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M. Z. Tsimidou, M. Papadopoulou, S. A. Ordoudi, N. Nenadis, F. Th. Mantzouridou, C. Zoani
METROFOOD-RI physical facilities active in the food authenticity/traceability sector by the end of the preparatory phase of the infrastructure and upgrading priorities

In the course of METROFOOD-PP project, the physical facilities of METROFOOD-RI (www.metrofood.eu) were inventoried and plans for their integration and operation were defined. Data interpretation was accomplished using different indicators for both the 'METRO' and 'FOOD' side physical facilities. Considering that food authenticity is one of the prioritized thematic areas of the scientific plan of the infrastructure [1], the presentation focuses on those facilities of the 'METRO' side that are mapped under the respective indicator. Among the registered so far analytical facilities (AnL) the 43% of them are engaged in the food authenticity/traceability sector, including detection of adulteration. This sector presents also the highest percentage in potential and planned upgrading activities. The capacity for all types of chromatographic, elemental, spectroscopic and other analyses for various types of matrices is evidenced. The provision of high quality analytical and metrological services for food authenticity testing requires joint actions with other relevant networks in an open science environment. At a European level it is of utmost importance to connect METROFOOD-RI with the Knowledge Centre for Food Fraud and Quality (KCFFQ) that has been created by the EU Food Fraud Network and is operating by the European Commission's Joint Research Center (JRC).

P. Adamo, F. De Filippis, R. Ofano, L. Ruggiero, P. Vitaglione
METROFOOD-IT: Integrated Methodologies for Authenticity, Traceability and Nutritional Quality of Agrifood

METROFOOD-IT 'Strengthening of the Italian Research Infrastructure for Metrology and Open Access Data In support to the Agrifood' is a project funded by European Union,NextGenerationEU, PNRR - M4C2, Investment 3.1: Fund for the realisation of an integrated system of research and innovation infrastructures - IR0000033 (D.M. Prot. n.120 del 21/06/2022) (https://www.metrofood.it/en/). METROFOOD-IT aims to support research and innovation in the agrifood by providing integrated and advanced services, boosting the digitalization of agrifood systems and their efficiency, traceability, and sustainability, increasing the reliability of products and processes and information provided to citizens, authorities, and food system actors. Within METROFOOD-IT Consortium the Department of Agricultural Sciences of University of Naples Federico II (OU UNINA1) possesses facilities and expertise to assess the Authenticity, Traceability and Nutritional Quality of the agri-food products through application of a flow of analytical methodologies. The facility will also provide TNA and host a PhD programme. The Authenticity and Traceability laboratory is specialized in applying a fingerprinting strategy based on spectroscopy (NIR and MIR) and geochemical (multielement and isotopic signatures) analysis combined with chemometric data treatments to predict quality properties and for authentication of high-quality (PDO, PGI) agri-food products according to their geographical area of origin. The Food, Nutrition and Health laboratory is specialized in the assessment of the Nutritional Quality and functionality of the agri-food products and side streams to improve also processing sustainability through food innovation. Metabolomics is applied using high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS Orbitrap, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS), liquid and gas-chromatography (HPLC/DAD, GC/FID), Luminex technology (BioPlex200). The laboratory of Microbial Ecology provides the expertise in food microbial ecology through the application of novel metagenomics-based techniques for identification of microbiome profiles (isolated strains, metagenomics profiles) as markers of food quality or origin tracer of food products (anaerobic cabinet, PCR machines and cabinets, Bioanalyzer of DNA quality for Shotgun metagenomics).

M. Multescu, I.-E. Susman, A. Culetu, D.-E. Duta
Method for determination of deoxynivalenol in wheat flour

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a sensitive, fast and reliable HPLC method for determination of deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat flour. The calibration curve demonstrated good linearity in the concentration range of 25–2500 µg/kg. The accuracy of the determination of DON exhibited a mean recovery rate of 104.3%. Consequently, the limits of detection and quantification were 14.55 µg/kg and 44.09 µg/kg, respectively.

S. Copeto, S. Jesus, I. Delgado, I. Coelho
Method development and validation for acrylamide in cereals products by UPLC-MS/MS

The Maillard reaction is responsible for the colour, flavour, and aroma of food products. However, it also has the undesirable effect of producing harmful substances, such as acrylamide (AA). This unsaturated amide is formed when starchy foods, particularly bread, potatoes, and coffee, undergo processing. The European Union has classified AA as a carcinogen (Category 1B), mutagen (Category 1B), and reproductive toxicant (Category 2). This study aims to validate a method for determining AA in cereal products, as well as to investigate its levels in different cereal products. Ultra-efficiency liquid chromatography coupled to a mass detector with ionization mode, ESI (+), was used to detect and quantify AA. The extraction method consists of adding AA-d3 as an internal standard, extraction with water, defatting with hexane and cleanup with SAX solid-phase extraction. Method performance and figures of merit were validated using a certified reference material (ERM-BD272, Crispbread) and proficiency tests. Several parameters were evaluated during method development and validation, including linearity, the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision and uncertainty. The LOD and LOQ were 0.19 ug/kg and 0.47 ug/kg, respectively, which comply with Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2158. The resulting calibration curve exhibited linearity within two working ranges (0.5-10 ug/kg and 10-150 ug/kg) with an Rsquared value higher than 0.995. The proposed method demonstrated good recovery rates (77%-106%) and precision. These validation results, combined with the proficiency test of FAPAS Crispbread (Z-score: 0.69) and Biscuit (Z-score: -0.93) and ERM-BD272 results, demonstrate that this quantitative method for AA determination in cereal products is fit for purpose. Following the method was applied to market available Cereal-based products such as Maria wafer (n=6), wheat bread (n=6), cornflakes (n=6), and baby cookies (n=6), collected from the local market in Lisbon, Portugal. AA results were expressed in µg/kg. The validation procedures evidenced the suitability of the analytical method, which was effective in achieving an accurate determination of AA in cereals products.

B. Khellaf, R. Chekri, P. Jitaru, L. Bouayad
Mercury contamination of sea bream reared in Algerian marine farming fish located in Bejaia and Chlef. Human health risk assessment due to their consumption

Fish farming is a growing industrial sector in Algeria, making a significant contribution to the country's food security. It is a valuable source of protein. However, farmed fish can be contaminated with toxic element such as mercury (Hg), and be the cause of consumer poisoning. This study was carried out to assess the Hg contamination of sea bream (Sparus aurata) raised in fish farms located in the wilayas of Béjaia and Chlef. An assessment of the health risks incurred by consumers of this fish was also carried out. 34 and 24 sea bream samples were collected over an 8 month period (March-October 2021) from the Béjaia and Chlef fish farms respectively (referring to European Regulation no . 333/2007/EC and European Directive n°.96/23/EC). Analysis were carried out using an accredited method based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Human health risk was assessed using the estimated weekly intake (EWI) and hazard quotient (THQ) as recommended by the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The results (mg/kg wet weight) showed that sea bream reared in Chlef were slightly more contaminated (0.053 ± 0.023 mg/kg) than sea bream reared in Béjaia (0.050 ± 0.010 mg/kg), (no significant difference between the two farms, p>0.05). Nevertheless, levels were well below national and European regulatory limits (0.5mg/kg).Estimated EWI(Hg) values (µg/kg/week) linked to consumption of this fish (0.06) are below the tolerable weekly intake (5.0) set by the USEPA. Similarly, the estimated THQ(Hg) (0.05) is below the critical threshold (1.0). The results indicate that consumption of sea bream from these two farms is unlikely to have any adverse effects on human health in terms of Hg poisoning.

A. Lioupi, N. Munjoma, T. Liapikos, L. Gethings, G. Theodoridis
Lipidomic profile of extra virgin olive oils from different Mediterranean countries by a rapid microbore RPLC-HRMS method

Lipidomic analyses are commonly employed in food science research, with a focus on product quality and nutritional value. This work includes the development of an UPLC-Q-TOF method for the lipidomic analysis of extra virgin olive oil samples using a microbore UPLC C8 column (1.0 × 50 mm, with 1.7 μm diameter particles) and analysis times of 5 min per sample. In comparison to a 20-min conventional method, the novel proposed method saves 75% on mobile phase usage and reaches injection volumes of 0.2 . The approach was employed for the analysis of extra virgin olive oil samples from different Mediterranean countries (Greece, Israel, Palestine, Spain, and Cyprus), and statistically significant differences in triglycerides/markers of geographical origin were observed by multivariate statistical analysis. Additionally, statistically significant differentiations were observed in lipids between samples from different regions of Greece (Halkidiki, Kavala, Peloponnese, Crete). The new rapid method was evaluated for reproducibility and robustness using Quality Control (QC) samples, which were analysed every 8 samples throughout the analysis. The QC samples formed a tight cluster in the center of the PCA plot, indicating the stability of the system. Cyclic ion mobility has the potential to be applied for the rapid separation of lipid isomers which is not always possible using conventional LC-MS instruments. In the present study, direct injection of QC samples from each country was performed and examples are presented regarding the separation of lipid isomers.

S. Sikic, A. Krivohlavek, N. Mikulec, M. Ivesic, F. Kasalo, J. Bosnir
Isotopic ratio as a confirmation of the geographical origin of autochthonous cheese produced in Croatia

Cheese has been widely consumed by people all over the world, not only for its nutritional value (bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and analgesic activity) but also the gourmet experience. As the global health awareness is on the rise, consumption of cheese increased with regional variation allover the world, lowest being in Africa and highest in Central and Eastern Europe and USA. Cheese serving per week are higher in more educated versus low educated adults, urban versus rural areas and adults versus children in general. Following the increase in world population and market demand, cheese production faces quantitative and qualitative challenges for meeting these requirements. Within the project Center for Food Safety and Quality at the Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, the isotopic composition of characteristic elements in indigenous agricultural food products is being determined. Croatia has a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality indigenous cheeses. This study presents the results of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios that can be linked to the geographical origin of the cheese. 80 Cheese samples were collected all over the Republic of Croatia from domestic manufacturer. The samples were tested for the basic quality parameters of fat, protein, dry matter, salt and pH. Their DELTA C (δ13C) and DELTA N (δ15N) values were determined, and their mutual ratio was used to determine the geographical origin of the cheeses. Different types of cow's, sheep's, goat's cheese and their mixtures were tested over three years. After lyophilization, the cheese samples were analysed using EA IRMS technique and the total ratios of carbon 13C/12C and nitrogen δ 15N/14N isotopes were determined. IRMS measurements were performed by IRMS Delta V Plus (Thermo Fischer Scientific, Bremen, Germany) coupled to Elemental Analyzer FlashEA. Instruments were controlled by the Isodat 3.0. software (Thermo Fischer Scientific, Bremen, Germany). Solid specimens were introduced into the EA system contained in tin capsules. The isotopic ratios were expressed in part per thousand (%0). The samples were measured against the certified reference material Protein (Casein) Standard OAS (IVA Analysentechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Meerbusch). The analysis was performed using combustion reactor filled with copper (II) oxide, silver cobaltous/cobaltic oxide, and chrome (III) oxide (Thermo Fischer Scientific, Bremen, Germany). The reactor is followed by a water-separator and packed GC column for separation of the evolved gases (N2 and CO2). Out of 80 analysed cheese samples collected from the entire territory of the Republic of Croatia only cheese samples from Krk and Cres could be geographically determined using just their DELTA C (δ13C) and DELTA N (δ15N) values and their mutual ratio. Mean values were calculated from triplicate analyses.

A. Del Fiore, B. Aracri, L. Di Gregorio, I. Colandrea, C. Barbieri, A. Bevivino, C. Nobili
In vitro antifungal properties evaluation of blended kiwifruit: a circular approach to reduce food losses.

Due to the low sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems, food losses, related to the inefficient use of resources, can generate impacts not only at the environmental but also at the societal level. These could be overcome by introducing sustainable methods, in line with circular economy principles, to prevent and reduce food losses and waste through a reuse and enhance approach. In this context, a big issue of food system is related to the fruit left in fields even if fully suitable for human consumption and rich in bioactive biomolecules, fibre, and phytochemicals, but not for sale just because lacking in precise esthetical commercial requirements (shape, size, colour, ...). In the present work, ability of blended kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) to inhibit in vitro, the growth of three fungal contaminants of fruits such as Botrytis spp, Aspergillus spp and Penicillium spp, was observed. During a ten days infection, fungal biomass, sporulation and mycotoxin production and parameters related to oxidative stress (CAT and SOD activity, pH, antioxidant activity, total polyphenols content) were monitored in presence of different concentration of blended kiwifruit, tested alone or in combination with other molecules. Soon, an in vivo challenge test experiment will be carried out to evaluate the applicability of the blended kiwifruit to control fungal growth in field and in the post-harvest, considering the complexities of plant-pathogenenvironment interactions.

P. Skvorova, M. Kulma, L. Kourimska
Nutritional duel of Gryllus assimilis or the effect of feed on nutritional values

The nutritional value depends on the breeding conditions, the insect stage and technological modifications. An important factor that also affects the nutritional value is the type of food. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of the addition of rapeseed cakes (70% was added to the classic feed mixture for broilers, which has already proven itself in experiments with edible insects at the Czech University of Life Sciences) on the nutritional value of Gryllus assimilis. Rapeseed cakes are a by-product of hot pressing of rapeseed. It contains a high proportion of nitrogenous substances and a high proportion of fat, which ensures high nutritional quality in terms of protein and energy feed. At the same, it is a waste product which, in addition to animal feed, is used in biogas plants. In the Czech Republic, it is a relatively abundant product. The second group of crickets was fed a conventional soybean broiler feed. Determination of basic nutritional values - fat, crude protein, chitin, dry matter, ash. attention was also focused on determining the profile of amino acids and fatty acids. It was found that crickets were able to thrive on both types of food. The nutritional values of both groups showed very similar values. Although there was an increase in fat content at the expense of protein, the resulting fatty acid profile in crickets feed rappesed cakes showed a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids and an improvement in the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. In conclusion, rapeseed cakes can be recommended as a possible alternative to soy feed for crickets.

A. Lioupi, K. Zinoviadou, G. Theodoridis
HS-SPME-GC-MS metabolomics approaches to investigate the volatile profiles of virgin olive oils and table olives from Greece

Metabolomics is applied to address modern challenges related to food quality and safety. In this context, the development of multi-purpose analytical methods is of utmost importance to ensure authenticity and highlight the quality characteristics of the food products produced. The volatile profile provides important information on the quality characteristics of the product. In this study, two separate methods based on gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique were developed for the analysis of volatile organic compounds in extra virgin olive oils and table olives, respectively. The volatile organic compounds were extracted by the solid phase microextraction technique (HS-SPME). The first method was applied for the analysis of branded extra virgin olive oil samples (n = 117) of Crete harvested in two consecutive years (2018-19, 2019-20) and allowed the identification of a large number of metabolites (>90). The statistical analysis allowed the identification of compounds/markers with relevance to the geographical origin of Cretan olive oils. In addition, differences were observed between samples from different years of harvesting of the fruit. Finally, a correlation between the volatile compounds and the results of the organoleptic evaluation of the samples was carried out.The second method was developed and optimised for the investigation of the aroma profile of table olives during fermentation. Microbiological and physicochemical analyses were also performed to assess the quality of olives. With the optimised conditions, table olives of Chalkidiki were analysed to investigate the changes of volatile organic compounds during fermentation. In total, 127 VOCs were putatively identified and semi-quantified derived from different chemical classes. The volatile profile of table olives changed significantly during fermentation, with an increase in the number of detected aromatic compounds and the development of new compounds, shaping the final taste. The method proved robust for the investigation of the volatile profile of table olives providing easy, automated, efficient, and economic sample preparation and analysis along with information-rich GC-MS data. Overall, both methods, with the combined use of chemometric models and statistical analysis, are important tools for authenticity studies and highlighting the quality characteristics of the products.

Page 9 of 955 Results 81 - 90 of 9546