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PubMedDate not supplied

[The mutagenic action of radioactive contaminants of feed and food products on strains TA98 and TA100 of Salmonella typhimurium].

Radionuclide-polluted slices of beef (2775 Bq/kg), pork (274.8 Bq/kg), potato (159.0-444.0 Bq/kg), carrot, garden beet, kidney bean and sorrel (44.5-460.0 Bq/kg) have been studied for their mutagenic effect on the tester strains TA98 and TA100 of Salmonella typhimurium and this index as a rule correlates with the level of the slices pollution. On the other hand the slices of cabbage and samples of rye and wheat (46.0-460.0 Bq/kg) as well as fish (2314.0 Bq/kg) had no mutagenic effect on these strains. The samples of milk (230.0-581.5 Bq/1) also did not evoke the increase of mutagenesis level while high concentrations of these preparations (20 mg/ml, and above) manifested toxic effect on the mentioned strains.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2000

Analytical procedure for quantifying five compounds suspected as possible contaminants in recycled paper/paperboard for food packaging.

Because contaminants in recycled paper intended for food packaging could be a risk to public health, analytical methods are needed to identify and quantify residues of concern in paper/paperboard. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is considering development of a guidance document for testing levels of contaminants that might be retained through paper recycling processes. An analytical procedure was developed using paper spiked with suspected contaminants at concentrations of 1-50 ppm in the paper. Benzophenone, dimethyl phthalate, anthracene, methyl stearate, and pentachlorophenol were introduced by soaking the paper in a solution in acetone at 25 degrees C for 24 h; the paper was removed and dried by evaporating the solvent with nitrogen. The model contaminant residues were extracted from the paper using ultrasonication and quantified by GC with flame ionization and electron capture detectors. Recoveries from the spiked paper were 80-109% with a repeatability of +/-4%. The method was also used to analyze commercial recycled paperboard to validate its applicability.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMed1998

Dietary exposure to chemical contaminants from traditional food among adult Dene/Métis in the western Northwest Territories, Canada.

Environmental contaminants such as organochlorines and heavy metals have been reported to bioaccumulate in Arctic and subarctic wildlife. The Indigenous Peoples in northern and Arctic Canada rely on local wildlife as an important food source, and it is thus hypothesized that they may have high intakes of these contaminants. Herein, an assessment of dietary exposure to selected organochlorines and heavy metals for Indigenous Peoples of the western Northwest Territories (NWT) is presented. Dietary data were collected from 1012 adults with 24-h recalls in 16 communities in the western NWT (Denendeh). A comprehensive survey of the literature, as well as in-house analysis, formed the basis of a large traditional food-contaminant database. By combining the dietary and contaminant data, dietary exposure to 11 chemical contaminants was calculated. Dietary exposure to chemical contaminants in Denendeh is generally low and there is little, if any, associated health risk. However there are specific contaminants in certain communities for which exposure on a single day approaches the tolerable daily intake levels. These situations are detailed and monitoring needs are described.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Environmental sanitation, food and water contamination and diarrhoea in rural Bangladesh.

This study examined the role of food and water contamination in a health impact evaluation of a water and sanitation intervention project. Although lower diarrhoea rates were found in the improved area no consistent difference in food and water contamination was observed between areas. Furthermore, no relationship was found between contamination and diarrhoea in either area, even after controlling for the nutritional status of children. These results imply that other vehicles of transmission might be more important than food and water in diarrhoeal transmission. The focus of interventions should therefore be on changing behaviours to improve overall hygiene.

Bangladesh↗
PubMed2005

A proteomic approach to studying biogenic amine producing lactic acid bacteria.

All fermented foods are subject to the risk of biogenic amine contamination. Histamine and tyramine are among the most toxic amines for consumers' health, exerting undesirable effects on the central nervous and vascular systems, but putrescine and cadaverine can also compromise the organoleptic properties of contaminated foods. These compounds are produced by fermenting microbial flora that decarboxylate amino acids to amines. Little is known of the factors which induce biosynthesis of decarboxylating enzymes and/or which modulate their catalytic activity: the accumulation of amines is generally considered to be a mechanism that contrasts an acidic environment and/or that produces metabolic energy through coupling amino acid decarboxylation with electrogenic amino acid/amine antiporters. Two Lactobacillus strains, Lactobacillus sp. 30a (ATCC 33222), and a Lactobacillus sp. strain (w53) isolated from amine-contaminated wine, carrying genetic determinants for histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), were studied and the influence of some environmental and nutritional parameters on amine production and protein biosynthesis was analyzed through a proteomic approach; this is the first report of a proteomic analysis of amine-producing bacteria. HDC and ODC biosynthesis were shown to be closely dependent on the presence of high concentrations of free amino acids in the growth medium and to be modulated by the growth phase. The stationary phase and high amounts of free amino acids also strongly induced the biosynthesis of an oligopeptide transport protein belonging to the proteolytic system of Lactic Acid Bacteria. At least two isoforms of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, with different M(r), pI and expression profiles, were identified from Lactobacillus sp. w53: the biosynthesis of one isoform, in particular, is apparently repressed by high concentrations of free amino acids. Other proteins were identified from the Lactobacillus proteome, affording a global knowledge of protein biosynthesis modulation during biogenic amine production.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Use of rRNA gene restriction patterns to evaluate lactic acid bacterium contamination of vacuum-packaged sliced cooked whole-meat product in a meat processing plant.

Molecular typing was applied to an in-plant lactic acid bacterium (LAB) contamination analysis of a vacuum-packaged sliced cooked whole-meat product. A total of 982 LAB isolates from the raw mass, product, and the environment at different production stages were screened by restriction endonuclease (EcoRI and HindIII) analysis. rRNA gene restriction patterns were further determined for different strains obtained from each source. These patterns were used for recognizing the spoilage-causing LAB strains from the product on the sell-by day and tracing the sources and sites of spoilage LAB contamination during the manufacture. LAB typing resulted in 71 different ribotypes, of which 27 were associated with contamination routes. Raw material was distinguished as the source of the major spoilage strains. Contamination of the product surfaces after cooking was shown to be airborne. The removal of the product from the cooking forms was localized as a major site of airborne LAB contamination. Food handlers and some surfaces in contact with the product during the manufacture were also contaminated with the spoilage strains. Some LAB strains were also able to resist cooking in the core of the product bar. These strains may have an effect on the product shelf life by contaminating the slicing machine. The air in the slicing department and adjacent cold room contained very few LAB. Surface-mediated contamination was detected during the slicing and packaging stages. Food handlers also carried strains later found in the packaged product. Molecular typing provided useful information revealing the LAB contamination sources and sites of this product. The production line will be reorganized in accordance with these results to reduce spoilage LAB contamination.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1998

Contamination of weaning foods: organisms, channels, and sequelae.

A study was carried out to identify the microbial contaminants of weaning foods in an Egyptian village and the sources of contamination. All 300 households containing infants (< 24 months) were visited. Information regarding food preparation and household sanitation was gathered. Samples of weaning foods (270) were collected and analysed for the presence of Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Shigella and parasites. The first two pathogens were detected in 43.7 per cent and 21.4 per cent of samples respectively. The others were not detected in any sample. The risk of contamination by E. coli and B. cereus was significantly associated with the presence of dung and/or refuse in the house, lack of indoor latrine, non-use of latrine by children, weaning foods not freshly prepared, uncovered storage of foods, and the presence of a case of diarrhoea in the house.

Bacillus cereus↗
PubMed2001

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate contamination of retail packed lunches caused by PVC gloves used in the preparation of foods.

Plasticizer contamination of foods sold in retail packed lunches and set lunches in restaurants was determined by GC/MS. The phthalate esters were as follows: diethyl, dipropyl, dibutyl, dipentyl, dihexyl, butylbenzyl, dicyclohexyl, di(2-ethylhexyl), dioctyl, diisooctyl (mixture of isomers) and diisononyl (mixture). Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate was also determined. Sixteen packed lunches and ten set lunches were analysed, and in all samples the concentration of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the highest, at 0.80-11.8 mg/kg in packed lunches and 0.012-0.30 mg/kg in set lunches. The DEHP content of five packed lunches exceeded 1.85 mg, which is the EU tolerable daily intake (TDI) for a person of 50 kg body weight. Foodstuffs that were components of the packed lunches were taken from the factory at each step of preparation and phthalates were determined. For example, chicken contained 0.08 mg/kg DEHP when uncooked, 13.1 mg/kg after frying and 16.9 mg/kg after packing. Disposable PVC gloves used in the preparation of foods were apparently the source of high DEHP concentrations. The gloves used during cooking or packaging were sprayed with 68% (w/w) ethanol to sterilize them. PVC gloves from the factory contained 22 or 41% by weight of DEHP. To confirm the link with the contamination problem, samples of boiled rice, croquette and boiled dry radish were handled in the laboratory with PVC gloves containing 30% (w/w) DEHP. DEHP migration levels of 0.05 mg/kg in rice or 0.33 mg/kg in croquette, and 11.1 mg/kg in radish were found. The alcohol sprayed onto the gloves increased the migration of DEHP to 2.03 mg/kg in rice, 2.45 mg, kg in croquette, and 18.4 mg/kg in radish.

Diethylhexyl Phthalate↗
PubMed1989

Methods and media for the isolation and cultivation of Listeria monocytogenes from various foods.

Many methods and media currently exist for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes. However, the suitability of any specific method or media is influenced by the purpose of the analysis and the type of food being analyzed. Food which are likely to contain high populations of contaminating microorganisms require highly selective media for enumeration. Moreover, media which contain indicator systems are also helpful in distinguishing L. monocytogenes colonies. In contrast, less selective media may be adequate for less contaminated foods.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMed2003

Evaluation of real-time PCR vs automated ELISA and a conventional culture method using a semi-solid medium for detection of Salmonella.

AIMS: Evaluation of iQ-Check PCR Salmonella for Salmonella detection in artificially and naturally contaminated food and environmental field samples. METHODS AND RESULTS: Artificially contaminated samples (poultry meat and ground red meat) subjected to cold- and freeze-stress, and 120 naturally contaminated samples (swabs and meat) were tested for Salmonella using the diagnostic semi-solid Salmonella medium (DIASALM) method, the Vidas assay and the iQ-Check PCR assay after 24 h enrichment in buffered peptone water. CONCLUSIONS: Both the iQ-Check PCR and the Vidas assay provide a rapid and user friendly screening method for detection of Salmonella. False negative samples were obtained for the inoculated samples using both the iQ-Check PCR assay and the Vidas method when Salmonella cells were severely stressed. In total 45 of 120 naturally contaminated field samples showed Salmonella positive using the DIASALM method. The agreement percentage with the DIASALM method was respectively 92% for the iQ-Check PCR and 95% for the Vidas method. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: False-negative samples were obtained for the inoculated samples using both the iQ-Check PCR assay and the Vidas method when Salmonella cells were severely stressed, e.g. freezing at -18 degrees C for 7 days. Of the 120 naturally contaminated field samples 45 showed Salmonella positive using the DIASALM method. The agreement percentage with the DIASALM method was 92% for the iQ-Check PCR and 95% for the Vidas method respectively.

Automation↗
PubMed2001

Outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis associated with Norwalk-like viruses in campus settings.

Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) are transmitted by fecally contaminated food, water, fomites, and person-to-person contact. They are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis epidemics in industrialized countries. NLV outbreaks are characterized by a 12- to 48-hour incubation period; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea for 24 to 72 hours; and high secondary attack rates. NLV infections spread rapidly on college and university campuses because of close living quarters, shared bathrooms and common rooms, many food handlers, popular self-service salad bars in dining halls, and person-to-person contact through sports and recreational activities. The illness is generally mild and self-limited but an outbreak can strain the resources of campus health services and cause high absenteeism among both students and staff. Treatment is primarily through antiemetic medication and oral rehydration. Prevention and control of NLV outbreaks rests on promoting hand washing; enforcement of strict hygiene in all food preparation areas; and prompt, rigorous cleaning of potentially contaminated areas where someone has been ill.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

The effects of PCBs and dioxins on child health.

BACKGROUND/EXPOSURE: Dioxins and PCBs are highly persistent and highly toxic environmental pollutants which at present are derived mainly from waste incineration and food contamination. They are widespread in nature and pollute human food, including breast milk so that basically all children in Europe are exposed to measurable levels. RESULTS/TOXICITY IN CHILDREN: The toxicity of dioxins and PCBs are well described both from animal studies and from a number of human epidemiological studies including several large cohort studies. Especially developmental exposure has been shown to affect endocrine and cognitive systems negatively. Measurable outcomes include reduced IQ and changed behaviour. Foetotoxic effects with reduced birth weight and increased congenital anomalies such as cleft lip have also been described. Exposure to PCBs and dioxins must be considered also in the context of multiple exposure to several toxins simultaneously or sequentially. CONCLUSION/SUGGESTED ACTION: Some measures aimed at reducing exposure to dioxins have been partly successful in that the dioxin content of breast milk is going down. However, further steps to reduce exposure must be taken. We suggest legislative measures for reducing the re-entry of especially PCBs from waste into the environment. Individual pre-conception counselling is recommended in order to reduce developmental exposure and its consequences. Biomonitoring of the substances themselves in breast milk and foods is recommended as well as monitoring possible endocrine effects.

Child↗
PubMed2002

Thyroid toxicity due to subchronic exposure to a complex mixture of 16 organochlorines, lead, and cadmium.

The human population in the industrialized world is ubiquitously exposed to complex mixtures of persistent pollutants that contaminate food, water, and air. A large number of these contaminants have been shown to cause significant toxicity to the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in laboratory animal studies, through a variety of mechanisms, although these effects occur at levels of exposure greatly in excess of common human exposure. While many of the mechanisms of thyroid toxicity of these substances are potentially complementary, little is known of the degree of interaction of common persistent contaminants on responses of the HPT axis. To investigate the potential effects of a complex, environmentally relevant mixture on the HPT axis, sexually mature male rats were administered a mixture of 16 common organochlorines (dichlorodiphenoxytrichloroethane [DDT], p,p'-dichlorodiphenoxydichloroethylene [p,p'-DDE], hexachlorobenzene [HCB], tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin [TCDD], polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], methoxychlor, endosulfan, heptachlor, hexachlorocyclohexane, dieldrin, aldrin, mirex, and several chlorinated benzenes, and metal contaminants [lead, cadmium]). The doses of the mixture that were administered were related to minimum risk levels or tolerable daily intakes of these substances, as derived by risk assessment with the 1x, 10x, 100x, and 1000x groups receiving mixture components at doses equivalent to 1x, 10x, 100x, or 1000x the minimum risk level (or tolerable daily intake, reference dose), respectively. After 70 daily treatments by gavage, endpoints related to circulating thyroid hormone (serum thyroxine [T(4)], triiodothyronine [T(3)], thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], and serum T(3) uptake [T(3)-up]), thyroid gland histomorphology (thyroid follicle cross sectional area, epithelial height, follicle roundness or aspect ratio, colloid/epithelial ratio) and hepatic metabolism of thyroid hormone (UDP-glucuronyl transferase [UGT] and outer-ring deiodinase [ORD]) were assessed. All examined endpoints were significantly altered by the mixture albeit with great variability between endpoints in the sensitivity. While most endpoints examined did not show significant changes at mixture doses below 1000x, 2 endpoints, TSH and hepatic outer ring deiodinase activity, were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, by 1x dose and showed dose-related increases in severity with increasing dose. Median thyroid follicle cross sectional area was also increased by the lowest dose of the mixture but decreased with subsequent increases in dose until, at the highest dose, this parameter was significantly reduced relative to control. The relative sensitivity of endpoints of thyroid function in detecting toxicity of the mixture was TSH = ORD = median follicle area >> T(3) > all other endpoints. These results demonstrate that low doses of ubiquitous environmental contaminants can alter HPT physiology in sexually mature males.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Quantitative PCR for Listeria monocytogenes with colorimetric detection.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-mediated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was developed to detect and quantify Listeria monocytogenes in food products. The bacterial DNA was extracted from artificially contaminated food and co-amplified with a synthetic internal standard (IS) using primers specific for the target gene coding for the invasive-associated protein (i.a.p.), a virulence factor of L. monocytogenes (i.a.p.) or IS in the presence of fluorescein-dUTP PCR products were hybridized with biotinylated probes designed for the i.a.p. or IS, and then the hybrids were bound to a streptavidin-coated ELISA plate. An alkaline phosphatase-conjugated antibody to fluorescein was added to the plate and in the presence of substrate, PCR products were quantitated based on an optical density reading. The detection limit for L. monocytogenes experimentally inoculated into milk samples and channel catfish fillets was 20 CFU/ml and 1-2 CFU/g, respectively. Little or no cross reaction was detected in the presence of other spoilage and pathogenic organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The ELISA-mediated PCR technique, when compared to traditional methods, is more rapid (2 working days) for detecting and quantifying L. monocytogenes.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Analysis of the intestinal infectious diseases occurring in the past ten years in a military unit].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the causes of intestinal infectious diseases in a military unit in the past 10 years. METHODS: The data of these diseases were acquired from a disease control and prevention center of a military command, including the epidemic cards, the first pages of medical record and investigation reports of the infectious diseases. Statistical analysis was performed after summarization of the data. RESULT: From 1992 to 2001, 3 612 cases of intestinal infectious diseases were reported in the military unit, most of which were bacillary dysentery (32.40%), hepatitis A (26.80%), typhoid (14.34%) and infectious diarrhea (7.34%), and 40.13% of them were intestinal infectious diseases. Fifteen epidemic outbreaks were documented from 1988 to 2002, including 9 arising from water and 6 from food contamination. CONCLUSION: Intestinal infectious diseases are seasonal and strict food and water hygiene should be maintained.

Adult↗