 mg/kg and 0.13 mg/kg). In the group of products for infants and young children obtained results were low ­ mean total arsenic content was 0.06 mg/kg and inorganic arsenic 0.02 mg/kg. The estimated average adult and children's exposure to inorganic arsenic with rice and rice products was less than 1% of the BMDL05. Intake of inorganic arsenic by 12-month-old infants with ricebased products intended for this group of population was at 6% BMDL05 Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, it was found that the content of total and inorganic arsenic in investigated samples of rice and rice products did not pose a health risk even though contamination levels in some individual samples were significant

Total and inorganic arsenic in fish, seafood and seaweeds--exposure assessment.

BACKGROUND: According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), fish, seafood and seaweeds are foodstuffs that significantly contribute to dietary arsenic intake. With the exception of some algal species, the dominant compounds of arsenic in such food products are the less toxic organic forms. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and EFSA recommend that speciation studies be performed to determine the different chemical forms in which arsenic is present in food due to the differences in their toxicity. Knowing such compositions can thus enable a complete exposure assessment to be made. OBJECTIVES: Determination of total and inorganic arsenic contents in fish, their products, seafood and seaweeds present on the Polish market. This was then followed by an exposure assessment of consumers to inorganic arsenic in these foodstuffs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total and inorganic arsenic was determined in 55 samples of fish, their products, seafood as well as seaweeds available on the market. The analytical method was hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS), after dry ashing of samples and reduction of arsenic to arsenic hydride using sodium borohydride. In order to isolate only the inorganic forms of arsenic prior to mineralisation, samples were subjected to concentrated HCl hydrolysis, followed by reduction with hydrobromic acid and hydrazine sulphate after which triple chloroform extractions and triple 1M HCl re-extractions were performed. Exposure of adults was estimated in relation to the Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence Limit (BMDL0.5) as set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) that resulted in a 0.5% increase in lung cancer (3.0 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) per day). RESULTS: Mean total arsenic content from all investigated fish samples was 0.46 mg/kg (90th percentile 0.94 mg/kg), whilst the inorganic arsenic content never exceeded the detection limit of the analytical method used (0.025 mg/kg). In fish products, mean total arsenic concentration was 1.48 mg/kg (90th percentile: 2.42 mg/kg), whilst in seafood they were 0.87 mg/ kg (90th percentile: 2.23 mg/kg), for inorganic arsenic contamination at the 90th percentile was 0.043 mg/kg with most results however being less than 0.025 mg/kg. The highest inorganic arsenic levels were determined in the Hijiki algal species samples (102.7 mg/kg), whereas the other algal samples gave a mean inorganic concentration of 0.41 mg/kg (90th percentile 0.86 mg/kg). The estimated average adults exposure to inorganic arsenic in fish, seafood and seaweeds was less than 0.5% of the lowest BMDL0.5 dose. Only for the Hijiki seaweed it was at 4.9% BMDL0.5. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that dietary arsenic intake from fish, seafood and seaweed along with all their products do not constitute a significant health threat to consumers apart from the seaweed species Hizikia fusiformis in which over 40% of all the inorganic arsenic compounds were found.

Food supplement-related risks in the light of internet and RASFF data.

OBJECTIVE: Based on legal acts and RASFF information, this paper aimed at evaluating available facts on food supplements in comparison to the most popular data accessible via Internet for future and present consumers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Having analyzed legal acts and RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) database, the authors attempted to verify what kind of information on food supplements may be found by an Internet user, using the first webpage of Google.pl. This search engine was used in this study as it gained the highest popularity among Internet users. It was decided that exclusively search results displayed on the first webpage would be subject to analysis as 91.5% of Internet users limit their search to the first 9-10 results. Internet was searched using the following two terms: 'supplement' and 'supplements' as well as terms suggested by Google. pl. Subsequently, the results were subject to qualitative and quantitative analyses. RESULTS: On the Internet, the most frequently searched terms were: 'supplements' (243 000 000), 'supplement' (9 290 000), 'supplements shop' (8 200 000). Having analyzed the content of particular websites, information on certain products, given by their manufacturers may be found. Then, data on supplement itself were provided, i.e. what is a supplement and when it should be used. Expert articles (written by physicians, dieticians, pharmacists) on a risk resulting from these products, including therapeutic indications or the presence of unauthorized substances were identified considerably less frequently. No warnings regarding the necessity of purchasing the products in legal and verified places were found. CONCLUSIONS: There is a necessity of systemic education of consumers on reasonable use of food supplements. It is also advisable to consider the organization of alert system whose objective would be to monitor adverse reactions caused by an intake of food supplements or novel food launched into the country. To obtain reliable information on the composition and effects of food supplements, potential consumer should contact physician or dietician. Additionally, complementary information, using different sources with an example being health-related portals, presenting articles written by physicians or pharmacists, may be also searched.