Study on Stability of Iodine in Iodated Salt by Use of Different Cooking Model Conditions

Different cooking methods, utensils, and cooking conditions were utilized along with the addition of various food additives, sugars, fortificants, spices and sanitizer, to evaluate their effects on iodine in the food. Evaluations used 20% salt brine as the model in order to avoid complications with the real food system. Titration and spectrophotometric methods were used for iodine analysis based on the kind of sample prepared; the analyses were performed along with a blank sample that contained the same chemicals except iodated salt. Significant loss (P=0.05) of iodine was analyzed by using either ANOVA with Scheffe or t -test.Cooking methods (boiling, frying, steaming, baking, canning) and pHs (3, 6, 9) showed no significant effect on iodine loss. Metal utensils significantly affected iodine loss. With the addition of either sodium metabisulfite (50–250 ppm) or ascorbic acid (0.1 and 0.5%), iodine in salt was totally lost at the higher concentration even before cooking. High loss of iodine was found in the samples with glucose (5%) and lactose (5%) at pH 9 after cooking especially with brass utensil; the sucrose sample showed a loss of 33% at pH 3. Conversely, high losses of iodine were found in all cooking utensils, except with brass, after adding ferrous sulfate (0.05 and 0.1%). High losses were found during cooking with phosphoric acid in brass at pH 3. Color interference caused inaccurate results for acetic acid at pH 9 in all cooking utensils, and for citric acid in brass utensil in all trials at all pH values. Garlic, fresh chili, pepper, and green curry paste caused high loss of iodine.     

Changes in Milk and Fat Choices of Nondiabetic Siblings of Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Children: A Two-Year Prospective Study

The aim of this study was to examine how the diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in one child affects the consumption patterns of milk and fat among nondiabetic siblings. Food habits of 478 Finnish nondiabetic siblings (3–19 years) of children with IDDM (<14 years) were reported on a self-administered questionnaire at the time of diagnosis and four times during a 2-year follow-up period and compared with the food habits of 548 nondiabetic population-based control subjects (5–17 years). The use of high- and low-fat milk, butter on bread, and butter and margarines in food preparation became less common, whereas the use of skim milk, margarines on bread, and oils in food preparation became more common in nondiabetic siblings after the diagnosis of IDDM in the proband. Siblings in farmers’ or low-income families used high-fat milk and butter more often than other siblings before the diagnosis of the proband. Two years after the diagnosis, high-fat milk and butter were still more common in the diet of farmers’ children and in the diet of siblings whose mother's education was short (≤12 years). A recommended dietary change (from high- to low-fat dairy products, from butter to margarines and oils) was more common in the diet of urban children and of siblings whose mothers had a longer education (>12 years). As compared with population-based control subjects, the use of high-and low-fat milk, butter on bread, and butter and margarines in food preparation was less common and the use of skim milk, margarines on bread, and oils in food preparation more common among the nondiabetic siblings 2 years after the diagnosis of IDDM in the proband. The diagnosis of IDDM in a child has significant and beneficial effects on the choice of the type of milk and dietary fat of his/her siblings. Farmers and families in lower socioeconomic groups need more attention to modify the diet after the diagnosis of IDDM in a child.     

Dietary intake in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT): nutrient and food group changes over 6 years

The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) was a randomized clinical trial in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease. Middle-aged men determined to be at high risk for coronary heart disease were randomized into either a special intervention (SI) group or a group referred to usual sources of medical care (UC). Twenty-four hour dietary recall data were used to monitor the nutrient intake of the MRFIT population and guide the nutrition education program for the SI group. The SI group of participants decreased intake of dietary cholesterol by 40% and saturated fatty acids by more than one-fourth and increased intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids by one-third. Evaluation of SI dietary intake data by food groups indicates that some dietary changes were relatively easy to implement, whereas others presented more of a challenge. Changes made with relative ease included increasing the consumption of fish and poultry, skim and low-fat milk, polyunsaturated margarines and oils, fruits, and low-fat breads and cereals and reducing the consumption of egg yolks. More difficult changes included eliminating, or even reducing, the intake of high-fat beef and pork, high-fat cheeses, high-fat crackers, snacks, and desserts, and increasing the intake of vegetarian meat alternatives.     

Influence of cooking method on the nutrient composition of Spanish light lamb

Thirty lambs were used to assess the influence of cooking methods on the nutritional composition of Spanish light lamb. With this aim, the left legs without shank, deboned and untrimmed of any adipose tissue, were analyzed raw. The right legs were analyzed after undertaking one of three cooking procedures: stewing, grilling or roasting. All cooking procedures increased the percentage of fat compared to the raw meat (9.6%), for equivalent sample quantities. This increment was mainly due to the increase in dry matter, from 28.5% in the raw product to 41.6% in roasted or stewed meat, caused by the water losses during cooking. Stewing caused the highest increase in fat, possibly due to fat absorption from the ingredients used in the recipe. This implied an extraordinary increment on the percentage of linoleic acid increasing from 5% to 11% of total fatty acids. n-3 fatty acids were less affected by cooking than n-6 fatty acids. Stewing could improve the fat quality according to cardiovascular indices, although the excess levels of fat should be taken into account. Moreover, cooking also caused the disappearance of B-vitamins to a higher extent than minerals, when expressed on a dry-matter basis. The composition of roasted or grilled lamb was very similar, even when cooking time was very different.     

Nutrient losses and gains during frying: a review

Recent consumer interest in ‘healthy eating’ has raised awareness to limit the consumption of fat and fatty foods. What are the relative nutritional advantages and disadvantages of consuming fried foods? Are all fried foods bad for you? A review on macro-and micronutrients losses and gains during frying is presented here. Frying has little or no impact on the protein or mineral content of fried food, whereas the dietary fibre content of potatoes is increased after frying due to the formation of resistant starch. Moreover, the high temperature and short transit time of the frying process cause less loss of heat labile vitamins than other types of cooking. For example, vitamin C concentrations of French fried potatoes are as high as in raw potatoes, and thiamine is well retained in fried potato products as well as in fried pork meat. The nutritive value of the frying media is also important to take into consideration and therefore losses of nutrients from the frying oil are also discussed. Although some unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins are lost due to oxidation, fried foods are generally a good source of vitamin E. It is true that some fat is inevitably taken up by the food being fried, contributing to an increased energy density. However, this also results in highly palatable foods with a high nutritional content. It is concluded that fried foods certainly have a place in our diets.     

Fatty acid distributions of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in peanut seeds (Arachis hypogaea L.) following microwave treatment

Peanut seeds (Arachis hypogaea L.) were roasted for 6, 12, 20 or 30 min at a frequency of 2450 MHz using a microwave oven. The fatty acid distributions of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and phospholipids (PLs) isolated from total lipids in these seeds was investigated. The predominant lipid component was TAGs and the lesser one PLs, while steryl esters, free fatty acids (FFAs), and sn-1,3- and sn-1,2-diacylglycerols (DAGs) were minor ones. Following microwave roasting, a significant increase (P<0.05) was observed in FFAs and in both forms of DAGs. The greatest PL losses (P<0.05) were observed in phosphatidyl ethanolamine, followed by phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl inositol. However, the principal characteristics of fatty acid distributions in the TAGs were evident after 20 min of roasting: unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic and/or oleic, were predominantly concentrated in the sn-2-position, and saturated fatty acids, especially stearic and/or palmitic, primarily occupied the sn-1-position or sn-3-position of peanut oils during microwave roasting. These results indicate that unsaturated fatty acids located in the sn-2-position are significantly protected from oxidation during microwave roasting.     

苏州市酱卤肉制品卫生细菌学调查

目的了解市售酱卤肉制品的卫生质量现状，更好地进行食品卫生工作的监督管理。方法对苏州市饭店、超市、卤菜店制售的酱卤肉制品进行菌落总数、大肠菌群的检验。结果共采集样品69份，合格样品41份，总合格率为59．42％。其中菌落总数合格51份，合格率为73．91％；大肠菌群合格46份，合格率为66．67％。结论该市卫生监督部门应加大酱卤肉卫生质量的监督执法力度，并加强对食品从业人员的培训。     

Selected quality parameters of salmon and meat when fried with or without added fat

AIM: To determine whether pan-frying (pork, beef and salmon) without oil or with different fats (olive oil, corn oil or a partially hydrogenated plant oil) or steaming (only salmon) have effects on the total fat content, the fatty acid pattern, lipid peroxidation, tocopherols and in particular for salmon on vitamin D(3) and astaxanthin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pork, beef patties and salmon were pan-fried (6 min each), beef fillet was pan-fried (5 min) with an additional braising period of 90 minutes and salmon was steamed for 12 minutes. Each pan-frying treatment was done with the above mentioned fats and without fat. Total fat was determined gravimetrically, the fatty acid pattern with GC, the tocopherols, astaxanthin and vitamin D(3) by using HPLC. RESULTS: The effects on the fat quality and quantity in the final products were related to the pan-frying fat used, however, the power of the outcome was depending on the surface to volume ratio. The highest increase in total fat was observed for pork, followed by the beef patties and the braised beef. The same has been assessed for the fatty acid pattern. Tocopherols changed according to the oil used, in particular gamma-tocopherol significantly increased for each preparation after the use of corn oil. Only in pork an increase in lipid oxidation of the oil preparations has been observed. Vitamin D(3) in salmon significantly decreased after heat treatment, however a 150 g salmon portion would provide between 13.9 and 14.7 mug Vitamin D(3) which is around five times more than the average daily intake. CONCLUSION: Pan-frying without fat can be recommended for the daily use, since the total fat intake is too high in developed countries and one main task of nutritional recommendations is to reduce the total fat intake. When pan-fried with fat, the choice of the fat is of high importance since it directly influences the quality and the flavour of the final product. In order to increase the fat quality from nutritional point of view only oils of plant or vegetable origin should be used in households. Pan-fried salmon is a good source of Vitamin D(3).     

Ascorbic acid loss in vegetables: adequacy of a hospital cook-chill system

This research evaluates the ascorbic acid loss of vegetables prepared in a hospital cook-chill plated system. The ascorbic acid loss of three vegetable samples (carrots, peas and potatoes) were measured at various points in the cook-chill system and analysed using the DCPIP method. Substantial losses for all vegetables were identified at the cooking and regeneration stages. The ascorbic acid levels of the selected vegetables when raw ranged from 6 to 10 mg/100 g sample. At the end of the food service cycle the ascorbic acid content of the vegetables was reduced to 1.7-5.8 mg/100 g sample. The largest percentage loss of ascorbic acid, i.e. 76%, was found in mashed potatoes. Peas incurred the least percentage loss, i.e. 42%. This progressive deterioration during the cook-chill plated catering system causes an insubstantial presence of ascorbic acid in the food served to hospitalised patients.     

The effect of cooking methods on the mineral content of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

In this study, we assessed the impact of two cooking methods, steaming and boiling, through the true retention (%TR) of minerals in pseudocereals and rice (varieties Indica and Japonica). Mineral content was determined by ICP-OES. Cooking methods have an impact on mineral composition of pseudocereals with losses up to 20%. Quinoa’s %TR varied from 100% (manganese, phosphorus and iron) in steaming, to 83% (copper) in boiled. In amaranth, it ranged from 98% (copper) in boiling method, to 80% (magnesium) in steaming. Buckwheat presents a %TR of 100% in iron and 87% in zinc. For boiled rice, the losses were higher in the variety Indica, with a decrease of 34% for manganese. Steamed amaranth is a higher density food in particular for manganese, magnesium and phosphorus, which present a recommended nutrient intake (RNI) contribution of 70%, 65% and 44%, respectively. Rice represents the lowest contribution to mineral RNI. This study demonstrates that estimation of mineral intake should be based on data obtained from cooked food.     

The effect of vegetables and beet fibre on the absorption of zinc in humans from composite meals

1. The absorption of zinc in humans from composite meals, was determined by extrinsic labelling of the meals with 65Zn and measurement of the whole-body retention of the radioisotope. 2. Low-Zn (mean 25 mumol) chicken meals with 150 g white bread or 225 g potatoes, carrots, turnips, cabbage or green peas were studied. The effect of a beet-pulp-fibre preparation used as a breakfast cereal, in bread and as a meat extender on Zn absorption was also studied. 3. The mean percentage absorption from the chicken meals with white bread, carrots and cabbage was significantly different from the meals with potatoes, turnips and green peas. When the amount of Zn in the meals was taken into account a slightly higher absorption was observed from the white-bread meal compared with the meals with potatoes and cabbage, while no differences were seen between the vegetable meals. 4. The beet-pulp-fibre preparation did not affect the extent of Zn absorption when used as a meat extender. The absorption of Zn was higher when the beet fibre was included in bread than when used as müesli. 5. The results obtained suggest that, besides the low-Zn content in vegetables, a large intake of vegetables or a pure-vegetable-fibre preparation has no significant effect on Zn availability from animal-protein-based meals.     

Assessment of fatty acids content in margarines available on Polish market in the years 1996-2000

Fatty acids content in margarines from Polish market in the years 1996-2000 was investigated. 56 samples of low fat, 40 normal fat and 78 stick were examined derived from different producers. Considerable differences in amount of particular groups of fatty acids were observed during investigation period i.e. saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and trans isomers in the same type of margarines. The low fat soft type of margarines showed the most desirable from nutritional point of view fatty acids content--such as low level of saturated acids as well as absence of trans isomers.     

Adequacy of essential fatty acid, vitamin D and vitamin E intake: Implications for the 'core' and 'extras' food group concept of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating

Objective: To assess the implications of new recommendations for essential fatty acids, vitamin D and vitamin E on the classification of margarines and vegetable oils as ‘extras’ in the current Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Design: The role of margarines and vegetable oils as sources of essential fatty acids, vitamin D and vitamin E was examined in two ways. First, data from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey were assessed and, second, sample diets conforming to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating were modelled and analysed. Subjects: For the assessment of national intake, subjects were a representative sample of 13 858 Australians, surveyed in the 1995 National Nutrition Survey. Main outcome measures: Relative contributions of margarines and oils, the ‘core’ food groups and ‘extras’ categories of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating to intakes of essential fatty acids and vitamins D and E; changes in nutrient profiles of baseline diets conforming to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating with or without varying amounts of margarines and oils. Results: ‘Core’ foods and ‘extras’ contributed similar amounts of essential fatty acids and vitamins D and E to the Australian diet, margarines and oils being the major contributor among ‘extras’. The simulated low‐fat, low‐saturated‐fat baseline diets generally failed to meet the adequate intakes for n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturates and vitamin D, and vitamin E in some instances. The addition of 25 g of sunflower margarine, but not comparable amounts of canola margarine, olive oil and butter, markedly increased the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids and generally delivered the adequate intakes, vitamin D being the exception. Conclusion: The inclusion of margarines and vegetable oils in diets based on the current Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, and guidance on choice among these foods, is required to provide adequate intakes of linoleic acid, α‐linolenic acid and vitamins D and E and to achieve fatty acid profiles consistent with the prevention of chronic disease.     

蔬菜维生素B_1、维生素B_2保留因子的研究

目的通过比较不同蔬菜、不同烹调方法间维生素B1、维生素B2保留因子(RF)的差异,探讨影响蔬菜维生素B1、维生素B2保留因子的因素。方法选取了常见的12种蔬菜,以炒、炖、炸、蒸、焯、盐腌的方法进行烹调,分别记录烹调前后的重量,采用GB/T5009.84-2003荧光法、GB/T5009.85-2003荧光法分别测定烹调前后维生素B1、维生素B2含量,计算出相应的重量保留因子(保留率)和维生素B1、维生素B2保留因子(保留率)。结果鲜豆类蔬菜,维生素B1的保留率大多在66%~75%之间,维生素B2的保留率在85%~90%之间。焯不论对于根茎类还是叶菜类都会造成维生素B1的较大损失,损失率为50%。对于叶菜类,焯同样会造成维生素B2较大损失,RF的均值为50,明显低于炒青菜(P<0.05)。根茎类和茄果类蔬菜在炒的烹调方式下维生素B2的RF值在77~79之间。结论焯会造成较大的维生素B1、维生素B2损失,炒的维生素B1、维生素B2保留率较高;烹调方法、蔬菜的品种是影响维生素保留因子的重要因素。     

Home use of margarine is an important determinant of plasma trans fatty acid status: a biomarker study

The contribution of the home use of margarines, made with partially hydrogenated vegetables oils, to total trans fatty acid intake is difficult to determine using dietary assessment because food composition databases are incomplete for trans fatty acids; moreover, hidden fats in manufactured foods may be the predominant sources of trans fatty acids. The objective of our study was to determine, using plasma phospholipid trans fatty acid composition as a surrogate measure of exposure, whether the home use of margarine or butter is an important determinant of trans fatty acid status. We conducted a community-based (Dunedin, New Zealand), cross-sectional survey of people who consumed either margarine (n 65) or butter (n 64) but not both for home use. The levels of the 18:1 trans isomers commonly found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils were all significantly higher in the plasma phospholipids of margarine compared with butter consumers, with the exception of 18:1n-7t, which did not differ. Among margarine consumers, the percentage of total fat from margarine was significantly correlated with levels of phospholipid 18:1n-6t, 18:1n-8t and 18:1n-12/9t isomers (r 0.57-0.63, P<0.001) but only weakly with 18:1n-7t (r 0.30, P=0.016). The intake of fat from fast foods, bakery products or meat and meat products was not associated with plasma phospholipid trans isomeric composition. The home use of margarine, made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, is an important determinant of trans fatty acid exposure in New Zealand.     

The technological challenges of reducing the saturated fat content of foods

Industrial food scientists modify oil formulations in order to meet their customers’ needs such as cost and nutritional content, but the fat formulae must also function during production of the food and in the finished food product. Unlike mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids (SFA) are resistant to oxidation and become solid at room temperatures. Reducing the level of SFA therefore creates technical difficulties. Techniques such as plant breeding to reduce polyunsaturated fat and so increase oxidative stability, and fractionation and interesterification to provide greater firmness, are discussed. Opportunities for SFA reduction are identified in baked goods, such as biscuits, cakes and pastries, using formulations which are already available on the market. Other products, such as meat, dairy and confectionery, would prove harder to reformulate. An example of a successful change in fatty acid profiles of foods is the removal of industrially produced trans fatty acids, which was largely complete in the UK by 2006. Similar methods could be used to bring about a reduction in intake of saturated fat, but the food industry would need compelling scientific, regulatory or public relations arguments to motivate these changes due to the costs involved.     

Fatty acids composition of Greek margarines. Margarine consumption by the population of Crete and its relationship to adipose tissue analysis

Ten brands of margarines from the Greek market were analysed. The fatty acid (FA) composition was estimated by using gas liquid chromatography (GLC) with a capillary column. A sample of Cretan olive oil was used as a control. The brands of the same margarines were bought and analysed twice (June and October 1991) in order to observe differences between batches. During the second part of the study it was possible to distinguish between the cis and trans isomers of the unsaturated fatty acids. The ratios of polyunsaturated/saturated, monounsaturated/polyunsaturated and saturated/monounsaturated (P/S, M/P, S/M) fatty acids were calculated as well as the ω-6/ω-3 ratio. Four brands contained at least 40% saturated fatty acids. Trans double bonds were additionally regarded as simple bonds and the conventional ratios were recalculated. The amount of the 18:1 trans fatty acid ranged from 5.40 to 9.54% and that of cis-trans and trans-cis 18:2 fatty acids from 0.40 to 3.65%. The 18:2 trans-trans fatty acids ranged from 0 to 1.23%. Food consumption surveys in Crete showed that in selective population samples, margarine consumption was approximately 9 g/day for children and 2 g/day for adults. The analysis of fatty acids in adipose tissue of 70 Cretan lawyers showed 0.90 ± 0.25% (0.46–1.67) for 4 trans isomers of oleic acid and 0.14 ± 0.06% (0.05–0.31) and 0.04 ± 0.01% (0.02–0.06) for trans-cis and cis-trans isomers of linoleic acid respectively. Although margarine consumption in Crete is still low, trans fatty acids content is reflected in the adipose fatty acid composition. The industry must consider the potential health risks that consumption of such margarines will have on the population, and they must try to improve their products.     

n-6 and n-3 PUFA intakes of pre-school children in Flanders, Belgium

In this study, the intake of n-6 and n-3 PUFA of pre-school children in Flanders, Belgium, was evaluated, and recommendations to address the very low intake of long-chain PUFA are presented. Food consumption data (based on parentally reported 3 d dietary records obtained from October 2002 to February 2003) of 661 children (338 boys, 323 girls) between 2.5 and 6.5 years of age and the PUFA concentrations obtained from various food composition databases were used. The actual PUFA intake levels were compared to Belgian, European and American recommendations. Only the intake of linoleic acid (LA) fell within the recommended ranges. Margarine, bread, biscuits and chocolate products contributed most to LA intake. The intake of alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) was low compared to the recommendations and was obtained mostly from the consumption of margarines and fatty sauces. This resulted in a high LA/LNA ratio. The intake of all long-chain PUFA was far below the recommended levels. Meat and meat products were the most important sources of arachidonic acid. Consumption of fish and other seafood was very low, though these were the most important sources of long-chain n-3 PUFA. In conclusion, Flemish pre-school children should consume more n-3-rich products in order to increase their LNA intake and decrease their LA/LNA ratio. Furthermore, the replacement of meat products rich in SFA by poultry would increase the arachidonic acid intake. As well, fatty fish consumption needs to be increased, as it is a rich source of long-chain n-3 PUFA.     

Assessment of safety of frozen foods

This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of 90 frozen food samples (50 samples of raw frozen vegetables including molokeya, okra, green peas, peas + carrot, and artichoke, 20 of frozen poultry products and 20 of frozen meat products), and to assess the level of women practice during handling. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Results showed that the mean aerobic mesophilic plate count of frozen vegetables was 3.4 x 10(5) +/- 7.3 x 10(5) cfu/g. The mean mold and yeast count was 3.9 x 10(3) +/- 1.1 x 10(4) cfu/g. The mean coliform count was 3.9 x 10 +/- 6.6 x 10 m.o./g. In case of meat product, the mean aerobic count was 2.3 x 10(5) +/- 3.2 x 10(5), that of mold and yeast was 2.5 x 10(5) +/- 8.8 x 10(5) cfu/g and that of coliform was 3.2 x 10(2) +/- 3.8 x 10(2) m.o./g. Poultry products on the other hand had a mean aerobic count of 6.8 x 10(5) +/- 1.6 x 10(6), a mean mold and yeast count of 3.5 x 10(5) +/- 7.4 x 10(5) cfu/g and a mean coliform count of 6.4 x 10(2) +/- 5.2 x 10(2) m.o./g. Fecal coliforms were detected only in 60.0% of meat product samples and in 45.0% of poultry product samples. On the other hand Staph aureus was detected only in 10.0% of poultry product samples. Difference between the 5 types of vegetables was statistically significant (P = 0.00, and 0.02, respectively) for total plate and mold and yeasts counts. Among the 113 interviewed women, 80 used frozen food products. Twenty six of them (32.5%) had scores < 50%, those were classified as being bad as they were handling frozen food improperly which would contribute to outbreaks of food borne diseases. Less than 4% of the users used satisfactory practice during handling frozen foods. Illiteracy affected significantly the level of practice.     

Evaluation and control of the risk of foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria present in Awa-Uirou, a sticky rice cake containing sweet red bean paste

The risk of food poisoning and growth of spoilage bacteria in Awa-Uirou, a sticky rice cake containing sweet red bean paste, was evaluated. Toxin-producing bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus are the main causes of food poisoning linked to this kind of food. The water activity in this product is in the range suitable for growth of S. aureus, B. cereus, and B. subtilis. The viable count of S. aureus or B. cereus spore cocktail was significantly reduced to 2.3 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g after 70 minutes steaming treatment at 100 degrees C. However, the heat-resistant endospores of B. subtilis germinated during storage at 30 degrees C to cause appreciable syneresis of the starch gel matrix in 4 days. The addition of 0.5% glycine before steaming treatment was found to effectively suppress the growth of B. cereus but was not effective in controlling S. aureus throughout the 7 days incubation period at 30 degrees C. On the other hand, S. aureus and B. cereus could grow > 5.0 log CFU/g in an inoculated sample without glycine within 3 days when stored at 30 degrees C. Moreover, addition of 0.5% glycine before the steaming process did not have any significant effect on color, texture, or taste of sticky rice cake. Therefore, results of this study demonstrated that the addition of 0.5% glycine before the steaming process could inhibit B. cereus and B. subtilis multiplication in the steamed rice confection which in turn may help reduce the risk of food poisoning or quality loss.