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At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

Predictive modeling of the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in CO2 environments.

The effects of pH (5.5, 6.5), temperature (4, 7 and 10 degrees C) and carbon dioxide (10, 30, 50, 70 and 90%) on the growth and/or survival of a five strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes were examined in brain heart infusion broth. All three variables had a major influence on the growth characteristics of the organism. As expected, both the lag time and generation time increased as the CO2 level increased, and as pH and temperature decreased. Growth over a 30-day period was observed at all parameter combinations tested, except at pH 5.5, 4 degrees C in the presence of either 50, 70 or 90% carbon dioxide. Two primary models, the Gompertz and Baranyi equations, were compared for their ability to describe the growth of L. monocytogenes. In general, the Gompertz model predicted both longer lag and shorter generation times, compared to the Baranyi model. The Baranyi model appeared to fit the overall data better than the Gompertz model. However, these differences were often small. Response surface models were developed for predicting the effects and interactions of the three independent variables on the growth and/or survival of L. monocytogenes in the different modified atmospheres. Results demonstrate the importance of strict temperature control for maintaining the advantages of food shelf life extension in enriched carbon dioxide environments. The information obtained in this study could be used as a guide to manufacturers of modified-atmosphere packaged foods, especially when designing products in which this organism may be a concern.

Carbon Dioxide↗

Characterizing the migration of antioxidants from polypropylene into fatty food simulants.

The migration (diffusion and equilibrium) processes of antioxidants (AOs) from polypropylene (PP) films of different thicknesses into n-heptane and 95% ethanol as fatty food simulants were analysed at 20, 37 and 60 degrees C. Heptane fully extracted the AOs from the polymer while a partition equilibrium described the migration to ethanol. The kinetics of migration were also studied via the diffusion coeffcients. As expected, diffusion was found to be faster when the polymer was in contact with heptane, due to polymer swelling by the solvent. The kinetics of the process in ethanol was described by different theoretical expressions which are discussed. Equations disregarding partition equilibrium failed to describe the process and the diffusion coefficient values obtained through them were much smaller than the actual ones and dependent on film thickness. The results also showed the significance of food simulant selection in the analysis of food-packaging interactions and migration variability with thickness.

Antioxidants↗

Approach to stochastic modelling of consumer exposure for any substance from canned foods using simulant migration data.

A two-dimensional probabilistic model was constructed to estimate the short-term dietary exposure of UK consumers to any generalized migrant from coated light metal food packaging. Using three UK National Dietary and Nutrition Surveys (NDNS) comprising 4-7-day dietary surveys for different age and gender groups, actual body weights and survey years, a sample representative of the dietary consumption of the UK population was obtained comprising around 4,200 food items. Interrogation of the raw data showed that the per capita consumption of food and beverage for an adult was 2.9 kg per person day(-1), which is comparable with the US FDA value of 3.0 kg. The packaging type of each food item was assigned from the survey descriptions or by sampling from distributions based upon market share information and expert judgement. Each food item was assigned to the relevant food simulant: A (aqueous), B (acidic) or D (fatty), so that simulant migration data could be used. The exposure model was used to evaluate exposure for a given level of migration and, conversely, the level of migration that could be tolerated whilst keeping within a target threshold exposure level. As examples, migration at 10 microg dm(-2) into fatty foods only resulted in an exposure ranging from 0.06 to 0.22 microg kg(-1) body (actual) weight day(-1) depending on the scenario. The model revealed that if migration from metal coatings was only into fatty foods, migration in the range 1.83-4.95 microg dm(2) (97.5th percentile, depending on the scenario) would give an exposure of less than 1.5 microg per person day(-1). This is a toxicological threshold limit used in the USA. If migration into simulants A and B is also considered to be at the same level as that for simulant D, then the level of migration for the threshold to be reached is, not surprisingly, lower (0.64-0.87 microg dm(-2)) than that if migration were only into fatty foods. In this case, clearly the main contributors to the exposure were foodstuffs represented by simulants A and B because of their importance in the diet. These estimates are based on 4- or 7-day food diaries and chronic exposure over the long-term would be expected to be lower.

Adolescent↗

Concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonamides in Canadian total diet study composite food samples collected between 1992 and 2004.

Canadian Total Diet Study composite samples collected from 1992 to 2004 (n = 151) were analyzed for a series of perfluorooctanesulfonamides that are likely breakdown products or manufacturing residuals associated with perfluorooctylsulfonyl phosphate esters. These esters have been incorporated into coatings for paper and paperboard used in food packaging. N-Ethylperfluorooctanesulfonamide (N-EtPFOSA), perfluorooctanesulfonamide, N,N-diethylperfluorooctanesulfonamide, N-methylperfluorooctanesulfonamide, and N,N-dimethylperfluorooctanesulfonamide were extracted using solvent extraction and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Perfluorooctanesulfonamides were detected in the picograms per gram to low nanograms per gram of wet weight range in all food groups tested-baked goods and candy, dairy, eggs, fast food, fish, meat, and foods to be prepared in packaging. The highest concentrations of total perfluorooctanesulfonamides were observed in fast food composites (from less than the method detection limit to 27300 pg/g of wet weight). Concentrations of N-EtPFOSA appeared to decrease over the sampling period (1992-2004) in French fries and other fast food composites; no such trend was apparent in freshwater fish, marine fish, and shellfish composites. A basic estimate of dietary exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonamides suggests that Canadians (>12 years old) are exposed to approximately 73 ng/person/day from these foods.

Canada↗

Tetramethylsuccinonitrile in polyvinyl chloride products for food and its release into food-simulating solvents.

The content of tetramethylsuccinonitrile (TMSN), the main decomposition product of 2,2'-azobis-isobutyronitrile, in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products used for food packaging, were examined as well as food-simulating solvents. The TMSN concentration in 17 PVC products ranged from below the detection limit, 0.05 mg/kg, up to 523 mg/kg. The release of TMSN from two PVC products into five kinds of food-simulating solvents at 60 degrees C for 30 min was observed, except for 1 +/- 1 micrograms/kg of TMSN in n-heptane from a PVC bottle containing 523 +/- 30.4 mg/kg of TMSN. The detection limit of TMSN in the food-simulating solvents was 1 micrograms/kg. When pieces of the bottle were stored in olive oil at 40 degrees C for 120 days, 5 +/- 1 micrograms/kg of TMSN was detected in the oil. The release of TMSN from the pieces of the bottle into olive oil between 80 and 140 degrees C depended on the formula ln y = 0.08786x-5.696, r = 0.9927, where y is the concentration (microgram/kg) of TMSN in olive oil, x is the temperature (degrees C), and r is the correlation coefficient.

Food Contamination↗

Survey on the presence of butyltin compounds in chinese alcoholic beverages, determined by using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-flame photometric detection.

The use of butyltin compounds in some food packaging leads to the contamination of liquid food and may result in subsequent adverse effects on people's health through the food chain. A survey of butyltin compounds in Chinese alcoholic beverages purchased from retail markets was carried out by using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography coupled with flame photometric detection. Forty-four samples including wine, liquor, and champagne were studied. The levels of monobutyltin and dibutyltin ranged from <0.016 to 5.687 and from <0.0022 to 33.257 microg of Sn/L, respectively. Low levels of tributyltin were detected. The presence of dibutyltin in wine samples was further confirmed by GC-MS. The result indicated that dry wines generally contained more dibutyltin than sweet wines. The concentrations of butyltin compounds in liquor samples were lower than those in wine samples.

Alcoholic Beverages↗

Direct measurement of lipid-soluble arsenic species in biological samples with HPLC-ICPMS.

Lipid-soluble arsenicals (arsenolipids) occur in a wide range of biological samples where they may play a key role in the biosynthesis of organoarsenic compounds from inorganic arsenic. The study of these compounds has been hindered, however, by the lack of a suitable analytical technique able to separate and measure the various lipid species. As a source of arsenolipids, we used 10 crude fish oils from various regions of the world. Total arsenic analyses on the fish oils, performed with ICPMS following acid digestion with microwave-assisted heating, gave concentrations from 4.3 to 10.5 mg As kg(-1). All of the arsenic was soluble in non-polar solvents such as hexane. Analysis of the fish oils for arsenolipids was performed by normal phase HPLC-ICPMS with various mixtures of organic solvents as mobile phases. Inherent problems of instability associated with the introduction of organic solvents to the plasma were overcome by the use of reduced column flow, a chilled spray chamber, and the addition of oxygen directly to the plasma. All ten fish oils appeared to contain the same 4-6 major arsenolipids, but in varying amounts depending on the origin of the fish. Further chromatography with both normal phase and reversed-phase conditions on some of the oils indicated the presence of many more minor arsenolipids. Quantification was achieved by external calibration against triphenylarsine oxide or triphenylarsine sulfide, and the sum of species following HPLC of the oils matched well the total arsenic results (92-107%). The method was applied to samples of food supplements (fish oil capsules) and a packaged food product (cod liver) whereby arsenolipids were measured and found to be significant arsenic constituents. This study represents the first attempt to directly measure intact arsenolipids and, with appropriate sample preparation, may be suitable for quantitative measurement of these arsenicals in a range of biological samples, including foodstuffs.

Animals↗

Developing nutrient criteria for food-specific dietary guidelines for the general public.

Consumers are asking for specific information about which foods and, in particular, which brands of packaged foods to choose when they eat or purchase food. Point-of-purchase nutrition intervention programs that identify specific foods in restaurants and grocery stores are particularly promising community-based strategies for providing that type of information. However, such strategies demand consistent criteria for determining which foods and/or products should be labeled. This article describes the process of developing and validating criteria and the subsequent uses of the criteria in community nutrition intervention programs. Steps in the process include (a) identifying the scientific basis for the criteria, (b) developing food-group-specific nutrient criteria based on a referent meal pattern, (c) developing the eligibility of single servings of specific foods for labeling based on the nutrient criteria of the food group to which the specific food belongs, and (d) validating the criteria by reviewing actual food products in the grocery stores and restaurants. We conclude that the use of criteria provides a consistent standard for evaluating specific foods and food items in nutrition evaluation programs.

Diet↗

Preparation of plastic and biopolymer multilayer films by plasma source ion implantation.

The plasma source ion implantation (PSII) technique was used to improve the adhesion between linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and biopolymer. LLDPE was treated with the PSII using O(2) or CF(4) gas to modify its surface. After modification, chitosan or corn zein was used for coating on LLDPE. Wettability of the LLDPE surface was evaluated with a contact angle meter by the sessile drop method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the LLDPE surface. Before and after treatment, in the case of LLDPE treated with O(2) PSII, oxygen-containing functional groups were formed on the implanted surface. In the CF(4) PSII treated LLDPE, it was observed that the fluorine concentration on the surface of LLDPE remarkably increased and hydrophobic groups were formed by chemical reaction. Bilayer films coated with chitosan or corn zein showed 10 times lower oxygen permeability. Tensile strength of multilayer films was decreased a little compared with that of LLDPE. The plastic and biopolymer multilayer films have potential for food packaging application because of their O(2) gas barrier property and easy recyclability of the multilayer film.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Activities and current research from the EC, standards, measurements and testing programme (SMT) in the area of food contact materials.

The EC, Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme (SMT) is the successor of the Measurements and Testing Programme (M&T) and the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR). Its objectives include the provision of research and technical support to standardization and health of the society when it is required to improve the competitive position of European industry, and for the development or implementation of Community policy. The SMT-Programme is currently supporting a number of different types of collaborative projects in the food packaging sphere. Their objectives range from method development via preparation and certification of reference materials, preparation of a handbook and the update of a spectral atlas to pre-normative research providing information on a number of sources and wide range of packed products being transported throughout Europe.

European Union↗

Volatiles in packaging materials.

The increasing application of complex natural and/or synthetic polymers to food packaging has required definitive information on the characteristics of the finished products. High temperature encountered during the manufacturing process may induce thermal decomposition products that can migrate into the packaged product and cause undesirable flavor. A general methodology for testing polymer odor and odor contributors is discussed in this article with examples representing the odor of a variety of packaging materials. The precursors and the mechanisms of the major volatile components of each packaging material are presented.

Diffusion↗

Evaluation of recycled HDPE milk bottles for food applications.

The possibilities of recycling milk-contaminated HDPE were investigated. Bottles were blown of respectively untreated, caustic-washed and caustic-washed/steam-stripped/air-dried recycled material. The migration characteristics of the different bottles were compared using various food simulants, as well as their sensorial and mechanical properties. From the analytical and sensorial experiments, it was shown that the untreated and caustic-washed recycled material could not be considered as a food packaging material. A high number of compounds able to migrate were detected, causing an off-flavour which could easily be recognized. The steam-stripped recycled material however, seemed to perform almost as well as its corresponding virgin material. Only low amounts of compounds able to migrate could be detected, resulting in a packaging material characterized by excellent sensorial properties which could not be distinguished from its virgin material. Furthermore it was proved that the mechanical properties of the recycled material did not change during the recycling process.

Air↗

[Determination of organotin compounds in plastic products by GC/MS after ethyl derivatization with sodium tetraethylborate].

A simultaneous determination method for 9 organotin compounds in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and silicone products used as kitchen utensils and food packages was developed using ethyl derivatization with sodium tetraethylborate (NaBEt4). Organotin compounds were extracted with acetone-hexane (3:7) from the samples after acidification and the extract was filtered and concentrated at under 40 degrees C. After centrifugal separation, these compounds were derivatized with 2% NaBEt4 solution and determined by GC/MS. This method was applicable for simple routine analysis. Recoveries of spiked compounds were 49.1-118.1% for 3 PVC products and 88.8-102.2% for a siliconized paper. Monooctyltin, dioctyltin and trioctyltin compounds were found in all PVC food containers at the levels of 123-1,380 micrograms/g, 1,770-13,200 micrograms/g and 6.6-139 micrograms/g, respectively. They also were found in 3 gloves, 5 spouts, 1 hose and 5 pipes. Some PVC products contained monomethyltin, dimethyltin, trimethyltin, monobutyltin and dibutyltin compounds at the levels of 97.3-433 micrograms/g, 96.5-5,120 micrograms/g, 8.5-24.9 micrograms/g, 1.2-852 micrograms/g and 1.2-29.4 micrograms/g, respectively.

Chemical Phenomena↗

The suitability of alternative fatty food simulants for overall migration testing under both low- and high-temperature test conditions.

The suitability of various alternative, volatile fatty food simulants for overall migration testing was investigated under both low- and high-temperature test conditions. The overall migration into olive oil from a large number of commercially used food packaging materials applying various low- and high-temperature test conditions (e.g. 2 h at 175 degrees C, 30 min at 130 degrees C, 1 h at 100 degrees C followed by 10 days at 40 degrees C, 10 days at 20 degrees C) was determined. The results were compared with overall migration from these samples into iso-octane, 50% or 95% ethanol and isopropanol under appropriate test conditions. The samples investigated include homogeneous plastic films, laminates, coated board samples, a coated can, and articles. The results of the study indicate that iso-octane, 95% ethanol and isopropanol are suitable alternative fatty food simulants for overall migration testing under various time and temperature conditions.

2-Propanol↗

Identification of the source of reagent variability in the xanthydrol/urea method.

Contamination of food and food packaging material by rodent urine is evidence of insanitary conditions. Urea from rodent urine is used as a chemical indicator of contamination. The limit of detection of the xanthydrol/urea AOAC Method 959.14 by formation of dixanthylurea crystals is 4 micrograms urea isolated from urine on packaging material. Six different lots of xanthydrol from 5 different manufacturers were compared. Differences in urea detection sensitivity of the xanthydrol of up to 1000-fold were observed. Melting points showed further evidence of variability and impurities in xanthydrol lots. A liquid chromatographic method was developed to separate and identify the impurities. Confirmation of analytes was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Animals↗

Aluminum levels in convenience and fast foods: in vitro study of the absorbable fraction.

We evaluated the levels of aluminum in a total of 120 samples of 35 different convenience and fast foods that are widely consumed in Spain. Aluminum was determined in the samples mineralized with HNO3, HClO4 and V2O5, using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry as the analytical technique. Reliability of the procedure was checked by statistically comparing the results with those obtained with a previous microwave oven mineralization stage and by analysis of several certified reference materials. No matrix effect was observed and aqueous standard solutions were used for calibration. The detection limit was 4.0 pg and the characteristic mass of 10.0 pg. Aluminum concentrations ranged from 0.85 to 38.10 microg/g, refereed to fresh weight of the edible portion. The presence of this metal was detected in all the samples we analyzed, but the most elevated levels were encountered in pork- and chicken- based foods (mean 8.45 and 13.94 microg/g, respectively). The more elevated Al concentrations were detected in foods with a greater content of spices and aromatic herbs, pasta, certain vegetables and additives, and foods packaged in Al vessels. The absorbable fraction of Al estimated with in vitro assays was between 0.85 and 2.15%. The growing popularity of these products in recent years requires additional data and a periodical control. In addition, the present findings are of potential use to efforts aimed at determining tolerable levels of Al intake from the diet.

Absorption↗

[Levels of phthalates and adipates in processed foods and migration of di-isononyl adipate from polyvinyl chloride film into foods].

The levels of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEPHP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and di-isononyl adipate (DINA) were determined in 50 processed foods (ham and sausage, fried dumpling and shao-mai, fish paste products, croquette and fried fish, bread, noodle, pickles, etc.). DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, DEHA, and DINA were contained at nd approximately 47.7, nd approximately 16.6, nd approximately 749, nd approximately 358, nd approximately 57.2 and nd approximately 20,200 ppb, respectively. High-level contamination of DINA was found in fish paste products, croquette and shao-mai, presumably because of migration from plasticized wrapping film using for food packaging. We studied the relationship between DINA migration from wrapped PVC film into fried croquette and its standing time after frying. When the croquette was wrapped immediately after frying, the migration from wrapping film into the croquette was highest (36,400 ng/g). On wrapping after standing for 5 min and 30 min, the migration level was reduced to 1/3.5 and 1/14 of the highest level, respectively.

Adipates↗

Migration modelling from food-contact plastics into foodstuffs as a new tool for consumer exposure estimation.

One important aspect within the European Union's public healthcare is the exposure of consumers to undesirable chemicals in the diet. Food-contact materials (FCM) are one potential contamination source and therefore of particular interest for food exposure assessment. On the other hand, scientific investigations concerning the migration potential and behaviour of food-packaging materials have demonstrated that diffusion in and migration from FCM are foreseeable physical and, in principle, mathematically describable processes. Because of this situation and the current state-of-the-art in migration science, a research project was initiated within the 5th Framework Programme of the European Commission. This project, with the acronym 'FOODMIGROSURE' (European Union Contract No. 'QLK1-CT2002-2390') started on 1 March 2003, was due to last 3 years and had the participation of nine European project partners (see the project website: www.foodmigrosure.org). The aim of the project was to extend currently existing migration models (which have been demonstrated to be applicable for less complex matrices such as food simulants) to foodstuffs themselves. In this way, the project aims to provide a novel and economic tool for estimation of consumer exposure to chemicals migrating from food-contact plastic materials under any actual contact conditions. In addition, the project aims to increase knowledge of the mechanisms of diffusion of organic compounds in foodstuffs and provide data on the partitioning effects between FCM and foods. Today the latter aspect is increasingly regarded as a fundamental influence parameter for migration into foods. Based on the project achievements, a much better scientific basis is available to allow scientifically appropriate amendments of European Union Directive 85/572/EEC as well as to support further developments with the so-called Plastics Directive 2002/72/EC. The paper introduces the project and presents an overview of the project work progress.

Attitude to Health↗