Agriculture and environmental management through nanotechnology: Eco-friendly nanomaterial synthesis for soil-plant systems, food safety, and sustainability.

Through the advancement of nanotechnology, agricultural and food systems are undergoing strategic enhancements, offering innovative solutions to complex problems. This scholarly essay thoroughly examines nanotechnological innovations and their implications within these critical industries. Traditional practices are undergoing radical transformation as nanomaterials emerge as novel agents in roles traditionally filled by fertilizers, pesticides, and biosensors. Micronutrient management and preservation techniques are further enhanced, indicating a shift towards more nutrient-dense and longevity-oriented food production. Nanoparticles (NPs), with their unique physicochemical properties, such as an extraordinary surface-to-volume ratio, find applications in healthcare, diagnostics, agriculture, and other fields. However, concerns about their potential overuse and bioaccumulation raise unanswered questions about their health effects. Molecule-to-molecule interactions and physicochemical dynamics create pathways through which nanoparticles cause toxicity. The combination of nanotechnology and environmental sustainability principles leads to the examination of green nanoparticle synthesis. The discourse extends to how nanomaterials penetrate biological systems, their applications, toxicological effects, and dissemination routes. Additionally, this examination delves into the ecological consequences of nanomaterial contamination in natural ecosystems. Employing robust risk assessment methodologies, including the risk allocation framework, is recommended to address potential dangers associated with nanotechnology integration. Establishing standardized, universally accepted guidelines for evaluating nanomaterial toxicity and protocols for nano-waste disposal is urged to ensure responsible stewardship of this transformative technology. In conclusion, the article summarizes global trends, persistent challenges, and emerging regulatory strategies shaping nanotechnology in agriculture and food science. Sustained, in-depth research is crucial to fully benefit from nanotechnology prospects for sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Maturity of Food Safety Management Systems in the Vietnamese Seafood Processing Industry.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) of the reported food safety issues in Vietnam are related to seafood products, mainly fish and fish products. The international export of seafood products continues to grow due to intensification of the production in the Vietnamese seafood processing industry. To ensure the production of safe food, a company-specific, effective food safety management system is essential. This research explores the maturity of food safety management systems in a convenience sample of the Vietnamese seafood processing industry to identify potential gaps and interventions for improvement. The food safety management system diagnostic instrument was used to assess the context riskiness, maturity of control and assurance activities and food safety performance of 11 companies. Maturity of their food safety management systems was further explored through hierarchical cluster analysis, and the differences in maturity between clusters were statistically tested through Mann-Whitney U tests (nonparametric). The influence of companies' organizational characteristics on the maturity of control and assurance activities was assessed through nonparametric K independent tests. A variability in the maturity of food safety management systems between the eleven Vietnamese companies was measured. Cluster analysis revealed two clusters, Cluster I (six companies) and Cluster II (five companies). The companies in both these clusters operate under a moderate level context riskiness and average to advanced level of food safety performance. However, control and assurance activities are at a lower maturity in Cluster I compared to Cluster II. None of the companies' organizational characteristics (i.e. certification level) have a statistically significant influence on the maturity of control and assurance activities. However, compliance with multiple food safety standards and the presence of physical intervention system(s) have a positive influence on food safety performance.

Flexible nanoplasmonic sensor for multiplexed and rapid quantitative food safety analysis with a thousand-times sensitivity improvement.

The accumulation of trace amounts of certain small molecules in food poses considerable human health challenges, including the potential for carcinogenesis and mutagenesis. Here, an ultrasensitive gold-platinum nanoflower-coupled metasurface plasmon resonance (MetaSPR) (APNMSPR) biosensor, based on a competitive immunoassay, was developed for the multiplexed and rapid quantitative analysis of trace small molecules in eggs, offering timely monitoring of food safety. This one-step biosensor can be integrated into either a newly designed detachable high-throughput MetaSPR chip-strip plate device or a standard 96-well plate for multiplexed small-molecule detection within a single egg. The limits of detection were 0.81, 1.12, and 1.74 ppt for florfenicol, fipronil, and enrofloxacin, respectively, demonstrating up to 1000-fold increased sensitivity and a 15-fold reduction in analysis time compared with those of traditional methods. The results obtained using the APNMSPR biosensor showed a strong correlation with those obtained using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The APNMSPR biosensor holds immense promise for the multiplexed, highly sensitive, and rapid quantitative analysis of small molecules for applications in food safety control, early diagnosis, and environmental monitoring.

Database of Food Fraud Records: Summary of Data from 1980 to 2022.

Food fraud prevention and detection remains a challenging problem, despite recent developments in regulatory and auditing requirements. In 2012, the United States Pharmacopeial Convention created a database of food ingredient fraud. The objective of this research was to report on updates made to the database structure and to provide an updated analysis of food fraud records. The restructured database was relational and included four tables: ingredients, adulterants, adulteration records, and references. Four adulteration record types were created to capture the variety of information that can be found in public food fraud reports. Information was searched and extracted from the peer-reviewed scientific literature, media publications, regulatory reports, judicial records, trade association reports, and other public sources covering 1980-present. Over an almost seven-year data entry period, a total of 15,575 records were entered, sourced primarily from the peer-reviewed literature and media reports. The percentage of records that included at least one potentially hazardous adulterant ranged from 34% to 60%, depending on the record type. The ingredients with the highest number of incident and inference records included fluid cow's milk, extra virgin olive oil, honey, beef, and chili powder. The ingredient groups with the highest number of incident and inference records included Dairy Ingredients, Seafood Products, Meat and Poultry Products, Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings, Milk and Cream, and Alcoholic Beverages. This database was created to serve as a standardized source of information about publicly documented occurrences of food fraud and other information relevant to fraud risk to support food fraud vulnerability assessments, mitigation plans, and food safety plans. These data support the contention that food fraud presents a public health risk that should continue to be addressed by food safety systems worldwide.

Risk factors for food contamination among children discharged from community management of acute malnutrition programmes in South Sudan: A cross-sectional study and hazard analysis critical control point approach.

Children under-5 years of age are particularly vulnerable to severe acute malnutrition (SAM), and the risk factors associated with relapse to SAM are poorly understood. Possible causes are asymptomatic or symptomatic infection with enteric pathogens, with contaminated food as a critical transmission route. This cross-sectional study comprised a household survey with samples of child food (n = 382) and structured observations of food preparation (n = 197) among children aged 6-59 months that were discharged from treatment in community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programmes in South Sudan. We quantified Escherichia coli and total coliforms (TCs), measured in colony forming units per g of food (CFU/g), as indicators of microbial contamination of child food. A modified hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) approach was utilised to determine critical control points (CCPs) followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to understand the risk factors associated with contamination. Over 40% (n = 164) of samples were contaminated with E. coli (43% >0 E. coli CFU/g, 95% CI 38%-48%), and 90% (n = 343) had >10 TCs (CFU/g) (>10 TC CFU/g, 95% CI 87%-93%). Risk factors associated (p < 0.05) with child food contamination included if the child fed themselves (9.05 RR, 95% CI [3.18, 31.16]) and exposure to animals (2.63 RR, 95% CI [1.33, 5.34]). This study highlights the risk factors and potential control strategies that can support interventions that reduce food contamination exposure in young children and help further protect those that are highly vulnerable to recurrent exposure to enteric pathogens.

Effect of farm Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (farm HACCP) certification efforts on emissions of volatile organic compounds from livestock sheds in Japan.

"Farm HACCP" incorporates the concept of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) into farm animal husbandry and sanitation management to ensure the safety of livestock products and improve productivity. Implementing farm HACCP may reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are derived from livestock manure and are responsible for odors, PM2.5 , and photochemical oxidants. In this study, the effects of implementing farm HACCP on the emissions, composition, and environmental impact of VOCs from sheds were evaluated. VOCs in swine, dairy cattle, and hen sheds were measured before and after implementing farm HACCP. After implementing farm HACCP, the concentrations in the sheds were 55%-80% lower than the concentration in the sheds before. Odor activity values decreased in the cattle and hen sheds, whereas they increased in the swine shed. In addition, OH radical reactivity, an indicator of reactivity with OH radicals, decreased in all sheds. Finally, the emission rates of VOCs from each shed were estimated to be 42%-97% lower. These results suggest that implementing farm HACCP can reduce emissions of VOCs from livestock industries.

A Review of Food Contaminants and Their Pathways Within Food Processing Facilities Using Open Food Processing Equipment.

This study focuses on the chemical, physical, and biological hazards that pose food contamination risks during the processing of food in facilities using open food processing equipment through a review of published literature from 2015 to 2023. Ten main pathways for food contamination were developed and a list of chemical, physical, and biological food hazards, along with descriptions of process parameters and inputs that can contribute to food contamination, and prevention strategies associated with each pathway were compiled. The paper briefly discusses the relation between food contamination and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The presented overview of contamination pathways and their associated food hazards can provide insights for food safety management plans, food processing equipment design, food processing facility layout, HACCP programs, and further studies on hygienic monitoring methods.

The Importance of Hazard Analysis by Critical Control Point for Effective Pathogen Control in Animal Feed: Assessment of Salmonella Control in Feed Production in Sweden, 1982-2005.

This study is the first to show that Hazard Analysis by Critical Control Point (HACCP)-based monitoring can be an effective tool for ensuring Salmonella-safe feed, by virtually eliminating feedborne Salmonella infection even in broiler production. Data from the control of Salmonella in feed and food animal production during 1982-2005, showed that conventional endpoint testing in feed mills did not ensure a Salmonella-safe feed, and in one feed mill failed to detect Salmonella contamination, resulting in the feed infecting 80 out of 197 (40.6%) recipient broiler flocks. Following implementation in 1991 of a HACCP-based control in feed mills, the annual number of samples tested at specified critical control points during a 15-year period increased from ∼4400 to 10,000, while the proportion of Salmonella-contaminated samples decreased from 2.0% to 0.3%. Thus, introduction of HACCP was followed by a dramatic decrease, from 40 to <5, in the annual number of Salmonella-infected broiler flocks identified by preslaughter monitoring. Incidence has generally remained at that low level, despite production since 1980 increasing from 39 to 112 million chickens per year. Feed mills start using soymeal with an unsafe Salmonella status and possibly with a suboptimal HACCP control, increased their level of Salmonella-contaminated HACCP samples, and their feed subsequently infected 78 swine-producing herds. The results also show that the HACCP concept can be an effective tool to supply feed mills with Salmonella-safe feed ingredients as demonstrated for a soybean crushing plant, which produced Salmonella-safe soymeal over a 19-year period despite frequent (34%) and highly varied (92 different serovars) Salmonella contamination in samples from incoming soybean. Similar results are reported for a plant producing rapeseed meal. It is emphasized that the achievements described through use of the HACCP required interventions of relevant preventive biosecurity measures and corrective actions when the HACCP-based monitoring identified Salmonella contamination.

Recent advances in rare earth ion-doped upconversion nanomaterials: From design to their applications in food safety analysis.

The misuse of chemicals in agricultural systems and food production leads to an increase in contaminants in food, which ultimately has adverse effects on human health. This situation has prompted a demand for sophisticated detection technologies with rapid and sensitive features, as concerns over food safety and quality have grown around the globe. The rare earth ion-doped upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based sensor has emerged as an innovative and promising approach for detecting and analyzing food contaminants due to its superior photophysical properties, including low autofluorescence background, deep penetration of light, low toxicity, and minimal photodamage to the biological samples. The aim of this review was to discuss an outline of the applications of UCNPs to detect contaminants in food matrices, with particular attention on the determination of heavy metals, pesticides, pathogenic bacteria, mycotoxins, and antibiotics. The review briefly discusses the mechanism of upconversion (UC) luminescence, the synthesis, modification, functionality of UCNPs, as well as the detection principles for the design of UC biosensors. Furthermore, because current UCNP research on food safety detection is still at an early stage, this review identifies several bottlenecks that must be overcome in UCNPs and discusses the future prospects for its application in the field of food analysis.

Food safety, livestock health, and productivity of a farm fatting Japanese black cattle following implementation of a certificated Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.

This study examined the safety and productivity data analysis of a beef cattle farm with Japanese black cattle over a 4-year period following the implementation of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system in 2018. The critical control point was "the selection of shipping cows" and no deviations from critical limits were observed, indicating the beef were safe. In addition, cattle treated for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) less than 6 months after the introduction of cattle decreased, while the average Beef Marbling Standard and quality of meat (i.e., grades A5, B5, A4, and B4) in beef carcass trade standard scores increased. These results suggest that the HACCP system had a positive effect on the health and meat quality of the cattle.

Overview of game meat utilisation challenges and opportunities: A European perspective.

Re-wilding and similar initiatives have resulted in an increase in wildlife suitable for human consumption in Europe. However, game meat production and consumption present several challenges, including infectious diseases which pose risks to livestock, processers, and consumers. This review provides insights into the infectious diseases and toxic contaminants associated with game meat. The effect of killing method on the meat quality is also discussed and means of improving the meat quality of game meat is elucidated. The use of different food safety systems that could be applied to provide safe meat is reported. The importance of collaborative multi-sector approaches is emphasized, to generate and distribute knowledge and implement One Health strategies that ensure the safe, traceable, sustainable, and professional development of commercial game meat supply chains.

Implementation of a food safety management system: a practical guide for micro-companies / Implementación de un sistema de gestión de seguridad alimentaria: una guía práctica para microempresas

Food system is continuously exposed to several safety hazards throughout manufacturing processes. Consequently, the understanding of these mechanisms, the likelihood of their occurrence, and the consequences involves the implementation of an appropriate risk assessment program. Hazard Analysis and Safety Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a powerful tool for self-control system which is fundamental to adapt the requirements of each sector and size of a company but however, is currently limited it at industrial level. In fact, as a result to its flexible application, the recommendations at European level for companies with less than 10 workers focused on a food safety management system (FSMS) based on the principles of good hygiene and manufacturing practices. Therefore, in order to help companies implementing self-monitoring systems, several reference guides have been created under the supervision of health authorities. For this purpose, the aim of these study was to create an abbreviated guide as an introduction to self-control in food safety for spanish micro-enterprises. It is presented as a summary of each prerequisite focused solely on understanding the meaning and documentation necessary to implement it. To carry out the research, European legislation and the main guides at national level, particularly from autonomous communities were took into account. Starting from this information, was provided a classification of the main plans related to prerequisites for hygiene and traceability fulfilling. Moreover, indications concerning the documentation which should be prepared for each one of the prerequisites was detailed. (AU)

El sistema alimentario está continuamente expuesto a varios riesgos de seguridad a lo largo de los procesos de fabricación. En consecuencia, la comprensión de estos mecanismos, la probabilidad de su ocurrencia y las consecuencias implica la implementación de un programa adecuado de evaluación de riesgos. El Análisis de Peligros y Puntos Críticos de Control de Seguridad (APPCC) es una poderosa herramienta para el sistema de autocontrol que es fundamental para adaptar los requisitos de cada sector y tamaño de una empresa pero que, sin embargo, actualmente está limitado a nivel industrial. De hecho, como consecuencia de su aplicación flexible, las recomendaciones a nivel europeo para empresas de menos de 10 trabajadores se centraron en un sistema de gestión de la seguridad alimentaria (SGSA) basado en los principios de buenas prácticas de higiene y fabricación. Por ello, con el fin de ayudar a las empresas a implementar sistemas de autocontrol, se han elaborado varias guías de referencia bajo la supervisión de las autoridades sanitarias. Para ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue crear una guía abreviada como introducción al autocontrol en seguridad alimentaria para microempresas españolas. Se presenta como un resumen de cada requisito previo enfocado únicamente en comprender el significado y la documentación necesaria para implementarlo. Para realizar la investigación se tuvo en cuenta la legislación europea y las principales guías a nivel nacional, en particular de las comunidades autónomas. A partir de esta información, se proporcionó una clasificación de los principales planes relacionados con los requisitos previos para el cumplimiento de la higiene y la trazabilidad. Además, se detallaron indicaciones sobre la documentación que se debe preparar para cada uno de los requisitos previos. (AU)

Setup of a Contamination Control Strategy Using the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Methodology.

A Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) is a document that focuses on how to prevent contaminations with microorganisms, particles, and pyrogens within sterile and/or aseptic and preferably also in nonsterile manufacturing facilities. This document determines to what extent measures and controls in place are efficient in preventing contamination. In order to efficiently evaluate and control all potential hazards associated with sources of contamination within a CCS, the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodology could be a useful tool to monitor all Critical Control Points (CCPs) related to various sources of contamination. This article describes a way to set up the CCS within a pharmaceutical sterile and aseptic manufacturing facility (GE HealthCare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics) by applying the HACCP methodology. In 2021, a global CCS procedure and a general HACCP template became effective for the GE HealthCare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics sites having sterile and/or aseptic manufacturing processes. This procedure guides the sites through the setup of the CCS by applying the HACCP methodology and helps each site to evaluate whether the CCS is still effective taking all (proactive and retrospective) data following the CCS into account. A summary of setting up a CCS using the HACCP methodology, specifically for the pharmaceutical company GE HealthCare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics Eindhoven site, is provided in this article. Use of the HACCP methodology enables a company to include proactive data within the CCS, making use of all identified sources of contamination, associated hazards, and/or control measures and CCPs. The constructed CCS allows the manufacturer to identify whether all included sources of contamination are under control and, if not, which mitigatory actions need to be performed. All current states are reflected by a traffic light color to reflect the level of residual risk, thereby providing a simple and clear visual representation of the current contamination control and microbial state of the manufacturing site.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in animal feed in Colombia

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in animal feed samples collected between 2018 and 2021 in Colombia. Methods. This was a laboratory-based cross-sectional study using routine data from the program for inspec- tion, surveillance, and control of animal feed at the Colombian Agriculture Institute. Samples of animal feed for swine, poultry, canine, feline, leporine, piscine, and equine species were processed for detection of E. coli and Salmonella spp. using enrichment and selective culture methods. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using an automated microdilution method. Results. Of 1 748 animal feed samples analyzed, 83 (4.7%) were positive for E. coli and 66 (3.8%) for Salmonella spp. The presence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. was highest in feed for poultry (6.4% and 5.5%) and swine (6.1% and 4.3%). Antimicrobial resistance testing was performed in 27 (33%) E. coli isolates and 26 (39%) Salmonella isolates. Among E. coli, resistance was most frequently observed to ampicillin (44.5%) followed by cefazolin (33.3%), ciprofloxacin (29.6%), ampicillin/sulbactam (26%), and ceftriaxone (11.1%). The highest resistance levels in Salmonella spp. isolates were against cefazolin (7.7%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (7.7%). Conclusions. This is the first study from Colombia reporting on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli and Salmonella spp. in animal feed samples. Its results establish a baseline over a wide geographical distribution in Colombia. It highlights the need to integrate antimicrobial resistance surveillance in animal feed due to the emergence of resistant bacteria in this important stage of the supply chain.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia y resistencia a los antimicrobianos de Escherichia coli y Salmonella spp. en muestras de piensos para animales tomadas entre el 2018 y el 2021 en Colombia. Métodos. Se trata de un estudio transversal realizado en el laboratorio a partir de los datos regulares del programa de inspección, vigilancia y control de alimentos para animales del Instituto Colombiano Agropec- uario. Se procesaron muestras de alimentos utilizados en la cría de cerdos, aves de corral, cánidos, félidos, lepóridos, peces y equinos con el fin de detectar E. coli y Salmonella spp. por medio de métodos de enriquec- imiento y cultivo selectivo. Se analizó la sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos de las cepas aisladas mediante microdilución automatizada. Resultados. De 1748 muestras de alimentos analizadas, 83 (4,7%) resultaron positivas para E. coli y 66 (3,8%) para Salmonella spp. La presencia de E. coli y Salmonella spp. fue mayor en los alimentos para aves de corral (6,4% y 5,5%) y cerdos (6,1% y 4,3%). Se realizaron pruebas de resistencia a los antimicrobianos en 27 (33%) cepas de E. coli y 26 (39%) de Salmonella. En las cepas de E. coli, se observó una mayor resis- tencia a la ampicilina (44,5%), seguida de la resistencia a la cefazolina (33,3%), la ciprofloxacina (29,6%), la ampicilina/sulbactam (26%) y la ceftriaxona (11,1%). En el caso de las cepas de Salmonella spp., los niveles de resistencia más elevados fueron para la cefazolina (7,7%) y piperacilina/tazobactam (7,7%). Conclusiones. Este es el primer estudio realizado en Colombia en el que se informa sobre la prevalencia y la resistencia a los antimicrobianos de E. coli y Salmonella spp. en muestras de alimentos para animales. Sus resultados establecen una línea de base para una zona geográfica mucho mayor dentro de Colombia. Se subraya la necesidad de integrar la vigilancia de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en los alimentos para animales debido a la aparición de bacterias resistentes en esta importante etapa de la cadena de suministro.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Determinar a prevalência e a resistência a antimicrobianos de Escherichia coli e Salmonela spp. em amostras de ração animal coletadas entre 2018 e 2021 na Colômbia. Métodos. Estudo transversal de base laboratorial, usando dados de rotina do programa de inspeção, vig- ilância e controle de ração animal do Instituto Colombiano de Agricultura. Amostras de ração animal para as espécies suína, avícola, canina, felina, leporina, piscina e equina foram processadas para detecção de E. coli e Salmonella spp., usando métodos de enriquecimento e cultura seletiva. Os isolados foram testados quanto à suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos usando um método automatizado de microdiluição. Resultados. Das 1.748 amostras de ração animal analisadas, 83 (4,7%) foram positivas para E. coli e 66 (3,8%) para Salmonella spp. A presença de E. coli e Salmonella spp. foi maior em rações para aves (6,4% e 5,5%) e suínos (6,1% e 4,3%). O teste de resistência a antimicrobianos foi realizado em 27 (33%) isolados de E. coli e 26 (39%) isolados de Salmonella. Em E. coli, a resistência observada com maior frequência foi à ampicilina (44,5%), seguida da cefazolina (33,3%), ciprofloxacino (29,6%), ampicilina/sulbactam (26%) e ceftriaxona (11,1%). Os maiores níveis de resistência em isolados de Salmonella spp. foram contra cefazolina (7,7%) e piperacilina/tazobactam (7,7%). Conclusões. Este é o primeiro estudo da Colômbia a notificar a prevalência e resistência a antimicrobianos de E. coli e Salmonella spp. em amostras de ração animal. Os resultados estabelecem uma linha de base com ampla distribuição geográfica na Colômbia. Destaca-se a necessidade de integrar a vigilância da resistência a antimicrobianos na ração animal, devido ao surgimento de bactérias resistentes nesta importante etapa da cadeia de abastecimento.

Plain set and stirred yogurt with different additives: implementation of food safety system as quality checkpoints.

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a risk management protocol developed to ensure food safety through a precautionary approach that is believed to offer assurances in producing safe food for customers. Yogurt is made in a number of phases, commencing with the collection of raw milk and ending with consumer consumption. While this is happening, major economic and health issues might arise from exposing the manufacturing line to biological, chemical, and/or physical contaminations. As a result, the decision tree approach was used to determine the CCPs during the production of yogurt. Additionally, biological dangers are incorporated as a by-product of the system's implementation performance. In particular, the plain set and nut puree-honey-fortified stirred yogurt manufacturing techniques are highlighted for the first time in this study. The potential manufacturing risks are described for the first time, together with information on how HACCP plans may guard against major risks that could result in the production of yogurt that is not in compliance with established standards.

HACCP plan for microbiological hazards associated with fermented crab, Episesarma mederi H. Milne Edwards 1853.

AIMS: To develop a model HACCP plan related to the microbiological hazards for the traditional fermented crab. METHODS AND RESULTS: The microbiological and chemical characteristics of commercial products were surveyed. Microbiological hazard analysis was performed for raw materials and during processing. Critical control points (CCPs) were determined using a decision tree, with CCP1 as saturated salt preparation and CCP2 as fermentation. The critical limit (CL) of CCP1 was at 100°C for 20 min applied to brining and of CCP2 was at 25% NaCl for the brine applied to fermented crab. Isolated microbial hazards and type strains were used for the validation of the CLs. Monitoring and verification of the proposed HACCP plan were carried out, and an effective HACCP plan was established. CONCLUSIONS: The HACCP plan promoted the safe consumption of fermented crab with the provided CCPs at the saturated salt preparation and fermentation steps. The effective CLs to ensure microbiological hazards as safe at the CCPs provide the best support for an effective plan. The hazards were reduced significantly after the HACCP plan had been applied.

Covalent Organic Frameworks-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Food Safety Analysis.

Food safety is a key issue in promoting human health and sustaining life. Food analysis is essential to prevent food components or contaminants causing foodborne-related illnesses to consumers. Electrochemical sensors have become a desirable method for food safety analysis due to their simple, accurate and rapid response. The low sensitivity and poor selectivity of electrochemical sensors working in complex food sample matrices can be overcome by coupling them with covalent organic frameworks (COFs). COFs are a kind of novel porous organic polymer formed by light elements, such as C, H, N and B, via covalent bonds. This review focuses on the recent progress in COF-based electrochemical sensors for food safety analysis. Firstly, the synthesis methods of COFs are summarized. Then, a discussion of the strategies is given to improve the electrochemistry performance of COFs. There follows a summary of the recently developed COF-based electrochemical sensors for the determination of food contaminants, including bisphenols, antibiotics, pesticides, heavy metal ions, fungal toxin and bacterium. Finally, the challenges and the future directions in this field are discussed.

Comprehensive evaluation of abattoirs with no Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan in Tucumán, Argentina.

This work focused on the comprehensive study of two provincial transit abattoirs in Tucumán, Argentina, with no Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. Visits (n=20) were conducted between 2016 and 2018 during the operational and post-operational processes. Risk was estimated and the bacteriological analysis of carcass and environmental samples was performed. Risk estimation showed the predominance of high risk in both abattoirs. The main deviations from the HACCP plan were: deficient building conditions, deficient workflow, lack of sectorization of changing rooms and bathrooms, lack of implementation of Standardized Sanitary Operational Procedures, and no food safety training of workers. The counts of indicator microorganisms from both abattoirs were not significant. Salmonella spp. was isolated from 7.5% carcass and 7.3% environmental samples. The Salmonella serovars identified were Cerro, Corvallis, Havana and Agona. Shiga toxin (stx) genes were detected in 24.4% carcass and 30.9% environmental samples. The isolates were characterized as Escherichia coli O8:H7/stx1, O116:H49/stx2 and O136:H40/stx2. Based on these results, it would be possible to implement an improvement plan in Tucumán abattoirs together with the local health authorities. Still, the need to work jointly with the sanitary authority in search of a unique sanitary standard for Argentina remains unaddressed.

Comparison between the American and the European Systems of Monitoring Adverse Effects of Dietary Supplements and Their Usefulness on the Polish Market.

Many Polish patients do not inform physicians about supplements they use in addition to prescribed medicines. This may be because they consider dietary supplements as being rather natural products that cannot cause health problems. Although dietary supplements may produce side effects, Poland's food safety system and medical statistics do not recognise the necessity of reporting such cases. However, a different approach is observed in France and the United States where adverse effects of food supplements as well as drugs are reported. The aim of this study was to determine the need for creating in Poland a general model of a register monitoring dietary supplements and their adverse effects. In order to achieve this goal, a detailed comparison between the American and European monitoring systems was made. It showed the relationship between negative symptoms caused by specific components in supplements and t profiles of patients who reported side effects. Additionally, it was found that there is a real risk associated with side effects caused by dietary supplements. Therefore, it necessary to establish in Poland a special system for recording such cases as it should be beneficial to patients, including polypragmatic patients.