A comparison of the nutrient content of uncooked and cooked lean from New Zealand beef and lamb

The composition in terms of proximate analysis, cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids of the lean tissue of 17 beef cuts and 18 lamb cuts was determined on within-cut composite samples (each containing lean tissue from at least 7 animals), following the knife-separation of raw and cooked cuts into lean, fat, and bone. Composite lean samples for 4 beef cuts and 4 lamb cuts were also analysed for amino-acid composition. For analysis, different cuts were the experimental unit as individual animal data were not available. The composition of lean from beef and lamb was shown to be highly desirable with a high nutrient density (mg/kJ) for many nutrients. Although lean from beef and lamb were very similar in many respects, several significant differences were detected. Changes in composition with cooking were largely eliminated when considered on a dry-matter basis, but proportions of the n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids increased with cooking (P < 0.05). The amino acid composition was similar for lean from beef and lamb but showed small deviations from recommended patterns for human nutrition with branched chain amino acids being limiting.     

Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Emilia sonchifolia from Taiwan

Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. (Lilac tasselflower, Zi Bei Cao) is used in Asian countries for food or medicinal purposes. We have investigated the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) contained in E. sonchifolia. The objective was to determine profile and quantity of the PAs in E. sonchifolia samples that were collected from several towns in Taiwan. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids were isolated and purified from the aqueous acid extracts by use of strong cation exchange-solid phase extraction (SCX-SPE). Alkaloid extracts were analyzed using gas–chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Eleven PAs of two types were identified in E. sonchifolia (by type): (1) retronecine bases, senecionine, seneciphylline and integerrimine; (2) otonecine bases, senkirkine, otosenine, neosenkirkine, petasitenine, acetylsenkirkine, desacetyldoronine, acetylpetasitenine, and doronine. Quantification of the individual PAs was determined by six-point linear regression curves in the range of 25–400 μg/mL of senkirkine and senecionine. The PAs were found in all plant organs of E. sonchifolia. Senkirkine was the major PA identified with concentrations up to 53.8 μg/g of dry herb. The average total PA concentration varied from a low of 33.3 μg/g to a high of 93.9 μg/g dry herb. This study will provide important information to public consumers regarding the health risk of PA-containing E. sonchifolia.     

Evaluation of fatty acids and biogenic amines profiles in mullet and tuna roe during six months of storage at 4 °C

The aim of this study was to monitor the fatty acids and biogenic amines (BAs) profiles in mullet (Mugil Cephalus) and tuna (Thunnus thynnus) roe (bottarga) during storage (0–180 days) at 4 °C. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) as methyl ester derivatives while BAs were investigated using reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) as dansyl derivatives. The content of total fatty acids decreased with time in mullet bottarga (BM) while in tuna bottarga (BT) the PUFA value showed a slight decrease up to 30 days followed by an intense reduction after 90 and 180 days. An increasing content of BAs was observed with time in all investigated samples without reaching hazardous concentrations. In general, the BAs concentrations were in decreasing order: tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine and histamine. In BM, phenylethylamine was always present, representing a possible discriminating compound as it was absent in tuna bottarga at any time of storage. A Pearson correlation matrix showed that lipid and protein degradation products were strongly and significantly correlated over the considered storage time implying that lipid oxidation processes are in some way linked to the chemical production of BAs.     

Phytochemical analysis of organic and conventionally cultivated Meyer lemons (Citrus meyeri Tan.) during refrigerated storage

The levels of phytochemicals in organically and conventionally cultivated Meyer lemons (Citrus meyeri Tan.) are unknown. In this study, Meyer lemons grown in south Texas under similar climatic conditions, using organic and conventional cultivation practices, were evaluated for their levels of phytochemicals. Mature fruits were harvested in two seasons, stored at market-simulated post-harvest conditions for four weeks, and periodically evaluated for levels of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, amines, organic acids and minerals. Results indicate that organically grown lemons contain significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of hesperidin, didymin and ascorbic acid than those cultivated in conventional system. Phenolic content was higher in organic lemons, whereas levels of citric acid and amines were higher in conventionally cultivated lemons. These results suggest that organically grown Meyer lemons are a good source of enhanced levels of flavonoids and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, storage of fruits at 10 °C up to four weeks helps maintain the levels of phytochemicals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of phytochemicals evaluation of organic and conventionally grown Meyer lemons.     

Do consumers recognize the positive sensorial attributes of extra virgin olive oils related with their composition? A case study on conventional and organic products

Consumers perceive the sensory characteristics of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs), but they are not always able to relate the positive sensory attributes to the presence of healthy substances (e.g., polyphenols) and, in general, to appreciate the overall quality of the oils. In the present work, consumers’ preferences and influence of information concerning the agricultural production method on consumer behaviour were investigated. EVOO samples were evaluated in terms of sensory attributes, basic chemical parameters, volatile and phenolic molecules. The results showed that the majority of the interviewed consumers appreciated “fruity” attribute, but disliked what they perceived as bitterness. Organic farming information did not affect their judgment. The chemical and sensory analyses confirmed the relationships between the presence of minor compounds and the positive sensory attributes; positive correlations were found among bitter, pungent vs. decarboxymethyl oleuropein aglycone (ranging from 23.8 to 143.8 mg kg⁻¹) and decarboxymethyl ligstroside aglycone, as well as between green notes and the volatile compound 1-penten-3-ol (C₅-LOX alcohols, 0.1–0.9 mg kg⁻¹). Nevertheless, consumers seemed indifferent to the more health-promoting EVOOs, preferring an “uneducated” sweeter taste. This result points to the need for much more consumer education concerning “genuine” and “native” taste of extra virgin olive oil and its health-related properties.     

Composition and enrichment of caprine milk oligosaccharides from New Zealand Saanen goat cheese whey

Goat milk contains oligosaccharides that are structurally similar to human milk, which suggests that caprine milk oligosaccharides (CMO) could mimic the beneficial physiological effects described for human milk oligosaccharides for infant health. This study aimed to characterise the nutrient composition of New Zealand Saanen goat colostrum, regular milk and whey samples and to develop an easily scalable approach to produce an enriched CMO product for use in in vivo experimentation. Goat milk whey was processed by a combination of ultrafiltration, enzymatic hydrolysis of the lactose, solid-phase extraction and rotary vacuum evaporation. An 80% recovery of the oligosaccharide fraction with an enrichment of 24-fold was obtained when compared to the starting whey. Lactose was reduced to 2.5% of its initial concentration by enzymatic treatment. From 8 batches (approximately 1200 mL per batch) of whey, 19 g of product were generated of which around 8% were oligosaccharides, 44% monosaccharides, 44% lactose and 4% galacto-oligosaccharides.     

Application of the QuEChERS procedure and LC–MS/MS for the assessment of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in cocoa beans and shells

The Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) procedure was applied and validated for the analysis of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in cocoa bean matrix with high fat and high pigments. Samples employed in the study were fermented and dried beans obtained from major cocoa producing regions in Ghana where neonicotinoids are extensively used. Shells covering the beans were removed and analyzed separately to examine insecticide distribution. Analytes in both matrices were extracted in acetonitrile with sodium acetate and magnesium sulfate salts, cleaned up using a sorbent mixture of primary secondary amine (PSA), C18 and graphitized carbon black (GCB), and quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Average recoveries at four levels of fortification ranged from 92 to 111% with relative standard deviation of ≤16% for all analytes. Limits of quantification ranged from 3 to 10 μg/kg for all neonicotinoids. Imidacloprid was the most frequently encountered neonicotinoid and was quantified in more than 10% of deshelled bean and 30% of cocoa shell samples, with concentrations ranging from 11.5 to 35.6 μg/kg and 11.8 to 214 μg/kg in cocoa beans and shells, respectively. The findings from this study suggest a need for greater efficiency in neonicotinoid application, to avoid the build-up of these insecticides to unsafe levels in cocoa beans.     

Molecular weight and ionic strength dependence of fluorescence intensity of the Calcofluor/β-glucan complex in flow-injection analysis

The flow-injection analysis (FIA) method has long been used for the quantitative determination of β-glucans. FIA makes use of the enhanced fluorescence produced when β-glucan forms complexes with Calcofluor. For successful application of this analysis method, the lowest molecular weight (MW) in the sample has to be higher than a critical MW below which the fluorescence intensity of the complex becomes weaker.Fluorescence measurements reveal that the fluorescence intensity of the Calcofluor/β-glucan complex is strongly dependent on the ionic strength of the solution. At high ionic strength, fluorescence intensity is high and critical MW is low. At low ionic strength, on the other hand, fluorescence intensity is low and critical MW is high. Turbidity measurement shows that Calcofluor/β-glucan complex forms aggregates in the solution and the rate of aggregate formation depends on the MW of β-glucan and concentration of Calcofluor. This study indicates that the FIA method has to be used with solutions of high ionic strength and a high Calcofluor to β-glucan ratio to broaden the applicable MW range of β-glucan analysis. Application of FIA method to the analysis of β-glucan in oat products turns out to be successful as confirmed by comparison with conventional enzymatic analysis.     

Generating fatty acid and vitamin D composition data of Indonesian foods

The Indonesian food composition table lacks data on individual fatty acids; data on vitamin D is incomplete. The primary aim of this study was to generate data on individual fatty acid content of Indonesian foods. Secondary objective was to analyze vitamin D content. Based on intake data of 4–12 year old children from a nationally representative Indonesian survey, 120 foods contributing 95% to children’s total polyunsaturated fatty acid intake were selected for chemical analysis of fat and fatty acid content. Vitamin D3 was analyzed in a subset of 60 foods. Food samples were collected throughout Indonesia; per food one representative composite sample was chemically analyzed. Of the analyzed foods, sardines (0.97 g/100 g), tempeh (0.62 g/100 g) and tofu (0.56 g/100 g) had the highest n-3 fatty acids content, peanuts (15.9 g/100 g) and palm oil (11.4 g/100 g) were richest in n-6 fatty acids. Vitamin D3 content in foods was limited. This paper significantly contributes to the current knowledge on the fatty acid and vitamin D content of a broad range of commonly consumed Indonesian foods, which can be used in future research to monitor dietary intake and guide policy makers and the food industry to steer nutrient intake in the Indonesian population.     

Water quality,compliance, and health outcomes among utilities implementing Water Safety Plans in France and Spain

Water Safety Plans (WSPs), recommended by the World Health Organization since 2004, seek to proactively identify potential risks to drinking water supplies and implement preventive barriers that improve safety. To evaluate the outcomes of WSP application in large drinking water systems in France and Spain, we undertook analysis of water quality and compliance indicators between 2003 and 2015, in conjunction with an observational retrospective cohort study of acute gastroenteritis incidence, before and after WSPs were implemented at five locations. Measured water quality indicators included bacteria (E. coli, fecal streptococci, total coliform, heterotrophic plate count), disinfectants (residual free and total chlorine), disinfection by-products (trihalomethanes, bromate), aluminum, pH, turbidity, and total organic carbon, comprising about 240 K manual samples and 1.2 M automated sensor readings. We used multiple, Poisson, or Tobit regression models to evaluate water quality before and after the WSP intervention. The compliance assessment analyzed exceedances of regulated, recommended, or operational water quality thresholds using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. Poisson regression was used to examine acute gastroenteritis incidence rates in WSP-affected drinking water service areas relative to a comparison area. Implementation of a WSP generally resulted in unchanged or improved water quality, while compliance improved at most locations. Evidence for reduced acute gastroenteritis incidence following WSP implementation was found at only one of the three locations examined. Outcomes of WSPs should be expected to vary across large water utilities in developed nations, as the intervention itself is adapted to the needs of each location. The approach may translate to diverse water quality, compliance, and health outcomes.     

Determination of furfural and hydroxymethyl furfural from baby formula using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography and method optimization by response surface methodology

A simple, rapid and efficient method was developed using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for extraction and determination of furfural (F) and hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) in baby formula. The effects of different variables on the extraction efficiency such as the volume of extraction and disperser solvents, pH and salt effect were studied and optimized simultaneously using (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). Under optimum conditions, a mixture of ethanol (disperser solvent) and 1-octanol (extraction solvent) was rapidly injected in to the sample solution (after adding 2 g salt and adjusting pH to 6.5). Limit of detection for F and HMF were 0.7 and 1.8 ng g⁻¹, respectively. The inter-day relative standard deviation (RSD%) were 4.9 for HMF and 3.9 for F and also inter-day RSD% were in the range of 5.2–8%. The results showed that DLLME-HPLC is a very fast, simple, sensitive and accurate analytical method for the determination of F and HMF in baby formulas. Finally, The ability of the proposed method to determine F and HMF in different baby formulas in Iran was studied and suitable result was obtained.     

Ion-pair dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction solidification of floating organic droplets method for the rapid and sensitive detection of phenolic acids in wine samples using liquid chromatography combined with a core–shell particle column

This study describes a novel sample preparation method for extraction of phenolic acids from wine using ion pair dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on the solidification of a floating organic droplet (IP-DLLME-SFO). The ion-pairing technique combined with DLLME-SFO dramatically enhanced the extraction efficiency for very polar phenolic acids, such as gallic acid and protocatechuic acid, which could not be extracted by DLLME-SFO in the absence of an ion-pairing reagent. The effects of the parameters that can affect the extraction efficiency were systematically investigated, including the type and concentration of ion-pairing reagent, type and volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, extraction time, sample pH, and ion strength. The method linearity was constructed in the range of 0.01–15 μg/mL, and the sensitivity expressed as limit of detection was as low as 10 ng/mL. The method that we developed was applied for the analysis of commercial wine samples, revealing different levels of phenolic acids among these products.     

On the electrochemical biosensing of phenolic compounds in wines

A simple electrochemical sensor based on polyphenol oxidases was proposed for determination of the total phenol content in wine. Application of two oxidases: tyrosinase and laccase (separately) was examined and the results were compared. An analytical characteristic of proposed sensor towards gallic acid was evaluated. The influence of sample matrix components on the sensor response was studied according to Plackett–Burman experimental design. The potential interferents ethanol, tartaric acid, sorbate, sulfate(IV), putrescine, Fe(III) and glucose, which are usually encountered in wines, were taken into account in the examination. Because of the significant matrix effect found, analyses of wine samples towards polyphenol contents were carried out using standard addition method and expressed as gallic acid equivalents. For comparative quantification of phenolic compounds well-established Folin–Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method was applied. Significant inter-method differences were observed in electrochemical behaviour of standard substance – gallic acid – and phenolic constituents of real wine samples in the presence of tartaric acid.     

Evaluation of the antigenotoxicity of polysaccharides and β-glucans from Agaricus blazei,a model study with the single cell gel electrophoresis/Hep G2 assay

The mushroom Agaricus blazei (Agaricus brasiliensis) has been drawing attention because of its medicinal properties. Among its isolated compounds, special consideration is given to β-glucans, which are cell wall polysaccharides. The aim of the present work was to determine the genotoxic and/or antigenotoxic effects of the total polysaccharides of this mushroom and β-glucans, both extracted at different stages of fruiting body maturity (immature, mature stage with immature spores and mature stage with mature spores). β-glucan genotoxicity was examined using the comet assay in the HepG2 cell line. Additionally, the protective effect of total polysaccharides and β-glucans was tested against H₂O₂, bleomycin and doxorubicin. The results demonstrated that total polysaccharides and β-glucans had no genotoxic effects. On the contrary, they protected DNA against damage caused by the three inducers used. However, total polysaccharides had limited protective effects while being ineffective against doxorubicin. Interestingly, the largest protective effect was seen with extracts from the ripest stages and in the absence of isolated β-glucan.     

Increases in peptide Y-Y levels following oat β-glucan ingestion are dose-dependent in overweight adults

Peptide Y-Y (PYY) is an anorexigenic hormone implicated in appetite control, and β-glucan is a fiber known to affect appetite. We hypothesized that plasma PYY levels would increase in overweight human adults consuming increasing doses of β-glucan. The objective was to test whether the effect could be seen with β-glucan delivered through extruded cereals containing a high β-glucan oat bran with demonstrated high molecular weight and solubility. Fourteen subjects consumed a control meal and 3 cereals of varying β-glucan concentration (between 2.2 and 5.5 g), and blood samples were collected over 4 hours. Analysis of raw PYY data showed a trend toward significant increases over 4 hours. An increasing dose of β-glucan resulted in higher levels of plasma PYY, with significant differences between groups from 2 to 4 hours post test-meal. Data for the area under the curve analysis also approached significance, with post hoc analysis showing a difference (P = .039) between the control and the highest dose of β-glucan (5.5 g). The PYY levels at 4 hours were significantly different between the control and high-dose meal test (P = .036). There was a significant dose response, with a positive correlation between the grams of β-glucan and PYY area under the curve (r² = 0.994, P = .003). The optimal dose of β-glucan appears to lie between 4 and 6 g, with the effects on PYY mediated by viscosity and concentration. Meal-test studies examining a range of hormones should measure hormones over a minimum of 4 hours and record meal intake for even longer time frames.     

Dietary Curdlan Enhances Bifidobacteria and Reduces Intestinal Inflammation in Mice

β-glucan consumption is known for its beneficial health effects, but the mode of action is unclear. While humans and mice lack the required enzymes to digest β-glucans, certain intestinal microbes can digest β-glucans, triggering gut microbial changes. Curdlan, a particulate β-glucan isolated from Alcaligenes faecalis, is used as a food additive. In this study we determined the effect of curdlan intake in mice on the intestinal microbiota and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced intestinal inflammation. The effect of curdlan on the human intestinal microbiota was assessed using i-screen, an assay for studying anaerobic microbial interactions. Mice received oral gavage with vehicle or curdlan for 14 days followed by DSS for 7 days. The curdlan-fed group showed reduced weight loss and colonic inflammation compared to the vehicle-fed group. Curdlan intake did not induce general microbiota community changes, although a specific Bifidobacterium, closely related to Bifidobacterium choerinum, was observed to be 10- to 100-fold more prevalent in the curdlan-fed group under control and colitis conditions, respectively. When tested in i-screen, curdlan induced a global change in the microbial composition of the healthy intestinal microbiota from a human. Overall, these results suggest that dietary curdlan induces microbiota changes that could reduce intestinal inflammation.     

Non-destructive determination of β-carotene content in mango by near-infrared spectroscopy compared with colorimetric measurements

Non-destructive applications for the detection of food quality, especially internal properties, are highly relevant for process control in the food industry. In this respect, colour measurement and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were evaluated and compared for their ability to predict β-carotene content in mango cv. ‘Nam Dokmai’. Colorimetric analysis of peel and flesh colour as well as NIR measurements in the short- (700–1100 nm) and long-wave regions (1000–2500 nm) were analysed for prediction ability. It was found that β-carotene content could be estimated by multiple linear regression (MLR) models developed from b* and hue angle (h°) values of the flesh with good results for coefficient of determination (R²) and standard errors of cross validation (SECV) of 0.941 and 10.2 retinol equivalents (RE) 100 g⁻¹ edible part (EP), respectively, while peel colour showed poor results. However, flesh colour measurement is a destructive method. NIRS calibration showed good results with R² > 0.800 and standard error of prediction (SEP) 11.642–20.2 RE 100 g⁻¹ EP. Long-wave NIR provided better prediction ability than short-wave. From these results, NIRS can be recommended for non-destructive and reliable determination of β-carotene content in mango. The results have implications for quality control in the industrial handling and processing of fruits.     

Investigation of differentiation of metal contents of Agaricus bisporus,Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus ostreatus sold commercially in Poland between 2009 and 2017

Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes are the most commercially important mushroom species cultivated for human consumption. This study compared the content of major elements (ME) and trace elements (TE) in fruiting bodies of these three mushrooms available on the Polish market between 2009 and 2017. It demonstrates that the studied mushrooms, particularly A. bisporus, can be a valuable source of macro- and micro-nutrients such as K, P, Cu, Fe and Se (means: 28,500; 6150; 14.3; 49.3 and 2.59 mg kg dry weoght, respectively) and contain a beneficial Na/K ratio (1:76). The mushrooms were not found to contain increased levels of toxic metals with the ominous exception of As, levels of which were found to be elevated.     

Exposure assessment using human biomonitoring for glyphosate and fluroxypyr users in amenity horticulture

Background

Pesticides and their potential adverse health effects are of great concern and there is a dearth of knowledge regarding occupational exposure to pesticides among amenity horticulturalists.