Lead,cadmium and mercury in canned and unprocessed tuna: six-years monitoring survey,comparison with previous studies and recommended tolerable limits

Fishery products, in particular those belonging to tuna species, widely present in the human diet, may represent a toxicological issue because of the level of contamination by heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium and mercury) and the average per capita consumption. Control of food safety is one of the pillars to the public health safeguard, therefore the official laboratories are in charge of checking the compliance of food products with quality standards for these toxic elements.. From 2014 to 2019, 108 tuna samples, canned or unprocessed, were checked at the laboratory of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (Italy). One canned tuna was non-compliant for cadmium (0.22 mg kg^-1), and twelve fresh tuna samples (11% of total) showed mercury content above the permitted level. Mean mercury concentrations in fresh and canned tuna (0.517 and 0.207 mg kg^-1, respectively) confirm that this element represents a serious toxicological issue. Exposition to mercury, and markedly in its organic form, due to tuna consumption, was found to be significant and may pose a risk for the most sensitive consumer groups (i.e., children).     

Reference measurements of mercury species in seafood using isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Species-specific isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SS ID ICP-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to obtain accurate and SI traceable results for methyl mercury in seafood samples such as clam, oyster and fish homogenate. The mass fractions of (62.3 ± 2.3) μg kg⁻¹, (5.44 ± 0.36) μg kg⁻¹ and (531 ± 19) μg kg⁻¹ were obtained for MeHg (as Hg) in IAEA-461, IAEA-470 and IAEA-476, respectively. Direct isotope dilution mass spectrometry was performed for total mercury content then the content of inorganic mercury in selected samples was obtained by calculation. It was found that the content of inorganic Hg in IAEA-461, IAEA-470, and IAEA-476 was as: 328 μg kg⁻¹, 16 μg kg⁻¹, and 62 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. Mathematical modelling of analytical procedure and evaluation of all parameters influencing final results were adequate for validation of measurement procedure, establishing traceability and estimating expanded uncertainty. Developed procedures were successfully applied in the characterization process of fish homogenate candidate reference material and in the calculation of assigned values in the frame of IAEA-476 inter-laboratory comparison study. Compatibility between obtained results and those derived from the certification campaign, organized by International Atomic Energy Agency on the same sample matrix (<2.6 % difference) further validated performed ID ICP-MS protocols.     

Exposure to nickel through commercial premade baby foods: Is there any risk?

A study was performed to evaluate the risk regarding the presence of nickel in commercial premade baby foods: 26 ready meals, 31 fruits, 8 deserts and 20 paps. The analytical methodology used for the determination of nickel was dry ashing followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Method detection limit (12.5 μg kg⁻¹) was obtained through a matrix matched calibration curve, using a nickel free commercial ready meal (meat).The results showed that 78 (91.8 %) samples contained nickel, with values up to 225.7 μg kg⁻¹. The group with the highest average concentration was the fruits (50.1 μg kg⁻¹) followed by the ready meals (40.2 μg kg⁻¹). Samples from organic farming presented higher detection frequency and average concentration (54.7 μg kg⁻¹) than the others. Using the average results, the tolerable daily intake proposed by EFSA (2.8 μg kg⁻¹ b.w.) was surpassed for the 2 year old age group, with daily ingestions up to 3.1 μg kg⁻¹ b.w.. This results highlight the risk promoted by the nickel present in commercial premade baby food.     

Aluminium in infant foods: Total content,effect of in vitro digestion on bioaccessible fraction and preliminary exposure assessment

The objective of this study was to determine the total concentration and bioaccessible fraction of aluminium (Al) in 95 different baby food samples and estimate the exposure assessment. Total Al content was determined following oxidative microwave digestion by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. An in vitro digestionmethod was optimized to evaluate the bioaccessible fraction. Total concentration and bioaccessibility varied according to the sample composition (saltypurees, fruit purees, infant drinks and petitsuisse). Petit suisse, soy-based drink and salty puree samples presented the highest total Al concentrations of 4170 μg kg⁻¹, 2860 μg kg⁻¹ and 2760 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. Bioaccessiblefraction varied from 0.5%–48% according to their composition.Exposure to Al was estimated and compared with the tolerable weekly intakes currently established. The results showed that the consumption of 3 portions/day of soy-based drink along the week could represent a concern.     

Mercury in canned tuna: white versus light and temporal variation

There are abundant data and advisories for mercury levels in wild fish, but far fewer for commercial fish that compose a large majority of the fish most people eat. Until recently, relatively little attention has been devoted to examining mercury in canned tuna, despite its great importance in human diets. There is substantial media coverage of the benefits and risk from fish consumption, but few peer-reviewed data on canned tuna, the most commonly consumed fish in the United States. In this paper, we examine the levels of total mercury in canned tuna obtained from a New Jersey grocery store from 1998 to 2003, looking for temporal consistency within this data set and particularly for comparison with the Food and Drug Administration's 1991 study. We analyzed 168 cans individually for total mercury. All values are reported as parts per million (= microg/g) on a wet weight basis. In a subset of samples analyzed for total and inorganic mercury, the inorganic mercury was below detection levels; hence at least 89% of the mercury can be considered methylmercury. We found that white-style tuna had significantly more total mercury (mean 0.407 ppm) than light-style tuna (mean 0.118 ppm), presumably reflecting that "white" tuna is albacore, a species relatively larger than the skipjack tuna, which is commonly available as "light" or "chunk light." The maximum mercury in a can was 0.997 ppm, but 25% of white tuna samples exceeded 0.5 ppm. Data suggest a slight increase in levels since 1991, and mercury levels were significantly higher in 2001 than in other years. The mean level of mercury in white tuna (mean 0.407 ppm) was significantly higher than the mean value of 0.17 ppm currently used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its risk assessment and public information. There were no significant differences in mercury levels in tuna packed in oil compared to water. Draining contents had no effect on mercury levels, and the fluid, both oil and water, contained little mercury. These data indicate that people who eat canned tuna frequently can choose light tuna and reduce their mercury intake. Canned mackerel had much lower levels of mercury than tuna. Since cans of white tuna frequently exceed the FDA's original action level of 0.5 ppm, it would be prudent to continue some systematic monitoring of the nation's canned fish supply, particularly as the targets of commercial fisheries inevitably change as certain stocks become depleted.     

Effect of the number of frying cycles on the composition,concentrations and risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in vegetable oils and fried fish

The use of the same batch of oil for deep-frying on several occasions is a common practice. This study sought to determine the effects of repeated frying cycles on the composition, concentrations and risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in six types of vegetable oils and the samples of fish fried therein. The PAH concentrations in the oils were measured before use and after each of three successive cycles of frying. Fish was fried at each time of use of the oils and, also, monitored for their PAH content. The PAH content in all samples was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The concentrations of Ʃ22 PAHs in the unused oils ranged from 43.3–2107 μg kg⁻¹, while those in the used oil ranged from 40.8–4090 μg kg⁻¹. There were significant changes (p < 0.05) in the concentrations and composition of PAHs with respect to vegetable oil types and number of frying cycles. The cancer risk values for the vegetable oils (10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁵) after three frying cycles exceeded the acceptable risk value of 10^-6 indicating a probable lifetime carcinogenic risk. However, adverse non-carcinogenic risks through consumption of these oils and fried fish were low.     

137Caesium, 40Potassium and potassium in raw and deep-oil stir-fried mushroom meals from Yunnan in China

A number of wild, edible mushroom species (Baorangia bicolor, Boletus calopus, Boletus obsclereumbrinus, Butyriboletus roseoflavus, Rubroboletus sinicus, Rugiboletus extremiorientalis and Xerocomus sp.) were collected in 2017, from Yunnan (Yuxi prefecture) in SW China. Samples of raw and stir-fried pools of these specimens were analysed for radioisotopes ¹³⁷Cs (caesium) and ⁴⁰K (potassium), and for total K concentrations. On a whole (wet) weight (ww) basis, ¹³⁷Cs activity ranged from < 0.10 to 0.75 Bq kg⁻¹ for raw, and from 0.5 to 4.4 Bq kg^-1 in stir-fried mushrooms. Radiopotassium (⁴⁰K) activity ranged from 57 to 96 Bq kg⁻¹ ww for raw, and 170 to 370 Bq kg⁻¹ ww for stir-fried mushrooms, while the corresponding concentration ranges for total K were 2100–3400 mg kg⁻¹ ww (mean: 2800 ± 3900 mg kg⁻¹ ww), and 6000–13000 mg kg⁻¹ ww-(mean: 8700 ± 2100 mg kg⁻¹ ww), respectively. This data indicates that mushrooms from this region show negligible ¹³⁷Cs contamination with evidently higher activity levels of ⁴⁰K. The deep oil stir-frying process results in enrichment in the resulting meals for all three determinants. 100 g meal portions showed ¹³⁷Cs activity in the range < 0.08 to 0.44 Bq 100 g⁻¹ ww (mean 0.15 ± 0.12 Bq 100 g⁻¹ ww), and ⁴⁰K activity from 16 to 37 Bq 100 g⁻¹ ww (mean 24 ± 6 Bq 100 g⁻¹ ww). The consequent exposure from ⁴⁰K contained in a single 100 g serving and weekly (100 g x7) servings was equivalent to radiation doses in the range of 0.099 to 0.23 μSv and 0.68–1.6 μSv per capita (means 0.15 ± 0.04 and 1.1 ± 0.3 μSv). This is equivalent to doses in the range of 0.0017 to 0.0038 μSv kg^-1 bm day^-1 and 0.011 to 0.027 μSv kg^-1 bm week^-1 respectively (mean values of 0.0025 ± 0.006 μSv kg^-1 bm day^-1and 0.018 ± 0.004 μSv kg^-1 bm week^-1). Analogically to the annual ¹³⁷Cs radiation exposure resulting from high rates of annual consumption (20–24 kg per capita), the estimated annual dose of radiation from ⁴⁰K would range from 0.34 up to 0.92 μSv kg^-1 bm (mean 0.60 μSv kg^-1 bm). Thus in practice, high annual consumption rates of wild, stir-fried mushrooms as seen in Yunnan, would result in negligible internal doses from decay of artificial ¹³⁷Cs, relative to that from natural ⁴⁰K. The 100 g servings also contained between 590–1300 mg K making this local food one of the top dietary sources of nutritionally important potassium for local consumers.     

Distribution of essential and non-essential elements in rice located in a Protected Natural Reserve “Marjal de Pego-Oliva”

Anthropogenic agronomic practices could negatively affect the agricultural soil which is the main source for inorganic arsenic (i-As) contamination in rice fields due to flooding. The presence of essential elements could be impacted by food industry units operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of husking and polishing on mineral essential elements and inorganic As species in rice from Protected Natural Reserve “Marjal de Pego-Oliva”. The amount of all studied elements was significantly affected by husking (a decrease of Ca, Na and Pb, 360 to 101 mg kg⁻¹, 202 to 46.9 mg kg^-1 and 17.9 to 5.70 μg kg⁻¹, respectively) and by polishing (a reduction of Na, Mg, P, K, Ca and Cu, 46.9–26.8 mg kg⁻¹, 1600 to 481 mg kg⁻¹, 4050 to 1530 mg kg⁻¹, 2780 to 882 mg kg⁻¹, 101 to 53.7 mg kg⁻¹, and 3600 to 2840, μg kg⁻¹, respectively).The replacement of white rice (WR) to brown rice (BR) could enhance the daily dietary intake of essential elements to reach the dietary reference values and the maximum i-As (40.9 and 44.9 i-As μg kg^-1 for BR and WR, respectively) was below the maximum level recently established by European Food Safety Agency.     

Hair mercury concentration and fish consumption: Risk and perceptions of risk among women of childbearing age

The purposes of this study were to assess the hair mercury concentration of women of childbearing age in Taiwan, and to calculate a hazard quotient (HQ) to evaluate the risk of fish consumption for these women. We also examined perceptions of risk associated with fish consumption and whether women in our study changed their habits in response to such risks. The average concentration of mercury was 1.73±2.12 μg g⁻¹ (range: 0.02-16.34 μg g⁻¹), exceeding the US EPA reference dose of 1 μg g⁻¹ in 52.9% of study subjects. The WHO tolerance limit of 10 μg g⁻¹ was exceeded in 1.5% of study subjects. Hair mercury concentration in groups who consumed fish was significantly higher than in groups who never consumed fish (p<0.05). The hazard quotient (exposure estimate/oral reference dose) exceeded 1.0 for 29% of subjects, based on the US EPA’s reference dose (0.1 μg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹), and the average HQ equaled 1.26. When told that some fish contain high levels of mercury that may be harmful for unborn babies, 67.6% of women still indicated that they would not change their amount of fish intake. The high hair mercury concentrations among women of childbearing age in Taiwan are a cause for concern, due to the effect on babies’ brain development. The government should provide specific information about risks and benefits of fish consumption for women to make risk-balancing decisions.     

Determination and chemometric evaluation of the mineral profile of maize flours

Maize flour is a food rich in nutrients important for the proper functioning of the human body. Nevertheless, for the determination of metals in maize flour there are few studies, which raise concern about quality and its mineral composition for consumption. In this work, it was evaluated the concentration of essential (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, Cr and Zn) and non-essential (Cd and Cr) metals in yellow and white maize flour samples produced in Paraná State - Brazil. For this purpose, it was performed a sample treatment employing wet digestion in a digester block and determination of metals by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The highest concentrations found in the flour were Ca (55.4 mg kg⁻¹) and Mg (86.9 mg kg⁻¹) and the lowest concentrations were Cr (0.11 mg kg⁻¹) and Cd (0.01 mg kg⁻¹). In yellow and white maize flour the highest concentration was for Mg, 81.5 mg kg⁻¹and 98.4 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that some samples had a similar mineral profile, such as the relationship with the place of origin of the cereal.     

Essential and non-essential elements in Brazilian infant food and other rice-based products frequently consumed by children and celiac population

Rice and its derivatives are important source of essential and non-essential elements. Essential elements as cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se) are vital for human homeostasis. However, non-essential elements such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) may be present in rice-based food and consequently, people can be exposed—especially children and the celiac population. This study aimed to determine essentials and non-essentials elements in rice-based products and baby food and also to evaluate nutritional risk by estimating the daily intake of non-essential elements. Regarding essential elements, Co and Se presented the highest concentrations in rice flour (56 μg kg⁻¹) and porridge (254 μg kg⁻¹), respectively. For non-essential elements, the highest concentrations of As, Cd and Pb were 104 μg kg⁻¹ (porridge), 16 μg kg⁻¹ (flour), and 188 μg kg⁻¹ (bread), respectively. Total As concentration in Brazilian rice-based baby food was <29 μg kg⁻¹. However, As-speciation revealed inorganic-As (i-As) as the main specie. The highest estimated daily intake of Cd, Pb and i-As were 1.37 (rice-based baby food); 10.39 (pasta); and 3.34 (pasta) μg d⁻¹, respectively. Therefore, continuous food monitoring for nutritional and toxicological purpose is necessary, especially concerning these particular populations and discussions for maximum levels of non-essential elements.     

Levels of selected trace metals in canned tuna fish produced in Turkey

Trace metals (iron, zinc, copper, cadmium, tin, mercury and lead) in canned tuna, obtained from 4 different brands in Turkey, were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The trace metals were found to be in the range of 20.2-38.7 mg/kg for iron, 8.20-12.4 mg/kg for zinc, 0.48-0.58 mg/kg for copper, 0.01-0.02 mg/kg for cadmium, 0.02-0.13 mg/kg for tin, 0.06-0.30 mg/kg for mercury, and 0.09-0.45 mg/kg for lead. These results showed that there is no risk in canned tuna with respect to the concentrations of zinc, copper, cadmium and tin. However, it was determined that some of the samples may contain iron, lead and mercury above the legal limits set by health authorities. It was concluded that trace metals in canned tuna must be monitored comprehensively and periodically with respect to the consumer health.     

Major and trace elements levels in multifloral and unifloral honeys in Croatia

Different honey types were collected in Croatia during 2010 and 2011: 7 multifloral orchard honeys, 7 multifloral meadow honeys, 19 black locust, 9 chestnut, 11 lime and 6 sage honeys. Elements were measured using graphite (As, Cu, Cd, Pb, Se) and flame atomic absorption spectrometer (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Zn) and by mercury analyser (Hg). Significant differences in Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Zn, As and Hg levels were observed between honey types. In chestnut honey were determined (K, Ca, Mg: mg kg⁻¹; Hg, Ad, Cd: μg kg⁻¹): the highest concentrations of K 2824.4, Ca 486.7, Mg 59.1 and Hg 2.52; the lowest of As 24.1 and Cd 2.52. Lime honey has been shown the highest content of Cu (20.6 mg kg⁻¹), Zn (6.78 mg kg⁻¹), Cd (2.14 μg kg⁻¹) and Pb (810.3 μg kg⁻¹). The lowest levels of following elements were determined in black locust honey (Fe, K, Mg: mg kg⁻¹; Hg: μg kg⁻¹): Fe 2.77, K 304.7, Mg 8.02 and Hg 0.82. Sage honey had the lowest Ca and Na content (173.9 and 31.8 mg kg⁻¹). Among the multifloral honeys, the following was determined (Fe, Na, Cu: mg kg⁻¹; As, Pb: μg kg⁻¹): orchard honey – highest of Fe 5.17 and As 276.1, lowest Pb 301; meadow honey – highest Na 36.1, lowest Cu 4.38. The average Ca, Cu and Pb levels found in multifloral honey types were much higher than those reported in other European countries. Calcium levels in lime, chestnut and black locust were higher than those from other countries.     

Contamination levels of lead, cadmium and mercury in imported and domestic lobsters and large crab species consumed in France: Differences between white and brown meat

Lead, cadmium and total mercury contents have been determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in white and brown meat of 108 batches of crustaceans (lobsters, spider crabs, common crabs, swimming crabs and king crabs) collected in France between April and December 2009. With mean levels of 0.041, 0.132 and 0.128 mg kg⁻¹ for Pb, Cd and Hg, respectively, concentrations in white meat were systematically below the European legislation maximum level of 0.50 mg kg⁻¹. Cd concentration in the brown meat of common crabs (mean concentration: 11.8 mg kg⁻¹ and maximum of 14.3 mg kg⁻¹) was well above the observed levels for white meat. The consumption of one whole common crab of 1 kg (about 120 g of white and brown meat) would not contribute significantly to the Pb and Hg provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for adults, but the ingested Cd would greatly exceed the TWI of 2.5 μg kg⁻¹ body weight, which may be a health issue for consumers of brown meat. Therefore, we recommend moderate brown meat consumption.     

Assessment of trace elements in canned fishes (mackerel, tuna, salmon, sardines and herrings) marketed in Georgia and Alabama (United States of America)

The concentrations of mercury and 13 other trace metals in 104 canned fish samples purchased within the states of Georgia and Alabama (United States of America) were determined using the direct mercury analyzer (DMA) and the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The ranges obtained for the elements analyzed in mg/kg (wet weight) are as follows: Hg (0.02–0.74), Ag (0.0–0.20), As (0.0–1.72), Cd (0.0–0.05), Cr (0.0–0.30), Fe (0.01–88.4), Pb (0.0–0.03), Mn (0.01–2.55), Ni (0.0–0.78), Co (0.0–0.10), Cu (0.01–5.33), Sn (0.04–28.7), V (0.0–0.31) and Zn (0.14–97.8). Three tuna samples had Hg level above the European dietary limit of 0.5 mg Hg/kg. The mean Hg concentrations in the tuna (285 μg/kg) and sardine (107 μg/kg) brands were higher than the averages posted by the pink salmon (36.1 μg/kg), red salmon (32.8 μg/kg) and mackerel (36.4 μg/kg) brands. Two tuna samples and a sardine sample exceeded the Australian permissible limit of 1 μg/g inorganic arsenic (wet weight). Two samples (brand 15: herring) had zinc levels exceeding the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended limit of 40 mg/kg and two pink salmons also exceeded the Brazilian regulatory limit of 0.1 mg Cr/kg. One tuna sample had a cadmium level slightly exceeding the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants draft guideline of 0.50 mg Cd/kg. However, the concentrations of lead, cadmium and copper were below the corresponding MAFF guidelines of 2.0, 1.0 and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Also, based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) health criteria for carcinogens, there are no health risks with respect to Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn concentrations in canned fishes analyzed. The result of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on the data suggested that significant variations (P<0.05) existed in the concentrations of Hg, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sn, V, and Zn across the various fish species and canned fish brands analyzed. The estimated weekly intakes of Hg, As, Cd, Pb, Sn, Fe, Cu and Zn for a 60 kg adult consuming 350 g of fish/week were below the respective provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWI) in μg/kg body weight for: Hg: 5; As: 15; Cd: 7; Pb: 25; Sn: 14000; Fe: 5600; Cu: 3500; and Zn: 7000.     

Determination of inorganic arsenic in Argentinean rice by selective HGAAS: Analytical performance for paddy,brown and polished rice

Inorganic As (iAs) species require strict monitoring in foodstuff due to their toxicity. Rice is of particular concern, with recent legislations establishing limits for these species. In this work we develop a method based on selective hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS) for the determination of iAs in different types of rice (polish, parboiled, brown and paddy rice). The multivariate design of experiments used for optimization showed interactions between different factors involved in hydride generation. Matrix effects were systematically studied, where the flow rate of the carrier gas proved to be a critical parameter for the minimization of matrix interferences. Nevertheless, matrix-matching was found to be necessary for accurate quantification of paddy rice samples. Comparison of the iAs concentrations obtained by HGAAS and HPLC-ICP-MS showed non-significant differences between the methods. Analysis of 86 rice samples from the province of Entre Ríos showed relatively low concentrations of iAs (<282 μg kg⁻¹ for paddy rice and <120 μg kg⁻¹ for polished rice), regardless of total As concentrations (which ranged from 63 μg kg⁻¹ to 932 μg kg⁻¹), suggesting that the rice analyzed tends to accumulate As in its organic forms.     

Exposure assessment of arsenic speciation in different rice types depending on the cooking mode

Total (As_t), inorganic arsenic (As_i = As(III) + As(V)) and dimethylarsonic acid (DMA) were determined in 37 commercial rice samples collected in France. As_t was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) whereas anion-exchange chromatography – ICP-MS was used for As_i and DMA determination. As_t in raw rice varied from 0.041 to 0.535 mg kg⁻¹ whereas As_i varied from 0.025 mg kg⁻¹ (polished Basmati rice) up to 0.471 mg kg⁻¹ (organic rice duo). The daily intake and associated health risk for different population groups as a function of age and gender was also assessed. The intake varied between 0.002 and 0.184 μg kg⁻¹ body weight for As_t and 0.002 and 0.153 μg kg⁻¹ body weight for As_i, which do not pose a chronic toxicity risk. Organic wholegrain rice may entail a risk for children in the case of sole consumption at the expense of polished rice. The impact of rice cooking/boiling in terms of the overall toxicological risk related to As species was also investigated. Pre-rinsing and boiling the raw rice by using an excess of water is the most efficient mode to obtain a significant As_i removal and further reduction of the toxicological risk for children, particularly for white rice varieties.     

Element analysis of dried figs (Ficus carica L.) from the Mediterranean areas

The minerals content of 36 dried figs samples collected from three Mediterranean areas in 2018 was presented in this study. The aim of this research was to evaluate whether the mineral elements amounts were significantly different among the production regions. Samples grown in Italy, Greece and Turkey were analyzed in this study. Samples were found to be a good source of potassium (average content between 3.5 ± 0.2 g kg⁻¹ and 8.12 ± 0.88 g kg⁻¹), calcium (between 1.46 ± 0.24 g kg⁻¹ and 4.49 ± 0.28 g kg⁻¹), magnesium (between 0.84 ± 0.04 g kg⁻¹ and 1.28 ± 0.15 g kg⁻¹), and sodium (between 0.45 ± 0.04 g kg⁻¹ and 0.70 ± 0.11 g kg⁻¹). Cadmium ad lead concentrations were always below the regulated values and below the quantification limit in all Italian samples, whereas chromium was detected in all samples from Greece (0.05 ± 0.01 mg kg⁻¹) and Turkey (0.03 ± 0.01 mg kg⁻¹), and in 65 % of samples from Italy (0.08 ± 0.02 mg kg⁻¹). Results confirm the good figs quality related to their essential trace elements content and they highlight the safety of these food products correlated to the intake of toxic elements. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the results pointed out that the mineral elements amount is significantly different among the three sample groups, hence it is possible to discriminate figs according to their geographical origin by PCA.     

Estimate of dietary ganglioside intake in a group of healthy Edmontonians based on selected foods

The daily ganglioside intake of 19 healthy individuals was estimated based on consumption of specific foods from food records. The ganglioside content of 6 specific foods commonly consumed by healthy individuals living in the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada area was 0.51 ± 0.08 μg NANA/g (1% milk), 0.73 ± 0.09 μg NANA/g (yogurt), 0.72 ± 0.05 μg NANA/g (cheddar cheese), 1.73 ± 0.59 μg NANA/g (egg yolk), 1.70 ± 0.17 μg NANA/g (cooked ground beef), and 0.83 ± 0.32 μg NANA/g (canned tuna). The highest ganglioside content from foods analyzed, gram for gram, was found in egg yolk and cooked ground beef. The mean ganglioside intake from this group of healthy individuals was determined (i.e. <100 μg N-acetylneuraminic acid/4187 kJ daily). The findings of this study may be useful for studies investigating ganglioside concentrations of foods or usual ganglioside intake in a healthy population.     

Mid infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometric tools for qualitative analysis of canned tuna with sunflower medium

The most common frauds of tuna cans supply chain concern the substitution or mixing of valuable tuna species with cheaper ones, which is strictly prohibited by the European regulation. The aim of this work was to investigate the ability of mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy as a rapid and non-destructive tool to identify canned bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tunas and detect their presence in a binary mixture of canned tunas. The MIR spectra were acquired on 232 canned tunas produced at the pilot scale. The factorial discriminant analysis (FDA) was applied to the first 5 principal components (PCs) of the principal component analysis (PCA) of the three spectral regions: 3000–2800 cm⁻¹, 1700–1500 cm⁻¹ and 1500–900 cm⁻¹. A robust model was created with correct classification amounting to 90.38% that was tested on 30 commercial canned tuna. A total (100%) of correct classification was obtained for skipjack tuna, while misclassification was observed for cans labelled as bigeye and yellowfin suggesting an adulteration action or mislabelling during process technology.