Latest ArticlesTo establish an analytical method based on the fusion fingerprint technology of elements and organic components, achieve precise origin tracing of Myrica rubra ‘Dongkui’ from major production areas such as Zhejiang, Fujian and Yunnan in China.
Myrica rubra ‘Dongkui’ samples were collected from 5 representative regions in Zhejiang (Taizhou, Jinhua, Wenzhou), Fujian and Yunnan. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), spectrophotometry, acid–base titration and ion chromatography were employed to determine mineral elements and organic components, including total anthocyanins, titratable acidity, sugar-to-acid ratio, and solid-to-acid ratio. Chemometric methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), Fisher discriminant analysis, and analysis of variance were applied to construct a discriminant model for origin identification.
There were significant differences in the content of 12 kinds of elements including Al, Ti, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Sr, Cd, Sn, Sb and Pb among different production areas of Myrica rubra. Among them, the content of Al, Ti, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Cd and Sn in the Yunnan production area were the highest, while the content of Ni, Cd and Pb in the Fujian production area were the lowest. In terms of organic components, total anthocyanins, titratable acid, sugar-acid ratio and solid-acid ratio also showed significant differences among production areas (P<0.05). Based on the discriminant model established using fused data, the sample points from the three origins were clearly distinguished in the PCA plot, with no overlap between Yunnan and Fujian/Zhejiang, and only occasional overlap between Fujian and Zhejiang. The initial discriminant accuracy reached 97.3%, and the cross-validation discriminant rate was 94.7%, which was significantly superior to single-component analysis methods.
The integration of fingerprint technology for elemental and organic components combined with chemometric analysis can effectively achieve the accurate discrimination of the origin of Myrica rubra ‘Dongkui’, providing a reliable multi-technique combined strategy for the origin traceability and geographical indication protection of agricultural products.
To optimize the processing of Chaenomeles speciosa leaf beverage using fuzzy sensory evaluation and response surface methodology, and investigate its shelf life and antioxidant activity.
Using sensory scores as the key indicator, the formulation was optimized by fuzzy mathematics sensory evaluation combined with single-factor analysis and response surface methodology. The flavor profile was characterized by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, electronic nose, and electronic tongue bionic systems. Furthermore, the beverage’s shelf life was predicted based on a chemical reaction kinetics model incorporating the Arrhenius equation.
The optimal formulation of beverage was 60 mL extract solution, 2 g sweetener and 0.01 g DL-malic acid, achieving a sensory score of 88 points. The beverage exhibited a rich flavor, bright color and a taste profile of initial sweetness followed by bitterness. A total of 19 kinds of volatile aroma compounds were identified, predominantly aromatic compounds. The product exhibited good stability, with a shelf life of 189, 146 and 128 days at 4, 25 and 37 °C. respectively, the antioxidant capacity remained stable during the storage period.
The beverage has good flavor and antioxidant activity, this study provides an effective solution for the value-added utilization of by-products in the Chaenomeles speciosa industry, contributing to the enhancement of the industry’s overall value.
To investigated the effects of low-temperature plasma treatment on the quality characteristics of Triticum aestivum L. flour.
In this study, wheat flour was treated with atmospheric pressure low-temperature plasma at different times and power levels. The variation patterns of its quality indicators were systematically analyzed.
When the treatment power was below 200 W, the starch damage content and protein content were minimally affected, whereas the total free amino acids were highly sensitive to the low-temperature plasma treatment, decreasing by 90.1% under the conditions of 200 W for 20 minutes.Simultaneously, the fatty acid content dropped by 28.6%, and the gluten index decreased by 16.4%. However, under the conditions of 120 W for 10 minutes, the gluten index increased to 97.4%, indicating that moderate plasma treatment could improve the gluten network structure. In addition, the setback values of all treatment groups increased significantly (P<0.05, increase of 17.7%-49.7%), and the amylase activity decreased significantly (P<0.05).
The influence of low-temperature plasma treatment on the quality of wheat flour is indicator-specific.This study provides a basis for regulating the adaptability of wheat flour processing and the precise application of this technology.
In order to ensure the edible safety of imported and exported meat products, it is necessary to make sanitary restrictions on Listeria monocytogenes. China and the United States both have relevant regulatory requirements. This paper sorted out the regulations of China’s standards and the United States regulations on pathogenic bacteria in food, and analyzed China’s standards such as GB 29921—2021 National food safety standard-Limits of pathogenic bacteria in prepackaged food and the United States regulations 9 CFR 430.4, Guideline FSIS-GD-2023-0004. The main content were listed through study and comparison, it was known that there were similarities and differences in the regulations of the 2 countries. The similarity was that Listeria monocytogenes should not exist in ready-to-eat meat, and the difference exist in both supervision idea. The United States focused on no adulteration, giving guidelines for retail links, adopting preventive measures to avoid cross-aminationand; China focused on emphasizing quality control of finished products and stipulating the limit of pathogenic bacteria in food in several standards. Finally it was suggested to more attention of the processing environment and sales links of food, to eliminate the risk of the pathogen. It is necessary to carry out specialty microbial monitoring measurement through sampling, not only to effectively guarantee consumers’ dietary safety, but also improve the quality of meat products and meet the requirements of the exporting country, which can promote the smooth development of cross-border trade.
To investigate the contamination levels of 3-monochloropropanediol esters (3-MCPDE)and glycidyl esters (GE) in grilled and fried meat, and assess their chronic dietary exposure risks.
The 20 electric grilled meat samples, 20 charcoal grilled meat samples and 20 fried meat samples were collected from 5 regions in Sichuan Province. The content of 3-MCPDE and GE was determined by 13C3 isotope dilution-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The chronic daily intake (CDI) was calculated by point estimation method based on the daily meat consumption data of Chinese adult residents. The chronic dietary exposure risks of 3-MCPDE and GE were separately evaluated by hazard quotient (HQ) and margin of exposure (MOE) based on the median contents (P50) of the contaminants.
Among the 60 samples, the detection rates of 3-MCPDE and GE were 73.3% and 75.0%, with P50 content levels of 29.3 μg/kg and 60.4 μg/kg, respectively. Among charcoal grilled meat samples, fried meat samples and electric grilled meat samples, the detection rates of 3-MCPDE were 85.0%, 95.0% and 40.0%, with P50 content levels of 93.3 μg/kg, 31.6 μg/kg and not detected (ND), respectively; the detection rates of GE were 90.0%, 85.0% and 50.0%, with P50 content levels of 1236.2, 25.3 and 6.9 μg/kg, respectively. For adult residents, calculated based on a consumption frequency of once per day for charcoal grilled meat, fried meat and electric grilled meat, the P50 CDI of 3-MCPDE intake were 0.155, 0.053 and 0 μg·kg–1·d–1, with HQ values of 0.078, 0.026 and 0 (all less than 1), respectively; the P50 CDI of GE intake were 2.060, 0.101 and 0.011 μg·kg–1·d–1, with MOE values of 1165, 23762 and 210111, respectively, indicating charcoal grilled meat posed a certain risk of chronic dietary exposure to GE. Further assessment of the dietary exposure risk of GE in charcoal grilled meat samples showed that, calculated based on a consumption frequency of 3 times per week, once per week and twice every two weeks, the P50 MOE values were 2718, 8155 and 16310, respectively; charcoal grilled lamb contributed to 45% of the total exposure of GE in charcoal grilled meat.
Grilled and fried meat is commonly contaminated with 3-MCPDE and GE, with GE levels significantly higher than 3-MCPDE levels(P<0.05); the levels of 3-MCPDE and GE in charcoal grilled meat are significantly higher than those in fried meat and electric grilled meat (P<0.05); the chronic dietary exposure risk of 3-MCPDE ingested through grilled and fried meat, and the chronic dietary exposure risk of GE ingested through electric grilled meat and fried meat are acceptable, but the chronic dietary exposure risk of GE ingested through charcoal grilled meat requires attention. Reasonable control of consumption frequency and diversified selection of food types can reduce the risk of chronic dietary exposure.
To detect the heavy metal and metalloid content in aquatic products from 3 coastal areas of China, analyze the differences and correlations of heavy metal and metalloid levels among different types of aquatic products, assess the pollution level and health risks.
The content of 14 kinds of heavy metals and metalloid was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Their distribution and correlations in different aquatic products were analyzed, including the content differences between freshwater fish and marine fish, as well as pairwise comparisons among 3 sample categories: Fish, crustaceans and other aquatic products. Furthermore, the single-factor pollution index method, comprehensive pollution index method and target hazard quotient (THQ) method were employed to evaluate the heavy metal and metalloid pollution levels and health risks.
Among the 101 aquatic product samples, cadmium had the highest exceedance rate at 3.96%, while lead and chromium did not exceed standard limits. Statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the content of iron, cobalt, zinc, arsenic, selenium, strontium and cadmium between freshwater and marine fish. The content of chromium, iron, cobalt, nickel and lead were higher in other aquatic products than in fish and crustaceans.Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in the content of vanadium, manganese, copper and cadmium among the 3 categories. Pollution evaluation indicated that chromium, arsenic, cadmium and lead were at safe levels, while health risk assessment revealed higher health risks for chromium, lead, nickel and copper. Correlation analysis showed strong positive correlations between barium and manganese (r>0.9, P<0.05), barium and iron (r>0.8, P<0.05), barium and lead (r>0.8, P<0.05), as well as between iron and manganese and lead (r>0.8, P<0.05).
The overall heavy metal and metalloid pollution in aquatic products is relatively mild, but cadmium pollution is notable. Consumption of aquatic products poses certain health risks, necessitating strengthened regulation and control measures. Furthermore, the accumulation of heavy metals and metalloid is influenced not only by the type of aquatic product but also closely related to the presence of other heavy metal and metalloid components.
To evaluate dissipation dynamics and dietary exposure risk of beta-cypermethrin and azoxystrobin in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.
Based on standardized field residue trials, a quantitative analysis method for beta-cypermethrin and azoxystrobin in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp was established, which adopted acetonitrile extraction, purification by solid-phase extraction columns or the QuEChERS method, followed by detection using gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Through this method, the dynamic changes of residues of these 2 pesticides in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp were obtained, and the chronic dietary intake risk was evaluated.
The mass concentration of beta-cypermethrin and azoxystrobin had a good linear relationship with the peak area in the range of 0.005–1.000 mg/L, respectively. The average recoveries at 3 different spiked levels were 86.3%–104.1%, the relative standard deviations were 0.60%–2.31%, and the limits of quantitation were 0.01 mg/kg. The residual dissipation dynamics of beta-cypermethrin and azoxystrobin in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp conformed to the first-order kinetic equation, and the half-lives of dissipation were 2.8 d and 2.9 d, respectively.
The risk of chronic dietary intake of the 2 kinds of pesticides for people of different genders and age groups is far less than 100%, and there is no potential risk.
To investigate the contamination and antimicrobial resistance status of Salmonella and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in commercially available foods in Jiangsu Province.
A total of 8110 samples of commercially available foods were collected in Jiangsu Province from 2022 to 2024. Salmonella and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli were detected and typed using the methods specified in the National work manual for food contaminant and hazardous factor risk monitoring, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the broth microdilution method.
The overall detection rate of Salmonella and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli was 4.6% and 2.9%, respectively. Meat and meat products had the highest detection rates of both pathogens, which were 9.9% for Salmonella and 4.7% for diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, followed by aquatic products, with the rate of 2.4% and 1.9%. The 49 kinds of serotypes were identified among the 262 Salmonella strains, 37 strains could not be typed. Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella kentucky were the dominant serotypes. Among the 116 diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolates, most were enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), accounting for 87.1%. Both Salmonella and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli showed high resistance rates to tetracycline, ampicillin and chloramphenicol, while they were relatively sensitive to tigecycline and carbapenem antibiotics. The multi-drug resistance rates of Salmonella and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli were 65.3% and 59.5%, respectively.
Salmonella isolated from commercially available foods in Jiangsu Province have diverse serotypes.Both Salmonella and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli exhibit high levels of antimicrobial, multidrug resistance and complex resistance spectra. This issue demands great attention from animal husbandry and regulatory authorities.
The incidence of sleep disorders is escalating, driving significant research into safe and effective interventions. Serotonin/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) plays a central role in sleep-wake regulation; its synthesis, degradation, and receptor signaling are intricately linked to circadian rhythms. This paper reviewed research advances in functional foods that promoted sleep health via the serotonin pathway, centering the discussion on the “5-HT tension-receptor-circadian rhythm” framework. Evidence indicated that 5-HT exerted a U-shaped window effect on sleep: Low levels mought cause difficulty initiating sleep and heightened alertness, whereas excessively high levels could result in daytime sleepiness and central nervous system fatigue. Maintaining a moderate 5-HT tension that synchronized the activity of the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT7 receptors and optimized the continuity and composition of non-rapid eye movement sleep/rapid eye movement sleep (NREM/REM). Building upon this foundation, the intervention pathways for functional foods primarily encompass 3 aspects: (1) Supporting synthesis through supplementation with tryptophan and its metabolites or by regulating tryptophan hydroxylase/monoamine oxidase(TPH/MAO) activity; (2) achieving receptor bias through multi-target, mild modulation of natural compounds; (3)improving the gut microbiota via probiotics, prebiotics and their metabolites, thereby upregulating the TPH1/5-HT pathway. Furthermore, functional foods demonstrate potential for synergistic improvements in sleep quality when combined with physical interventions (e.g., light therapy, neuromodulation or exercise) and pharmacological treatments. Future research should strengthen areas such as clinical trial design, standardization of functional ingredients, objective and subjective endpoints evaluation, and safety monitoring to provide evidence-based support for the development of functional foods targeting the serotonin pathway.
To analyze the pollution characteristics of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in commercially available edible mushrooms in Shenzhen from 2019 to 2023 and assess the human intake health risks.
From 2019 to 2023, the study collected 228 samples of commercially available edible fungi from Shenzhen, including Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus eryngii and Flammulina velutipes. The content level of TiO2 in the samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), while the content level and particle size of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) were analyzed using single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS). Based on these analyses, the pollution characteristics were explored, and the target hazard quotients (THQ) were used to assess the human health risks caused by TiO2 exposure from commercially available edible fungi.
The content of TiO2 in different types of edible mushrooms varied significantly. The mean TiO2 content in Agaricus bisporus was 47.23 mg/kg with a detection rate of 83.33%, which was higher than that in Pleurotus eryngii (0.37 mg/kg, 23.33%) and Flammulina velutipes (0.32 mg/kg, 10.00%). The TiO2 content in Agaricus bisporus fluctuated significantly interannually, with the average value reaching a peak of 59.86 mg/kg in 2021. Additionally, the average size of TiO2NPs in Agaricus bisporus was greater than 100 nm, and there was a significant positive correlation between the concentration and size of nanoparticles. Health risk assessment showed that THQ for both adults and children were less than 1, with the risk for children approximately 1.8–1.9 times that for adults. Agaricus bisporus contributed prominently to the risk.
The health risk of TiO2 exposure from commercially available edible mushrooms in Shenzhen is at a low level. However, it is necessary to pay close attention to the potential impacts of TiO2 content fluctuations on the health risks of consumers, especially the children group.
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