Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control

3-10

Authors: W.N. Wanjala, J.M. Nduko, M.C. Mwende

Emerging economies have often poor hygiene practices in traditional milk and dairy production all over the world. Therefore, pathogenic bacteria in milk pose major public health concerns especially for those communities who still consume raw milk. Escherichia coli and coliforms are often used as indicator microorganisms, so their presence in food implies poor hygiene and sanitary practices. The main purpose of this article is to review information on milk quality and coliform bacteria contamination associated with the production and distribution of raw milk in some of the low and middle income economies around the world. Data reported on coliform counts in milk samples from some countries categorized as low and middle income economies in Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. Local marketing of raw milk has been increased in the low and middle income countries because of low purchasing power of most native consumers. This population is at risk of illnesses from food-borne pathogens as a result of poor milk handling along the informal milk value chains. The regulatory bodies from these low and middle income countries are usually underfunded; therefore the safety standards of the milk chain cannot be sufficiently provided, endangering public health. On the other hand, there are huge losses of milk due to microbial spoilage in the low and middle income countries. So, it is necessary for the low and middle income countries to invest in infrastructures and establishments such as potable water supply to the dairy actors, increase the electricity connectivity from national grid and off-grid, improve the transport infrastructure, and financial support of the standards regulatory institutions. Paying attention to the mentioned actions can help to improve milk safety and quality and thereby reduce the risk of the food-borne illnesses.

24-28

Authors: A. Rezaei, M.R. Pajohi-Alamoti, A. Mohammadzadeh, P. Mahmoodi

Background: Staphylococcus aureus has always been known as an important kind of bacteria causing food poisoning. This study was carried out to determine S. aureus contamination in cream pastries collected from popular confectioneries in Hamedan, Iran; also, presence of the gene encoding Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A (SEA) was studied in the isolates. Methods: During April to October 2014 (as hot and dry seasons) and October to March 2015 (as cold and wet seasons), 80 puff pastry and 80 jelly roll samples were randomly purchased from confectionary markets of Hamedan, Iran. S. aureus colonies were isolated using culture media and identified by biochemical tests. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for confirming identification of S. aureus using femA gene and detection of sea gene encoding the SEA. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. Results: Out of 160 confectionary samples, 61 (38.1%) were contaminated with S. aureus. Among 61 S. aureus isolates, 16 (26.2%) contained the sea gene. Prevalence rates of S. aureus in the hot/dry and cold/wet seasons were 43.7% (35 out of 80) and 32.5% (26 out of 80), respectively showing significant difference (p<0.05). However, the contamination rate was not statistically significant between puff pastry and jelly roll samples (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicated a considerable level of contamination in puff pastry and jelly roll samples with enterotoxigenic S. aureus, which could be due to microbial contamination of raw materials such as cream and utensils used for pastry production and lack of personal hygiene of workers. Consequently, appropriate measures should be applied to reduce the level of contamination in the confectionary products in order to ensure public health safety.

33-36

Authors: G. Zhelyazkov, D. Stratev

Background: The quality and safety of fish products is determined by chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters, important for satisfying consumers’ requirements. Also, the freshness of fish is essential for evaluation of its quality. On the Bulgarian retail market, fish is commonly offered chilled, frozen, or processed. The purpose of this study was to determine some physicochemical characteristics of fish products sampled from Bulgarian retail markets. Methods: During June to July 2017, this survey was performed on 45 samples from smoked, semi-dried, marinated, and frozen fish products sold in Bulgarian markets. The samples were collected from specialized stores for fish products, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Water content, water activity (aw), pH, salt content, and ash content were determined according to the standard protocols. Results: The highest average water content was established in frozen products, followed by almost equal values in marinated, smoked, and semi-dried fish products. The average aw value was also the highest in frozen products (0.975), it was almost the same in marinated and smoked (0.892); and the least in semi-dried fish products (0.905). Semi-dried (3.36%), marinated (3.19%), and smoked (3.03%) fish products had considerably higher average salt content than frozen ones (0.1%). The average pH value of marinated fish products (5.26) was lower than frozen (6.88), smoked (6.76), and also semi-dried (6.68) ones. Average ash content was substantially higher in smoked (7.16%), semi-dried (6.57%), and marinated (5.97%) fish products compared with frozen products (1.18%). Conclusion: It is concluded that the frozen fish products sold in Bulgarian markets are probably more susceptible to spoilage than marinated, smoked, and semi-dried ones.

92

Authors: -

-

99-102

Authors: M.H. Movassaghghazani, M. Ghorbiani

Background: It is known that Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in milk can have carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic activities especially in liver for both children and adults. The main aim of this survey was to investigate the incidence of AFM1 in human and cow milk in Kashan, Iran. Methods: A total of 42 breast milk samples were collected from a central hospital in Kashan city during 3-month period from October to December 2012. In the same period of times, 48 cow raw milk samples were collected randomly from Kashan milk collection centers. Determination of AFM1 in samples was carried out by competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16.0. Results: All human and cow milk samples were contaminated with AFM1. Concentra-tions of AFM1 in all human breast milk samples were less than the maximum tolerance limit (25 ng/L) accepted by European Union (EU). In 20.83% raw milk samples, the level of AFM1 was greater than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/L) according to EU. Mean AFM1 concentration in cow milk samples was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of human milk samples. Conclusion: Comparing to the previous Iranian studies, although the present status of AFM1 in human and cow milk samples from Kashan city of Iran is not at high risk, but this finding dose not ignore the vital importance of exposure risk to this toxin in the consumers especially in children. So, protective diet oriented approaches must be considered by the local authorities. Also, the people must be educated by the government on public health risk of AFs.

109-112

Authors: L. Mansouri-Najand, S. Hamzeh Aliabad, N. Fatemi

Background: Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive and facultative anaerobic food-borne bacterium which is capable of intra and extra cellular growth. L. monocytogenes usually can exist on different surfaces and instruments at production and processing sites of food products with animal origin. In Iran, the consumption of burger has increased recently, but its safety is still of great concern. Despite few reports from some areas of Iran, there is limited information about burger contamination in Kerman province. Therefore, this research was set to molecular identification of L. monocytogenes in hamburgers distributed in Kerman, Iran. Methods: A total of 100 raw hamburgers were collected from 20 fast food/sandwich shops in Kerman city, Iran during summer 2014. The hamburgers stored in ice box and transported to the food hygiene laboratory. The samples were microbiologically analyzed for the presence of L. monocytogenes. The isolated bacteria were confirmed by molecular assay. Results: Three out of 100 (3%) hamburger samples were biochemically diagnosed as Listeria contamination; however molecular identification assay confirmed that two of them were L. monocytogenes. Conclusion: Although the prevalence rate of L. monocytogenes was not high in hamburger samples of Kerman, the risk of human listeriosis must not be ignored or underestimated. Further surveys are required in future for risk assessment of this patho-genic bacterium in other food products distributed in the country.

119

Authors: A. Rahimzade

-

64

Authors: -

There is no Abstract.

66-69

Authors: S. Morshed, M.D. Hossain, M. Ahmad, M. Junayed

Background: Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is mainly cultivated in tropical areas such as South India. It is known as a popular spice in all over the world. Although some studies have been carried out to determine the ingredients of black pepper Essential Oil (EO) cultivated in various regions of the world, but there is little data about some physicochemical characteristics of EO of black pepper cultivated in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Methods: Black peppers samples were collected from the local market of Chittagong city. Extraction of black pepper EO was carried out using Clevenger apparatus. Chemical compounds of EO obtained from the black pepper were determined by analytical gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Some physicochemical characteristics of extracted EO were determined according to the standard methods. All experiments were carried out in triplicate. Results: The major components of black pepper EO were caryophyllene (19.12%), limonene (9.74%), and camphene (8.44%). The contents of moisture, dry matter, protein, fatty oil, ash, carbohydrate, and crude fiber in black pepper samples were determined as 2.20, 96.12, 12.66, 14.41, 12.49, 42.56, and 5.55%, respectively. Also, food energy value was measured as 349.66±0.44 g/calories. Refractive index, specific gravity, as well as optical rotation of EO samples were 0.8590, 1.476 at 30 °C, and -10.300, respectively. Conclusion: The EO of black pepper cultivated in Chittagong, Bangladesh revealed desirable physicochemical characteristics and could be applied in food industry.

74-78

Authors: M. Bakhshi, M. Fatahi Bafghi, A. Astani, V.R. Ranjbar, H. Zandi, M. Vakili

Background: The antibiotic resistance is considered as one of the biggest public health concerns in most countries. The aim of this study was to determine antibiotic resistance pattern of Escherichia coli isolated from chickens with colibacillosis in Yazd, Iran. Methods: A total of 200 carcasses of Ross chickens with colibacillosis were collected from farms located around Yazd, central Iran. After autopsy, specimens were collected from air bags of carcasses using sterile swaps and transferred immediately to the laboratory. After microbiological culture, the isolates were confirmed by the conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolates were determined by disk diffusion method. Results: Out of 200 specimens, 100 (50%) E. coli isolates were identified and confirmed by PCR method. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed the highest resistance against nalidixic acid (100%), enrofloxacin (87%), ciprofloxacin (86%), and erythromycin (82%), respectively. Also, the highest susceptibility was seen for colistin (100%), meropenem (94%), and gentamicin (93%), respectively. Conclusion: In this study, multidrug resistance was observed in avian pathogenic E. coli isolates that represents the heavy usage of these drugs in poultry flocks in Yazd, central Iran. Improper or overuse of antibiotics usage for treatment of the poultry diseases could play an important role in spreading of the antimicrobial resistance genes among pathogenic bacteria from human and animals especially through food chain.

85-89

Authors: Y. Shahbazi, A.A. Chalehchaleh

Background: To obtain update information on the prevalence of common food-borne parasitic diseases, this study designed to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis and liver flukes (Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) in the slaughtered cattle, sheep, and goats in Kermanshah, Iran from 2013 to 2016. Methods: In this four-year retrospective survey, information on the prevalence of hydatidosis and liver flukes were collected as a part of routine meat inspection of Iranian Veterinary Organization using a systematically visual inspection, palpation, and incisions of visceral organs. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 16.0. Results: The hydatidosis infection from liver and lung in cattle were 3.24% (3347/103198) and 4.41% (4553/103198), respectively; while the corresponding infections for small ruminants (both sheep and goats) were 1.48% (5556/372985) and 1.79% (6685/372985), respectively. With respect to liver flukes, 5.99% (6187/103198) and 1.23% (4625/372985) cattle and small ruminants were infected by Fasciola spp., respectively; also, 4.81% (4968/103198) cattle and 2.33% (8722/372985) small ruminants were infected by D. dendriticum. The prevalence rates of parasitic disease in summer were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in winter. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Fasciola spp., D. dendriticum, and E. granulosus still remain the serious human and animal health problems in west part of Iran. More strict regulatory limitations and legislations must be applied to reduce the exposure of Iranian population to the important zoonotic parasitic diseases.

36

Authors: E. Ahmadiara

This article has no abstract.

42-48

Authors: M.H. Moosavy, P. Hassanzadeh, E. Mohammadzadeh, R. Mahmoudi, S.A. Khatibi, K. Mardani

Background: Citrus fruits have some antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical compounds, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Essential Oil (EO) of lemon (Citrus limon) peel in vitro and in a food model. Methods: The analysis of the lemon peel EO was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined using standard protocols. The antioxidant activity of the EO was also evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Antimicrobial properties of the EO were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus using the broth microdilution method. Also, barely soup was chosen as food model. Data were analyzed using SPSS Inc. software version 22.0. Results: The total phenol content was 81.82±8.02 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of the EO. Also, the total amount of flavonoids in the EO of lemon peel was 11.72±1.82 mg/g rutin equivalent. Lemon peel EO showed 55.09% inhibition of DPPH, showing significant difference with control group (p<0.05). The MIC and MBC value of EO against S. aureus was 1.25 and 5%, respectively having significant difference (p<0.05) with control group. A dose-dependent manner was seen in food model revealed significantly lower (p<0.05) bacterial number in EO containing barley soup groups than the control one. Conclusion: The EO of lemon peel showed considerable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties both in vitro and barley soup as food model.

53-57

Authors: M. Azizkhani, F. Tooryan

Background: Milk can provide a good medium for growth and proliferation of various spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and microbial quality of Iranian commercial pasteurized milk samples at their expiration date. Methods: Hundred samples of pasteurized milk packaged in polyethylene pouches were randomly collected from local markets of Amol, North of Iran. Acidity, pH, total viable, coliforms and Escherichia coli counts were carried out at expiration date of the samples according to the standard procedures. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software (version 16.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The mean value of pH, acidity, and sensory score of the samples were obtained as 6.6, 0.15 g lactic acid/100 ml, and 6.4, respectively. Also, the mean value of total viable count, coliforms and E. coli counts of the samples were 4.11, 0.77, and 0.01 log10 colony forming unit/ml, respectively. No significant relationship (p>0.05) was found between various studied parameters and different milk brands. Conclusion: Storage of milk pouches out of refrigerator in supermarkets of Iran must be strictly avoided in order to improve chemical and quality of this product. Also, proper pasteurization process and reduction of post-pasteurization contamination are the other keys to produce high-quality pasteurized milk.

63

Authors: S. Mason

This article has no abstract.

3-8

Authors: N. Shavisi, A. Akhondzadeh Basti, A. Khanjari, A. Misaghi, Y. Shahbazi, A. Hajjar Bargh, E. Vanaki

Background: Innovative bioactive films incorporated with antimicrobial agents have been recently developed for food preservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity of Polylactic Acid (PLA) films incorporated with Ziziphora clinopodioides Essential Oil (ZEO) and Ethanolic Propolis Extract (EPE) against some common food-borne pathogens. Methods: The volatile chemical compounds of ZEO were identified by analytical gas chromatography. Different PLA film groups were prepared using ZEO (1% and 2%) and EPE (1% and 2%), separately and in combination. Disk diffusion method was used in order to evaluate antibacterial activity of experimental groups. The analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0. Results: The PLA films enriched with the ZEO possess better antibacterial activity compared to the films incorporated with EPE (p<0.05). The descending order antibacterial effects were as follows: Staphylococcus aureus>Listera monocytogenes>Bacillus subtilis>B. cereus>Salmonella entritidis serovar Typhimurium>Escherichia coli O157:H7. The combination of ZEO and EPE showed significantly higher antibacterial effects against all bacteria than those of obtained with each single ZEO or EPE (p<0.05). Conclusion: The PLA films incorporated with ZEO and EPE had considerable antibacterial activity, indicating potential of these films for application as active packaging in food industry.

14-19

Authors: M. Ranjbar, M.H. Azizi

Background: Fillet is a popular part of chicken carcass which its high perishability is an economic problem. The present research was designed to study the microbial, chemical, and sensorial properties of chicken fillets coated by gelatin-Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) film containing Essential Oil (EO) of Bene (Pistacia atlantica). Methods: The chicken fillets were coated by gelatin-CMC film containing 0.3, 0.6, and 0.8% concentrations of Bene EO. Different microbial and chemical analyses were carried out at different intervals (days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12). Data were analyzed using SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL software (v. 18.0). Results: Aerobic mesophylic bacteria, psychotropic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and coliform counts in Bene EO treated groups were significantly (p<0.05) lower than control group. Although there was not any difference between Staphylococcus aureus count in control and 0.3% Bene groups (p>0.05), bacterial growth was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in 0.6% and 0.8% Bene EO groups. There were not any meaningful difference (p>0.05) between thiobarbituric acid, total volatile nitrogen, and peroxide values in control and 0.3% Bene EO treated chicken fillet groups; however, these chemical parameters were significantly (p<0.05) lower in 0.6% and 0.8% Bene EO groups than control one. Both control and samples treated by 0.3% Bene EO showed the highest sensory score in all parameters while there was no significant difference between them (p>0.05). Although no changes in color and texture of samples treated by 0.6% and 0.8% Bene EO were seen, but there was a slight decline in odor and taste scores. Conclusion: Chicken fillets coated by gelatin-CMC film containing 0.6% Bene EO showed acceptable antibacterial, antioxidant, and sensorial properties. So, the outcome of the present work can be applied in the meat industries.

24-28

Authors: A. Zabihi, A. Akhondzadeh Basti *, G. Amoabediny, A. Khanjari, J. Tavakkoly Bazzaz, F. Mohammadkhan, A. Hajjar Bargh, E. Vanaki

Background: Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a Gram-negative and facultative anaerobic food-borne bacterial pathogen. The major purpose of this study was to evaluate physicochemical characteristics of nanoliposome garlic Essential Oil (EO) and its antibacterial effect on E. coli O157:H7. Methods: Nanoliposome garlic EO was prepared by ethanol injection method and its physicochemical properties were evaluated. After inoculation of E. coli O157:H7 to experimental groups, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16.0). Results: The average particle sizes of prepared nanoliposomes were 131.73±14.31 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.212±0.013. The percentage of liposome permeability after 5, 10, 30, and 50 days were 0.46%, 2.47%, 5.63%, as well as 7.29%, respectively, revealing significant difference (p<0.05) among various intervals. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration as well as minimum bactericidal concentration values of the nanoliposome encapsulated garlic EO against E. coli O157:H7 were 0.02% and 0.03%, respectively, and for non-encapsulated EO were 0.03% and 0.04%, respectively. Conclusion: Nanoliposome encapsulated garlic EO showed enhancing antimicrobial activity against E. coli O157:H7 in comparison with the non-encapsulated one.

32-34

Authors: S. Boughattas, R. Someeh, V. Ajamein, M. Sadighi, J. Namrodi, M. Moghateli

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular protozoan with a worldwide distribution. We reported here the cerebral toxoplasmosis in an Iranian HIV-positive patient. Case report: A 35-year-old woman that hospitalized at Golestan province, in summer 2016 because of dizziness, fever, and headache. After treatment, she showed severe pain and then paralysis symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small mass in the brain. In the previous analysis, she had shown the presence of HIV antigen using immunocytochemistry. The results of serological tests for toxoplasmosis showed toxoplasma IgG antibodies rate of 1785.6 mg/dl and toxoplasma IgM antibodies rate of 162.4 IU/ml. Conclusion: From public health importance viewpoint, it is a necessity to educate the people about possible transmission risk of T. gondii through contaminated food and drink sources. Unhygienic behaviors such as close contact with stray cats and also consumption of raw or semi-cooked meat must be avoided especially in case of immunosuppressed persons such as HIV-positive patients. On the other hand, detection of HIV/AIDS patients in a community is very important due to following them up with the diagnosis tests for all opportunistic infection especially toxoplasmosis.