Journal of Nutrition, Fasting and Health
Year:2021 | Volume:9 | Issue:4 (Special Insight to Food Safety)|Papers Count:12

Introduction: Humans are exposed to aluminum (Al) and other heavy metals through various sources. Scientists have long investigated the effects of Al and heavy metals on human health, reporting a correlation between Al concentrations and health issues such as Alzheimer’, s diseases and cancer. Therefore, a risk analysis study is required to assess the risk of non-cancerous diseases. The present study aimed to measure heavy metals in bread with an emphasis on the risk assessment of Al. Methods: Various types of flatbread, cakes, and muffins were randomly collected in Tehran, Iran. The samples were prepared based on the modified AOAC official method. Subsequently, test solutions were analyzed for Al, Pb, Hg, Ni, As, Cd, Co, Cr, and Cu via inductively-coupled plasma/optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES). Significant differences between the bread sample groups were determined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’, s least square difference (LSD) test. Results: We calculated the concentration, daily intake (DI), national theoretical maximum daily intake (NTMDI), and the hazard quotient (HQ) of Al in Iran. The lowest concentration of Al was observed in Sangak bread, and the highest level was detected in Taftan bread. In addition, the highest Al concentration was observed in cakes (mean: 40. 44). The DI of Al was estimated at 0. 26 mg/kg, and the NTMDI for adults was 0. 005. The HQ of Al in all the bread samples was less than one. Conclusion: According to the results, the mean acceptable daily intake of Al was 92% of the provisional tolerable daily intake, and the HQ was less than one in the studied bread samples. Therefore, no risk of non-cancer diseases was observed due to the consumption of the bread samples.

Cultivation of vegetables and fruits is a main food sources for human population. However, these products can be polluted by different types of contaminates like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Thus, this systematic review served as a comprehensive report on the occurrence, levels, and health risk effects of PAHs in vegetables and fruits samples marketed in Iran. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were used to develop this systematic review, and four databases (Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Google scholar) were searched from inception until November 2021. A total of 12 studies with data on 1447 samples were met inclusion criteria and included in the final report. The average total PAHs recorded in various samples showed that PAHs concentration in most of the samples was above the standard limits and the mean CRs ranged from low to very high levels of health risks for both children and adults, which is associated with harmful epidemiological and environmental effects. Therefore, there is the need to take up the bodies or institutions involved in policy implementation and environmental management to reduce and prevent PAHs pollution agriculture products in Iran. Furthermore, gaps in literature have been addressed to provide a basis for future studies.

Introduction: The present study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of alginate coating and electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) on Listeria monocytogenes in fish samples during 12 days in cold storage condition (4˚, C). Methods: Initially, fish fillets were inoculated with L. monocytogenes and divided into different groups. Following that, treated samples including controls (no coating), distilled water, alginate, EOW, and alginate coating with EOW were stored at refrigeration temperature. The fillets were preserved at the temperature of 4°, C, and the bacterial count was performed on days zero, two, four, eight, and 12. Results: The separate and combined use of alginate and EOW could significantly inhibit the growth of inoculated L. monocytogenes compared to the control samples, and the maximum reduction was observed in the EOW and alginate treatment (1. 37 log CFU/g). Conclusion: It is recommended that alginate coating combined with EOW in fish improved safety against L. monocytogenes infection.

A total of seven fish species from the Persian Gulf, belonging to three pelagic, benthopelagic, and demersal habitat groups were evaluated for the fatty acid composition, lipid and cholesterol contents, and nutritional lipid quality characteristics of their edible muscles during winter and summer. The values of lipid (g/100 g) and cholesterol (mg/100 g) varied from 0. 66 to 2. 74 and 27. 80 to 44. 91, respectively. Lipid and cholesterol contents of most fish species were significantly higher in summer than in winter. The highest contents of lipid and cholesterol belonged to pelagic and benthopelagic fish species, respectively. All fish species had much higher Σ,n-3 PUFAs than Σ,n-6 PUFAs. A higher level of PUFAs and MUFAs was observed during the winter, while a higher content of SFAs was detected in the summer. Low values of index of atherogenicity (< 0. 8) and index of thrombogenicity (< 0. 5) indicated that all fish species, especially demersal and benthopelagic fish had favorable nutritional lipid quality properties. The results indicated that season and habitat can significantly influence the lipid and cholesterol content, and fatty acid profile of fish muscles.

Introduction: Diabetes is a disease caused by a lack of insulin secretion or a decrease in tissue sensitivity to insulin. The aim of this study was to investigate the lipid-lowering effects of endurance training (ET) with cinnamon (C) extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-two diabetic rats were divided into four groups of 8 rats, including 1) cinnamon, 2) training, 3) training+cinnamon and 4) sham groups. During four weeks, groups 1 and 3 received daily 100 mg/kg C perennially, and groups 2 and 3 ran on treadmill five times per week for 60 minutes each session at a speed of 8 to 16 m/min. Data were analyzed using paired sample t test and one way ANOVA and Tukey’, s post-hoc tests (p≤, 0. 05). Results: Cinnamon powder, training and training+cinnamon significantly reduced TG, LDL and VLDL levels as well increased HDL (P=0. 001) in compare with sham group, training+cinnamon significantly reduced Cho and VLDL (P=0. 001) in compare with sham group,training+cinnamon had more effect on decrease of Cho (p=0. 02) and LDL (p=0. 002) as well as increase of HDL (P=0. 004) rather than training. Also cinnamon (P=0. 03) and training (P=0. 04) significantly reduced VLDL in compare with sham group. Conclusion(s): Although training and cinnamon have lipid-lowering effect in diabetic rats, nevertheless it seems training simultaneously with cinnamon administration has better effect on improving lipid profile compare to training alone.

Today, various sterilization methods are used for the removal of microorganisms, some of which are based on thermal methods that have negative effects on the physicochemical properties of milk. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of cold plasma at atmospheric pressure on the population of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in raw milk. Initially, a plasma jet filled with argon gas was used to evaluate the antibacterial effects of cold plasma. Following that, pasteurized milk samples (1. 5% and 3% fat) were infected with standard strains of E. coli and coagulase-positive S. aureus and irradiated with cold plasma at the frequency of 22, 28, and 33 kHz and voltage of 20, 12. 5, and 10 kV for five minutes. The results of statistical analysis and Tukey’, s test indicated that the E. coli and S. aureus microbial load was significantly lower in the 1. 5% fat milk compared to the control group (P<0. 05). In addition, the milk samples exposed to plasma at 20 kV and 28 kHz showed the most significant reduction in the number of E. coli bacteria compared to the control samples (P<0. 05). The milk samples exposed to 10 kV and 33 kHz also showed the most significant reduction in the S. aureus microbial load. According to the results, cold plasma could decrease the microbial load of milk containing 1. 5% fat more significantly compared to the 3% fat milk. Therefore, plasma could be a proper alternative to thermal decontamination methods for raw milk. However, its application requires further studies to determine the intensity and duration of the exposure of microorganisms to cold plasma at atmospheric pressure.

Introduction: Helicobacter pullorum has recently emerged as a significant foodborne pathogen. The present study aimed to isolate and determine the antibiotic resistance of H. pullorum from fresh chicken wing using the culture method and a molecular technique in Semnan, Iran. Methods: A total of 60 fresh chicken wings samples were purchased from various local retail markets in different regions of Semnan and processed using the culture method. For initial confirmation, biochemical tests were applied. Suspected colonies were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by the 16S rRNA gene. The antibiotic resistance of the isolates was also assessed using the disk-diffusion method. Results: Among 60 samples, 27 (45%) were H. pullorum-positive based on the culture method and biochemical tests. However, the PCR test indicated 18 samples (30%) to be positive for H. pullorum. In the antibiogram, the highest and lowest resistance rates were observed against ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin, respectively. Conclusion: This was the first report in Iran to clearly illustrate that H. pullorum could be found in fresh chicken wings at a moderate level. In addition, the antibiotic resistance of the H. pullorum isolates was confirmed, and the PCR test based on the 16S rRNA gene was considered a reliable and sensitive technique for the detection of this pathogen. However, further investigation is required to explore the life cycle of this novel foodborne pathogen in the other regions of Iran.

Introduction: Food safety and preservation methods are important issues, and food scientists and technologists are investigating new methods such as edible coating and microencapsulation. Most of these methods depend on the production of stable emulsions. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of homogenizer speed, the ratio of the dispersed to the continuous phase, and the type of biopolymer on characteristics of emulsions. Methods: In this study, Arabic gum (AG), soy protein concentrate (SPC), whey protein concentrate (WPC), and maltodextrin (DM) were used as biopolymers. Samples were divided into two groups based on the homogenizer speed and ratio of the dispersed to the continuous phase, including group one (14, 000 rpm, 10% v/v) and group two (18, 000 rpm, 20% v/v). Results: On the first and sixth day of production, the smallest droplet size belonged to the samples produced by AG+DM in group one and those produced by SPC+DM in group two, respectively. The highest viscosity was observed in the samples of group two, which were produced by SPC+DM, while the lowest measured creaming index belonged to the samples in group two, which were produced by AG+DM on the first day of production. Finally, the most intense color based on the ‘, a’,parameter was observed in the samples of group one, which were produced by AG+DM on the first day. Conclusion: According to the results, the most stable emulsions could be produced by SPC+DM at 18, 000 rpm.

Vegetables and fruit cultivation is a main food source for human population. However, different types of pollutants contaminate vegetables products like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Human exposure to PAHs via potential food sources is not well investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to determine PAHs concentrations, dietary intakes, and health risks through the consumption of vegetables collected from urban areas in Mashhad, Iran. Chemical analysis was conducted on 75 vegetable samples were collected from markets in Mashhad including three root and leafy vegetables. The human health risk assessment (HHRA) model was used to measure the dietary intake and lifetime health risk of PAHs through the consumption of vegetables. The concentrations of total PAHs were ranged from 0. 564±,0. 162 to 2. 211±,0. 834 μ, g kg −, 1 in all vegetables. The level of health risks of PAHs was below the acceptable risk level (HI < 1) for adults, while the health risk for children was higher than the acceptable risk level in some vegetable samples. Among the carcinogenic PAH congeners, BaA, Chr, and DbA were predominant for adult and children populations. Overall, the total health risk of PAHs for both groups was borderline or higher than the acceptable level of US EPA risk, suggesting the possibility of health risk for the adults and children to the PAHs via vegetable ingestion. Therefore, appropriate control measures and intervention programs need to be used to protect the health of the residents in this study area.

Introduction: Using herbal essential oils and extracts as antibacterial agents has attracted great attention for preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The present study aimed to compare the effects of sodium metabisulfite and Mentha longifolia L. essential oil (MEO,0%, 0. 5%, 1%, and 2%) in the growth prevention of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157: H7 in peeled giant freshwater prawns in cold storage for two weeks. Methods: The antimicrobial effects of MEO against L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157: H7 were investigated in-vitro using the disk diffusion method. In addition, the effects of the direct addition of MEO (0%, 0. 5%, 1%, and 2%) and sodium metabisulfite (1. 25%) to prawn samples were evaluated. Results: The major chemical constituents of MEO were pulegone (47. 20%), eucalyptol (22. 72%), and menthone (13. 44%). The mean diameter of the inhibition zone of MEO against L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157: H7 was determined to be 9. 45±, 0. 23 and 6. 37±, 0. 02 millimeters, respectively. MEO concentrations of 0. 5%, 1%, and 2% significantly reduced the growth of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157: H7 compared to the control group (P<0. 05). However, sodium metabisulfite was more effective than MEO in inhibiting the growth of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157: H7 in raw freshwater prawns. Conclusion: According to the results, MEO could effectively prevent the growth of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157: H7 and improve the safety of raw freshwater prawns during prolonged refrigerated storage.

Fresh sausage has a short shelf life and is easily spoiled in refrigerated conditions. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (CCEO,0%, 0. 05%, 0. 1% and 0. 2% v/v) on the shelf life extension of fresh camel sausage within storage at the temperature of 4oC for 15 days. According to the microbiological findings, the integration of CCEO significantly retarded microbial growth in the sausage compared to the control group (P<0. 05). Mesophilic bacteria count (MBC) reached the upper microbiological permissible limit (7 log CFU/g) on day five in the control samples, on day seven in the samples containing 0. 05% and 0. 1% CCEO, and on day 15 in the samples containing 0. 2% CCEO. According to the chemical findings, the total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) value in the control samples increased to 39. 75 mg/100 g on the last day of storage. At the end of the research, a significant reduction (approximately 6. 29-11. 85 mg/100 g) was observed in the final TVB-N of the samples integrated with CCEO compared to the controls (P<0. 05). The peroxide value (PV) of the control samples was 4. 49 meq/1, 000 g of lipids, while the PV values of the treated samples remained lower (3. 25 meq/1, 000 g of lipids) at the final stage of the study. In terms of sensory attributes, the addition of 0. 05% and 0. 1% CCEO caused slight adverse effects on the sensory characteristics of the samples (P>0. 05). According to the results, the integration of CCEO with fresh camel sausages is a practical method to increase the shelf life of this product.

Introduction: The present study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) profile and level of heavy metals and determine the potential health risks of heavy metals (cumulative carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks) in the sesame oil consumed in Iran. Methods: In total, 30 sesame oil samples were collected from factories (n=20,industrial) and traditional mills (n=10,non-industrial). The heavy metal content and FA profile of the examined samples were determined by ICP-OES and gas chromatography, respectively. The human health risk assessment model developed by the States Environment Protection Agency (U. S. EPA) was used to assess the human health risk (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk) of heavy metals in the sesame oil samples based on Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). Results: No significant differences were observed between the industrial and non-industrial sesame oil samples in terms of the FA profile and toxic heavy metal contamination. Meanwhile, the FA profile of the industrial and non-industrial sesame oil samples indicated high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (84. 5% and 83. 49%, respectively), with the main fatty acids determined to be oleic acid and linoleic acid. The FA profile of the sesame oil samples indicated no adulteration with other vegetable oils. The concentration of lead, cadmium, and iron in the industrial sesame oil samples was estimated at 0. 008-1. 33, 0. 001-0. 04, and 0. 11-6. 74 mg/kg, while it was 0. 00-0. 199, 0. 01-0. 04, and 0. 8-4. 3 mg/kg in the non-industrial sesame oil samples, respectively. In general, lead content was higher than the legislation limit of Iran and the European Union (0. 1 mg/kg). Mercury and arsenic were not detected in any of the sesame oil samples. The obtained mean values of iron were lower than the maximum values recommended by the FAO/WHO (1-1. 5 μ, g/g). as for cadmium, these values were in line with international requirements (0. 05 μ, g/g) (1). Carcinogenic health risk (ILCRs) and non-carcinogenic health risk (HI or THQ) highly exceeded the threshold value of one in both adult and children consumer groups. Conclusion: According to the results, adults and children are at the risk of consuming contaminated sesame oil through ingestion. Therefore, it is essential to monitor heavy metal contaminants and the quality of imported sesame seeds prior to oil production.