Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety最新文献

Furan (C₄H₄O), an unintended hazardous compound, is formed in various thermally processed foods through multiple pathways, raising concerns due to its potential carcinogenicity in humans. The aim of this comprehensive review was to synthesize and evaluate the latest research on furan, from its formation by different precursors to its presence in diverse food matrices, as well as the emerging methods for its detection and mitigation. Emphasizing the toxicity of furan, it explored evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies, including reproductive toxicity, carcinogenic effects, and related biomarkers. Additionally, this review focused on human risk assessments of furan exposure and discussed innovative research approaches to better understand its health risks. By consolidating current knowledge, this review provided a comprehensive perspective on furan's impact on human health and suggested future research directions to further research on furan.

The rising global demand for nutritious, sustainable, and plant-based beverages has catalyzed interest in pseudocereal-based products, offering an innovative alternative to traditional cereals. Pseudocereals such as quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth are valued for their exceptional nutritional profiles, including high-quality proteins, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds. This review explores the development of pseudocereal-based beverages, emphasizing their potential as milk alternatives, fermented drinks, and beer products. The fermentation process enhances their nutritional value, bioavailability, and sensory attributes, while also reducing antinutritional factors like phytates and saponins. Moreover, these beverages exhibit promising health benefits, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive effects. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of pseudocereal-based beverages from regulatory considerations to production processes, highlighting the potential of these ancient grains in reshaping the beverage industry while addressing modern nutritional needs. Future research directions on pseudocereal-based beverages are also suggested.

The margarine market is growing globally due to its lower cost, ease of availability, large-scale commercialization, and expanding market in the bakery and confectionary industries. Butter contains greater amounts of saturated fat and has been associated with cardiovascular diseases. The trans fats generated through the hydrogenation process have several adverse impacts on human health, such as the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, postmenopausal breast cancer, vision and neurological system impairment, type II diabetes, and obesity. Therefore, it is important to formulate margarine, low in saturated and trans fats using innovative technologies such as novel hydrogenation, interesterification techniques, and oleogel technology. By utilizing these technologies and oils with a healthy lipid profile, margarine manufacturers are able to produce healthier margarine. This review covers recent technological advancements in margarine, which include various hydrogenation techniques such as high-voltage atmospheric cold plasma hydrogenation, microwave plasma hydrogenation, dielectric-barrier discharge plasma hydrogenation, and interesterification based on supercritical CO₂ systems. In addition, the application of interesterified oil and oleogel (structured vegetable oils) in the production of margarine low in saturated fat is comprehensively discussed, with emphasis on the utilization of unconventional sources of oils such as tiger nut oil, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Irvingia gabonensis seed fat, winged bean oil, and hemp seed oil. The novel hydrogenation techniques can hydrogenate oils without formation of trans fats, and such hydrogenated oils could be employed in the formulation of trans-fat-free margarine. Interesterified oil treated with supercritical CO₂ was employed in healthy margarine development. Using the oleogel technique, various unconventional oil sources can be used in margarine formulations. The incorporation of oleogel in margarine makes it possible to improve the lipid profile of margarine due to a reduction in saturated fat content. All of these novel techniques have the potential to revolutionize the margarine industry by enabling the production of high-quality, healthy margarine.

The geographical origin traceability of food and agro-products has been attracted worldwide. Especially with the rise of machine learning (ML) technology, it provides cutting-edge solutions to erstwhile intractable issues to identify the origin of food and agro-products. By utilizing advanced algorithms, ML can extract feature information of food and agro-products that is closely related to origin and, more accurately, identify and trace their origins, which is of great significance to the entire food and agriculture industry. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art applications of ML in the geographical origin traceability of food and agro-products. First, commonly used ML methods are summarized. The paper then outlines the whole process of preparation for modeling, model training as well as model evaluation for building traceability models–based ML. Finally, recent applications of ML combined with different traceability techniques in the field of food and agro-products are revisited. Although ML has made many achievements in solving the geographical origin traceability problem of food and agro-products, it still has great development potential. For example, the application of ML is yet insufficient in the geographical origin traceability using DNA or computer vision techniques. The ability of ML to predict the geographical origin of food and agro-products can be further improved, for example, by increasing model interpretability, incorporating data fusion strategies, and others.

Food packaging (FP) is essential for preserving food quality, safety, and extending shelf-life. However, growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional packaging materials, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics, are driving a major transformation in FP design. PFAS, synthetic compounds with dual hydro- and lipophobicity, have been widely employed in food packaging materials (FPMs) to impart desirable water and grease repellency. However, PFAS bioaccumulate in the human body and have been linked to multiple health effects, including immune system dysfunction, cancer, and developmental problems. The detection of microplastics in various FPMs has raised significant concerns regarding their potential migration into food and subsequent ingestion. This comprehensive review examines the current landscape of FPMs, their functions, and physicochemical properties to put into perspective why there is widespread use of PFAS and microplastics in FPMs. The review then addresses the challenges posed by PFAS and microplastics, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable and bio-based alternatives. We highlight promising advancements in sustainable and renewable materials, including plant-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and waxes, as well as recycled and upcycled materials. The integration of these sustainable materials into active packaging systems is also examined, indicating innovations in oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers, and antimicrobial packaging. The review concludes by identifying key research gaps and future directions, including the need for comprehensive life cycle assessments and strategies to improve scalability and cost-effectiveness. As the FP industry evolves, a holistic approach considering environmental impact, functionality, and consumer acceptance will be crucial in developing truly sustainable packaging solutions.

The presence of Bacillus cereus in spices and herbs has posed a detrimental effect on food safety. The absence of thorough testing, comprehensive reporting, and vigilant surveillance of the illness has resulted in a significant underestimation of the true prevalence of foodborne illness caused by B. cereus. B. cereus spores are resistant to thermal processing (superheated steam, microwave, radiofrequency, infrared) that remains a significant challenge for the spice industry. Non-thermal techniques, such as cold plasma, gamma irradiation, and electron beam irradiation, have gained significant interest for their ability to inactivate B. cereus spores. However, these technologies are constrained by inherent limitations. The composition of B. cereus spores, including dipicolinic acid, divalent cations, and low water content in the core, contributes significantly to their resistance properties. This review delves into the different factors that impact B. cereus spores in spices and herbs during sterilization, considering both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This review also discussed the various techniques for inactivating B. cereus spores from spices and highlighted their effectiveness and constraints. It also provides valuable insights for enhancing sterilization strategies in the spices and herbs industry.

Foods that support human health and longevity are becoming increasingly relevant as substitutes for or adjuncts to pharmacological drugs, either through direct consumption or incorporation into designer foods fortified with health-promoting ingredients. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits, seeds, and pollen are a cornerstone of diverse food and medicine traditions. Their reported metabolic activities include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, antitumor, antianemia, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Beneficial effects on gut health and vascular health, as well as effectiveness in alleviating certain dysfunctions of the reproductive system, have also been noted. The genomic diversity of this versatile tree and the diverse agroecological conditions in which it grows lead to appreciable variations in the occurrence of protective nutrients and other high-value bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoid and non-flavonoid phenolics, carotenoids, phytosterols, and oxylipins, whose potential remains underutilized in the food sector. As food ingredients, date fruits and their co-products can improve the sensory, nutritional, and nutraceutical qualities of a broad range of dietary items. Their high nutritional density can assist with the design of novel or improved products that meet the demand for healthier foods. This review summarizes the current state of evidence on the potentialities of date palm fruits and co-products in functional food development, focusing on the nutrients and extra-nutritional compounds of interest, their biofunctional activities, and factors that influence their abundance and bioactivity. Proofs of concept across food and beverage categories, new developments, and clinical evidence are discussed, followed by recommendations for addressing research gaps.

Muscle foods that are highly perishable require effective preservation technologies to maintain their quality and extend their shelf life. Electrostatic field (EF) treatment, superchilling (SC), and their combined technologies have received attention for their effectiveness in improving muscle food quality. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of their mechanism and combined effects on muscle foods has limited their application. Therefore, the review began with a discussion of the mechanisms, influencing factors, and equipment development underlying EF treatment and SC of muscle foods. It then reviewed the research progress made to date and highlighted the effects of these technologies on various quality attributes, such as texture, color, and nutritional value. Additionally, the review explored the potential synergistic effects of combining these technologies and discussed how they could complement each other to achieve superior preservation outcomes. The EF significantly improves muscle food quality by inhibiting ice crystal growth, blunting enzyme activity, causing microbial electroporation, and generating ozone. SC technology utilizes low temperatures to form an ice crystal shell, effectively inhibiting the reproduction of microorganisms and passivating the activity of enzymes, thereby extending the shelf life. The combination of the two, through the dual inhibition of bacteria and enzymes and the regulation of ice crystals, can build an excellent preservation system to bring a better preservation effect for muscle foods. Future research should prioritize safety issues, equipment cost, and process optimization while exploring innovative applications. This will provide theoretical and technical support for the progress of muscle food preservation technology.

The increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases and the global drive toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the need for sustainable, nutrient-dense foods. Soybeans (Glycine max), a critical global crop, offer promising solutions; however, their predominant use as animal feed raises concerns regarding food security and environmental sustainability. Fermented soy products—including tempeh, natto, and miso—are rich in bioactive compounds such as peptides and isoflavones, which offer potential therapeutic effects and hold cultural and nutritional significance. These fermented products provide bioactive profiles with unique health-promoting properties. This review critically examines the bioactive compounds generated through fermentation, focusing on their bioconversion pathways in the gastrointestinal tract and their metabolic implications for human health. Recent consumer demand for novel food ingredients with additional biological benefits has fueled research into advanced extraction techniques, enhancing the functional applications of bioactive compounds from these soy-based products. This review further explores innovations in extraction methods that improve bioactive yield and sustainability, reinforcing the applicability of these compounds in health-promoting food interventions. The originality of this review lies in its in-depth exploration of the gastrointestinal bioconversion of fermented soy bioactive compounds alongside the latest sustainable extraction methods designed to optimize their use. Future research should aim to refine fermentation and extraction processes, investigate synergistic microbial interactions, and develop environmentally sustainable production methods. These efforts have the potential to position fermented soy products as essential contributors to global nutritional security and sustainable food systems, addressing both public health and environmental needs.

In recent years, biopolymer-based food packaging films have emerged as promising alternatives to petroleum-based plastic food packaging films. Various additives have been explored to enhance their properties, and one such group of additives is natural plant aldehydes. These aldehydes are commonly employed to improve the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of biopolymer-based food packaging films. However, their potential role as cross-linking agents is often overlooked in these applications. This work introduces the properties of commonly used natural plant aldehydes in biopolymer-based food packaging films. Specifically, it summarizes the effects of natural plant aldehydes such as cinnamaldehyde, vanillin, and others on the properties of biopolymer-based food packaging films. Furthermore, the application of biopolymer-based food packaging films functionalized with natural plant aldehydes in food preservation is discussed. This work concludes that various natural plant aldehydes serve as effective antimicrobial agents and antioxidants. They can not only physically interact with biopolymers but also undergo chemical cross-linking reactions with some polymers through Schiff base reactions and Michael addition reactions, thereby further improving the comprehensive properties of the film.