Lignin–Cellulose Nanocrystals from Hemp Hurd as Light-Coloured Ultraviolet (UV) Functional Filler for Enhanced Performance of Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposite Films

Lignin is a natural light-coloured ultraviolet (UV) absorber; however, conventional extraction processes usually darken its colour and could be detrimental to its UV-shielding ability. In this study, a sustainable way of fabricating lignin–cellulose nanocrystals (L-CNCs) from hemp hurd is proposed. A homogeneous morphology of the hemp particles was achieved by ball milling, and L-CNCs with high aspect ratio were obtained through mild acid hydrolysis on the ball-milled particles. The L-CNCs were used as filler in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, which produced a light-coloured nanocomposite film with high UV-shielding ability and enhanced tensile properties: the absorption of UV at wavelength of 400 nm and transparency in the visible-light region at wavelength of 550 nm was 116 times and 70% higher than that of pure PVA, respectively. In addition to these advantages, the nanocomposite film showed a water vapour transmission property comparable with commercial food package film, indicating potential applications.

Dextran-Based Edible Coatings to Prolong the Shelf Life of Blueberries

The development of edible films and coatings in the food packaging industry presents one of the modern strategies for protecting food products and ensuring their freshness and quality during their shelf lives. The application of microbial polysaccharides to the development of food package materials, as an alternative option to the commonly used plastic materials, is both economic and environmentally favorable. New edible films were developed using dextran from lactic acid bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides T3, and additionally plasticized by different concentrations of polyglycerol. The best tensile strength of the films was obtained using a formulation that contained 10 wt% of polyglycerol, which corresponded to a value of 4.6 MPa. The most flexible formulation, with elongation at break of 602%, was obtained with 30 wt% of polyglycerol. Water vapor permeability values of the films synthesized in this study were in the range of (3.45–8.81) ∗ 10−12 g/m s Pa. Such low values indicated that they could be efficient in preventing fruit from drying out during storage. Thus, the film formulations were used to coat blueberries in order to assess their quality during a storage time of 21 days at 8 °C. The results showed that dextran/polyglycerol films could be efficient in extending the shelf life of blueberries, which was evidenced by lower weight loss and total sugar solids values, as well as a delay in titratable acidity, in comparison to the uncoated blueberries.

Use of Image Analysis for Non-Destructive Testing of Thermoformed Food Packages

The aim of this study is to determine the thickness distribution of a food package using a non-destructive method. Initially, thickness measurements were carried out using an experimental procedure for thermoformed samples that were used for food packaging. Additionally, in this study, image analysis was used for the first time to determine the thickness distribution of the thermoformed products non-destructively. Image analysis software was employed for the estimation of thickness distribution. Measured thickness results were compared to those estimated using image analysis. Based on the results of the current study, image analysis may be an alternative method for non-destructive testing of thermoformed food packages even in a mass production line. Image analysis can be used to determine not only thickness distribution but also the weakest regions in a food package.

Pengaruh bantuan paket sembako dan bantuan langsung tunai selama pandemi Covid-19 terhadap kelangsungan hidup masyarakat

The purpose of the research, one of which is to prove the effect of food package assistance and also direct cash assistance on the survival of the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The quantitative approach is carried out using a sample of 80 respondents with multiple linear regression analysis techniques. The data collection technique is done by using a questionnaire. The results of the study indicate that first, the basic food package assistance program has a significant contribution to the survival of people's lives. Second, the cash transfer program has a significant contribution to the survival of the community. Third, the basic food package assistance program and direct cash assistance have a significant contribution to the survival of people's lives. Based on the results of research and findings in the field, the following suggestions are obtained: first, the community needs more ongoing assistance, such as employment opportunities and useful equipment assistance. to improve skills and expertise for business actors. Second, a re-evaluation of the aid distribution process is carried out so that it can be felt by the community, such as being more fair and wise in the process of collecting data on aid beneficiaries. Third, an evaluation is needed in the data collection process, where this process must prioritize deliberation from the RT to the village level, in order to obtain data that is in accordance with the value of propriety and the aspect of willingness. Based on this, the direct package assistance program and also direct cash assistance have a significant contribution to the survival of the community. Other results show that the cash transfer program has the most significant contribution in influencing the survival of the community.

Mixed Infant Feeding Is Not Associated With Increased Risk of Decelerated Growth Among WIC-Participating Children in Southern California

Background: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition assistance to half of infants born in the United States. The nationally representative WIC Infants and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (ITFPS-2) reported a caloric deficit at 7 months among infants receiving WIC mixed feeding packages, suggesting these infants may be at risk for growth deceleration/faltering.Methods: Longitudinal administrative data collected prospectively from WIC participants in Southern California between 2010 and 2019 were used (n = 16,255). Infant lengths and weights were used to calculate weight-for-length (WLZ), weight-for-age (WAZ) and length-for-age (LAZ) z-scores at different time points. Growth deceleration/faltering was determined at 9, 12, 18, and 24 months by the change in z-score from the last measurement taken ≤ 6 months of age. Infant feeding was categorized by the food package (breastfeeding, mixed feeding, and formula feeding) infants received from WIC at 7 months. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the association between WIC infant package at 7 months and deceleration/faltering at 9, 12, 18, and 24 months.Results: The proportion of infants displaying decelerated/faltering growth was low for all infant food package groups. Receiving the WIC mixed feeding package at 7 months of age was not associated with WLZ, WAZ, and LAZ deceleration/faltering growth.Conclusions: Growth deceleration/faltering rates were very low among WIC participating children in Southern California, highlighting the critical role of nutrition assistance in supporting adequate growth in early childhood.

The Impact of Responsible Food Packaging Perceptions on Naturalness and Healthiness Inferences, and Consumer Buying Intentions

The research presented in this article examines the relationship between consumer perceptions that a food package is responsible (sustainable) and consumers’ intention to purchase the product that it contains. On the basis of the relevant literature, a conceptual model is proposed where this relationship is hypothesized to be mediated by two variables: the product’s perceived naturalness and healthiness. A first study was conducted with the objective of developing a scale with good psychometric properties to measure the perceived naturalness of a food product. The objective of the second study was to test the validity of the two-mediator conceptual model. The results show that the extent to which a food product package is seen as responsible (i.e., recyclable, reusable, compostable) has a positive and statistically significant impact on consumers’ intention to buy it, and that it is through the sequential mediation of the product’s perceived naturalness and healthiness that this relationship unfolds.

Chemical-Based Methodologies Approaches to Extend the Shelf Life of Fresh Fish—A Review

Due to its characteristics, fresh fish is a highly perishable food with a very short shelf-life under refrigeration. Several methods have been introduced to slow down its deterioration, such as by means of oxygen depletion of the food package (vacuum packaging), or by changing the natural atmosphere that is in contact with the fresh fish (modified atmosphere packaging), or by the use of chemicals generally recognized as safe: such compounds can be directly applied (by dipping or spraying) or incorporated into packaging materials and slowly migrate to the product, exerting a hurdle effect against microbial development and lipid oxidation (active packaging). This review aims to cover the most recent advances in chemical-based approaches for fresh fish preservation, applied either singly or in combination. Vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere, and active packaging preservation methodologies are presented, along with the inclusion of chemical additives, such as organic acids and natural extracts, and their combination with icing systems. Advantages and disadvantages of these methodologies and their impact on fresh fish quality and shelf-life are discussed, reaching the conclusion that both are positively influenced overall. Indeed, the contribution of chemical-based strategies for fresh fish preservation is undeniable, and is expected to be a research topic of increasing interest in the future.

Trends in Sales and Industry Perspectives of Package Sizes of Carbonates and Confectionery Products

Discretionary food package sizes are an important environmental cue that can affect the amount of food consumed. The aim of this study was to determine sales trends and reported food industry perspectives for changing food package sizes of carbonates and confectionery between 2005 and 2019. Changes in package sizes of carbonates and confectionery were investigated in Australia, the USA, Canada, and the UK. Sales data (units per capita and compound annual growth rate between 2005 and 2019) were extracted from the Euromonitor database. Qualitative data (market research reports) on industry perspectives on package size changes were extracted from industry and marketing databases. Carbonate sales data showed increased growth of smaller package sizes (<300 mL) and a decrease in sales of larger package sizes (≥2000 mL) in all four countries. In contrast, confectionery sales data showed no consistent trends across the selected countries. No growth was observed for smaller confectionery package sizes but an increase in growth of larger package sizes (50–99 g, >100 g), including share packages, was observed in Australia. Qualitative data (n = 92 articles) revealed key reasons identified by industry for changes in package size related to consumer health awareness, portion size control, convenience, market growth, and government or industry initiatives. Monitoring of discretionary food package sizes provides additional insights into consumers’ food environment.