Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety最新文献

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen associated with various illnesses, including food poisoning. The development of effective treatments is challenging, necessitating the exploration of novel antimicrobial options. Bacteriophages (phages) have emerged as promising candidates in this regard. In this study, a virulent phage called mSA4 was isolated and characterized. Furthermore, its efficacy in combating S. aureus biofilms and growth in various food products was evaluated. Phage mSA4 demonstrated a broad host range, targeting both S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains. Belonging to the Myoviridae family, it exhibited rapid adsorption (over 50% in 3 min), a short latent period (20 min), and a burst size of 97 phage particles per infected bacterial cell. Furthermore, phage mSA4 displayed stability across a wide range of pH values and temperatures, and effectively degraded established biofilms. Its performance was evaluated in chocolate milk, beef meat, and iceberg lettuce, resulting in significant reductions in bacterial counts (2.1 log CFU/mL, 2.8 log CFU/cm², and 3.2 log CFU/cm², respectively). These findings underscore the potential of phage mSA4 as a natural biocontrol agent against S. aureus.

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Food safety is a pressing global concern, particularly in developing and emerging economies. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has further heightened consumer attention towards food safety, quality, and maintaining a healthy diet. This study provides insights into consumer awareness and perceptions related to food safety and the origin of beef products, with a specific focus on the impact of COVID-19. It draws comparisons between emerging economies, specifically Albania and Kosovo, where significant food safety challenges exist, and a highly developed economy, Austria. To assess consumer preferences, a discrete choice experiment was conducted, aiming to gauge the significance of various product attributes and consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for specific product features. The study’s findings revealed a strikingly strong sense of consumer patriotism across all surveyed countries. WTP estimates indicated a clear preference for domestically sourced food over imported alternatives. While the COVID-19 pandemic exerted a notable influence, its effects were generally contained. However, respondents from emerging economies perceived the pandemic’s impact to be more severe. Additionally, factors such as risk perception and risk acceptance played a role in shaping the importance of relevant product attributes in all the food markets examined in this study. Furthermore, distinct variations emerged between the countries concerning the importance of food safety standards. For instance, in Albania, the European Union (EU) food safety certificate holds higher utility compared to the national certificate, suggesting a potential lack of trust in national agencies. Notably, low trust in institutions, including those related to food safety, is a common issue in emerging and developing economies. This lack of trust, in turn, influences consumers’ perceptions of personal food safety, given that it is a credence attribute.

This study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from food samples received at the National Food Safety Agency in Burkina Faso. A total of 155 isolates from dairy foods (29), fish-based dishes (7), mango juices (4), lettuces (35), RTE salads (21), sandwiches (32), and sesames (27) were included for testing with the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. PCR targeting ampicillin (bla_TEM, bla_SHV, temA, and temB), tetracyclines [tet(A) and tet(B)], sulfamethoxazole (sul1 and sul2), aminoglycosides (StrA and aadA) and quinolones (GyrA) resistance genes were performed to elucidate the genotypic resistance mechanism. Of the 155 isolates, 105 (67.7%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. Resistances to tetracycline (33.5%), ampicillin (32.9%), cefoxitin (18.7%), gentamycin (15.5%), amoxicillin-clavulanate acid (15.5%), nalidixic acid (12.9%), chloramphenicol (11.6%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (11.6%), and ciprofloxacin (8.4%) were observed. Multidrug resistance was recorded in 26.5% of the isolates. Antimicrobial resistance genes including bla_TEM (19/51, 37.3%), bla_SHV (19/51, 37.3%), temB (17/51, 33.3%), tet(A) (24/52, 46.2%), tet(B) (9/52, 17.3%), sul1 (8/18, 44.4%), sul2 (4/18, 22.2%), aadA (11/24, 45.83%) and GyrA (31/36, 86.1%) were detected. All E. coli isolates resistant to at least 2 antibiotics were positive for the class 1 integron gene (intI1). These findings raise concerns about food safety and public health and demonstrate the need for strict government control and continuous monitoring.

Three Closed Transfer Systems (CTS) were evaluated for their reduction of operator exposure to plant protection products during mixing and loading: the inverted extraction systems, easyFlow M and easyconnect, and the probe extraction system, GoatThroat^®. Exposure data were generated for gloves, hands, head, inner and outer body dosimeters generated in 4 European countries for high rate (Sorbitol) and low rate (Xylitol) surrogate products used by 12 operators. Exposure values were compared with predicted data using the Agricultural Operator Exposure Model as a benchmark for open pour loading (used in the EFSA Guidance). The CTS types conformed with the ISO 21191 standard for CTS performance, and their potential to significantly reduce operator exposure was confirmed in this study. There was no statistical difference in potential (naked) or actual (one layer of clothing) operator exposure using both inverted CTS types; allowing these data to be pooled. The inverted CTS types resulted in higher mean protection (> 98% potential exposure and > 95% actual exposure) than GoatThroat^® (> 80% potential exposure and > 95% actual exposure). These data can be used to derive reduction factors that could be used in the AOEM model for calculations involving mitigation e.g., 0.05 for inverted CTS since they reduced exposure by > 95% and 0.3 for probe extraction CTS types. All 3 CTS significantly reduced operator exposure to products during M&L. These and future CTS types which comply with ISO 21191 standards could be considered as mitigation devices. These findings will help to build confidence of farmers to use CTS routinely, resulting in safer pesticide handling.

This study aimed to measure the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices among food vendors engaged in Nigeria’s ongoing Home-grown School Feeding Program. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in face-to-face interviews with 240 food vendors from 3 states in northeast Nigeria involved in the school feeding program using a structured questionnaire. Multiple linear regression results revealed that increased education and access to information through radio, television, and food inspection institutions increased food safety knowledge. Food safety attitudes score increased with more years of vending experience and accessing food safety information via radio, food inspection institutions, and the Internet. An increase in household size and food safety information from friends and colleagues negatively affected food safety attitude scores. As a result, we emphasize the need for dissemination of improved food safety information via radio, television and food safety inspection institutes. Food vendors in the SFP should be selected after passing a food safety training and gaining food handling experience. Higher education should be a priority criterion in the hiring process.

Microplastics are small polymeric particles formed after the degradation and environmental erosion of plastic waste. They pose a significant threat to the environment, animal, and human health. For humans, food is an important route for the transmission of microplastics. In this study, the presence of microplastics in raw milk is investigated. Samples from various milk-producing animals were collected in Turkey’s Marmara Region, a prominent industrial and agricultural area (n:588). Rigorous quality control measures were applied to prevent contamination during sampling and analysis. Microplastics were identified, classified, and measured through microscopic analysis, and their surface morphology and chemical composition were assessed using advanced techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscope Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Results reveal that microplastics were present in 89% of the milk samples. They exhibited diverse colours, shapes, and sizes, with fibrous particles (52%) being the most common. ATR-FTIR analysis identified 7 types of microplastics, with ethylene propylene being the most prevalent (77%). This study highlights the potential risk of microplastic contamination in raw milk.

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Organic food markets in Brazil, the U.S., and in Europe have distinct consolidation levels and growth potential. This research aims to reveal factors impacting these disparities and identify prospects for efficient exploration of the organic market. Surveys conducted via online questionnaires in these regions revealed health and nutrition as key drivers in Brazil, while the U.S., and Europe prioritize the environment and animal welfare concerns. Supporting local businesses is a common thread and high prices are a shared challenge. In Brazil, limited product availability and difficulties in finding desired products are significant barriers, potentially causing supply-demand imbalances and elevated prices. Notably, while > 70% of the consumers in Europe and the U.S. buy organic goods from supermarkets, only 45% do so in Brazil; 44% prefer direct purchases from farmers due to scarcity or cost considerations. This study underscores untapped potential in Brazil’s organic food market and offers insights for farmers and retailers in all regions. Our results can support stakeholders to tailor strategies to boost organic food consumption and capitalize on latent opportunities in these markets.