Do Organochlorine Contaminants Modulate the Parasitic Infection Degree in Mediterranean Trout (Salmo trutta)?

We investigated the occurrence of organochlorine pollutants (OCs) in the muscle of brown trout and evaluated their potential modulation of parasite infection. The toxicological risk for consumer health was assessed, too. Trout were collected from the Sila National Park (Calabria region, South of Italy). The highest concentrations emerged for the sum of the 6 non-dioxin-like (ndl) indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (Σ6ndl-PCBs), followed by the 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-di(4-chlorophenyl)-ethane (DDT), dioxin-like PCBs, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and dieldrin. Measured on lipid weight (LW), the mean value of Σ6ndl-PCBs amounted to 201.9 ng g-1, that of ΣDDTs (the sum of DDT-related compounds) to 100.2 ng g-1, with the major contribution of the DDT-metabolite p,p'-DDE which was detected in all sample units (97.6 ng g-1 on average). Among dioxin-like congeners, PCB 118 showed the highest mean concentration (21.96 ng g-1 LW) and was detected in all sample units. Regression analysis of intestinal parasites on OC concentration was performed, controlling for two potential confounding factors, namely sex and sexual stage. The results evidenced the existence of interactions between the dual stressors in the host-parasite system in the wild. A negative and statistically significant correlation was estimated, suggesting that OCs may decrease parasite infection degree. Regarding the toxicological risk evaluation, OC concentrations were consistently below the current European Maximum Residue Limits.

Fish welfare during slaughter: the European Council Regulation 1099/09 application

The Treaty of Lisbon states that animals are sentient beings. Fish species show physiological differences from terrestrial animals and are slaughtered and killed in a very different context. Many existing commercial killing methods expose fish to extensive suffering over a prolonged period of time, and some of the slaughtering practices they experience can cause pain and distress. This study highlights the limited feasibility of European Council Regulation 1099/09 requirements on welfare when killing cephalopods and crustaceans. Sentience is the animal's capacity to have positive (comfort, excitement) and negative (pain, anxiety, distress, or harm) feelings. Considerable evidence is now showing that the major commercial fish species, including cephalopods and crustaceans, possess complex neurological substrates supporting pain sensitivity and conscious experiences. In the legislation applied to scientific procedures, the concept of sentience in these species is important. Therefore, it would be appropriate to acknowledge current scientific evidence and establish reference criteria for fish welfare. For the welfare of fish species during slaughter, European Council Regulation 1099/09 applicability is limited. Fish welfare during slaughter is more than just an ethical problem. According to the One-Health approach, food safety should also include the concept of sentience for fish welfare. Pending studies that dispel all doubt, the precautionary principle of European Council Regulation 178/04 remains valid and should be applied to fish welfare.

Research and characterization of fibrous microplastics and natural microfibers in pelagic and benthic fish species of commercial interest

The ingestion of synthetic microfibers, the most prevalent type of microplastics in marine environments, and natural fibers was assessed in Engraulis engrasicolus and Mullus barbatus, two commercially important fish species in the Mediterranean Sea. Microfibers were isolated from the fish gastrointestinal tract using a 10% potassium hydroxide solution. For the microfiber characterization, the evaluation of specific morphological features using a light microscope, coupled with the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of a subsample of isolated particles, was applied. The preliminary results showed the occurrence of microfibers in 53 and 60% of European anchovy and Red mullet, respectively. A mean of 6.9 microfibers/individual was detected in anchovies, while on average Red mullet samples contained 9.2 microfibers/individual. The most common colors of fibers in both species were black, blue, and transparent. Visual characterization of fibers allowed the classification of 40% of the items as synthetic microfibers. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the visual classification by fiber morphology. Microfibers were made of different typologies of polymers, represented by cellulose, cotton, and polyester. These findings confirm as the wide distribution of fibrous microplastics, and natural microfibers may impact both pelagic and deep-sea trophic webs. Despite the presence of microfibers in fish species poses a potential risk to human health, the literature is scarce regarding studies on the uptake by commercial marine fish mostly due to methodological issues. The visual characterization, corroborated by spectroscopic techniques, may be useful to differentiate synthetic and natural fibers, representing a fast and easy method to assess fibrous microplastic pollution in commercially important fish species.

Focus on Histamine Production During Cheese Manufacture and Processing: A Review

Histamine (HIS) intoxication is a poisoning caused by histamine in food. Cheese is one of the most common dairy products associated with histamine levels which vary depending on the processing methods. The final content of histamine in cheese is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, their interactions, and contamination stemming from food processing. The application of control measures may be useful to inhibit/reduce production during cheese manufacture and processing but have a limited effect. To reduce histamine intoxication outbreaks from cheese consumption the introduction of quality control programs and appropriate risk mitigation options should be applied along the dairy chain from an overall perspective of food safety based on individual susceptibility and consumer sensitivity. As key food safety, this topic should be considered in future regulations in dairy products because the lack of a clear law on HIS limits in cheese may result in a significant potential deviation from the EU food safety strategy.

Subchronic Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastic Differently Affects Redox Balance in the Anterior and Posterior Intestine of Sparus aurata

Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants widely distributed in aquatic ecosystems. MPs are introduced mainly by ingestion acting locally or in organs far from the gastroenteric tract. MPs-induced health consequences for fish species still need to be fully understood. We aimed to investigate the effects of the subchronic oral exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) (1-20 μm) in the gilthead seabreams (Sparus aurata) used as the experimental model. We studied the detrimental impact of PS-MPs (25 and 250 mg/kg b.w./day) on the redox balance and antioxidant status in the intestine using histological analysis and molecular techniques. The research goal was to examine the anterior (AI) and posterior intestine (PI) tracts, characterized by morphological and functional differences. PS-MPs caused an increase of reactive oxygen species and nitrosylated proteins in both tracts, as well as augmented malondialdehyde production in the PI. PS-MPs also differently affected gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase). Moreover, an increased up-regulation of protective heat shock proteins (HSPs) (i.e., hsp70 and hsp90) was observed in PI. Our findings demonstrate that PS-MPs are responsible for oxidative/nitrosative stress and alterations of detoxifying defense system responses with differences in AI and PI of gilthead seabreams.

Development of a high-performance liquid chromatography method to assess bisphenol F levels in milk

Bisphenol F (BPF) is a bisphenol A (BPA) analogue. As an endocrine disruptor, BPF shows a similar BPA hormonal activity and greater endocrine effects. To assess BPF levels in milk a selective method based on solvent extraction with acetonitrile, solid-phase extraction (SPE), high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD) system, was developed. The method showed high recovery values (from 97.60 to 107.16%), and good detection and quantification limits (LOD=0.03 μg/L; LOQ=0.1 μg/L). To validate the analytical method, quantitative analyses of n.20 milk samples of whole milk were preliminarily carried out applying a monitoring system based on the control of different stages of pasteurized whole milk processing at a dairy company. The proposed method is simple, sensitive, and might be suitable to detect BPF residues in milk processing. At the dairy company, the occurrence of BPF levels ranging from Collapse

Key Words

• Bisphenol F
• High-performance liquid chromatography method
• Milk

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MESH Headings Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

Serena Santonicola Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso
Maria Carmela Ferrante Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples, Italy
Giampaolo Colavita Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso
Raffaelina Mercogliano Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples, Italy

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Occurrence of potential plastic microfibers in mussels and anchovies sold for human consumption: Preliminary results

There is a global concern over the impact of microplastics on marine species and trophic webs. Microfibers commonly represent the greater portion of microplastics in the aquatic environment, but little is known about fiber uptake and accumulation by marine biota. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential plastic microfiber contamination in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) from the Tyrrhenian Sea sold for human consumption. Anthropogenic debris was extracted from the digestive tracts of fish and the whole shellfish using a 10% KOH solution and quantified under a light microscope. The preliminary results showed the occurrence of potential plastic and natural microfibers in 73% of the samples. On average mussels contained 1.33 microfibers/g w.w. and 7.66 items/individual, while anchovies contained 9.06 microfibers/individual. Considering that mussels are consumed as a whole, and small pelagic fish, as anchovy, may be eaten without removing the gastrointestinal tract, microfiber contamination may lead to human exposure. More research is required to adequately assess the risk that microplastics, including microfibers, may pose for food safety and human health.

Pathologic characterization of white striping myopathy in broiler chickens

White striping (WS) is an emerging myopathy of broiler chickens characterized by white striation of muscle. Despite the recent advances, the pathomechanism underlying the WS remains elusive. The aim of this study was to characterize morphological and molecular features of WS in broiler chickens. 50 pectoralis muscles were collected from 55 days old ROSS 308 broiler chickens with a mean weight of 3.5 kg. Samples were snap frozen and analyzed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Real-time-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of different cytokines. Histological lesions were observed in all examined animals, both with and without macroscopic evidence of WS. WS muscles showed endomysial and perivascular inflammatory infiltrates of macrophages and cluster of differentiation (CD)8-positive T lymphocytes with severe myofiber atrophy, necrosis, fibrosis and replacement by adipose tissue. There was diffuse sarcoplasmic and sarcolemmal overexpression of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I). The severity of the histologic lesions was positively correlated with the macroscopic degree of white striations. IL-6, IL-17 and lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF) were overexpressed in severe lesions of WS. The presence of the CD8/MHC I complexes, together with the higher expression of IL-6, IL-17 and LITAF in severe degree of WS, suggest that the immune response may be involved in the progression of this myopathy and can be consistent with a hypoxia-induced inflammatory myopathy. These results help to understand the pathomechanism of WS contributing to the reduction of economic losses and improving poultry welfare.

Extraction and identification of microplastics from mussels: Method development and preliminary results

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging threat to marine ecosystems. One of the primary environmental risks is their bioavailability for aquatic organisms. Some fish and bivalves are of particular interest because their feeding strategies expose them to particles present in the water column. The aim of the study was to assess an extraction method in order to isolate and quantify MPs from fish gastrointestinal tract (n.8) and muscle (n.4), and bivalves (n.8) samples. The accuracy of the method was assessed through the calculation of the recovery percentage in samples spiked with a known number of MPs using microscopic observation. Successively, the extraction was preliminarily applied on n.20 mussels collected from mariculture plants of the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic Sea. The results of the digestion protocol showed an average extraction yield of 80% in fish gastrointestinal tracts, 90% in fish muscle samples, and 95% in mussels. Preliminary analysis carried out on farmed mussels showed an average abundance of 3.8 items/individual, and 0.5 items/g of tissue, among those black, was the most represented color.

Occurrence of bisphenol A in the milk chain: A monitoring model for risk assessment at a dairy company

Bisphenol A (BPA) as a chemical hazard may enter the milk chain during primary production at the farm and, successively, during milk processing at a dairy company. To identify the potential pathways that play a role in the occurrence of BPA, a monitoring model for risk assessment based on the identification of the hazards at each stage of milk processing was investigated. Milk samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Quantifiable levels were detected in samples obtained from the raw milk storage tank, pasteurized milk from the storage tank, and packaged milk. The highest BPA contamination levels were detected in raw milk from the storage tank (mean 0.265 µg/L). Despite the fact that dietary exposure levels were below the temporary daily intake, BPA may have adverse effects, particularly for vulnerable population groups. New monitoring programs involving each stage of milk processing should therefore be applied.

Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in donkey milk: Correlation with the infection level by intestinal strongyles

AIM

The study aimed at evaluating the concentration levels of organochlorine pollutants in donkey milk and their modulation on the intestinal strongyle infection. Risk evaluation for consumer health was also investigated.

METHODS

We analyzed milk of grazing donkeys living in areas of Southern of Italy affected by organochlorine compounds environmental pollution and parasite infection. The presence of pollutants was assessed through summary statistics; regression analysis of intestinal strongyle on pollutant concentration was performed to investigate the relationship between the two variables.

RESULTS

PCB concentrations (mainly non-dioxin-like (ndl)-PCBs) were higher than OCP ones. Mean values of ndl-PCBs across areas ranged from 93.13 to 263.64 ng g^-1. In all sample units we detected the six indicator PCBs with the prevalence of the PCB 153, followed by the PCB 28 and the PCB 101. Among the dioxin-like (dl)-PCBs, non-ortho PCB 169, 77 and 126 were assessed in some milk samples; in all areas we detected the mono-ortho PCB 118 and PCB 105. Positive correlation between infection level and six indicator PCBs as well as between the former and HCB, on WW and LW, were observed (at least statistically significant at 5 percent). In some cases, Dl-PCB concentrations emerged as dangerous given the EU maximum residue limit for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supports the hypothesis of an immunosuppressive role of organochlorine pollutants; risk evaluation reveals the potential health impact of dl-PCB intake, particularly for major donkey milk consumers such as infants, children with cow milk and multiple food intolerance, and elders.

Occurrence of Microplastics in Commercial Seafood under the Perspective of the Human Food Chain. A Review

The occurrence of microplastics in the marine ecosystem and aquatic organisms, their trophic transfer along the food web, and the identification of seafood species as suitable indicators have become a research priority. Despite the high quantity of research in this field, a comparison between the available data and an appropriate risk assessment remains difficult. In this perspective, as an innovative approach, the association of the feeding strategies of commercial seafood and the microplastic level was considered. Further research to assess the occurrence of microplastics in the marine food web, the long-term effects on animals and humans, and the health implications is needed.

Hot topic: Bisphenol A in cow milk and dietary exposure at the farm level

Chemical hazards may enter the milk chain during primary production. The study, for the first time, investigated the occurrence of bisphenol A (BPA) levels in cow milk samples collected on the farm following manual or mechanical milking and from the cooling tank. We applied a new monitoring model based on the identification of the hazards at each stage of the milk chain to identify potential pathways for contamination along the milk chain. We evaluated exposure to BPA through milk consumption based on detected contamination levels and the temporary tolerable daily intake established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Milk samples (n = 72) were analyzed using liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The mean BPA concentrations were 0.757 µg/L in manually milked samples, 0.580 µg/L in mechanically milked samples, and 0.797 µg/L in milk from the cooling tank. Bisphenol A occurred in the milk chain as a result of different stages of milking, and reached the highest levels at the end of the milk chain. Although the dietary intake of BPA was below the EFSA's temporary tolerable daily intake, exposure to BPA, even at low doses, through milk consumption represents a public health concern. Therefore, to ensure milk safety, new monitoring plans should be applied based on the identification of hazards at each stage of the milk chain.

Study on endocrine disruptors levels in raw milk from cow's farms: Risk assessment

Diet represents the primary route for human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA). As endocrine disruptor (ED), BPA has raised concerns about its adverse effects on human health. Therefore, EFSA recommended a tolerable daily intake (t-TDI) of 4 μg/kg bw/day and the EU Regulation n. 2018/213 fixed a specific migration limit (SML) of 0.05 mg/kg for BPA in food from plastic materials intended to come in contact with food. BPA could be present in milk due to environmental contamination, and also as a result of the migration from contact materials used during milking and storage. Considering the widespread consumption of milk and milk products, the contamination of dairy products is a matter of public health concern. The aim of the study was to investigate the BPA contamination levels of raw cow's milk from two farms located in Campania region, Italy. The milk samples (n=22), weekly collected from the cooling tank, were analyzed using liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. In raw milk from both farms, preliminary results showed the occurrence of BPA levels lower than the SML limit, ranging from not detected to 2.34 μg/L. The consumer exposure, calculated considering a hypothetical raw milk consumption and three possible scenarios, was below the t-TDI. Despite the low levels of exposure through milk consumption, low doses can have lasting effects during human development. Thus, new approaches, methods, and plans should be applied to monitor ED contamination, such as BPA and other pollutants, and to assure milk safety.

Food contamination by PCBs and waste disposal crisis: Evidence from goat milk in Campania (Italy)

AIM

The study aims at investigating whether, and if so, to what extent the strong presence of urban and industrial waste in a territory may cause PCB contamination in goat milk produced therein.

METHODS

We compared PCB concentrations in goat milk from three different locations in the Campania region (Italy). One of the three locations, together with its surrounding area, has long suffered from illegal waste disposal and burning mainly by the so-called Ecomafia. The other locations, not involved in these illegal activities, allowed us to create a control group of goats with characteristics very similar to those of main interest.

RESULTS

In milk from the waste contaminated area we identified high PCB concentrations (six indicator PCBs amounted to 170 ng g^-1 on lipid weight, on average), whereas there was an almost total absence of such pollutants in milk from the control group. Concentrations of the six indicator PCBs were above the current European maximum residue limit fixed by the EU. At the same time, we found a lower average value of lipid content and a negative relationship between lipid content and PCB concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Evidence indicates the potential health risk for consumers living in areas involved in illegal dumping of waste.

Comparative study on the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in breast milk and infant formula and risk assessment

The study compared the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) profile of human milk collected from Italian mothers and different brands of infant formula available on Italian market. Levels of 14 PAHs most frequently occurred in food, PAH markers listed by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, and carcinogenic PAHs classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. The average concentrations of total PAHs were 114.93 in breast milk and 53.68 μg kg^-1 in infant formula. Furthermore, Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and the sum of ∑PAH4 markers (BaP, Chrysene, Benzo(a,h)anthracene and Benzo(b)fluoranthene) were higher than the permissible limit of 1 μg kg^-1 in 43% and 86% for breast milk and in 10% and 76% for infant formula samples, respectively. Breast milk showed higher levels (P < 0.05) of carcinogenic, and possible carcinogenic hydrocarbons than infant formula samples. Both in human and commercial milk, data showed the occurrence of low and high molecular weight PAHs, respectively from petrogenic and pyrolytic environmental sources, characterizing the infant and mother exposure. Particularly, waste incineration could have represented an important exposure source for infants during breastfeeding, through exposition of mothers resident in some areas of Southern Italy. High PAH levels detected in infant formula enriched with LC-PUFA might be related to the contamination of the vegetable oils added as ingredients. Results showed a high percentage of samples of both breast milk and infant formulas with margin of exposure (MOE) value indicating a potential concern for consumer health.

Screening of Oxalate Degrading Lactic Acid Bacteria of Food Origin

A screening for oxalate degrading abilities was initially carried on within Lactic Acid Bacteria cultures of different food origin. Seventy-nine strains were drop-inoculated onto MRS agar plates containing calcium oxalate. By comparing colonies diameters, 31 strains were used to inoculate, in parallel, MRS and MRS modified by sodium oxalate addition. Differences in the strains’ growth were assessed by colony forming unit counts. For two strains, the growth in oxalate enriched medium was significantly higher; while, for eleven strains an opposite behaviour was recorded. Two strains – probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus LbGG and Enterococcus faecalis 59 – were chosen. The first strain appeared to be able to metabolize oxalate more efficiently than the other tested cultures, while strain 59 appeared unable to gather advantage by oxalates and, indeed, appeared to be inhibited by the salt presence in the medium. Outcomes revealed that higher glucose concentrations may favour oxalates utilization. In MRS with oxalate, but without glucose, citrate was completely metabolized. Evaluation along time confirmed that the oxalate degradation is more significant in presence of glucose. Outcomes may represent a good start for the development of a safe and even probiotic culture able to lower the oxalates content of food.

Preliminary Study on Physicochemical and Biochemical Stress Markers at Poultry Slaughterhouse

Pre-slaughter stress can result in variations in the glycogen storage and metabolic changes of muscle, responsible for quality poultry meat. Aim of this study was to investigate, as pre-slaughter stress markers and quality meat, physicochemical (pH), biochemical (muscle glycogen content), and chemical (super oxides free radicals) parameters. The carcass quality, as incidence of individual carcass defects, was also evaluated. Twenty broilers were processed with two different electrical stunning: high (250 Hz; 640 mA; 60V) (Lot C or control) and low (150 Hz; 360 mA; 60 V) (Lot A) frequency and intensity, using sinusoidal alternating current. As preliminary results, the use of low frequency and intensity induced faster pH decline post mortem and adequate acidification of pH at 3 hours (6.49 Lot C; 6.37 Lot A), better muscle glycogen reserve (0.770 μL/50 mL Lot C; 1.497 μL/50mL Lot A), and lightly more rapid muscle oxidation (IDF: 0.109 Lot C; 0.122 Lot A), (FOX: 0.131 MeqO₂/kg Lot C; 0.140 MeqO₂/kg Lot A). The incidence of individual carcass defects sufficient to cause downgrading or rejection, both in Lot C and Lot A, was generally low. In a multidisciplinary approach, to assess animal welfare and quality poultry meat, additional and feasible parameters should be implemented. Monitoring of pH, muscle glycogen reserve and superoxide free radical production measurements might be markers easier to use, routinely, in practice at abattoir. Further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of these parameters.

Evaluation of virulence genes in Yersinia enterocolitica strains using SYBR Green real-time PCR

Yersinia enterocolitica comprises six biotypes 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The virulence of the strains belonging to biotypes 1B and 2-5 depends on the presence of both chromosomal and plasmid-borne genes. Strains belonging to biotype 1A do not carry the virulence plasmid pYV. However, they carry other virulence genes, such as ystB and hreP. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of yadA, virF, inv, ystA, ystB, myfA, hreP and ymoA virulence genes in Y. enterocolitica strains in order to select the target genes that could be used for the development of a probe-specific real-time PCR to determine the presence of Y. enterocolitica in food samples. A total of 161 Y. enterocolitica strains isolated in eight countries and grouped into biotypes 1A, 2 (serotypes O3, O5 and O9), 3 (serotypes O3 and O9) and 4 (serotype O3) were examined for virulence genes. The most common virulence-associated gene in pathogenic Y. enterocolitica proved to be ystA, which can therefore be considered the best target gene to be amplified in order to evaluate the presence of pathogenic biotypes. By contrast, to identify Y. enterocolitica 1A strains, ystB, which codes for the enterotoxin YstB, can be proposed. This has been found in all non-pathogenic biotypes studied, but never in pathogenic biotypes.

Study on the effects of electrical stunning parameters for broilers on biochemical and histological markers of stress and meat quality

This study was designed to investigate physicochemical (pH, peroxides) and histological parameters (glycogen reserve, muscle damages), as pre-slaughter stress markers and quality meat evaluators. Ross commercial broilers was processed, either without stunning (NS Lot), or by combining two current levels of 200 mA, 67 V (HV Lot), and 200 mA, 53 V (MV Lot); with two frequencies of 1000 Hz and 800 Hz, using sinusoidal alternating current. The use of high frequency (800 and 1000 Hz) induced the fastest pH decline, already at 3 h postmortem, in Pectoralis major and Quadriceps femoris of MV and HV Lot carcasses (P < 0.05). Moreover HV carcasses showed a lesser production of superoxide free radicals than the NS Lot and MV Lot carcasses (P < 0.05). Changes in the glycogen reserve and the histological muscle damages did not show significant differences in the analysed Lots. The incidence of individual carcass defects, sufficient to cause downgrading or rejection was generally low in each Lot. To assess animal welfare and quality poultry meat the pH monitoring and measurement of superoxide radical production, as additional and feasible parameters, might be markers easier to use in practice at abattoir.

Occurrence and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mussels from the gulf of Naples, Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy

To assess the potential impact of the industrial activity on food safety and risk for consumers, the aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in 69 samples of wild and farm Mytilus galloprovincialis, collected in sites of coast of Gulf of Naples, Tyrrhenian Sea. All hydrocarbons were found in samples. Higher levels of pyrolytic PAHs were in wild than in farm mussels. Benzo(a)pyrene exceeded the Regulation (EC) n.835/11 levels of 1 μg/kg in 15 samples (71.42%) of wild and 25 samples (65.79%) of farm mussels. System of sum of 4 hydrocarbons exceeded the law level in 15 samples (71.42%) of wild and 21 samples (55.26%) of farm mussels. Wild mussel levels showed a potential impact of pyrolytic sources of PAH on food safety. Occurrence of carcinogenic PAHs should be a cause for concern, in areas where the mussels are being farmed for human consumption.

Effect of electrical water bath stunning on physical reflexes of broilers: evaluation of stunning efficacy under field conditions

The effects of different amounts and frequencies of stunning sine wave alternating current were investigated under field conditions. Seven hundred and fifty broilers were stunned in an electrical water bath with an average root mean square (RMS) current of 150, 200, and 250 mA and frequencies of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,200 Hz. The occurrence of corneal reflex, spontaneous eye blinking, and a positive response to a painful stimulus were monitored and recorded immediately after the stunning and at 20 s post-stun. Statistical analysis showed that the electrical stunning frequency (P=0.0004), the stunning RMS current (P<0.0001) and the interaction between stunning frequency and stunning current (P<0.0001) had a significant effect on the occurrence of animals experiencing an abolition of corneal reflex at 20 s post-stun.At a current of 150 mA, the probability of a successful stun was over 90% at 200 Hz, approximately 40% at 400 Hz, and below 5% for frequencies greater than 600 Hz. So, stunning at frequencies greater than 600 Hz cannot be recommended when a RMS current of 150 mA is applied. The maximum probability of a successful stun was obtained for a current level of 200 mA at 400 Hz and for a current level of 250 mA at 400 and 600 Hz, whereas the stunning treatments at 1,200 Hz provided the lowest probability of a successful stun. Assessment of spontaneous eye blinking and responses to comb pinching confirmed the indications coming from the analysis of corneal reflex.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Residues in Gentile Di Maiale, a Smoked Meat Product Typical of Some Mountain Areas in Latina Province (Central Italy)

Gentile di maiale is a typical meat product prepared in some traditional plants of Latina Province (Central Italy). It is obtained from dehydration, salting, smoking and ripening of swine rectum. Aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the traditional smoking process on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content by means of high-performance liquid chromatographic/fluorescence detection. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detected in 8 samples of raw material (swine rectum) and samples of smoked gentile were: benzo[a]anthracene, chrisene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a] pyrene, benzo[a,h]anthracene. Their residues were detected in all samples of finished product. European Regulation 835/2011 established two levels of PAHs content in meat products. According to first levels, in force until September 2014, only 2 out of 8 samples exceeded legal limit. According to the subsequent, more restrictive, limits all samples would be non-compliant. An improvement and a standardisation of traditional smoking procedures are recommended.

Development of biogenic amines during the ripening of Italian dry sausages

The effect of modification of different chemical and microbiological parameters and the production of biogenic amines (histamine, cadaverine, putrescine, and tyramine) was examined during ripening of various types of typical Italian dry sausages (salami). Water activity decreased from 0.97 to 0.87, and pH reached the lowest value between the 13th and the 20th day of the ripening period, and then increased. Putrescine (up to 122.7 mg/kg) and tyramine (up to 105.9 mg/kg) mean levels showed dominance in comparison with cadaverine (up to 26.1 mg/kg) and histamine (up to 6.2 mg/kg) mean values in all sausage types. The highest putrescine and tyramine concentrations were observed in salami with the largest diameters. This comparative study suggests a good correlation between microbial behavior and amine evolution, particularly tyramine and putrescine, in dry sausage production.

Levels of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in "mozzarella di bufala campana" cheese smoked according to different procedures

The content of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, was determined by HPLC-FL in "mozzarella di bufala campana" cheese, a stretched cooked cheese, either experimentally smoked according to traditional procedures, using straw, cardboard, and wood shavings or aromatized with smoke flavoring. The BaP residues, researched also in cheese samples sold at retail, were detected in the rind, in the core, and in the slice (outer and inner parts). In the cheeses experimentally smoked with straw and cardboard the BaP levels, ranging from 0.38 to 2.12 microg kg(-1) and from 0.46 to 2.40 microg kg(-1), respectively, were statistically higher than those of the cheeses smoked with wood shavings and aromatized with liquid smoke (from 0.19 to 0.80 microg kg(-1) and from 0.18 to 0.50 microg kg(-1), respectively). However the cheeses treated with liquid smoke flavor showed a BaP content exceeding the level allowed by the European Union. In the samples sold at retail, smoked with straw, values were lower than those obtained from samples smoked experimentally with the same combustible. This is probably due to different smoking technologies among the several provinces of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) area. PDO is a term used to characterize foodstuffs produced and prepared in a given geographical region by the means of a recognized process. A standardization of the traditional smoking procedures and an improvement of liquid smoke purification treatments are recommended for mozzarella cheese.

Bioartificial polymeric materials obtained from blends of synthetic polymers with fibrin and collagen

A new class of biomaterials, called "bioartificial polymeric materials", was prepared blending a segmented polyurethane (PU) with fibrinogen (FBNG); and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(acrylamide) (PAAM), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL), with collagen (CLG), respectively. The PU-FBNG material was processed through a spraying, phase-inversion technique to fabricate porous tubular conduits. FBNG was subsequently converted into covalently cross-linked fibrin (FBN) through the action of thrombin (Th), fibrin-stabilizing factor (FSF), and calcium ions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed the cross-linked blend was more stable than native cross-linked FBN. Tensile behaviors of the PU-FBN materials closely matched those of a natural artery on varying the ratio PU/FBN. Implantation experiments in the rat model showed a mature internal capsule and good tissue organization of PU-FBN (50%) grafts in the regenerated arterial wall. However, 50% of FBN did not assure adequate mechanical resistance, and aneurysmal changes were seen in some grafts. DSC of CLG-based materials, processed by casting, showed that the synthetic component offered definite advantage compared to the CLG denaturation temperature, particularly noticeable for CLG-PAA and CLG-PVAL blends. Material advantages and drawbacks are discussed.