Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 101 in total

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  1. Fulltext Heavy Metal contamination of Dietary Supplements products available in the UAE markets and the associated risk
    Jairoun AA, Shahwan M, Zyoud SH
    Sci Rep, 2020 11 02;10(1):18824.
    PMID: 33139833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76000-w
    A specific safety concern is the possibility that a dietary supplement could be contaminated with heavy metals. This research was undertaken to investigate the daily exposure levels of heavy metals in dietary supplements available in the UAE and to explore the factors associated with the contamination of dietary supplements with heavy metals. A total of 277 dietary supplement samples were collected from the UAE market and prepared for the analysis of selected heavy metal contamination. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the presence of heavy metals. The average daily intake of cadmium was 0.73 μg [95% CI 0.61-0.85], compared to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 6 μg; the daily intake of lead was 0.85 μg [95% CI 0.62-1.07], compared to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 20 μg; and the daily intake of arsenic was 0.67 μg [95% CI 0.57-0.78], compared to the acceptable daily intake of 10 μg. Although the dietary supplements available in the UAE have low levels of heavy metal contamination, numerous individuals are consuming a number of different dietary supplements every day and thereby may experience a cumulative level of toxic exposure. Dietary supplements formulations (Categories), dosage forms and country of origin are strong determents of heavy metal contamination in dietary supplements products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  2. Fulltext The use of next generation sequencing for improving food safety: Translation into practice
    Jagadeesan B, Gerner-Smidt P, Allard MW, Leuillet S, Winkler A, Xiao Y, et al.
    Food Microbiol, 2019 Jun;79:96-115.
    PMID: 30621881 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2018.11.005
    Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) combined with powerful bioinformatic approaches are revolutionising food microbiology. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of single isolates allows the most detailed comparison possible hitherto of individual strains. The two principle approaches for strain discrimination, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and genomic multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) are showing concordant results for phylogenetic clustering and are complementary to each other. Metabarcoding and metagenomics, applied to total DNA isolated from either food materials or the production environment, allows the identification of complete microbial populations. Metagenomics identifies the entire gene content and when coupled to transcriptomics or proteomics, allows the identification of functional capacity and biochemical activity of microbial populations. The focus of this review is on the recent use and future potential of NGS in food microbiology and on current challenges. Guidance is provided for new users, such as public health departments and the food industry, on the implementation of NGS and how to critically interpret results and place them in a broader context. The review aims to promote the broader application of NGS technologies within the food industry as well as highlight knowledge gaps and novel applications of NGS with the aim of driving future research and increasing food safety outputs from its wider use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry/instrumentation; Food Industry/standards; Food Industry/trends
  3. Fulltext Television advertisement effectiveness in food industry among centennials
    Intan Syafinaz Mat Shafie, Yuslina Liza Mohammad Yunus, Nur Izzah Jamil, Aini Hayati Musa
    Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2019;7(101):82-90.
    MyJurnal
    Television (TV) advertisements have become one of the most powerful marketing tools in attracting their audience to become potential customers. They are widely used among food industry locally and also internationally. This study is conducted to identify the factors that contribute to an effective TV advertisement in food industry among centennials using predictive analysis. The aims of this study are to; 1) Identify significant factors; Attractive Visual, Persuasive Message and Repetition of Advertisement to the Effectiveness of TV advertisements in food industry. 2) Identify the most contribute significant factors; Attractive Visual, Persuasive Message and Repetition of Advertisement to the Effectiveness of TV advertisements in food industry. Thus, it was tested to 300 respondents in Shah Alam area using convenient sampling technique. Preliminary analysis included reliability analysis, checking for the correlation, multiple linear regression requirement and R-Square score. Correlation analysis shows that there was a significant positive linear relationship between attractive visuals, persuasive message and repetition of advertisements towards Effectiveness of TV advertisements in food industry. Among independent variables entered into the model, persuasive message (t=7.474, p-value=0.000
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  4. Fulltext Mineral composition and pasting properties of banana pseudo-stem flour from Musa acuminata X balbisiana cv. Awak grown locally in Perak, Malaysia
    Ho, L.H., Noor Aziah, A.A., Rajeev Bhat
    International Food Research Journal, 2012;19(4):1479-1485.
    MyJurnal
    The banana pseudo-stem is not currently utilised in the food industry. The aim of this research was to investigate the chemical and pasting profile of banana pseudo-stem flour (BPF). Wheat flour were substituted with BPF (0, 5, 15 and 30%) and the pasting profile were determined. Results from mineral analysis showed that the levels of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P) were higher than those of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn). The BPF had a 0.04% total titratable acidity (TTA) and a total soluble solid (TSS) of 1.30⁰ Brix with pH 5.41. BPF contained 28.26% total starch, 12.81% resistant starch and a total digestible starch value of 15.45%. An increased substitution level of BPF into wheat flour significantly (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  5. Fulltext Detection of malachite green and leuco-malachite green in fishery industry
    Hidayah, N., Abu Bakar, F., Mahyudin, N.A., Faridah, S., Nur-Azura, M.S., Zaman, M.Z.
    International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(4):1511-1519.
    MyJurnal
    This article summarises the current methods for total malachite green (MG) detection which is known as a sum of MG and leuco-malachite green (LMG) that has been used extensively in aquaculture as fungicide, dye color in textile and other purposes in food industries. LMG is a reducing form of MG, where the MG is easily reduced due to the photo-oxidative de-methylation process. Nevertheless, the use of MG had become an issue due to its toxicity effects. Many analytical instruments such as HPLC, LC—MS/MS, GC—MS, and spectrometry have been widely used for detection of MG. However, these methods require long time sample preparation and analysis, expensive, use hazardous reagents and indirect measurements. Hence, other analytical methods which are more sensitive, safe, rapid, inexpensive and portable are required. Alternatively, biosensors promise a more sensitive and rapid detection method for MG and LMG.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  6. Fulltext Functional expression of a novel α-amylase from Antarctic psychrotolerant fungus for baking industry and its magnetic immobilization
    He L, Mao Y, Zhang L, Wang H, Alias SA, Gao B, et al.
    BMC Biotechnol, 2017 02 28;17(1):22.
    PMID: 28245836 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-017-0343-8
    BACKGROUND: α-Amylase plays a pivotal role in a broad range of industrial processes. To meet increasing demands of biocatalytic tasks, considerable efforts have been made to isolate enzymes produced by extremophiles. However, the relevant data of α-amylases from cold-adapted fungi are still insufficient. In addition, bread quality presents a particular interest due to its high consummation. Thus developing amylases to improve textural properties could combine health benefits with good sensory properties. Furthermore, iron oxide nanoparticles provide an economical and convenient method for separation of biomacromolecules. In order to maximize the catalytic efficiency of α-amylase and support further applications, a comprehensive characterization of magnetic immobilization of α-amylase is crucial and needed.

    RESULTS: A novel α-amylase (AmyA1) containing an open reading frame of 1482 bp was cloned from Antarctic psychrotolerant fungus G. pannorum and then expressed in the newly constructed Aspergillus oryzae system. The purified recombinant AmyA1 was approximate 52 kDa. AmyA1 was optimally active at pH 5.0 and 40 °C, and retained over 20% of maximal activity at 0-20 °C. The K m and V max values toward soluble starch were 2.51 mg/mL and 8.24 × 10-2 mg/(mL min) respectively, with specific activity of 12.8 × 103 U/mg. AmyA1 presented broad substrate specificity, and the main hydrolysis products were glucose, maltose, and maltotetraose. The influence of AmyA1 on the quality of bread was further investigated. The application study shows a 26% increase in specific volume, 14.5% increase in cohesiveness and 14.1% decrease in gumminess in comparison with the control. AmyA1 was immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles and characterized. The immobilized enzyme showed improved thermostability and enhanced pH tolerance under neutral conditions. Also, magnetically immobilized AmyA1 can be easily recovered and reused for maximum utilization.

    CONCLUSIONS: A novel α-amylase (AmyA1) from Antarctic psychrotolerant fungus was cloned, heterologous expression in Aspergillus oryzae, and characterized. The detailed report of the enzymatic properties of AmyA1 gives new insights into fungal cold-adapted amylase. Application study showed potential value of AmyA1 in the food and starch fields. In addition, AmyA1 was immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles and characterized. The improved stability and longer service life of AmyA1 could potentially benefit industrial applications.

    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry/methods
  7. Fulltext The microbial composition of dried fish prepared according to Greenlandic Inuit traditions and industrial counterparts
    Hauptmann AL, Paulová P, Castro-Mejía JL, Hansen LH, Sicheritz-Pontén T, Mulvad G, et al.
    Food Microbiol, 2020 Feb;85:103305.
    PMID: 31500717 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2019.103305
    The practices of preparing traditional foods in the Arctic are rapidly disappearing. Traditional foods of the Arctic represent a rarity among food studies in that they are meat-sourced and prepared in non-industrial settings. These foods, generally consumed without any heating step prior to consumption, harbor an insofar undescribed microbiome. The food-associated microbiomes have implications not only with respect to disease risk, but might also positively influence host health by transferring a yet unknown diversity of live microbes to the human gastrointestinal tract. Here we report the first study of the microbial composition of traditionally dried fish prepared according to Greenlandic traditions and their industrial counterparts. We show that dried capelin prepared according to traditional methods have microbiomes clearly different from industrially prepared capelin, which also have more homogenous microbiomes than traditionally prepared capelin. Interestingly, the locally preferred type of traditionally dried capelin, described to be tastier than other traditionally dried capelin, contains bacteria that potentially confer distinct taste. Finally, we show that dried cod have comparably more homogenous microbiomes when compared to capelin and that in general, the environment of drying is a major determinant of the microbial composition of these indigenous food products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry/methods*
  8. Fulltext Muslim consumers’ perception and purchase intention toward GM food
    Hassan, S.H., John Kua, S.B., Harun, H.
    International Food Research Journal, 2016;23(2):806-815.
    MyJurnal
    The attention on genetically modified (GM) food industry is increasing due to the flourishing
    of biotechnology. However, there are some debates on the associated benefits and risks of
    employing modification technology in food industry. This study strives to examine the causes
    that determine consumers’ benefit and risk perceptions on GM foods. Besides, the influence of
    perceived benefit and risk of GM food on consumers’ attitude is investigated. The empirical
    results of this study showed that GM food knowledge, and GM food characteristics have been
    acting as important predictors of both benefits and risks perceptions. Further, it is also found
    that perceived benefits showed significant positive influence on attitude, and attitude affects
    purchase intention towards GM food. Research implications to policy makers, scientists, and
    market practitioners are covered, in which suggestions and recommendations are provided
    to these parties. Lastly, research implications and recommendations to future research are
    discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  9. Fulltext Collagen in food and beverage industries
    Hashim, P., Mohd Ridzwan, M.S., Bakar, J., Mat Hashim, D.
    International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(1):1-8.
    MyJurnal
    This paper reviews the structure, function and applications of collagens in food industry. Collagen is the most abundant protein in animal origin. It helps maintaining the structure of various tissues and organs. It is a modern foodstuff and widely used in food and beverage industries to improve the elasticity, consistency and stability of products. Furthermore, it also enhances the quality, nutritional and health value of the products. Collagen has been applied as protein dietary supplements, carriers, food additive, edible film and coatings. Therefore, this paper will review the functions and applications of collagen in the food and beverage industries. The structure and composition of collagen are also included.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  10. Fulltext Process standardization, characterization and shelf life studies of Chhana jalebi - A traditional Indian milk sweet
    Geetha, P., Arivazhagan, R., Periyar Selvam, S., Ida, I.M.
    International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(1):155-162.
    MyJurnal
    Chhana jalebi is a popular product in middle and northern parts of India and is prepared by frying of batter made from chhana, maida and water and finally soaking in sugar syrup. This chhana based fried sweet product is being prepared and sold by halwais in Indian sweet market. It has a coiled structure with syrupy interiors and chewy body. It has close resemblance to maida jalebi and khoa jalebi, but has firmer coils. The manufacturing procedure varies widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. There was no proper (standard) manufacturing method available for the preparation of chhana jalebi. Hence, a study was conducted to standardize a method for its manufacture consequently it will be helpful to produce the jalebi on a commercial scale. The chhana jalebi was standardized by various process parameters such as fat level in milk 3%, ratio of maida - chhana combination 1:1, water level in batter 45%, frying time and temperature 160-170°C, sugar syrup concentration 68°Brix and soaking time 2 min. Standardized product was analyzed by various physical, chemical, microbial, sensory and textural characteristics. The product had a light brown coloured coiled appearance, crispy body and texture. The nutritional composition percentage of chhana jalebi was protein 5.71±0.20, carbohydrate 67.11±0.19, fat 12.53±0.17 and moisture 20.23±0.25. The shelf life of the jalebi was found to be 5 days at 28°C. This was enhanced to 18 days by using potassium sorbate as preservative at the permitted levels. The optimized process and enhanced shelf life will pave way for commercialization and mechanization of chhana jalebi by food industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  11. Fulltext A collective call to strengthen monitoring and evaluation efforts to support healthy and sustainable food systems: 'The Accountability Pact'
    Garton K, Kraak V, Fanzo J, Sacks G, Vandevijvere S, Haddad L, et al.
    Public Health Nutr, 2022 Sep;25(9):2353-2357.
    PMID: 35570707 DOI: 10.1017/S1368980022001173
    There is widespread agreement among experts that a fundamental reorientation of global, regional, national and local food systems is needed to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda and address the linked challenges of undernutrition, obesity and climate change described as the Global Syndemic. Recognising the urgency of this imperative, a wide range of global stakeholders - governments, civil society, academia, agri-food industry, business leaders and donors - convened at the September 2021 UN Food Systems Summit to coordinate numerous statements, commitments and declarations for action to transform food systems. As the dust settles, how will they be pieced together, how will governments and food corporations be held to account and by whom? New data, analytical methods and global coalitions have created an opportunity and a need for those working in food systems monitoring to scale up and connect their efforts in order to inform and strengthen accountability actions for food systems. To this end, we present - and encourage stakeholders to join or support - an Accountability Pact to catalyse an evidence-informed transformation of current food systems to promote human and ecological health and wellbeing, social equity and economic prosperity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry/methods
  12. Fulltext Separation, Identification, and Bioactivities of the Main Gallotannins of Red Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) Coats
    Gan RY, Kong KW, Li HB, Wu K, Ge YY, Chan CL, et al.
    Front Chem, 2018;6:39.
    PMID: 29541634 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00039
    The red sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) is an underutilized edible bean cultivated in China. It was previously found to have the highest content of antioxidant polyphenols among 42 edible beans, mainly gallic acid, and gallotannins in its red bean coat, an apparently unique characteristic among edible beans. In this study, the main phenolic compounds in red sword bean coats were further separated by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and identified by LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, the FRAP and ABTS antioxidant activities and antibacterial activity (diameter of inhibition zone, DIZ) of main gallotannin-rich fractions were tested. Our results showed that gallotannins of red sword bean coats were mainly comprised of monogalloyl to hexagalloyl hexosides. Interestingly, tetragalloyl, pentagalloyl, and hexagalloyl hexosides were identified as the possible candidates responsible for the red color of the coats. On the other hand, gallotannin-rich fractions exhibited diverse antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and tetragalloyl hexoside overall had the highest free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. The degree of galloylation did not completely explain the structure-function relationship of gallotannins isolated from red sword bean coats, as there should exist other factors affecting their bioactivities. In conclusion, red sword bean coats are excellent natural sources of gallotannins, and their gallotannin-rich extracts can be utilized as natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents with potential health benefits as well as application in food industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  13. Fulltext Assessing biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes
    Fouladynezhad, N., Afsah-Hejri, L., Rukayadi, Y., Abdulkarim, S.M., Son, R., Marian, M.N.
    International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(2):987-990.
    MyJurnal
    Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a serious food-borne pathogen for immunocompromised individuals. L. monocytogenes is capable of producing biofilm on the surface of food processing lines and instruments. The biofilm transfers contamination to food products and impose risk to public health. Transfers contamination to food products, and impose risk hazard to public health. The aim of this study was to investigate biofilm producing ability of L. monocytogenes isolates. Microtitre assay was used to measure the amount of biofilm production by ten L. monocytogenes isolates from minced chicken / meat, sausages and burgers. Results showed that all 10 L. monocytogenes isolates were able to form biofilm after 24 h at 20˚C on polystyrene surface (the common surface in food industries). Some strains were capable of forming biofilm more than the others. All strains showed a slight raise in the quantities of attached cells over 48 and 72 h. L. monocytogenes strains isolated from minced chicken, minced meat and burgers were better biofilm-producers comparing to the strains isolated from sausages.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  14. Halal and kosher slaughter methods and meat quality: a review
    Farouk MM, Al-Mazeedi HM, Sabow AB, Bekhit AE, Adeyemi KD, Sazili AQ, et al.
    Meat Sci, 2014 Nov;98(3):505-19.
    PMID: 24973207 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.05.021
    There are many slaughter procedures that religions and cultures use around the world. The two that are commercially relevant are the halal and kosher methods practiced by Muslims and Jews respectively. The global trade in red meat and poultry produced using these two methods is substantial, thus the importance of the quality of the meat produced using the methods. Halal and kosher slaughter per se should not affect meat quality more than their industrial equivalents, however, some of their associated pre- and post-slaughter processes do. For instance, the slow decline in blood pressure following a halal pre-slaughter head-only stun and neck cut causes blood splash (ecchymosis) in a range of muscles and organs of slaughtered livestock. Other quality concerns include bruising, hemorrhages, skin discoloration and broken bones particularly in poultry. In addition to these conventional quality issues, the "spiritual quality" of the meat can also be affected when the halal and kosher religious requirements are not fully met during the slaughter process. The nature, causes, importance and mitigations of these and other quality issues related to halal and kosher slaughtering and meat production using these methods are the subjects of this review.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry*
  15. Fulltext Intelligent color vision system for ripeness classification of oil palm fresh fruit bunch
    Fadilah N, Mohamad-Saleh J, Abdul Halim Z, Ibrahim H, Syed Ali SS
    Sensors (Basel), 2012;12(10):14179-95.
    PMID: 23202043 DOI: 10.3390/s121014179
    Ripeness classification of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) during harvesting is important to ensure that they are harvested during optimum stage for maximum oil production. This paper presents the application of color vision for automated ripeness classification of oil palm FFB. Images of oil palm FFBs of type DxP Yangambi were collected and analyzed using digital image processing techniques. Then the color features were extracted from those images and used as the inputs for Artificial Neural Network (ANN) learning. The performance of the ANN for ripeness classification of oil palm FFB was investigated using two methods: training ANN with full features and training ANN with reduced features based on the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) data reduction technique. Results showed that compared with using full features in ANN, using the ANN trained with reduced features can improve the classification accuracy by 1.66% and is more effective in developing an automated ripeness classifier for oil palm FFB. The developed ripeness classifier can act as a sensor in determining the correct oil palm FFB ripeness category.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry/instrumentation
  16. Fulltext Effect of C/N ratio and media optimization through response surface methodology on simultaneous productions of intra- and extracellular inulinase and invertase from Aspergillus niger ATCC 20611
    Dinarvand M, Rezaee M, Masomian M, Jazayeri SD, Zareian M, Abbasi S, et al.
    Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:508968.
    PMID: 24151605 DOI: 10.1155/2013/508968
    The study is to identify the extraction of intracellular inulinase (exo- and endoinulinase) and invertase as well as optimization medium composition for maximum productions of intra- and extracellular enzymes from Aspergillus niger ATCC 20611. From two different methods for extraction of intracellular enzymes, ultrasonic method was found more effective. Response surface methodology (RSM) with a five-variable and three-level central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the medium composition. The effect of five main reaction parameters including sucrose, yeast extract, NaNO₃, Zn⁺², and Triton X-100 on the production of enzymes was analyzed. A modified quadratic model was fitted to the data with a coefficient of determination (R²) more than 0.90 for all responses. The intra-extracellular inulinase and invertase productions increased in the range from 16 to 8.4 times in the optimized medium (10% (w/v) sucrose, 2.5% (w/v) yeast extract, 2% (w/v) NaNO₃, 1.5 mM (v/v) Zn⁺², and 1% (v/v) Triton X-100) by RSM and from around 1.2 to 1.3 times greater than in the medium optimized by one-factor-at-a-time, respectively. The results of bioprocesses optimization can be useful in the scale-up fermentation and food industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  17. Fulltext Reduction of the acidity and peroxide numbers of tengkawang butter (Shorea stenoptera) using thermal and acid activated bentonites
    Darmawan MA, Muhammad BZ, Harahap AFP, Ramadhan MYA, Sahlan M, Haryuni, et al.
    Heliyon, 2020 Dec;6(12):e05742.
    PMID: 33364505 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05742
    Tengkawang fat (Shorea stenoptera), from an indigenous plant of the Kalimantan forest, has excellent potential as an alternative source of vegetable fat because it has a high level of fatty acids composition. Activated natural bentonite can be used as a bleaching agent to improve the quality of tengkawang fat. This research aims to reduce the acidity, peroxide number values and identify the physicochemical properties (fatty acid composition, nutrients, and thermal) of tengkawang butter. Initially, tengkawang samples from Nanga Yen and Sintang were pre-treated using the degumming process with 1% phosphoric acid and the neutralization process with a 1 M NaOH 10% w/w solution. The results show that the acidity (mg NaOH/g) of the tengkawang fat samples was reduced from 11.00 to 3.36 when using bentonite activated at 200 °C. The bentonite activated with 0.5 M HCl reduced the acidity to 3.61. The peroxide number (meq O2/kg) of the tengkawang fat samples was reduced from 9.45 to 4.84 and 3.47 by bleaching with thermal-activated and acid-activated bentonites, respectively. Peroxide value correlates with β-carotene content. The smaller of the β-carotene content, the smaller the peroxide value. The acidity, peroxide number, and iodine number values from tengkawang fat after treatment adhere to the SNI 2903: 2016 standard. The main content of fatty acids in tengkawang fat is palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. These results show that both products are suitable for the food industry in terms of the acid and peroxide numbers. The application of this research results will assist local people in increasing the economic value of the product from tengkawang plant, which is an indigenous plant from Kalimantan.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  18. Modeling BOD and COD removal from Palm Oil Mill Secondary Effluent in floating wetland by Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) using response surface methodology
    Darajeh N, Idris A, Fard Masoumi HR, Nourani A, Truong P, Sairi NA
    J Environ Manage, 2016 Oct 01;181:343-352.
    PMID: 27393941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.06.060
    While the oil palm industry has been recognized for its contribution towards economic growth and rapid development, it has also contributed to environmental pollution due to the production of huge quantities of by-products from the oil extraction process. A phytoremediation technique (floating Vetiver system) was used to treat Palm Oil Mill Secondary Effluent (POMSE). A batch study using 40 L treatment tanks was carried out under different conditions and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the treatment process. A three factor central composite design (CCD) was used to predict the experimental variables (POMSE concentration, Vetiver plant density and time). An extraordinary decrease in organic matter as measured by BOD and COD (96% and 94% respectively) was recorded during the experimental duration of 4 weeks using a density of 30 Vetiver plants. The best and lowest final BOD of 2 mg/L was obtained when using 15 Vetiver plants after 13 days for low concentration POMSE (initial BOD = 50 mg/L). The next best result of BOD at 32 mg/L was obtained when using 30 Vetiver plants after 24 days for medium concentration POMSE (initial BOD = 175 mg/L). These results confirmed the validity of the model, and the experimental value was determined to be quite close to the predicted value, implying that the empirical model derived from RSM experimental design can be used to adequately describe the relationship between the independent variables and response. The study showed that the Vetiver system is an effective method of treating POMSE.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry*
  19. Fulltext Prevalence of recent occupational injury and its associated factors among food industry workers in Selangor
    Dapari R, Mahfot MH, Chiu Yan Yee F, Ahmad ANI, Magayndran K, Ahmad Zamzuri M'I, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(11):e0293987.
    PMID: 37943862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293987
    INTRODUCTION: Malaysia's gross domestic product is heavily influenced by the food and beverage sector and the contribution of the industry to the national economy is expected to increase in the coming years. Thus, the need for employees in the food industry will continue to rise as this sector grows. Nevertheless, employees in the food industry are exposed to various occupational hazards that can lead to occupational injuries, mainly related to kitchen work. Given the increasing number of employees in the food industry and the rising trend of occupational injuries, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of recent occupational injuries and their associated factors and predictors among food industry workers.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among food industry workers in Selangor, Malaysia. The respondents were sampled using a multistage random sampling method. Data were collected via online self-administered questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models in the SPSS software, version 25.

    RESULTS: A total of 250 responses were received from 342 samples, with an overall response rate of 73.0%. The prevalence of recent occupational injuries among food industry workers was 44.8%. Statistically, significant associations were present between occupational injuries and alcohol consumption (p = 0.001), poor knowledge (p = 0.031), poor compliance (p = 0.021), poor safety management (p = 0.021), poor safety training (p = 0.002), poor safety culture (p = 0.003), physical exposure (p < 0.001), and ergonomic exposure (p = 0.009). The predictors for recent occupational injuries among food industry workers were Malay (adjusted Odds Ratio; aOR = 2.60, p = 0.027, 95% Confidence Interval; CI = 1.116, 6.035), alcohol consumption (aOR = 5.31, p = 0.001, 95% CI = 2.042, 13.779), poor knowledge (aOR = 1.98, p = 0.032, 95% CI = 1.059, 3.691), poor safety culture (aOR = 2.44, p = 0.002, 95% CI = 1.372, 4.342), and exposure to physical hazards (aOR = 8.88, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 3.031, 26.014).

    CONCLUSION: This study has found a high prevalence of occupational injuries among food industry workers, thereby highlighting the importance of addressing alcohol consumption, improving worker knowledge, enhancing work safety culture, and better control measures on exposure to physical hazards, especially among Malay workers. By prioritising these factors, employers can create safer work environments and minimise the risk of occupational injuries.

    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
  20. Fulltext Theory-Based Intervention Module on Occupational Safety and Health (TRIMOSH) in improving knowledge, attitude, and practice among food industry workers: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
    Dapari R, Mahfot MH, Ahmad Zamzuri M'I, Md Isa Z, Hassan MR, Che Dom N, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(1):e0295771.
    PMID: 38165964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295771
    INTRODUCTION: The significant contribution of the food and beverage industry to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product is projected to increase in the upcoming years. With the industry's expansion, the demand for workers on food premises would also continuously increase. The food industry workers are exposed to risks arising from physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards while performing their duties. Thus, it is essential for these workers to be equipped with proper knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in safety and health.

    AIMS: This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the safety and health programme TRIMOSH (Theory-Based Intervention Module on Occupational Safety and Health) in improving the knowledge, attitude, and practice among food industry workers.

    METHODS: TRIMOSH intervention study is a two-arm randomised, single-blinded, controlled, parallel trial that will be conducted among food industry workers in Selangor, Malaysia. In a partnership with Food Handler Training Schools in Selangor, 10 pairs of Food Handler Training Schools with 12 participants per group (n = 240) will be recruited for balanced randomisation intervention and control conditions. Furthermore, data collection of all participants was conducted at four time points: baseline (T0), immediately (T1), one month (T2), and three months (T3) post-intervention. Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) will be conducted to determine the effects of intervention within and between study groups. Subsequently, the primary outcomes increase the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of safety and health at food premises. Clinical Trial Registry registration was approved by the ClinicalTrials.gov committee on October 2022 with the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05571995. This study has also been approved by the Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects of Universiti Putra Malaysia (JKEUPM-2022-346). All participants are required to provide consent prior to participation.

    CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of the respondents are expected to show no difference between the groups. It is hypothesised that TRIMOSH is effective in improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices of food industry workers in Selangor. The results will be reported and presented in international peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other platforms. In addition, the TRIMOSH programme will be offered at the national level by the relevant authorities for the benefit of food industry workers.

    Matched MeSH terms: Food Industry
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