Food Packaging
Houshmand Sharafi; Fahimeh Ebrahimi Tirtashi
Abstract
Postbiotics are metabolites derived from probiotics and other beneficial microorganisms that due to containing organic acids, bacteriocins, and bioactive peptides possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In recent years, the use of postbiotics as a functional agent for food packaging systems ...
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Postbiotics are metabolites derived from probiotics and other beneficial microorganisms that due to containing organic acids, bacteriocins, and bioactive peptides possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In recent years, the use of postbiotics as a functional agent for food packaging systems has increased in popularity among researchers. However, although the postbiotics-packaging system has increased gradually, there are some obstacles that challenge it such as the safety and stability of novel beneficial microorganisms like mold as a next generation of postbiotics sources, parameters optimization of preparation and treatments of postbiotics, safety and performance of postbiotic carrier polymer and the sensorial effect of postbiotics on packaged foods. In addition, to ensure the consumption of packaged food with postbiotic-containing polymers, its safety needs to be thoroughly investigated, as research has shown that the postbiotic administration can have negative effects such as gastrointestinal complications, and allergies on the consumer body's health. Finally, for the entry of postbiotics as functional compounds into the food packaging market, the collaboration between academia and industry, clear labeling of packaged food and increasing consumer awareness about postbiotics are essential. Therefore, this study aims to briefly overview of the current status and future directions of postbiotics in food packaging.
Food Safety
Raheleh Majdani; Samira Ghaemi
Abstract
With the increasing global population and growing demand for safe, high-quality food, ensuring sustainable food security has become a major concern worldwide. One of the fundamental challenges in this regard is bacterial foodborne illness. The use of antibiotics and other chemical antimicrobials as food ...
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With the increasing global population and growing demand for safe, high-quality food, ensuring sustainable food security has become a major concern worldwide. One of the fundamental challenges in this regard is bacterial foodborne illness. The use of antibiotics and other chemical antimicrobials as food preservatives has significant undesirable side effects and can damage the texture of food. In addition, consumers believe that the use of natural antimicrobials is beneficial. Therefore, bacteriophages (phages), effective re-emerging viral agents, can be introduced as good antimicrobial candidates in different stages of the food industry. They are unique and biological with highly specific functions against pathogens. The current study addresses the important properties of phages for use as biological antimicrobials. Several studies on isolating appropriate bacteriophages against pathogenic genera of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria were reviewed. From an applied perspective, studies that have used phages to reduce or eliminate the microbial load of Enterobacteriaceae pathogens have been analyzed.
Food Safety
Abdulsudi Issa-Zacharia; Mourice Ghosse; Joachim Dotto Matondo; Happiness Samuel Muhimbula; Hafidhi Nassor Saleh
Abstract
Animal-derived proteins, mainly coming from meat, fish, and poultry, are vital for ensuring nutrition security, especially in many developing countries. However, poor handling practices throughout the supply chain pose serious risks of foodborne illnesses. This review explores the safety challenges related ...
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Animal-derived proteins, mainly coming from meat, fish, and poultry, are vital for ensuring nutrition security, especially in many developing countries. However, poor handling practices throughout the supply chain pose serious risks of foodborne illnesses. This review explores the safety challenges related to the handling and processing of these items in developing nations. It highlights key shortcomings in pre-harvest management, such as weak veterinary oversight and limited disease control at the primary production stage. It also points out processing and distribution as potential contamination points, often worsened by poor temperature control, inconsistent application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, and infrastructural issues. Globally, contaminated food causes about 10% of yearly illnesses, leading to roughly 420000 deaths. Therefore, strengthening quality and safety management systems at all stages—from production and processing to distribution and consumer handling—is crucial so stakeholders along the supply chain can effectively reduce these risks and protect public health. This review stresses the need for better veterinary services, improved disease management protocols, and strict safety practices to tackle these ongoing issues. Governments, companies, and NGOs should work on upgrading infrastructure, hygiene standards, and training, along with implementing regulations, to improve food safety management from farm to fork.
Food Packaging
Soghra Valizadeh; Mehdi Sedaghatiyan; Farnaz Farahmandi; Sevda Ghaem Maghami
Abstract
Meat and meat products are highly susceptible to microbial spoilage and lipid oxidation, leading to rapid deterioration in quality and shortened shelf life. The growing concerns regarding synthetic preservatives have increased the interest in natural biodegradable alternatives. Whey protein isolate (WPI), ...
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Meat and meat products are highly susceptible to microbial spoilage and lipid oxidation, leading to rapid deterioration in quality and shortened shelf life. The growing concerns regarding synthetic preservatives have increased the interest in natural biodegradable alternatives. Whey protein isolate (WPI), a dairy by-product, offers excellent film-forming ability and oxygen barrier properties, making it a promising matrix for active edible coatings and films. This systematic review, conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, included a comprehensive literature search that was performed on Scopus and PubMed databases for original English-language articles published between 2010 and 2025. Eight original studies met the strict inclusion criteria, reporting the application of WPI or whey protein concentrate (WPC) films/coatings containing plant essential oils (EOs) or extracts to meat or meat products during storage. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses consistently identified phenolic monoterpenes (thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol) and diterpenes (carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid) as the primary bioactive compounds. Whey protein-EO systems reduced total viable counts by 1–5 log10 CFU/g and lipid oxidation markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and peroxide value) by 30–60% compared to controls. Thyme and Trachyspermum copticum EOs exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, whereas rosemary and laurel provided superior antioxidant protection. Nanoencapsulated and Pickering emulsion formulations consistently outperformed free EOs through sustained release. Whey protein–plant bioactive composites effectively extend the shelf life of meat and meat products through dual antimicrobial and antioxidant mechanisms, representing sustainable and clean-label solutions that support product safety and circular economy principles by valorizing dairy and plant by-products.
Food Safety
Veda Fandio Nanfa Ngongang; Wilfred A. Abia; Emmanuel Acha Asongalem; Beatrice Ambo Fonge
Abstract
Lead poisoning remains a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, particularly among children, for whom no level of exposure is considered safe. This scoping review examines potential sources, occurrences, exposure pathways, and associated health risks of lead contamination ...
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Lead poisoning remains a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, particularly among children, for whom no level of exposure is considered safe. This scoping review examines potential sources, occurrences, exposure pathways, and associated health risks of lead contamination in Cameroon. A systematic search of Web of Science, Google Scholar, MedLine, and PubMed, using “lead,” “lead occurrence,” “lead exposure,” and “Cameroon” as primary keywords, identified 16 relevant studies. Key sources of environmental lead included mining activities, informal recycling of lead-acid batteries, contaminated water sources, aluminum cookware, certain foodstuffs, and the ingestion of "Calaba" chalk. Reported mean lead concentrations ranged from 280 to 12270 mg/kg in soil and up to 8.87 mg/L in water. Food items such as condiments, vegetables, and fish showed levels between 0.019 and 3.61 mg/kg, while poultry feed contained up to 3229 µg/kg. Blood lead levels in children and pregnant women ranged from 8 to 31.19 μg/dL, which exceeded recommended safety thresholds. Overall, 95% of reported lead levels across all sample types exceeded permissible limits. These findings highlight widespread environmental lead contamination in Cameroon and underscore the urgent need for further research and public health interventions.
Food Safety
Dabir Sharifi; Javad Aliakbarlu; Mohieddin Kazemi
Abstract
In recent years, the negative side effects of extensive use of chemical preservatives have become a major health concern. Therefore, it is necessary to find the safe and natural biological preservatives with health promotion effects. This study aimed to investigate the stimulatory effect of Persian shallot ...
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In recent years, the negative side effects of extensive use of chemical preservatives have become a major health concern. Therefore, it is necessary to find the safe and natural biological preservatives with health promotion effects. This study aimed to investigate the stimulatory effect of Persian shallot extract (PSE) on Lactobacillus acidophilus growth, and evaluate the individual and combined antibacterial effects of PSE, L. acidophilus and sodium nitrite against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of PSE were 2, 4, and 8 mg/mL against L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium, and L. acidophilus, respectively. The results revealed that PSE (0.05 mg/mL) significantly increased (up to 1.3 log10 CFU/mL) L. acidophilus growth compared to control group. The treatments of L. acidophilus and PSE as well as the treatment of L. acidophilus with sodium nitrite and PSE prevent the growth of L. monocytogenes completely. Also, the combined treatment of L. acidophilus and PSE showed the greatest antibacterial effect against S. Typhimurium, and caused 4.27 log10 CFU/mL reduction compared to control treatment. However, the combined treatment of L. acidophilus, PSE and sodium nitrite caused only 0.92 log10 CFU/mL reduction in S. Typhimurium count. It can be concluded that PSE not only could increase the growth of L. acidophilus but also had strong antibacterial properties, and combined use of PSE, L. acidophilus, and sodium nitrite showed significant anti-listeria activity.
Food Safety
Safa Farahmand-Azar
Abstract
Foodborne pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and mycotoxin contamination in animal-derived foods collectively represent a significant one health challenge for livestock and dairy systems. Postbiotics, derived from inactivated microbial cells and their components, confer benefits to the host and have ...
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Foodborne pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and mycotoxin contamination in animal-derived foods collectively represent a significant one health challenge for livestock and dairy systems. Postbiotics, derived from inactivated microbial cells and their components, confer benefits to the host and have emerged as promising, stable, and safe alternatives to antibiotics and chemical preservatives for human and animal application. However, the effectiveness and consistency of postbiotics interventions remain unclear. This review summarized findings from 19 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 containing quantitative outcomes of postbiotics use in live animal and food. Using a PRISMA-guided methodology, this review systematically compared the efficacy of postbiotics in reducing foodborne pathogens, mycotoxins, and antimicrobial resistance markers across various species, food types. Postbiotics consistently resulted in 1.5 to 6.9 log10 CFU/g reductions in Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, and reduced aflatoxins (AFM1/AFB1) in dairy products by 40–96%. In vivo trials demonstrated 28–58% decrease in selected antimicrobial resistance genes, frequently associated with modulation of the microbiota. These effects were observed across various delivery methods. Quantitative evidence demonstrates that postbiotics fulfill multiple functions, including enhancing food safety and supporting antimicrobial activity. With standardization and validation in real-world conditions, postbiotics could offer a scalable, one–health–aligned strategy that integrates animal nutrition, food processing, and public health.
Food Packaging
Seyedeh Sahar Mirmoeini; Mehran Moradi
Abstract
Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a natural exopolysaccharide produced by certain kinds of bacterial strains, such as those of the genus Komagataeibacter. BNC is an eco-friendly natural biopolymer with unique characteristics. BNC and its derivatives (nanofibrils and nanocrystals) have been reported to ...
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Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a natural exopolysaccharide produced by certain kinds of bacterial strains, such as those of the genus Komagataeibacter. BNC is an eco-friendly natural biopolymer with unique characteristics. BNC and its derivatives (nanofibrils and nanocrystals) have been reported to have high water adsorption properties, good thermal stability, and excellent mechanical properties. It was recently shown that BNC has a potential to be used in food. However, there is very little research on the use of BNC in dairy products such as cheese. In this article, we examine the potential future applications of BNC in cheese industry, as a provider of specific functionalities and as a packaging material. As an additive, BNC can be used as an emulsion stabilizer, gelling agent, thickener, encapsulating agent, fat replacer, or dietary fiber source. BNC can also be used to formulate films or coatings aimed at protecting and improving the shelf life of cheeses.
Food Safety
Nurten Yilmaz
Abstract
Salmonella contamination of shell eggs is a major public health concern worldwide and continues to challenge the poultry industry. Although conventional chemical sanitizers are effective, concerns regarding chemical residues, environmental impact, and consumer demand for clean-label products have accelerated ...
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Salmonella contamination of shell eggs is a major public health concern worldwide and continues to challenge the poultry industry. Although conventional chemical sanitizers are effective, concerns regarding chemical residues, environmental impact, and consumer demand for clean-label products have accelerated interest in plant-derived antimicrobials. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of essential oils and plant extracts for controlling Salmonella on eggshell surfaces. Particular attention is given to the antimicrobial mechanisms of major bioactive compounds, including thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and phenolic-rich plant extracts. The review also discusses practical application strategies, including washing, spraying, nanoemulsion-based delivery, and active packaging, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing antimicrobial stability and prolonging egg shelf life. Finally, current challenges related to formulation standardization, industrial scalability, and regulatory approval are addressed, together with future perspectives for integrating plant-derived antimicrobials into sustainable egg sanitation systems.
Food Safety
Zolaykha Shiravani
Abstract
Nitrites are one of the multifunctional additives used in meat products. Given that they have high performance such as color creation, flavor improvement, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, they have caused consumer concern due to the formation of N-nitroso compounds and related health risks. ...
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Nitrites are one of the multifunctional additives used in meat products. Given that they have high performance such as color creation, flavor improvement, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, they have caused consumer concern due to the formation of N-nitroso compounds and related health risks. Consumers demand natural or low-nitrite meat products. Synthetic nitrites are widely used because of their cheapness and easy access. However, due to the formation of nitrosamines, researchers are looking for a safer alternative to this additive. Plants, due to their nitrate content, can be used as natural nitrite sources by nitrate-reducing bacteria. Also, emerging non-thermal technologies such as atmospheric non-thermal plasma and pulsed electric fields can have the potential to be considered as new approaches for nitrite reduction. However, challenges regarding the stability of their sensory properties and antimicrobial efficacy remain. This review systematically evaluates the multifunctional role of nitrites, their health-related implications and potential substitution strategies, and addresses safe, effective, and acceptable solutions for producing high-quality meat and processed products with natural ingredients with a nitrite reduction approach.
Food Safety
Soghra Valizadeh; Farzad Katiraee; Hamed Behniafar
Abstract
Plant-derived compounds possess robust antioxidant capabilities and exhibit notable antimicrobial activities against diverse pathogens. This study investigated the antioxidant activities of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Satureja hortensis (S. hortensis) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum). ...
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Plant-derived compounds possess robust antioxidant capabilities and exhibit notable antimicrobial activities against diverse pathogens. This study investigated the antioxidant activities of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Satureja hortensis (S. hortensis) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the extracts were also evaluated. The antifungal activity of methanolic extract of S. hortensis (MIC 1.25 mg/mL) was higher than that of the aqueous extract (MIC 5 mg/mL) on P. chrysogenum. For Candida species, especially C. albicans, MIC and MFC of methanolic extract were lower (MIC 0.31 mg/mL, MFC 1.25 mg/mL) than aqueous extract. The methanolic extract of C. zeylanicum exhibited a MIC of 0.31 mg/mL and MFC of 0.62 mg/mL against P. chrysogenum, outperforming the aqueous extract (MIC 0.62 mg/mL, MFC 1.25 mg/mL). Similarly, methanolic extracts showed markedly lower MIC values than the aqueous extracts against Candida species. In antioxidant activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of both plants, ABTS values were consistently higher than DPPH results, likely due to ABTS's broader sensitivity to hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants. In the DPPH assay, the methanolic extract of C. zeylanicum exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with a scavenging percentage of 89.16 ± 0.6%. In the ABTS method, the methanolic extract of C. zeylanicum exhibited highest antioxidant activity, with a scavenging percentage of 97.8 ± 0.1%. The results of this study indicate that S. hortensis and C. zeylanicum extracts are promising natural antifungals and antioxidants.
Food Safety
Ramadhan Abdul Hassan; Davis Naboth Chaula; Abdulsudi Issa-Zacharia
Abstract
Street-vended food is perceived as a significant public health risk. Foods wrapped in ink-printed papers have been associated with several health issues, including cancer, neurological disorders, reproductive complications, and kidney and liver damages. This study examined heavy metal contamination ...
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Street-vended food is perceived as a significant public health risk. Foods wrapped in ink-printed papers have been associated with several health issues, including cancer, neurological disorders, reproductive complications, and kidney and liver damages. This study examined heavy metal contamination and the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat foods (chapatti) wrapped in ink-printed paper in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Samples were collected and analyzed for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) using microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Microbiological assessment was conducted to determine the total plate count (TPC), and the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Data analysis was performed using Python-based analytical tools to calculate mean values and assess statistical significance. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Cd were all significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the wrapped samples than in the unwrapped controls, with mean levels varying from 0.05–0.06 mg/kg, 0.07 mg/kg, and 0.06–0.07 mg/kg, respectively. Likewise, wrapped samples had significant microbial contamination, with mean TPC and S. aureus levels of 2.64 ± 0.17 log10 CFU/g and 1.67 ± 0.16 log10 CFU/g, respectively, while these bacteria were not present in the control samples. None of the samples tested positive for E. coli. Although measured heavy metal concentrations remain below current regulatory thresholds, the marked increase in contamination originating from ink-printed papers constitutes a potential public health concern. The results clearly demonstrate that the wrapping material is the principal source of contamination. Therefore, it is advisable that regulatory bodies, including the Tanzania Bureau of Standards and local government health officials, prohibit the use of printed materials, such as newspapers, for food contact.
Food Packaging
Saeedeh Azizi; Hadi Almasi
Abstract
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops cultivated worldwide. Sesame cake, as a by-product of sesame oil extraction contains approximately 50% protein. So, it has high potential for use as a protein source for a wide range of applications in the food industry. The sesame ...
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Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops cultivated worldwide. Sesame cake, as a by-product of sesame oil extraction contains approximately 50% protein. So, it has high potential for use as a protein source for a wide range of applications in the food industry. The sesame protein isolate (SPI), as a promising plant-based protein, can be used as a value-added hydrocolloid. Introducing the capabilities of the SPI can help expand its application in the food sector. This paper investigates those functional characteristics of the SPI that are important for use in food. The extraction, purification, and chemistry of the SPI are investigated. The solubility, water/oil binding capacity, rheological properties, and the ability to interact with polysaccharides are the most important characteristics of the SPI related to food application that are discussed in this paper. Moreover, all the potential applications of the SPI in the food industry are reviewed. This valuable plant protein has been used as an emulsifying/foaming agent, gelling hydrocolloid, film-forming/edible coating material, and also as a wall material for encapsulation purposes. The benefits and shortcomings of the SPI for all applications are discussed. The fields of use of the SPI in the food industry are much wider. This review paper is expected to open a new horizon in the use of this plant protein in the food industry by introducing the importance of SPI as a value-added by-product hydrocolloid.
Food Safety
Ghader Jalilzadeh-Amin; Somayeh Kouhestani; Mahyar Hanafi; Hamidreza Ebrahimi Gharaghozlou; Hadi Keshipour
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens remains a persistent public health challenge, being a leading cause of foodborne intoxications and zoonotic infections. In this study, we systematically searched major academic databases for all eligible studies published up to June 10, 2026, with no restrictions on the publication ...
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Clostridium perfringens remains a persistent public health challenge, being a leading cause of foodborne intoxications and zoonotic infections. In this study, we systematically searched major academic databases for all eligible studies published up to June 10, 2026, with no restrictions on the publication date. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 23 eligible studies were selected. To stabilize variance (particularly for proportions approaching zero or one hundred), a random-effects model utilizing the Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation was employed. Subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate potential variations based on sample type, diagnostic methodology, and study origin. The pooled prevalence of C. perfringens, adjusted via the Freeman–Tukey transformation, was estimated at 18% (95% CI: 12% - 25%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the prevalence was significantly higher in intestinal and fecal samples compared to other sources (p < 0.05). Furthermore, studies employing molecular detection methods (e.g., PCR) reported consistently higher prevalence rates than those using traditional culture techniques. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I2 > 90%), which was further corroborated by meta-regression analysis showing an inverse relationship between sample size and reported prevalence, suggesting that smaller studies may overestimate the true infection rate. These findings indicate that C. perfringens remains an important foodborne pathogen in Iran. The observed prevalence patterns highlight the need for strengthened surveillance and more standardized detection approaches to support more accurate risk assessment and food safety planning.
Food Safety
Elahe Divsalar; Hossein Tajik; Rahim Molaei
Abstract
In this research, the white postbiotics (P) powder of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and white zinc carbon dots (Z-CDs) from zinc acetate, which were prepared in our previous studies, were used. Hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups in the P were confirmed by FTIR spectra to affect the functions, ...
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In this research, the white postbiotics (P) powder of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and white zinc carbon dots (Z-CDs) from zinc acetate, which were prepared in our previous studies, were used. Hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups in the P were confirmed by FTIR spectra to affect the functions, antioxidant, and antimicrobial capabilities. Antioxidant activity of P was confirmed based on DPPH (IC50 values, 0.28 mg/mL) and FRAP (total antioxidant capacity, 73.5 nM of Fe2SO4/L) methods. The antimicrobial properties of P solutions at concentrations of 150, 300, and 450 mg/mL were evaluated through the agar well diffusion assay against Escherichia coli, which showed acceptable antimicrobial effects. E. coli was sensitive at 4 °C and 25°C in photodynamic treatments. The effects of P (300 mg/mL), Z-CDs (5 mg/mL), and their combination (Z-CDs-P) as additives in fresh pasta filata cheese were studied by aerosolization method. The results showed that the highest inhibitory effects were observed in P, Z-CDs-P, and Z-CDs420nm-Ps treatments; so that E. coli reached 1 log10 CFU/g on days 18, 14, and 12, respectively. We concluded that the aerosolization method of P and CDs had a novel antibacterial activity and can be used for the packaging of cheese.
Food Packaging
Negar Nikfarjam; Roghayieh Razavi; Mehran Moradi; Rahim Molaei
Abstract
Despite the relatively short history of the discovery of carbon dots (C-dots) and the development of their applications, methods for producing nanodots based on green chemistry have consistently attracted the attention of scientists. In this study, green C-dots were synthesized from onion juice using ...
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Despite the relatively short history of the discovery of carbon dots (C-dots) and the development of their applications, methods for producing nanodots based on green chemistry have consistently attracted the attention of scientists. In this study, green C-dots were synthesized from onion juice using a simple hydrothermal method (200°C, 4 hours), and their optical properties, particle size distribution, and morphology were subsequently evaluated. The antibacterial activity of C-dots was assessed against pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Listeria monocytogenes (Gram-positive), with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 8 mg mL-1 and 4 mg mL-1, respectively. Furthermore, the synthesized C-dots were incorporated into nanocellulose using an ex-situ method to produce modified bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) films with both antimicrobial and ultraviolet (UV) protective properties. The carbon dot-embedded nanocellulose demonstrated enhanced UV-blocking capabilities and greater inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria, highlighting its potential as a promising nano-biomaterial for food packaging applications.
Food Packaging
Zohreh Mashak; Manizheh Rezaloo
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges in food industry is the loss of quality of food products during storage, especially perishable foods such as meat and poultry products. Edible films are a potential alternative for maintaining food quality and enhancing shelf life by delaying microbial spoilage. In this ...
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One of the greatest challenges in food industry is the loss of quality of food products during storage, especially perishable foods such as meat and poultry products. Edible films are a potential alternative for maintaining food quality and enhancing shelf life by delaying microbial spoilage. In this study, the combined effect of different concentrations of Cuminum cyminum essential oil (CEO; 0, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9%) and gelatin-nanochitosan film on chicken meat packaging was investigated during 12 days of refrigerated storage. The results showed that the addition of CEO to the gelatin–nanochitosan significantly influenced the thickness, tensile strength, and elongation at break (p < 0.05). The results indicate that the use of gelatin-nanochitosan films containing 0.6% and 0.9% CEO had a significant inhibitory effect on total bacterial count, coliforms, psychrophilic, and lactic acid bacteria. Based on the results of the application of gelatin-nanochitosan film with 0.6% and 0.9% CEO to chicken fillets, the quality of chicken fillets could be maintained during storage without any adverse sensory effects.
Food Safety
Zenorina Aloyce Swai; Frida Albinus Nyamete; Abdulsudi Issa Zacharia
Abstract
This study investigated the sensory perception and consumer acceptability of value-added products derived from Justicia heterocarpa, an underutilized indigenous leafy vegetable with potential nutritional benefits. A total of 110 participants, comprising 80 semi-trained students unfamiliar with J. heterocarpa ...
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This study investigated the sensory perception and consumer acceptability of value-added products derived from Justicia heterocarpa, an underutilized indigenous leafy vegetable with potential nutritional benefits. A total of 110 participants, comprising 80 semi-trained students unfamiliar with J. heterocarpa and 30 untrained university workers familiar with J. heterocarpa in term of consumption and utilization. Four samples (freshly harvested, blanched dried, unblanched dried, and fermented) were tested for consumer acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale. The results revealed a significant influence of the panelists on flavor (p < 0.001) and overall acceptability (p = 0.003) among familiar and unfamiliar panelists. Unfamiliar panelists rated the flavor and general acceptability of the fermented vegetables higher. There were significant differences in color (p < 0.0001), flavor (p = 0.0002), and general acceptability (p = 0.0235) between the familiar and unfamiliar groups. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between general acceptability of flavor (r = 0.81) and texture (r = 0.65). Principal component analysis identified flavor and texture as the primary drivers of overall acceptance. These findings offer valuable insights into the development of palatable processed J. heterocarpa. These findings underscore the importance of carefully considering the effects of different processing methods when formulating product development strategies to enhance consumer acceptance.
Food Safety
Goodchance Revingstone Mboya; Davis Naboth Chaula; Beatrice Mgaya Kilima
Abstract
In rural communities, free-range chickens are vital for food and income, however, they risk contamination from radioactive elements in polluted feed, water, and soil, which can taint chicken meat and eggs. This study was conducted to assess the level of public awareness of radiological health risks associated ...
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In rural communities, free-range chickens are vital for food and income, however, they risk contamination from radioactive elements in polluted feed, water, and soil, which can taint chicken meat and eggs. This study was conducted to assess the level of public awareness of radiological health risks associated with the consumption of free-range chicken in the Bahi district. A standardized questionnaire was administered to 341 inhabitants of four villages and analyzed statistically using SPSS version 27. Approximately 44.3% of respondents were aware of radionuclide contamination in free-range chicken, and 67.1% recognized cancer as a health risk. Awareness of other health impacts, such as birth defects (3.2%) and organ damage (9.7%), was low. Approximately 57.5% of the respondents identified soil as the primary source of radioactive contamination in the area. There was a startlingly low level of knowledge regarding testing facilities and local authority interventions (10.3% and 2.4%, respectively). Consumption frequency and awareness levels were significantly correlated (p < 0.05), with daily consumers demonstrating higher awareness and willingness to pay for certified products than non-daily consumers. The study concludes that while awareness of contamination risk exists, institutional support and practical understanding are lacking in the field. This study recommends targeted food safety education, testing initiatives, and radiological risk outreach.
Food Safety
Omar Alizadeh; Fatemeh Rezaei
Abstract
Whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) are recognized as a valuable source of bioactive peptides with multifunctional properties, especially their potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These characteristics make them attractive natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives and align with the growing ...
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Whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) are recognized as a valuable source of bioactive peptides with multifunctional properties, especially their potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These characteristics make them attractive natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives and align with the growing consumer demand for clean-label and functional foods. In this study, lyophilized whey protein hydrolysates (LWPH) were incorporated into a butter-based model system to assess their potential as natural preservatives. Four formulations were prepared: (1) control (without additives), (2) butter with 1% (w/w) LWPH, (3) butter with 0.02% (w/w) butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and (4) butter with a combination of 1% (w/w) LWPH + 0.02% (w/w) BHT. All samples were stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 60 days, and quality parameters were periodically monitored. Lipid oxidation was determined by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay, and microbial quality was evaluated through total viable count method. The results showed that the LWPH + BHT formulation significantly retarded lipid oxidation, but had weak antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the treated samples maintained better overall sensory acceptability throughout storage. These findings indicate that LWPH can serve as effective natural preservatives for extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of lipid-rich foods such as butter.
Food Safety
Mahdieh Iranmanesh; Naheed Mojgani
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have a long history of safe use in humans and are recognized as GRAS (Generally recognized as safe). Besides lactic and acetic acid which produced by LAB, other inhibitory substances are also produced among which bacteriocins are of high significance owing to their natural ...
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Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have a long history of safe use in humans and are recognized as GRAS (Generally recognized as safe). Besides lactic and acetic acid which produced by LAB, other inhibitory substances are also produced among which bacteriocins are of high significance owing to their natural and nontoxic nature. Bacteriocins are the ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial protein metabolites produced by a wide variety of microorganisms. The bacteriocin producing attributes of a number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been exploited in the potential application in food, agriculture and biopharma industry. In last few decades, the significance of LAB bacteriocins in food industry has attracted the attention of researchers, food manufactures and consumers who are looking for safe and natural products with no toxic properties and less side effects. The potential of LAB bacteriocin as natural and safe alternative are essentials not only due to their spectrum of inhibitory actions aimed towards industrially important spoilage microorganism, but also due to their role in enhancing the texture, quality and safety of the food products. More recently, the synergistic effect of bacteriocins in the presence of other preservation factors used in food preservation has highlighted their significance in hurdle technology. This technology has potential application in bakery, dairy and meat products. In this review we would discuss the role of LAB and their bacteriocin as bio-preservative in food industry and their role in presence and in combination with other hurdles.
Food Safety
Nahdieh Abdollahi
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of honey addition and different heat treatments, including pasteurization and sterilization, on the antioxidant activity of milk of cow. The antioxidant capacities of milk, honey, and honey–milk mixtures were evaluated using three widely accepted analytical ...
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This study aimed to investigate the effects of honey addition and different heat treatments, including pasteurization and sterilization, on the antioxidant activity of milk of cow. The antioxidant capacities of milk, honey, and honey–milk mixtures were evaluated using three widely accepted analytical methods, i.e., ABTS, DPPH, and reducing power assay. The results demonstrated that honey incorporation (5%) significantly enhanced the antioxidant potential of milk. Among the tested samples, sterilized honey–milk exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, indicating a strong positive effect of high-temperature treatment on antioxidant activity. In addition, pasteurized honey–milk showed higher antioxidant activity compared to raw honey–milk samples. Heat treatment, particularly sterilization, significantly increased the antioxidant activity of milk, honey, and their combinations, which may be attributed to the formation of antioxidant compounds during thermal processing. Overall, the findings suggest that both honey addition and heat treatment play important roles in improving milk antioxidant properties. Therefore, honey-enriched heat-treated milk can be considered a functional beverage with excellent antioxidant activity and potential health benefits for consumers.
Food Packaging
Zolaykha Shiravani; Mohieddin Kazemi
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of active bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) films immersed in sodium nitrite (SN; 30, 60, and 120 ppm), sumac extract (SE; 10% w/v), and black carrot extract (BCE; 5% w/v) solutions on the microbial and chemical properties of ground beef. The addition of SN, SE ...
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This study aimed to investigate the effects of active bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) films immersed in sodium nitrite (SN; 30, 60, and 120 ppm), sumac extract (SE; 10% w/v), and black carrot extract (BCE; 5% w/v) solutions on the microbial and chemical properties of ground beef. The addition of SN, SE and BCE to BNC films strengthened the matrix network and improved the mechanical properties of the films. The SN120 treatment (BNC film immersed in 120 ppm SN solution) effectively improved the redness of the samples. The results also showed that the ground beef samples covered with BNC film immersed in SE10BCE5SN30 had the lowest microbial load (more than 3.5 log10 cycle reduction compared to the control) and the lowest oxidation rate (60% reduction compared to control). Consequently, considering the health concerns regarding nitrosamine compounds, the use of natural compounds such as SE and BCE in BNC films can reduce the amount of SN required in meat products.
Food Safety
Reyhaneh Mirzaei Emamzadeh; Mehdi Nikoo; Hassan Ahmadi Gavlighi
Abstract
The effects of water-to-rainbow trout by-product ratio on hydrolysis, oxidation, and antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates were investigated. Di- and tri-peptides were the dominant fractions, followed by free amino acids (FAA) and small oligopeptides. At a 100% water-to-by-product ratio, hydrolysates ...
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The effects of water-to-rainbow trout by-product ratio on hydrolysis, oxidation, and antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates were investigated. Di- and tri-peptides were the dominant fractions, followed by free amino acids (FAA) and small oligopeptides. At a 100% water-to-by-product ratio, hydrolysates obtained after 1 h exhibited peptide profiles comparable to those produced at 0% water. In contrast, after 3 h, hydrolysates prepared with 0% water contained higher amounts of FAA and small peptides. Across all samples, DPPH radical-scavenging activity remained high (> 70%). The highest metal-chelating capacity was observed for the 50% water sample at 3 h (p < 0.05). However, increasing the water content to 75% and 100% resulted in a significant decrease in chelating activity (p < 0.05). The highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values were recorded with 0% water at 1 h (p < 0.05), whereas increasing the water content to 100% lowered FRAP. Similarly, the lowest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation was found at a 50% water addition (p < 0.05). Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid accounted for 0.23–0.43% and 0.97–2.19% of the total fatty acids, respectively. However, the differences among treatments were not significant. Overall, the results showed that peptide profiles, oxidation status, and antioxidant activity are influenced by the water content during autolysis.
Food Safety
Ata Kaboudari
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in antibiotic susceptibility /resistance of bacteria isolated from biofilms in the presence of freezing stress in different meat juices (beef, mutton and goat). Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria of food origin (Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella ...
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The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in antibiotic susceptibility /resistance of bacteria isolated from biofilms in the presence of freezing stress in different meat juices (beef, mutton and goat). Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria of food origin (Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium) were selected. Meat juice model was selected as a nutritious and complex environment containing a wide range of different compounds. Biofilms were studied in 96-well microplates and disk diffusion method was used to measure the antibiotic susceptibility. The results showed that the bacteria isolated from biofilms in meat juice models and freezing conditions exhibited significant changes in their antibiotic susceptibility. Long-term freezing (3 weeks and 1 month) significantly increased the antibiotic resistance. Both bacteria became resistant to chloramphenicol. The results indicated that foods should not be subjected to long-term freezing conditions so that existing pathogens do not acquire the ability to resist antibiotics.
