Search Results (320)

Cyanide, a highly toxic compound, may exist in trace amounts in distilled Chinese liquor, a traditional spirit consumed by over a billion people. To enhance the efficiency and reliability of cyanide detection, we propose a rapid, fully automated method integrating steam distillation with a continuous flow analyzer. This system combines sample pretreatment, fast distillation, and colorimetric detection using the isonicotinic-barbituric acid chromogenic system based on Lambert–Beer law (measuring at 600 nm). The standard curve exhibits an excellent linear relationship and a correlation coefficient r = 0.99959. The detection limit (0.2519 µg/L) was derived from 11 replicate blank measurements. When applied to three types of Chinese liquor, the method yields spike recovery rates ranging from 91.530% to 98.485%, and precision values between 1.177% and 1.525%. A paired t-test confirms no significant difference between this method and the national standard spectrophotometric method (t = 0.535, p = 0.615). Overall, this method offers outstanding repeatability, high accuracy, rapid analysis, and minimal manual intervention, establishing it as a reliable tool for cyanide determination and contributing to the assurance of food safety in alcoholic beverages. Full article

Background: There are very few reviews on how children’s food allergy is managed across various educational settings, and none have considered psychological support in addition to child safety. This scoping review aimed to understand interventions to manage food allergy, addressing children’s safety and psychological support in childcare centres, preschools, and schools. Methods: Following the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and applying the PCC (population, concept, and context) mnemonic, a search was conducted via Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), ERIC (ProQuest), PsychInfo (EBSCOhost), Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest). Furthermore, two supplementary searches were conducted: first, backward citation tracking of all publications included in this review; and second, a search of seven peak allergy organisation websites, including Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia and the World Allergy Organization. Findings: Eighteen publications were included from 6812 records retrieved from the databases. Most publications were from the United States of America (61%), representing food allergy management mainly in schools (39%), followed by preschools (22%), childcare centres (17%), and mixed settings (11%). All the interventions focused on child physical safety, largely neglecting psychosocial support for children or their families, and only four publications reported the use of control groups to test intervention benefits (22%). Furthermore, safety-focused interventions were centred on building educator or staff knowledge of food allergy and their skills, confidence, and self-efficacy to manage it (72%); these were found to be highly effective. Most interventions were aimed at adults, and none considered children. Interpretation: The findings suggest a need for more research on food allergy management involving child-focused, developmentally appropriate approaches, especially in childcare and preschool settings. There is also a need for research on psychological support, particularly that which involves control groups and encompasses different nations. Full article

Aflatoxins (AFs), harmful secondary metabolites produced by the genus Aspergillus, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are one of the best-known potent mycotoxins, posing a significant risk to public health. The primary type, especially aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), is a potent carcinogen associated with liver cancer, immunosuppression, and other health problems. Environmental factors such as high temperatures, humidity, and inadequate storage conditions promote the formation of aflatoxin in staple foods such as maize, peanuts, and rice. Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, cancer, or diabetes, are at increased risk due to their reduced detoxification capacity and weakened immune defenses. Chronic exposure to AF in these populations exacerbates liver damage, infection rates, and disease progression, particularly in developing countries and moderate-income populations where food safety regulations are inadequate and reliance on contaminated staple foods is widespread. Biomarkers such as aflatoxin-albumin complexes, urinary aflatoxin M₁, and aflatoxin (AF) DNA adducts provide valuable insights but remain underutilized in resource-limited settings. Despite the globally recognized health risk posed by AF, research focused on monitoring human exposure remains limited, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. This dynamic emphasizes the need for targeted studies and interventions to address the particular risks faced by immunocompromised individuals. This review provides an up-to-date overview of AF exposure in immunocompromised populations, including individuals with cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, malnutrition, pregnant women, and the elderly. It also highlights exposure pathways, biomarkers, and biomonitoring strategies, while emphasizing the need for targeted interventions, advanced diagnostics, and policy frameworks to mitigate health risks in these vulnerable groups. Addressing these gaps is crucial to reducing the health burden and developing public health strategies in high-risk regions. Full article

Livestock-associated Staphylococcus species—particularly Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS)—pose escalating threats to animal health, food safety, and public health due to their evolving antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles. This review synthesizes recent insights into the molecular epidemiology, resistance determinants, and host adaptation strategies of these pathogens across food-producing animals. We highlight the role of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), clonal dissemination, and biofilm formation in shaping multidrug resistance (MDR) patterns. Diagnostic advancements, including MALDI-TOF MS, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and PCR-based assays, are discussed alongside treatment challenges arising from therapeutic failures and limited vaccine efficacy. The review critically examines current AMR surveillance gaps and the need for integrative One Health frameworks that encompass animals, humans, and the environment. Novel tools such as metagenomics, real-time genomic surveillance, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics are proposed to enhance predictive monitoring and resistance management. Together, these insights underscore the urgency of coordinated, evidence-based interventions to curb the spread of MDR staphylococci and safeguard One Health. Full article

An advanced anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV)-based Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor for cadmium (Cd) detection is presented in this study, which is cost-effective and efficient for in situ water monitoring, providing a crucial early warning mechanism, streamlining environmental monitoring, and facilitating timely intervention to safeguard public health and environmental safety. The rationale behind this work is to address the critical need for an in situ monitoring system for cadmium (Cd) in freshwater sources, particularly those adjacent to agricultural fields. Cd(II) is a highly toxic heavy metal that poses a significant threat to agricultural ecosystems and human health due to its rapid bioaccumulation in plants and subsequent entry into the food chain. The developed analytic device is composed of a commercial mercury salt-modified graphite screen-printed electrode (SPE) with a custom-designed innovative polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) flow detection cell. The flow cell was prototyped using 3D printing and replica moulding, with its design and performance validated through COMSOL Multiphysics simulations to optimize inflow conditions and ensure maximum analyte dispersion on the working electrode surface. Chemical detection was performed using square wave voltammetry, demonstrating a linear response for Cd(II) concentrations of 0 to 20 µg/L. The system exhibited robust analytical performance, enabling 25–30 daily analyses with consistent sensitivity within the Limit of Detection (LoD) set by the law of 3 µg/L. Full article

Background: Street food vending provides vital employment and nutrition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but poor health and safety compliance pose significant public health and business risks. Despite growing policy recognition, the link between hygiene practices and vendor performance remains underexplored. Objective: This integrative review examines the influence of health and safety practices on the business performance of informal street food vendors, with a particular focus on both global and South African contexts. Methods: A total of 76 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved between June 2024 and May 2025 and analyzed using an integrative review methodology. Sources were identified through five major academic databases and grey literature repositories. Thematic synthesis followed PRISMA logic and was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Balanced Scorecard (BSC) frameworks. Results: There was a marked increase in publications post-2019, peaking in 2023. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the majority of studies, with South Africa (28%) and Ghana (14%) most represented. Among the 76 included studies, the most common designs were quantitative (38%), followed by qualitative (20%), case studies (14%), and mixed-methods (11%), reflecting a predominantly empirical and field-based evidence base. Thematic analysis showed that 26% of studies focused on food safety knowledge and practices, 14% focused on infrastructure gaps, and 13% focused on policy and regulatory challenges. Of the 76 studies included, 73% reported a positive relationship between hygiene compliance and improved business performance (such as customer trust, revenue, and operational resilience), based on vote-counting across qualitatively synthesized results and business outcomes. The review identifies a conceptual synergy between the HBM’s cues to action and the BSC’s customer dimension, highlighting how hygiene compliance simultaneously influences vendor behaviour and consumer trust. Conceptual saturation was observed in themes related to hygiene protocols, consumer trust indicators, and regulatory barriers. Conclusions: Health and safety practices function not only as compliance imperatives but also as strategic assets in the informal food economy. However, widespread adoption is impeded by structural barriers including limited infrastructure, education gaps, and uneven regulatory enforcement. The findings call for context-sensitive policy interventions and public health models that align with vendor realities and support sustainable, safe, and competitive informal food systems. Full article

The yak (Bos grunniens) is a key species in high-altitude rangelands of Asia. Despite their ecological and economic importance, yak production faces persistent challenges, including low milk yields, vulnerability to climate changes, emerging diseases, and a lack of systematic breeding programs. This review presents the genomic, physiological, and environmental dimensions of yak biology and husbandry. Genes such as EPAS1, which encodes hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, underpin physiological adaptations, including enlarged cardiopulmonary structures, elevated erythrocyte concentrations, and specialized thermoregulatory mechanisms that enable their survival at elevations of 3000 m and above. Copy number variations (CNVs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present promising markers for improving milk and meat production, disease resistance, and metabolic efficiency. F1 and F2 generations of yak–cattle hybrids show superior growth and milk yields, but reproductive barriers, such as natural mating or artificial insemination, and environmental factors limit the success of these hybrids beyond second generation. Infectious diseases, such as bovine viral diarrhea and antimicrobial-resistant and biofilm-forming Enterococcus and E. coli, pose risks to herd health and food safety. Rising ambient temperatures, declining forage biomass, and increased disease prevalence due to climate changes risk yak economic performance and welfare. Addressing these challenges by nutritional, environmental, and genetic interventions will safeguard yak pastoralism. This review describes the genes associated with different yak traits and provides an overview of the genetic adaptations of yaks (Bos grunniens) to environmental stresses at high altitudes and emphasizes the need for conservation and improvement strategies for sustainable husbandry of these yaks. Full article

The advancement of non-thermal disinfection technologies represents a critical pathway for ensuring food safety, meeting environmental sustainability requirements, and meeting consumer preferences for clean-label products. This study systematically evaluated the combined preservation effect of ultrasonic-assisted slightly acidic electrolyzed water (US+SAEW) on mirror carp fillets during refrigeration. Results demonstrated that US+SAEW exhibited superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to individual US or SAEW, achieving reductions of 0.73, 0.74, and 0.79 log CFU/g in total viable counts (TVC), Aeromonas bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria counts compared to the control, respectively. Furthermore, the combined intervention significantly suppressed microbial proliferation throughout the refrigeration period while simultaneously delaying protein and lipid degradation/oxidation induced by spoilage bacteria, thereby inhibiting the formation of alkaline nitrogenous compounds. Consequently, lower levels of pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), protein carbonyl, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were observed in US+SAEW compared to the other treatments. Multimodal characterization through low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), texture, and color analysis confirmed that US+SAEW effectively preserved quality characteristics, extending the shelf life of mirror carp fillets by four days. This study provides a novel non-thermal preservation strategy that combines microbial safety maintenance with quality retention, offering particular advantages for thermolabile food. Full article

Nanotechnology, as a burgeoning interdisciplinary field, has a significant application potential in food nutrition and human health due to its distinctive structural characteristics and surface effects. This paper methodically examines the recent advancements in nanotechnology pertaining to food production, functional nutrition delivery, and health intervention. In food manufacturing, nanoparticles have markedly enhanced food safety and quality stability via technologies such as antimicrobial packaging, intelligent sensing, and processing optimization. Nutritional science has used nanocarrier-based delivery systems, like liposomes, nanoemulsions, and biopolymer particles, to make active substances easier for the body to access and target. Nanotechnology offers innovative approaches for chronic illness prevention and individualized treatment in health interventions by enabling accurate nutritional delivery and functional regulation. Nonetheless, the use of nanotechnology encounters hurdles, including safety evaluations and regulatory concerns that require additional investigation. Future research should concentrate on refining the preparation process of nanomaterials, conducting comprehensive examinations of their metabolic mechanisms within the human body, and enhancing pertinent safety standards to facilitate the sustainable advancement of nanotechnology in food production, nutrition, and health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food allergy (FA) is a growing concern in pediatric care, requiring effective avoidance strategies and timely emergency responses. The role of caregivers is central to the daily management of FA. This study aimed to assess parental knowledge, preparedness, and behaviors regarding pediatric FA management, focusing on both prevention and emergency readiness. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2024 to April 2025 through the SurveyMonkey^® platform, promoted by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP). The anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed online and in two Italian university hospitals. A total of 129 fully completed responses from caregivers of children with FA were analyzed. The survey explored self-perceived knowledge, symptom recognition, preventive actions, emergency preparedness, and communication practices. Results: Only 9.3% of parents considered themselves “very informed,” while 54.3% reported limited or no knowledge. Just 16.0% recognized all symptoms of an allergic reaction, and only 24.0% could distinguish mild reactions from anaphylaxis. Notably, 67.4% reported not knowing how to respond to anaphylaxis, and 83.7% did not possess an epinephrine auto-injector. Preventive measures at home were inconsistently applied, and 41.1% took no precautions when eating out. Communication with external caregivers was often informal or absent. Only 33% updated physicians regularly. Conclusions: The findings reveal significant gaps in parental preparedness and highlight critical areas for educational intervention. Enhanced caregiver training, standardized communication protocols, and improved clinical follow-up are essential to strengthen pediatric FA management and safety. Full article

Guaranteeing food safety in the European Union (EU) is a continuing issue affected by diverse national traditions, regulatory power, and consumer culture. Despite the presence of a harmonized regulatory context, there continues to be variability in performance among the 27 member states. This study gives an extensive comparative evaluation of EU food safety based on three indicators: Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) alerts, pesticide maximum-residue-limit (MRL) violation, and per capita food loss. Fuzzy TOPSIS, K-means clustering, and scenario-based sensitivity tests are used to give an extensive appraisal of the performance of member states. Alarming differences are quoted as findings of significance. The highest number of RASFF notifications (212) and percentage of pesticide MRL non-compliance (1.5%) were reported in 2022 by Bulgaria, whereas the lowest values were reported by Estonia and Lithuania—15–20 RASFF notifications and less than 0.6% MRL violation rates. A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) between pesticide MRL violation and food safety warnings was confirmed in favor of pesticide regulation as the optimal predictor of food safety warnings. On the other hand, food loss did not significantly affect safety measures but indicated very high variation (from 76 kg/capita per year in Croatia to 142 kg/capita per year in Greece). These findings suggest that while food loss remains an environmental problem, pesticide control is more central to the protection of food safety. Targeted policy is what the research necessitates: intervention and stricter enforcement in low-income countries, and diffusion of best practice from successful states. The composite approach adds to EU food safety policy discourse through the combination of performance indicators and targeted regulatory emphasis. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition that affects multiple organ systems and significantly impairs the quality of life in women of reproductive age. While conventional hormonal therapies may alleviate symptoms of endometriosis, they are also frequently associated with intolerable side effects. As a result, there is growing interest in complementary, non-invasive strategies to support long-term disease management. This review explores the potential of plant-based diets and personalized nutrition as adjunctive approaches in endometriosis care. Plant-based dietary patterns, which are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients, have been shown to reduce systemic inflammation, modulate estrogen activity, and alleviate pelvic pain. Additionally, the use of medicinal plants, such as curcumin and ginger, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects in preclinical studies. Moreover, identifying and addressing individual food sensitivities, particularly to gluten, dairy, or fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, may improve gastrointestinal and inflammatory symptoms in susceptible individuals. Future research should focus on high-quality clinical trials and integrative care models to evaluate the long-term efficacy, safety, and sustainability of these individualized nutritional interventions in the holistic management of endometriosis. Full article

Aquatic pollution in the Bay of Bengal has become a major environmental issue with long-term impacts on fisheries, biodiversity, and ecosystems. The review paper examines the major pathways, sources, and ecological consequences of aquatic pollution in the Bay of Bengal. Pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, and microplastics have been reported at concerning levels in the soil and water in aquatic ecosystems. Rivers act as key routes, transporting pollutants from inland sources to the Bay of Bengal. These contaminants disrupt metabolic and physiological functions in fish and other aquatic species and pose serious threats to food safety and public health through bioaccumulation. Harmful algal blooms (HABs), caused by nutrient enrichment, further exacerbate ecosystem degradation in the Bay of Bengal. The review highlights the immediate need for strengthened pollution control regulations, real-time water quality monitoring, sustainable farming practices, and community-based policy interventions to preserve biodiversity and safeguard fisheries. Full article

Background: Subjective socioeconomic status (SES) is a powerful determinant of health and well-being, capturing individuals’ perceptions of their material conditions and security. While higher perceived financial and basic needs security are generally linked to better health outcomes, little is known about how these associations differ across global contexts. Drawing on data from 23 countries, this study tests whether these relationships are systematically weaker in Global South countries. Methods: Cross-sectional data from Wave 1 of the Global Flourishing Study (n = 207,000) were used to examine associations between subjective SES indicators—financial security and security in basic needs (food, housing, safety)—and two outcomes: self-rated physical health and mental health. All variables were measured on 0–10 scales. Linear regression models were estimated separately by Global South and Global North country status, adjusting for age and sex. Global South classification was based on standard development and geopolitical frameworks. Results: In both global regions, individuals with higher perceived financial and basic needs security reported significantly better mental and physical health. However, the strength of these associations was consistently weaker in Global South countries. Interaction terms confirmed that Global South status moderated the association between subjective SES and health outcomes. Conclusions: These findings suggest global-scale “diminished returns” of subjective SES on health, echoing patterns previously observed within countries. Structural inequalities, weaker public systems, and contextual adversity may dilute the health benefits of perceived security in Global South settings. Global health equity efforts must therefore move beyond individual-level interventions to address the broader systems that constrain the translation of socioeconomic resources into health. Full article

The intersection of microbial food safety and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a mounting global threat with profound implications for public health, food safety, and sustainable development. This review explores the complex pathways through which foodborne pathogens—such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), and Campylobacter spp.—acquire and disseminate resistance within human, animal, and environmental ecosystems. Emphasizing a One Health framework, we examine the drivers of AMR across sectors, including the misuse of antibiotics in agriculture, aquaculture, and clinical settings, and assess the role of environmental reservoirs in sustaining and amplifying resistance genes. We further discuss the evolution of surveillance systems, regulatory policies, and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) designed to mitigate resistance across the food chain. Innovations in next-generation sequencing, metagenomics, and targeted therapeutics such as bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and CRISPR-based interventions offer promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. However, the translation of these advances into practice remains uneven, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) facing significant barriers to diagnostic access, laboratory capacity, and equitable treatment availability. Our analysis underscores the urgent need for integrated, cross-sectoral action—anchored in science, policy, and education—to curb the global spread of AMR. Strengthening surveillance, investing in research, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, and fostering global collaboration are essential to preserving the efficacy of existing treatments and ensuring the microbiological safety of food systems worldwide. Full article