Development of matrix certified reference material for accurate determination of docosahexaenoic acid in milk powder

Variations in the Sensory Attributes of Infant Formula among Batches and Their Impact on Maternal Consumer Preferences: A Study Combining Consumer Preferences, Pivot Profile, and Quantitative Descriptive Analysis

The sensory quality of infant formula (IF) has a significant impact on the preferences and purchasing behavior of maternal consumers. Consumer-based rapid descriptive methods have become popular and are widely preferred over classical methods, but the application of Pivot Profile (PP) in IF is still little explored. In this study, both Pivot Profile (PP) and Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) were applied to characterize the sensory profile of 12 batches of one-stage and three-stage IF with different storage periods, respectively, along with consumer preference data to determine the flavors contributing to liking. The results of PP and QDA aligned moderately well, with the most perceptible differences identified as "fishy", "milky", and "T-sweet" attributes. IFs with shorter storage times were highly associated with "milky" aromas and "T-sweet" tastes, whereas IFs with longer storage times exhibited a strong correlation with "fishy" and "oxidation" aromas. External preference analysis highlighted that the occurrence of "fishy" and "oxidation" aromas during prolonged storage periods significantly reduced the consumer preference for IFs. Conversely, the perception of "milky" and "creamy" aromas and "T-sweet" tastes may be critical positive factors influencing consumer preference. This study provided valuable insights and guidance for enhancing the sensory quality and consumer preference of IF.

Improving and controlling the drug loading capacity of seven quinolones in minced fish matrix based on microfluidics

Traditional spiking methods for preparing matrix reference material of aquatic products is difficult to control the drug content in the matrix, especially one matrix containing multiple drugs. Minced fish is commonly used for the preparation of matrix reference materials in aquatic products, which is a relatively complex matrix with stickiness and difficult handling. Drug loading capacity is a key factor affecting the effectiveness of matrix reference materials. Here, we proposed a new spiking approach to improve the drug loading capacity of seven quinolones based on microfluidics, simultaneously. Fresh grass carp tissue underwent grinding, fine filtration, centrifugation and reconstituted in distilled water to form a liquid sample, which was subsequently mixed with a sodium alginate solution (1 %) at a ratio of 1:1.2. The mixed solution was supplemented with seven quinolones of equal concentration, followed by the preparation of uniform fish gel microspheres using microfluidic technology. The results indicated that the recoveries of seven quinolones ranged from 82.54 % to 114.17 %, demonstrating a significant improvement in the drug loading capacity of these quinolones compared to traditional methods. Moreover, the drug concentration in the matrix can be precisely controlled. A strong linear relationship was observed between the concentration of seven quinolones in the matrix and its initial concentration, which could serve as a reference for the development of other matrix reference materials.

Development of a Purity Certified Reference Material for Vinyl Acetate

Vinyl acetate is a restricted substance in food products. The quantification of the organic impurities in vinyl acetate is a major problem due to its activity, instability, and volatility. In this paper, while using the mass balance method to determine the purity of vinyl acetate, an improved method was established for the determination of the content of three impurities in vinyl acetate reference material, and the GC-FID peak area normalization for vinyl acetate was calibrated. The three trace organic impurities were identified by gas chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry to be methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and vinyl propionate. The content and relative correction factors for the three organic impurities were measured. The purity of vinyl acetate determined by the mass balance method was 99.90% with an expanded uncertainty of 0.30%, and the total content of organic impurities was 0.08% with a relative correction factor of 1.23%. The vinyl acetate reference material has been approved as a national certified reference material in China as GBW (E) 062710.

Assessing Sensory Attributes and Properties of Infant Formula Milk Powder Driving Consumers' Preference

Infant formula milk powder (IFMP) is an excellent substitute for breast milk. It is known that the composition of maternal food during pregnancy and lactation and exposure level to food during infancy highly influence taste development in early infancy. However, little is known about the sensory aspects of infant formula. Herein, the sensory characteristics of 14 brands of infant formula segment 1 marketed in China were evaluated, and differences in preferences for IFMPs were determined. Descriptive sensory analysis was performed by well-trained panelists to determine the sensory characteristics of evaluated IFMPs. The brands S1 and S3 had significantly lower astringency and fishy flavor compared to the other brands. Moreover, it was found that S6, S7 and S12 had lower milk flavor scores but higher butter scores. Furthermore, internal preference mapping revealed that the attributes fatty flavor, aftertaste, saltiness, astringency, fishy flavor and sourness negatively contributed to consumer preference in all three clusters. Considering that the majority of consumers prefer milk powders rich in aroma, sweet and steamed flavors, these attributes could be considered for enhancement by the food industry.