Italian Journal of Food Safety最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of <i>Salmonella</i> spp. in poultry meat.","authors":"Annamaria Castello,&nbsp;Chiara Piraino,&nbsp;Gaspare Butera,&nbsp;Vincenzina Alio,&nbsp;Cinzia Cardamone,&nbsp;Giuseppa Oliveri,&nbsp;Giuseppe Cascone,&nbsp;Cosimo Ciravolo,&nbsp;Antonella Costa","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.11135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.11135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The spread of multidrug resistant (MDR) <i>Salmonella</i> strains, along the poultry supply chain, can represent a relevant threat to human health. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of <i>Salmonella</i> spp. isolated from poultry meat for human consumption. Between 2019 and 2021, 145 samples were analyzed according to ISO 6579-1:2017. The strains isolated were identified by using biochemical-enzymatic assays and serotyping, according to the Kauffmann-White-Le Minor scheme. The antibiotic susceptibility tests were determined using the Kirby-Bauer method. Forty <i>Salmonella</i> spp. strains were isolated and serotyping showed <i>Salmonella Infantis</i> to be predominant. 80% of the isolated strains were MDR and identified as <i>S</i>. <i>Infantis</i>. This study confirms the circulation of MDR <i>Salmonella</i> isolated from poultry meat and highlights the predominance of the <i>S</i>. <i>Infantis</i> serovar, which represents an emerging risk factor under the One Health holistic approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"11135"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ae/f6/ijfs-12-2-11135.PMC10316271.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9858314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microplastics in <i>Sepia officinalis</i> caught on the central Adriatic coast: preliminary results.","authors":"Alessia Armellini,&nbsp;Gianluigi Ferri,&nbsp;Carlotta Lauteri,&nbsp;Antonio De Camillis,&nbsp;Luca Pennisi","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.9971","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.9971","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microplastics (μPs) represent an emerging problem for the marine environment given their wide bioavailability for all aquatic organisms, from zooplankton to top predators. This work aimed to evaluate a method of extracting microplastics from the gastrointestinal tract of 122 <i>Sepia officinalis</i> caught from the Adriatic Sea (along Abruzzo region coasts) to measure its quantity in a poorly investigated species. The extraction method used for gastrointestinal content was performed using 10% potassium hydroxide. In 98/122 (80.32-95% CI=73.27-87.37%) wild animals microplastics were detected with a mean concentration of 6.82±5.52 μPs/subject. Among the fragments, as supported by various authors, those of black color were the most represented ones; however, also blue fibers and transparent spheres were isolated. This study, in agreement with previous ones, poses further attention to the wide microplastic diffusion in the marine environment (surface, columns, sediments, and animals). The obtained results provide the basis for future investigations on this public health concern.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"9971"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/55/f9/ijfs-12-2-9971.PMC10316234.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9799631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Food risk associated with vegetable consumption, exposure to antimicrobial-resistant strains and pesticide residues.","authors":"Annamaria Castello,&nbsp;Giovanni Lo Cascio,&nbsp;Clelia Ferraro,&nbsp;Licia Pantano,&nbsp;Antonella Costa,&nbsp;Gaspare Butera,&nbsp;Giuseppa Oliveri,&nbsp;Maria Laura Rizzuto,&nbsp;Rosa Alduina,&nbsp;Cinzia Cardamone","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.11134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.11134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This preliminary study aimed to detect biological and chemical contaminants in vegetables sold in Sicily for human consumption, assess the spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) strains in these foods, and characterize their antimicrobial-resistance genes. A total of 29 fresh and ready-to-eat samples were analyzed. Microbiological analyses were performed for the detection of <i>Salmonella</i> spp. and the enumeration of <i>Enterococci</i>, <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i>, and <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed by the Kirby-Bauer method, according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Pesticides were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. No samples were contaminated by <i>Salmonella</i> spp., <i>E. coli</i> was detected in 1 sample of fresh lettuce at a low bacterial count (2 log cfu/g). 17.24% of vegetables were contaminated by <i>Enterococci</i> and 65.5% by <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> (bacterial counts between 1.56 log cfu/g and 5.93 log cfu/g and between 1.6 log cfu/g and 5.48 log cfu/g respectively). From 86.2% of vegetables, 53 AMR strains were isolated, and 10/53 isolates were multidrug resistant. Molecular analysis showed that the <i>blaTEM</i> gene was detected in 12/38 β-lactam-resistant/intermediate-resistant isolates. Genes conferring tetracycline resistance (<i>tetA</i>, <i>tetB</i>, <i>tetC</i>, <i>tetD</i>, <i>tetW</i>) were detected in 7/10 isolates. The <i>qnrS</i> gene was detected in 1/5 quinolone-resistant isolates, the <i>sulI</i> gene was detected in 1/4 sulfonamide- resistant/intermediate-resistant isolates and the <i>sulIII</i> gene was never detected. Pesticides were detected in 27.3% of samples, all of which were leafy vegetables. Despite the satisfactory hygienic status of samples, the high percentage of AMR bacteria detected stresses the need for an effective monitoring of these foods as well as adequate strategies to counteract the spread of AMR bacteria along the agricultural chain. Also, the chemical contamination of vegetables should not be underestimated, especially considering that leafy vegetables are commonly consumed raw and that no official guidelines about maximum residue limits of pesticides in ready-to-eat vegetables are available.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"11134"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/41/ijfs-12-2-11134.PMC10316261.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9805460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of vacuum packaging for extending the shelf life of Sardinian fermented sausage.","authors":"Giuliana Siddi,&nbsp;Francesca Piras,&nbsp;Maria Pina Meloni,&nbsp;Daniele Casti,&nbsp;Carlo Spanu,&nbsp;Carlo Pala,&nbsp;Anna Maria Mocci,&nbsp;Carlo Piga,&nbsp;Riccardo Di Salvo,&nbsp;Enrico De Santis,&nbsp;Christian Scarano","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.10819","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.10819","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Salsiccia sarda</i> or Sardinian fermented sausage is a traditional dry-fermented sausage included in the list of traditional food products of Sardinia (Italy). At the request of some producing plants, the possibility of extending the shelf life of the vacuum-packed product up to 120 days was evaluated. Manufacturing of 90 samples, representing 3 different batches of Sardinian fermented sausage was carried out in two producing plants (A and B). In the packaged product and subsequently every 30 days for four months (T₀, T₃₀, T₆₀, T₁₂₀), the following analyses were conducted on all samples: physicochemical characteristics, total aerobic mesophilic count, <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> count, detection of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>, <i>Salmonella spp</i>., mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, and coagulase-positive <i>Staphylococci</i>. Moreover, surfaces in contact and surfaces not in contact with food were sampled in both producing plants. Sensory profile analysis was also performed for every analysis time. At the end of the extended shelf life, pH values were equal to 5.90±0.11 (producing plant A) and 5.61±0.29 (producing plant B). Water activity mean values at T₁₂₀ were 0.894±0.02 (producing plant A) and 0.875±0.01 (producing plant B). <i>L. monocytogenes</i> was detected in 73.3% (33/45) of the samples from producing plant A, with mean levels of 1.12±0.76 log₁₀ CFU/g. In producing plant B, <i>L. monocytogenes</i> was never detected. <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> were detected in 91.1% (41/45) of samples in producing plant A with mean values of 3.15±1.21 log₁₀ CFU/g, and in 35.5% (16/45) samples in producing plant B samples with mean values of 0.72±0.86 log₁₀ CFU/g. <i>Salmonella</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> were never detected. Regarding environmental samples, the sites that were most contaminated by <i>L. monocytogenes</i> were the bagging table (contact surface) and processing room floor drains (non-contact surface) with a prevalence of 50% each (8/16 positive samples for both sampling sites). Sensory analysis results showed that at T₃₀ the overall sensory quality was at its highest;moreover, the visual-tactile aspect, the olfactory characteristics, the gustatory aspects, and the texture showed significant differences in samples throughout the shelf life, with a decreased intensity at 120 days of storage. Overall, the quality and sensory acceptance of the vacuumpacked Sardinian fermented sausage was not affected until 120 days of shelf-life. However, the possible contamination by <i>L. monocytogenes</i> calls attention to the hygienic management of the entire technological process. The environmental sampling was confirmed as a useful verification tool during control.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"10819"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7b/f6/ijfs-12-2-10819.PMC10316266.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9805466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating <i>Escherichia coli</i> contamination in bivalve mollusks using the impedance method: a comparison with most probable number analyses and correlation with environmental parameters.","authors":"Sarah Currò,&nbsp;Luca Fasolato,&nbsp;Stefania Balzan,&nbsp;Giacomo Biziato,&nbsp;Francesco Paesanti,&nbsp;Luca Bargelloni,&nbsp;Barbara Cardazzo,&nbsp;Enrico Novelli","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.11103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.11103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The application of an electrochemical (impedance) tool for monitoring <i>Escherichia coli</i> contamination in shellfish was evaluated after 13 months of observation. The primary aim of the present study was to compare the standard most probable number (MPN) and μ-trac 4200 (log imped/100 g) for the assessment of <i>E. coli</i> contamination (log MPN/100 g) in non-depurated bivalve mollusks (BM) from five sampling areas of the Veneto-Emilian coast (Italy) (118 samples). The secondary aim was to evaluate the correlation between <i>E. coli</i> concentrations in BM and environmental factors on a large data set (690). The methods showed a moderate, positive correlation (0.60 and 0.69 Pearson and Spearman coefficients, respectively; P<i><</i>0.01) in <i>Ruditapes philippinarum.</i> The McNemar test indicated analogous sample classification between methods, and the impedance method overestimated the most contaminated class (P=0.03; >4,600 MPN/100 g). The results highlighted the suitability of the impedance method for a faster evaluation and routine use especially in clams, while in <i>Mytilus</i> it seemed less effective. Different models built by multivariate permutational variance analysis and multinomial logistic regression selected the suitable environmental features able to predict the <i>E. coli</i> load. Overall, salinity and season affected the <i>E. coli</i> contamination, whereas locally it was mainly influenced by hydrometry and salinity. The application of the impedance method coupled with environmental data analysis could help purification phase management to adhere to legal limits and could represent an advantage for local control authorities to define actions, considering extreme meteorological events' effects as a proactive reaction to climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"11103"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bb/63/ijfs-12-2-11103.PMC10316231.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9858312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cadmium, lead, and mercury in two commercial squid species from the north Adriatic Sea (central Mediterranean): contamination levels and health risk assessment.","authors":"Maria Olga Varrà,&nbsp;Lenka Husáková,&nbsp;Jan Patočka,&nbsp;Adriana Ianieri,&nbsp;Sergio Ghidini,&nbsp;Emanuela Zanardi","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.11037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.11037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and total mercury (Hg) concentrations in European squids (<i>Loligo vulgaris</i>) and flying squids (<i>Todarodes sagittatus</i>) from the northern Adriatic Sea (Italy) were analyzed. The risk of the Italian population being exposed to potentially hazardous metal concentrations through the consumption of these products was also assessed. Compared to European squids, flying squids showed three times higher total Hg concentrations and one hundred times higher Cd concentrations to the point that more than 6 and 25% of the samples exceeded the maximum Hg and Cd limits established by the current legislation. From the evaluation of dietary exposure levels, it emerged that the consumption of flying squids was associated with the highest Pb intake by children and, consequently, with the lower margin of exposure values in relation to the risk of neurotoxicity (margin of exposure=33). Consumption of flying squids, especially by children, was also associated with higher intakes of Cd, inorganic, and methyl-Hg, which, respectively, accounted for 156, 113, and 23% of the tolerable weekly intakes established for these contaminants at European level. The obtained results raise concern and it may be necessary to provide specific dietary advice on the moderate dietary consumption of some cephalopod species, especially to the youngest and most vulnerable segment of the population. However, besides the highly conservative deterministic method adopted in this study, a refined consumer exposure assessment should be performed through the probabilistic methodology, which is more suitable to represent the real exposure scenario.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"11037"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/fb/ijfs-12-2-11037.PMC10316270.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9803140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of aflatoxin M1 enrichment factor in cheese produced with naturally contaminated milk.","authors":"Sonia Sabatelli,&nbsp;Lorenzo Gambi,&nbsp;Cristina Baiguera,&nbsp;Franco Paterlini,&nbsp;Filippo Lelli Mami,&nbsp;Laura Uboldi,&nbsp;Paolo Daminelli,&nbsp;Alberto Biancardi","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.11123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.11123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a well-known carcinogenic compound that may contaminate milk and dairy products. Thus, with the regulation 1881/2006, the European Union established a concentration limit for AFM1 in milk and insisted on the importance of defining enrichment factors (EFs) for cheese. In 2019, the Italian Ministry of Health proposed four different EFs based on cheese's moisture content on a fat-free basis (MMFB) for bovine dairy products. This study aimed to define the EFs of cheese with different MFFB. The milk used for cheesemaking was naturally contaminated with different AFM1 concentrations. Results showed that all the EF average values from this study were lower than those of the Italian Ministry of Health. Hence, the current EFs might need to be reconsidered for a better categorization of AFM1 risk in cheese.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"11123"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/7b/ijfs-12-2-11123.PMC10316239.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9805464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary data on the microbial profile of dry and wet aged bovine meat obtained from different breeds in Sardinia.","authors":"Maria Pina Meloni,&nbsp;Francesca Piras,&nbsp;Giuliana Siddi,&nbsp;Rita Sanna,&nbsp;Roberta Lai,&nbsp;Fabrizio Simbula,&nbsp;Daniela Cabras,&nbsp;Maria Maurichi,&nbsp;Giovanna Asara,&nbsp;Enrico Pietro Luigi De Santis,&nbsp;Christian Scarano","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.11060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.11060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dry and wet aging on microbial profile and physicochemical characteristics of bovine loins obtained from four animals of two different breeds, namely two Friesian cull cows and two Sardo-Bruna bovines. During dry and wet aging aerobic colony count, <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i>, mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, <i>Pseudomonas</i>, molds and yeasts, <i>Salmonella enterica</i>, <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> and <i>Yersinia enterocolitica</i>, pH and water activity (a_w) were determined in meat samples collected from the internal part of the loins. Moreover, the microbial profile was determined with sponge samples taken from the surface of the meat cuts. Samples obtained from Friesian cows were analyzed starting from the first day of the aging period and after 7, 14, and 21 days. Samples obtained from the Sardo Bruna bovines were also analyzed after 28 and 35 days. Wet aging allowed better control of <i>Pseudomonas</i> spp. during storage that showed statistically lower levels (P>0.05) in wet-aged meats with respect to dry-aged meats during aging and particularly at the end of the period (P>0.01) in both cattle breeds. At the end of the experiment (21 days), aerobic colony count and <i>Pseudomonas</i> in Fresian cows' dry-aged meats showed mean levels >8 log, while lactic acid bacteria mean counts >7 log were detected in wet-aged meats of both cattle breeds. In meats submitted to dry aging, pH was significantly higher (P<i><</i>0.01) with respect to wet-aged meats at all analysis times and in both cattle breeds. A_w showed a stable trend during both dry and wet aging without significant differences. These preliminary results highlight the critical importance of the strict application of good hygiene practices during all stages of production of these particular cuts of meat intended for aging.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"11060"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/e4/ijfs-12-2-11060.PMC10316274.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10160543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Re-determination of the primary shelf-life of food products: what are the guarantees for the consumer?","authors":"Massimo Renato Micheli,&nbsp;Leonardo Carosielli,&nbsp;Chiara Guarnieri,&nbsp;Alfonso Rosamilia","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.11325","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.11325","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Except in rare cases, the determination of the shelf-life of food products is left up to the food business operator. The extension of this period, which for years has been the subject of debate among the various actors in the food chain, has become a topic of fundamental importance also following the recent economic/financial, environmental, and health crises, which have had an inevitable impact on consumption and food waste. While there is no requirement to indicate durability for some categories of food products, for example, those not directly intended for consumers, this debate has raised questions and perplexities about the potential re-evaluation of the origin conditions established by the manufacturer, particularly when it comes to maintaining the guarantees for the consumer in terms of health and hygiene. In addition, the increasing consumer demand for accurate information has prompted the European authorities to request a public consultation on the actual understanding and perception of the mandatory terms on labels such as <i>use by</i> or <i>date of minimum durability</i> of a food, provided for by Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, often not correctly understood, which can assume great significance in the application of rules to reduce food waste. In this regard, it is useful to remember that the recent measures adopted by the European Union legislator, together with the case law of recent years, have led the judges of merit to comply with the principles and requirements of food safety laid down since 2002 in Regulation (EC) No. 178, thus paying greater attention to the analysis, assessment, and management of the risk of the entire production chain. The purpose of this work is to provide technical-legal elements to encourage a possible extension of the shelf-life of food products while ensuring the safety of consumers.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"11325"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/d3/ijfs-12-2-11325.PMC10316245.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9803137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary survey on the occurrence of microplastics in bivalve mollusks marketed in Apulian fish markets.","authors":"Nicoletta Cristiana Quaglia,&nbsp;Flavia Capuozzo,&nbsp;Edmondo Ceci,&nbsp;Stefania Cometa,&nbsp;Angela Di Pinto,&nbsp;Anna Mottola,&nbsp;Roberta Piredda,&nbsp;Angela Dambrosio","doi":"10.4081/ijfs.2023.10906","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2023.10906","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microplastics (MPs) are a relevant threat to food safety because they are ingested by humans through various foods. Bivalves are at high risk of microplastic contamination due to their filter-feeding mechanism and pose a risk to consumers as they are ingested whole. In this work, microplastics were detected, quantified, identified, and classified in samples of mussels (<i>Mytilus galloprovincialis</i>) and oysters (<i>Crassostrea gigas</i>) marketed in the Apulia region. The total number of plastic debris was 789 particles in the mussel samples and 270 particles in the oyster samples, with size ranging from 10 to 7350 μm. Fragments with size within the category of 5-500 μm were the predominant findings in both species, with blue as the predominant color in mussels and transparent in oysters; most of the debris was polyamide and nylon polymers in the mussels and chlorinated polypropylene in the oysters. These results show that mussel and oyster samples purchased at fish markets are contaminated with microplastics. The sources may be diverse and further studies are needed to assess the impact of the marketing stage on microplastic contamination in bivalves to better define the human risk assessment associated with microplastic exposure from bivalves consumption.</p>","PeriodicalId":14508,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Food Safety","volume":"12 2","pages":"10906"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/b3/ijfs-12-2-10906.PMC10316275.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9805462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}