Development of food industry metrological assurance complex

The paper considers the contribution of experts from the Laboratory of Metrology of Moisture Measurement and Reference Materials to the improvement of the food industry metrological assurance system. The information on the results of the development of forty types of reference materials (RM) for the composition of various nutrition, food staples and nutritional supplement in the period 2008-2020 is generalized. The development of each new RM type included preparation of the material, research for its stability and homogeneity, and determination of certified value with the appliance of State primary (GET 173) and secondary (GVET 176-1) standards, as well as primary reference measurement procedures and conducting the interlaboratory experiment for checking the applicability of the RM. The creation in 2008 of GET 173 was accompanied by the development of RMs for the composition of grains and dry milk product. The approval in 2010 of GVET 176-1 allowed to add in the RM the certified value for the mass fraction of nitrogen (protein). As a result of successful participation in comparisons, UNIIM got 6 items of calibration and measurement capabilities on measurements of mass fraction of nitrogen in glycine, milk powder, grain, egg powder, cereal and feed-stuff in the BIPM database. 35 types of RM for the composition of dairy and meat products, egg powder, infant food, oil and starch products together with the development of primary reference measurement procedures for measurement of fat, crude fat, ash and carbohydrates mass fraction were created between 2016 and 2019. Moreover, the RM for the composition of nutritional supplement (glycine, melamine, cystine) and dairy products for metrological assurance of IR-analysers as well as RM for the composition of reconstituted milk were developed for the control of measurement results by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Developed RM were systemized on fields of the appliance of Technical regulations of Customs Union and the sectors of the international food triangle model. These RMs allow providing the measurement uniformity of the identification indicators and the nutritional value of food products and food staples.

Cartography And Management Of Food-Insecure Areas In Garut

The objective of this research was to investigate the situation of food insecurity and its handling in Garut District, West Java, Indonesia. An analysis based on the national food insecurity indicators and the Food Insecurity Atlas has identified food-insecure areas, resulting in nine indicators reflecting the three pillars of food security, i.e.,food availability, access to food, and use of food. Results on food insecurity status show that priority 1 belongs to the nine villages under study 1. The local government has imposed five policies to address food insecurity, i.e., 1) setting up a monthly program called the Food and Nutrition Security System, 2) direct assistance in the form of food staples, 3) developing the Food Security and Vulnerability Atlas, 4) improving food access, and 5) developing self-sufficient villages. These attempts are quite efficient. After three years, more areas have moved from Priority 1 to Priority 3 in food security.

Mycotoxins contamination of market maize and the potential of density sorting in reducing exposure in unregulated food systems in Kenya

Aflatoxins and fumonisins commonly contaminate key food staples in tropical countries, causing recurring acute and chronic public health problems. The present study was conducted to assess the potential of a simple device designed for density-based sorting of maize for its potential to reduce aflatoxins and fumonisins in diverse samples of naturally contaminated maize. A cross sectional survey was conducted, analysing market maize samples (n=204) from eight counties in Western Kenya. A quarter (25%) of the maize samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 above the legal limit of 5 μg/kg and nearly half (48%) were contaminated with fumonisins at levels above the legal limit of 2 μg/g. Analysis of additional samples (n=24) from Meru County showed that contamination of maize with the two toxins was also common in Eastern Kenya. A simple density sorter was used to separate grain samples into heavy and light fractions. With an out-sort rate of 31%, density sorting was effective in separating maize by bulk density and 100-kernel weight (P<0.001). Bulk density was negatively correlated with aflatoxins in unsorted (r=-0.20, P<0.01) and heavy fractions (r=-0.32, P<0.01). Density sorting was effective at reducing fumonisins; for maize samples with >1 μg/g, the heavy (accepted) fraction had 66% lower fumonisins than the unsorted maize. After density sorting, the light and heavy fractions fumonisin levels differed by an average of 8.38 μg/g (P<0.001). However, sorting was not effective at significantly reducing aflatoxin levels in maize that was highly contaminated. A simple density sorting equipment that could be adopted by local small-scale millers has potential to reduce fumonisins in maize. Additional and complementary sorting technologies, such as size screening and spectral sorting might improve the effectiveness of reducing aflatoxins in maize.

An exploration of food industry led reformulation on fortified food staples in Ireland

Background Food industry led reformulation efforts have attempted to address the prevalence of obesity by modifying nutrient compositions in food products. This study explored progress in nutrient composition alterations in products in Irish supermarkets by comparing the nutrient labels of products sold in 2014 and 2017. Methods We conducted two supermarket audits in 2014 and 2017 to examine the changes in the nutrient profile of cereals, breads, spreads, unflavoured milks, yogurts and juices. Information on the nutrients of interest to the study (energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, saturated fat, salt, sugar and some micronutrients) were extracted and stored in Microsoft Excel. The nutrient profile of each product was compared across the two timepoints. Our study shows that the mean level of sugars in cereals remains high and that the mean level of salt remains high in cereals, breads, and spreads. Results In total, 143 products were directly compared (86 cereals, 26 breads, 17 spreads and 14 milks). Our study shows that the composition of salt and sugar in cereal, bread, spreads and milk has declined by 12 and 7%, respectively. Saturated fat has declined in cereals (7%), but has increased in breads (12%), spreads (1%), and milks (5%). Manufacturers increased the serving sizes in nine cereals and one milk. Conclusions From a population health perspective, the results are encouraging but care should be exercised by the food industry not to allow total fat and saturated fat levels to creep upwards. Further research and engagement of public health specialists and the food industry are needed.

Updating the Data Base of Indigenous Raw Food Materials by Analyzing Their Chemical Compositions

Introduction: The porosity of recent data on the chemical compositions of indigenous food might contribute to poor food choices thereby promoting food and nutrition insecurity. This study provides data on the proximate, mineral and antinutrient compositions of raw, Triticum aestivum, Musa paradisiaca, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Ipomea batata, Zea mays and Sphenostylis stenocarpa. Methodology: The raw food materials were purchased in Nigerian markets. Corn grains and African yam bean (AYB) seeds were sorted to remove impurities and separately milled into fine flours. Green matured plantain fruits, cocoyam, yellow and orange fleshed sweet potatoes tubers were separately washed to remove adhering soil particles, peeled and sliced into a thin thickness of about 2 cm and then dried in a food dehydrator (40- 50°C) for 24 hr. After drying, they were separately milled into fine flours. Chemical properties were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Data generated were computed using means and standard deviations. Results: The ranges of the proximate compositions of the food materials were as follows: Moisture 4.3-11.8%, ash 0.6 -2.8%, dietary fibre 3.2-17.5%, fat 0.8-4.3%, protein 2.8 - 20% and available carbohydrate 48.5 -72.5%. The mineral contents of the samples were in the following ranges; iron 0.8-5.4 mg/100 g, zinc 0.51-2.43 mg/100 g, calcium 8-109 mg/100 g, potassium 135-325 mg/100 g, sodium 3-12 mg/100 g, phosphorus 84- 688 mg/100 g, magnesium trace -119 mg/100 g. The antinutrients were as follows: trypsin inhibitors 1.85 IU/mg, phytate ranged from 5.1-6.57 mg/g, oxalate 0.21-0.29 mg/g, saponins 0.03-0.02 mg/100 g, raffinose 0.88- 2.18%, stachyose 1.93 – 3.16%, lectins 32.5 Hu/100 g and tannins 0.9 mg/g. Conclusion: Knowing the nutrient contents of raw food materials will help food producers/processors and consumers combine foods leveraging on the comparative advantage of each nutrient to make up for limited nutrient(s). Also, knowledge of the antinutrient compositions of raw food staples will aid decisions on adequate processing methods to be employed in reducing or eliminating them.

A STUDY ON STARTUPS OF AGRICULTURE

Agriculture in India is composed of many crops, mainly with the food staples being rice and wheat. It also includes pulses, tuber crops, sugarcane, oilseeds, and such non-food items. India is holding many ranks in production of crops, aquaculture, horticulture, fruits &vegetables and animal husbandry. The percentage of agriworkers in India is decreasing year by year. Approximately 29 farmers killing themselves per day in India. The paper is about to discuss the problems behind the suicides and the startups which can overcome those problems.

EFFECT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND EMPOWERMENT OF ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY IN SAROLANGUN REGENCY, JAMBI PROVINCE

Food Security is one of the economies of local communities in Indonesia, rehabilitated and reconstructed by the efforts of adequate food availability for households. However, not all areas to manage the existing resources well be the center of attention, carrying out development evenly. Therefore the role of government and the community is very important in improving food security. This study aimed to analyze the influence of Rural Development Policy and Community Empowerment against Improved Food Security in Sarolangun, either partially or collectively sama.Metode research is quantitative, and Mechanical Sampling and descriptive qualitative data analysis techniques. The results showed that there are significant rural development policy, the low influence of community empowerment and rural development policy and community empowerment together affect the improvement of food security. Indicators of the availability of clean food staples and the percentage of areas close to 5km from a health facility is to support and be an attraction in this study. Recommendations of the study: (1) The collection and compilation of data and documents on local food security, (2) Strategic Plan pangandaerah resistance and (3) food security program is short, medium and long term. KEYWORDS : Policies, Empowerment and Food Security

Analysis of determinants of maize price variations in Nigeria (1978 - 2014)

Skyrocketing prices of food staples such as maize can lead to inefficient agricultural production and definitely have detrimental effects on the economic, social, and political growth of any country. Most studies on maize in Nigeria are focused on the increasing consumption or competitiveness, very few address the determinants of maize price change as a panacea for the increase of productivity. Filling this gap requires a study on the various factors that contribute to the variations in the price of maize. In this study, secondary data were used. The study used descriptive statistics tools to analyze the pattern of price variations and changes in the production of maize over a period of 36 years in Nigeria. Also, various factors affecting price variation of maize were examined. It was recommended that the positive and significant impact of country’s population to maize price change should serve as an impulse to encourage investment in agricultural sector of Nigeria in order to ensure food security in the country. Also, the government should use the inflation measures to regulate prices of maize in the country

Crowding out of private stocks by public stocks

Public stocks held by government have emerged as a food security issue as well as an issue in the Doha Round of World Trade Organization talks. Understanding the impact of public stocks requires understanding their crowding out effect on private stocks. A conceptual model of this crowding out effect is developed. It utilises a call option associated with the release of public stocks. The model reveals that the crowding out effect on private stocks decreases as public stocks increase, in contrast to constant marginal crowding out reported by earlier studies. Crowding out of private stocks is also a function of the commodity’s demand function, implying crowding out can vary by commodity. It is likely to be highest for commodities with the most inelastic demand. These commodities include wheat, rice, and other food staples often held as public stocks. Empirical analysis confirms these and other insights from the conceptual model.<br />

Introduction

This introductory chapter presents an optimistic outlook into the state of African agriculture. It highlights the achievements made by African farmers—many of whom are smallholders—emphasizing how they can feed themselves and their families, and that they can generate enough income from their crops and livestock to send their children to school and to purchase medicines when they get sick, as well as have funds to invest in improving their farms. The issue then, as the chapter notes, is to bring these achievements to scale. The chapter anticipates that Africa's demand for food is projected to more than double by mid-century, owing partly to demands for more food staples, more varied and nutritious foods, and more processed food and partly to improved intraregional trade. This is generating a pull factor that reaches down the value chain to smallholder farmers. As such, the chapter explains that Africa requires a new agricultural transformation that is appropriate to Africa and that recognizes the continent's great diversity of environments and climates and its histories and cultures.