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PFAS exposure from high seafood diets may be underestimated

A Dartmouth-led study found that people in New England, particularly those who frequently consume seafood, face an increased risk of PFAS exposure. The researchers recommend setting safety standards to limit seafood consumption and highlight the need for more stringent public health guidelines.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalExposure and Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

NTU Singapore researchers develop a method to extract useful proteins from beer-brewing leftovers

Researchers from NTU Singapore have created a method to extract over 80% of the available protein in grain leftovers from brewing beer, commonly known as brewers' spent grain. The extracted proteins could be used commercially to enrich human diets and cosmetic products, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional ingredients.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalInnovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2024

Replacing sugar with sweeteners can improve weight loss control over the long-term in adults in the overweight range, finds European randomised controlled trial

A European randomized controlled trial found that replacing sugar with sweeteners improved weight loss control for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults. The study also showed greater diet satisfaction and lower cravings for sweet foods among participants who consumed low/no-energy sweetened products.

Shopping study in a virtual supermarket

A recent study by the University of Bonn and TU Munich found that banners with information on animal welfare had no effect on purchasing decisions in a virtual supermarket. Researchers invited test subjects to shop in a simulated environment, but even prominent labeling did not change buying behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

Refrigerate lettuce to reduce risk of E. coli contamination, researchers say

A new study from the University of Illinois examines factors affecting E. coli contamination on five leafy greens, including romaine and spinach. Researchers found that refrigeration significantly reduces E. coli growth on lettuce, while kale and collards are less susceptible due to their natural antimicrobial properties.

Engineering a coating for disease-free produce

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a coating that bolsters the safety of fresh produce and provides enhanced protection against bacteria and fungi. The coating combines wax with nano-encapsulated cinnamon-bark essential oil in protein carriers to enhance antibacterial properties.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalCurrent Research in Food Science·DateFeb 20, 2024

New peer-reviewed EWG study finds little-known toxic crop chemical in four out of five people tested

A new EWG study has found chlormequat, a little-known pesticide, in 77% of urine samples from people tested between 2017 and 2023. The chemical is linked to reproductive and developmental problems in animal studies, suggesting potential harm to humans. EWG calls for increased research and regulation on chlormequat.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

By growing animal cells in rice grains, scientists dish up hybrid food

Korean scientists have successfully grown animal muscle and fat cells inside rice grains, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful hybrid food. The cell-cultured beef rice has been found to have 8% more protein and 7% more fat than regular rice, making it a potential alternative to traditional livestock-based protein sources.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

NJIT researchers unveil method to detect 'forever chemicals' in under 3 minutes

New Jersey Institute of Technology chemists have developed a lab-based method to detect traces of PFAS from food packaging material, water, and soil samples in just three minutes or less. The approach, involving paper spray mass spectrometry, is 10-100 times more sensitive than current standard techniques for PFAS testing.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 8, 2024

Biodegradable sensor monitors levels of pesticides via direct contact with surface of fruit and vegetables

The biodegradable sensor, made from plant-based material, can detect pesticide levels in minutes and has the potential to help assure food safety. The study showed that washing and immersion were insufficient to remove residues of pesticides, highlighting the need for reliable detection methods.

Salad in space? New study says it's not a healthy choice

Researchers from the University of Delaware found that plants grown in simulated microgravity conditions are more prone to infections from Salmonella, a human pathogen. The study suggests that space-grown lettuce may not be as healthy for astronauts as previously thought due to its increased susceptibility to bacterial contamination.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2024

How did free wi-fi help unlock Hanoi wet markets’ mysteries?

A study analyzed mobile device tracking data from 25 Wi-Fi access points to characterize changes in behavior at five wet markets in Hanoi. The researchers found a significant decrease in visits and market engagement during the initial COVID-19 crisis phase, with peak shopping times shifting due to behavioral changes.

Going beyond plastic: Chung-Ang University team explores tara gum as a green polymer

Researchers from Chung-Ang University have discovered tara gum as a promising sustainable material for biodegradable packaging and drug delivery systems. The study examines the modification methods of tara gum polysaccharides, including their applications in pH-sensitive food packaging and controlled-release drug formulations.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 15, 2024

If a piece of Turkey gets stuck in your throat this Christmas, there is no point in trying to free it with Cola

A study published in the BMJ Christmas Issue investigated the effectiveness of cola in loosening stuck food in the oesophagus. The results show no significant improvement, with only 61% of patients experiencing relief on their own. Cola use was found to have no side effects or complications.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2023

SMART researchers pave the way for faster and safer T-cell therapy through novel contamination-detection method

A novel contamination-detection method enables faster and safer T-cell therapy production, reducing the risk for patients and speeding up treatment. The method uses cutting-edge technology to identify harmful microorganisms within 24 hours.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023

How safe is your sushi?

Researchers warn of risks associated with eating sushi and sashimi, especially for individuals with weak immune systems. The study highlights the importance of adopting a broad approach to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria through animal and human health, food production, and environment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 27, 2023

Study: Infant formula safety checks can be improved with stratified sampling

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that stratified sampling is more effective at catching contaminants in infant formula than random sampling. The researchers used computer models to simulate testing finished formula and suggest ways to improve safety plans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Protection·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 11, 2023

Three out of every ten meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from dark kitchens

A study in Brazil found that 35.4% of restaurants on a popular food delivery app are 'dark kitchens' with no direct contact with consumers, serving mainly Brazilian food at lower costs. The research highlights health and safety issues, consumer perceptions, and the need for legal viability to ensure sanitary inspection.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFood Research International·DateAug 3, 2023

Chemical found in common sweetener damages DNA

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers finds that sucralose-6-acetate, a chemical formed when we digest sucralose, is genotoxic and breaks up DNA. The chemical is also present in trace amounts in the sweetener itself, posing potential health risks.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Salmonella solution

McMaster University researchers developed a rapid and inexpensive test for Salmonella contamination in food, which provides accurate results in an hour or less. The test improves food safety, reduces the cost of processing fresh poultry and other foods, and helps limit broad recalls to batches identified as contaminated.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Cleveland Clinic study finds common artificial sweetener linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke

A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that high levels of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers studied over 4,000 people and found those with higher blood erythritol levels were at elevated risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2023

Avoiding a global chocolate disaster – how tracing and recalls avoided a worldwide Salmonella outbreak

A European-wide recall of Kinder Chocolate products, including eggs, prevented thousands of extra cases of Salmonella Typhimurium. The recall, triggered by intensive collaboration between public health experts, food safety agencies, and regular surveillance, saved lives and reduced the risk of devastating global outbreak.

Recalls of fresh meat products may lower customer demand

Fresh meat recalls can significantly reduce customer demand, with large recalls causing a larger loss in meat demand. The study suggests that companies can take action to prevent food recalls by increasing mandatory inspection of fresh meat products and developing standard regulations.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Policy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Shellac-based coating makes pulp materials suitable for food without use of petroleum based polymers or metals

Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPolymer International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023