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Product safety is a significant issue, and leading industrialized nations, which are largely based on manufacturing, invest considerable time and resources to address product safety-related challenges. The social issues surrounding product safety can directly impact consumers' health and safety, and failing to comply with product safety standards or providing inaccurate information to consumers can infringe on consumer rights. Therefore, product safety must be approached as a social issue with broad societal implications, necessitating government efforts to manage and oversee these concerns. Simplifying the complexities of product safety management and developing a systematic evaluation framework at the government level are essential. Product safety is a socially significant issue, and leading industrialized nations, which are largely based on manufacturing, invest considerable time and resources to address product safety-related challenges. This study developed a product safety evaluation framework for manufacturing companies based on Korean consumers' awareness of product safety. It was designed to comprehensively assess manufacturing companies' technological, procedural, and perceptual levels from a product safety perspective. A total of 101 companies participated, categorized into 43 electrical product manufacturers, 22 daily goods manufacturers, and 36 children's product manufacturers. The primary goal of this evaluation framework is to enable companies to conduct self-assessments and ultimately promote a culture of product safety. Additionally, the framework aims to assist the government in establishing a systematic product safety evaluation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Extracts from the rhizome of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Corydalis yanhusuo (CY) mediate a number of biologic effects that are associated with its content of isoquinoline alkaloids. CY alkaloids have shown analgesic, cardioprotective, and anti-addictive effects in animal models of disease. Since CY alkaloids are available to consumers as dietary supplements we analyzed the content of alkaloids in 14 products including open powders, capsules, and liquid formulations, capturing a majority of the products available online in the US. Methods: Nineteen alkaloids were quantified using HPLC analyses with diode array detection after extraction using a weak cation exchange column. Results: Total alkaloid content was highly variable among the products, ranging from below quantifiable in some to ≈11 mg/g in others. Five of the products had comparable content of alkaloids (9.5 ± 1.6 mg/g), equaling about the amount of alkaloids of an extract prepared from CY rhizome (12.7 mg/g). The other samples had much lower content (1.8 ± 0.9 mg/g), or alkaloids were below quantifiable. One of the products was highly enriched in tetrahydropalmatine (≈5 mg/g), suggesting adulteration from the natural product, and raising concerns about possible toxicologic liability. Discussion: Considering alkaloid content as a key quality criterium for CY supplements, the large variability among the products seems unacceptable and makes it difficult for consumers to select products with an appropriate content of alkaloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food adulteration, the deliberate contamination or substitution of food products with inferior or harmful substances for economic gain, has become a pressing global concern with profound implications for public health. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the various forms of food adulteration, its widespread prevalence, and the significant health risks it poses to consumers. Adulteration affects a broad spectrum of food items, including cereals, spices, oils, dairy products, and beverages. The consumption of adulterated foods presents immediate dangers such as acute poisoning, as well as long-term health repercussions. Toxic substances like heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants are known to trigger gastrointestinal disorders, neurological damage, and, in some cases, fatal outcomes. Chronic exposure to contaminated food increases the likelihood of developing non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and cancer. To mitigate this growing threat, it is imperative to strengthen regulatory frameworks, implement robust testing protocols, and enforce stringent penalties for offenders. Public awareness initiatives and educational programs play a pivotal role in empowering consumers to make informed choices and advocate for greater transparency in the food supply chain. In conclusion, food adulteration represents a substantial public health risk by compromising both the safety and nutritional integrity of the food consumed. This study employs a quantitative research approach, gathering data from 222 respondents in Chennai, complemented by a chronological review of existing literature on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess microbiological parameters, antibiotic concentrations, and formaldehyde residues in four fish species - Wallago attu, Labeo rohita, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, and Rastrelliger kanagurta - sourced from both inland and marine sectors, encompassing culture and capture fisheries. These fish were collected from the Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, and Bathinda fish markets in Punjab, India, over four distinct seasons (post-monsoon, winter, pre-monsoon, and monsoon) from September 2021 to August 2022. The study focused on evaluating Total Plate Count (TPC), Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, it investigated antibiotic residues and formaldehyde presence to ensure consumer safety. TPC levels in various fish species ranged from 1.193.22×104 cfu/g across different seasons and markets. Elevated levels of E. coli (2.46 - 4.46×10² cfu/g) and S. aureus (2.33 - 4.73×10³ cfu/g), exceeding permissible limits, presented a notable public health concern. The monsoon season recorded the highest microbiological counts in all fish species sampled. Bathinda's fish market had higher average microbiological values compared to the other markets, potentially due to factors like ice quality, hygiene standards during packaging, and storage and transportation processes. In terms of antibiotic residues, the concentrations of chloramphenicol (0.001 - 0.019 µg/kg), nitrofurantoin (0.001 - 0.026 µg/kg), and oxytetracycline (0.001 - 0.028 µg/kg) in the selected species were found to be below permissible limits, ensuring the fish's safety for consumption. No formaldehyde residues were detected in any of the fish species across all seasons and markets, further confirming their safety. Addressing bacterial contamination through scientific interventions remains essential for public health and environmental sustainability.

Social work regulatory rules and practices should balance the social values of promoting consumer safety and workforce equity. As the two values often compete, the balancing act should be guided by empirical evidence about the effects of regulations on consumers and the workforce. Unfortunately, however, empirical studies investigating the relationships between various regulatory rules and practices and consumer safety and workforce equity are rare in the existing literature. This paper identifies critical gaps in the current knowledge base and proposes a series of future research agendas that call for empirical evidence, including detailed data on jurisdictional regulatory rules and practices, the measures of consumer safety, and licensed social workers' demographic, employment, and practice characteristics. The paper concludes by calling out to all social work stakeholders about the need for empirical evidence on the effects of social work regulatory rules and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess microbiological parameters, antibiotic concentrations, and formaldehyde residues in four fish species - Wallago attu, Labeo rohita, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, and Rastrelliger kanagurta - sourced from both inland and marine sectors, encompassing culture and capture fisheries. These fish were collected from the Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, and Bathinda fish markets in Punjab, India, over four distinct seasons (post-monsoon, winter, pre-monsoon, and monsoon) from September 2021 to August 2022. The study focused on evaluating Total Plate Count (TPC), Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, it investigated antibiotic residues and formaldehyde presence to ensure consumer safety. TPC levels in various fish species ranged from 1.19-3.22x104 cfu/g across different seasons and markets. Elevated levels of E. coli (2.46 - 4.46x10² cfu/g) and S. aureus (2.33 - 4.73x10³ cfu/g), exceeding permissible limits, presented a notable public health concern. The monsoon season recorded the highest microbiological counts in all fish species sampled. Bathinda's fish market had higher average microbiological values compared to the other markets, potentially due to factors like ice quality, hygiene standards during packaging, and storage and transportation processes. In terms of antibiotic residues, the concentrations of chloramphenicol (0.001 - 0.019 µg/kg), nitrofurantoin (0.001 - 0.026 µg/kg), and oxytetracycline (0.001 - 0.028 µg/kg) in the selected species were found to be below permissible limits, ensuring the fish's safety for consumption. No formaldehyde residues were detected in any of the fish species across all seasons and markets, further confirming their safety. Addressing bacterial contamination through scientific interventions remains essential for public health and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Professional Business Review (JPBReview) is the property of Open Access Publications LLC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cosmetics are a staple in daily beauty routines worldwide, embraced for their role in enhancing personal appearance and self-care. However, their direct application exposes the skin to a range of ingredients, including metal(loid)s, and these can have a hazardous impact on human health if they exceed the limits defined by regulatory agencies. As a result, it is important to evaluate metal(loid) levels to ensure the safety of these cosmetic products. This research aimed to analyze several cosmetic products (massage cream, cleaner, mud mask, skin polish, scrub, lipstick, foundation, lotion, face powder, and highlighter) for metalloids (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Bi, and Hg) by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Multivariate and bivariate statistical approaches were used to interpret the sources and association between the metal(loid)s. The concentration ranges of metals were found to be Al (1.18–4.15 mg/kg), Cr (0.13–2.19 mg/kg), Mn (1.89–28.77 mg/kg), Fe (4.09–126.02 mg/kg), Co (0.19–31.62 mg/kg), Ni (0.11–5.39 mg/kg), Cu (0.08–0.19 mg/kg), Zn (1.99–47.81 mg/kg), Sr (0.99–10.34 mg/kg), Cd (0.16–1.50 mg/kg), Pb (0.29–2.44 mg/kg), Bi (0.23–2.18 mg/kg), and Hg (0.012–0.42 mg/kg), whereas the concentration ranges of metalloids were found to be As (0.011–0.051 mg/kg) and Sb (0.042–1.66 mg/kg). Among the tested cosmetic products for the metal(loid) levels, the estimation of the margin of safety (MOS < 100), hazard quotient (HQ > 1), hazard index (HI > 1), and cumulative cancer risk (LCR ≤ 1 × 10−3) indicated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with the use of few products. Most of the cosmetics products under investigation are safe with respect to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. By highlighting the need to limit excessive use and adhering to sustainable safety practices, this study underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating metal(loid) content to ensure consumer safety and mitigate environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial load play an important role in hygiene abattoirs performance and risk categorisation, as an important part of a risk-based meat safety assurance system. The aim of our study was to investigate if risk categorisation of abattoirs based on microbiological indicators have a similar results like codecs used for condemnation (partial or total) of the carcasses on ante mortem or post mortem inspection. The research material was represented by poultry samples collected in compliance with the current legislation (RU2073/2005) and (RU627/2019) it is used for poultry condemnation. The results showed that differences regarding Campylobacter and Salmonella may be consider as variation in risk abattoir categorisation. A lower risk may be considered regarding Campylobacter level lower than Salmonella. Microbial load from the surface of carcasses is significantly influencing the risk abattoir categorization and the final condemnation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan dan Ilmu Sosial (JMPIS) is the property of Dinasti Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: This study investigated the presence of mercury in commonly used over the counter skin-lightening creams available in Trinidad and Tobago. The objective of this study was to evaluate if skin-lightening creams commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago contained Mercury, and establish the health risks presented by these products. Methods: Nineteen skin-lightening creams were analysed using Cold Capor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CV-AAS). Margin of Safety (MoS) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) calculations were used to assess risk to users. Results: Of the nineteen creams assessed, sixteen contained high concentrations of mercury (0.294-14414.5 μg/g), only three creams had no mercury detected. 9 of the 19 samples contained levels of mercury that exceed the Minamata convention's accepted limit of 1μg/g, with 3 samples exceeding 3800.000 μg/g. Risk assessments using MoS and HQ showed that 3 of the samples were unsafe for use and are considered hazardous. The study also revealed that many creams do contain mercury even if it did not constitute part of the product formulation. Conclusion: The data infers that some manufacturers do add mercury to their formulations while others are the victims of contaminated raw materials. MoS and HQ show that 21% of the samples were unsafe and 16% can be considered hazardous for human use. It is possible that with such levels of mercury in these products and the popularity of these products within the Caribbean Community and its diaspora, that there exists a significant amount of members with higher than acceptable mercury levels, with undiagnosed clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal spices are an agricultural commodity, economically very important and beneficial in primary healthcare in the food and medicine sectors. Herbal spices are used as food flavoring agents as well as in phytotherapies throughout the world and have nutritive benefits. The food and medicine industries widely employ artificial or natural adulteration to retard the deterioration and utilization of these adulterants in food and medicine products has given rise to significant apprehension among consumers, primarily stemming from the potential health risks that they pose. Thus, their characterization for the purpose of identification, origin, and quality assurance is mandatory for safe human consumption. Here, we studied 22 samples of commonly traded herbal spices that belong to 20 different genera and 21 species comprising 14 families, investigated macroscopically or organoleptically as well as histologically under microscopic examination. In this study, we provide details on organoleptic features including appearance, taste, odor, color, shape, size, fractures, types of trichomes, and the presence of lenticels among the examined herbal spices and these features have great significance in the detection of both natural as well as artificial deterioration. In terms of microscopic characterization, each examined plant part comprising different anatomical characteristics has taxonomic importance and also provides useful information for authentication from natural adulterants. Furthermore, the studied taxa were also described with nutritive and therapeutic properties. For condiments, herbal beverages and medicinal purposes, different herbal parts such as leaves, floral buds, seeds, fruit, and accessory parts like mericarp, rhizome, bulbs, and bark were used and commercially traded. Similarly, in this study, the leaves of Cinnamomum tamala and Mentha spicata, the floral buds of Syzygium aromaticum, the seeds of Amomum subulatum, Brassica nigra, Punica granatum, Myristica fragrans, Phyllanthus emblica, and Elettaria cardamomum, the mericarp of Coriandrum sativum, and Cuminum cyminum were observed. As a result, we show the potential of herbal spices as a source of many valuable phytochemicals and essential nutrients for food, nutraceutical, and homoeopathic medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the coronavirus disease 2019 era, biocidal products are increasingly used for controlling harmful organisms, including microorganisms. However, assuring safety against adverse health effects is a critical issue from a public health standpoint. This study aimed to provide an overview of key aspects of risk assessment, management, and communication that ensure the safety of biocidal active ingredients and products. The inherent characteristics of biocidal products make them effective against pests and pathogens; however, they also possess potential toxicities. Therefore, public awareness regarding both the beneficial and potential adverse effects of biocidal products needs to be increased. Biocidal active ingredients and products are regulated under specific laws: the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act for the United States; the European Union (EU) Biocidal Products Regulation for the EU; and the Consumer Chemical Products and Biocide Safety Management Act for the Republic of Korea. Risk management also needs to consider the evidence of enhanced sensitivity to toxicities in individuals with chronic diseases, given the increased prevalence of these conditions in the population. This is particularly important for post‐marketing safety assessments of biocidal products. Risk communication conveys information, including potential risks and risk‐reduction measures, aimed at managing or controlling health or environmental risks. Taken together, the collaborative effort of stakeholders in risk assessment, management, and communication strategies is critical to ensuring the safety of biocidal products sold in the market as these strategies are constantly evolving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this work is to introduce a novel approach that modifies the method for analyzing and assessing the risk of water supply network failure. The approach aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organization and the European Union regarding the reliability and safety of water supply to consumers. The presented method for assessing the risk in the water distribution subsystem was based on the vulnerability identifying method (VIM) and involves the determination of the vulnerability index (VI). The VIM vulnerability factors considered encompass the failure rate, chemical stability of water, and issues related to water corrosion properties in water distribution subsystems. The obtained risk assessment includes parameters such as the probability of hazard occurrence, the consequences of these hazards, and vulnerability to them. This concept was evaluated using real operational data from the water distribution subsystem. The estimated risk level, under the given operating conditions, indicates its acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short- and long-term impacts of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products are not fully understood. Current European Union (EU) regulations enforce transparency on products containing NPs in cosmetic formulations; however, those set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are lacking. This study demonstrates the potential of single-particle inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (spICP-MS/MS) as a screening method for NPs present in powder-based facial cosmetics (herein referred to as FCs). A proposed spICP-MS/MS method is presented along with recommended criteria to confirm particle presence and particle detection thresholds in seven FCs. FC products of varying colors, market values, and applications were analyzed for the presence of Bi, Cr, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sn, Ag, Al, and Zn NPs based on their ingredient lists as well as those commonly used in cosmetic formulations. The presence of NPs smaller than 100 nm was observed in all FC samples, and no correlations with their presence and market value were observed. Here, we report qualitative and semi-quantitative results for seven FC samples ranging in color, brand, and shimmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current global conditions, of intense pollution, daily stress or sedentary lifestyle, many consumers choose to improve their quality of life, consuming more and more food supplements. We mention that some of the supplements may have unwanted effects, as a result of consumption in excessive doses, inadequate properties of the active compounds, either due to drug-food supplement interactions or falsifications. Today there are few countries (France, Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, USA) that have implemented Nutrivigilance - a new science and activity that detects, evaluates and understands the interactions produced by food supplements, with the aim of increasing consumer safety. In the present work, we aim to present the risks of the uncontrolled consumption of some food supplements and to raise awareness of the importance of developing nutrivigilance in all countries, especially in those where it has not been implemented at all. In this context, we want nutrivigilance to be implemented in our country, as is pharmacovigilance for the use of medicines and medical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online shopping has now become very common, with consumers increasingly opting to purchase products on the World Wide Web instead of visiting traditional "bricks and mortar" stores, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has, however, also provided significant opportunities for offenders to abuse the inherent trust-based nature of online shopping, whereby consumers typically do not see the products physically prior to purchasing them. As such, this article sets out to examine the actions and behaviors that individuals take to prevent online shopping fraud and what, if any, discrepancy exists between prevention messaging and consumer behavior. To accomplish this, the study utilizes secondary survey data (n = 3478 respondents) obtained from a private-sector initiative called ScamAdviser. The results find that many respondents do not use appropriate behaviors to reduce their risk when shopping online and that furthermore there is reason to believe that consumers are not served well by the online safety advice that they are given. The paper argues that there is scope to increase guardianship through better prevention advice being communicated to online shoppers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of marine fishes has a positive effect on a consumer's health; however, it poses a potential risk due to their level of heavy metals in their body. Heavy metals can be naturally found in the environment, but their concentration can be increased with anthropogenic activities. Samples of tuna (Thunnus albacares) were collected at a fishery market. The potentially toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) were determined with a validated method in the flesh of fish using inductively plasma optical emission spectrometry after microwave digestion. Generally, the average concentration of them was below the official limit values regulated by the European Union, except for lead. Based on the concentrations of arsenic (inorganic derivates: 0.05 ± 0.02 mg/kg) and cadmium (0.03 ± 0.01 mg/kg) in the tuna fish samples, and their calculated EDI values (As: 0.03–0.09 µg/kg/day; Cd: 0.05–0.07 µg/kg/day), the investigated food could be declared safe for human consumption. Generally, mercury content was below the official regulated limit, and the calculated EDI value was below the dietary reference value (0.3 μg/kg/day) in most of the samples (90%), exceeding it only in two samples (0.69 and 0.82 μg/kg/day); thus, they may not be harmful to the consumer. The concentration of lead above the official maximum limit (0.30 mg/kg) in 40% of tuna samples (0.30–1.59 mg/kg), as well as the exceeding of the dietary reference value for lead (adult: 0.16 μg/kg/day; children: 0.26 μg/kg/day) based on the calculated EDI values (0.28–1.49 μg/kg/day), draw attention to the importance of environmental pollution and the protection of consumers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of farm-raised African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) in the Dormaa Municipality, Ghana. Thirty (30) individuals of freshly harvested fish of average weight 912.78±16.43 g obtained from a fish farm and an equal number of smoked farm-raised fish of average weight 769.19± 6.48 g were used for the study. The mean values obtained for the proximate analysis of fresh catfish were: moisture (77.4 ± 1.94 %), ash (1.34 ± 0.26 %), fat (0.57 ± 0.17 %), protein (17.58 ± 0.23 %) and total carbohydrate (4.45 ± 1.55 %) and those for the smoked fish were: moisture (11.63 ± 0.43 %), ash (7.06 ± 0.66 %), fat (9.31 ± 1.80 %), protein (25.72 ± 1.51 %) and 53.34 ± 0.15 % for total carbohydrate. The overall acceptability of fresh and smoked farm-raised catfish ranged from 3.2-4.6 and 3.0-3.8 respectively. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the nutritional, bacterial and organoleptic qualities between the fresh and smoked catfish. Results from the study revealed higher nutritional composition in smoked catfish and lower bacterial loads in both fresh and smoked fish except E. coli, which must be of concern for consumer safety. It is recommended that farmed catfish should be smoked before consumption to obtain maximum nutritional benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chilena de Derecho Privado is the property of Fundacion Fernando Fueyo Laneri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Marine management is focused on discrete aspects of anthropogenic pressures or ecosystem components: nutrients are managed by the nitrates and urban wastewater treatment directives, coastal eutrophication by the Water Framework Directive, commercial fishing by the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), and conservation by the Habitats Directive. While these directives all address management of specialized elements of the marine system, Directive 2008/56/EC (the Marine Strategy Framework Directive - MSFD) seeks to sustainably manage European seas in a holistic manner by establishing common principles on the basis of which Member States have to draw up their own strategies, in cooperation with other Member States and third countries, to achieve a good ecological status in the marine waters for which they are responsible. The aim of this research is to review and discusses the present situation with regard to the Directive implementation in Albania and its rationale behind. MSFD is remarkable because it requires the implementation of an 'ecosystem approach', which is a management methodology considering the entire ecosystem, including its human component. Implementation of MFD is proving to be difficult because this is a comprehensive Directive covering many diverse subjects linked to various fields of science and disparate commercial sectors) and provides some basic findings and gaps identified, their impact and respective recommendations. There are many implementation challenges because the rationale behind the MSFD is to manage the marine ecosystem to a healthy and productive state by harmonizing existing policies and filling gaps left by other pieces of legislation. The implementation of the MSFD in Albania is at the initial steps; the main structure and the establishment of the competent authorities in charge of the drafting of marine environment strategy have been appointed. Albania needs to structure and strengthen its capacities for the water management and implementation of the EU water acquis. There are no management actions for coastal waters management according to WFD requirements. As main conclusion of this analyses is the need of a number of provisions to be included into Albanian legal framework in order to transpose the Water Management Directives such as: Provisions which sets out the area of the sea and the sea bed to which the Regulation applies; provisions that imposes a duty on the Ministry/Council of Ministers to develop a marine strategy; Regulations to set out how the Ministry/Council of Ministers, other relevant Ministries, and the administration (also on local and regional level) will work together to develop and implement the marine strategy. Provisions that place a duty on public authorities, as well as Ministers, to have regard to the marine strategy in exercising their functions; provisions that require the development of the five elements of the marine strategy and set a deadline for doing so, etc. In one word, there are lot of coastal waters management actions for according to WFD requirements to be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal spices are an agricultural commodity, economically very important and beneficial in primary healthcare in the food and medicine sectors. Herbal spices are used as food flavoring agents as well as in phytotherapies throughout the world and have nutritive benefits. The food and medicine industries widely employ artificial or natural adulteration to retard the deterioration and utilization of these adulterants in food and medicine products has given rise to significant apprehension among consumers, primarily stemming from the potential health risks that they pose. Thus, their characterization for the purpose of identification, origin, and quality assurance is mandatory for safe human consumption. Here, we studied 22 samples of commonly traded herbal spices that belong to 20 different genera and 21 species comprising 14 families, investigated macroscopically or organoleptically as well as histologically under microscopic examination. In this study, we provide details on organoleptic features including appearance, taste, odor, color, shape, size, fractures, types of trichomes, and the presence of lenticels among the examined herbal spices and these features have great significance in the detection of both natural as well as artificial deterioration. In terms of microscopic characterization, each examined plant part comprising different anatomical characteristics has taxonomic importance and also provides useful information for authentication from natural adulterants. Furthermore, the studied taxa were also described with nutritive and therapeutic properties. For condiments, herbal beverages and medicinal purposes, different herbal parts such as leaves, floral buds, seeds, fruit, and accessory parts like mericarp, rhizome, bulbs, and bark were used and commercially traded. Similarly, in this study, the leaves of Cinnamomum tamala and Mentha spicata, the floral buds of Syzygium aromaticum, the seeds of Amomum subulatum, Brassica nigra, Punica granatum, Myristica fragrans, Phyllanthus emblica, and Elettaria cardamomum, the mericarp of Coriandrum sativum, and Cuminum cyminum were observed. As a result, we show the potential of herbal spices as a source of many valuable phytochemicals and essential nutrients for food, nutraceutical, and homoeopathic medicine.

The withdrawal period after treatment with microbials is established to minimize the concentration of residues in meat of treated pigs or poultry. Even Food Chain has very precise rules about sending or not animals to slaughter before withdrawal period thus human errors may occur. In a prior study two questionnaires was distributed to food business operator (FBO) and competent authority (CA) involving 28 countries in and outside Europe (Romania included), involving pig meat production. Then in the second part of the study, the questionnaires were distributed for poultry meat production. The models developed in the previous study were applied for poultry industry and Romanian study case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studies in Politics & Society / Polityka & Społeczeństwo is the property of University of Rzeszow and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The microbial load is of major importance in terms of the quality, sanity, and freshness of the meat. The aim of our study was to perform a microbial risk assessment at warm and chilled swine and broilers carcasses represented by the psychrotrophic bacteria. The research material was represented by swine and broiler carcasses collected in past years. The results showed a variation in swine and broilers microbiological carcasses. The point of interest was based on the microorganisms presented in both species. Microbial load from the surface of carcasses is significantly influenced by the temperature in the chilling room of the slaughterhouse, if the temperature is inadequate, the microbial load is significantly higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-intoxicating Cannabis sativa L. (i.e., hemp) is increasingly used for industrial, cosmetic and food applications. Despite the fact that the EU has not yet established a regulatory framework on hazardous compounds (i.e., toxic inorganic elements), the monitoring of cannabis products is of paramount importance to safeguard consumers, also in view of the species propensity to accumulate toxic metals from the environment. The aim of this work was to assess the compliance with Law n. 242/2016 and the safety of hemp inflorescences from different varieties and Italian regions by monitoring the main cannabinoids and trace elements. All samples complied with the Italian law due to a THC content <0.6% counterbalanced by high CBD levels. However, inflorescences grown in Apulia and Lombardy, and from Finola and Tiborzallasi varieties accumulated higher Cu, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb contents than products from other producing areas (i.e., Sicily and Latium) and varieties (i.e., Antal, Futura75, Kompolti and Carmagnola), being moreover above the limits set by the US Pharmacopeia. A principal component analysis confirmed that trace elements, including toxic metals, were mainly affected by the geographical origin more than the botanical variety. Overall, this study highlights the need to continuously monitor hemp products and establish the earliest related regulatory frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the midst of the pandemic crisis — COVID 19, governments limit access for people to public places, without a Digital Green Certificate, except for essential goods commercial unit. Research has shown that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is highly contagious and spreads more easily in enclosed spaces and crowded environments. In this context, this paper is included. The research approach is developed with the help of the probability concept and the calculation schemes of the probability theory — Bernoulli’s scheme. It quantifies the risk of contamination and the safety at any given time of a consumer in a store of essential goods according to two independent variables: the composition of the community — the share of people with and without “Digital Green Certificate” located in the store and the number of contacts (individual and simple interactions) they have, due to the conditions given by the social experience of shopping, the arrangement of the store, the time spent in that public place and the duration of that contact. This study does not take into account medical variables influencing the risk of contamination. The results of the research reveal some innovative aspects of the quantitative expression of consumer safety, establishing the probability of the occurrence of the “maximum danger area of contamination” and presenting the “beneficial situations” of visiting the essential goods commercial unit. The study concludes that the indicator expressed in terms of probability of contamination risk can provide useful data to management and customers to improve the commercial quality of the store in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

AbstractMature unripe plantain is usually processed into chips using the traditional sun-drying method without considering consumer safety. Thus, there is a need to assess the influence of solar tent and open sun drying on the heavy metal composition and microbial load of plantain chips. Thirty samples of dried plantain chips were collected randomly from 10 processing centers in Akure South and Idanre Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. In addition, four popularly consumed plantain varieties (agbagba, bobby tannap, mbi egome, and pita 23) were processed to chips and dried using open sun and solar tent drying. The samples were analyzed for heavy metal compositions using an Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) and microbial loads using the serial dilution method. The heavy metal content of the dried plantain chips was in the range of 0.01–0.08 mg/kg for Cd, 0.01–0.07 mg/kg for Co, and 0.05–0.50 mg/kg for Pb. Seven fungi (Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus tamarii, Fusarium verticillioides, and Monilla spp.) of health importance were isolated. The drying methods had a significant effect on the Cd (p 0.05) on the bacterial, fungi, and total coliform counts. Since the heavy metal content and microbial loads were higher in the surveyed and open sun-dried samples, the solar tent-dryer may be more reliable in producing less contaminated plantain chips than the open sun drying methods.

Treatment of food-producing animals with veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) can result in residues in foodstuffs (e.g. eggs, meat, milk, or honey) representing a potential consumer health risk. To ensure consumer safety, worldwide regulatory concepts for setting safe limits for residues of VMPs e.g. as tolerances (US) or maximum residue limits (MRLs, EU) are used. Based on these limits so-called withdrawal periods (WP) are determined. A WP represents the minimum period of time required between the last administration of the VMP and the marketing of foodstuff. Usually, WPs are estimated using regression analysis based on residue studies. With high statistical confidence (usually 95% in the EU and 99% in the US) the residues in almost all treated animals (usually 95%) have to be below MRL when edible produce is harvested. Here, uncertainties from both sampling and biological variability are taken into account but uncertainties of measurement associated with the analytical test methods are not systematically considered. This paper describes a simulation experiment to investigate the extent to which relevant sources of measurement uncertainty (accuracy and precision) can impact the length of WPs. A set of real residue depletion data was artificially 'contaminated' with measurement uncertainty related to permitted ranges for accuracy and precision. The results show that both accuracy and precision had a noticeable effect on the overall WP. Due consideration of sources of measurement uncertainty may improve the robustness, quality and reliability of calculations upon which regulatory decisions on consumer safety of residues are based. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of marine fishes has a positive effect on a consumer’s health; however, it poses a potential risk due to their level of heavy metals in their body. Heavy metals can be naturally found in the environment, but their concentration can be increased with anthropogenic activities. Samples of tuna (Thunnus albacares) were collected at a fishery market. The potentially toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) were determined with a validated method in the flesh of fish using inductively plasma optical emission spectrometry after microwave digestion. Generally, the average concentration of them was below the official limit values regulated by the European Union, except for lead. Based on the concentrations of arsenic (inorganic derivates: 0.05 ± 0.02 mg/kg) and cadmium (0.03 ± 0.01 mg/kg) in the tuna fish samples, and their calculated EDI values (As: 0.03–0.09 µg/kg/day; Cd: 0.05–0.07 µg/kg/day), the investigated food could be declared safe for human consumption. Generally, mercury content was below the official regulated limit, and the calculated EDI value was below the dietary reference value (0.3 μg/kg/day) in most of the samples (90%), exceeding it only in two samples (0.69 and 0.82 μg/kg/day); thus, they may not be harmful to the consumer. The concentration of lead above the official maximum limit (0.30 mg/kg) in 40% of tuna samples (0.30–1.59 mg/kg), as well as the exceeding of the dietary reference value for lead (adult: 0.16 μg/kg/day; children: 0.26 μg/kg/day) based on the calculated EDI values (0.28–1.49 μg/kg/day), draw attention to the importance of environmental pollution and the protection of consumers’ health.

From the use of pesticides in agriculture, carbaryl, the main component of pesticides, has permeated the ecosystem, causing various side effects such as weakness and neurodegenerative diseases in organisms. For this reason, a convenient sensor that can be used for facile carbaryl detection is necessary. Herein, we design a facile, simple, and rapid synthesis method using nitrite receptor-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@NO 2) as a probe for colorimetric detection. This sensor provided a limit of 2 μM of carbaryl detection when observed with the naked eye, which is lower than those obtained with conventional sensors. Selective tests demonstrated that the nitrite receptor specifically interacted with carbaryl compared with other chemical compounds. Importantly, by introducing the stabilizing agent polyvinylpyrrolidone on the surface of the AuNPs@NO 2 , selective detection of carbaryl was also feasible in various real-world soil, crop, water, and cosmetic product samples. Recovery rates within the range of 83.33 ± 3.86–107.0 ± 3.24 % showed the operability of this sensor for diverse real samples. Using an easily synthesized colorimetric sensor, this study provides valuable insights into the simple and rapid detection of carbaryl in various areas, including ecosystems and human daily life. [Display omitted] • Design of nitrite ligand as a carbaryl receptor on colorimetric nano-probes. • High stability of colorimetric nano-probes even in real samples. • Detection of carbaryl within 5 min with a naked-eye limit of detection of 2 µM, comparable to its regulation level. • Applicability to real samples with high sensitivity and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper dealt with determinants of consumer safety during fresh beef marketing. Specifically the social economic characteristics of beef sellers. Predictor of food safety were examined. Primary and secondary data were used to accomplish the objective of the study.Multi- stage random sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics such as ordered legit regression. Result indicate that predictors of food safety were availability of beef marketing regulation Beef inspection Refrigeration Cleaning of slabs Presence of beef association Market sanitation .Use of sterilized tool Proper covering of beef displayed for buyers avoidance of contamination by hand touch, customers in touching the beef, other occupation age sex marital status,education and marketing experience of respondents. Beef marketing was profitable in the study areas but food safety has increasing effect on cost thereby decreasing profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Terpene hydroperoxides (THPs) have been reported to be skin sensitizers, so their elimination from citrus oils is desirable for consumer safety. Previously, we reported that treatment of citrus‐based perfumes with pyruvic acid and α‐ketoglutaric acid (AKG) or their salts was effective at removing existing THPs, measured by peroxide value (POV) titration. AKG salts, if soluble, were effective in neat citrus oil as well, but an insoluble AKG salt was only moderately effective. However, contact with an insoluble salt did prevent further autoxidation of the citrus oil. Herein, we report that coating an inert solid support with an insoluble AKG salt, made from either N‐methyl diethanolamine or 1‐[bis[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]amino]‐2‐propanol, produced an easily handled device for insertion into a container of citrus oil; the device was highly effective at maintaining a low POV in fresh orange oil for an extended storage period. Such devices offer a promising mode of preventing autoxidation in fresh citrus oil raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial quality of indoor air environment and hygienic practices of food handlers in Haramaya University cafeteria, Ethiopia. A total of 36 air samples were collected from the cafeteria using passive air sampling technique. Furthermore, 42 swab samples were taken from the hands and clothes of food handlers for microbial analysis. The results showed that air quality in the cafeteria is below satisfactory. Total coliform counts from all the swab samples were also above the acceptable microbial target value. Significantly higher microbial load was recorded in food handlers involved in serving food than these deployed in baking and sauce making roles. This study generally showed the importance of indoor air quality, and hands and clothes of food handlers as potential sources of bacterial contamination in the University's cafeteria. Therefore, improved housing condition, regular training, and close supervision are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new study design, according to the guideline SANTE11956/2016 rev:9 (2018), was established to determine the maximum residue level (MRL) of plant protection products in honey. The guideline describes a syrup bee feeding study designed as a worst-case scenario for transferring plant protection products into honey. Previously, field and semi-field studies designs were used. The objectives of this study were to validate the suitability of this feeding semi-field studies according to the new guideline.

The present study was conducted to investigate the residue status of two insecticides (acetamiprid and buprofezin) and their dissipation kinetics in three matrices viz. paddy grain, straw, and soil. The extraction procedure for residues of these two insecticides was executed using acetonitrile solvent. The analytical method was validated, which showed good linearity with the limit of quantification (LOQ) value of 0.01 and 0.02 mg kg−1 for acetamiprid and buprofezin, respectively. The recovery range was 79.67–98.33 % concerning all the matrices in both the insecticides. Acetamiprid (20% SP) and Buprofezin (25% SC) were applied separately in the paddy field in two doses: single dose (recommended dose) and double dose along with untreated control throughout the experiment. Residue analysis of these two insecticides in paddy (grain and straw) and soil was accomplished employing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detector and confirmed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The dissipation data showed that acetamiprid exhibited higher dissipation in comparison with buprofezin. However, their persistence was found slightly higher in soil. The dissipation dynamics in the rice and soil were discussed with biological half-lives of both the insecticides. Consumer risk assessment study was also made considering its fate to the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handovers between nurses are a significant cause of communication problems and possible consumer safety issues. A potential solution for both problems is the nursing handover involving consumers, in which the consumer is present at the time of handover. This practice invites consumers to be more involved in their care process and supports a recovery‐oriented practice. Research into nursing handovers involving consumers on inpatient mental health units is however very limited. A qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted. Semi‐structured interviews with 13 consumers staying on an inpatient mental health unit of a general hospital were used. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Data saturation was reached after 11 interviews when no new themes or codes emerged from the data. Three themes were generated from the interviews: (i) the first moments on the inpatient mental health unit; (ii) the nurse as an ally; and (iii) informing each other. The COREQ‐checklist was used. According to consumers, nursing handover involving consumers initiated a change in the relationship between consumers and nurses. Consumers and nurses got to know each other better during handover and built a relationship of trust. The introduction of nursing handover involving consumers created an accessible opportunity for consumers to exchange information with nurses and ask questions concerning their admission. Consumers felt jointly responsible for the continuity of the information about their healthcare process. Due to the use of nursing handover involving consumers, consumers experienced the opportunity to take more control in their health process and ensured that information is correct and complete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]