Long-term stability of extra virgin olive oil: effects of filtration and refrigeration storage on the Kolovi variety.

BACKGROUND: The composition of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) defines its sensory, nutritional, and human health benefits, and distinguishes it as a key component of the Mediterranean diet. Nevertheless, EVOO constituents are susceptible to degradation during processing and storage, which reduces the olive oil's quality and limits its shelf life. The present study investigated the effect of molecular filtration before storage and the effect of cool storage at 4 °C on the stability of 'Kolovi' EVOO, a variety originating from the Greek island of Lesvos, over a 24 month period. RESULTS: Storing EVOO at 4 °C positively affected free acidity, peroxide value, K268, fruity qualities, and concentrations of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, ligstroside aglycone, lutein, and squalene, in comparison with the control sample stored at room temperature, particularly after 1 year. Molecular filtration significantly affected the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (UFAs/SFAs). Optimal preservation of parameters such as acidity value and lutein content was achieved by combining molecular filtration with refrigeration. CONCLUSIONS: The present study recommends storing EVOO in the refrigerator for up to 18 months. Based on the regulatory limits of the quality characteristics of acidity, peroxide value, K232 value and fruity sensory attributes, the shelf-life of the protected geographical indication (PGI) 'Kolovi' EVOO can reach 2 years under cool storage (4 °C) and with molecular filtration before storage. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A critical review on Moringa oleifera: current status, physicochemical attributes, and food industrial applications.

Phytomedicine as an alternative to conventional medications which become more interested for researcher. Moringa Oleifera (M. Oleifera) has been used for centuries to cure a range of illnesses. M. Oleifera, commonly known as the miracle tree, ben oil tree, and drumstick tree, is a Moringaceae family plant whose latin name is Moringa oleifera Lam. It has a high concentration of macro and micronutrients, as well as other bioactive components, all of which are necessary for the body's correct function and the prevention of different disorders. The plant's leaves, seeds, and blooms are all edible and offer a variety of medicinal benefits. Moringa is used to treat diabetes, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, inflammation, heart disease, cancer, and joint pain. Numerous studies of Moringa oleifera have emphasised its phytochemical components, future possibilities, and usefulness in a variety of domains, including ethnomedicine, whereas this review is a collection of previous discoveries and an update on all previous work.

Shelf Life of Minced Pork in Vacuum-Adsorbed Carvacrol@Natural Zeolite Nanohybrids and Poly-Lactic Acid/Triethyl Citrate/Carvacrol@Natural Zeolite Self-Healable Active Packaging Films.

Enhancing food preservation and safety using environmentally friendly techniques is urgently needed. The aim of this study was to develop food packaging films using biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) as biopolymer and carvacrol (CV) essential oil as an antioxidant/antibacterial agent for the replacement of chemical additives. CV was adsorbed onto natural zeolite (NZ) via a new vacuum adsorption method. The novel nanohybrid CV@NZ with a high CV content contained 61.7%wt. CV. Pure NZ and the CV@NZ nanohybrid were successfully dispersed in a PLA/triethyl citrate (TEC) matrix via a melt extrusion process to obtain PLA/TEC/xCV@NZ and PLA/TEC/xNZ nanocomposite films with 5, 10, and 15%wt CV@NZ or pure NZ content. The optimum resulting film PLA/TEC/10CV@NZ contained 10%wt. CV@NZ and exhibited self-healable properties, 22% higher tensile strength, 40% higher elongation at break, 45% higher water barrier, and 40% higher oxygen barrier than the pure PLA/TEC matrix. This film also had a high CV release content, high CV control release rate as well as 2.15 mg/L half maximal effective concentration (EC50) and 0.27 mm and 0.16 mm inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, respectively. This film not only succeeded in extending the shelf life of fresh minced pork, as shown by the total viable count measurements in four days but also prevented the lipid oxidation of fresh minced pork and provided higher nutritional values of the minced meat, as revealed by the heme iron content determination. It also had much better and acceptable sensory characteristics than the commercial packaging paper.

Exploring the natural efficacy of spirulina powder for combating obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: An increasing incidence of metabolic disorders emphasizes the need to explore natural treatments. Spirulina, a microalga with a rich nutrient profile, offers a promising solution for obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. This study provides a meticulous analysis of spirulina powder, evaluating its physicochemical attributes and technofunctional properties through the use of advanced analytical techniques. RESULTS: Spirulina powder demonstrated strong flowability, substantial water and oil absorption capacity, and moderate foaming characteristics. The ethanolic extract of spirulina was found to be a repository of phenolic (6.93 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (7.17 mg QE/g) compounds, manifesting considerable antioxidant activity with a 58.49 g kg-1 inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The extract also exhibited pronounced inhibitory effects on lipase and amylase enzymes, with inhibition percentages of 72.05 g kg-1 and 70.28 g kg-1, respectively, and displayed a glucose retention capacity of 1.28 mg dL-1 (68.52 g kg-1) in a dialysis membrane assay. These results suggest its efficacy in modulating obesity and glycemic control. The powder also showed a potent anti-inflammatory response by mitigating protein denaturation. CONCLUSION: Spirulina powder is a potent natural agent with multiple health benefits, meriting its incorporation into functional foods. It could be suitable for application in the food industry, offering a natural strategy to combat metabolic diseases. This research adds to the scientific literature on spirulina, paving the way for future research into its utilization. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Vitamin B12: prevention of human beings from lethal diseases and its food application.

Vitamin B12, a water-soluble essential micronutrient, plays a pivotal role in numerous physiological processes in the human body. This review meticulously examines the structural complexity and the diverse mechanisms through which vitamin B12 exerts its preventive effects against a spectrum of health conditions, including pernicious anaemia, neurological disorders, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and complications in foetal development. The selection of articles for this review was conducted through a systematic search across multiple scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Criteria for inclusion encompassed relevance to the biochemical impact of vitamin B12 on health, peer-reviewed status and publication within the last decade. Exclusion criteria were non-English articles and studies lacking empirical evidence. This stringent selection process ensured a comprehensive analysis of vitamin B12's multifaceted impact on health, covering its structure, bioavailable forms and mechanisms of action. Clinical studies highlighting its therapeutic potential, applications in food fortification and other utilizations are also discussed, underscoring the nutrient's versatility. This synthesis aims to provide a clear understanding of the integral role of vitamin B12 in maintaining human health and its potential in clinical and nutritional applications. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

BCM-7: Opioid-like Peptide with Potential Role in Disease Mechanisms.

Bovine milk is an essential supplement due to its rich energy- and nutrient-rich qualities. Caseins constitute the vast majority of the proteins in milk. Among these, ß-casein comprises around 37% of all caseins, and it is an important type of casein with several different variants. The A1 and A2 variants of ß-casein are the most researched genotypes due to the changes in their composition. It is accepted that the A2 variant is ancestral, while a point mutation in the 67th amino acid created the A1 variant. The digestion derived of both A1 and A2 milk is BCM-7. Digestion of A2 milk in the human intestine also forms BCM-9 peptide molecule. The opioid-like characteristics of BCM-7 are highlighted for their potential triggering effect on several diseases. Most research has been focused on gastrointestinal-related diseases; however other metabolic and nervous system-based diseases are also potentially triggered. By manipulating the mechanisms of these diseases, BCM-7 can induce certain situations, such as conformational changes, reduction in protein activity, and the creation of undesired activity in the biological system. Furthermore, the genotype of casein can also play a role in bone health, such as altering fracture rates, and calcium contents can change the characteristics of dietary products. The context between opioid molecules and BCM-7 points to a potential triggering mechanism for the central nervous system and other metabolic diseases discussed.

A sustainable approach to prepare green synthesis of copper nanoparticles of Bauhinia variegata & Saussurea lappa: Unveiling in-vitro anti-obesity applications.

Nanoparticles have different shapes and sizes between the range of 1-100 nm, which show advantages for stabilizing compounds, higher carrier capacity, and lower costs. Metal nanoparticles such as copper, gold, silver, and zinc are favorable components for various applications due to their interesting properties. In the present study, nanoparticles were synthesized by reduction with flower extracts of Bauhinia variegate & Saussurea lappa that were used to stabilize the copper nanoparticles. Furthermore, the characterization of plants synthesized copper nanoparticles was carried out through UV-visible dynamic light scattering. Additionally, morphological characterization of nanoparticles was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the elemental composition of copper nanoparticles. Powder X-ray diffraction was conducted for the analysis of crystallinity, purity, and crystal size of plant-synthesized copper nanoparticles. The average particle size was evaluated and exhibited the particle size at the peak of 8.721 nm and 98.03 nm for flower extracts of Bauhinia variegate & Saussurea lappa copper nanoparticles. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum was taken to scrutinize the various functional groups that were responsible for the reduction of the copper ions. The antimicrobial results against the bacterial strains with the positive test results of the zone of inhibition were for Bauhinia variegate (17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, and 18 mm) and Saussurea lappa (17 mm, 19 mm, 18 mm, and 18 mm) respectively for plants synthesized copper nanoparticles against the Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Lipase inhibition assay and Amylase inhibition assay with different concentrations (20 µg/mL to 100 µg/mL) for Bauhinia variegate & Saussurea lappa (12.34 %-59.67 % and 10.50 %-47.01 %) and (34.52 %-89.02 % and 22.34 %-56.45 %) confirmed the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities of plants extract synthesized copper nanoparticles.

Νovel Polylactic Acid/Tetraethyl Citrate Self-Healable Active Packaging Films Applied to Pork Fillets' Shelf-Life Extension.

Nowadays, increased food safety and decreased food waste are two of the major global interests. Self-healable active packaging materials are an attractive option to achieve such targets. This property is critical for the hygiene and the consumption appropriateness of the food. Polylactic acid is a very promising polymeric matrix that potentially could replace the widely used low-density polyethylene due to its biobased origin and its easy biodegradable nature. The main drawback of this polymeric matrix is its brittle, fragile nature. On the other hand, tetraethyl citrate is a biobased approved food additive which became an attractive option as a plasticizer for industries seeking alternative materials to replace the traditional petrochemically derived compounds. A novel biobased film exhibiting self-healing behavior suitable for food-active packaging was developed during this study. Polylactic acid's brittleness was reduced drastically by incorporating tetraethyl citrate, and a random cut on the original self-repairing film was fully healed after 120 s. The optimum concentration of tetraethyl citrate in the polylactic acid was around 15% v/w with a water/oxygen barrier close to the relevant of polylactic acid and low migration. According to the EC50 parameter, the antioxidant activity was 300% higher than the relevant of pure polylactic acid, while according to the thiobarbituric acid and heme iron parameters, the film resisted lipid oxidation and deterioration. Finally, the total viable count parameter indicates the strong antimicrobial activity of this sample.

Chemical Profile Characterization of Fruit and Vegetable Juices after Fermentation with Probiotic Strains.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely applied for fermentation purposes in dairy and non-dairy food matrices with beneficial technological and health-promoting properties. This study describes the effect of two lactic acid bacteria, namely, Lactiplantibacillus paracasei SP5 and Pediococcus pentosaceus SP2, on the phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, total phenolic content (TPC), carotenoid content, and sensorial profile of two different mixed fruit juices. After 48 h of fermentation, both LABs retained viability over 9 Log CFU/mL in both juices. The TPC, zeaxanthin + lutein, ß-carotene content, and antioxidant activity (AA) were elevated for both LABs and mixed juices after 48 h of fermentation compared to control samples. Regarding the phenolic profile, both juices exhibited a significant decrease in chlorogenic acid levels, while quinic acid and tyrosol concentrations showed notable increases.

Low-Density Polyethylene-Based Novel Active Packaging Film for Food Shelf-Life Extension via Thyme-Oil Control Release from SBA-15 Nanocarrier.

The use of natural raw substances for food preservation could provide a great contribution to food waste reduction, circular economy enhancement, and green process application widening. Recent studies indicated that the use of porous materials as adsorbents for natural essential oils provided nanohybrids with excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Following this trend in this work, a thymol oil (TEO) rich SBA-15 nanohybrid was prepared and characterized physiochemically with various techniques. This TEO@SBA-15 nanohybrid, along with the pure SBA-15, was extruded with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to develop novel active packaging films. Results indicated that TEO loading was higher than other porous materials reported recently, and the addition of both pure SBA-15 and TEO@SBA-15 to the LDPE increased the water/oxygen barrier. The film with the higher thyme-oil@SBA-15 nanohybrid content exhibited a slower release kinetic. The antioxidant activity of the final films ignited after 48 h, was in the range of 60-70%, and was almost constant for 7 days. Finally, all tests indicated a sufficient improvement by the addition of thyme-oil@SBA-15 nanohybrids in the pure LDPE matrix and the concentration of wt. 10% of such nanocarriers provided the optimum final LDPE/10TEO@SBE-15 active packaging film. This material could be a potential future product for active packaging applications.

Carvacrol Microemulsion vs. Nanoemulsion as Novel Pork Minced Meat Active Coatings.

Carvacrol is well documented for its antibacterial and antioxidant effects. However, its high volatility has directed researchers toward nanoencapsulation technology according to bioeconomy and sustainability trends. This study examined and compared free carvacrol (FC), carvacrol microemulsion (MC), carvacrol microemulsion busted with chitosan (MMC), and carvacrol nanoemulsions (NC) as active coatings on extending minced pork meat shelf life at 4 ± 1 °C for 9 days, focusing on microbiological, physiochemical, and sensory characteristics. The research involved pre-characterizing droplet sizes, evaluating antioxidants, and determining antibacterial efficacy. The results demonstrated that NC with a 21 nm droplet size exhibited the highest antioxidant and antibacterial activity. All coatings succeeded in extending the preservation of fresh minced pork meat in comparison to the free carvacrol sample (FC). The NC coating showed the highest extension of minced pork meat preservation and maintained meat freshness for 9 days, with a lower TBARs of 0.736 mg MDA/Kg, and effectively reduced mesophilic, lactic acid, and psychotrophic bacterial counts more significantly by 1.2, 2, and 1.3 log, respectively, as compared to FC. Sensory assessments confirmed the acceptability of NC and MCC coatings. Overall, the carvacrol-based nanoemulsion can be considered a novel antioxidant and antimicrobial active coating due to its demonstrated higher efficacy in all the examined tests performed.

The Development of a Novel Sodium Alginate-Based Edible Active Hydrogel Coating and Its Application on Traditional Greek Spreadable Cheese.

The necessity of reducing the greenhouse effect by decreasing the carbon dioxide fingerprint directed the food packaging technology to use biobased raw materials. Alginates, which are derived from brown algae species, are one of the most promising biobased biopolymers for the development of edible active coatings capable of protecting food from oxidation/bacterial spoilage. In this study, sodium alginate, which was plasticized with glycerol and mixed with a biobased thymol/natural halloysite nanohybrid, was used to develop novel edible active coatings. Nanocomposite coatings were also developed in this project by mixing pure halloysite with sodium alginate/glycerol matrix and were used as reference material for comparison reasons. Instrumental analysis indicated a higher compatibility of a thymol/halloysite nanohybrid with a sodium alginate/glycerol matrix compared to pure halloysite with a sodium alginate/glycerol matrix. Increased compatibility resulted in improved tensile properties, water/oxygen barrier properties, and total antioxidant activity. These edible active coatings were applied to traditional Greek spread cheese and showed a reduction in the mesophilic microbial population over one log10 unit (cfu/g) compared to uncoated cheese. Moreover, the reduction in the mesophilic microbial population increased with the increase in halloysite and thymol content, indicating such sodium alginate/glycerol/thymol/halloysite hydrogels as promising edible active coatings for dairy products.

Characterization of Potential Probiotic Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Camel Colostrum by Biochemical and Molecular Methods.

A total of 60 isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from Jordanian camel colostrum using biochemical and molecular methods. Two dominant species were identified, and they were Lactobacillus salivarius and Enterococcus faecium. The entire 60 isolated LAB were tested for their acidity and bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and antibiotic sensitivity to test their potential probiotic activity. All 60 isolates were tolerant to different pH concentrations (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) with different survival rates (%). The entire isolates were also tolerant to different bile salt concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 2, and 3) with different bile resistance (%). All isolates have a different range of antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella typhimurium. The 60 isolates were almost sensitive to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin when different concentrations were used except some isolates of intermediate resistance. Only 6% of the isolates were resistant to clarithromycin at a concentration of 15 µg per disc.

Development, characterization and use of rosemary essential oil loaded water-chestnut starch based nanoemulsion coatings for enhancing post-harvest quality of apples var. Golden delicious.

The study aimed at evaluating the influence of water-chestnut starch-based coatings loaded with rosemary essential oil (REO) at concentrations of 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50% (w/v) on postharvest cold storage stability of apple var. Golden delicious for 120 days. Average droplet diameter of nanoemulsions was in range of 315-450 nm and it increased with increase in the REO concentration. Minimum weight loss was observed in fruits treated with coating material containing 0.50% REO. Samples coated with starch+0.50% REO exhibited highest firmness value of 68.22 ± 1.02 N under controlled atmosphere storage (CAS). Anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were retained in all samples coated with formulated emulsion. Antifungal assay against Pencillium expansum indicated that 0.50% REO had maximum antifungal activity. Increase in REO concentration from 0.10 to 0.50% in starch coating formulations resulted in reduced lesion diameter in coated samples under both the storage conditions. Lesion diameter (LD) was found highest in control (39.40 ± 0.20 mm) under ambient conditions. Coated fruit samples showed a significant (p≤0.05) reduction in LD under both the ambient and CAS conditions however, more pronounced effect was reported under CAS. Fruits coated with edible coatings enriched with different REO concentrations under CAS exhibited significantly (p≤0.05) lower chilling injury index (ST+0.50%REO < ST+0.25%REO<0.10%REO) compared to control.

A review on the frying process: Methods, models and their mechanism and application in the food industry.

Frying is one of the most popular and traditional processes used in the food industry and food services to manufacture products that are high in quality and with unique sensory characteristics. The most common method of frying is deep-fat frying, used worldwide due to its distinct flavor profile and sensory aspects, which leads to physio-chemical changes at both macro and micro levels. One of the major concerns with deep-fried foods is their high oil content, and a variety of metabolic disorders can be caused by overconsumption of these foods, including heart disease, obesity, and high cholesterol. Due to their enticing organoleptic properties with their delicious flavor, pleasing mouthfeel, and unique taste, making them irresistible, it is also responsible for undesirable and unacceptable characteristics for consumers. Oil absorption can be reduced by developing novel frying methods that limit the amount of oil in products, producing products with fewer calories and oil while maintaining similar quality, flavor, and edibility. In addition, different pretreatments and post-frying treatments are applied to achieve a synergistic effect. The transfer of mass and heat occurs simultaneously during frying, which helps to understand the mechanism of oil absorption in fried food. Researchers have discovered that prolonged heating of oils results in polar compounds such as polymers, dimers, free fatty acids, and acrylamide, which can alter metabolism and cause cancer. To reduce the oil content in fried food, innovative frying methods have been developed without compromising its quality which also has improved their effect on human health, product quality, and energy efficiency. The aim is to replace the conventional frying process with novel frying methods that offer fried food-like properties, higher nutritional value, and ease of use by replacing the conventional frying process. In the future, it might be possible to optimize frying technologies to substantially reduce fried foods' oil content. This review focuses on a detailed understanding of different frying techniques and attempts to focus on innovative frying techniques such as vacuum frying, microwave cooking, and hot-air frying that have shown a better potential to be used as an alternative to traditional frying.

Storage stability of chocolate can be enhanced using locust protein-based film incorporated with E. purpurea flower extract-based nanoparticles.

The study aimed to develop a locust protein (Loct-Prot)-based film to enhance the lipid oxidative and storage stability of chocolate. The E. purpurea flower extract based-nanoparticles (EFNPs) were developed using ultrasonication (500 W and 20 kHz for 10 min) following a green method of synthesis. The EFPNs were incorporated at different levels [T0 (0%), T1 (1.0%), T2 (1.5%), and T3 (2.0%)] to impart bioactive properties to the Loct-Prot-based films which were used for packaging of white chocolate during 90 days trial. The addition of EFPNs increased (P < 0.05) the density of the Loct-Prot-based film which in turn decreased (P < 0.05) the transmittance (%) and WVTR (water vapour transmission rate, mg/mt2) with increasing levels of addition. While brightness (L*) showed a decrease, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) increased with increasing concentration of EFPNs. No significant (P > 0.05) effect was recorded on other physicomechanical parameters of the film. The addition of EFPNs (P < 0.05) increased the mean values of all the antioxidant and antimicrobial parameters (total flavonoid and phenolic contents, FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS activities, antioxidant release and inhibitory halos) of the film. The presence of Loct-Prot-based film decreased the lipid (TBARS and free fatty acids) and protein (total carbonyl content) oxidation of the chocolate samples during storage. A significant (P < 0.05) increase was observed in the antioxidant properties [FRAP (µM TE/100 g) and DPPH and ABTS activities (% inhibition)] of the chocolate samples after one month and the sensory and microbial qualities towards the end of the storage. The gastrointestinal digestion simulation showed a positive impact on the antioxidant properties of the chocolate. Based on our results, Loct-Prot-based film incorporated with EFPNs can be used to enhance the storage stability of chocolate during storage.

Heterocyclic aromatic amines in meat: Formation mechanisms, toxicological implications, occurrence, risk evaluation, and analytical methods.

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are detrimental substances can develop during the high-temperature cooking of protein-rich foods, such as meat. They are potent mutagens and carcinogens linked to an increased risk of various cancers. HAAs have complex structures with nitrogen-containing aromatic rings and are formed through chemical reactions between amino acids, creatin(in)e, and sugars during cooking. The formation of HAAs is influenced by various factors, such as food type, cooking temperature, time, cooking method, and technique. HAAs exert their toxicity through mechanisms like DNA adduct formation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The research on HAAs is important for public health and food safety, leading to risk assessment and management strategies. It has also led to innovative approaches for reducing HAAs formation during cooking and minimizing related health risks. Understanding HAAs' chemistry and formation is crucial for developing effective ways to prevent their occurrence and protect human health. The current review presents an overview about HAAs, their formation pathways, and the factors influencing their formation. Additionally, it reviews their adverse health effects, occurrence, and the analytical methods used for measuring them.

Locust protein hydrolysates have the potential to enhance the storage stability of cheese.

The study evaluated the efficacy of locust protein hydrolysates (LoPHs) to enhance the quality of Cheddar cheese (ChCh) during storage. The locust protein (LoP) was pre-treated [microwave (Mic) or ultrasonication (Ult) or no treatment (Not)] before hydrolysis using alcalase enzyme (3% w/w). The ChCh samples containing LoPHs at the maximum level of 1.5% were evaluated for quality for 3 months (4 ± 1 °C) and subjected to gastrointestinal simulation. Both pre-treatments (Mic and Ult) significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the LoPHs (Ult > Mic > Not). The ChCh samples with LoPHs exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower means for lipid oxidation (TBARS and free fatty acids), protein oxidation (total-carbonyl content) and microbial counts (psychrophilic, total plate and yeast/moulds) during the storage. A positive effect was found on the sensory quality of ChCh samples after one month of storage. The gastrointestinal simulation improved the antioxidant capacity of the stored ChCh samples. LoPHs can be used as a novel bio-preservative for cheese.

Changes of trans and saturated fatty acid content in savory baked goods from 2015 to 2021 and their effect on consumers' intake using substitution models: A study conducted in Greece.

BACKGROUND: In Greece, nearly a third of savory baked goods (SBGs) exceeded the limit of 2 g of nonruminant or industrial trans fatty acids (i-TFA) per 100 g fat in 2015. The impact of the Commission Regulation (European Union) 2019/649 on exposure to trans fatty acids (TFA), i-TFA, and saturated fatty acid (SFA) from SBGs has not been previously evaluated. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to explore fatty acid reformulation of SBG products and assess differences in TFA, i-TFA, and SFA intakes using a sample of Greek SBG consumers from a nationally representative survey. METHODS: In 2021, 140 samples of SBGs were collected in the greater metropolitan area of Athens, and their fat profile and content were compared to those from 2015. Based on these measurements, food consumption substitution models were employed to examine TFA and SFA intake differences, and the percent contribution from SBG among consumers was calculated (N = 1008). Nutrient densities were calculated by adjusting all fat intakes by individual mean energy intake (percentage of daily total energy intake). RESULTS: The 2% i-TFA legislative limit/100 g of fat in measured SBGs was exceeded by 11.4% in 2021 compared to 31.1% in 2015 (19.7% increase in compliance). Median i-TFA and TFA intakes from SBGs were reduced from 0.05 (0.01, 0.12)% and 0.13 (0.03, 0.27)% in 2015 to 0.03 (0.01, 0.09) and 0.06 (0.03, 0.13)% in 2021, respectively. In terms of SFA, a mean increase/100 g was calculated, resulting in an increased intake in 2021 compared to 2015 [5.18% (2.78, 8.37) and 3.55 (1.99, 5.73), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the reductions seen in i-TFA content of SBGs, food product reformulation efforts in Greece should focus not only on TFA content but also on SFA reduction to improve public health.

Thymol@Natural Zeolite Nanohybrids for Chitosan/Polyvinyl-Alcohol-Based Hydrogels Applied as Active Pads.

Currently, food saving, a circular economy, and zero environmental fingerprints are of major interest. Scientific efforts for enhanced food preservation using "green" methods have been intensified. Even though chemicals could achieve such targets effectively, the global trend against the "greenhouse effect" suggests the use of environmentally friendly biobased materials for this purpose. In this study, the promising biopolymer chitosan is incorporated with the promising biodegradable polymer polyvinyl alcohol to produce an improved biopolymeric matrix. This biodegradable biopolymer was further mixed homogeneously with 15% thymol/nano-zeolite nanohybrid material. The properties of the final developed film were improved compared to the relevant values of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol film. The mechanical properties were enhanced significantly, i.e., there was a 34% increase in Young's modulus and a 4.5% increase in the ultimate tensile strength, while the antioxidant activity increased by 53.4%. The antibacterial activity increased by 134% for Escherichia coli, 87.5% for Staphylococcus aureus, 32% for Listeria monocytogenes, and 9% for Salmonella enterica. The water vapor diffusion coefficient and the oxygen permeability coefficient decreased to -51% and -74%, respectively, and thus, the water vapor and oxygen barrier increased significantly. The active pads were used in strawberries, and the antimicrobial activity evaluation against the mold of fungi was carried out. The visual evaluation shows that the active pads could extend the shelf life duration of strawberries.