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  • Shu-Jing TANG, Meng-Xin YANG, Xin GU, Zi-Yue TAN, Xin-Yue LIU, Liu-Fang HUANG, Xiao-Fei XU
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 108-115.
    Objective

    To develop healthy shortening biscuits by replacing traditional ingredients with fresh Dioscorea opposita Thunb., Avena sativa L. and coconut oil and evaluate their digestion properties.

    Methods

    Using the quantities of the ingredients of Avena sativa L. powder, fresh Dioscorea opposita Thunb. homogenate, coconut oil and sugar as variable factors, sensory scores and textural hardness were used as indicators to determine the ranges of additives for each ingredient in a one-way experiment, and then the formulation was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface methodology. Subsequently, an in vitro digestion model was applied to evaluate the starch hydrolysis rate of optimized formulated biscuits.

    Results

    The ranges of addition for each ingredient were defined using the single-factor method. Subsequently, a quadratic multiple regression equation was obtained using sensory scores as response values, exhibiting that the addition of quantities of fresh homogenate of Dioscorea opposite Thunb., Avena sativa L., coconut oil and sugar had highly significant effects on sensory scores (P<0.001). As a result, the optimal formula was obtained to be a wheat flour-to-Avena sativa L. flour mass ratio of 73:27, with 14.9% fresh homogenate of Dioscorea opposite Thunb., 37.5% coconut oil and 40.9% sugar in quantity, yielding a corresponding sensory score of 86.79. The in vitro simulated digestion results showed that the starch hydrolysis rate of the optimized formulation was significantly lower compared to the control biscuits, with a hydrolysis rate of 80% at 180 min, which was considerably lower than those of the control ones (85% and 87%).

    Conclusion

    Biscuits formulated with Avena sativa L. powder, fresh Dioscorea opposita Thunb. homogenate and coconut oil exhibit favorable taste and texture, while exhibiting reduced in vitro starch hydrolysis rates. This study provides a reference for the application of fresh Dioscorea opposita Thunb. in foods and the development of innovative anti-digestive biscuits.

  • Shun-Hua ZHANG, Yan-Hong XIANG, Ruo-Yun LI, Zhen-Ping LIU, Yan LIU, Xiang-Yu LI, Hong-Tao LI, Shun-Hua ZHANG, Xin-Rong PEI, Yan-Hong XIANG, Guang-Feng ZHANG, Yan LIU, Qing-Ru LIU, Hong-Tao LI, Xin-Rong PEI, Guang-Feng ZHANG, Qing-Ru LIU
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 34-40.

    Eucommia ulmoides bark is an important traditional Chinese medicinal material, but its harvesting often damages the trees. Eucommia ulmoides leaves and male flowers have emerged as excellent alternative resources due to their rich content of bioactive compounds such as lignans, iridoids and flavonoids, along with their higher sustainability. Notably, the inclusion of Eucommia ulmoides leaves in the medicinal and food homologous directory in 2023 has laid a foundation for their application in daily health products like herbal teas. Currently, the processing of Eucommia ulmoides tea primarily adapted techniques used for traditional tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Ktze.], with a focus on green tea and black tea production, along with limited attempts in dark tea and oolong tea processing. This review summarized the existing processing techniques and research progress in key steps such as enzyme inactivation and drying, while also pointed out their limitations. However, due to significant compositional differences between leaves of Eucommia ulmoides and Camellia sinensis, whether the direct transfer of traditional tea processing techniques from Camellia sinensis was truly beneficial for enhancing the sensory quality and retaining functional components of Eucommia ulmoides tea remains a questionable issue. Therefore, future research should focus on investigating the substance transformation mechanisms during processing, with an emphasis on developing innovative techniques aimed at preserving color, enhancing aroma, optimizing flavor and improving functionality, so as to promote the high value utilization of Eucommia ulmoides resources.

  • Ren-Yue SUN, Kai ZOU, Li-Li JIN, Shi-Peng LUO, Gui-Hua LIU
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 19-26.
    Objective

    To establish a method for determination of the migration of 2,6-diisopropylaniline(2,6-DIPA) and 2,6-diisopropyphenol (2,6-DIPP) from food-contact plant fiber/degradable plastics by ultra performance liquid chromatography, and conduct a comprehensive study on the migration pattern of 2,6-DIPA from positive plant fiber/polylactic acid (PLA) samples.

    Methods

    Basing on optimized chromatographic conditions, the linear relationships and recoveries of 2,6-DIPA and 2,6-DIPP were validated in 4% acetic acid, 10% ethanol, 20% ethanol, 50% ethanol and 95% ethanol (V:V) soaking solution. The migration pattern of 2,6-DIPA was investigated from 4 dimensions.

    Results

    The method showed good linearity for both compounds, with limits of the detection of 0.010 mg/L (2,6-DIPA) and 0.003 mg/L (2,6-DIPP), and overall recoveries of 72.0%–109.0%. The migration amount of 2,6-DIPA was positively correlated with ethanol concentration, migration temperature and migration time, and negatively correlated with migration frequency. High temperature screening tests could replace some experimental conditions.

    Conclusion

    The integrated study indicates that the migration of 2,6-DIPA from plant fiber/PLA materials poses a potential health risk, requiring focused attention across various stages.

  • Jia LIU, Yong-Bo LI, Ting-Ting LIU, Ya-Xin ZHAO, Xin-Yu WANG, Yang-Yang LI
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 333-340.
    Objective

    To investigate the contamination status of heavy metals in dried and fresh fungi samples and evaluate their overall safety and chronic dietary intake risks using the index of food safety (IFS) and margin of safety (MOS) methods.

    Methods

    The content of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, chromium) in randomly selected commercially available dried and fresh fungi samples were determined via microwave digestion-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The overall safety and chronic dietary intake risks of heavy metal pollutants were assessed using dietary intake risk assessment methods.

    Results

    The total qualification rate of dried fungi samples was 84.8%, and the total qualification rate of fresh fungi samples was 88.0%. In comparison to dried fungi (corrected), fresh fungi showed a significant decrease in cadmium concentration and a significant increase in lead, mercury and chromium concentrations (P<0.05). The average IFS and values for all heavy metals in both dried and fresh fungi were less than 1. The minimum MOS values of lead, cadmium, arsenic and chromium in dried fungi were less than 1. In contrast, the average and minimum MOS values for other heavy metals in dried fungi and all heavy metals in fresh fungi exceeded 1. Compared with the overall status of dried fungi, black fungus exhibited significantly decreased cadmium concentration and IFS value, along with a significantly increased MOS value (P<0.05). Compared with the overall status of fresh fungi, enoki fungi showed significantly reduced concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium, as well as decreased IFS values and increased MOS values. In contrast, oyster fungi demonstrated significantly elevated concentrations of lead, mercury, arsenic and chromium, increased IFS values, and decreased MOS values. Fresh shiitake fungi displayed significantly increased cadmium and arsenic concentrations, higher IFS values and lower MOS values (P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    The acute and chronic dietary intake risks of heavy metals from both commercially available dried and fresh fungi are within the safe range, with fresh fungi being safer. Among dried fungi, black fungus carry a lower dietary intake risk. Among fresh fungi, enoki fungi present a lower dietary intake risk.

  • Shu-Cai LI, Chun-Yan FU, Wei-Qun LIU, Dan LUO, Ting CHEN, Nan HE, Jia ZHOU, Yu-Hang MIN, Xiao-Qin YU, Gui-Hong CHENG
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 309-317.
    Objective

    To systematically compare the differences in pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs) between China and the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).

    Methods

    Through comprehensive review and comparison of food classification systems, pesticide varieties, MRLs formulation principles, MRLs vlue differences and distribution, this study analyzed the internationalization level of China’s current standards and compared the overall differences in MRLs between China’s and CAC’s standards across various product categories.

    Results

    The 78.6% of the MRLs in China’s standards were consistent with those of the CAC. However, discrepancies remain:CAC employed a more sophisticated classification system (incorporating feed management and coding protocols). In terms of MRLs stringency, China’s limits were higher than CAC’s in 9.7% of cases (625 items), primarily involving vegetables and fruits, with 72.8% of these differences falling within a fivefold range. Conversely, China’s limits were lower than CAC’s in 8.6% of cases (554 items), including 2.2% with over 100-fold differences-variations principally attributable to China’s intensive agricultural practices, vegetable-dominant dietary patterns and distinct risk assessment methodologies.

    Conclusion

    China’s current standards demonstrate a high degree of alignment with those of the CAC. Furthermore, for specific commodities, China has established more granular MRLs, which are overall more stringent than their CAC counterparts. Based on these findings, the study recommends prioritizing international harmonization of high-risk pesticide MRLs, promoting the global adoption of China’s standards, and optimizing the alignment of China’s classification system with international frameworks to facilitate agricultural trade.

  • Mei-Ling HOU, Qin-Yue ZHENG, Shi-Wei GU, Gui-Rong FENG, Dan-Dan HUANG, Qian-Yu ZHANG, Xiao-Qin CAI
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 326-332.
    Objective

    To comprehensively evaluate the contamination levels, spatial distribution characteristics and dietary exposure risks of 3 kinds of heavy metal elements [nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn)] in major spices in Chongqing.

    Methods

    A total of 240 batches of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, Capsicum annuum and Zingiber samples were collected from 4 major regions of Chongqing (Northeast, Southeast, West and main urban area) from 2023 to 2024. The content of Ni, Co and Mn was determined by microwave digestion-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following GB 5009.268—2016 National food safety standard-Determination of multiple elements in food. The contamination level was assessed using the single factor index (Pi) method, and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to explore the source relationships among the elements and their spatial distribution patterns. The dietary exposure risk was evaluated using the target hazard quotient/total target hazard quotient (THQ/TTHQ) model.

    Results

    The 3 kinds of heavy metals showed good linear relationships (r>0.999) within the mass concentration range of 0–100 μg/L. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantitation (LOQ) were 0.0003–0.0030 mg/kg and 0.001–0.010 mg/kg, respectively. Spike recoveries ranged from 92.9% to 103.4%, with relative standard deviation(RSD) less than 5%. The content of Ni, Co and Mn in the tested spices ranged from ND–36.62, ND–9.17 and ND–2169.42 mg/kg, respectively. Obvious spatial distribution differences were observed, with overall higher levels of all 3 kinds of elements in the Southeast region. Correlation analysis indicated a highly significant positive correlation between Ni and Co (r=0.80, P<0.01). PCA further confirmed the high homology of Ni and Co, while Mn had a relatively independent source. Dietary risk assessment showed that the TTHQ of 3 samples (1 chili and 2 gingers) exceeded 1, indicating certain health riskes, with Mn being the primary risk contributor.

    Conclusion

    The contamination of Ni, Co and Mn in Chongqing-produced spices exhibits distinct spatial distribution characteristics and inter-element correlations. While the overall situation is controllable, localized pollution and variety-specific risks exist. It is recommended to include Mn in the spice safety risk monitoring system and strengthen supervision in high-risk regions.

  • Chao-Hang YU, Nan-Qing ZHOU, Qian-Min HU, Yan HUANG, Wen-Bin LI, Sheng-Cai WU, Qing YUAN, Chen-Wen-Yi LIN, Xiao-Mei WANG, Wen-Lun WANG
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 281-291.
    Objective

    To optimize the fresh juice extraction process of Premna microphylla and evaluate its antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.

    Methods

    Used fresh Premna microphylla leaves as raw material, the extraction conditions were optimized through single-factor tests and response surface methodology. The free radical scavenging ability and total antioxidant capacity of the obtained freshly squeezed juice were determined. An in vitro enzyme inhibition system was established using α-amylase and α-glucosidase to determine the inhibitory effects of the juice on these enzymes.

    Results

    The optimal extraction conditions were blanching temperature 61 °C, blanching time 56 s and leaf-to-water ratio 1:3 (m:V). Under these conditions, the content of total flavonoids, total protein and pectin in the juice were (15.030±0.039) mg/g, (78.000±0.032) mg/mL and (2.070±0.007) μmol/g, respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration values for scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-biazo-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging were 270.70 mg/mL and 219.30 mg/mL, respectively, while the total antioxidant capacity reached 0.572 mmol/g. The inhibition rates on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities were 4.09% and 5.01%, respectively.

    Conclusion

    The optimized process significantly enhance the content of active compounds in Premna microphylla fresh juice, demonstrating excellent antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential, providing a foundation for the development of Premna microphylla specialty foods and its use as a food additive.

  • Xiao-Ting XUAN, Yang ZHOU, Hao-Yan CHE, Hai-Tao SHANG, Xu-Dong LIN, Lin ZHU
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 142-153.
    Objective

    To investigate the effects of preharvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment and post-harvest Ag/ZSM-5 zeolite nano-preservation paper on the maturation process and storage quality of Myrica rubra cv. Dongkui.

    Methods

    The effects of preharvest 1-MCP spraying on fruit maturity was evaluated based on in-tree parameters including appearance, fruit diameter, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, color indices and so on. Concurrently, the synergistic effects of post-harvest Ag/ZSM-5 zeolite nano-preservation technology were analyzed under both ambient and low-temperature storage conditions, with assessments of weight loss, sugar-acid profile, texture, color, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activities.

    Results

    Preharvest 1-MCP treatment effectively delayed the in-tree maturation process, postponing color initiation by 4 days and suppressing fruit expansion. It also reduced post-harvest weight loss during low-temperature storage, maintained sugar-acid ratio balance and color stability, and enhanced POD enzyme activity, thereby delaying fruit senescence. Meanwhile, standalone post-harvest Ag/ZSM-5 zeolite nano-preservation paper reduced weight loss under ambient storage, maintained fruit firmness and cohesiveness, preserved red hue (a), and alleviated cell membrane damage. Furthermore, the combined pre- and post-harvest treatments drastically reduced PPO enzyme activity by 86.31% and mitigated membrane lipid peroxidation during low-temperature storage.

    Conclusion

    Preharvest 1-MCP application delays bayberry maturation, while its integration with post-harvest Ag/ZSM-5 zeolite nano-preservation paper significantly enhances storage tolerance and extends shelf life under room and low temperature by preserving fruit quality and elevating antioxidant activity during storage.

  • Ling HUO, Yong-Feng ZHAO, Na WEI, Xiang-Yu CAI, Yong ZHAO, Chang-Jian BAO, Ting-Ting WANG, Wen-Long WANG, Jin-Ping LIAO, Lu-Lu SI, Fu QIN
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 165-176.
    Objective

    To establish a method for the determination of residues of mepiquat chloride, fluensulfone and its metabolite 3,4,4-trifluorobut-3-ene-1-sulfonic acid in plant-derived foods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    Methods

    The samples were acidified, extracted with acetonitrile and the extract was purified by dispersive solid-phase extraction. Detection and confirmation were performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and quantification was carried out using matrix spiked calibration curves.

    Results

    The matrix spiked calibration curves of all analytes showed good linearity in the range of 0.5–25.0 ng/mL, with correlation coefficients r2≥0.9917. For fluensulfone, the average recoveries at low, medium and high concentration levels in 11 kinds of matrices including citrus reticulata, spinach and soybean ranged from 84.0% to 114.2%, with relative standard deviations of 2.7%–13.8%. For 3,4,4-trifluorobut-3-ene-1-sulfonic acid, the average recoveries at the same concentration levels in 11 kinds of matrices including citrus reticulata and apple ranged from 84.6% to 116.4%, with relative standard deviations of 1.7%–14.0%. For mepiquat chloride, the average recoveries at the corresponding concentration levels in 11 kinds of matrices including citrus reticulata and apple ranged from 84.9% to 111.1%, with relative standard deviations of 1.9%–12.2%. In wet samples such as fruits and vegetables, the method limit of detection for all analytes was 0.004 mg/kg, and the limit of quantitation was 0.010 mg/kg. In dry samples such as soybean and rice, the limit of detection for all analytes was 0.010 mg/kg, and the limit of quantitation was 0.025 mg/kg.

    Conclusion

    This method is rapid, efficient and sensitive, and is suitable for the determination of residues of mepiquat chloride, fluensulfone and its metabolite in plant-derived foods.

  • Chun-Ming WANG, Mei-Ling WANG, SI-YU HUO, Yao-Fei LI, Tao PENG, Dong-Dong CHEN
    Journal of Food Safety & Quality. 2026, 17(2): 177-186.
    Objective

    To develop a method for determination of fluindapyr, flutianil and fenpicoxamid in the milk and formula by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    Methods

    The samples were extracted by ultrasonic vortexing with acetonitrile. The analysis solution was purified by QuEChERS dSPE EMR-Lipid lipid removal tubes, and then centrifuged and filtered before being analyzed. The test method used acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid water as the mobile phase, with a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. A gradient elution program was applied, and the separation was carried out on a Shim-pack GIST-HP C18-AQ chromatographic column. The detection was performed in positive ion mode with electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring mode. Quantification was conducted using the matrix-matched external standard method.

    Results

    For milk and milk powder matrices, there was a good linear relationship between the mass concentrations of fluindapyr, flutianil and fenpicoxamid ranging from 0.5 to 20.0 ng/mL and their corresponding peak areas, with R2 values all greater than or equal to 0.9993. At 3 kinds of different spiked levels of 0.005, 0.010 and 0.050 mg/kg, the average recoveries of fluindapyr, flutianil and fenpicoxamid were 86.3% to 105.9%, and the relative standard deviations were 3.96% to 9.18%.

    Conclusion

    This method can meet the requirements of accuracy, precision and sensitivity for the detection of fluindapyr, flutianil and fenpicoxamid in milk and milk powder.