Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 160 in total

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  1. Levels of heavy metals in green-lipped mussel Perna veridis (Linnaeus) from Muar Estuary, Johore, Malaysia
    Kamaruzzaman BY, Ong MC, Zaleha K, Shahbudin S
    Pak J Biol Sci, 2008 Sep 15;11(18):2249-53.
    PMID: 19137835
    Muscle and feather in tissue of 40 juveniles and 40 adult green-lipped mussel Perna veridis (L.) collected from Muar Estuary, Johor were analyzed for copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) concentration using a fast and sensitive Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). In this study, the average concentration of Cu was 8.96 microg g(-1) dry weights, Cd with 0.58 microg g(-1) dry weight, Pb averaging 2.28 microg g(-1) dry weights and Zn averaged to 86.73 microg g(-1) dry weight. The highest accumulation of metal studied was found in feather sample compared to the muscle. The positive relationship of Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn with P. virdis length suggesting that the accumulation of these metals were formed in the mussel. In all cases, metal levels found were lower than the guideline of international standards of reference and the examined bivalve were not associated with enhanced metal content in their tissues and were safe within the limits for human consumption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis
  2. Heavy metals in spices and herbs from wholesale markets in Malaysia
    Nordin N, Selamat J
    Food Addit Contam Part B Surveill, 2013;6(1):36-41.
    PMID: 24786623 DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2012.721140
    As, Cd, Pb and Hg were analysed in commonly consumed spices and herbs in Malaysia. The range of As, Cd, Pb and Hg content was 0.24-2.54, 0.23-8.07, 1.54-8.94 and 0.06-0.52 µg g(-1), respectively. The highest concentration of Cd, Pb and Hg in spices and herbs exceeded the maximum permitted proportion, which are 1, 2 and 0.05 µg g(-1), respectively. This study suggests further monitoring of Cd, Pb and Hg on daily consumption of spices and herbs and its toxicological implication for consumers since only the amount of As was lower than the permitted concentration.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis
  3. Analysis of Nutritional Traits and Aflatoxin Contamination in Selected Maize Varieties from Pakistan
    Majeed S, Iqbal M, Asi MR, Iqbal SZ, Selamat J
    J Food Prot, 2017 Dec;80(12):1993-1998.
    PMID: 29131682 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-17-117
    Recently, cultivation of high-yielding hybrid maize varieties has revolutionized maize production in Pakistan. Analyses of nutritional traits and aflatoxin (AF) contamination in these varieties can aid in the identification of susceptible and resistant varieties, particularly for cultivation in the Pakistani agro-climatic environment. Five spring maize varieties-Pioneer, Neelam, DK-919, Desi, and Hi-maize-were selected for analyses of their nutritional, tocopherol, and AF contents. Protein, carbohydrate, oil, ash, fiber, and moisture contents ranged between 8.7 and 10.8%, 68 and 71%, 3.72 and 5.56%, 1.09 and 1.81%, 1.1 and 3.1%, and 11.7 and 14.2%, respectively. Tocopherol levels in selected varieties were in the range of 461 to 1,430 μg/g. Hi-maize exhibited significantly higher protein and tocopherol contents than the other varieties, indicating its better suitability for feed and silage applications. The highest mean level of total AFs, 14.5 ± 0.12 μg/kg, was found in Desi, and results showed that the most dominant AF found in the maize varieties was AFB1. Furthermore, the results showed that the higher the level of tocopherol, the lower the concentration of total AFs and vice versa in maize varieties. The results can be used to investigate additional susceptible maize varieties that are resistant to fungal attack.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis
  4. Metal pollution in freshwater fish: A key indicator of contamination and carcinogenic risk to public health
    Panda BP, Mohanta YK, Parida SP, Pradhan A, Mohanta TK, Patowary K, et al.
    Environ Pollut, 2023 Aug 01;330:121796.
    PMID: 37169242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121796
    Metals are micropollutants that cannot be degraded by microorganisms and are infiltrated into various environmental media, including both freshwater and marine water. Metals from polluted water are absorbed by many aquatic species, especially fish. Fish is a staple food in the diets of many regions in the world; hence, both the type and concentration of metals accumulated and transferred from contaminated water sources to fish must be determined and assessed. In this study, the heavy metal concentration was determined and assessed in fish collected from freshwater sources via published literature and Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target hazard quotient (THQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) analyses, aiming to examine the metal pollution in freshwater fish. The fish was used as a bioindicator, and Geographic information system (GIS) was sued to map the polluted regions. The results confirmed that Pb was detected in fish sampled at 28 locations, Cr at 24 locations, Cu and Zn at 30 locations, with values Pb detected ranging from 0.0016 mg kg-1 to 44.3 mg kg-1, Cr detected ranging from 0.07 mg kg-1 to 27 mg kg-1, Cu detected ranging from 0.031 mg kg-1 to 35.54 mg kg-1, and Zn detected ranging from 0.242 mg kg-1 to 103.2 mg kg-1. The strongest positive associations were discovered between Cu-Zn (r = 0.74, p food and its corresponding Pb and Cr intake revealed a higher incidence of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health concerns attributed to Pb and Cr in the region with populations consuming the fish.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis
  5. Fulltext Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some commercially important fishes from a tropical river estuary suggests higher potential health risk in children than adults
    Ahmed ASS, Sultana S, Habib A, Ullah H, Musa N, Hossain MB, et al.
    PLoS One, 2019;14(10):e0219336.
    PMID: 31622361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219336
    The Karnaphuli River estuary, located in southeast coast of Bangladesh, is largely exposed to heavy metal contamination as it receives a huge amount of untreated industrial effluents from the Chottagram City. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of five heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) and their bioaccumulation status in six commercially important fishes, and also to evaluate the potential human health risk for local consumers. The hierarchy of the measured concentration level (mg/kg) of the metals was as follows: Pb (13.88) > Cu (12.10) > As (4.89) > Cr (3.36) > Cd (0.39). The Fulton's condition factor denoted that fishes were in better 'condition' and most of the species were in positive allometric growth. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of the contaminants observed in the species were in the following orders: Cu (1971.42) > As (1042.93) > Pb (913.66) > Cr (864.99) > Cd (252.03), and among the specimens, demersal fish, Apocryptes bato appeared to be the most bioaccumulative organism. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) assessed for potential human health risk implications suggest that the values were within the acceptable threshold for both adults and children. However, calculated CR values indicated that both age groups were not far from the risk, and HI values demonstrated that children were nearly 6 times more susceptible to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects than adults.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  6. Polyphasic approach to the identification and characterization of aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from peanuts and peanut-based products marketed in Malaysia
    Norlia M, Jinap S, Nor-Khaizura MAR, Son R, Chin CK, Sardjono
    Int J Food Microbiol, 2018 Oct 03;282:9-15.
    PMID: 29885975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.05.030
    Peanuts are widely consumed as the main ingredient in many local dishes in Malaysia. However, the tropical climate in Malaysia (high temperature and humidity) favours the growth of fungi from Aspergillus section Flavi, especially during storage. Most of the species from this section, such as A. flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius, are natural producers of aflatoxins. Precise identification of local isolates and information regarding their ability to produce aflatoxins are very important to evaluate the safety of food marketed in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize the aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus section Flavi in peanuts and peanut-based products. A polyphasic approach, consisting of morphological and chemical characterizations was applied to 128 isolates originating from raw peanuts and peanut-based products. On the basis of morphological characters, 127 positively identified as Aspergillus flavus, and the other as A. nomius. Chemical characterization revealed six chemotype profiles which indicates diversity of toxigenic potential. About 58.6%, 68.5%, and 100% of the isolates are positive for aflatoxins, cyclopiazonic acid and aspergillic acid productions respectively. The majority of the isolates originating from raw peanut samples (64.8%) were aflatoxigenic, while those from peanut-based products were less toxigenic (39.1%). The precise identification of these species may help in developing control strategies for aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, especially during storage. These findings also highlight the possibility of the co-occurrence of other toxins, which could increase the potential toxic effects of peanuts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  7. Development of microbial spoilage and lipid and protein oxidation in rabbit meat
    Nakyinsige K, Sazili AQ, Aghwan ZA, Zulkifli I, Goh YM, Abu Bakar F, et al.
    Meat Sci, 2015 Oct;108:125-31.
    PMID: 26115345 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.05.029
    This experiment aimed to determine microbial spoilage and lipid and protein oxidation during aerobic refrigerated (4°C) storage of rabbit meat. Forty male New Zealand white rabbits were slaughtered according to the Halal slaughter procedure. The hind limbs were used for microbial analysis while the Longissimus lumborum m. was used for determination of lipid and protein oxidation. Bacterial counts generally increased with aging time and the limit for fresh meat (10(8)cfu/g) was reached at d 7 postmortem. Significant differences in malondialdehyde content were observed after 3d of storage. The thiol concentration significantly decreased with increase in aging time. The band intensities of myosin heavy chain and troponin T significantly reduced with increased refrigerated storage while actin remained relatively stable. This study thus proposes protein oxidation as a potential deteriorative change in refrigerated rabbit meat along with microbial spoilage and lipid oxidation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  8. Verification and evaluation of monochloropropanediol (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters in palm oil products of different regions in Malaysia
    Abd Razak RA, Ahmad Tarmizi AH, Abdul Hammid AN, Kuntom A, Ismail IS, Sanny M
    Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess, 2019 Nov;36(11):1626-1636.
    PMID: 31437078 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2019.1654139
    This study was conducted to investigate on the effect of different sampling regions of palm-refined oils and fats on the 2- and 3-monochloropropanediol fatty acid esters (MCPDE) and glycidol fatty acid esters (GE) levels. The American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) Official Method Cd 29a-13 on the determination of MCPDE and GE in edible oils and fats by acid transesterification was successfully verified and optimised, with slight modification using 7890A Agilent GC system equipped with 5975C quadrupole detector. The determined limits of detection (LOD) for MCPDE were 0.02 mg kg-1 and 0.05 mg kg-1 for GE. The method performance has showed good recovery between 80% and 120% for all pertinent compounds with seven replicates assayed in three separate days. Round robin test with two European laboratories, i.e. Eurofins and SGS, has shown compliance results with those of the present study. Among the sampling regions, only one refinery located in the central region of Malaysia showed a significant increment of the MCPDE and GE levels after refining process. The GE level averaging at 2.5 mg kg-1 was slightly higher than that of 3-MCPDE averaging at 1.3 mg kg-1. Both esters were preferentially partitioned into the liquid phase rather than the solid phase after fractionation. However, the overall results exhibited no direct correlation between the esters content and the different sampling locations of the palm oil products in Malaysia. Analysis of total chlorine content also displayed significant variations between sampling locations which clearly show its effect on the chlorine content in the CPO samples.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  9. Prevalence of mycotoxigenic fungi and assessment of aflatoxin contamination: a multiple case study along the integrated corn-based poultry feed supply chain in Malaysia
    Nasaruddin N, Jinap S, Samsudin NI, Kamarulzaman NH, Sanny M
    J Sci Food Agric, 2021 Mar 30;101(5):1812-1821.
    PMID: 32893877 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10795
    BACKGROUND: Corn, a main feed ingredient in the livestock industry, is one of the most susceptible crops to fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination. Livestock feeding on aflatoxin (AF)-contaminated feed have been shown to experience feed refusal, and decreased growth rate, milk production, and feed efficiency. In poultry, AF poisoning causes weight loss, poor feed efficiency, and reduced egg production and egg weight. The present work therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of mycotoxigenic fungi and the occurrence of AF contamination along the integrated corn-based poultry feed supply chain in Malaysia. A total of 51 samples were collected from different points along the feed supply chain from integrated poultry feed companies. The samples were subjected to mycological analyses (fungal isolation, enumeration, identification), and AFs were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD).

    RESULTS: Samples collected from sampling point 1 (company A) and sampling point 9 (company B) yielded the highest total fungal load (>log 4 CFU g-1 ). The prevalent fungal genera isolated were Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in 8.3% of corn samples, and 7.4% of corn-based poultry feed samples along the feed supply chain, whereas AFs B2 , G1 , and G2 were not detected.

    CONCLUSION: The incidence of mycotoxigenic fungi along the integrated poultry feed supply chain warrant continuous monitoring of mycotoxin contamination to reduce the exposure risk of mycotoxin intake in poultry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  10. Simultaneous formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) in gas-grilled beef satay at different temperatures
    Ahmad Kamal NH, Selamat J, Sanny M
    Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess, 2018 May;35(5):848-869.
    PMID: 29334335 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2018.1425553
    This study investigated the simultaneous formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) in gas-grilled beef satay at different temperatures (150, 200, 250, 300, and 350°C). Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used for sample clean-up. Fifteen PAHs were determined using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and nine HCAs were quantified using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with a gradient programme. The lowest significantly concentrations of PAHs and HCAs were generated at 150°C; the formation of PAHs and HCAs simultaneously increased with temperatures. Benzo[a]pyrene was detected in all samples and increased markedly at 300 and 350°C. The sums of 4 PAHs (PAH4) in marinated beef satay at 300 and 350°C exceeded the maximum level in Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1125. Significant reductions of polar and non-polar HCAs (except PhIP) were found in marinated beef satay across all temperatures. Overall, PAHs and HCAs showed opposite trends of formation in beef satay with marination.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  11. Dietary exposure to acrylamide among the Malaysian adult population
    Nur Hidayah J, Abdul Razis AF, Jambari NN, Chai LC, You L, Sanny M
    Food Chem Toxicol, 2024 Mar;185:114502.
    PMID: 38346572 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114502
    This study aimed to estimate the Malaysian adult population's current dietary exposure and margin of exposure (MOE) to the carcinogenic processing contaminant, acrylamide. A total of 448 samples from 11 types of processed foods were collected randomly throughout Malaysia in the year 2015 and 2016. Acrylamide was analysed in samples using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 μg/kg and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 25 μg/kg. The highest average level of acrylamide (772 ± 752 μg/kg) was found in potato crisps, followed by French fries (415 ± 914 μg/kg) and biscuits (245 ± 195 μg/kg). The total acrylamide exposure for the adult Malaysian was 0.229 and 1.77 μg/kg body weight per day for average and high consumers, respectively. The MOE were 741 and 1875 for the average consumer based on cancer and non-cancer effects of acrylamide, respectively. Meanwhile, for high consumers, the MOE is 96 for cancer and 243 for non-cancer effects. These findings indicate potential carcinogenic risks from acrylamide exposure among Malaysian adults, especially in Malay and other Bumiputra groups compared to Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic groups, while non-cancer effects appeared less concerning.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis
  12. Reduction of Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxins in peanut sauce processing by oil-less frying of chilli powder and retort processing
    Farawahida AH, Jinap S, Nor-Khaizura MAR, Samsudin NIP
    Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess, 2017 Dec;34(12):2242-2250.
    PMID: 28871861 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2017.1375605
    Among the many roles played by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry is the production of heritage foods such as peanut sauce. Unfortunately, the safety of peanut sauce is not always assured as the processing line is not controlled. Peanut sauce is usually made of peanuts and chilli, and these commodities are normally contaminated with Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxins (AFs). Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the practices related to reduction of AF hazard and the effect of interventions in peanut sauce processing. Peanut samples were collected from each step of peanut sauce processing from a small peanut sauce company according to four designs: (1) control; (2) oil-less frying of chilli powder; (3) addition of retort processing; and (4) combination of oil-less frying of chilli powder and retort processing. Oil-less frying of chilli powder (Design 2) reduced total AFs by 33-41%, retort processing (Design 3) reduced total AFs by 49%, while combination of these two thermal processes (Design 4) significantly reduced total AFs, by 57%. The present work demonstrated that Design 4 yielded the highest reduction of total AFs and is therefore recommended to be employed by SME companies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  13. Assessment of Fumonisin B1 Concentrations in Wheat and Barley Products in the Punjab Region of Pakistan
    Iqbal SZ, Rehman B, Selamat J, Akram N, Ahmad MN, Sanny M, et al.
    J Food Prot, 2020 Aug 01;83(8):1284-1288.
    PMID: 32678886 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-19-361
    ABSTRACT: A total of 133 samples of whole wheat and barley grains and wheat and barley flour collected from retail markets in the main cities of Punjab, Pakistan, were analyzed for the mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Of these samples, 120 (90%) were positive for FB1, and 75 (63%) of the 120 positive samples had FB1 concentrations higher than the European Union maximum (200 μg/kg). The limit of detection was 4 μg/kg. The highest mean (±SD) concentration of FB1 was found in whole wheat samples, 980.5 ± 211.4 μg/kg. The calculated dietary intakes of FB1 from wheat and barley flours were 4,456 and 503.7 ng/g of body weight per day, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis
  14. Study on organochlorine compounds in cockles, Anadara granosa and mussels, Perna viridis from aquaculture sites in peninsular Malaysia
    Ang CW, Mazlin NM, Heng LY, Ismail BS, Salmijah S
    Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 2005 Jul;75(1):170-4.
    PMID: 16228889
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  15. Occurrence of Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxin B1 in Malaysian foods used for human consumption
    Reddy KR, Farhana NI, Salleh B
    J Food Sci, 2011 May;76(4):T99-104.
    PMID: 22417376 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02133.x
    Malaysian population widely consumes the cereal-based foods, oilseeds, nuts, and spices in their daily diet. Mycotoxigenic fungi are well known to invade food products under storage conditions and produce mycotoxins that have threat to human and animal health. Therefore, determining toxigenic fungi and aflatoxin B(1) (AFB1) in foods used for human consumption is of prime importance to develop suitable management strategies and to minimize risk. Ninety-five food products marketed in Penang, Malaysia were randomly collected from different supermarkets and were analyzed for presence of Aspergillus spp. by agar plate assay and AFB1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A. flavus was the dominant fungi in all foods followed by A. niger. Fifty-five A. flavus strains were tested for their ability to produce aflatoxins on rice grain substrate. Thirty-six (65.4%) strains out of 55 produced AFB1 ranging from 1700 to 4400 μg/kg and 17 strains (31%) produced AFB2 ranging from 620 to 1670 μg/kg. Natural occurrence of AFB1 could be detected in 72.6% food products ranging from 0.54 to 15.33 μg/kg with a mean of 1.95 μg/kg. Maximum AFB1 levels were detected in peanut products ranging from 1.47 to 15.33 μg/kg. AFB1 levels detected in all food products were below the Malaysian permissible limits (<35 μg/kg). Aspergillus spp. and AFB1 was not detected in any cookies tested. Although this survey was not comprehensive, it provides valuable information on aflatoxin levels in foods marketed in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  16. Determination of the herbicide fluroxypyr in oil matrices
    Muhamad HB, Ai TY, Sahid IB
    J Environ Sci Health B, 2008 Feb;43(2):134-40.
    PMID: 18246505 DOI: 10.1080/03601230701795072
    The purpose of this study was to develop a method for the determination of fluroxypyr (4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluro2-pyridyloxyacetic acid) residue in palm oil namely crude palm oil (CPO) and crude palm kernel oil (CPKO). The method involves the extraction of the herbicide from the oil matrix followed by low temperature precipitation and finally quantification of the residues using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extraction efficiency of the method was evaluated by conducting recovery studies. The recovery of fluroxypyr from the fortified CPO samples ranged from 78%-111% with the relative values for the coefficient of variation ranging from 1.4 to 8.6%. Furthermore, the recovery of fluroxypyr from the spiked CPKO samples ranged from 91-107% with the relative values for the coefficient of variation ranging from 0.6 to 4.5%. The minimum detection limit of fluroxypyr in CPO and CPKO was 0.05 microg/g. The method was used to determine fluroxypyr residues from the field-treated samples of CPO and CPKO. When fluroxypyr was used for weed control in oil palm plantations no residue was detected in CPO and CPKO irrespective of the sampling interval and the dosage applied at the recommended or double the manufacturer's recommended dosage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  17. Fulltext Recent advances in immunoassay-based mycotoxin analysis and toxicogenomic technologies
    Liew WP, Sabran MR
    J Food Drug Anal, 2022 Nov 23;30(4):549-561.
    PMID: 36753365 DOI: 10.38212/2224-6614.3430
    The co-occurrence and accumulation of mycotoxin in food and feed constitutes a major issue to food safety, food security, and public health. Accurate and sensitive mycotoxins analysis can avoid toxin contamination as well as reduce food wastage caused by false positive results. This mini review focuses on the recent advance in detection methods for multiple mycotoxins, which mainly depends on immunoassay technologies. Advance immunoassay technologies integrated in mycotoxin analysis enable simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins and enhance the outcomes' quality. It highlights toxicogenomic as novel approach for hazard assessment by utilizing computational methods to map molecular events and biological processes. Indeed, toxicogenomic is a powerful tool to understand health effects from mycotoxin exposure as it offers insight on the mechanisms by which mycotoxins exposures cause diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis
  18. Level of chemical and microbiological contaminations in chili bo (paste)
    Zaini NA, Harith HH, Olusesan AT, Zulkifli AH, Bakar FA, Osman A, et al.
    J Food Prot, 2010 Mar;73(3):541-6.
    PMID: 20202342
    The objective of this study was to determine the level of preservatives and microbiological loads in various brands of commercially available chili bo (paste). Fifteen different brands of chili bo obtained from the local market and hypermarkets were analyzed for pH, moisture and benzoic acid content, microbiological loads (aerobic, anaerobic, aerobic spores, and fungi), and thermophilic microorganisms. Results showed that both moisture content and pH vary among samples. The concentrations of benzoic acid detected in chili bo were found to be in the range of 537 to 5,435 mg/kg. Nine of fifteen brands were found to exceed the maximum level permitted by the Malaysian Food Law in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius (1,000 mg/kg for benzoic acid). An apparent correlation between benzoic acid concentration and microbiological loads present in the chili bo was observed. The microbiological loads were found to be relatively low in the end products containing high amounts of benzoic acid. The heat-resistant (70 to 80 degrees C) microorganisms present in chili bo were identified as Ochrobacterum tritici, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila, Microbacterium maritypicum, Roseomonas spp., CDC group II-E subgroup A, Flavimonas oryzihabitans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with M. maritypicum being the most frequently found (in 9 of 15 samples) microorganism. Most of these identified microorganisms were not known to cause foodborne illnesses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  19. Risk assessment of plant food supplements and other herbal products containing aristolochic acids using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach
    Abdullah R, Diaz LN, Wesseling S, Rietjens IM
    Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess, 2017 Feb;34(2):135-144.
    PMID: 27892830 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2016.1266098
    After the incidences of induction of aristolochic acid nephropathy after consumption of herbal weight loss preparations that accidentally contained aristolochic acids (AAs), several countries defined national restrictions on the presence of AAs in food, including plant food supplements (PFS) and herbal products. This study investigates whether the risks associated with exposure to AAs via PFS and herbal products are at present indeed negligible. Data reported in literature on AA levels in PFS and other herbal products and also obtained from a new series of PFS in the present study were used to calculate the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and corresponding margins of exposure (MOEs). Available literature data revealed that 206 out of 573 samples were found to contain aristolochic acid I (AAI) and/or aristolochic acid II (AAII). The results obtained from recently collected PFS revealed that both AAI and AAII were detected in three out of 18 analysed PFS at levels up to 594.8 and 235.3 µg g(-1), respectively, being in line with the levels reported in literature. The EDIs resulting from intake of these PFS resulted in MOEs that were generally below 10,000, corroborating the priority for risk management. Although these results refer to PFS collected by targeted sampling strategies, the data reveal that AA-containing PFS are still freely available. When considering that the use of these samples may be limited to shorter periods of time, the EDIs might be lower, but MOE values would still be lower than 10,000 for more than 50% of the AA-containing PFS and herbal products. In conclusion, the presence of AAs in PFS and herbal products even several years after instalment of the legal restrictions still raises concern, especially for people who frequently use the respective PFS and herbal products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis*
  20. Low prevalence of vancomycin- and bifunctional aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci isolated from poultry farms in Malaysia
    Chan YY, Abd Nasir MH, Yahaya MA, Salleh NM, Md Dan AD, Musa AM, et al.
    Int J Food Microbiol, 2008 Feb 29;122(1-2):221-6.
    PMID: 18187222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2007.11.063
    A total of 225 samples from poultry farms and the surrounding environment were screened for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and bifunctional aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci using conventional microbiological tests and a nanoplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Three (1.3%) of the samples were found to contain vancomycin-resistant isolates (MIC>256 microg/mL) that had a vanA genotype. The three vanA positive VRE isolates were identified as different species. Only one isolate (Enterococcus faecium F 4/13_54) was sensitive to teicoplanin (MIC<0. 12-0.35 microg/mL); the other two VRE (E. faecalis A 21_35 and E. gallinarum F 5/10_1) were resistant to teicoplanin (MIC 3.6-->16 microg/mL). The vanC genotype was observed in nine (4%) of the samples collected. High-level gentamicin-resistant (HLGR) enterococci (with MIC ranging between 100 and 500 microg/mL) were detected in 44 samples. However, only 40 of these were found to possess the aac(6')-aph(2'') gene. The overall prevalence of VRE among the samples from the poultry farms and environment was 5.3%, but the prevalence of the clinically significant vanA VRE was 1.3%, and the prevalence of bifunctional aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci was slightly higher, at 19.5%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/analysis
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