Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety最新文献

Transgenic maize LD05, developed independently by the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, exhibits promising industrialization potential due to its dual traits of insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. This was achieved through the insertion of an insect-resistant gene (m2cryAb-vip3A) and a herbicide-tolerant gene (bar) into its genome. Establishing a quantitative detection method for transgenic maize LD05 and its derivatives is crucial for ensuring the safety regulation of transgenic crops. In this study, we designed specific primers and Taqan probes based on the 3′ end-to-flank sequence of transgenic maize LD05. A real-time fluorescence PCR was developed for the specific detection of LD05 maize transformants by primer screening, specificity testing, PCR system optimization, standard curve establishment, and accuracy and precision assessments. This method determines the detection limit of LD05 transgenic components is 0.05% by mass fraction, and the quantitative detection limit is 100 copies. Additionally, the method’s reliability was confirmed through inter-laboratory validation. This highly specific and accurate quantitative detection method provides robust technical support for the safety supervision of transgenic maize LD05.

With growing consumer demand for healthy, natural, and sustainable products, the organic food market has gained importance worldwide. In Brazil, however, limited information is available on the compliance of organic product labels with national legislation. This study aimed to evaluate the compliance of organic food labels sold in large-scale retail stores in Brazil and to compare them with standards from the United States and the European Union. A total of 197 labels were collected and analyzed according to Brazilian legislation (Law No. 10831/2003; Normative Instructions No. 19/2009 and 18/2014). Non-conformities were classified by severity: Grade 1 (minor with no safety impact), Grade 2 (moderate, causing consumer confusion and potential economic harm), and Grade 3 (severe, potentially requiring product recall). The results were also compared with the United States National Organic Program (NOP) and European Union (EU) Regulation 848/2018. Over half of the labels (55.8%) showed non-conformities with Brazilian legislation, some of which had the potential to mislead consumers. The most frequent issues were related to the incorrect use or absence of mandatory information, including the Brazilian SisOrg seal. When compared with US and EU standards, additional regulatory gaps were identified, particularly regarding clarity, enforcement, and alignment with international practices. These findings highlight the need to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of organic labeling in Brazil. Revising the legislation to address critical gaps and align it with international standards could enhance consumer protection and promote the sustainable development of the organic food sector.

Aflatoxins (AFs), especially aflatoxin B₁, are carcinogenic mycotoxins that contaminate food crops, presenting a considerable risk to human health. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of aflatoxin B₁ and total AFs in commercially available and ready-to-eat sweet potato samples from Punjab, Pakistan, to quantify contamination levels and assess dietary exposure. A total of 480 commercial sweet potato samples and 365 ready-to-eat sweet potato samples were collected and tested with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The samples were obtained from multiple cities in Punjab, such as Daska and Kila Soba Singh. The investigation revealed that 28.5% of commercial sweet potato samples and 19.7% of ready-to-eat sweet potato samples contained AFs. The highest average concentrations of total AFs were observed in commercial samples (28.5 ± 4.2 µg/kg) and in ready-to-eat samples (14.50 ± 2.50 µg/kg) from Daska. Furthermore, 40% of commercial samples from Jamki had AF levels ranging from 1 to 10 µg/kg, and 13.3% of samples from Kila Soba Singh surpassed 20 µg/kg. The dietary intake assessment revealed that the highest exposure (3.16 µg/kg body weight/day) occurred in female subjects aged 21–30 years. The results underscore considerable AF contamination in sweet potatoes, emphasizing the need for improved storage methods to reduce exposure. Regulatory measures and awareness initiatives must be implemented to ensure food safety and mitigate health hazards associated with AF contamination.

Graphical abstract

Dissipation of six insecticides (chlorpyrifos, profenofos, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) was studied in green and red chilli under open field conditions. Analysis of all analytes was carried out using validated LC–MS/MS and GC–MS methods. The initial accumulation of pesticides was higher in green chilli than in red chilli, while the rate of dissipation was faster in red chilli due to higher temperatures and lower humidity during that stage of fruit development. Residues of all insecticides followed first-order kinetics with half-lives ranging from 1.0 to 3.9 days in green chilli and from 0.6 to 3.4 days in red chilli. Residues of all tested insecticides declined below the maximum residue limit (MRL) within 10–15 days after application. Processing operations such as washing, sun drying, and powdering further reduced residues, with processing factors (PFs) ranging from 0.06 to 0.64. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that good agricultural practices (GAP) combined with simple household processing are effective in minimizing insecticide residues in chili.

When introducing insect-based foods, their acceptance relies on consumers’ perception of food safety. Despite being a valuable protein source, edible insects face low acceptance due to health concerns. We conducted an online survey (N = 949) in which participants evaluated a novel food product based on factors as expected taste, safety, and market demand. Each participant assessed an image of a product made from insect, meat, or plant protein, presented with or without a safety certification, and completed several questionnaires. Insect-based products scored significantly lower than meat and vegetarian options regarding overall liking, expected tastiness, willingness to try, market relevance, perceptions of safety, healthiness, and environmental friendliness. Vegetarian products received the highest ratings, particularly for health and sustainability. Certification yielded only a modest effect (primarily in perceived safety and environmental friendliness) and had a stronger impact among women. Regression analyses show that higher food neophobia and food-technology neophobia predicted more negative assessments, with these effects amplified for insect-based items. Persons paying greater attention to food information exhibited more positive responses in the product evaluation. Moreover, disgust sensitivity and concerns about food content were significant negative predictors of willingness to try, regardless of certification. These findings suggest that safety assurances alone cannot easily overcome barriers to insect consumption.