Italian Journal of Food Safety最新文献

{"title":"Assessment of antibiotic residues and microbiological safety in Lebanese dairy products: Akkawi cheese, yogurt, and labneh, collected across Lebanese dairy industries.","authors":"Karine Joubrane, Zeina Daher, Adla Jammoul, Jamil Atef Chahrour, Akram Hijazi, Zaher Abdel Baki, Mohammad Hneino","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.15148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.15148","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antibiotic residues in dairy products and the resulting antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a major global public health concern. This study evaluated the microbiological safety of 400 dairy samples collected over two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) from 16 dairy residue industries across four governorates in Lebanon. In addition, antibiotic residues were screened from 126 dairy product samples randomly chosen out of the 400. An optimized multi-class method for the identification and quantification of 30 antibiotics was developed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results revealed that 48% of the analyzed samples were contaminated with at least one antibiotic residue, among which 33% showed co-occurrence of multiple antibiotic classes. Meanwhile, microbiological assessment of 400 dairy samples collected over 2 years from the same dairies revealed higher levels of contamination with total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in Akkawi cheese samples collected during the first year (44%, 32%, and 15%, respectively) compared to those collected the second year (38.8%, 31%, and 0%). Moderate contamination levels were observed in Labneh (strained yogurt) samples collected during both seasons, with yeast (12%; 11%), molds (1.2%; 11%), total coliforms (6%; 11%), and Escherichia coli (3.7%; 11%). On the other hand, comparable levels of non-conformity were observed in yogurt samples across the two years, with contamination by yeast (7.5%; 6.2%), molds (3.75%; 6.2%), total coliforms (26%; 31.2%), E. coli (20%; 21%), and Staphylococcus aureus (1.25%; 0%). Escherichia coli isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline while being 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid. As for S. aureus isolates, they presented a high sensitivity to tetracyclines, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin. These findings highlight the importance of implementing and maintaining good hygienic practices within dairy industries. Antimicrobial residues of oxytetracycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethazine, and doxycycline were detected at levels below the maximum residue limits.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149181873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of functional yogurt enriched with liquid sugarcane molasses: physicochemical, sugar profile, color properties, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry profiling of molasses phenolic acids.","authors":"Nabila Berrighi, Ramazan Erenler, Vito Gallo, Stefano Todisco, Ilyas Yildiz, Abdallah Bouasla, Yahia Khelef","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.15611","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.15611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sugarcane molasses, a by-product of the sugar industry, is rich in carbohydrates, minerals, and nutritional fiber; it can be used as a useful component in dairy products. The purpose of the present work is to evaluate the effects of incorporating sugarcane molasses at 0%, 10%, and 20% on the chemical composition, sugar content, color properties, and antioxidant activity of yogurt samples. Increasing the concentration of sugarcane molasses resulted in higher content of crude ash, titratable acidity, yellowness index, and antioxidant activity, while significantly decreasing moisture, total fat, and crude protein contents. Depending on the level of incorporation, molasses, a source of sugars and bioactive compounds, had a substantial impact on the manufactured yogurts' proximate composition. Yogurt fortified with 20% molasses exhibited a higher yellow index and greater antioxidant activity than the control and other experimental groups. The incorporation of low-cost sugarcane molasses at appropriate concentrations can therefore improve the nutritional quality, enhance sensory properties, and consequently contribute to the preservation of yogurt.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149181822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing microbial safety and food safety knowledge and practices among representative fast-food restaurants in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Mahmoud Abughoush, Amin N Olaimat, Murad A Alholy, Maher Al-Dabbas, Hassan Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Hanan Sobhy Afifi, Mohamed Gamal Shehata, Sam Al-Dalali, Imranul Choudhury, Amal Aljanada","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.15643","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.15643","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To date, no studies have examined the status of food safety knowledge and practices among representative fast-food restaurants and vendors in Abu Dhabi (Al Ain City). The primary objective of this study was to assess awareness of food safety practices and attitudes and to examine their effects on consumer health in representative fast-food restaurants. The research was conducted at 6 fast-food vendors across various locations in Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi. A desirable practice scored one, whereas an undesirable practice received no score, as determined by a standardized questionnaire applied to all food establishments. We used this scoring system to see how each operation's percentage score compared with the maximum possible score for that operation. To test for significant differences among the attributes analyzed across food outlets and suppliers, an analysis of variance was conducted (significance level: p<0.05). The study demonstrated significant differences among various vendors regarding the production area (78-94%), production safety (61-100%), and physical facilities ranging between 38% and 88%. Product-related aspects range from 29% to 88%. Food handlers' and personal hygiene practices ranged from 47% to 83%. Finally, knowledge of food safety and equipment availability ranged from 50% to 78%. The total count did not exceed the standard values, and the TVC ranged from 2 to 4 log CFU/mL. The coliform count exceeded the standard levels in some places. The study's findings indicate inadequate hygiene practices among food workers in food-preparation areas. In conclusion, further efforts are necessary to ensure safe food handling and production. This research will contribute to the development of educational programs to enhance food safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149127244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regional and seasonal influences on the microbiological quality of raw milk in northwestern Tunisia: insights into total flora, psychrotrophs, <i>Pseudomona</i>s spp., and heat-resistant spores.","authors":"Chedia Aouadhi, Samar Brahmi, Manel Gharbi, Fadhlallah Garouachi, Abderrazak Maaroufi","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.14926","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.14926","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To our knowledge, this study provides the first comprehensive investigation in Tunisia of the combined influence of region and season on the microbiological quality of raw milk collected from the governorates of Jendouba, Béja, and Kef in northwestern Tunisia. A total of 1224 samples (102/month) were analyzed over a 12-month period from March 2023 to February 2024. Significant regional and seasonal variations were observed. Total aerobic mesophilic count ranged from 10⁶ to 10⁷ CFU/mL in winter, autumn, and spring, reaching 8 log CFU/mL in summer. Psychrotrophic bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. counts were lowest in winter (5-6 log CFU/mL) but increased markedly during warmer months. Heat-resistant spore (HRS) counts ranged approximately from 0.5 to 1.47 log CFU/mL across seasons, with the highest levels observed in spring. The proportion of spore-contaminated samples increased from 58% in April to 100% in August before declining to 87% in March. Psychrotrophic flora were largely dominated by Pseudomonas spp. (77-86% of isolates), with the highest prevalence in autumn. Regionally, psychrotrophic loads remained high across all governorates (7.1-7.3 log CFU/mL), while Pseudomonas counts were significantly higher in Jendouba. HRS contamination remained relatively low (1 log CFU/mL) and consistent across regions. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between psychrotrophs, total aerobic mesophilic count, and Pseudomonas, confirming their central role in raw milk spoilage. Overall, these findings highlight the pronounced impact of environmental, hygienic, and seasonal factors on raw milk quality. Improved hygiene practices, rapid cooling, and reinforcement of the cold chain, particularly during high-risk seasons, are essential strategies to enhance milk safety and extend shelf life in Tunisia's dairy sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers regarding food safety in urban areas of Southeast Asia: a narrative review.","authors":"Sarah Alkhaldi, Rozita Hod, Zaleha Md Isa, Idayu Badilla Idris, Norhafizah Karim","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.14942","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.14942","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to food safety among food handlers in urban areas of Southeast Asia, with particular emphasis on migrant workers in Malaysia. The review aims to identify context-specific barriers and enablers that influence effective food safety practices, focusing on structural, linguistic, and institutional determinants in dense urban settings. Literature published between 2020 and 2024 was retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The results of the study indicate significant variations in KAP, where the trained food handlers had a higher level of compliance (85%) than the untrained food handlers (55%). Workers with documentation had higher adherence to food safety practices (73%) than those without documentation (38%), illustrating the importance of legal status and training availability. Findings consistently demonstrate that food safety compliance is strongly associated with access to training, legal documentation, and employer support. Migrant food handlers, especially undocumented workers, face compounded challenges, including language barriers, limited formal training, and fear of regulatory engagement. Evidence indicates that multilingual, visual, and workplace-based training interventions substantially improve compliance in urban contexts. Kuala Lumpur emerges as a critical case study due to its heavy reliance on migrant labor, high food outlet density, and multicultural workforce. This review provides targeted insights to inform urban food safety policy, employer practices, and inclusive public health interventions in Southeast Asia.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of hind hock rinsing as a process hygiene intervention in bovine slaughter.","authors":"Riccardo Torricelli, Silvia Vianello, Alfonso Rosamilia, Marco Marzi","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.15889","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.15889","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bovine hind hocks represent a critical contamination site during slaughter due to their complex anatomical structure and exposure to organic contamination. Therefore, this pilot study assessed the effect of a targeted potable water rinsing treatment applied immediately after distal pre-skinning on microbiological indicators and macroscopic contamination under commercial slaughterhouse conditions. Ten carcasses were assigned to the treated (T) group (manual potable water rinse at 4-6 bar for 5 seconds per limb), while 10 were assigned to the control (C) group. For each group, the same carcasses were sampled at the beginning of the slaughter line (BSL) immediately after distal pre-skinning and at the end of the slaughter line (ESL) by sponge swabbing 6 predefined hock sites to quantify total viable count (TVC), Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae, and to detect the presence of Salmonella spp. and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. A visual assessment of macroscopic defects was performed on 800 hocks (400 per group). The T group showed significantly greater reductions than the C group for TVC (-1.16 vs. -0.60 log10 CFU/cm²), E. coli (-0.79 vs. -0.37 log10 CFU/cm²), and Enterobacteriaceae (-0.49 vs. -0.01 log10 CFU/cm²). Pathogens detected at BSL were not detected at ESL in either group. Visual non-compliances were lower in the T than the C group (9.8% vs. 24.8%; p<0.001). Within the limitations of this single-plant pilot study, localized hind hock rinsing appears to be a promising supplementary process hygiene intervention associated with reduced microbiological indicators and visible contamination. Further multi-site validation is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148968798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of swab and wash-based sampling methods for process hygiene monitoring of rabbitcarcasses.","authors":"Yun-Gyeong Kim, Hye-Young Youn, Hyeon-Jin Kim, Yong-Seok Jang, Hyunsook Kim, Kun-Ho Seo","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.15822","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.15822","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rabbit meat is increasingly consumed as a nutritious alternative to conventional meats; however, information on appropriate microbiological sampling methods for rabbit carcasses remains limited. The primary objective of this study was to compare swab- and wash-based sampling methods for microbial monitoring of rabbit carcasses. As a secondary objective, we assessed whether anatomical sampling location (neck vs. hind leg) influenced aerobic plate count (APC) recovery. Carcasses were sampled at a commercial slaughter facility using three methods: surface swabbing of the neck and hind leg, site-specific wash-water sampling of the neck and hind leg, and whole-carcass wash sampling. APC was enumerated using 3M Petrifilm Aerobic Count plates and expressed as log CFU/mL. Within both the surface-swab and site-specific wash-water sampling methods, APC did not differ significantly between neck and hind leg samples, indicating that sampling location had little effect on bacterial recovery. Whole-carcass wash sampling yielded a significantly higher overall APC than combined neck-and-hind-leg swabbing (2.75±0.16 vs. 1.71±0.84 log CFU/mL, respectively; p<0.05), suggesting that whole-carcass wash sampling is more sensitive for detecting surface microbial contamination and may therefore represent a useful approach for routine process hygiene monitoring in rabbit slaughter facilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148919568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zearalenone in wheat from Kosovo: baseline surveillance data from 2022-2024.","authors":"Arieta Camaj Ibrahimi, Aferdita Camaj Isa, Teuta Bajra Brahimaj, Indrit Loshi, Shyhrete Muriqi","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.15745","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.15745","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic Fusarium mycotoxin that may contaminate cereals and cereal-based foods, representing a potential food safety concern in wheat-dependent diets. This study evaluated ZEN occurrence in wheat circulating in the Kosovo food supply during 2022-2024 and assessed proximate composition as complementary information for sample characterization. A total of 80 wheat samples were collected from farms and mills in the Dukagjini Plain and the Kosovo Plain and classified as declared local wheat or declared imported wheat based on information provided at the sampling point. ZEN was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, while proximate composition was assessed using standard analytical methods. ZEN was not detected in any sample above the method limit of detection of 3.17 µg/kg, indicating compliance with the European Union maximum level for ZEN in unprocessed cereal grains during the investigated period. The wheat samples showed a carbohydrate-dominant profile, moderate variability in protein, and relatively stable fat, ash, and phosphorus contents. No statistically significant differences were observed between declared local and declared imported wheat or between the two sampling locations. These findings provide preliminary baseline evidence limited to the analyzed samples and sampling period and should not be interpreted as confirmation of the general or permanent absence of ZEN risk in the Kosovo wheat supply. Continued risk-based surveillance should include additional harvest years, larger sample sets, and broader contaminant coverage, particularly deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, fumonisins, and, where relevant, pesticide residues.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148880467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of <i>Listeria</i> contamination and its relationship with microplastics and <i>Coliform</i> in dairy products: a molecular, microbiological, and statistical analysis.","authors":"Sabikeh Joveinipoor, Mohsen Vazifedoost, Zohreh Didar, Ahmad Zendehdel","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.14186","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.14186","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Listeria species are among the most significant foodborne pathogens, with dairy products providing a conducive environment for their growth and the potential development of listeriosis. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Listeria contamination in various dairy products and its relationship with coliform bacteria, as well as the association between Listeria contamination and microplastics in cheese packaging. A total of 179 samples, including different types of cheese and butter, were analyzed using chromogenic culture media, PCR, and actA gene identification. The presence of coliform contamination in these products was also examined. Additionally, 20 brands of cheese, resembling Italian cheese types, were selected for analysis. Cotton swab sampling was performed to detect biofilms on the surfaces of cheese packaging containing microplastics. PCR and dendrogram analysis revealed that Listeria monocytogenes was the most prevalent contaminant in cheese, with a strong association with the presence of the actA gene. Additionally, clustering and dendrogram analyses showed that Listeria innocua was the primary contaminant in butter samples. Microbial interaction network analysis and regression analysis further indicated a significant relationship between Listeria contamination and the presence of coliform bacteria in dairy products. Furthermore, a strong relationship was observed between Listeria contamination in cheese and the presence of microplastics in packaging. The actA gene plays a critical role in Listeria infections, particularly in relation to Listeria monocytogenes. A significant relationship was observed between Listeria contamination and coliform presence in dairy products, underscoring the need for rigorous monitoring to prevent foodborne illness. Future studies should further explore the interactions between microbial contaminants and microplastics.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Common fisheries policy and bycatch: European legislative context and strategies for the valorization of underutilized fish species.","authors":"Felice Panebianco, Tiziana Civera, Laura Prandini, Federica Savini, Valentina Indio, Margherita Masi, Yari Vecchio, Alessandra De Cesare, Francesca Troise, Valentina Terio, Elisabetta Bonerba, Annamaria Pandiscia, Leonardo Alberghini, Andrea Serraino, Federica Giacometti","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2026.15141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2026.15141","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite modern fishing being focused on a limited number of fish that are highly valuable on the market, other species, including those of limited commercial value and damaged or undersized specimens, are accidentally caught. These fish, generally identified as \"unwanted catches\", have significant nutritional potential for human nutrition but are often discarded due to their limited commercial interest or used as category 3 by-products, as specified in Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) promotes sustainable fishing and preservation of fish stocks; to this end, unwanted catches should be managed more efficiently. The objective of this review was to analyze the characteristics and critical elements of the European regulatory framework on fisheries, as well as the potential opportunities for valorizing neglected fish species. The main EU legislative reference is Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, which focuses on the sustainability of fisheries and the prevention of overfishing in marine stocks. By imposing the obligation to land all fish caught, the regulation aims to eliminate discards and minimize unwanted catches. However, de minimis exemptions from the landing obligation for small pelagic and demersal fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea are established by Delegated Regulations (EU) 2023/2460 and 2023/2918. The EU legislative framework is supplemented by other related regulations, which mainly concern the management of discards, the sustainable exploitation of fisheries, the additional provisions on the landing obligation, and the establishment of a control system to ensure compliance with CFP rules. Review of current and historical legislation highlights a clear focus of legislators on the sustainability of fishing activities, but the existing rules need to be updated and clarified in certain parts. Available evidence indicates limitations in the reliability of discard data, and there is little evidence that the landing obligation has significantly reduced unwanted catches. Identifying new opportunities to valorize unwanted catches, as their transformation into ready-to-eat products, is crucial for reducing resource waste and ensuring compliance with the sustainability objectives of the CFP.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148840058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}