scholarly journals Microbiological investigation of peppermint and pumpkin seed kernels drying in batch dryer

2010 ◽  
pp. 61-70
Author(s):  
Milan Matavulj ◽  
Milan Martinov ◽  
Maja Karaman ◽  
Branislav Veselinov ◽  
Dusan Adamovic
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Pumpkin Seed ◽  
Drying Characteristics ◽  
Optimal Output ◽  
Number Of Microorganisms ◽  
Quality Of Products

The goal of this research was to investigate improvement of drying method of peppermint and pumpkin kernels (hull-less pumpkin seed) with the aim to get as best microbiological quality of products as possible. Small and medium scale producers of medicinal plants in most cases perform it in batch dryers, which offer optimal output rate. Disadvantages of this dryer type are slower through-heating of upper layers, with the resulting increase of microbial count. In this paper, results of investigation of drying characteristics in batch dryer expressed through the changes of count of bacteria and microfungi are presented. The drying regime was applied in three different phases, and different material batch heights. Obtained results show that microbial count has increased in the upper layer during process of peppermint drying, while the temperature was less than 45?C for a long period. However, during the final drying phase in this layer, the temperature was also over 45?C, and the final microbial count was almost the same for upper and lower levels. During the treatment of pumpkin kernels in all of cases number of microorganisms indicated that the treated pumpkin grains belonged to the 3B qualitative group or to the 4B for phase drying respectively, and to the 4A for control group according to the Europaean Pharmacopoeia. The results obtained suggest that the treatment of hull-less pumpkin seed with even higher temperatures of drying agents, for example 70?C or 80?C, in the first phase should be investigated. After that phase, the second phase would follow, using temperature of 60?C, and the method with shifting mode should be applied.

scholarly journals Evaluation of nutritional value and microbiological safety in commercial dog food

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kazimierska ◽  
Wioletta Biel ◽  
Robert Witkowicz ◽  
Jolanta Karakulska ◽  
Xymena Stachurska
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Pet Food ◽  
Microbiological Safety ◽  
Dog Food ◽  
Number Of Microorganisms ◽  
Contaminated Food ◽  
Dry Food

AbstractIn addition to properly balancing nutritional value in accordance with the needs of a dog, estimating the microbiological quality of dog food is crucial in providing healthy and safe foods. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of dry food for adult dogs, with particular reference to: (1) evaluating the nutritional value and compliance with nutritional guidelines for dogs, (2) comparing the nutritional value of dog foods, with particular emphasis on the division into cereal and cereal-free foods, and (3) evaluating their microbiological safety. All thirty-six evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum European Pet Food Industry FEDIAF requirement for total protein and fat content. The total aerobic microbial count in the analyzed dry dog foods ranged from 2.7 × 102 to above 3.0 × 107 cfu/g. In five (14%) dog foods the presence of staphylococci was detected; however, coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS) was not found. Mold presence was reported in one cereal-free dog food and in six cereal foods. In none of the analyzed foods Enterobacteriaceae were found, including coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Bacteria of the genus Listeria and Clostridium as well as yeasts were also not detected. In conclusion, the evaluated dry dog foods had varied microbiological quality. The detected number of microorganisms may have some implications for long-term consumption of contaminated food. The lack of European Commission standards regarding the permissible amounts of microorganisms in pet food may result in insufficient quality control of these products.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Microbial Quality of Industrial Ready-to-Eat Salads Containing Meat Products

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 662-670
Author(s):  
Mohammadreza Koushki ◽  
Paliz Koohy-Kamaly ◽  
Sara Sohrabvandi
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
International Standards ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Chain Stores ◽  
Randomized Sampling ◽  
Number Of Microorganisms

Ready-to-eat foods are not usually treated sufficiently to eliminate the existing pathogenic bacteria in them before consumption; therefore, bacterial contamination in these foods requires due consideration. This study aims to detect Salmonella and Escherichia coli contamination and total microbial count in ready-to-eat salad samples containing meat products in Tehran in 2018. The microbial analysis of 136 samples including Olivier salad, Macaroni salad, and Sausage salad, collected by simple randomized sampling method from chain-stores, grocery and cooperative stores, was done according to the ISO international standards. Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples, and only 0.7% of the samples were contaminated with E. coli. The total number of microorganisms in 89.6% of the Olivier salad samples, 61.4% of the Macaroni salad samples and 97.7% of the Sausage salad samples was within the permitted limits of the Iranian National Standard. The average total number of microbes in the Olivier salad, Macaroni salad, and Sausage salad samples was obtained as 4.84, 4.23, and 5.34 log CFU/g, respectively. This study confirms the relatively satisfactory microbiological quality of ready-to-eat salads containing meat products in Tehran,Iran.

Relationships of Microbial Quality of Retail Meat Samples and Sanitary Conditions1

1980 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 385-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. JANE WYATT ◽  
V. GUY
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Aerobic Plate Count ◽  
Quality Of Products ◽  
Meat Samples ◽  
Sanitary Conditions

A sanitation profile scoring form for evaluating sanitation in retail food stores was designed. The profile was tested in 10 Oregon retail markets to evaluate its ability to reflect sanitary conditions. At the time of inspection, samples of meat processed in-store were purchased for microbiological analysis to explore the feasibility of bacterial quality as a measurement of sanitary conditions. Microbiological tests performed included total aerobic plate count (A PC), coliform, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella. Certain deficiencies were noted in the profile designed; however, it provides a means for objective, uniform measurement of sanitary conditions. Data show no correlation exists between microbiological quality of products processed in the store and total store profile sanitary conditions. Fifty percent of the products sampled exceeded bacterial load guidelines currently enforced in Oregon. These “high” counts appear to be directly related to poor temperature control.

Mindfulness meditation, psychological wellbeing and resilience to stress: development and pilot study of the newly designed meditation based awareness training

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1331-1331 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.C. Sundin ◽  
E. Shonin ◽  
W. Van Gordon ◽  
L. Horgan
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Current Phase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Awareness Training ◽  
Comparison Trial

Mindfulness meditation has been practiced in the Eastern world for more than 25 centuries but only recently it has become popular in the West. Today, therapeutic interventions such as ‘Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction’ are used within health services throughout Europe as a means of improving patient wellbeing. Whilst these interventions have proved successful in reducing stress and depression a limitation is that they tend to apply the practices of mindfulness in an ‘out of context’ manner. Meditation Based Awareness Training (MBAT), on the other hand, includes a composite array of ‘spiritual-based’ trainings, which are traditionally assumed to enhance the cultivation of a more sustainable quality of wellbeing within the meditator.The purpose of this program is to design, implement, and evaluate MBAT as an approach to meditation and mindfulness that can be adapted to meet the needs of various populations. In the current phase, MBAT was developed in a general format for individuals from the general population who want to increase their levels of wellbeing. A controlled comparison trial has been run to evaluate this version of MBAT: Participants of the study undertook an 8-week MBAT program and comparisons were made with a control group on perceived psychological wellbeing (depression, anxiety, and anger management) and stress. In a second phase (not included in this presentation) MBAT will be adapted to populations with special needs, e.g., elderly people, trauma victims, and forensic inmates.Findings from the trial will be reported and implications for further development of MBAT will be discussed.

scholarly journals Assessment of the microbiological quality of feed using the Verbands Deutscher Landwirdschaftlicher Untersuchungs und Forschungsanstalten (VDLUFA) method

2020 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-76
Author(s):  
Ksenija Nesic ◽  
Marija Pavlovic ◽  
Snezana Ivanovic
Keyword(s):  
Animal Feed ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Animal Nutrition ◽  
Detailed Instruction ◽  
Standard Operating ◽  
Number Of Microorganisms ◽  
Animal Feeding ◽  
Potential Pathogenicity ◽  
Microbiological Status

Introduction. The Verbands Deutscher Landwirdschaftlicher Untersuchungs und Forschungsanstalten (VDLUFA) is an association of German agronomic, analytical and scientific institutes dealing with various types of research in the field of agronomy and the development, adaptation and validation of analytical methods. This association has established an approach for determining the microbiological quality of feed based on the contents of molds, yeasts and bacteria by taking into account not only their total numbers (cfu/g), but also their potential pathogenicity. According to the degree of the potential pathogenicity, microorganisms are divided into seven groups. Based on the number of microorganisms in the seven groups, feed and feedingstuffs are classified into four categories according to microbiological quality. Materials and Methods. This method for categorization of feed is described in Methods Book III. Detailed instruction is given within the four Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Results and Conclusions. The VDLUFA method of assessing animal feed and feedingstuffs is a far more detailed approach that gives a more complete picture of the actual microbiological status of feed than the approach currently used in Serbia. Feed placed on the market to be used in animal nutrition should meet the criteria for classification into classes I to III, in accordance with the parameters laid down in the method. Animal feed that belongs to class IV is not suitable for animal feeding. This method could be a useful guideline in the modernization of hygienic standards for feed in Serbia in the future.

scholarly journals The impact of different levels of nisin as a biopreservative agent on the chemical, sensory and microbiological quality of vacuum-packed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets stored at 4 ± 2 °C

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. e401
Author(s):  
Y. Ucar ◽  
Y. Ozogul ◽  
F. Ozogul ◽  
M. Durmus ◽  
A.R. Kösker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Dicentrarchus Labrax ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Sea Bass ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
C Storage ◽  
The Impact

Nisin is produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and is also known as an antimicrobial agent especially effective against gram-positive bacteria. It has long been used as a preservative in foods and beverages and is generally regarded as safe (GRAS). In the present work, the effects of different concentrations of nisin (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8%) on the sensory, chemical and microbiological quality and shelf-life of vacuum-packed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets were investigated during chilled (4 ± 2 °C) storage. The sensory points for raw and cooked fillets increased with time during the storage period (p < 0.05). The control group, with scores of 9.08, was rejected by panelists on day 12; whereas nisin-treated groups were rejected on day 14 with scores ranging from 9.00-9.17 score. As a result of chemical analyses, lower values (p < 0.05) were obtained from the nisin groups with low oxidative rancidity. Moreover, nisin inhibited microbial growth, which shows antimicrobial activity. Consequently, it was concluded that the application of nisin (especially 0.8%) preserved the organoleptic quality and extended the shelf-life of sea bass fillets.

Understanding the priorities of designers for an ecodesign support during environmentally sustainable product development

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prashant Kumar Singh ◽  
Prabir Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Product Development ◽  
Environmental Quality ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Environmentally Conscious ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Sustainable Products ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Quality Of Products

PurposeThe main purpose of this research is to understand the priorities of designers for an ecodesign support, while developing environmentally sustainable products. Also, this study identifies the requirements of the designers for managing the environmental quality of products.Design/methodology/approachThis research is conducted in two phases of survey. In the first phase, various requirements of designers are collected, refined and segregated under certain well defined characteristics of the ecodesign support. In second phase, the designers are asked to rank each characteristic of the ecodesign support in a questionnaire. The responses obtained from the designers are analyzed separately for engineering designers and design researchers by using Henry Garrett ranking technique to identify the priorities of designers for an ecodesign support.FindingsResults show that there is a contrast between the perspective of engineering designers and design researchers, and their priorities for an ecodesign support are opposite to each other. Thus it can be understood that the features which are added by design researchers in ecodesign support may not be adequate for engineering designers to manage the environmental quality of products.Originality/valueThe designers play a key role in the development of environmentally benign products through the use of different ecodesign supports (i.e. tools or methods). Therefore, it is important to understand the desired characteristics of the ecodesign support from designer's perspective. Also, the priorities of designers from academia (design researchers) and industry (engineering designers) must be understood because they are the two stakeholders indulged in the development and usage of various ecodesign supports for environmentally conscious product development (ECPD).

scholarly journals Combined Effect of Vacuum Packaging, Fennel and Savory Essential Oil Treatment on the Quality of Chicken Thighs

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslava Kačániová ◽  
Martin Mellen ◽  
Nenad L. Vukovic ◽  
Maciej Kluz ◽  
Czeslaw Puchalski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Vacuum Packaging ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Foeniculum Vulgare ◽  
Microbiological Parameters ◽  
Control Samples

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of chicken thighs after treatment by fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and savory (Satureja hortensis) essential oil, stored under vacuum packaging (VP) at 4 ± 0.5 °C for a period of 16 days. The following treatments of chicken thighs were used: Air-packaging control samples (APCS), vacuum-packaging control samples (VPC), vacuum-packaging (VP) control samples with rapeseed oil (VPRO), VP (vacuum-packaging) with fennel essential oil at concentrations 0.2% v/w (VP + F), and VP with savory essential oil at concentration 0.2% v/w (VP + S). The quality assessment of APCS, VPC, VPRO, VP + F and VP + S products was established by microbiological analysis. The microbiological parameters as the total viable counts of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and Pseudomonas spp. were detected. Bacterial species were identified with the MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. The combination of essential oils and vacuum packaging had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the reduction of total viable counts (TVC) compared with control group without vacuum packaging and the untreated control group. Though 15 genera and 46 species were isolated with scores higher than 2.3 from the chicken samples.

scholarly journals Qualitative and Quantitative Microbiological Studies of Paediatric Artemether-Lumefantrine Dry Powders and Paracetamol Syrups Obtained from Selected Drug Stores in Accra, Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Solomon Opoku ◽  
Isaac Nyanor
Keyword(s):  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Pharmaceutical Preparations ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Dry Powder ◽  
Dry Powders ◽  
Powder Samples ◽  
Regulatory Bodies

Infants and children under five years generally have high susceptibility to pathogenic and opportunistic infections due to immaturity and inexperience of their immune responses. The lives of these young children are threatened when they consume pharmaceutical preparations of poor microbiological quality. Considering the widespread use of artemether-lumefantrine dry powder and paracetamol syrup among the general population in Ghana, there is a need to investigate the microbiological quality and safety of these paediatric pharmaceutical preparations. The study investigated the microbiological quality of 180 samples comprising 90 artemether-lumefantrine dry powders and 90 paracetamol syrups. The samples were tested for presence of specified indicator pathogens, Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC), and Total Yeasts and Moulds Count (TYMC) using compendial procedures. Results from the study indicated that 16 (17.78%) of the paracetamol syrup samples showed bioburden levels above United States Pharmacopeia (USP) maximum acceptable limit, but none of the artemether-lumefantrine dry powder samples recorded microbial load above the limit of USP. Four samples of paracetamol syrup and 4 samples of artemether-lumefantrine dry powder showed presence of P. aeruginosa, whereas 5 samples of paracetamol syrup were found to be contaminated with Salmonella spp. Overall, 4.44% of the artemether-lumefantrine dry powders and 25.56% of the paracetamol syrups were found to be noncompliant with USP specifications for nonsterile pharmaceutical preparations for oral use. This study has revealed the existence of substandard paediatric pharmaceutical products in the Ghanaian market, hence the need for regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and postmarketing surveillance programmes to help get rid of these products from the market.

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