Current IssueObjective To develop for the determination of 16 kinds of rare earth elements in plant agricultural products by micro-open graphite digestion coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Methods Using the micro-open graphite digestion as the pretreatment method, the effects of acid digestion system, digestion time and matrix elements (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+) on rare earth elements were investigated. Results The results showed that adding HF to the HNO3+HClO4 mixed acid system facilitated complete digestion of samples and significantly improved the recovery of rare earth elements. When the concentration ratio of matrix elements to rare earth elements reached 4 orders of magnitude, there was no significant interference in the determination of rare earth elements. Under optimal conditions, the standard curves exhibited good linear relationships (r≥0.999) in the range of 0-50 μg/L, with the limits of detection was 0.001-0.006 mg/kg. The method was validated using national standard reference materials, and the determination results of each rare earth element were generally consistent with the reference values. The recoveries of spiked samples were 83.2%-110.3% and the relative standard deviations were 1.0%-10.4%. Conclusion The method features simple operation, strong anti-interference capability, and high accuracy, making it suitable for rapid determination of rare earth elements in batch plant agricultural products.
Objective To develop a method for the simultaneous determination of 18 kinds of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in pork by isotope dilution-gas chromatography-high resolution magnetic mass spectrometry. Methods The optimal conditions of the accelerated solvent extractor and fully automated clean-up apparatus were determined by optimizing the extraction rate of the target substances using an accelerated solvent extractor and a fully automated clean-up instrument combined with isotope dilution method coupled with gas chromatography-high resolution magnetic mass spectrometry. A 4-factor, 3-level orthogonal test was designed using the extraction temperature, static extraction time and the number of cycles as the main factors to investigate the effect of the accelerated solvent extractor on the extraction rate of the fat content of the samples. The effects of the accelerated solvent extractor on the extraction rate of fat content of the samples were investigated. Results The linear relationships of the indicator PCBs (PCB28, PCBB52, PCB101, PCB118, PCB138, PCB153, PCB180) was good in the range of 0.5 to 200.0 pg/µL, and the linear range of the DL-PCBs (PCB77, PCB81, PCB105, PCB114, PCB123, PCB126, PCB156, PCB157, PCB167, PCB169, PCB189) had a good linear relationship in the range of 0.10 to 40.0 pg/µL, the correlation coefficients were all above 0.999. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.001-0.004 pg/g, and the limits of quantitation were in the range of 0.004-0.012 pg/g; the accuracy and precision of the fishmeal matrix standard reference material were tested by this study, and the PCBs levels were within the range with the relative standard deviations of 1.0%-7.5%. For the determination of actual samples of pork, and the contamination levels of PCBs in 18 kinds of were 1978.9-2530.8 pg/g fat. Conclusion This study is efficient, accurate, sensitive and suitable for the determination of 18 kinds of PCBs in pork.
Objective To construct a predictive model for bacterial growth in braised chicken legs under variable temperature conditions during actual circulation. Methods Based on the one-step method of the Huang model, the growth process of foodborne Escherichia coli (E. coli) in braised chicken legs was studied. Kinetic parameters for E. coli growth and survival were determined through multiple sets of isothermal experiments, ultimately yielding a second-order model describing the relationship between instantaneous colony count, temperature, time and initial colony count. The model was validated using simulation experiments. Results A significance analysis of differences was conducted between the measured growth colony counts of E. coli strains cultured under fluctuating temperatures and the predicted colony counts obtained by the model. The test showed that P=0.926>0.05, indicated that there was no significant difference between the predicted values and the measured values. Conclusion The second-order model constructed in this study can effectively simulate E. coli growth under fluctuating temperatures and is sufficiently reliable. The model, integrated with the R programming language, allows for rapid prediction of E. coli growth under fluctuating temperature conditions, providing a rapid and effective tool for risk assessment of braised meat products in actual circulation.
Objective To establish a method for the simultaneous determination of fasciolicides and its metabolite (nitroxinil, rafoxanide, closantel, triclabendazole and ketotriclabendazole) in raw milk by QuEChERS coupled with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Methods The raw milk samples was extracted with 3% triethylamine acetonitrile-ethyl acetate acetate solution (7:3, V:V), purified by C18 adsorbent powder, and determined by UPLC-MS/MS with external standard method. The chromatographic separation was performed on an ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 (2.1 mm×100 mm 1.8 μm) column with a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid-acetonitrile solution, and detected under multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode in the positive and negative electrospray ion modes. Results The results showed that a good linear relationship was obtained in the mass concentration range of 1 to 100 μg/L for fasciolicides and its metabolite, and the correlation coefficients (r) were all greater than 0.9988, the limits of detection were 2.5 μg/kg, and the limits of quantitation were 5 μg/kg. The average recoveries of 5 kinds of compounds at the concentration levels of 10, 20 and 100 μg/kg were between 86.0% and 108.2%, and the relative standard deviation ranged from 0.81% to 5.60%. Conclusion The method is simple, rapid accurate and reliable, and is suitable for the rapid determination of the residues of fasciolicides and its metabolite in raw milk.
Objective To establish a method for determination of patulin in rice bran by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Methods The patulin from rice bran samples were extracted with ethyl acetate, purified by a solid phase extraction cartridge, eluted with the mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid solution and acetonitrile, separated on the Luna®Omega Polar C18 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 3 μm), then analyzed in positive and negative ion mode of electrospray ionization source under multiple reaction monitoring mode, quantified by matrix matching curve external standard. Results In the range of 25.0-250.0 μg/L, the peak area of patulin was linearly correlated with the content, and the correlation coefficient (r2) was 0.9993. The limit of detection was 3.0 μg/kg, limit of quantitation was 10.0 μg/kg. Meanwhile, the average recoveries of patulin in rice bran were 86.7%-96.5% with the maximum relative standard deviations of 6.2% at the spiked concentration of 25.0, 50.0, 250.0 μg/kg. Conclusion This study establishes an efficient detection method for patulin in rice bran. This method has high precision and accuracy, and is simple to operate and has high analytical efficiency at the same time. The research results provide technical support for formulating the determination standard of patulin in rice bran and related quality control specifications.
Objective To investigate the current situation of cadmium contamination in food and explore the dietary exposure risk of cadmium in the daily diet of residents in the southeast coastal areas. Methods Random sampling was conducted in major large-scale agricultural markets, commercial supermarkets, restaurants and other places throughout the city, with common commercially available foods as the research object. A total of 1285 food samples were collected from 7 categories, including grains and their products, vegetables, aquatic animals and their products, meat products, nuts and seeds, fresh edible fungi and seasonings. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method (ICP-MS) was applied for quantitative detection of cadmium content. The single factor pollution index (Pi) and target hazard factor (THQ) were used to evaluate the quality and consumption safety of each category of samples. Results After statistical analysis, there were significant differences in cadmium content among different categories of food. In the tested samples, the total detection rate of cadmium was 54.24%, and the detection result was undetected-2.86 mg/kg. Among them, crustaceans (sea crabs, shrimp) had the highest average detection value (1.2264 mg/kg). Conclusion The dietary exposure risk assessment results of tested sample indicate THQ<1. Therefore, the cadmium contamination in this region shows a low health risk to residents.
Objective To detect and analyze the residue conditions of 57 kinds of pesticide in commercially available fruits in Handan Area from 2020 to 2024 and assess the health risks of pesticide residues for local residents. Methods Followed QuEChERS extraction, samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Chronic dietary exposure was assessed via a Monte Carlo simulation-based risk model, whereas acute risk was determined by the acute reference dose. Results The p detection rate of pesticide types in 80 fruit samples was 28.1% with an overall item detection rate of 1.12% and overall sample detection rate of 33.8% in 80 fruit samples. Dimethoate residues exceeded national standards in 6 cherry and 3 jujube samples. Two or more pesticides were detected in 16.2% of the samples. No highly or extremely toxic pesticides were detected. The chronic dietary intake risk of dimethoate was 1.81, exceeded the safe range, while the chronic dietary intake risk of other pesticides were within acceptable limits. The hazard index value was 1.87, exceeded the safe range. Acute dietary risks for all detected pesticides were within safe ranges. Dimethoate and endosulfan were identified as higher-risk pesticides in both acute and chronic assessments. Conclusion The dietary intake risk of pesticide residues in Handan City (2020—2024) is generally within safe limits. However, there are cases of dimethoate exceeding the standard and multiple pesticides detected in the same sample. Dimethoate posed chronic dietary intake risk and the relevant authorities need to maintain ongoing attention.
Objective To establish a method for the determination of 17α-estradiol and 17β-estradiol in aquatic products by QuEChERS combined with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Methods The sample was extracted with water-acetonitrile (2:8, V:V), purified with N-propylethylenediamine, C18 and neutral alumina, blown to dryness with nitrogen, and then reconstituted with water-acetonitrile (8:2, V:V). The sample solution was analyzed using water and acetonitrile (both containing 5 mmol/L ammonia) as mobile phase, separated by C18 chromatographic column, scanned and detected in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, and quantified by external standard method. Results The results showed that 17α-estradiol and 17β-estradiol showed a good linear relationship in the concentration ranges of 5 to 200 μg/L, and the correlation coefficients were 0.9998 and 0.9985, respectively. The average recoveries at three spiked concentration levels varied from 66.5% to 101.1% with relative standard deviations of 0.62% to 10.17%. The limit of detection was 0.85-0.90 μg/kg, and the limit of quantitation was 2.1-2.4 μg/kg. Conclusion This method is simple, fast, sensitive and accurate, suitable for qualitative and quantitative analysis of 17α-estradiol and 17β-estradiol in aquatic products such as fish, shrimp, crabs and shellfish.
Objective To establish an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of 8 kinds of organophosphate ester flame retardants of major meat and cereal food products by QuEChERS purification technology coupled with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Methods Separation was achieved on a Agilent EC-C18 column (3 mm×150 mm, 2.7 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile under gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Detection was performed in positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Results The 8 kinds of organophosphate ester flame retardants exhibited good separation and showed excellent linearity in the range of 1.0-50.0 ng/mL, with correlation coefficients all greater than 0.99. The limits of detection and limits of quantitation were 1.0 μg/kg and 2.0 μg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of this method were 70.0%-119.6%, and the relative standard deviations were 0.2%-12.7%. Conclusion The established method is simple, rapid and highly efficient in extraction, and has been successfully applied to the analysis of organophosphate ester flame retardants in food samples (including cereals and meat products).
Objective To analyze the content characteristics of 5 kinds of heavy metals including lead (Pb), cadmium (Ca), total arsenic (As), total chromium (Cr), and total mercury (Hg) in Arachis hypogaea L. sold in Anhui Province, and to establish risk assessment of dietary exposure based on consumption data. Methods A total of 80 Arachis hypogaea L. samples were collected from 16 cities in Anhui Province. The content of Pb, Ca, As, Cr and Hg in Arachis hypogaea L. samples were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index were applied to evaluate the heavy metal pollution status in Arachis hypogaea L.. Combined with the consumption survey data on Arachis hypogaea L. consumption of residents in Anhui Province from 2015 to 2017, to analyze the exposure of various population groups in Anhui Province to heavy metals via Arachis hypogaea L. consumption, and the health effects were evaluated. Results Among the 80 Arachis hypogaea L. samples, the detection rates of Pb, Cd, As, Cr and Hg were 92.5%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 93.8% and 7.5%, respectively. Except for Cr, which had an over-limit rate of 5.0%, all other elements remained within the acceptable limits. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The single-factor pollution index of samples collected from Huainan City and Chuzhou City was greater than 0.7. Males aged 18-50 years had the highest Cr EDI [0.0622 μg/(kg·d), P97.5=0.413 μg/(kg· d)]. The margin of exposure (MOE)/margin of safety (MOS) values of the 5 kinds of heavy metal elements in Arachis hypogaea L. were all greater than 1. The MOS value of the Cr element from 18-50 aged was lowed than 10, while the MOS values of Cd in were the lowest. Conclusion The detection rates of 5 kinds of heavy metals in Arachis hypogaea L. in Anhui Province are high, but the over-limit rates are low. Cr levels exceeds standards in certain localized areas, while Cd pollution indices varied across different sampling stages. The health risks from heavy metal exposure through Arachis hypogaea L. consumption are determined to be at acceptably low levels for local residents.
Objective To investigate the contamination of fusarium and alternaria toxins in wheat and wheat flour in Shaanxi Province. Methods A total of 140 samples of wheat and wheat flour were randomly collected in circulation of 9 cities from 2022 to 2024. Deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-AcDON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-AcDON), nivalenol (NIV), zearalenone (ZEN), tenuazonic acid (TeA), alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) and tentoxin (TEN) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results The fusarium and alternaria toxins were detected in wheat and wheat flour. The detection rates of DON, 3-AcDON, 15-AcDON, NIV, ZEN, TeA, TEN, AME in wheat were 83.3% (50/60), 5.00% (3/60), 10.0% (6/60), 11.6% (7/60), 8.33% (5/60), 100% (60/60), 100% (60/60) and 98.3% (59/60), respectively. The detection rates of DON, TeA, TEN, AME in wheat flour were 87.5% (70/80), 96.2% (77/80), 88.7% (71/80) and 63.7% (51/80), respectively. A strong positive correlation between DON and 15-AcDON content was demonstrated in the positive samples, so was between TeA and TEN content. The DON dietary exposure was 959.8 ng/(kg·bw·d), which was less than the corresponding tolerable daily intake value. The TeA, TEN, AME dietary exposures were 159.2, 18.1 and 2.30 ng/(kg·bw·d), which were below the corresponding threshold of toxicological concern values in wheat flour. Conclusion Wheat and wheat flour in Shaanxi Province are generally contaminated with fusarium and alternaria toxins from 2022 to 2024, with the highest detection rates of TeA and TEN, following by DON. The fusarium and alternaria toxins exposure risk of wheat flour are within an acceptable risk range.
Foodborne pathogenic bacteria are one of the main causes of foodborne illness, and pose a serious threat to global public health. At present, the detection of pathogenic bacteria in food primarily relies on conventional plate culture method and auxiliary means, such as chromogenic medium and biochemical identification. However, these methods are long-term, cumbersome and prone to false positives, making them inadequate to meet the demands of modern food safety for rapid and accurate detection. Therefore, the development of rapid and effective detection technologies is crucial for the timely detection, control and elimination of bacterial contamination. This paper took several common foodborne pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, as examples to provide a detailed analysis of the principles, applications, advantages and limitations of various detection methods, and discussed the development trend of detection technology in the future. This study provides both theoretical support and practical guidance for enhancing existing detection methods and the developing new rapid detection technologies, with the goal of more effectively tackling challenges related to food safety.
The contamination problem of Bacillus cereus seriously affects the food safety of China, the development of prevention and control technology against Bacillus cereus is urgent. Lactic acid bacteria, as a safe and efficient biological control method, have a good prospect in controlling Bacillus cereus precisely. Previous studies have found that Lactiplantibacillus, Lactobacillus and Lacticaseibacillus are the main genus of antagonistic bacteria. The antibacterial components against Bacillus cereus are mainly bacteriocins, organic acids and extracellular polysaccharides. The antagonistic mechanism mainly included destroying the integrity of cell membrane, inhibiting spore germination, biofilm formation and toxin expression, but the mechanism of internal gene expression regulation is still lack of in-depth exploration. This paper reviewed the progress in controlling of Bacillus cereus by lactic acid bacteria, summarized the lactic acid bacteria species, antibacterial compounds and their antagonistic mechanisms against Bacillus cereus, as well as the applications in food, also prospected the investigation of new types of microbial antibacterial components, the mechanism of action and the future applications, to provide new insights for the development of green prevention and control technologies of foodborne pathogens.
Objective To study the decontamination effects of different photosensitizers combined with blue light irradiation on Porphyra yezoensis. Methods This study first compared the bactericidal effects of 4 kinds of photosensitizers (curcumin, vitamin K3, riboflavin, and sodium copper chlorophyllin) and 3 kinds of wavelengths (405, 420 and 460 nm) on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Two kinds of blue light wavelengths (405 nm and 420 nm) and photosensitizers (curcumin and riboflavin) were then applied to fresh Pyropia yezoensi before drying. The influences of curcumin concentration, irradiation time, and distance were examined. The changes in hygienic indicator bacteria, color difference (ΔE), and nutritional content were measured before and after treatment and drying. Results The decontamination effect on fresh Pyropia yezoensi were consistent with those in the pure bacterial system. Blue light combined with photosensitizers exhibited stronger sterilization efficiency. The optimal treatment was 420 nm blue light combined with 100 μmol/L curcumin (5 cm distance, 150 min). The total viable count and coliforms in untreated fresh Pyropia yezoensi were 5.69 log CFU/g and 4.34 log CFU/g, respectively, which increased to 6.63 log CFU/g and 4.15 log CFU/g after primary drying. Total viable count and coliforms respectively decreased by 1.88 log CFU/g and 1.46 log CFU/g after treatment, and decreased by 1.94 log CFU/g and 1.35 log CFU/g after drying. ΔE of dried Pyropia yezoensi after treatment ranged between 0.5 and 1.5, indicating a slight but noticeable change, while no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in nutritional components such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Conclusion After treatment with 420 nm blue light and 100 μmol/L curcumin, the total viable count of dried Pyropia yezoensi was reduced to 4.56-4.82 log CFU/g. Apart from slight color difference due to staining, there was no significant change in nutritional components. This study provides technical support for developing a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly preservation and processing method for Pyropia yezoensi.
Objective To develop a rapid and visual method for detecting Shigella by combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated protein 12b (CRISPR/Cas12b). Methods Based on the conserved invasion plasmid antigen H gene ipaH7 sequence of Shigella, LAMP primers were designed and screened to establish a LAMP method for detection of Shigella. The candidate sgRNAs were designed based on the target DNA sequence of LAMP amplified fragment, and then the sgRNA, which could specifically recognize and stimulate Cas12b cleavage, was screened. Finally, a rapid detection method for detecting Shigella was developed by combining LAMP with CRISPR/Cas12b, and the specificity and sensitivity were evaluated. Results A set of LAMP primers and sgRNA targeting Shigella ipaH7 were screened, and a LAMP CRISPR/Cas12b detection method was established. The detection could be completed within 1 hour with the lowest limit of detection of 1.1×101 CFU/mL for pure culture and 1.1×101 CFU/g for spiked pork samples, and no cross reactivity with other pathogens. Conclusion This study successfully establishes a rapid, sensitive and visual detection method for Shigella, which can achieve accurate detecting Shigella in food samples.
Objective To explore the bacterial community composition and abundance, as well as inter-sample variations in species composition and community structure in commercially available peanut butter and sesame paste sold in Yunnan Province using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Methods A total of 160 samples encompassing best-selling peanut butter, sesame paste, and mixed spreads from Yunnan Province were subjected to 16S rRNA V4 region amplicon sequencing. Subsequent analyses included species composition profiling, abundance clustering, phylogenetic relationships, and diversity assessments. Results Characteristic sequence analysis revealed that sesame paste contained the highest number of characteristic sequences, followed by peanut butter, while mixed paste had the least. Bacterial community composition analysis indicated that these unique sequences predominantly belonged to the phyla Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Firmicutes. At the genus level, the top 35 identified genera included Listeria, Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Bacillus, Vibrio, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and Aeromonas. α diversity analysis demonstrated significant differences in species diversity between peanut butter and sesame paste (P<0.05). Conclusion Distinct bacterial compositions are observed among peanut butter, sesame paste, and mixed spreads, with sesame paste exhibiting the highest species abundance. Among the top 35 identified genera, 12 are known to include pathogenic species, posing potential food safety risks. It is imperative for manufacturers and regulatory authorities to address these concerns to ensure consumer safety. This study provides a reference for food safety regulatory authorities and offered important data support for the establishment of microbiological safety standards for nut butter products.
Objective To analyze the molecular epidemiological characteristics, virulence gene profiles, and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP) isolated from foodborne diseases patients in Dalian City, Liaoning Province. Methods A total of 63 VP clinical isolates were collected from Dalian City in 2023. The whole genome sequencing, multilocus sequence typing, virulence genes and drug resistance genes were analyzed, and the clinical epidemiological data were combined for comprehensive analysis. Results July-September was the main epidemic period of VP. The results of sequence type (ST) showed that ST3 was the main epidemic group. The 63 strains carried both tlh and vcrD, and the carrying rate of tdh and vcrD2 virulence genes was 95.24%. All strains carried blaCARB-47, CARB-20, tet (35), tet (34) and CRP resistance genes, and one ST3 strain also carried aminoglycosides, sulfonamides and other resistance genes. There was a certain correlation between virulence gene carrying type and ST type, but there was no obvious clustering feature in the distribution of drug resistance genes. All isolates from patients with systemic symptoms carried tdh and vcrD2. Conclusion ST3 is the main epidemic group of VP in Dalian, Liaoning Province, which is widely distributed and has a high proportion of virulence genes. Speical attention should be paid to the risk of drug resistance transmission of ST3. This study provides a molecular epidemiological basis for the prevention and control of VP.
The frequent occurrence of adulteration in meat products not only affects people's quality of life but also restricts the healthy development of the industry. The technology of identifying adulteration in meat products has become a research hotspot. Fast, accurate, reliable, and simple meat ingredient detection technology is an effective means of identifying adulteration in meat products This article reviewed the principles, advantages, disadvantages and application research of various meat source component detection technologies that had been extensively studied, including spectroscopic technology, chromatographic and mass spectrometry analysis technology, immunoassay technology and isothermal amplification analysis technology. It also looked forward to the future research directions of these technologies, in order to provide theoretical basis and reference ideas for the research of meat product adulteration identification technology.
As a worldwide medicinal and edible homologous plant, Allium sativum L. has the functions of antitumor, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and anti-pathogenic microorganisms. Studies have shown that many active ingredients in Allium sativum L. exert antitumor effects mainly by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, regulating signaling pathways to inhibit migration and invasion, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, and arresting cell cycle. At the same time, the Allium sativum L. active ingredient also enhances the antitumor effect of other drugs through its combination with other drugs. This article reviewed the research on the antitumor effect and mechanism of Allium sativum L. active ingredients in the past 30 years, as well as the effects of Allium sativum L. active ingredients in combination with other drugs, this provides an important theoretical basis and application reference for the study of the antitumor action mechanism of active ingredients in Allium sativum L. and the development of innovative drugs.
Aroma is the core characteristic of the flavor quality of Prunus persica, composed of various volatile organic compounds, and its formation is comprehensively influenced by genetic background, cultivation management and post-harvest treatment. In recent years, studies have revealed the key roles of fatty acids, amino acids, terpenoids and esters as the main precursor substances in aroma synthesis, as well as the regulatory mechanism of ethylene on aroma formation. This article clarified the genetic basis of aroma synthesis, reviewed the research progress of aroma components and their biosynthetic pathways in Prunus persica, aiming to provide a the oretical basis for the quality evaluation and quality improvement of Prunus persica. However, at present, the complexity of the aroma synthesis pathway and the influence mechanism of environmental factors on it have not been fully clarified. Future research needs to further analyze the molecular mechanism of aroma synthesis and optimize cultivation and post-harvest processing techniques to enhance the aroma quality of Prunus persica.
Nuts, being nutritionally rich, are widely favored by the public as healthy snacks. Nevertheless, the issue of mycotoxin contamination presents a potential hazard to their safety for consumption. During the processes of nut cultivation, harvesting and storage, nuts can become contaminated by fungi and produce toxins. These fungal toxins have the ability to accumulate in the human body. Prolonged consumption of contaminated nuts can cause harm to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, thereby elevating the risk of cancer and neurological disorders. This article conducts a systematic analysis of the types and ecological distribution characteristics of mycotoxigenic fungi within the nut supply-chain. Moreover, it placed emphasis on reviewing the latest advancements in the current mycotoxin detection technology systems. These included well-established methods like mass spectrometry, chromatography, chemiluminescence and fluorescence, as well as modern toxin detection technologies and their recent breakthroughs. On this basis, the article also explored the future development trajectory of toxin detection technology. The ultimate goal is to offer a reliable guarantee for the stable development of the nut industry.
Many foodborne Chinese herbs exhibit significant efficacy in sedation and hypnotic effects, with the advantages of safety, mildness, and convenience. These properties have garnered widespread attention from individuals suffering from insomnia, scientific researchers, and relevant practitioners. Such herbs are predominantly utilized in health foods and ordinary foods. In the realm of health foods aimed at aiding sleep, dosage forms are diverse, and ingredients such as Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Ganoderma lucidum, and Schisandra chinensis are frequently employed. Within the domain of ordinary foods, a variety of products including medicinal diets, beverages, and snacks are involved, showcasing diverse product forms and production processes. Regarding research advancements, the effective dosages of different food-derived Chinese herbs medicines for improving sleep vary, and their sleep-aid components encompass terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids and other constituents. The mechanisms of action span neurotransmitter regulation, signaling pathway modulation, gut microbiota improvement, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Nevertheless, there remain deficiencies in the research and product development of foodborne Chinese herbal medicines for sleep aid. This paper systematically summarized the applications and usage rules of foodborne Chinese herbal medicines in sleep aid foods, reviewed modern research on foodborne Chinese herbal medicines and sleep aids, and elucidated the efficacious components and mechanisms of foodborne Chinese herbal medicines for sleep enhancement, thereby providing valuable references for the research and development of sleep aid products based on foodborne Chinese herbal medicines.
Objective Taking silicon dioxide fired from barley shells as the research object, to explore the potential application of its aqueous solution in efficient extraction of active functional components (flavonoids and polyphenols compounds) from plant materials represented by purple corn tea. Methods The silica aqueous solution was subjected to an acute oral toxicity test, and the mice were observed for 14 consecutive days, and the reactions, deaths and weight of the mice were recorded. Through the acute oral toxicity test, it was found that the acute oral toxicity median lethal dose (LD50) of the test substance to female and male ICR mice was greater than 5000 mg/kg BW, which was actually non-toxic. Subsequently, this study took purple corn tea as an example, and based on the single factor experiment, adopted the response surface methodology and combined it with ultrasound-assisted extraction technology to systematically evaluate the effects of key factors such as solvent type, liquid-to-solid ratio, extraction temperature and time on the extraction efficiency of flavonoids and polyphenols. Results A barley husk-derived silica aqueous solution with a mass concentration of 7000 mg/L was used as the extraction solvent. The optimal extraction conditions for flavonoids were a solid-to-liquid ratio of 0.04 (g/mL), an extraction temperature of 67 ℃, and an extraction time of 34.3 min. For polyphenols, the optimal extraction conditions were a solid-to-liquid ratio of 0.04 (g/mL), an extraction temperature of 50.7 ℃, and an extraction time of 61.6 min. Conclusion Compared with other solvents, the silica aqueous solution derived from barley husks exhibits superior extraction performance under the same conditions, demonstrating its preliminary feasibility for extracting flavonoids and polyphenols from purple corn tea and indicating its promising potential for further development and application.
Objective To study the effects of in vitro simulated digestion on the content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity of Canarium album and its products. Methods The study investigated the changes in total polyphenol content and scavenging capacities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation (ABTS+) free radical, hydroxyl free radical and superoxide anion free radical during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion using 5 samples: Canarium album polyphenol extract, fresh Canarium album, sweet Canarium album, salt-preserved Canarium album, and licorice-flavored Canarium album. Results The polyphenol content of the 5 samples in both the gastric and intestinal digestion stages was lower than that in the undigested samples. During the gastric digestion stage, the scavenging capacities of the 5 samples for ABTS+ free radicals and DPPH free radicals were significantly stronger than those of the undigested samples. In the intestinal digestion stage, the free radical scavenging capacities of most samples decreased. The hydroxyl radical scavenging capacities of Canarium album extract and fresh Canarium album were weaker than those of the other samples, but their scavenging capacities in the intestinal stage were stronger than those in the gastric stage. Significant differences were observed in the superoxide anion radical scavenging capacities among the 5 samples: The superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity of Canarium album polyphenol extract increased initially and then decreased over time during gastrointestinal digestion; the scavenging capacity of fresh Canarium album during gastrointestinal digestion was stronger than that of the undigested counterpart; due to the presence of processed ingredients, the scavenging capacities of sweet Canarium album, salte-preserved Canarium album and licorice-flavored Canarium album showed no obvious correlation with their polyphenol content. Conclusion Compared with the undigested samples, different Canarium album samples still exhibit good antioxidant activity after digestion. This study provides a reference for the further research and application of Canarium album polyphenols, and offers a theoretical basis for the development, deep processing and utilization of Canarium album and its products.
Objective To investigate the effects of repeated freeze-thaw cycles, induced by temperature fluctuations during cold chain circulation, on the quality deterioration of pre-prepared grilled fish. Methods An accelerated deterioration model was established through extreme treatment to examine the effects of up to 8 freeze-thaw cycles on microstructure, texture properties, pH, color parameters and lipid oxidation. Correlation analysis was conducted to identify the primary factors contributing to quality degradation. Results As the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased, muscle tissue damage intensified, myofibril structures fractured, and hardness, elasticity, chewiness and shear force declined, while adhesiveness increased. The pH value showed a decreasing-then-increasing trend. Overall, the lightness value (L*) progressively decreased, while the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values continuously increased. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value significantly increased from 0.28 mg/kg to 2.00 mg/kg (P<0.05). After 6 cycles, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content exceeded the national safety limit for consumption (27.43 mg/100 g, national standard limit≤25 mg/100 g). Conclusion The quality of pre-cooked grilled fish significantly deteriorates during distribution, and the damage becomes more severe with increasing freeze-thaw cycles. After more than 5 cycles, the product is no longer suitable for consumption. These findings provide a scientific basis for quality control strategies in the cold chain logistics of pre-prepared aquatic products.
Objective To obtain excellent lactic acid bacteria with bacteriostatic activity from fermented bamboo shoots and analyze their antibacterial substances. Methods Using Liuzhou traditional fermented bamboo shoots as raw materials, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as indicator bacteria, and inhibition zone diameter as evaluation indicator, the Oxford Cup method was used to screen lactic acid bacteria with higher antibacterial properties. The strain was identified by morphological observation and molecular biological technique. Finally, the effects of pH, temperature and enzyme treatment on the antibacterial activity of the fermentation supernatant of the strain were analyzed. Results A total of 26 strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from Liuzhou traditional fermented bamboo shoots, among which 10 strains had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and strain LZ-6 had the strongest antibacterial activity, with a diameter of more than 15 mm for the inhibition zone. The strain LZ-6 was identified as Limosilactobacillus fermentum. The antibacterial substances produced by strain LZ-6 exhibit good antibacterial activity only under acidic conditions and had good thermal stability. After protease treatment, there was no significant change in antibacterial activity (P>0.05), indicated that the protein in the fermentation supernatant had no antibacterial effect. Conclusion A fermented lactobacillus LZ-6 with good antibacterial activity is screened from Liuzhou traditional fermented bamboo shoots. Its antibacterial substances are organic acids with stable activity and are not affected by temperature and enzymes. The lactic acid bacteria derived from fermented bamboo shoots obtained in this study can be used in the fields of sour bamboo shoot fermentation and biological preservatives, and lay the foundation for the separation, identification and mechanism research of antibacterial substances.
Objective To develope a co-microencapsulated probiotic-stachyose functional dairy product. Methods This research employed spray-drying technology using sodium alginate and stachyose as wall materials for probiotic encapsulation, with optimized parameters. The optimal yogurt formulation was determined through orthogonal experiments. Results The mass ratio of sodium alginate and stachyose was 3:1, the concentration of materials was 2.00%, and the spray drying was carried out at 140 ℃ and a feeding speed of 40%, the best embedding rate of the composite probiotics was achieved. Through orthogonal experiments, the yogurt formula was optimized to determine that the optimal combination was an addition rate of 0.08% for the starter culture, 3.00% for white granulated sugar, and 0.30% for stachyose. Under optimized conditions, the microencapsulation efficiency of probiotics reached optimal levels. Microscopic examination confirmed effective probiotic encapsulation, preventing thermal damage and improving stability. The final yogurt product demonstrated excellent color, taste, texture, and received outstanding sensory evaluations. Conclusion This study successfully developes a functional yogurt combining probiotic viability with superior sensory qualities, providing valuable technical insights for functional food innovation while meeting consumer demand for dairy products that balance health benefits with excellent taste.
Objective To analyze the cause of a complex food poisoning incident using a combination of non-targeted and targeted methods based on mass spectrometry. Methods Suspected contaminated food and blood samples from the cases were collected. After sample preparation, a high-resolution mass spectrometry non-targeted method was used for toxin screening, and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry targeted detection method was applied for the quantitative analysis of xylazine in the samples. Results Xylazine was detected in both the suspected contaminated food (raw and fried venison) and the serum samples of 3 cases. The concentrations in raw and fried venison were 3.0 μg/kg and 395.9 μg/kg, while the concentrations in the cases’ serum were 47.0, 16.0 and 15.6 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion This incident is confirmed as xylazine poisoning caused by venison ingestion. First, through epidemiological investigation, the scope for identifying the cause of poisoning can be quickly determined. The non-targeted method provides accurate evidence for clinical treatment, aiding in the diagnosis and management of such events. At the same time, the targeted quantitative analysis of samples also provides a basis for the formulation of drug use standards in farmed animals in the future.
Objective To establish a method for the determination of biogenic amines in prefabricated food by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Methods The samples were extracted with 5% trichloroacetic acid, defatted with n-hexane, and purified using a cation exchange solid-phase extraction cartridge prior to instrumental analysis. The separation was carried out on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH Amide column with gradient elution using a mobile phase made up of pH 4.5, 90 mmol ammonium formate and acetonitrile. Detection was carried out in electrospray ionization-positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode, and isotope internal standard method was used for quantitation. Results The method demonstrated a good linear standard curve (r≥0.9990); the limits of detection of histamine, tyramine and tryptamine were 0.1 mg/kg, and the limits of detection of putrescine and cadaverine were 1.0 mg/kg; the average recoveries of the 5 kinds of target compounds ranged from 85.7% to 123.4% with relative standard deviations of 2.89%-14.14%. In 201 samples, the detection rates of 5 kinds of biogenic amines were 90.5%. Cadaverine, histamine, putrescine, tyramine and tryptamine were detected, with average content of 2.39, 3.69, 17.86, 9.45 and 0.23 mg/kg. Conclusion This method is rapid, simple, sensitive and accurate, and is sutiable for qualitative and quantitative detection of biogenic amines in prefabricated food.
With the growing awareness of public health, cereal and coarse grain foods, owing to their superior nutritional value and health-promoting functions, have increasingly become a critical dietary option for individuals with chronic diseases and are gaining favor among broader consumer groups. Consequently, the application of grains and cereals in baking premixes holds significant importance. This article reviewed the nutritional composition and efficacy of cereal and coarse grain premixed powders, examined their specific forms in food premixes, and emphasized the research progress regarding the food quality of cereal and coarse grain premixed powder products. Optimizing the particle size of coarse grain powders, adjusting formula compositions, and incorporating compound fermentation agents can effectively enhance the product quality and nutritional value of cereal and coarse grain baking premixed powders. Simultaneously, these methods improve the sensory experience of the final product, aligning it more closely with emerging trends in future food development. Grains and cereals, as potential daily dietary staples, possess the capability to comprehensively enhance food in terms of appearance, functionality, convenience and sensory enjoyment when formulated as ready-mixed powders. They are anticipated to become one of the key directions for the future development of the food industry. This article offers a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for the healthy and diversified advancement of the baking industry.
Objective To optimize the ultrasonic extraction process of dihydromyricetin from Ampelopsis grossedentata using artificial neural networks combined with response surface methodology. Methods The stems and leaves of Ampelopsis grossedentata were used as the research material. An ultrasonic extraction system for dihydromyricetin was established, and the process parameters were systematically optimized using a combination of single-factor experiments, response surface methodology and artificial neural network models optimized by genetic algorithms. The extraction yields of dihydromyricetin from different parts of Ampelopsis grossedentata were then analyzed under optimal conditions. Results The artificial neural network model exhibited superior accuracy and predictive capability in comparison to the response surface methodology. The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be an ultrasonic power of 360 W, a temperature of 42 ℃, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 20:1 (mL:g), and an extraction time of 35 min. Under these conditions, the actual extraction yield of dihydromyricetin was (39.83±0.01)%, with a relative error of only 0.36% compared to the artificial neural network-predicted value of 40.19%. Furthermore, the extraction yield of dihydromyricetin from various parts of Ampelopsis grossedentata under optimal ultrasonic conditions followed the sequence: Stems and leaves of Ampelopsis grossedentata>branches of Ampelopsis grossedentata>pruned branches of Ampelopsis grossedentata. Conclusion This study successfully optimizes the ultrasonic extraction process to enhance the extraction efficiency of dihydromyricetin from Ampelopsis grossedentata and reveals significant differences in dihydromyricetin extraction yields among different parts of the plant.
Objective To increase the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) from lactobacillus by optimizing fermentation conditions and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extracted EPS. Methods P1-10 was isolated as a high yield EPS producing lactobacillus from kefir grains and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. Meanwhile, the effects of carbon source composition and content in the medium and fermentation time on the EPS yield of P1-10 were investigated and compared. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and in vitro antioxidant study was studied from the obtained EPS as well. Results Among the 12 kinds of isolated strains from kefir grains, P1-10 formed gram-positive colonies under microscopic examination after Gram staining, could coagulate milk, and had a string length greater than 15 mm. It was identified as Pediococcus acidilactici strain (MH143596.1 Pediocuccus acidilactici strain D15) by 16S rDNA sequencing and the maximum content of EPS was 6.52 mg/mL. In addition, the optimal conditions for P1-10 were obtained under the condition of MRS (DeMan-Rogosa-Sharpe medium) medium with the carbon source replaced by 40 g/L sucrose and fermenting at 35 ℃, pH 6.0 for 60 hours, while the highest yield of EPS was 29.09 mg/mL. Furthermore, the surface of EPS under the scanning electron microscopy was relatively rough, with a sense of layering and different sizes voids. Moreover, the elimination rates of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) free radicals in the 1.0 mg/mL vitamin C (vitamin C, VC), EPS and fermentation supernatant were 86.21%, 95.03%; 81.32%, 93.91% and 58.54%, 65.73%, respectively. Conclusion P1-10 can effectively increase the extraction efficiency of EPS compared to the normal culture with the optimizing of the culture conditions. As for the in vitro antioxidant experiments, EPS is indicated a strong ability to scavenge free radicals and antioxidant capacity due to the highly DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates. This study may provide a theoretical basis for the screening, extraction and functional activity research of EPS from lactic acid bacteria.
Objective To optimize coffee peel beverage formula by response surface methodology with coffee peel and black tea as the main ingredients. Methods First, the ripe coffee fresh fruits were peeled. After homogenization and filtration, coffee peel liquid was obtained. This liquid was then mixed with black tea liquid, fructose and citric acid for formulation. Single-factor experiments and the response surface methodology were employed to investigate the effects of the addition amounts of coffee peel juice, black tea liquid, fructose, and citric acid on the coffee peel beverage, thereby determining the optimal formulation for it. Results The optimal addition amounts were 28% coffee peel juice, 40% black tea liquid, 5% fructose and 0.05% citric acid. This formulation yielded a product with protein content (5.13±0.34)%, fat content (4.94±0.78)%, dietary fiber (18.43±1.06)%, ash (1.00±0.01)%. The coffee peel juice beverage processed according to this process had a strong aroma, a deep amber color, and a delicious sour and sweet taste. Conclusion The application of response surface methodology to optimize the formula of coffee peel beverage provides another feasible way for the high value utilization of coffee peel and the development of functional products.
Objective To explore the process of caffeine removal from green tea by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Methods Using Wuyuan green tea as raw material, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was used to remove caffeine from green tea. Taking the caffeine removal rate as the investigation index, the effects of tea moisture content, extraction temperature, pressure, time, concentration and dosage of entrained agent on caffeine removal rate were studied by single factor experiment, and the caffeine removal process was optimized by orthogonal experiment. Results The optimal extraction process of caffeine removal in green tea was tea moisture content 40%, extraction pressure 30 MPa, extraction temperature 55 ℃, extraction time 240 min, concentration of entrainment agent (ethanol) 60%, and dosage of entrainment agent 1.2:1 (m:m). Under these conditions, the caffeine removal rate was 91.2%. Extraction pressure was the most important factor affecting caffeine removal rate, followed by extraction temperature, and extraction time had relatively little effect. Conclusion This study determines the best technology of caffeine removal in green tea by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, which provides a certain reference for caffeine removal in green tea.
Objective To understand the residual levels of semicarbazide in crustacean aquatic products such as shrimp and crabs, analyze the causes of endogenous and exogenous contamination. Methods Data from nationwide sampling inspections of crustacean aquatic products from 2017 to 2023 were analyzed. A total of 178 batches of shrimp, 136 batches of crabs, and aquaculture pond water samples were collected and tested. The quantitative determination was conducted following the standard of Ministry of Agriculture Announcement No.783-1-2006 Determination of nitrofuran metabolite residues in aquatic products. Results The detection level of semicarbazide in crabs was significantly lower than that in shrimp. The semicarbazide levels in crabs showed little correlation with species, while significant variations were observed among different shrimp species. No semicarbazide residues were detected in aquaculture pond water. Conclusion The presence of semicarbazide in crustacean aquatic products such as shrimp and crabs is primarily related to endogenous sources, though the detected levels from endogenous origins are very low. It is recommended that national authorities resume routine supervision and sampling inspections for nitrofurazone metabolites in crustacean products, establish a national database for semicarbazide monitoring, and utilize big data analysis to address current policy gaps. Furthermore, based on the analysis of the national database, efforts should be made to develop semicarbazide residue limit standards for crustacean aquatic products to ensure the healthy development of the aquaculture industry.
Objective To analyze the overall situation of food safety supervision and sampling inspection in an eastern coastal city from 2021 to 2024 and the main food safety issues. Methods The municipal level food safety supervision and sampling inspection data publicly disclosed by the eastern coastal city from 2021 to 2024 were aggregated. The overall inspection situation was analyzed using the dynamic trend of non-compliance rates, and the distribution characteristics of non-compliant samples across dimensions such as testing items, food categories, packaging factors and locally produced foods were stratified to identify the main factors affecting regional food safety. Results Over the past 4 years, a total of 34545 batches were inspected at the municipal level, with an overall non-compliance rate of 2.20%. The annual non-compliance rates fluctuated, showed a narrowing trend in amplitude. The highest non-compliance rates were observed in fruit products (5.83%), edible agricultural products (3.71%) and aquatic products (2.58%). In industrial processed foods, the non-compliance rates of bulk (2.01%) and pre-packaged (0.78%) showed a significant difference. The non-compliance rate of locally produced foods decreased fluctuatingly. Among them, 12 major categories (38.71%) showed no non-compliance for 4 consecutive years, while 13 categories (41.94%) exhibited a decline in non-compliance rates. Conclusion The overall status of food safety in this city showed a positive trend, with particularly quality improvement of locally produced foods. However, there were still risks in edible agricultural products and bulk foods. The regulators should pay more attention to them.
Objective To investigate the residues characteristics of veterinary drug in Gallus gallus domesticus from Hubei Province and assess the dietary exposure risks. Methods The 34 types of veterinary drug residues were detected in 100 randomly collected samples of Gallus gallus domesticus from farms, agricultural markets, wholesale markets and slaughterhouses in Hubei Province in 2024 by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The dietary exposure risk assessment of detected veterinary drug residues was conducted using the veterinary drug residue risk ranking matrix of the United Kingdom Veterinary Drug Residue Committee and the index of food safety (IFS) method. Results The 12 kinds of veterinary drugs were detected in the samples, with a residue detection rate of 49%. Among these, 2 kinds of drugs were prohibited for use in food animals, and 1 kind of drug was approved for therapeutic use but prohibited from detection in animal-derived foods. The risk assessment revealed that the IFS values of all detected veterinary drugs were significantly less than 1, indicating a low dietary exposure risk from residues. Conclusion This suggests that the quality and safety of Gallus gallus domesticus in Hubei Province are satisfactory, with minimal health risks posed by residual veterinary drugs to humans.