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El objetivo del presente estudio fue caracterizar en los puntos de venta de Costa Rica las estrategias de mercadeo utilizadas en alimentos y bebidas no alcohólicas dirigidas a la población infantil, adolescente y a sus padres o tutores (compradores), que influyen en la compra de productos de alto contenido energético y bajo valor nutricional. La recolección de datos se realizó en el 2018 mediante una guía de observación aplicada al punto de venta (n:12) y un cuestionario dirigido a los padres o tutores (n: 72) de la población infantil y adolescente. Se encontró que la estrategia de mercadeo utilizada con mayor frecuencia en el área de entrada, caja y salida del punto de venta fue la reducción de precios (79,0; 87,5 y 88,0%, respectivamente). En los puntos de venta existe un empleo frecuente y variado de estrategias de mercadeo de productos alimenticios densamente calóricos y con un exceso de nutrientes críticos que son relevantes en salud pública por su asociación con la obesidad y enfermedades no transmisibles.
The aim of this study was to characterize in the retail outlets the marketing strategies used in food and non-alcoholic beverages aimed at children, adolescents, and their parents or guardians (shoppers) which influence the purchase of products of high energy content and low nutritional value in Costa Rica. Data collection was carried out in 2018 with an observation guide applied at the retail outlets (RO) (n: 12) and a questionnaire aimed at parents or guardians (shoppers) (n: 72) of the child and adolescent population. The study found that the marketing strategy most frequently used in the entry, cash and exit area the retail outlets was price reduction (79,0, 87.5 and 88,0%, respectively).There is a frequent and varied use of marketing strategies in retail outlets for calorie-dense food products with an excess of critical nutrients that are relevant in public health due to their association with obesity and non-communicable diseases.
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The policy of long-term prescription for chronic diseases in China is gradually being improved and implemented， and external long-term prescription dispensing is being encouraged. The long-term prescription policy runs through the links of drug supply， equipment， use and policy， involving government departments such as medical security and health， as well as stakeholders such as patients， medical institutions and designated detail pharmacies. There are still some problems in the external dispensing of long-term prescriptions， such as the disunity of drug catalogue and the need for coordination among regulatory parties in the policy link； the need to improve the participation enthusiasm and service ability in the equipment link； the increased difficulty of prescription management， the need to improve the circulation platform in the use link. The promotion of external long-term prescription policy requires health insurance， medical service， and the medicine industry co-development， multi-party participation， and policy coordination. Among them， the “dual channel” policy， the policy of centralized medicine procurement， and the pharmacy included in outpatient overall management policy have all played a positive role in promoting the implementation of external long-term prescription dispensing for chronic diseases. It is necessary to improve supporting policies and implement regulatory responsibilities in the policy link， promote drug classification and service capabilities in the equipment link， improve the electronic prescription circulation platform， and strengthen prescription management in use link， so as to promote the implementation of external long-term prescription dispensing.
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OBJECTIVE To sort out reform policy for basic medical insurance designated retail pharmacy （referred to as designated retail pharmacy） in China， and to provide reference for the improvement of the policy under the new situation of mutual- aid mechanism for covering outpatient bills. METHODS The policy texts on designated retail pharmacies issued by ministries and commissions of the State Council and departments directly under the State Council were collected from December 1998 to June 2023. The content analysis and social network analysis were adopted to construct a three-dimensional analytical framework based on the policy subject， the policy tool， and the policy process， in order to quantitatively analyze the policies on reforming designated retail pharmacies. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The reform policy of designated retail pharmacies can be roughly divided into three stages： germination， exploration and development， and in-depth promotion. The use of policy tools is dominated by environment-oriented tools， and the cooperation network of policy subjects presents a “head-body-tail” chain structure. With the advancement of policy reforms， the number of policy subjects showed a trend of decline followed by growth， the number of policy documents showed an upward trend， emphasizing the use of tools such as the construction of the pharmacist system， the flow of prescriptions， the payment of medical insurance， and the management of “dual-channels” and “outpatient co-ordination”. It is suggested that in terms of policy formulation， all policy subjects should adhere to top-level design， grasp the characteristics of the stage of policy development， and adjust the use of policy tools according to local and timely conditions； we should also strengthen cooperation and communication， improve policy formulation efficiency， achieve policy coordination， and continuously improve policies for designated retail pharmacies.
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Resumo O estudo visa avaliar a promoção dos subgrupos de AIN/MP anunciados em encartes de supermercados, considerando as características das redes e a tipologia dos encartes. Foram analisados encartes de cinco redes de supermercados da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro (junho/2019-maio/2020). Foram apresentados dados de abrangência e perfil socioeconômico das redes e tipo de encarte. Dos 68.110 alimentos, 30,6% são AIN/MP. Carnes/ovos foram mais promovidos (42,3%), seguido de frutas/hortaliças (20,2%) anunciados mais em encartes de hortifruti. Laticínios; cereais/farinhas/massas e bebidas/infusões representaram cerca de 10,0% dos anúncios. Leguminosas (3,8%), especiarias e cogumelos (0,2%) e oleaginosas (0,1%) foram pouco promovidos. Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na promoção de subgrupos segundo abrangência e perfil socioeconômico das redes. Frutas/hortaliças foram mais anunciadas em redes nacionais e voltadas para o público de alta renda em comparação às locais e voltadas para um público de média/baixa renda. Constatou-se desequilíbrio na promoção dos subgrupos de AIN/MP, com diferenças entre as redes e os tipos de encartes. Diante disto, deve-se dar luz à discussão sobre a regulação da promoção de alimentos no varejo alimentar.
Abstract The present study evaluated the promotion of natural/minimally processed foods (N/MPF) subgroups advertised in supermarket circulars by considering supermarket features and circular typology. We analyzed circulars published by five supermarket chains in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro (June/2019-May/2020) and present data on the socioeconomic coverage and profile of the supermarkets and the types of circulars. Of the 68,110 types of foods, 30.6% were N/MPF. Meat/eggs were the most promoted ones (42.3%), followed by fruits/vegetables (20.2%), which were more often advertised by produce shop circulars. Dairy products, cereals/flours/pasta and beverages/infusions made up around 10.0% of the ads. Legumes (3.8%), spices and mushrooms (0.2%) and oilseeds (0.1%) were rarely promoted. Statistically significant differences were found in the promotion of subgroups according to supermarket coverage and their socioeconomic profiles. Fruits/vegetables were more often advertised by national chains and aimed at a high-income public than by local companies and aimed at a low/middle-income public. Promotion of N/MPF subgroups was disproportional due to differences among chains and types of circulars. As a result, a discussion on the regulation of food promotion in food retail is required.
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OBJECTIVE To analyze the risks of prescription drugs sold online by drug retail enterprises， and to provide countermeasures and suggestions for risk prevention and control of prescription drugs sold online. METHODS The risk hierarchy structure model of prescription drugs sold online by drug retail enterprises was constructed by using analytic hierarchy process. Multiple rounds of risk research and judgment were carried out on 123 pairs of evaluation indicators by using Delphi expert survey method. The normalized weight calculation and consistency test of risk judgment matrix were carried out to perform fuzzy quantitative research. RESULTS The risk of prescription dispensing and review （6.48%）， the risk of drug first and prescription later （5.48%）， the risk of rational drug use guidance （4.99%）， the risk of buying drugs by abnormal channel （4.97%）， the risk of “first diagnosis， non-chronic disease and non-common disease” （4.43%）， and the quality and safety risk of returned drugs （4.34%） and the application risk of regulatory technology （4.06%） were high risks； the overall risk of drug retail enterprises （chain） selling prescription drugs online was 38.67%， and the overall risk of drug retail enterprises （individual） selling prescription drugs online was 61.33%， with a difference of 22.66% between them. CONCLUSIONS There were 7 high-risk indicators for prescription drugs sold online by drug retail enterprises. Among them， the risk of prescription dispensing and review， the risk of drug first and prescription later， and the risk of rational drug use guidance are the top three high-risk points. The risk of prescription drugs sold online by drug retail enterprises （individual） is higher than that of drug retail enterprises （chain）. It is recommended that regulatory authorities focus on and regulate the prescription drugs sold online by drug retail enterprises （individual）， and encourage drug retail enterprises （chain） to establish a systematic online sales process for prescription drugs； for high-risk points of prescription drugs sold online， it is recommended that regulatory authorities and drug retail enterprises focus on it and take effective risk prevention and control measures to ensure the safe use of prescription drugs by the general public.
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OBJECTIVE To predict the development trends of licensed pharmacist staffing in retail pharmacies within the western China and provide reference for the formulation of policies related to licensed pharmacists. METHODS Based on the data of retail pharmacies and licensed pharmacists in the western China from 2016 to 2022， a grey model was constructed to analyze and predict the number development trends of retail pharmacies and licensed pharmacists in the western China from 2023 to 2026. RESULTS Currently， the 1∶1 staffing requirement for licensed pharmacists and retail pharmacies had been met in Shaanxi， Guangxi and Gansu. Based on current trends， Inner Mongolia， Chongqing， Yunnan， and Qinghai were expected to meet the 1∶1 staffing requirement for licensed pharmacists and retail pharmacies between 2023 and 2026. Sichuan and Xinjiang were also expected to meet this requirement in the future. However， there was still a significant gap in Guizhou， Xizang， and Ningxia towards achieving the above goals. CONCLUSIONS There is still a discrepancy between the deployment of licensed pharmacists and the national requirements in certain western provinces. Local authorities should formulate relevant policies according to local circumstances. Regions that have already met or will soon achieve the staffing requirement for licensed pharmacists should continue to enhance the quantity and quality of their licensed pharmacist workforce. In areas where meet this criterion in the short term is not feasible， it is necessary to strengthen the development of the licensed pharmacist workforce， and control the number of new retail pharmacies.
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OBJECTIVE To provide reference for strengthening the quality of pharmaceutical care in retail chain pharmacies and the professional capabilities of licensed pharmacists， and to meet the public’s pharmaceutical care needs. METHODS A combination of questionnaire survey and informant interview was used to investigate the general information of licensed pharmacists in retail chain pharmacies in Guangdong province， the implementation of pharmaceutical care， the competence and knowledge status of the surveyed licensed pharmacists， and the factors affecting the development of pharmaceutical care. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A total of 444 questionnaires were sent out and 326 effective questionnaires were collected， with an effective recovery rate of 73.42%. Among 326 surveyed licensed pharmacists， a college degree or higher accounted for 40.18%， and the pharmacy major or related accounted for 79.75%. A total of 185 （56.75%） of the surveyed licensed pharmacists indicated that the retail chain pharmacies where they worked had established specified areas of pharmaceutical care； 320 （98.16%）， 137 （42.02%） and 181 （55.52%） of the surveyed licensed pharmacists indicated that the retail chain pharmacies where they worked could provide services such as rational medication guidance for patients， decocting traditional Chinese medicines and establishing health records， etc. The self-assessment scores of the surveyed licensed pharmacists were significantly higher than 3 （median） for competence and knowledge level， but the self-assessment scores for medication therapy management competence and pharmaceutical care practice were relatively low. The surveyed licensed pharmacists believed that the main factors affecting the development of pharmaceutical care in retail chain pharmacies included patients’ lack of trust or cooperation （196， 60.12%）， sales performance requirements （170， 52.15%）， and heavy daily workload （165， 50.61%）. It is recommended that relevant authorities expedite the legislative process of the Pharmacist Law， optimize the continuing education system for licensed pharmacists， and implement a star-rating evaluation system for pharmaceutical care capabilities in pharmacies， so as to encourage retail chain pharmacies and licensed pharmacists to pursue a more specialized development path. At the same time， pharmaceutical retail chain enterprises should shift their business mindset， increase investment in pharmaceutical care， enhance the professional atmosphere in the pharmacies， optimize the compensation structure for licensed pharmacists， and elevate the pharmaceutical care capabilities of both the pharmacies and licensed pharmacists to fulfill the pharmaceutical care needs of the public.
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Aim: The proportion of food borne disease outbreaks as a result of contaminated products has increased over the years. In this study, the genetic characteristics of antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteria from different fresh retail vegetables in Okada, Edo state Nigeria was investigated. Place and Duration of Study: In April-May 2021, the study was carried out in the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Igbinedion University Okada Edo state Nigeria. Methodology: One hundred and eight isolates were isolated from sixteen different retail leafy and salad vegetable samples. Recovered isolates from samples were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Species identification for ten randomly selected isolates was performed by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and ribosomal multilocus sequence typing (rMLST). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer method for 15 antibiotics. Isolates were characterized by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Results: Species identification using MALDI-TOF-MS and ribosomal MLST assigned the 10 randomly selected isolates to four different species. Identified isolates include Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Acinetobacter baumanii and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae. Out of the 10 randomly selected isolates, 60% (6/10) were antibiotic resistant in the antibiotic susceptibility test. WGS data confirmed the identities of the isolates except Proteus vulgaris identified as P. terrae. More than one resistant determinant was detected on the draft genome sequence of 80% (8/10) of the randomly selected isolates especially the regulatory system modulating antibiotic efflux CRP and the plasmid mediated quinolone resistant determinant qnrD1. Significantly, one Proteus mirabilis isolate was sensitive to the antibiotics in the phenotypic testing but had resistance determinants present. Conclusion: This study provides genomic characterization of antibiotic resistant isolates from retail leafy and salad vegetables from Nigeria. Further study is important to understand the public health importance of such resistance and the amount of risk posed to human health by these resistant organisms.
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ABSTRACT The present work aimed to assess Uruguayan consumers support of the inclusion of nutritional warnings on four types of retail food establishments and to obtain consumer insights on how the warnings could be implemented in such establishments. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 547 participants recruited via an advertisement on social media. Participants were requested to indicate their degree of agreement with the implementation of nutritional warnings in bakeries, delicatessens, fast-food restaurants and while ordering food online, and to provide ideas on how to include this information for each establishment. Results suggested that the inclusion of nutritional warnings in retail food establishments was positively perceived by participants. Participants highlighted that warnings should be highly visible to customers while making purchase decisions, so they become a relevant cue for making food choices. In particular, the retail display case and menu boards were identified as key locations for warnings in bakeries, delicatessen, and fast food restaurants, respectively. These results contribute valuable insights on how to implement the extension of nutritional warnings to unpackaged foods or foods made and packaged at the point of purchase.
RESUMEN El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la percepción de los consumidores uruguayos en relación a la implementación de advertencias nutricionales en cuatro puntos de venta de comida y generar ideas sobre cómo podría implementarse esta medida. Se realizó un estudio online con una muestra no probabilística de 547 participantes, reclutados utilizando publicidad en redes sociales. Los participantes indicaron su grado de acuerdo con la implementación de advertencias nutricionales en panaderías, rotiserías, lugares de venta de comida rápida y sitios de pedidos online, y proporcionaron ideas sobre cómo incluir esta inforamción en cada punto de venta. Los resultados sugieren que la población tiene una perecpeción positiva sobre la inclusión de advertencias nutricionales en puntos de venta de comida. Los participantes destacaron la importancia de incluir esta información en un lugar visible al momento de elegir los productos, de forma que pueda ser tenida en cuenta al tomar las decisiones. En particular, las vitrinas y la cartelería/pizarras fueron identificados como lugares estatégicos para la inclusión de advertencias nutricionales en panaderías/rotiserías y puntos de venta de comida rápida, respectivamente. Los resultados proporcionan valiosa información para extender la inclusión de advertencias nutricionales a puntos de venta de comida.
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OBJECTIVE To pr ovide theoretic support for Guiyang to scientifically guide the development of drug retail industry and implement national health policies . METHODS The data were collected through statistical yearbook ，data cloud ， coordinate acquisition device of Application Programming Interface of Baidu map and so on. The spatial distribution characteristics and accessibility of medical insurance designated retail pharmacies （shorted for “designated pharmacies ”）in Guiyang were analyzed by spatial analysis based on Geographic Information System. The related factors for the distribution of designated pharmacies in Guiyang were analyzed by statistical method. RESULTS The number of designated pharmacies ，designated pharmacies per thousand people and designated pharmacies per 10 km2 in Guiyang increased from 2 018，0.41 and 2.51 in 2020 to 2 500，0.42 and 3.11 in 2021，with growth rates of 23.89％，2.44％ and 23.90％ respectively. The service area of the designated pharmacies that residents of Guiyang reached within 15 minutes on foot was 10.27％ of the total service area of designated pharmacies in Guiyang. The results of correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficients between the regional gross regional production ，total retail sales of consumer goods ，population，urban per capita disposable income and the number of designated pharmacies in Guiyang were 0.999，0.999，0.977 and 0.992，respectively （all P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The distribution of designated pharmacies is insufficient in Guiyang ，the development of designated pharmacies in various administrative regions is uneven ，and the layout of pharmacies is significantly affected by economic and demographic factors. It is suggested that the local government should explore the strategy of scientifically and reasonably expanding the coverage of designated pharmacies in urban and rural areas，promote the rational layout of pharmacies with appropriate economic and demographic policies ，and pay attention to improving the service capacity of designated pharmacies ，so as to improve the quality of life of the people and guide the healthy and high-quality development of drug retail industry.
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ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the sanitary hygienic quality and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in raw meats and fresh sausages marketed in the city of Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. We analyzed 238 samples of fresh sausages, beef, pork, and chicken from 18 commercial establishments (butchers, supermarkets, and groceries). Samples were subjected to enumerate hygiene indicator microorganisms (mesophilic aerobes and enterobacteria) and detection of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. The mean counts of mesophilic aerobes and enterobacteria were 5.09 and 3.54 log CFU/g, respectively. Beef samples presented the highest frequency of Salmonella spp. (7.93%) and fresh sausages present the highest frequency of L. monocytogenes (19.04%). Among the analyzed samples, 43.70% did not comply with the microbiological parameters established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The presence of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes in different samples and commercial establishments demonstrate the failures of good manufacturing practices in industrial environmental and retails points and the need to train food handlers to reduce the exposure of consumers to potential risks.
RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade higiênica sanitária e a presença de microrganismos patogênicos em carnes in natura e linguiças frescais comercializadas na cidade de Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. Foram analisadas 238 amostras de linguiças, carne bovina, suína e de frango de 18 estabelecimentos comerciais (açougues, supermercados e mercearias). As amostras foram submetidas à enumeração de microrganismos indicadores de higiene (aeróbios mesófilos e enterobactérias) e detecção de Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes. As contagens médias de aeróbios mesófilos e enterobactérias foram 5,09 e 3,54 log UFC/g, respectivamente. Salmonella spp. esteve presente mais frequentemente em amostras de carne bovina (4,91 %), enquanto L. monocytogenes foi mais frequente em linguiças frescais (19,04 %). Das amostras analisadas, 43,70 % não atenderam aos parâmetros microbiológicos estabelecidos pelo Ministério da Saúde. A presença de Salmonella spp. e L. monocytogenes em diferentes amostras e estabelecimentos comerciais demonstra falhas de boas práticas de fabricação na indústria e pontos de venda, além da necessidade de treinar manipuladores de alimentos para reduzir a exposição dos consumidores à riscos.
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OBJECTIVE：To standardize the use of children’s over-the-counter（OTC）drugs in China，control the risk of children’s self medication and ensure the safety of children’s medication. METHODS：The questionnaire was randomly distributed to pharmacy practitioners in retail pharmacies in 13/parents in 16 provinces and municipalities directly under the central government. The results of questionnaire survey were analyzed descriptively. The corresponding suggestions were put forward for the problems existing in the use of OTC drugs for children among pharmacy practitioners in retail pharmacies and parents.RESULTS：Totally 5 367 people filled the questionnaire at pharmacies，and 5 353 questionnaires were filled validly with effective rate of 99.74％；the number of consumers（parents）who filled the questionnaires was 6 111，and 5 094 questionnaires were filled validly with effective rate of 83.36％. The results of survey showed that 93.67％ of retail pharmacies were equipped with 1-2licensed pharmacists；most of the employees in pharmacies had college degree（46.59％），and their professional knowledge was relatively weak，and only 30.00％ of them were very familiar with pharmaceutical professional knowledge. Pharmacy practitioners could provide basic pharmaceutical care，but they were not sensitive to the information of children’s age and weight；only 44.11％of the practitioners would approve the dosage according to the age and weight of the children；98.09％ of pharmacies would regularly conduct OTC drugs knowledge training，but they did not pay attention to the knowledge of children related to drug use. About half of the pharmacy practitioners were very clear about the indications，usage and dosage，precautions of OTC drugs forchildren. About 70％ of parents did not fully understand the difference between prescription drugs，green OTC drugs and red OTC drugs，and did not know the risk of home OTC treatment；63.06％ of parents chose OTC drugs according to their previous experience， and 23.05％ of parents relied on drug advertisements to choose OTC drugs； 92.64％ of parents would read the drug instruction carefully before using OTC drugs， but they had blind spots in understanding many contents of the drug instruction. In the process of OTC drug use，46.21％ of parents had used adult OTC drugs for their children，and 41.54％ of parents did not convert the amount of children；52.89％ of parents said that their children suffered from adverse reactions after taking OTC drugs. CONCLUSIONS：The pharmacy practitioners have low education on the whole，professional level needs to be improved，their understanding of children’s OTC drugs is not comprehensive enough，and there is a lack oftraining on children’s medication knowledge. Parents have a poor awareness of children’s OTC drugs，and there are many problems in the process of using children’s OTC drugs，such as inaccurate dosage，using adult’s drugs. It is suggested that we should improve the access standard of pharmacy practitioners and increase the number of licensed pharmacists；organize special training on safe drug use for children to improve the pharmaceutical service ability of pharmacies；strengthen the supervision of retail pharmacies and formulate pharmaceutical care standards for the use of OTC drugs for children；strengthen the publicity and education on rational drug use for children and popularize the knowledge of safe drug use of OTC drugs for children；give full play to the guiding role of pharmacists and pay attention to the medication guidance of parents.
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OBJECTIVE：To provide reference for the drug retailers when making dual-channel pricing decisions in China. METHODS：Based on the analysis of the existing literature and the characteristics of drug supply chain ，taking the dual-channel drug retailers as the research object ，the effects of medical insurance payment policy ，consumers’risk aversion factor and inconvenience cost on consumers ’decision-making behavior were considered ，and dual-channel pricing strategy model for drug retailers was constructed. The reverse induction method was adopted to analyze and solve the model ，obtain the optimal pricing and optimal profit function of the drug retailer. The numerical simulation was adopted to simulate and analyze the effects of consumer medical insurance payment utility ，risk aversion factor and inconvenience cost on drug retailer dual-channel pricing and profits. RESULTS：When the utility of medical insurance payment increased ，the pricing of drugstores and the total profit of dual-channel of drug retailers would increase ；while consumers ’risk aversion factor and inconvenience cost showed a U-shaped trend with retailer ’s dual-channel total profits. In addition ，compared with existing e-commerce platforms ，retailers could make more profits by building their own e-commerce platforms. CONCLUSIONS ：Medical insurance payment policy has a great impact on the profits of dual-channel drug retailers. Drug retailers should continue to pay attention to the trend of relevant national policies and ensure their own profits by adjusting pricing in time. When medical insurance payment utility is in low level ，dual-channel drug retailers can ensure market demand by reducing the retail price of drugstores ，and should use flexible sales strategies to attract consumers. For consumers’risk aversion and inconvenience cost ，drug retailers can adopt strategies such as providing distribution services for consumers with high inconvenience cost.
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OBJECTIVE：To unscramble the Notice on Standardizing the Allocation and Use of Licensed Pharmacists in Drug Retail Enterprises （called Notice for short ）and related document ，and to give some suggestions to provide reference for the industry and policy decision departments. METHODS ：The background and content of Notice were described briefly ；the problemsexisting in the corresponding provincial differentiated allocation policy and the difficulties existing in the implementation were analyzed to give some relevant suggestions. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS ：The main contents of Notice contained adhering to the policy of licensed pharmacists ，steadily improving the allocation level of licensed pharmacists ，refining and implementing the allocation requirements ，and strengthening the implementation of supervision and inspection responsibilities ；giving full play to the role of licensed pharmacists and continuously strengthening the team building. At present ，drug administrations of many provinces in China have issued specific policies on the differentiated allocation of licensed pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians ，which are mainly divided into four schemes. The author believes that the classification method of drug retail enterprises implemented in Shandong and Guangdong provinces are the most scientific. The implementation of differentiated allocation of pharmacists with health（pharmacy）professional title in drug retail enterprises can alleviate the problem of insufficient licensed pharmacists to a certain extent ，but the disadvantage is that it can not achieve accurate registration and control as well as the management of licensed pharmacists ，which is easy to produce policy gaps ；after the “affiliation licensed pharmacist ’s certificate ”phenomenon， the“certificate affiliation of pharmacist with health （pharmacy）professional title ”phenomenon appeared. It is suggested that the provincial drug supervision and administration departments should try the differentiated allocation scheme of hierarchical management；learn from the management experience of licensed pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians in Guangdong province， develop relevant platforms to manage the information of pharmaceutical technicians uniformly ； strengthen the communication and interaction with the health and human resource security department as well as the mutual promotion mechanism of personnel information screening ，so as to solve the core bottleneck of licensed pharmacists ’quality.
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OBJECTIVE：To provide assistance for the smooth implementation of classification management policies of retail pharmacies in Guangdong province and the scientific supervision of retail pharmacies by relevant departments. METHODS ：In this study，key interviews were conducted among 68 interviewees，involving experts from Guangdong drug regulatory department ，head of retail pharmacies and research experts on relevant policies of universities. The current situation ，problems and suggestions of the classification management policy of retail pharmacies in Guangdong province were summarized. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS ： The implementation of the classification management policies for retail pharmacies in Guangdong province operated well. Drug regulatory authorities at all levels could conduct daily supervision in accordance with policy requirements. Retail pharmacies operated in strict accordance with the classification management policy and established a relatively complete quality management system. However ，there were still problems such as difficulty in policy implementation ，insufficient policy clarity ，increased regulatory pressure and regulatory risks from government regulatory agencies ，rising operating costs and increasing pressure in retail pharmacies，the large gap of licensed pharmacists ，difficult to investigate and deal with “affiliation of certificate ”behavior，and difficult survival for remote pharmacies ，and the impact on the convenience of drug use of the public. It is suggested to improve the content of the policy ，introduce related supporting measures ，strengthen the construction of the supervisory team ，increase policy publicity，improve the ways and methods to investigate and deal with the “affiliation of certificate ”behavior of licensed pharmacists， and help retail pharmacies to diversify their operations and chain operations. It is recommended that relevant government departments should further improve the content of the policy and actively adjust the supervision methods to make the policy better implemented.
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Abstract We studied and compared the prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in chicken carcasses from conventional and kosher broiler abattoirs and retail stores. The prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter-positive carcasses was 94.0 (kosher) and 32.0% (conventional) (p< 0.0001), while the prevalence of samples contaminated with C. jejuni, C. coli and simultaneously with both species was 36.0, 2.0 and 56.0% (kosher) and 26.0, 4.0 and 2.0% (conventional) (p< 0.0001), respectively. Samples of chicken carcasses (n = 25) and food contact surfaces (tables, n = 25; knives, n=25) from 25 retails were collected and risk quantification was performed. Retails were categorized as high-risk (n = 11), moderate-risk (n = 11) and low-risk (n = 3). Nineteen (76.0%) carcasses, 20 (80.0%) tables and 18 (72.0%) knives were Campylobacter-positive. Retails and abattoirs proved to be sources of carcass contaminaron with Campylobacter spp. Carcasses from kosher abattoirs were mostly contaminated with Campylobacter spp., whereas C. coli was the most prevalent species isolated from carcasses in retail stores.
Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue determinar y comparar la prevalencia de Campylobacter jejuni y Campylobacter coli en carcasas de pollo obtenidas en frigoríficos por faena convencional y kosher, y en locales de expendio. La prevalencia de Campylobacter spp. termotolerante fue del 94,0 (kosher) y del 32,0% (convencional) (p< 0,0001). La prevalencia de muestras contaminadas con C. jejuni, C. coli y con ambas especies fue del 36,0, del 2,0 y del 56,0% (Kosher) y del 26,0, del 4,0 y del 2,0% (convencional) (p< 0,0001), respectivamente. Se tomaron muestras de carcasas (n = 25) y superficies (tablas, n = 25; cuchilla, n = 25) en 25 locales. Los locales fueron categorizados como de riesgo alto (n = 11), moderado (n = 11) y bajo (n = 3). Diecinueve (76,0%) carcasas, 20 (80,0%) tablas y 18 (72,0%) cuchillas fueron positivas para Campylobacter spp. Frigoríficos y locales fueron fuente de contaminación de carcasas con Campylobacter spp. La prevalencia de Campylobacter spp. fue mayor en carcasas kosher. Campylobacter coli fue la especie más prevalente en carcasas de locales.
Subject(s)
Animals , Campylobacter , Campylobacter jejuni , Campylobacter coli , Food Contamination/analysis , Chickens , Prevalence , Abattoirs , Food Microbiology , MeatABSTRACT
Diferentes tipos de queijos artesanais são produzidos, comercializados e consumidos no Brasil, o que impulsiona o constante desenvolvimento de normas por órgãos oficiais, como o Mapa. A criação do Suasa e do Sisbi-POA foi fundamental para esse setor, por permitir um sistema de equivalência na fiscalização e por ampliar a distribuição. Ainda, o Mapa passou a permitir que queijos artesanais produzidos com leite cru pudessem ser maturados em um período inferior a 60 dias, desde que comprovada sua inocuidade. A redução do tempo de maturação é um tema controverso e polêmico, já que não há critérios específicos que estudos científicos devem contemplar, o que permite múltiplas interpretações de dados. Com a criação e a regulamentação do selo Arte, a fiscalização dos produtos artesanais foi designada aos órgãos de agricultura, pecuária e de saúde pública, em complementação à atribuição já prevista pelo Mapa e pelo Sisbi-POA. Ainda, o selo Arte atribui aos órgãos de inspeção uma função orientadora, atividade que deveria ser prioritariamente executada por agências de extensão e associações. As normas que balizam a produção e comercialização de produtos artesanais devem ser frequentemente atualizadas, devido aos constantes avanços científicos na área e para assegurar a oferta de produtos com qualidade e inócuos aos consumidores.(AU)
Different artisanal cheeses are produced, commercialized and consumed in Brazil, leading to a constant development of related rules by the MAPA and other official agencies. The establishment of two national programs (SUASA and SISBI-POA) allowed an equivalence in inspection system and an expanded distribution. Also, MAPA allowed ripening time lower than 60 days for artisanal raw milk cheeses, based on scientific studies that assure their safety. However, lowering the ripening period is still controversial, once there are no proper established criteria for such scientific studies, leading to potential multiple interpretation of data. The newly established ARTE certification transferred the inspection responsibilities of artisanal products to secretaries of agriculture, livestock and health, in support of what was already predicated by MAPA and SISBI-POA. Based on ARTE certification, the inspection service must also provide orientation guidance to producers, which should be done specifically by extension organs and associations. The norms that guide the production and commercialization of these artisanal products often need to be updated, but based on well-established methodologies and procedures, to ensure the distribution of suitable products to consumers.(AU)
Subject(s)
Cheese/standards , Dairy Products/standards , Identity and Quality Standard for Products and Services , Foods of Animal Origin , Legislation, Food/history , BrazilABSTRACT
Introduction@#In the United States, Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) is considered one of the top five pathogens causing domestically acquired foodborne diseases and is responsible for an estimate of 241,000 illnesses per year. Foods that have been frequently implicated in Staphylococcal food-borne disease are meat, meat products, egg products, milk, dairy products, salads and bakery products. β-lactam antibiotics are routinely prescribed for treating S. aureus caused infections, but antibiotic resistance is increasing at an alarming rate.@*Aim@#Detection of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance in S.aureus isolated from retail beef@*Materials and Methods @#A total of 100 meat samples were collected from markets including Kharkhorin 28, Bars 4, Bayanzurkh 15, Huchit shonkhor 33, Denjiin myanga 4 and Bumbugur 16. S.aureus strains were determined on the basis of MNS 6308:2012 standard using Baird-Parker selective agar and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in retail beefs. Bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial agents determined by the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method.@*Results@#Overall, 81% meat samples were contaminated with staphylococcal of which 54.3% were low, 28% were moderate, 11.1% were high and 6.1% were very high. PCR amplification of the thermostable nuclease-encoding nuc gene using the gene-specific primers and the chromosomal DNA preparation yielded a 270 bp amplicon, as expected and 35 (43.2%) confirmed as S. aureus. According to the findings of the current study, S.aureus strains isolated from the beef were high resistant (88.6% -97.1%) to antibiotics of penicillins group and low resistant (8.6%) to chloramphenicol. In total, 48.6% of isolates were multidrug resistant.@*Conclusion@#The contamination of staphylococcal was high in retail beef in Ulaanbaatar. Most S.aureus isolates exhibited resistance to a antibiotics of penicillin group. The half of the isolates were multidrug resistant and high virulence.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To reflect the changes of medicine price level in China after canceling the maximum retail price limit, and to provide reference for the improvement of medicine price policy. METHODS: This research utilizes data of Chinese medicine economic information database of Chinese Pharmaceutical Association from January 2015 to March 2019 and compiles comprehensive and classified chained fisher price indexes among diverse policy control levels and different treatment categories. RESULTS: Over the past four years, the sale of west medicine(WM) by Chinese medical institutions showed a trend of decreasing price, with a decline of 13.99%. And the price of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) showed a trend of first rising and then falling, with a decline of 3.54%. From the analysis on different policy control levels, the price of medical insurance WM, non-medical insurance WM, medical insurance TCM and non-medical insurance TCM decreased by 13.32%, 14.27%, 1.36% and 14.29%, respectively. The price of medical insurance TCM fell less. And the price of non-medical insurance TCM rose and fell too quickly in a short period of time, and its fluctuation was obvious. Among medical insurance medicines, the price of category A WM raised by 4.5%, while the prices of category B WM, category A TCM and category B TCM dropped by 15.90%, 0.66% and 1.47%, respectively. The price of essential WM, non-essential WM, essential TCM and non-essential TCM reduced by 13.72%, 13.90%, 3.70% and 3.60%, respectively. From the analysis on different treatment categories, the prices of diabetes medicines, hypertension medicines and systemic anti-infection medicines decreased by 6.78%, 10.42% and 12.72%, respectively. Anticancer medicines had largest price decline with 26.69%. CONCLUSION: After canceling the maximum retail price limit, the price of WM declines steadily, while the price of TCM first rises and then falls. The changes of medicine prices vary greatly at different policy control levels. The trends of medicine price reduction among different treatment categories are the same, but the differences are large.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE：To investigate rationality of existing retail pharmacy layout in Liaoning province ，and to discuss the rationalization of retail pharmacy layout from the perspective of the government. METHODS ：By introducing the concept of coverage radius ，comprehensive use of population ，area，number of retail pharmacies ，average number of people covered by each retail pharmacy ，the difference between the number of pharmacies （calculated according to the coverage radius and area ）and the number of existing pharmacies ，the shortest distance between two retail pharmacies as indicators ，the overall retail pharmacies layout in 14 cities of Liaoning province and the specific layout of retail pharmacies in Shenyang were analyzed to put forward the idea of optimizing the retail pharmacies layout. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS ：The correlation of the number of existing retail pharmacies in Liaoning province with the population and land area to a certain extent showed no obvious law ，with some degree randomness. The average number of people covered by each pharmacy is 1 917-4 157 in each city ；the average number of people covered by retail pharmacies in the remaining 10 cities like Yingkou is lower than the provincial average. The average number of people covered in Chaoyang and other 3 cities is higher ，with great development space. The number of existing retail pharmacies in 8 districts and counties such as Tiexi district do not meet the actual needs of consumers （the number of existing pharmacies is 2- 3 921 less than the number of due pharmacies ），while the number of existing retail pharmacies in 3 districts such as Shenhe district far exceeds the required number （the number of existing pharmacies is 142-248 more than the number of due pharmacies ）. There is a problem of too small spacing between adjacent retail pharmacies （the minimum distance is less than 500 m）. The distribution of retail pharmacies in Liaoning province is unbalanced ，and there is insufficient demand in some areas. When optimizing of retail pharmacies layout ，the government should establish a double objective evaluation system ，which is fair （measured by the maximum distance between the uncovered demand area and the nearest retail pharmacies ）and efficient （measured by the sum of the number of retail drugstores needed for the existing layout and the number of new retail drugstores ）. It is also necessary to analyze and construct a retail pharmacies location model which is suitable for China ’s national conditions ，and consider the actual conditions of the parameters of the actual constraints and objective constraints ，so as to realize the overall optimization of retail drugstores .