Ethanol concentration of Kombucha teas in British Columbia, Canada

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Sik Jang ◽  
Lorraine McIntyre ◽  
Michael Chan ◽  
Paula N. Brown ◽  
Jamie Finley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Acetic Acid Solution ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Yeast Cultures ◽  
At Risk Populations ◽  
Aluminum Cans

Kombucha is a sweetened tea beverage fermented by bacterial and yeast cultures. Sweeteners such as glucose, sucrose, fructose and others are converted by yeasts into ethanol, then by Acetobacter and other bacterial species into a weak acetic acid solution that is diluted, flavoured and packaged into glass or aluminum cans for consumer consumption. Naturally, fermented Kombucha contains 0 to 3% alcohol-by-volume (ABV). However, Kombucha containing ethanol is concerning for pregnant women and young children for whom low levels of ethanol consumption (<3% ABV) create adverse medical outcomes. In the province of British Columbia (BC), Canada beverages containing >1% ABV are regulated as liquor. This study assessed ethanol concentrations in Kombucha collected from processors and purchased at retail venues in BC. Ethanol values were compared to the place of manufacture (country or province) and place of purchase (grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, recreational centres, and processors). Ethanol (n = 684) levels were measured using a headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-GCMS) method with a detection limit of 0.0002% ABV for ethanol. Overall, teas contained mean and median ethanol of 0.77% and 0.62% ABV, respectively, ranging from non-detectable up to 3.62% ABV. Four Kombucha teas (0.6%) made by BC processors tested over 3% ABV, and 31.5% of samples contained ethanol that exceeded the BC regulatory limits for non-alcoholic beverages of 1% ABV. Kombucha manufactured in BC had significantly higher mean ethanol values (1.16% ABV) in comparison to all other places of manufacture. Similarly, mean ethanol tea values obtained from BC processors (1.2% ABV) and restaurants (1.01% ABV) were significantly higher than those obtained at other retail venues. This study demonstrates the potential for alcohol harm to at-risk populations consuming Kombucha teas sold in BC.

scholarly journals “My coupons are like gold”: experiences and perceived outcomes of low-income adults participating in the British Columbia Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Caron-Roy ◽  
Sayeeda Amber Sayed ◽  
Katrina Milaney ◽  
Bonnie Lashewicz ◽  
Sharlette Dunn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Program Outcomes ◽  
Farmers Market

ABSTRACT Objective: The British Columbia Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) provides low-income households with coupons valued at $21/week for 16 weeks to purchase healthy foods in farmers’ markets. Our objective was to explore FMNCP participants’ experiences of accessing nutritious foods, and perceived program outcomes. Design: This study used qualitative description methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with FMNCP participants during the 2019 farmers’ market season. Directed content analysis was used to analyse the data whereby the five domains of Freedman et al’s framework of nutritious food access provided the basis for an initial coding scheme. Data that did not fit within the framework’s domains were coded inductively. Setting: One urban and two rural communities in British Columbia, Canada. Participants: 28 adults who were participating in the FMNCP. Results: Three themes emerged: Autonomy and Dignity; Social Connections and Community Building; and Environmental and Programmatic Constraints. Firstly, the program promoted a sense of autonomy and dignity through financial support, increased access to high-quality produce, food-related education and skill development, and mitigating stigma and shame. Secondly, shopping in farmers’ markets increased social connections and fostered a sense of community. Finally, participants experienced limited food variety in rural farmers’ markets, lack of transportation, and challenges with redeeming coupons. Conclusions: Participation in the FMNCP facilitated access to nutritious foods and enhanced participants’ diet quality, well-being and health. Strategies such as increasing the amount and duration of subsidies, and expanding programs may help improve participants’ experiences and outcomes of farmers’ market food subsidy programs.

scholarly journals Volatile scents of influenza A and S. pyogenes (co-)infected cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Selina Traxler ◽  
Gina Barkowsky ◽  
Radost Saß ◽  
Ann-Christin Klemenz ◽  
Nadja Patenge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Sampling System ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Infection Processes ◽  
Non Destructive

AbstractInfluenza A is a serious pathogen itself, but often leads to dangerous co-infections in combination with bacterial species such as Streptococcus pyogenes. In comparison to classical biochemical methods, analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in headspace above cultures can enable destruction free monitoring of metabolic processes in vitro. Thus, volatile biomarkers emitted from biological cell cultures and pathogens could serve for monitoring of infection processes in vitro. In this study we analysed VOCs from headspace above (co)-infected human cells by using a customized sampling system. For investigating the influenza A mono-infection and the viral-bacterial co-infection in vitro, we analysed VOCs from Detroit cells inoculated with influenza A virus and S. pyogenes by means of needle-trap micro-extraction (NTME) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Besides the determination of microbiological data such as cell count, cytokines, virus load and bacterial load, emissions from cell medium, uninfected cells and bacteria mono-infected cells were analysed. Significant differences in emitted VOC concentrations were identified between non-infected and infected cells. After inoculation with S. pyogenes, bacterial infection was mirrored by increased emissions of acetaldehyde and propanal. N-propyl acetate was linked to viral infection. Non-destructive monitoring of infections by means of VOC analysis may open a new window for infection research and clinical applications. VOC analysis could enable early recognition of pathogen presence and in-depth understanding of their etiopathology.

scholarly journals GC-MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Assessment of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Seed Ethanol Extract

2021 ◽  
pp. 271-283
Author(s):  
S. Mabel Parimala ◽  
A. Antilin Salomi
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Ethanol Extract ◽  
Microtiter Plate ◽  
Salmonella Typhi ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Syzygium Cumini ◽  
Microtiter Plate Assay ◽  
Agar Well Diffusion Method

People use plants to treat infections, and this has led to search of antimicrobials from medicinal plants. In this work, we evaluated the ethanol extract of Syzygium cumini seeds for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Extraction was performed by maceration method using ethanol. The antimicrobial efficacy of the extract was assessed by agar well diffusion method against ten bacterial species, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans, and five fungal species, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Mucor sp. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extract were determined by resazurin microtiter plate assay.  Phytochemicals in the extract was identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) information.  In agar well diffusion method, Gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens, Gram-positive bacteria such as B. subtilis and E. faecalis and fungi A. fumigatus were more susceptible showing larger zones of inhibition.  In resazurin method, low MICs were recorded for bacteria, B. cereus (<7.8 µg) and P. aeruginosa (15.6 µg) and fungi, A. fumigatus (31.2 µg).  Fifteen compounds were identified by GC-MS profiling of the extract.  The antimicrobial activity of the extract can be rightly related to the secondary metabolites in the ethanol extract of Syzygium cumini seeds.

WIC Cash Value Voucher Redemption Behavior in Jefferson County, Alabama, and Its Association With Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea R. Singleton ◽  
William Opoku-Agyeman ◽  
Ermanno Affuso ◽  
Monica L. Baskin ◽  
Emily B. Levitan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Jefferson County ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Program ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Cash Value Voucher

Purpose: To examine cash value voucher (CVV) redemption behavior and its association with fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption among women who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Jefferson County, Alabama. Participants: Between October 2014 and January 2015, 300 women (mean age: 27.6 years; 66.8% non-Hispanic black; 45.1% obese) who participated in the Birmingham WIC program were surveyed. Measures: Self-reported information on demographics, produce shopping behaviors, and residential access to fresh produce retailers (eg, supermarkets and farmers markets) was examined. Fruit and vegetable intake was collected via the Block Fruit–Vegetable–Fiber screener. Participants who self-reported redeeming the WIC CVV in each of the 3 prior months were classified as regular redeemers. Analysis: Multivariable-adjusted regression models were used to examine associations between variables of interest and regular WIC CVV redemption. Results: There were 189 (63.0%) study participants classified as regular WIC CVV redeemers. Regular redeemers and other participants (ie, irregular redeemers and nonredeemers) were similar with respect to demographics. Regular redeemers were more likely to use grocery stores to purchase FVs ( P = .003) and consumed significantly more servings of FVs per day (β = .67; standard error = 0.24; P = .007). Conclusion: Regular WIC CVV redemption was associated with some produce shopping behaviors and increased FV consumption and among WIC participants in Jefferson County, Alabama.

Alcoholic Beverage Laws and Enforcement

2020 ◽  
pp. 345-354
Author(s):  
Danny M. Adkison ◽  
Lisa McNair Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Alcoholic Beverage ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Strict Regulation ◽  
Definition Of

This chapter looks at Article XXVIII-A of the Oklahoma constitution, which greatly loosens Oklahoma’s previously tight, conservative grip on the use and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Section 1 sets out the definition of alcohol in a self-explanatory way: “All beverages that contain alcohol, unless otherwise defined by law, shall be considered alcoholic beverages by this state and therefore governed by this Article and all other applicable laws.” Section 2 states that “the Legislature shall enact laws providing for the strict regulation, control, licensing and taxation of the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, transportation and consumption of alcoholic beverages, consistent with the provisions of this Article.” Under the old law, Oklahoma citizens could not receive direct shipments of wine; this change in law allows the legislature to authorize direct shipments to consumers of wine. Additionally, grocery stores and other retail locations are allowed to sell wine and beer under this article, which previously was not the case. Section 3 directs the legislature to create licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to consumers for consumption off the premises. However, Section 5 prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverage to a person under twenty-one years of age, and to insane, mentally deficient, or intoxicated persons. Section 7 deals with the taxation of alcoholic beverages

scholarly journals Ethylphenol Formation byLactobacillus plantarum: Identification of the Enzyme Involved in the Reduction of Vinylphenols

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (17) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Santamaría ◽  
Inés Reverón ◽  
Félix López de Felipe ◽  
Blanca de las Rivas ◽  
Rosario Muñoz
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Lactic Acid Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Genetic Identification ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Fermented Foods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Volatile Phenol ◽  
Off Flavors

ABSTRACTEthylphenols are strong odorants produced by microbial activity that are described as off flavors in several foods.Lactobacillus plantarumis a lactic acid bacterial species able to produce ethylphenols by the reduction of vinylphenols during the metabolism of hydroxycinnamic acids. However, the reductase involved has not been yet uncovered. In this study, the involvement in vinylphenol reduction of a gene encoding a putative reductase (lp_3125) was confirmed by the absence of reduction activity in the Δlp_3125knockout mutant. The protein encoded bylp_3125, VprA, was recombinantly produced inEscherichia coli. VprA was assayed against vinylphenols (4-vinylphenol, 4-vinylcatechol, and 4-vinylguaiacol), and all were reduced to their corresponding ethylphenols (4-ethylphenol, 4-ethylcatechol, and 4-ethylguaiacol). PCR and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detection methods revealed that the VprA reductase is not widely distributed among the lactic acid bacteria studied and that only the bacteria possessing thevprAgene were able to produce ethylphenol from vinylphenol. However, all the species belonging to theL. plantarumgroup were ethylphenol producers. The identification of theL. plantarumVprA protein involved in hydroxycinnamate degradation completes the route of degradation of these compounds in lactic acid bacteria.IMPORTANCEThe presence of volatile phenols is considered a major organoleptic defect of several fermented alcoholic beverages. The biosynthesis of these compounds has been mainly associated withBrettanomyces/Dekkerayeasts. However, the potential importance of lactic acid bacteria in volatile phenol spoilage is emphasized by reports describing a faster ethylphenol production by these bacteria than by yeasts. The genetic identification of the bacterial vinylphenol reductase involved in volatile phenol production provides new insights into the role of lactic acid bacteria in the production of these off flavors. The development of a molecular method for the detection of ethylphenol-producing bacteria could be helpful to design strategies to reduce the bacterial production of vinylphenols in fermented foods.

scholarly journals What Characteristics Define Participants of Michigan’s Healthy Food Incentive Program?

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 372-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney A. Parks ◽  
Lara J. Jaskiewicz ◽  
Rachael D. Dombrowski ◽  
Hollyanne E. Fricke ◽  
Sarah B. Hortman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Impact ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Market Participants ◽  
Incentive Programs ◽  
Incentive Program

To characterize participants of a statewide healthy food incentive program in terms of shopping behaviors, surveys were collected at farmers markets (N = 436) and grocery stores (N = 131). Farmers market and grocery store respondents were mostly forty-five to fifty-four years old (21 percent to 24 percent) and female (72 to 82 percent). Grocery store respondents were more diverse. Farmers market participants were more likely to be female ( p = .011), not have children ( p = .006), and traveled further compared to grocery store participants. As healthy food incentive programs expand, participant characteristics should inform tailored outreach to expand to diverse populations to have a greater public health impact.

scholarly journals An intact gut microbiome protects genetically predisposed mice against leukemia

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (18) ◽  
pp. 2003-2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Vicente-Dueñas ◽  
Stefan Janssen ◽  
Marina Oldenburg ◽  
Franziska Auer ◽  
Inés González-Herrero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ribosomal Rna ◽  
Genetic Predisposition ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Bone Marrow Cells ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Commensal Microbiota ◽  
Successful Prevention ◽  
Hematopoietic Bone Marrow

Abstract The majority of childhood leukemias are precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (pB-ALLs) caused by a combination of prenatal genetic predispositions and oncogenic events occurring after birth. Although genetic predispositions are frequent in children (&gt;1% to 5%), fewer than 1% of genetically predisposed carriers will develop pB-ALL. Although infectious stimuli are believed to play a major role in leukemogenesis, the critical determinants are not well defined. Here, by using murine models of pB-ALL, we show that microbiome disturbances incurred by antibiotic treatment early in life were sufficient to induce leukemia in genetically predisposed mice, even in the absence of infectious stimuli and independent of T cells. By using V4 and full-length 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing of a series of fecal samples, we found that genetic predisposition to pB-ALL (Pax5 heterozygosity or ETV6-RUNX1 fusion) shaped a distinct gut microbiome. Machine learning accurately (96.8%) predicted genetic predisposition using 40 of 3983 amplicon sequence variants as proxies for bacterial species. Transplantation of either wild-type (WT) or Pax5+/– hematopoietic bone marrow cells into WT recipient mice revealed that the microbiome is shaped and determined in a donor genotype–specific manner. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of sera from WT and Pax5+/– mice demonstrated the presence of a genotype-specific distinct metabolomic profile. Taken together, our data indicate that it is a lack of commensal microbiota rather than the presence of specific bacteria that promotes leukemia in genetically predisposed mice. Future large-scale longitudinal studies are required to determine whether targeted microbiome modification in children predisposed to pB-ALL could become a successful prevention strategy.

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