דו״ח מאומת

Cinnamon adulteration represents a significant threat to food authenticity, consumer health and market integrity. This study aimed to analyse the presence of <i>Ceylon</i> and <i>Cassia</i> cinnamon in supermarkets across the province of Alicante (Spain) and identify markers to distinguish these species using spectrophotometry, chromatography, and sensory analysis. <i>Cinnamomum zeylanicum</i>, was characterized by malic, butyric, sugars and monoterpenes, while <i>C. cassia</i> by aldehydes, sesquiterpenes and coumarin. <i>C. zeylanicum</i> was mainly associated with "citrus" aroma and high intensity, while <i>C. cassia</i> with "sweet" aroma. Four out of 52 volatiles (β-phellandrene, d-3-carene, cryptone, and eugenol) were exclusive to <i>C. zeylanicum</i> and 9 (limonene, eucalyptol, endo-fenchol, Δ-elemene, cyclosativene, 7-epi-sesquithujene, bisabolene, α-calacorene, and cadalene) were exclusive to <i>C. cassia</i> ground cinnamon. Multivariate analysis revealed that only one of the 16 ground cinnamon samples from the Spanish market closely resembled <i>C. zeylanicum</i>, one was a mix of both, and the remaining were identified as <i>C. cassia</i>.…

PMID: 40491701

Mercury (Hg) is a global health concern due to its prevalence, persistence, and toxicity. Numerous studies have assessed Hg concentrations in seafood, but variability in reported concentrations highlights the need for continued monitoring and stricter regulations. We measured total Hg (tHg) in 148 pre-processed, packaged seafood products purchased in Raleigh, North Carolina, using thermal decomposition-gold amalgamation atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Products were grouped into three categories based on trophic ecology and physiology: (1) tuna, (2) other bony fish, and (3) shellfish and squid. Among tuna, albacore had the highest average tHg (396.4 ng/g ± 172.1), while yellowfin had the lowest (68.3 ng/g ± 64.7). Herring (54.0 ng/g ± 23.2) and crab (78.2 ng/g ± 24.1) had the highest concentrations in the other two groups. One can of albacore exceeded the FDA action level of 1 part per million (1.3 ppm or 1300 ng/g). Brand differences were significant for both albacore and light tuna, with Brand 1 consistently showing higher Hg levels. Comparisons to FDA data (1990-2012) suggest Hg concentrations in tuna have remained stable over the past two decades. This study underscores the variability of Hg concentrations across species and brands and the need for continued monitoring to protect consumers.…

PMID: 40559900

Microcracks in egg shells are a food safety risk and are difficult for professional human graders to detect. Modified-pressure imaging technology with 99.6% accuracy has been developed to detect microcracks. This study was conducted to determine whether the microcrack detection system would increase penetration of Salmonella into egg contents or lead to cross-contamination within the system. Thirty dozen grade A large white retail eggs were used for each of 3 replicates. Cracked eggs were removed and 72 eggs/replicate were dip inoculated in buffered peptone water containing 10(5) cfu/mL of nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium (ST), whereas 144 eggs were dipped in sterile buffered peptone water. All eggs were incubated overnight at 25°C before imaging. Forty-five eggs of each treatment were imaged in the following order: control, inoculated, control. Imaged and nonimaged eggs from each treatment were used for cultural analysis of a shell rinse, shell emulsion, and contents sample for each egg. The ST levels were monitored on brilliant green sulfa agar with 200 mg/L of nalidixic acid. Egg contents were also enriched to determine the prevalence of ST in low levels. Salmonella Typhimurium was not detected on or in any of the control eggs, including the eggs imaged after the inoculated eggs. The highest level of ST was detected in inoculated shell emulsions (4.79 log cfu/mL). No differences in ST levels were found for any sample location between imaged and nonimaged inoculated eggs. Therefore, the modified-pressure imaging system for microcrack detection did not result in microbial cross-contamination or increase the level of microbial penetration in inoculated eggs. The imaging system can be used to assess eggs for cracks without negative food safety implications.…

PMID: 21673180

<h4>Introduction</h4><i>Salmonella</i> enterica remains one of the leading causes of foodborne illness globally, with poultry and eggs recognized as major transmission vehicles. In Saudi Arabia, data integrating genomic epidemiology with conventional microbiological surveillance in eggs remain limited. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive genomic characterization of <i>Salmonella</i> isolated from chicken eggs in the Kingdom, assessing prevalence, serovar distribution, virulence determinants, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles to better inform food safety risk assessment within a One Health framework.<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 260 chicken eggs were collected and analyzed using conventional microbiological culture methods for Salmonella detection. Confirmed isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to determine serovar identity, virulence-associated genes, and antimicrobial resistance determinants. Comparative genomic analyses were conducted to evaluate differences between isolates recovered from eggshell surfaces and egg contents, with particular focus on multidrug resistance (MDR) genes, plasmid-mediated <i>β</i>-lactamases, and fluoroquinolone resistance determinants.<h4>Results</h4><i>Salmonella</i> was detected in 9% of the analyzed samples. Contamination was more frequently identified on eggshells than within egg contents, suggesting a substantial contribution of environmental exposure during handling and distribution. Twelve distinct serovars were identified, with <i>Salmonella Enteritidis</i> and <i>Salmonella typhimurium</i> predominating.Eggshell isolates demonstrated broader serovar diversity but carried fewer antimicrobial resistance determinants. In contrast, isolates recovered from egg contents were associated with clinically significant serovars and exhibited a higher prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Whole-genome analysis revealed multidrug resistance profiles, including plasmid-mediated <i>β</i>-lactamase genes and fluoroquinolone resistance determinants, indicating the potential for dissemination of resistant strains through the food chain.<h4>Discussion</h4>The findings demonstrate dual contamination pathways in eggs: external contamination linked to environmental handling factors and internal contamination associated with serovars of greater clinical relevance and elevated AMR gene burden. The detection of multidrug resistance determinants highlights the risk of horizontal transmission of resistance elements across foodborne bacteria.These results underscore the importance of integrating genomic surveillance into national food safety systems to strengthen risk assessment, guide targeted control measures, and support antimicrobial resistance monitoring. Within the Saudi context, implementing WGS-based surveillance aligns with One Health principles and enhances preparedness against emerging foodborne AMR threats.…

PMID: 41822133

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from dietary spice turmeric, possesses diverse pharmacologic effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities. Phase I clinical trials have shown that curcumin is safe even at high doses (12 g/day) in humans but exhibit poor bioavailability. Major reasons contributing to the low plasma and tissue levels of curcumin appear to be due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination. To improve the bioavailability of curcumin, numerous approaches have been undertaken. These approaches involve, first, the use of adjuvant like piperine that interferes with glucuronidation; second, the use of liposomal curcumin; third, curcumin nanoparticles; fourth, the use of curcumin phospholipid complex; and fifth, the use of structural analogues of curcumin (e.g., EF-24). The latter has been reported to have a rapid absorption with a peak plasma half-life. Despite the lower bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy of curcumin against various human diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, neurological diseases and Crohn's disease, has been documented. Enhanced bioavailability of curcumin in the near future is likely to bring this promising natural product to the forefront of therapeutic agents for treatment of human disease.…

PMID: 17999464

The medicinal properties of curcumin obtained from Curcuma longa L. cannot be utilised because of poor bioavailability due to its rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall. In this study, the effect of combining piperine, a known inhibitor of hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation, was evaluated on the bioavailability of curcumin in rats and healthy human volunteers. When curcumin was given alone, in the dose 2 g/kg to rats, moderate serum concentrations were achieved over a period of 4 h. Concomitant administration of piperine 20 mg/kg increased the serum concentration of curcumin for a short period of 1-2 h post drug. Time to maximum was significantly increased (P < 0.02) while elimination half life and clearance significantly decreased (P < 0.02), and the bioavailability was increased by 154%. On the other hand in humans after a dose of 2 g curcumin alone, serum levels were either undetectable or very low. Concomitant administration of piperine 20 mg produced much higher concentrations from 0.25 to 1 h post drug (P < 0.01 at 0.25 and 0.5 h; P < 0.001 at 1 h), the increase in bioavailability was 2000%. The study shows that in the dosages used, piperine enhances the serum concentration, extent of absorption and bioavailability of curcumin in both rats and humans with no adverse effects.…

PMID: 9619120

Turmeric-derived curcumin offers various health benefits but has poor bioavailability due to low water solubility and rapid gastrointestinal degradation. A recently proposed raw-to-nano strategy enables the direct formulation of turmeric nanoparticles from raw turmeric, using inherent biopolymers to encapsulate and protect curcumin. However, it remains unclear how these nanoparticles enhance gastrointestinal bioavailability and how food matrices influence this process. This study investigated the gastrointestinal digestion of turmeric nanoparticles and assessed the influence of a nanoemulsion food matrix on curcumin's stability and bioavailability. Turmeric nanoparticles (∼0.11 μm) were formulated using the raw-to-nano strategy and incorporated into nanoemulsions as a food model. Their gastrointestinal fate was examined using a standardized in vitro digestion model, with curcumin crystals serving as the reference. Results showed that curcumin molecules were spontaneously encapsulated within the lipid phase of nanoemulsions. Turmeric nanoparticles exhibited significant size increases in different digestion phases, particularly in the gastric phase (pH 3), whereas their size remained stable when incorporated into nanoemulsions. Compared to curcumin crystals, turmeric nanoparticles significantly enhanced curcumin's gastrointestinal stability, particularly within nanoemulsions, where stability reached ∼92.2 %. Additionally, the bioaccessibility of curcumin in turmeric nanoparticles (∼66.8 %) was markedly higher than curcumin crystals (∼9.0 %) due to nano-encapsulation in mixed micelles, while curcumin from crystals largely remained in sediments, limiting absorption. Incorporation into nanoemulsions further improved curcumin bioaccessibility (∼82.5 %). This study demonstrates that turmeric nanoparticles formulated via a sustainable raw-to-nano strategy significantly enhance the gastrointestinal bioavailability of curcumin, offering a promising strategy for improving delivery of curcumin in functional foods.…

PMID: 40922183

The leaching of aluminum and cobalt ions into canned foods, such as aluminum from canned tomato sauce and cobalt from canned tuna, raises concerns about potential health risks, making their accurate detection essential for food safety. In this study, we developed a novel ratiometric fluorometric sensor based on dual-emission carbon dots capable of selectively detecting aluminum (Al³⁺) and cobalt (Co²⁺) ions after a single excitation. The sensor exhibits distinct fluorescence responses: cobalt ions enhance the emission at 403 nm due to interactions with nitrogen and sulfur groups on the carbon dot surface, while Al³⁺ enhance the emission at 532 nm through binding with oxygen-rich groups such as carboxyl and hydroxyl. This differential response stems from the varying affinities of these metal ions for different functional groups, as confirmed through mechanistic studies and comprehensive characterization of the carbon dots, including TEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, and fluorescence lifetime analyses. The method demonstrates excellent sensitivity, with limits of detection (LOD) of 0.012 μM for Co²⁺ and 0.06 μM for Al³⁺. The sensor's performance was validated with real food samples, successfully determining Al³⁺ in canned tomato sauce and Co²⁺ in canned tuna. The method exhibited high selectivity with minimal interference, achieving recovery rates of 97.50-100.67% for Al³⁺ and 97.01-98.02% for Co²⁺. These findings underscore the robustness and practical applicability of the proposed sensor as a reliable tool for monitoring Al³⁺ and Co²⁺ in canned foods, ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory standards.…

PMID: 40041372