scholarly journals The cold chain and the COVID-19 pandemic: an unusual increase in histamine content in fish samples collected in Southern Italy during lockdown

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Giuseppe Galluzzo ◽  
Gaetano Cammilleri ◽  
Antonello Cicero ◽  
Licia Pantano ◽  
Andrea Pulvirenti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Array Detector ◽  
Food Contaminants ◽  
Fish Products ◽  
Fresh Fish ◽  
Fish Samples

Abstract Objectives We analysed 900 samples of fresh (250) and processed (650) fish products collected in Sicily (Southern Italy) in 2020 during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic (hereafter: COVID-19). Materials and methods The samples were divided temporally based on five phases relating to the various restrictions imposed by the Italian government in this period. The validated method of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) combined with a diode array detector (DAD) was then employed for the analysis. Results The samples collected during the Phase I lockdown period and after it had ended (Phase II) revealed significant increases in the mean histamine levels: 41.89±87.58 mg/kg -1 and 24.91±76.76 mg/kg -1, respectively. The 11 (1.3% of the total) fresh fish samples that were identified as being non-compliant with EC Reg. 2073/2005 were only found during these two periods. All the processed samples were always compliant. The histamine values decreased as the restrictions eased, achieving a mean value of 11.16±9.3 mgkg -1 (Phase III). Conclusions There was an increase in the incidence of fish samples that were non-compliant with EC Reg. 2073/2005 compared to previous surveillance data. These results provide a first report on the effect of lockdown measures on food safety and the cold chain. Our findings must cause food safety operators to intensify their controls over fresh fish products in such periods to safeguard consumer health. Further studies are required to evaluate whether the same trend would be observed with other food contaminants.

Histamine in Fish Products Randomly Collected in Southern Italy: A 6-Year Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANTONELLO CICERO ◽  
GAETANO CAMMILLERI ◽  
FRANCESCO GIUSEPPE GALLUZZO ◽  
ILARIA CALABRESE ◽  
ANDREA PULVIRENTI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Street Vendors ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Fresh Fish ◽  
Smoked Fish ◽  
Canned Tuna ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Fish Product ◽  
Array Detection ◽  
Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography

ABSTRACT In total, 4,615 fresh and processed fish samples collected from 2010 to 2015 were analyzed for histamine by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Histamine levels were detected in 352 (7.6%) samples, with a maximum of 4,110 mg kg−1 and mean values of 908.9 ± 1,226.79 and 344.01 ± 451.18 mg kg−1 for fresh and processed fish samples, respectively. No histamine levels were found in canned tuna and smoked fish samples in contrast to most of the data reported in the literature. A low percentage (2.79%) of noncompliant samples was found. The highest mean values were found during 2011 and 2015 for fresh and processed fish samples, respectively, showing a significant (P < 0.05) difference between the sampling years. The histamine contents found in fresh fish samples were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of processed samples. Most of the positive samples came from street vendors, suggesting the need to improve inspection measures in these commercial categories to ensure fish product safety. HIGHLIGHTS

scholarly journals Microbial quality of fish along with the Tilapia, African catfish and Sardinella artisanal value chains in Kpong and James Town, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
EURYDICE ABOAGYE ◽  
KWAKU TANO-DEBRAH ◽  
ANGELA PARRY-HANSON KUNADU
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
African Catfish ◽  
Fresh Fish ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Safety Knowledge

Abstract. Aboagye E, Tano-Debrah K, Kunadu APH. 2018. Microbial quality of fish along with the Tilapia, African catfish and Sardinella artisanal value chains in Kpong and James Town, Ghana. Bonorowo Wetlands 10: 1-17. Fish from artisanal sources constitute the most critical animal protein in the Ghanaian diet. The availability and safety of fish on the Ghanaian market is, however now unpredictable owing to potential rapid microbial growth which results from high ambient temperatures and poor handling along the artisanal value chains. Little is know about the small-scale fish value chains as well as the food safety knowledge and processing practices of key stakeholders involved. This study aimed at mapping out the artisanal fish value chains of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and sardinellas (Sardinella aurita), and assessing the food safety knowledge and handling practices of key stakeholders along the selected value chains. A survey using semi-structured questionnaires and involving 93 fishers, 40 retailers, 40 processors, and 120 consumers was carried out to investigate stakeholders’ knowledge and practices of food safety along the value chain. Samples of the selected fish species were taken along their respective value chains to test for the presence of safety indicators (Salmonella, Vibrio, and Listeria species), hygiene indicators (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli), and spoilage organisms (Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp.). The mean scores for food safety of retailers, processors, and consumers were found to be generally insufficient at 55%, 43%, and 67.3% respectively. The stakeholders also scored poorly in their handling practices with mean scores of 41.2%, 63.0% and 58.6% for fishers, processors, and consumers, respectively. Estimated fish losses were highest at the retailer and consumer stages of the value chain with reported injuries as high as 35 to 100%. Pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria spp. And Aeromonas sobria were isolated from fresh and on processed ready-to-eat fish samples. Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. not detected on any of the samples tested. Mesophilic counts in the range of 7.96 ± 0.68 to 2.95 ± 0.23 log cfu/g reported from fresh fish samples, with similarly high fecal coliform counts averaging 3.11 log cfu/g. Processed fish samples had average total counts, fecal coliform counts, and yeasts and mold counts of 3.11, 2.27, and 2.45 log cfu/g respectively. Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis were the predominant spoilage organisms present in almost all the fresh fish samples. This study provided much-needed insight into the unsatisfactory safety and quality of artisanal fish on the Ghanaian market and the specific microorganisms associated with them along the value chain. It also established the link between the food safety knowledge and handling practices of stakeholders within the value chain, and the actual quality and safety of fish on the market.

scholarly journals Nutraceutical Properties of Mulberries Grown in Southern Italy (Apulia)

Antioxidants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmine Negro ◽  
Alessio Aprile ◽  
Luigi De Bellis ◽  
Antonio Miceli
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Morus Alba ◽  
Array Detector ◽  
Morus Nigra ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Mulberry Fruits ◽  
First Time ◽  
Gallic Acid Equivalent

In this work, for the first time, were analyzed mulberry genotypes grown in Apulia (Southern Italy, Salento region) were analyzed. Two local varieties of Morus alba (cv. Legittimo nero and cv. Nello) and one of Morus nigra were characterized for content in simple sugars, organic acids, phenols, anthocyanins; fruit antioxidant activity (AA) was also evaluated by three different methods (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH; 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ABTS; and Ferric reducing antioxidant potential, FRAP test). The results showed that the sugars amount ranged between 6.29 and 7.66 g/100 g fresh weight (FW) while the malic and citric acids content was low, at about 0.1–1 g/100 g FW. Mulberries are a good source of phenols which are present in higher values in M. nigra and M. alba cv. Legittimo nero (485 and 424 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/ 100 g FW, respectively). The high performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector/mass spectrometry (HPLC/DAD/MS) analysis identified 5 main anthocyanin compounds present in different concentrations in each variety of mulberry: cyanidin 3-sophoroside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-rutinoside. The highest concentration of anthocyanins was determined in Morus alba Legittimo (about 300 mg/100 g FW) while the lowest content (about 25 mg/100 g FW) was measured in M. alba cv. Nello. Morus nigra showed a good AA in comparison with the different M. alba genotypes with all the used methods; its AA was equal to 33, 26 and 21 μmols Trolox/g FW when using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP tests, respectively. All genotypes showed an anti-inflammatory activity (measured by cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory assay) which was also compared with two commercial anti-inflammatory drugs. The data obtained support the high biological qualities of mulberry fruits and their diffusion in human nutrition.

scholarly journals Emerging Point-of-care Technologies for Food Safety Analysis

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Choi ◽  
Kar Yong ◽  
Jean Choi ◽  
Alistair Cowie
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Safety Analysis ◽  
Public Concern ◽  
Food Contaminants ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
User Friendly

Food safety issues have recently attracted public concern. The deleterious effects of compromised food safety on health have rendered food safety analysis an approach of paramount importance. While conventional techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry have traditionally been utilized for the detection of food contaminants, they are relatively expensive, time-consuming and labor intensive, impeding their use for point-of-care (POC) applications. In addition, accessibility of these tests is limited in developing countries where food-related illnesses are prevalent. There is, therefore, an urgent need to develop simple and robust diagnostic POC devices. POC devices, including paper- and chip-based devices, are typically rapid, cost-effective and user-friendly, offering a tremendous potential for rapid food safety analysis at POC settings. Herein, we discuss the most recent advances in the development of emerging POC devices for food safety analysis. We first provide an overview of common food safety issues and the existing techniques for detecting food contaminants such as foodborne pathogens, chemicals, allergens, and toxins. The importance of rapid food safety analysis along with the beneficial use of miniaturized POC devices are subsequently reviewed. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives of developing the miniaturized POC devices for food safety monitoring are briefly discussed.

Simultaneous Determination of Six Components in Jingzhiguanxin Tablet by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-137
Author(s):  
Hui Jiang ◽  
Lianhao Fu ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Shaozhi Wang ◽  
Xiaoxu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Gradient Elution ◽  
Tanshinone Iia ◽  
Array Detector ◽  
Control Analysis ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Quality Control Analysis

Background: Jingzhiguanxin (JZGX) tablet, a traditional Chinese prescription, is commonly used for treating coronary heart disease and angina pectoris in the clinic. There are six active components (Danshensu (DSS), Protocatechuic aldehyde (PD), Paeoniflorin (PF), Ferulic acid (FA), Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) and Tanshinone IIA (TA)) in JZGX tablet. </P><P> Objective: In this paper, a simple and reliable method was used for simultaneous determining the six active components by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Methods: These six active components were separated on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column (150 mmx4.6 mm, 5 µm) at 30 °C. Acetonitrile (A), methanol (B) and 0.5% H3PO4 aqueous solution (C) were used as mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and the detection wavelengths were set at 280 nm for DSS, PD and Sal B, 230 nm for PF, 320 nm for FA and 270 nm for TA, respectively. Results: All of the six components showed good linearity regressions (r2≥0.9997) in the detected concentration range. The recovery rates and coefficient of variation (CV) for all analytes were 98.66%- 100.18% and 0.75%-1.89%, respectively. This method was successfully applied to simultaneously determine the six components in JZGX tablet from different batches and manufacturers. Conclusion: The validated method can be used in routine quality control analysis of JZGX tablet without any interference.

Supramolecular Solvent Based Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for Preconcentration of Selected Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics in Environmental Water Sample Prior to High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 607-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley K. Selahle ◽  
Philiswa N. Nomngongo
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Chromatographic Determination ◽  
Decanoic Acid ◽  
Environmental Water ◽  
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic ◽  
Array Detector ◽  
Optimum Conditions ◽  
Limit Of Quantification ◽  
Supramolecular Solvent ◽  
Liquid Microextraction

Background and Objective: A rapid, simple and environmental friendly supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) based liquid-liquid microextraction method for preconcentration of ciprofloxacin (CIPRO), danofloxacin (DANO) and enrofloxacin (ENRO) from wastewater was developed. Methods: This microextraction technique was coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a diode array detector (HPLC-PDA) for detection and separation of the antibiotics. The SUPRAS composed of decanoic acid and tricaprylymethylammonium chloride. Optimum conditions for the extraction and preconcentration of all the antibiotics were obtained using surface response methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design. Results: Under optimum conditions, the limits of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.06-0.14 µg L−1 and 0.22-0.47 μg L−1, respectively with the preconcentration factors ranging from 153-241. The linear dynamic ranges were between LOQ and 850 µg L−1 with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9928 to 0.9999. The intra-day (n = 15) and inter-day (n = 5) precisions (expressed in terms of %RSD) for 50 µg L−1 of CIPRO, DANO and ENRO were in the range of 3.3–4% and 4.1–5.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Lastly, the developed method was used for the extraction, preconcentration and quantification of selected CIPRO, DANO and ENRO in influent and effluent wastewater samples.

scholarly journals Simple HPLC-PDA Analysis to Determine Illegal Synthetic Dyes in Herbal Medicines

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 6641
Author(s):  
Kyung-Yuk Ko ◽  
Eun-Young Choi ◽  
Se-Hee Jeong ◽  
Sohwa Kim ◽  
Choon-Kil Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Hplc Analysis ◽  
Ammonium Acetate ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Positive Sample ◽  
Array Detector ◽  
Synthetic Dyes ◽  
Sunset Yellow ◽  
Herbal Medication ◽  
Relative Standard

Various synthetic dyes are artificially added to herbal medicines for the purpose of visual attraction. In order to monitor the illegal usage of synthetic dyes in herbal medication, a rapid and straightforward analysis method to determine synthetic dyes is required. The study aimed to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to determine ten synthetic dyes in Hawthorn fruit, Cornus fruit, and Schisandra fruit. Ten synthetic dyes such as Tartrazine, Sunset yellow, Metanil yellow, Auramine O, Amaranth, Orange II, Acid red 73, Amaranth, New Coccine, Azorubine, and Erythrosine B, were extracted using 50 mM ammonium acetate in 70% MeOH; then separated by gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 50 mM ammonium acetate in distilled water using a photodiode array detector (PDA) at 428 nm or 500 nm. In addition, this study established the LC-MS/MS method to confirm the existence of synthetic dyes in the positive sample solution. The HPLC analysis had good linearity (r2 > 0.999). The recoveries of this method ranged from 74.6~132.1%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) values were less than 6.9%. Most of the samples fulfilled the acceptance criteria of the AOAC guideline. This study demonstrates that the HPLC analysis can be applied to determine ten synthetic dyes in herbal medication.

scholarly journals Phytochemical variability during vegetation of Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub genotypes derived from in vitro cultures

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariola Dreger ◽  
Katarzyna Seidler-Łożykowska ◽  
Milena Szalata ◽  
Artur Adamczak ◽  
Karolina Wielgus
Keyword(s):  
High Performance Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Array Detector ◽  
Reproduction Rate ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Chamerion Angustifolium ◽  
Oenothein B

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to evaluate Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub genotypes for preliminary selection and further breeding programs aimed at obtaining a suitable industrial form for the pharmaceutical applications. Clonally propagated plants representing 10 genotypes of Ch. angustifolium were regenerated under in vitro conditions, hardened and planted in the field. Studies included an evaluation of shoot proliferation, phytochemical assessment of in vitro and ex vitro plants as well as investigations of intraspecies variability regarding four phenological stages: vegetative, beginning of blooming, full blooming, and green fruit phases. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of bioactive compounds were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC–DAD–MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The efficiency of shoot multiplication varied between genotypes from 8.12 to 21.48 shoots per explant. A high reproduction rate (> 20 shoots per explant) was recorded for four lines (PL_45, PL_44, PL_58, DE_2). Plants grown in vitro synthesized oenothein B (11.2–22.3 mg g−1 DW) and caffeic acid derivatives. Plants harvested from field contained the full spectrum of polyphenols characteristic for this species, and oenothein B and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide were the most abundant. The maximal content of oenothein B was determined in the vegetative phase of fireweed, while some flavonoids were found in the highest amount in full blooming phase. The results of analysis of variance indicated significant differences among genotypes in oenothein B, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid and flavonoids accumulation in four phenological phases. PL_44 plants were characterized by high content of oenothein B and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide as well as a relatively high level of other flavonoids. Based on our phytochemical and micropropagation studies, PL_44 genotype was the best candidate for early selection and further breeding programs.

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