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.