Journal of food protection最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of a Coinoculation Method for Salmonella enterica and Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 on Whole and Broken Almonds Exposed to Dry Heat","authors":"Yucen Xie ,&nbsp;Christopher Theofel ,&nbsp;Vanessa Lieberman ,&nbsp;Linda J. Harris","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100644","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100644","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditional laboratory-based pathogen-surrogate comparison studies often involve inoculating each organism onto separate samples, which can subsequently introduce variability due to differences in food microenvironments and processing conditions. Coinoculating pathogens and surrogates onto the same sample minimizes this variability by subjecting both microorganisms to identical conditions. This study evaluated a coinoculation method for comparing the thermal resistance of <em>Salmonella enterica</em> and <em>Enterococcus faecium</em> on whole and broken almonds exposed to 168 °C for up to 12 min. Selective media were validated for accurate differentiation and enumeration of coinoculated wild-type or rifampin-resistant <em>Salmonella</em> and <em>E. faecium</em> on almonds. The media reliably distinguished and quantified each organism, with no cross-recovery observed. Reductions in <em>Salmonella</em> were not significantly different between wild-type and rifampin-resistant strains, nor between CHROMagar Salmonella and tryptic soy agar supplemented with rifampin at 50 μg/mL (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). <em>E. faecium</em> demonstrated similar or greater thermal resistance compared to coinoculated <em>Salmonella</em>, supporting its use as a surrogate during dry heat treatment of almonds. While no significant difference in <em>Salmonella</em> reduction was observed between whole and broken almonds, greater reductions of <em>E. faecium</em> were observed on broken almonds, suggesting that almond structure may influence microbial thermal responses in a species-dependent manner. The findings support the utility of coinoculation for laboratory-based pathogen-surrogate comparison studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100644"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145318352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hybrid Sampling and Ensemble Learning for Food Safety Sampling Inspection Classification","authors":"Ke Qin ,&nbsp;Xiaoting Dai ,&nbsp;Linhai Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Food safety sampling inspection is critical for risk prevention in complex supply chains. However, extreme class imbalance, where unqualified samples are significantly outnumbered by qualified ones, biases machine learning (ML) models to prioritize majority classes, compromising unqualified sample detection. Conventional oversampling methods fail to handle food inspection data’s nonlinear features, complex distributions, and multiclass scenarios, often generating low-quality synthetic samples and noisy decision boundaries. To address these challenges, we proposed LOF-KNN-CSENN (Local Outlier Factor-K-Nearest Neighbors-Combined Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique and Edited Nearest Neighbors), a hybrid sampling algorithm of Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) and Edited Nearest Neighbors (ENN) integrating Local Outlier Factor (LOF) for noise filtering and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) for boundary sample preservation. LOF-KNN-CSENN synergizes minority oversampling and majority undersampling to optimize data distribution. A stacking ensemble learning framework is further introduced, combining six tree-based models with Logistic Regression (LR) as a meta model to enhance classification robustness. Experiments on a real-world food safety sampling inspection dataset demonstrated that LOF-KNN-CSENN suppresses noisy sample synthesis and balances data distribution. When integrated with stacking, the model achieves 0.4–5.6% higher precision and 0.8–30.7% higher F1-score compared to single models. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis identified production address, sampling stage, and location as key risk factors, supporting targeted supervision. This study provides a novel framework for intelligent food safety regulation, leveraging hybrid sampling and ensemble learning to mitigate class imbalance and enhance unqualified sample detection in multicategory food inspection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100650"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145370254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk Assessment and Dietary Exposure to Mycotoxins in Lebanon: A Scoping Systematic Review","authors":"Rana Rizk,&nbsp;Roa Echtay,&nbsp;Faten Bou Assaf,&nbsp;Hanin El Hajj,&nbsp;Celine El Khoury,&nbsp;Aya Fakhr El Dine,&nbsp;Sonel Lahdo,&nbsp;Hussein F. Hassan","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100654","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100654","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mycotoxins, toxic fungal metabolites, contaminate a broad spectrum of dietary staples and pose a major global health risk. Lebanon faces unique challenges that may elevate exposure, making assessment crucial. A scoping narrative review was conducted to identify studies reporting mycotoxin contamination and dietary exposure in Lebanon. Multiple databases were searched to include a total of 35 articles. Across the included studies, cereals and cereal-based products were the most frequently analyzed food category, followed by milk, spices, and herbs. Mycotoxin contamination was widespread but variable, with rice, spices, and milk showing the highest positivity rates (100%), and lentils the lowest (8%). Milk had the greatest proportion of samples exceeding international safety thresholds (56%), while herbs and nuts showed none. OTA, AFB1, FB1, and DON were the most commonly detected mycotoxins. Risk assessment approaches revealed dietary exposures that in several cases exceeded safety margins, with MOE values for AFB1 falling below the 10,000 threshold and aflatoxin levels in spices surpassing regulatory limits in 13% of samples. Despite differences in methods and sample sizes, the findings indicate a notable potential for mycotoxin exposure in Lebanon, particularly from staple foods and spices. Current evidence emphasizes the need for strengthened regulatory measures, agricultural and storage practices, and mitigation strategies. Further research addressing existing gaps is also essential to inform evidence-based interventions and ensure food safety for the Lebanese population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100654"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145370313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Salmonella Illness Outbreaks Attributed to Chicken by Product Type, United States, 1998–2022","authors":"Anna N. Chard ,&nbsp;Taylor Eisenstein ,&nbsp;Andrea Cote ,&nbsp;Selena Kremer-Caldwell","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Salmonella</em> causes an estimated 1.35 million infections in the United States annually, with almost one-fifth of all salmonellosis illnesses attributed to chicken products. We reviewed <em>Salmonella</em> illness outbreaks attributed to chicken reported to the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS) with a date of first illness onset during 1998–2022 and determined the chicken product type associated with each outbreak using a standardized categorization scheme. We calculated the number of outbreaks, outbreak-associated illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths overall and by chicken product type; evaluated changes in the frequency and size of outbreaks over time using Mann-Kendall tests; and evaluated differences in the observed (as reported to FDOSS) versus expected (based on sales volume) proportion of outbreaks attributed to chicken product types using generalized linear models. During 1998–2022, there were 366 <em>Salmonella</em> illness outbreaks attributed to chicken, altogether responsible for 10,344 illnesses, 1,426 hospitalizations, and 12 deaths. The number of outbreaks and outbreak-attributed illnesses per year did not significantly change during the analysis period, overall or when stratified by chicken product type. Among outbreaks for which a product type could be identified (53.0%), chicken parts were the most implicated product type, representing 68.6% of outbreaks and 53.8% of illnesses. Reported chicken parts outbreaks were 5.6 times higher than expected given sales volume (odds ratio [OR] = 5.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.79, 8.24). Results suggest that multilayered prevention strategies along the farm-to-fork continuum are necessary to reduce and prevent <em>Salmonella</em> illnesses attributed to chicken; prevention efforts focused on raw chicken parts could have the greatest impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100660"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145401083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Eugenol as a Seed Treatment for Controlling Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Seeds Under Controlled Environmental Agriculture","authors":"Liliana Avaroma ,&nbsp;Angela M. Walla ,&nbsp;Ronny Barrera ,&nbsp;Leslie D. Thompson ,&nbsp;Catherine Simpson","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100643","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100643","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent foodborne outbreaks linked to basil (<em>Ocimum basilicum</em> L.) highlight the urgent need for effective intervention strategies covering the entire production cycle from seed to harvest. Foodborne pathogens, particularly <em>E. coli</em> O157:H7 and <em>S.</em> Typhimurium, pose significant public health risks when associated with fresh produce. Seeds serve as a primary vector for pathogen transmission, with contamination often originating from irrigation water, manure, or cross-contamination during handling. Traditional seed disinfection methods, such as chlorine-based treatments and hydrogen peroxide, have limited efficacy in reducing pathogens while maintaining seed viability. Eugenol has been shown to be an effective foodborne pathogen intervention in a variety of produce types. This study investigates the potential of eugenol (0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%), a phenolic monoterpenoid, as a seed treatment to control <em>E. coli</em> O157:H7 and <em>S.</em> Typhimurium and quality parameters on basil seeds over 14 days. All eugenol concentrations reduced pathogen loads by 4–5 log CFU/g at hr 0. However, antimicrobial efficacy declined significantly over time, with regrowth observed by 48 hrs, resulting in microbial levels not significantly different from the untreated control (p &gt; 0.05). The 0.5% eugenol treatment consistently minimized negative impacts on germination rates (p &gt; 0.05) and biomass (p &lt; 0.05), offering the best balance between microbial control and plant health. These results underscore eugenol’s potential as a short-term surface disinfectant for basil seeds and emphasize the need for combined strategies to sustain long-term efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100643"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145318396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Control of Listeria monocytogenes With Undissociated Organic Acids: Staged Evaluation in Broth, Milk, and a Proof-of-Concept Surface Application on Queso Fresco","authors":"Zoe Andersen ,&nbsp;Samantha Kilgore ,&nbsp;Joy Waite-Cusic ,&nbsp;Jovana Kovacevic","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Queso fresco (QF) is a high-moisture, near-neutral pH fresh cheese that supports the growth of <em>Listeria monocytogenes</em> during refrigerated storage. This study evaluated whether delivering undissociated organic acid (UDA) can suppress <em>L. monocytogenes</em> across staged systems: broth, milk, and QF surface. Four dairy <em>L. monocytogenes</em> strains and Scott A were grown in non-pH-adjusted brain heart infusion (BHI) broth containing acetic (AA; total acid: 10–25 mM, pH: 5.24–6.81), lactic (LA; total acid: 20–40 mM, pH: 4.27–6.35), or propionic acid (PA; total acid: 2–25 mM, pH: 5.10–6.89). Growth (OD_595nm) was modeled (Logistic 4P model, JMP Pro18) to estimate lag phase duration (LPD), and the pH of treatments was used to calculate the UDA. LPD increased with total acid concentration and correlated significantly with UDA for AA and PA, whereas LA effects were pH-dependent (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). UDA targets (0, 2, 5, mM) from the broth screen were then applied in milk, with AA and PA slightly inhibiting growth of <em>L. monocytogenes</em> at low UDA (2 mM - pH: AA 5.93; PA 6.39), and controlling growth at high UDA concentrations (5 mM - pH: AA 5.39; PA 5.61). In contrast, LA inhibited growth only at low pH (4.62 ± 0.06). To assess the effect of UDA on QF, cubes of cheese (20 g; 3.81 × 3.81 cm) were surface-treated (20 min) with AA or PA to achieve low (&lt;20 mM), moderate (40–50 mM), or high (&gt;100 mM) UDA, inoculated with a five-strain <em>L. monocytogenes</em> cocktail (3 log CFU/g), vacuum-packaged, and stored at 7 °C for 28 days. In untreated, low and moderate groups, <em>L. monocytogenes</em> increased by &gt;1 log CFU/g (Harlequin <em>Listeria</em> agar; 37 °C, 48 h), whereas high UDA treatments were bacteriostatic throughout storage. At sufficient UDA levels, AA and PA suppressed <em>L. monocytogenes</em> growth on near-neutral-pH QF, while LA efficacy depended on pH. These findings support targeted, surface-directed UDA interventions to suppress <em>L. monocytogenes</em> on QF without lowering bulk product pH.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100667"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145504986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling the Hidden Risks: Heavy Metal Concentrations in Soil and Vegetables Irrigated with Kalobe Wastewater Stabilization Ponds, Mbeya, Tanzania","authors":"Azaria Stephano Lameck ,&nbsp;Dickson Mlelwa ,&nbsp;John Chagu ,&nbsp;Victor Sanga ,&nbsp;Melkizedeck Hiiti Tsere ,&nbsp;Gisandu K. Malunguja ,&nbsp;Alinanuswe Joel Mwakalesi","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the concentrations of heavy metals in wastewater, soil, and tomatoes and Napa cabbage irrigated with effluent from the Kalobe Wastewater Stabilization Pond (KWWSP) in Mbeya, Tanzania. Human health risks were assessed using Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Target Cancer Risk (TCR) indices. The results showed that cadmium (Cd) in all ponds was below the FAO/WHO permissible limits, while lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) were below detection levels. Heavy metals in soil were found in the order of Pb (5.95 mg/kg) &gt; Cr (0.63 mg/kg) &gt; Cd (0.25 mg/kg), all within FAO/WHO acceptable limits, indicating suitability for agricultural use. Cd levels in Tomatoes (0.14 mg/kg) and Napa cabbage (0.40 mg/kg) exceeded permissible limits. Cr levels in the Tomato and Napa Cabbage were 1.87 and 2.10 mg/kg, respectively, and were close to the safety threshold, suggesting health concerns with long-term consumption. Cd exposure through vegetable intake was within but near acceptable limits, while Cr exposure, particularly for Napa cabbage, exceeded recommended safety thresholds. This resulted in elevated noncarcinogenic risks (THQ and HI &gt; 1) and carcinogenic risks (TCR above the USEPA’s acceptable range). These findings suggest that consuming wastewater-irrigated Tomatoes and Napa cabbage may pose human health risks. Continuous monitoring of heavy metals, safe irrigation alternatives, and cropping restrictions using inadequately treated wastewater is essential to safeguard public health and long-term environmental sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100653"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145370346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural Equation Modeling of the Relationships Between Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Older Adults in Dhaka, Bangladesh","authors":"Aysha Siddiky ,&nbsp;Sultan Mahmud Imran ,&nbsp;Abdullah Al Adib ,&nbsp;Nitai Roy","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Assessing food safety perceptions among older adults is crucial because their increased susceptibility to foodborne illnesses is primarily attributed to a decline in immune function. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) related to food safety among older adults in Bangladesh, with a focus on understanding the relationships between these factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to February 2024 to evaluate food safety KAP among 389 participants (mean age 67.70 ± 7.132) in various areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh, through structured, face-to-face interviews. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were used to validate the model, while Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted using the extracted valid items for KAP. Overall, older adults exhibited a moderate level of knowledge; however, gaps were identified in specific areas, as more than half of the respondents were unaware of proper cooking temperatures, reheating guidelines, and cross-contamination. However, a large proportion of the respondents demonstrated a positive attitude toward food safety. Overall, self-reported food safety practices among older adults were adequate, as most respondents followed good hygiene practices and reheated cooked food after removal from the refrigerator. Both knowledge of food safety and attitudes toward food safety had a positive and significant impact on the self-reported food safety practices of the respondents. Knowledge and attitude towards food safety were also correlated with each other, and if food safety knowledge increased in these respondents, attitudes toward food safety would also improve. All of our hypotheses (<strong>H1</strong>, <strong>H2</strong>, and <strong>H3</strong>) were supported by the findings of this study. In conclusion, enhancing knowledge and attitudes toward food safety can lead to improved food safety practices among older adults, helping them prevent foodborne illnesses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100649"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145370336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary Behaviors and Risk Awareness Influencing Dietary Chemical Hazard Exposure: A Comparative Study of Singapore Residents Aged 18–25 and 26 and Above","authors":"Maggie Siow ,&nbsp;Valerie Sin ,&nbsp;Joanna Khoo ,&nbsp;S. Kalppana ,&nbsp;Joanne Sheot Harn Chan ,&nbsp;Kyaw Thu Aung","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100656","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100656","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This cross-sectional telephone survey study examined dietary preferences, consumption habits, and awareness of dietary chemical hazards among Singapore residents aged 18 years and above (<em>n</em> = 1,040), with focused analysis on a young adult subgroup aged 18–25 years (<em>n</em> = 399). The study revealed potential differences in process contaminant dietary exposure patterns between young adults and older demographics, attributable to age-specific dietary preferences and consumption behaviors. Young adults demonstrated significantly higher consumption frequencies of processed meats, deep-fried foods, and packaged snacks compared to older age groups, potentially increasing their exposure to process contaminants such as acrylamide and nitrosamines. Young adults exhibited lower concern levels about dietary chemical hazards and less confidence in making informed food choices, with cost being their primary consideration rather than exposure risk to dietary chemical hazards. While approximately three in four young adults indicated willingness to modify consumption patterns after exposure to information about dietary chemical hazards, one in two young adults acknowledged that other factors would likely take precedence over exposure risk to dietary chemical hazards. Logistic regression analysis revealed that there is a baseline willingness to change consumption patterns after exposure to information on dietary chemical hazards while older age groups and individuals of Indian ethnicity showed significantly higher likelihood of willingness to change consumption patterns. Young adults primarily relied on social media and websites for information about dietary chemical hazards, whereas older adults favored traditional media channels such as newspapers, television, and radio. These findings highlight the need for age-tailored interventions that consider both socioeconomic constraints and preferred information channels when addressing dietary chemical exposure risks among the adult population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100656"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145401034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unmasking Hidden Gluten: Evaluating the Compliance of Gluten-Free Products and Consumer Exposure in Lebanon","authors":"Hussein F. Hassan ,&nbsp;Ranim Assi ,&nbsp;Raceel Alkhatib ,&nbsp;Nada El Darra ,&nbsp;Sami Khatib ,&nbsp;George El Khoury ,&nbsp;Mireille Serhan ,&nbsp;Mohamad G. Abiad ,&nbsp;Nisreen Alwan ,&nbsp;Maya Bassil","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100655","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100655","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Our study aims to determine gluten levels in gluten-free products marketed in Lebanon and to assess the consumption frequency of noncompliant products among gluten-free shoppers. Following a thorough market screening, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on identified gluten-free (<em>n</em> = 115) stock-keeping units (SKUs) marketed in the country, including 54 local and 61 imported products. Gluten was quantified with the RIDASCREEN® R5 ELISA; levels &gt;20 ppm were deemed noncompliant. A qualitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was administered to a sample of 66 gluten-free shoppers for the intake frequency of each noncompliant SKU. Eleven SKUs (9.6%) exceeded 20 ppm, while another 15 (13%) fell between the 1 ppm quantification limit of the kit and 20 ppm. Noncompliance was markedly higher in local products (18.5%) than in imports (1.6%). Forty percent of the contaminated local SKUs and the sole contaminated import bore an FSMS logo, indicating implementation gaps. Bread (6/43) and snack/bars (4/30) accounted for most infractions; a single oat-based “other grain” also tested positive. Although 87% of products were analytically compliant, the FFQ revealed 8 daily and 11 weekly consumption events involving contaminated SKUs. Notably, 65% of respondents were celiac, and 27% purchased for celiac relatives, increasing clinical risk. Lebanon’s retail gluten-free sector is largely compliant, yet a substantial risk persists in domestically produced breads and snack items. Strengthened regulatory surveillance, dedicated production lines for high-risk categories, and targeted consumer education must be enforced to safeguard medically vulnerable populations and uphold ethical standards.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100655"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145475484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}