Impact of inert and inhibitor baking atmosphere on HMF and acrylamide formation in bread

Advancing Butter Cookie Quality: Low-Oxygen Baking as a Dual Approach for Sensory Enhancement and Acrylamide Mitigation

This study investigated the impact of oxygen concentrations during baking on flavor, sensory perception, and acrylamide content in butter cookies. Cookies were baked at 190 and 210 °C under three oxygen levels (5, 10, and 21%). Key quality parameters, including moisture content, texture, color, flavor volatiles, and acrylamide content, were measured, and sensory evaluation was conducted using 55 judges. Principal component analysis was implemented to elucidate relationships among physicochemical properties, aroma profiles, and safety metrics. Results demonstrated that baking under low oxygen concentrations significantly reduced acrylamide formation, exemplified by a reduction from 95.8 to 58.5 μg/kg at 190 °C and 116.6 to 53.1 μg/kg at 210 °C, respectively. Notably, baking at 190 °C with 5% oxygen was identified as the optimal condition, balancing sensory quality and safety by minimizing the formation of harmful substances. These findings provide a promising strategy for improving the safety and quality of baked goods through controlled oxygen levels during processing.

Effects of Low-Allergen Wheat and Bayberry Leaf on Wheat Bread: A Comparison with Commercial Wheat

Gliadin and glutenin wheat proteins are major food allergens. The allergenicity of various wheat products, such as bread, can be reduced by substituting flour with plant-derived tannins. Here, we investigated a technique for reducing the allergenicity of wheat by utilizing the properties of proanthocyanidins (PAs), which strongly bind to proteins. We compared commercial bread wheat (BW), low-allergen wheat (1BS-18 "Minamino Kaori"; 1BS-18M), and bayberry leaves (BBLs). Allergenicity was investigated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and Western blotting (WB). The immunoreactivity of wheat allergens in both BW and 1BS-18M decreased in a concentration-dependent manner with BBL substitution, and the effect was greatest at 10%. The antioxidative properties also increased with BBL substitution, and the highest antioxidative property was observed at 10%. The specific volumes of both BW and 1BS-18M decreased while the a* value (green to red) increased with increasing BBL substitution. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the texture of breads with 0% (control), 3%, or 5% BBL substitution. However, 10% BBL substitution led to a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the texture of the bread. Therefore, 5% BBL substitution is optimal for achieving low allergenicity and improved antioxidative properties while maintaining quality.

Dietary Acrylamide: A Detailed Review on Formation, Detection, Mitigation, and Its Health Impacts

In today's fast-paced world, people increasingly rely on a variety of processed foods due to their busy lifestyles. The enhanced flavors, vibrant colors, and ease of accessibility at reasonable prices have made ready-to-eat foods the easiest and simplest choice to satiate hunger, especially those that undergo thermal processing. However, these foods often contain an unsaturated amide called 'Acrylamide', known by its chemical name 2-propenamide, which is a contaminant formed when a carbohydrate- or protein-rich food product is thermally processed at more than 120 °C through methods like frying, baking, or roasting. Consuming foods with elevated levels of acrylamide can induce harmful toxicity such as neurotoxicity, hepatoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and prenatal and postnatal toxicity. This review delves into the major pathways and factors influencing acrylamide formation in food, discusses its adverse effects on human health, and explores recent techniques for the detection and mitigation of acrylamide in food. This review could be of interest to a wide audience in the food industry that manufactures processed foods. A multi-faceted strategy is necessary to identify and resolve the factors responsible for the browning of food, ensure safety standards, and preserve essential food quality traits.

Toxicity, metabolism, and mitigation strategies of acrylamide: a comprehensive review

Acrylamide, a food-borne chemical toxicant, has raised global concern in recent decades. It mainly originated from reducing sugar and free amino acid interactions in the carbohydrate-rich foodstuffs heated at high temperatures. Due to the neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity of AA, the mechanism of formation, toxic effects on health, and mitigation strategies, including conventional approaches and innovative technologies, have been of great interest since its discovery in food. Potato products (especially French fries and crisps), coffee, and cereals(bread and biscuit) are renowned contributors to AA's daily intake. The best preventive methods discussed in the literature include time/temperature optimization, blanching, enzymatic treatment, yeast treatment, additives, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, vacuum roasting, air frying, and irradiation, exhibiting a high efficacy in AA elimination in food products.

Effect of Vacuum Roasting on Total Selenium Content of Selenium-Enriched Rapeseed, Maillard Reaction Products, Oxidative Stability and Physicochemical Properties of Selenium-Enriched Rapeseed Oil

Selenium-enriched rapeseed (SER) is an emerging oil seed. Roasting is beneficial in improving oil yield and promoting the release of micronutrients into SER oil, but high temperatures and dry air lead to selenium loss and fatty acid degradation in SER. To minimize the selenium loss and improve the SER oil quality, this study investigated the effects of vacuum (VC) roasting (90-170 °C for 30 min) on the SER selenium content, Maillard reaction products, oxidative stability, and physicochemical properties of SER oil, with conventional dry air (DA) roasting as the control. The results showed that the selenium loss in VC-roasted SER meals increased from 7.17 to 19.76% (90-170 °C for 30 min), which was 47.13 to 80.48% of that in DA-roasted SER meals, while no selenium was detected in the SER oils. Compared to DA roasting, VC roasting (90-170 °C for 30 min) reduced lipid oxidation products (LOPs), Maillard reaction products (MRPs), and benzo[a]pyrene contents, and increased carotenoids, unsaturated fatty acid contents, reaching a maximum oil yield of 35.58% at a lower temperature (130 °C for 30 min). Selenium contents exhibited a highly significant negative correlation with MRPs and LOPs (p ≤ 0.005). The VC roasting retarded selenium loss and improved SER oil quality compared to conventional DA roasting.

Proximate Compositions, Texture, and Sensory Profiles of Gluten-Free Bario Rice Bread Supplemented with Potato Starch

Current gluten-free food development trends tend to favour pigmented rice flour. Bario Merah Sederhana is a type of red-pigmented rice that is indigenous to Sarawak, Malaysia. This research investigates the nutritional, texture, and sensory properties of gluten-free rice bread produced from a composite of BMS rice flour and potato starch, producing samples referred to as F1 (100:0), F2 (90:10), F3 (80:20), and F4 (70:30). The gluten-free rice bread formulations demonstrated higher ash and crude fibre content and lower carbohydrate content than wheat bread. However, the crude protein content of the bread decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with a decreased amount of rice flour, owing to wheat flour containing greater protein. The crumb of rice bread appeared to be darker due to the red pigment of rice flour; in contrast, the crust was lighter than the control sample, possibly due to a lower Maillard reaction. Among rice bread formulations, F4 demonstrated the lowest hardness in dough and bread, as well as the highest stickiness and springiness in dough and bread, respectively. The wheat bread received the highest rating (p < 0.05) in the sensory test; nonetheless, among the rice breads, F4 was considered to be an acceptable formulation owing to its high score in colour (7.03), flavour (5.73), texture (6.03), and overall acceptability (6.18). BMS has potential in gluten-free rice breads; the formulation of 70% rice flour combined with 30% potato starch was indicated to be acceptable.

Refractance window drying in the production of instant baker's yeast and its effect on the quality characteristics of bread

The study aimed to produce instant dried baker's yeast (BY) by conventional or infrared-assisted refractance window drying (RWD or InfraRWD, respectively) and compare their bakery performance with commercial BY. According to the findings of the study, the total yeast count was higher than 9.60 log cfu/g in all dried BY samples, and the lowest viability was obtained in BY dried by InfraRWD at 50°C. In general, BY produced by RWD increased the physical quality parameters of bread such as specific volume, total cell count, and the number of cell areas of bread crumbs. Moreover, bread leavened by BY dried by RWD slowed down the staling rate of bread, while infrared assistance accelerated the staling. Sensorial analysis showed that bread produced by refractance window dried BY was more acceptable than commercial BY. In a conclusion, RWD can be an effective alternative to the production of instant baker's yeast, but the most quality features of BY has negatively affected by infrared assistance. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In the drying of baker's yeast, promising advantages can be obtained by refractance window drying. The higher specific volume and superior bread crumb with a retarded staling rate were determined when bread was produced by the refractance window. This is the first time that RWD and InfraRWD have been used for the production of instant baker's yeast and it has several practical applications for bread quality.

Analysis of Water Distribution and Muscle Quality of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Chunks Based on Electron-Beam Irradiation

Electron-beam irradiation (EBI) is an efficient, safe, and nonthermal sterilization technique that is extensively used in food preservation research. Here we report the effects of different EBI doses (0, 4, 8 kGy) and preservation temperatures (room temperature [RT], 4 °C) on the muscle water distribution and muscle quality indices of silver carp chunks (SCCs). The highest entrapped water content was found in the 4-kGy-irradiated/4-°C-stored samples. The expressible moisture content (EMC) of the SCCs increased with increasing irradiation dose and was significantly lower in the RT group than in the 4 °C group. The irradiation dose and preservation temperature had no significant effect on the moisture content, whiteness value and protein content of SCCs (p > 0.05). When the irradiation dose reached 8 kGy, AV value, POV value and TVB value were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The myofibrillar protein content and actomyosin content of the SCCs in the 4 °C group was higher than that of the specimens in the RT group by 0.29−0.98 mg/mL (p < 0.05) and 36.21−296.58 μg/mL (p < 0.05), respectively. Overall, EBI treatment (4 kGy) and low-temperature preservation (4 °C) helped retain the muscle water content of the SCCs and preserve their quality, thereby endorsing the EBI treatment of silver carp products.

Chemical Contamination in Bread from Food Processing and Its Environmental Origin

Acrylamide (AA), furan and furan derivatives, polycyclic aromatic amines (PAHs), monochloropropanediols (MCPDs), glycidol, and their esters are carcinogens that are being formed in starchy and high-protein foodstuffs, including bread, through baking, roasting, steaming, and frying due to the Maillard reaction. The Maillard reaction mechanism has also been described as the source of food processing contaminants. The above-mentioned carcinogens, especially AA and furan compounds, are crucial substances responsible for the aroma of bread. The other groups of bread contaminants are mycotoxins (MTs), toxic metals (TMs), and pesticides. All these contaminants can be differentiated depending on many factors such as source, the concentration of toxicant in the different wheat types, formation mechanism, metabolism in the human body, and hazardous exposure effects to humans. The following paper characterizes the most often occurring contaminants in the bread from each group. The human exposure to bread contaminants and their safe ranges, along with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification (if available), also have been analyzed.

The role of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in food and recent advances in analytical methods

The thermal processing, storage, and transportation of foodstuffs (e.g., fruit juices, coffee, honey, and vinegar) generate 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The food industry uses this compound as a quality marker, thus increasing the demand for fast and reliable analytical methods for its determination. This review focuses on the formation of HMF in food, its desirable and toxic effects, and recent advances in analytical methods for its determination in foodstuffs. The advantages and limitations of these analytical approaches are discussed relative to the main analytical features.

Effect of Chitosan Incorporation on the Development of Acrylamide during Maillard Reaction in Fructose-Asparagine Model Solution and the Functional Characteristics of the Resultants

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of 0.5% chitosan incorporation on acrylamide development in a food model solution containing 0.5% fructose and asparagine after heating for 30 min at 180 °C. All the solutions were investigated for the following characteristics: acrylamide, asparagine, reducing sugar content, color, kinematic viscosity, Maillard reaction products (MRPs), and pH every 10 min. After heating for 10 min, the viscosity of chitosan-containing solutions reduced significantly. The investigational data confirmed that chitosan may have decomposed into lower molecular structures, as demonstrated by the reduced viscosity of the solution at pH < 6 and a decrease in the acrylamide content during 30 min of heating in a fructose−asparagine system. This study also confirms that the formation of ultraviolet-absorbing intermediates and browning intensity of MRPs containing acrylamide prepared by fructose−asparagine was more than those of MRPs prepared by glucose−asparagine solution system. MRPs containing acrylamide resulted from the reaction of asparagine with fructose (ketose) rather than glucose (aldose). Acrylamide formation could be significantly mitigated in the fructose−asparagine−chitosan model system as compared to the fructose−asparagine model system for possible beverage and food application.

Biscuit Contaminants, Their Sources and Mitigation Strategies: A Review

The scientific literature is rich in investigations on the presence of various contaminants in biscuits, and of articles aimed at proposing innovative solutions for their control and prevention. However, the relevant information remains fragmented. Therefore, the objective of this work was to review the current state of the scientific literature on the possible contaminants of biscuits, considering physical, chemical, and biological hazards, and making a critical analysis of the solutions to reduce such contaminations. The raw materials are primary contributors of a wide series of contaminants. The successive processing steps and machinery must be monitored as well, because if they cannot improve the initial safety condition, they could worsen it. The most effective mitigation strategies involve product reformulation, and the use of alternative baking technologies to minimize the thermal load. Low oxygen permeable packaging materials (avoiding direct contact with recycled ones), and reformulation are effective for limiting the increase of contaminations during biscuit storage. Continuous monitoring of raw materials, intermediates, finished products, and processing conditions are therefore essential not only to meet current regulatory restrictions but also to achieve the aim of banning dietary contaminants and coping with related diseases.

Dough Rheological Properties, Microstructure and Bread Quality of Wheat-Germinated Bean Composite Flour

Germinated bean flour (GBF) was obtained and incorporated in different levels (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) into dough and bread made from refined wheat flour. The incorporation of GBF into wheat flour led to a decrease of the water absorption value, dough consistency, baking strength, extensibility and improved tolerance for mixing, total gas production and α-amylase activity. Tan δ increased in a frequency-dependent manner for the samples with a GBF addition, whereas the G’ and G” decreased with the increased value of the temperature. According to the microscopic structures of the dough samples, a decrease of the starch area may be clearly seen for the samples with high levels of GBF addition in wheat flour. The bread evaluation showed that the specific volume, porosity and elasticity increased, whereas the firmness, gumminess and chewiness decreased up to a level of 15% GBF addition in wheat flour. The color parameters L*, a* and b* of the bread samples indicated a darkening effect of GBF on the crumb and crust. From the sensory point of view, the bread up to a 15% GBF addition was well-appreciated by the panelists. According to the data obtained, GBF could be recommended for use as an improver, especially up to a level of 15% addition in the bread-making industry.

Acrylamide in Bakery Products: A Review on Health Risks, Legal Regulations and Strategies to Reduce Its Formation

Acrylamide is a contaminant as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 and as such, it is considered a chemical hazard in the food chain. The toxicity of acrylamide has been acknowledged since 2002, among its toxicological effects on humans being neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity. Acrylamide has been classified as carcinogenic in the 2A group, with human exposure leading to progressive degeneration of the peripheral and central nervous systems characterized by cognitive and motor abnormalities. Bakery products (bread, crispbread, cakes, batter, breakfast cereals, biscuits, pies, etc.) are some of the major sources of dietary acrylamide. The review focuses on the levels of acrylamide in foods products, in particular bakery ones, and the risk that resulting dietary intake of acrylamide has on human health. The evolving legislative situation regarding the acrylamide content from foodstuffs, especially bakery ones, in the European Union is discussed underlining different measures that food producers must take in order to comply with the current regulations regarding the acrylamide levels in their products. Different approaches to reduce the acrylamide level in bakery products such as the use of asparginase, calcium salts, antioxidants, acids and their salts, etc., are described in detail.