Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “FOOD CONTAMINATION”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,369 records · Page 76Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Automated sample preparation using in-tube solid-phase microextraction and its application -- a review.

Sample preparation, such as extraction, concentration, and isolation of analytes, greatly influences their reliable and accurate analysis. In-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a new effective sample preparation technique using an open tubular fused-silica capillary column as an extraction device. Organic compounds in aqueous samples are directly extracted and concentrated into the stationary phase of capillary columns by repeated draw/eject cycles of sample solution, and they can be directly transferred to the liquid chromatographic column. In-tube SPME is an ideal sample preparation technique because it is fast to operate, easy to automate, solvent-free, and inexpensive. On-line in-tube SPME-performed continuous extraction, concentration, desorption, and injection using an autosampler, is usually used in combination with high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This technique has successfully been applied to the determination of various compounds such as pesticides, drugs, environmental pollutants, and food contaminants. In this review, an overview of the development of in-tube SPME technique and its applications to environmental, clinical, forensic, and food analyses are described.

Automation↗
PubMed2001

Risk factors for sporadic cases of Escherichia coli O157 infection: the importance of contact with animal excreta.

To determine environmental risk factors for sporadic E. coli O157 infection in Scotland we undertook a prospective, matched case-control study between 1 October 1996 and 31 March 1999. One hundred and eighty-three cases and 545 matched controls were recruited. Contact with animal faeces (OR = 3.65; 95% CI 1.81, 7.34: P < 0.0005) and likely contact with animal faeces (OR = 4.8; 95% CI 2.42, 9.48; P < 0.0005) emerged as strong risk factors for infection. Certain exposures (mainly food-related) were inversely associated with infection i.e. were statistically protective. Most striking was the consumption of bottled water (OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.15, 0.52; P < 0.0005). Transmission of E. coli O157 does not occur simply through contaminated food. Members of the public need to be aware of the potential for acquiring E. coli O157 through contamination of the environment with animal faeces so that they may take measures to mitigate their risk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Smoked food and cancer.

Smoking is a well-known source of food contaminated caused by carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Epidemiological studies indicates a statistical correlation between the increased occurrence of cancer of the intestinal tract and the frequent intake of smoked foods. As observed during the last 10 years in a certain district of Hungary with a Slovenian population, the percentage of stomach cancer among all types of cancer is nearly twice as high (47-50%) as in Hungary altogether (29.9%). In this special district, predominantly home-smoked meat products are consumed. Using identical techniques, the authors investigated the contamination of smoked foodstuffs by carcinogenic, cocarcinogenic and other polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the German Democratic Republic and in Hungary. No significant differences have been found either in the average values or in the ranges of the benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) contents in meats smoked by industrial processes used in the GDR and in Hungary. In the GDR, industrially smoked foods contain on average 0.43 micrograms/kg, products smoked in handicraft workshops 0.76 micrograms/kg, home-smoked products 0.74 micrograms/kg. The mean BaP content of all smoked meat and sausage products amounts of 0.55 micrograms/kg. In Hungary, the following average values have been found: 0.6 micrograms/kg for industrially smoked products, 0.74 micrograms/kg for home-smoked products, the total being 0.7 micrograms/kg. The average BaP value of home-smoked (softwood) products of the Slovenian population in Hungary is as high as 4.16 micrograms/kg. Apart from this particular case, the techniques used in both countries permit the production of smoked meat and sausages with a BaP content of less than 1 microgram/kg.

Benzopyrenes↗
PubMed2005

Metal kinetics and respiration rates in F1 generation of carabid beetles (Pterostichus oblongopunctatus F.) originating from metal-contaminated and reference areas.

We investigated resistance to metals in carabid beetles inhabiting metal-polluted and reference areas. Chronic multigeneration exposure to toxic metal concentrations may potentially result in adaptation through decreased metal uptake rate and/or increased excretion rate. The cost of resistance to pollution could be associated with increased metabolic rate. To test these predictions, laboratory cultured F(1)-generation beetles originating from metal-polluted and reference sites were exposed to food contaminated with zinc and/or cadmium for 10 weeks. After that, uncontaminated food was offered to the animals for another 3 weeks. During the experiment, internal concentrations of Cd and Zn were measured as were respiration rates of the animals. The results obtained show no significant differences in metal accumulation and excretion patterns or respiration rates between the populations. This may suggest that adaptation has not occurred in the beetles chronically exposed to toxic metal concentrations. The possible explanations for the lack of differences between the populations are discussed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1987

Assessment of an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of salmonellas in foods and animal feeding stuffs.

The Salmonella Bio-EnzaBead Screening Kit, in its modified form with both the MOPC 467 and the 6H4 antibodies, was used for the detection of salmonellas in naturally contaminated foods and animal feeding stuffs in parallel with a traditional cultural procedure. Initial results showed an 82% agreement between the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and cultural methods when using the criterion recommended by the manufacturer as a cut-off for all types of foods. By adjusting the cut-off for each type of food, the number of EIA positive, culture negative samples was reduced although the number of EIA negative, culture positive samples increased. The EIA may be more sensitive than the cultural methods as in many cases the EIA positive, culture negative results could be real positives which were not detected by the cultural methods. The screening kit provides a simple and convenient method for the detection of salmonella in foods and feeds and a presumptive positive result can be reported within 48 h. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1993

Health and chemical environment in Czecho-Slovakia, international cooperation context.

This review provides a record of the present situation with regard to public health and environmental degradation and its underlying causes in Czecho-Slovakia, taking into account "ways of life," which is a synonym for its two components: environment and behavior. It gives attention to the priorities which include air and water pollution and food contamination. "Environmental protection" includes the human health protection from air, water, land, and groundwater pollution, ecological protection and natural resource preservation, use of pesticides, food and consumer product safety, and safety associated with the introduction of new chemicals into commerce. Further, this review focuses on the fundamental building blocks for a new environmental policy and management system (Constitution Act, 1991; Environmental Law, 1991; Chemical Act, in preparation; standards regarding chemicals, etc.). With regard to the international concern about the dangers of chemicals for humanity and the natural environment, attention is drawn to the collaboration of Czecho-Slovakia in chemical safety with WHO, IRPTC, and OECD. An important task is to determine what scientific research is needed and to educate administrators, politicians, and the general public in chemical safety.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Long-term effects of heavy metals in food on developmental stages of Aiolopus thalassinus (Saltatoria: Acrididae).

Newly hatched F1 nymphs of Aiolopus thalassinus (Fabr.) were fed on food treated with various concentrations of HgCl2, CdCl2, and PbCl2 until the end of adult life. Toxicological observations were followed in the F1 generation and in the F2 generation derived from the heavy metal-loaded F1 parents. The highest concentration of the heavy metal caused 100% mortality of the F1 adults within four weeks. The nymphal duration of the F1 and F2 generations was significantly prolonged after Hg and Cd exposure, but the F1 of the group treated with lead was not affected. The fresh body weight of adults was significantly reduced in the F1 generation of most treatments and in the resulting untreated F2. The lifespan of the F1 adults was shortened. In the F2 generation, although the lifespan was somewhat longer, generally it was still shorter than that of the control adults. The mean egg number laid by F1 adults fed on food contaminated with Hg or Cd was decreased. This decrease was more pronounced in the case of Cd than Hg. In the females fed on food treated with Pb the reduction of the number of egg pods was not remarkable. The hatchability of the eggs laid by F1 females was significantly reduced as compared to the control. The viability of the eggs laid by F2 adults was somewhat decreased due to either a reduced number of egg pods or to a lower rate of hatchability, especially in the case of Cd. The treated adults frequently displayed weakness in their legs, difficulties in walking, tremors, and nervous movements.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Total exposure from outdoor and indoor air pollution in the Arctic.

Most of the chemical contaminants and radionuclides that have been identified in the arctic environment are known to have toxic, genotoxic, or carcinogenic endpoints in humans. However, knowledge is lacking on the health effects of exposure to low concentrations of mixtures of the contaminants in various periods of a lifetime, in utero included. Therefore, more detailed study is needed on the implications of present levels of air and food contamination for human health in arctic and subarctic regions, as part of ongoing environmental monitoring programs. Here we outline the prerequisites and precautions for such studies, in particular the rationale for a total human exposure approach. We emphasize using a concept of total exposure and dose analysis (TEDA), covering integration of (1) environmental monitoring, (2) personal monitoring, (3) biological monitoring, (4) analysis of selected biomarkers of individual susceptibility and pre-stages of disease, (5) evaluation of functional changes and adverse health effects reflecting human exposure, and (6) information collected from interviews and questionnaires, taking bias and potential confounders into account.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed2003

Staphylococcus aureus and food poisoning.

Food-borne diseases are of major concern worldwide. To date, around 250 different food-borne diseases have been described, and bacteria are the causative agents of two thirds of food-borne disease outbreaks. Among the predominant bacteria involved in these diseases, Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis resulting from the consumption of contaminated food. Staphylococcal food poisoning is due to the absorption of staphylococcal enterotoxins preformed in the food. Here, we briefly review the latest data on staphylococcal enterotoxins and some papers exemplifying the interactions between S. aureus and the food matrix; environmental factors affecting staphylococcal enterotoxin production are discussed.

Enterotoxins↗
PubMed1981

Survey of selected mycotoxins in food.

The contamination of a variety of foods with the mycotoxins aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, M1, ochratoxin A, patulin, and byssochlamic acid was investigated. With the developed methods, the identification was made possible by in situ fluorescence spectral analysis with a far reaching exclusion of substances which simulate sycotoxins. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in 2 samples of 105 spontaneously moulded food specimens and only in 1 of a group of 198 food samples that were obviously not moulded. Aflatoxin M1 was identified in 4 of 60 samples of the so-called wintermilk. Investigated dairy products did not contain aflatoxin M1. Ochratoxin A could be detected twice in 49 spontaneously moulded corn samples, aflatoxin, however, was not found. Further investigations of 50 samples of moulded food revealed ochratoxin A in 2 samples of raw coffee. Food samples obviously not moulded did not contain ochratoxin A. Patulin was detected in 19 of 110 samples of fruit and fruit products, especially in commercial apple juice, in rotten parts of apples, and in moulded fruit products. Byssochlamic acid was not detected in fruit juices or in fruit. The toxicological consequences of mycotoxins in food and possibilities to reduce mycotoxins are discussed.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed2026

Emerging food- and waterborne pathogen Arcobacter in wastewater: diversity and antibiotic resistance.

Arcobacter spp. are emerging food- and waterborne pathogens frequently detected in wastewater. Despite their high abundance in wastewater, Arcobacter diversity, antibiotic resistance, and genomic traits remain poorly characterized. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted a comprehensive study of Arcobacter spp. in influent, effluent, and activated sludge from a Finnish wastewater treatment plant using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing, isolate-based genomics, and phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing. Arcobacter spp. were highly abundant in raw sewage but substantially removed during treatment. Four Arcobacter species were identified, dominated by Arcobacter cryaerophilus and Arcobacter suis. A proportion of amplicon sequence variants unclassified to species-level revealed potentially unexplored Arcobacter diversity. For the first time, we observed intragenomic variability in 16S rRNA gene copies of A. cryaerophilus, highlighting the importance of integrating culture-based and culture-independent approaches. Phenotypic testing revealed high proportions of non-wild-type isolates for clinically relevant antibiotics, including ampicillin, cefotaxime, tetracycline, and erythromycin. Genomic analyses showed that antibiotic resistance profiles were primarily mediated by chromosomally encoded determinants, including &#x3b2;-lactamases, efflux systems, and point mutations. Additionally, a broad arsenal of chromosomal and plasmid-borne resistance genes to heavy metals, biocides, and organic solvents was detected, reflecting adaptations to the wastewater environment. These findings provide novel insights into Arcobacter species-level diversity, resistance mechanisms, and ecological adaptations in anthropogenically influenced environments. The study highlights the significance of Arcobacter for public health and establishes a foundation for further research.IMPORTANCEArcobacter spp. are emerging human and animal pathogens that exhibit increasing resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics. Most community-acquired infections are linked to exposure through contaminated food and water, yet studies investigating their occurrence and diversity in wastewater remain scarce. Here, we focus on wastewater as an abundant source of Arcobacter spp. and a potential dissemination route contributing to downstream contamination of surface waters, irrigated soils, and possibly the food chain. By characterizing the species-level diversity, genomic traits, and antibiotic resistance profiles of Arcobacter spp. in wastewater, this study provides critical insights into the ecology and epidemiology of this ubiquitous genus.

Arcobacter↗
PubMed1981

Vibrio infections in Singapore.

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic Vibrio infections, caused by V cholerae, V parahaemolyticus and NAG vibrios, occurred in Singapore. V cholerae are introduced into the country from time to time, but the risk of transmission of infection in the community is negligible in the presence of a high standard of environmental sanitation and a well-established system of epidemiological surveillance. As cholera is probably transmitted through contaminated food, shellfish imported from cholera-endemic countries are regularly monitored for the presence of V cholerae. Vigilance has also been stepped up in the laboratory in view of the possibility of introduction of multiple-antibiotic resistant V cholerae strains into the country. V parahaemolyticus is one of the commonest causes of bacterial food poisoning in Singapore because of the preference of the local population to consume raw or partially cooked seafood. 78% of a variety of imported seafood were found to be contaminated with V parahaemolyticus. Infections caused by NAG vibrios are infrequent, and the mode of transmission has not been established.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of different primers for rapid detection of Salmonella using the polymerase chain reaction.

Salmonella is the leading cause of food-borne diarrhoeas in the US. In recent years polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become the method of choice for rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonellae in contaminated foods. As a result, several different primer sets have been reported for use in PCR-based assay systems. In order to identify an optimal primer set from among the wide range of primers reported in the literature, we synthesized five different pairs and evaluated their relative performance in PCR under uniform assay conditions using a common panel of the target (Salmonella) and non-target (non- Salmonella) bacterial strains. Of the five sets of primers tested, the one designed on the basis of a 199 bp repeat sequence of S. weltevreden[Jitrapakdee et al. (1995) Molecular and Cellular Probes 9, 375-382] gave optimal results with most bacterial strains examined.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

[Rapid method for indirect bacterial determination in minced meat and spices by measurement of carbon dioxide production rates].

A rapid method has been developed for the determination of total microbial count in foods within one hour in the range between 10(5) and 10(9) microorganisms per ml resp. g. This method was developed for microbial analysis of highly contaminated food stuffs, e.g. of minced meat and spices, which are not suitable for indirect determination of total microbial counts by measurement of oxygen consumption rates. The method is based on the measurement of microbially produced CO2 by means of a selective electrode. For that purpose a sample is diluted with a glucose containing suitable nutrient broth and placed into a tightly closable measuring vessel. Substrate-specific correlations between microbial loads (total plate count) and CO2-production rates were determined.

Animals↗