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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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), P_97.5=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 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 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.