Italian Journal of Food Safety最新文献

European Union (EU) and Italian legislation provide extensive control measures for non-typhoidal (NTS) Salmonella along the poultry production chain; however, a regulatory gap persists for fresh poultry meat. Current EU microbiological criteria apply only to NTS serotypes of major public health significance ("relevant"), whereas the management of other NTS serotypes ("non-relevant") is not harmonized. This study assessed the risk management strategies adopted by official veterinarians following the detection of non-relevant serotypes in fresh poultry meat at the distribution stage. Relevant EU and Italian legislation were analyzed, and operational practices in Italy were investigated through a structured questionnaire administered to local health units. In addition, EU-level approaches were examined through the analysis of Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifications. The results revealed substantial heterogeneity in the management of comparable findings at both the national and EU levels, reflecting regulatory ambiguities and broad discretionary powers of competent authorities, thereby complicating the implementation of consistent and proportionate official controls. This variability is further challenged by the increasing epidemiological relevance of certain non-relevant serotypes, particularly S. Infantis. The study highlights the need for a revision and harmonization of the regulatory framework to support consistent and proportionate official control practices while ensuring a high level of consumer protection.

Hygiene and health parameters were monitored at several Carabinieri canteens in central and southern Italy to assess the management aspects related to collective catering services. Between February 2024 and March 2025, 89 food matrices normally served in 23 canteens located in six Italian regions were subjected to microbiological assessment. Food sample aliquots (100-150 g) were sterilely collected and tested for total mesophilic count (TMC) and, using qualitative and quantitative detection methods, pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157, and Salmonella spp. Suspicious colonies were identified using the Vitek 2 system (bioMérieux, Paris, France) and confirmed by performing end-point polymerase chain reaction assays. Statistical analysis calculated the following parameters: mean, standard deviations (SD), Shapiro-Wilk test, and the two-tailed t-test (p<0.05). The mean TMC value was 2.65 log CFU/g (SD=1.21); more specifically, the highest [3.22 log CFU/g (SD=1.36)] was observed in Puglia, while the lowest [1.74 log CFU/g (SD= 0.63)] was observed in Molise. The t-test showed statistically significant differences in TMC values among the following regions: Abruzzo-Puglia (p=0.038), Campania-Marche (p<0.001), and Lazio-Campania (p=0.04). The three tested pathogens (L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157, and Salmonella spp.) were never observed. This work and the data obtained provide a picture of the good hygiene and health status of the Carabinieri canteens in central and southern Italy; however, the anthropogenic bacterial detection highlights the importance of the correct application of good hygiene practices to ensure the protection of the health of the military community.

Evaluating cholesterol and quality parameters indicates edible oil quality and compliance with health standards. This study analyzed cholesterol in branded and non-branded oils from East and West Gojjam and Debre Markos markets using the Liebermann-Burchard method with UV-visible spectrophotometry at 640 nm. All vegetable oils, except those from Finoteselam town, contained detectable cholesterol, ranging from 37.19±0.03 to 87.36±0.40 mg/L. Cholesterol detected in vegetable oils suggests poor processing or adulteration. Simple analytical methods limited precision, but measured levels were below permissible limits, indicating low potential risk of heart disease. The physicochemical parameters measured include moisture (0.06-1.35%), density (0.868-0.892 mg/mL), acid value (0.28-4.16 mg KOH/g of oil), peroxide value (1.47-7.88 meq O2/kg), and saponification value (52.42-210.97 mg KOH/g). Oil from Mota town exhibited the highest moisture content, and all samples had elevated acid values, likely due to poor handling and storage. Branded oils generally had lower saponification values than unbranded oils, with Bichena, Debre Markos (Biabil), Dembecha, and Finote Selam towns exceeding the maximum permissible limit. The findings highlight the importance of proper oil production, storage, and quality control to ensure consumer health and safety.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent contaminants frequently detected in foods of animal origin, raising concern for human health. Eggs and egg products are recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as one of the major dietary sources of PFAS exposure in Europe. This study applied the relative potency factors (RPFs), based on hepatic toxicity, to estimate cumulative dietary exposure to PFAS from eggs across different population groups. The 95th percentile occurrence data were combined with food consumption patterns to express exposure in perfluorooctanoic acid equivalents, providing a biologically relevant metric. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid emerged as the dominant contributor to cumulative exposure. Toddlers exhibited the highest estimated weekly intake, reaching 1.63 ng/kg bw per week, while adolescents, adults, and elderly populations showed progressively lower values. These findings highlight children as a particularly vulnerable group due to higher intake per body weight. Consistent with previous studies, commercial eggs generally contained PFAS only at trace levels, whereas home-produced eggs often showed elevated contamination, in some cases exceeding the European Union maximum levels and EFSA's tolerable weekly intake. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of the RPF approach for mixture-based risk assessment, underscores the need for refined exposure evaluation, and reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring of PFAS in eggs.

This study compares Salmonella monitoring data obtained from food business operator (FBO) self-monitoring and competent authority (CA) official sampling on pig carcasses in a high-throughput Italian slaughterhouse over ten years (2012-2021 for FBO; 2014-2021 for CA). A total of 1560 FBO and 377 CA samples were analyzed. Salmonella prevalence was 3.46% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6-4.5] for FBO and 10.34% (95% CI: 7.3-13.5) for CA, with statistically significant yearly differences in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2020 (p<0.05). Derby was the predominant serovar (22.6%); however, 20.4% of the FBO isolates were classified only as 'No Typhimurium and Enteritidis', highlighting gaps in serotyping protocols. Discrepancies likely reflect differences in sampling frequencies, carcass origins, and the use of different accredited laboratories by FBO and CA (private and official ones, respectively). The study identifies regulatory ambiguities, including a mistranslation in the Italian Ministerial Note, and recommends enhanced farm-level controls and harmonized surveillance.

Aquatic systems throughout the world are increasingly under a wide array of anthropogenic stressors, including the release of a myriad of toxic substances into the environment. The presence of twenty-seven heavy metals, vitamins, and minerals was investigated in muscle tissues collected from 46 wild fishes distributed among Thunnus thynnus (TT), Pagellus bogaraveo, and Dentex dentex (DD) from the Mediterranean Sea. The mean concentration of each element was calculated and compared to the provisional tolerable daily or weekly intake (PTWI) or to the established tolerable upper intake when possible. Specie-specific distribution was documented for the following chemical elements: aluminum (Al), potassium (K), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), tin (Sn), and thorium (Th). For the elements without regulated maximum dietary limits, iron (Fe) was highest in TT, while Th was significantly predominant in DD. Several metals were found, often simultaneously, in quantities above the acceptable levels. Specifically, the median concentrations of mercury (Hg) and Cd in the pooled species were significantly higher than their relative PTWI. Significant differences among species were reported for selenium (Se), inorganic arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). Other elements [Al, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), Sn, lead (Pb), and manganese (Mn)] were found to be at or below the corresponding acceptable levels. The maximum safe consumption calculated for mercury (Hg) leads to advising a limited recommended weekly intake for all the tested Mediterranean Sea fish species.

Dry aging of beef has recently been defined in Delegated Regulation 1141/2023, amending Regulation 853/2005. The delegated regulation lists specific measures to be applied when processing such a product. Specifically, a point is dedicated to the crust trimming that should be carried out in a hygienic manner, since the interventions performed at the end of the process might determine contamination of the edible parts. Nevertheless, despite the punctual application of good hygiene practices (GHP) and good manufacturing practices (GMP), a certain degree of contamination with pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms of the cut portions cannot be avoided, as demonstrated by some authors reporting contamination of the inner parts of dry-aged meat. In order to investigate the level of contamination occurring in field conditions during trimming and portioning, we performed two different trials: the sterility trial with the aim of evaluating the sterility of the inner parts of beef during aging and the contamination trial to assess the transfer of microbial populations from the outer to the inner part of the dry-aged beef. All tests were performed by means of cultural and non-cultural methods. Results of the sterility trial show that a very limited percentage of non-host DNA is present in the inner parts of the meat starting from the beginning of the test and that the detectable DNA increases slightly during the time of aging. Besides, the contamination trial results showed that the contamination of the trimmed meat is qualitatively and quantitatively related to the contamination of the crust. As a consequence, adherence to GHP and GMP during trimming and handling of dry-aged meat according to scientific literature is crucial to avoid/minimize cross-contamination since our data clearly demonstrate that processing practices are fully reflected in the final product quality.

Olive pomace (OP), a key by-product of olive oil production, is recognized as a sustainable and cost-effective source of natural antioxidants. Rich in polyphenols with proven health benefits, OP shows considerable potential for application in functional foods to improve nutritional quality and oxidative stability. This study aims to evaluate the effect of dried OP (dOP) addition on the nutritional, physicochemical, rheological, antioxidant, and sensory properties of fortified wheat bread. Four different replacement levels (1%, 2%, 5%, and 7%) of dOP obtained from the three-phase process of extra-virgin olive oil production were incorporated into the bread. OP exhibited high levels of fiber (38.5%), carbohydrates (33.22%), monounsaturated fats (67.02%), oleic acid (67.78%), phenolic content (23.39 mg GAE/g dw), flavonoids (13.02 mg QE/g dw), and antioxidant activity (15.25 mg Trolox/g dw). The addition of dOP significantly increased phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of breads; the highest values were recorded at 7% dOP (2.34 mg GAE/g dw, 0.32 mg QE/g dw, and 1.10 mg Trolox/g dw, respectively). No significant differences were observed in rheological and most sensory attributes between the control bread and samples fortified with 1% and 2% dOP. However, fortification at high levels (5% and 7%) significantly affected the bread's texture, color, and sensory properties. Additionally, the sensory evaluation showed that bread fortified with 1%, 2%, and 5% dOP exhibited higher overall acceptability compared to the 7% formulation, which demonstrated a moderate acceptability due to a slight bitterness and sandy mouthfeel. The results suggest that OP can be utilized as a sustainable and functional ingredient in the formulation of high-value bakery products when added at moderate levels.

Increased global consumption of fish and seafood, driven by their nutritional benefits, has highlighted concerns regarding bacterial contamination, particularly by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This study investigates the prevalence and associated risk factors of V. parahaemolyticus in fish samples collected from three cities in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. A total of 185 fish samples were collected and analyzed for V. parahaemolyticus contamination using enrichment and isolation protocols. The overall detection rate was 9.19%, with no significant differences observed between cities, fish age, sex, or species. However, fish exhibiting abnormal physical signs, such as loose scales, pale gills, and bulging eyes, showed significantly higher contamination rates. Seasonal trends indicated a decreasing, though not statistically significant, trend in contamination from spring to summer. The cortisol level and lymphocyte count showed significant elevation, with a decrease in red cell count and abnormal physical appearance in fish compared with normal fish. These findings highlight the role of physiological and environmental factors in V. parahaemolyticus contamination and emphasize the need for improved biosafety measures in freshwater fish handling and processing to mitigate public health risks.

Chlamydia is the etiological agent of chlamydiosis in wild and domestic birds, mammals, and humans. In this study, Chlamydia reads were detected in the microbiome of the neck skin of 76 broiler carcasses collected in the same slaughterhouse at the end of the chilling tunnel. The carcasses originated from four different flocks of female Ross 308, reared in two broiler houses located in Northern Italy. One flock from each poultry house was sampled in 2019 and one flock in 2023. The carcass neck skin microbiome was investigated by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Chlamydia reads displayed a mean relative abundance of 7.38%, with significant differences between carcasses obtained from the two poultry houses, sampled at both sampling times. Chlamydia ibidis was the prevalent species among time points and poultry houses. The zoonotic potential of C. ibidis and foodborne transmission have never been demonstrated. However, it is known that the genus Chlamydia has "spore"-like extracellular forms able to survive for months outside the host. Therefore, the presence of C. ibidis reads on broiler carcasses at the end of the chilling tunnel deserves further investigation. The results of this study highlight the feasibility of microbiome investigations to detect unexpected biological hazards in foods.