Is the proportion of per capita fat supply associated with the prevalence of overweight and obesity? an ecological analysis

Background Although it is reported in numerous interventional and observational studies, that a low-fat diet is an effective method to combat overweight and obesity, the relationship at the global population level is not well established. This study aimed to quantify the associations between worldwide per capita fat supply and prevalence of overweight and obesity and further classify this association based on per capita Gross National Income (GNI). Methods A total of 93 countries from four GNI groups were selected. Country-specific overweight and obesity prevalence data were retrieved from the most recent WHO Global Health Observatory database. Per capita supply of fat and calories were obtained from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization database; FAOSTAT, Food Balance Sheet for years 2014–2016. The categorizations of countries were done based on GNI based classification by the World Bank. Results Among the selected countries, the overweight prevalence ranged from 3.9% (India) to 78.8% (Kiribati), while obesity prevalence ranged from 3.6% (Bangladesh) to 46.0% (Kiribati). The highest and the lowest per capita fat supply from total calorie supply were documented in Australia (41.2%) and Madagascar (10.5%) respectively. A significant strong positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of overweight (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and obesity (r = 0.59, p < 0.001) with per capita fat supply. The lower ends of both trend lines were densely populated by the low- and lower-middle-income countries and the upper ends of both lines were greatly populated by the high-income countries. Conclusions Per capita fat supply per country is significantly associated with both prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Aquaculture State, Challenges and Technologies in the Middle East

The aquaculture industry in the Middle East (ME) is still relatively new compared to other parts of the world, making this region highly dependent on other countries for the production of food and feed needs. Aquaculture activities in the world at current is mainly focused in China; this may be propelled by its own internal demand for seafood as determined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Challenges faced in the ME has not been elucidated so far and the issues arising might be unique only to this region due to aquaculture being in the initial stages coupled with water access and limitations, climate and geography, in addition to pollution. This review paper will present and discuss global needs for seafood focusing later on the needs in the ME, followed by a discourse into the importance, types and challenges of aquaculture in the ME. Baseline knowledge and infrastructure to enhance knowledge is a pressing need at this stage of infancy. It is hope this sector will continue to develop, and with the support of stakeholders, aquaculture in the ME will achieve a state of independence.

Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Essential Oils Extracted from Pineapple Waste

Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merril), one of the major fruit crops, is mainly used for raw consumption and for industrial juice production, which creates large amounts of residues. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has estimated that pineapple waste accounts for between 50 to 65 % of the total weight of the fruit. Industrial pineapple waste is a major source of pollution as important quantities of primary residues are not further processed. Pineapple waste contains bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, polyphenols, fibers, vitamins, enzymes, and essential oils. These phytochemicals can be used in the food industry, medicine and pharmacy, textile, and others. This review highlights essential oil and other bioactive compounds extracted from pineapple waste and the composition of pineapple essential oil. Pineapple peels are the potential raw material for essential oil extraction through various methods. Modern spectrometric methods have shown that essential oil extracted from pineapple waste comprises esters, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. From this overview, it can be concluded that there is an important need for further research into pineapple waste as a potential source of valuable byproducts, as well as new techniques to studying industrial organic residuals to achieve higher recovery rates of valuable bioactive compounds used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and chemical industries as well as for developing new functional foods.

Trust and responsibility in food systems transformation. Engaging with Big Food: marriage or mirage?

Concentration of power among transnational ‘Big Food’ companies has contributed to food systems that are unsustainable, unhealthy and inequitable for people and planet. Given these commercial determinants of health, if ‘food systems transformation’ is to be authentic—more than a passing narrative—then leveraging Big Food is paramount. To this end, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers are increasingly encouraged to engage with these powerful entities. However, given the conflicts of interest at stake, engagement relies on trust and transparency, that all stakeholders take responsibility for their actions and demonstrate commitment to do no harm. Given Big Food’s track record in influencing policy, shifting costs and responsibility for their harms—and while profit primarily drives business decision making—we question whether it is logical to expect trust.This analysis explores concepts of responsibility and trust in relation to food systems transformation involving public-private partnerships. Through short cautionary case studies—looking at the United Nations Food Systems Summit, and Big Food’s plastic burden—it argues that unless such companies take responsibility for their cross-cutting effects and earn authentic trust through demonstrably doing no harm, their participation in evidence generation and policy processes should be limited to responding to information requests and adhering to regulation. Any involvement in research agenda-setting or formulating policy solutions introduces conflicts of interest, legitimises corporate irresponsibility and jeopardises scientific integrity. Big Food has dynamism and power to address food system problems, but while it contributes to so many of these problems it should follow—not formulate—transformational evidence, policies and regulations.

Policy Considerations for African Food Systems: Towards the United Nations 2021 Food Systems Summit

Achieving food and nutrition security and ending hunger is a complex and multi-faceted global challenge, which requires urgent attention, particularly in Africa. To eliminate hunger, the continent needs to transition to new sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems that deliver nutritious food and a healthy planet for all. This paper discusses challenges and opportunities highlighted during the “Food Systems Transformation to Address the SDGs” session convened by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and partners at the 8th World Sustainability Forum (WSF2020) held in September 2020. The paper reflects on how African food systems need to change to achieve the food systems related and interconnected the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also presents issues for consideration at the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit. Key considerations include (i) the realization that nutrition insecurity is not food insecurity, (ii) the need for Africa to actualize its potential, (iii) the need to demystify policy development processes; (iv) the need to invest in better measurements and indicators; and (v) the need to create nature-based climate-smart solutions

Aflatoxin contamination in maize: occurrence and health implications in Latin America

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, mycotoxicoses constitute the second most pressing food safety problem worldwide, with most cases occurring in developing countries. Maize (Zea mays L.), the main staple for many Latin Americans, is one of the best suitable substrates for mycotoxigenic Aspergillus fungi. Aflatoxins (AFs) produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus, are of significant concern, especially in developing countries. While AFs production occurs mainly in warmer, tropical, and subtropical environments, recent evidence suggests that global climate change favours their presence in regions with little or no awareness of this issue. AFs interfere with metabolic processes, causing cancer and other health disorders resulting in health hazards and even death. The setting of national acceptable regulatory levels of AFs is necessary for Latin American countries. Unfortunately, no estimates of the economic impact of AFs in this region are currently available nor the cost of regulatory programs designed to reduce health risks to animals and humans. This review explores relevant data about incidence of AFs in maize produced in the region and the adverse effects of the consumption of contaminated foods and the associated health consequences for Latin American consumers. Regulations aimed to mitigate AFs exposure to consumers are also reviewed and identified gaps for researchers and actors of the maize value chain are also proposed.

Emissions from Animal Agriculture—16.5% Is the New Minimum Figure

Knowledge production within the climate sciences is quickly taken up by multiple stakeholders, reproduced in scientific citation and the broader culture, even when it is no longer accurate. This article accomplishes two goals: firstly, it contributes to the clarification of the quantification of emissions from animal agriculture, and secondly, it considers why the dominant framing of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) on this subject focuses on maximizing production efficiency. Specifically, analysing the FAO’s own work on this topic shows that the often-used FAO estimate that emissions from animal agriculture amount to 14.5% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is now out of date. In returning to the FAO’s own explanation of its data sources and its more recent analysis of emissions from animal agriculture, this article finds that the figure of minimum estimate should be updated to 16.5%. The tendency of the FAO to prioritize a technological approach focused on making animal production more “eco-efficient” is critically examined in light of many other evidence-based calls for reductions in animal consumption. An explanation for this FAO approach is offered in terms of a type of epistemological bias.

Efficiency and Resource Implications of Food Losses and Waste in sub-Saharan Africa

Reducing the huge level of food losses and waste is arguably one of the sustainable ways of closing the food requirement gap in developing countries. Examining selected sub-Saharan Africa countries and utilizing the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Food Balance Sheet data, this study suggests that these countries lose over 29% (58.8 million tons) of the primary equivalent component of food. Exploiting the rich data on water and land footprints of food commodities, this study also identified considerable losses in resources – 21% of total water use and 15% of cropland use – associated with the food supply chain losses, with noticeable implications for agricultural sustainability.

Lead concentrations in sediments and mollusc gastropod from Vridi Canal, Côte d’Ivoire

Lead (Pb) is one of the most frequent and toxic contaminant in the environment. It can be bioaccumulated by marine organisms through contaminated sediments as well as their food chains. The current study aimed at investigating Pb occurrence in the sediments and gastropod P. haemastostoma from Vridi Canal. Sediment samples were taken using a Van Veen steel grab of 0.02 m2 area, sealed in plastic bags and transported to the laboratory at 4 °C. Gastropod P. haemastostoma species were collected manually using gloves, and then placed in polyethylene plastic bags. The different concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer Varian AA 20. The results showed seasonal variability of Pb concentrations in sediments and P. haemastostoma. In the both matrices, Pb exhibited the same trend in the distribution between the seasons. This study also mentioned that sediments were highly contaminated by Pb (54.27-134.71 mg/kg). Vridi Canal was found to be one of the most contaminated seaport area. Pb levels (49.55-104.19 mg/kg) in P. haemastostoma exceeding the maximum permitted levels according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This research demonstrated that sediments having lower ecological risk may be resulting in lower tissue Pb of P. haemastostoma. Keywords: Metal Pb, sediment, P. haemastostoma, seasonal variation