Status of prepackaged food intake and the association with growth and development in school aged children of Chengdu City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To determine the association between the intake of five major types of prepackaged foods and the growth and development of school aged children, so as to provide a theoretical basis for guiding school aged children and their parents to make healthy prepackaged food choices.@*Methods@#Based on data from the South West China Childhood Nutrition and Growth Cohort (SCCNG), 381 children (6-11 years of age) were selected by stratified cluster sampling. Dietary intake and pubertal development were collected using questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Children were followed up until November 2022. Binary Logistic regression models were used to analyze the prospective association between prepackaged food intake and the growth and development of school aged children.@*Results@#The total intake of the five major types of prepackaged foods was 316.1 (197.1,501.4) g/d. After 2 years of follow up evaluations, 16.5% of school aged children were shown to be overweight and obese. Early spermarche occurred in 12.6% of boys and early menarche occurred in 15.4% of girls. The following findings were suggested after adjusting for the mothers education level, average gross monthly family income, whether or not the family had one child only, geographic area of residence, body mass index Z score, average duration of daily exercise, and total dietary energy intake: convenience food intake might increase the risk of early spermarche ( OR =9.37); fruit and vegetable intake might decrease the risk of early spermarche and menarche ( OR =0.33,0.17); and fish, poultry, meat, and egg intake might increase the risk of early menarche ( OR =7.59)( P <0.05). Intake of the five types of prepackaged foods was not associated with being overweight or obese after adjusting for confounders ( OR =1.40, 0.57, 0.73, 1.33,1.57, P >0.05).@*Conclusions@#The relationship between intake of the five major types of prepackaged foods and pubertal development is inconsistent and no significant correlation was detected between the intake of prepackaged foods and overweight or obese children. Nutrition education should be strengthened to help children and their parents choose healthy prepackaged foods.

Research progress in detection method for bisphenol A in food packaging materials / 上海预防医学

As an industrial chemical， bisphenol A is widely used in various food packaging materials. However， it is an endocrine disrupting chemical， which has estrogen activity and can cause certain damage to humans. So far， there are few studies on the detection of bisphenol A in self-heating food packaging materials， and there remains a lack of relevant standard. Therefore， it is necessary to establish a simple， sensitive and efficient method for the detection of bisphenol A in self-heating food. This study briefly introduces the pretreatment methods of bisphenol A， such as ultrasonic extraction， solid phase extraction， accelerated solvent extraction， and detection methods， such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry， high performance liquid chromatography， fluorescent detection， and electrochemical detection.

Starch And Cellulose Based Bio-Polyethylene: A Review

In current year, there has been enhancing in the usage of plastic and disposal of waste coming from daily life. Various type of plastics are using for our daily needs, in order to reduce the impact of petroleum based plastics and other waste to be considered and focused on green plastics. Polyethylene are the polymers which can be produced by repeating the single units. It is one of the bittersweet coinage for human's better life. But this coinage causes a lot problems to the environment. To overcome this problem an alternative and eco-friendly Polyethylene is introduced called bio- polyethylene. Bio-polyethylene are from natural biomass sources. Among various source, starch has chief role in production of bio-polyethylene due to its low cost and nature abundance with plasticizers such as glycerol and vinegar. Starch based bio-polyethylene has good mechanical properties, tensile strength and biodegradability. Cellulose also used as source in development of biodegradable polyethylene. In this review starch and cellulose has led to their great innovative uses in food packaging and to improved biodegradation and mechanical properties.

Análise comparativa da rotulagem das embalagens de melados de cana-de-açúcar com a legislação vigente / Comparative analysis of the sugarcane syrup package labeling with the current legislation

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as informações contidas no rótulo de embalagem de melados de cana-de-açúcar disponíveis no mercado, seguindo-se as regulamentações vigentes no Brasil. As marcas dos melados indicaram nos respectivos rótulos, a denominação, os dados, a origem e a validade dos produtos. Contudo não houve a apresentação do padrão de rotulagem quanto à tabela nutricional de melado de cana-de-açúcar, e seis (40%) das marcas avaliadas não indicaram todas as informações requisitadas. Dada a importância da rotulagem para o entendimento e o conhecimento do produto e na sua compra consciente pelo consumidor, bem como na relevância destas informações para a valorização do produto, fica evidente a necessidade de efetuar estudos abrangentes sobre o assunto, a fim de regularizar a rotulagem de forma fiável, considerando-se que esta seja uma fonte segura de informação ao consumidor.

This study aimed at evaluating the information contained in the label of the commercial sugarcane syrup, in accordance with the prevailing regulations in Brazil. All of the samples presented the denomination, the origin data, and the validity, in their respective labels. However a no labeling standard for the nutritional table of sugarcane syrup was shown, and six (40%) of the evaluated brands did not indicated all of the required information. Given the importance of labeling for the customer understanding and for the conscious buying, and also the relevance of this information for the product appreciation, it becomes evident the need for performing the comprehensive studies on the product, in order to regulate the labeling to become reliable, and being a safe source for consumer information.

Conocimientos, importancia, utilidad y preferencias del etiquetado frontal de alimentos procesados para adultos residentes en el gran área metropolitana de Costa Rica / Knowledge, relevance, use, and preferences of the adult population in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica about the front-of-pack nutritional labeling of food processed for intake

Resumen Objetivo: Explorar los conocimientos, importancia, utilidad y preferencias en población adulta del Gran Área Metropolitana de Costa Rica del etiquetado frontal de alimentos procesados como insumo para la toma de decisiones y ejecución de acciones en alimentación y nutrición. Método: Estudio cuali-cuantitativo exploratorio basado en un cuestionario estructurado. Se realizaron 100 encuestas en Facebook a hombres y mujeres entre 20 a 64 años del Gran Área Metropolitana de Costa Rica durante noviembre 2016. Resultados: Las encuestadas fueron adultas jóvenes, costarricenses y con algún nivel universitario. La mayoría afirmó conocer el etiquetado frontal, especialmente los esquemas Guía Diaria de Alimentación monocromático y coloreado. Se encontró que el etiquetado frontal podría incrementar la lectura y mejorar la interpretación de la información nutricional. Además, parece influir en la decisión de compra y visualizado como una herramienta útil para prevenir enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. La Guía Diaria de Alimentación coloreada y el esquema semáforo, fueron preferidos por la población en estudio. Apoyaron un etiquetado frontal único, simple y estandarizado en todas las categorías de alimentos. Los colores y descriptores nutricionales resultaron relevantes para definir el esquema para Costa Rica. Conclusiones: El etiquetado frontal de fácil interpretación, como lo es el Guía Diaria de Alimentación coloreado fue preferido por una población educada que representa un posible agente de cambio en la práctica de una alimentación saludable, donde puede haber mayor impacto por los hábitos alimenticios que los caracterizan y el interés mostrado.

Abstract Objective: To explore the knowledge, relevance, use, and preferences of the adult population in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica about the front-of-pack nutritional labeling of food processed for intake when making decisions and taking actions related to diet and nutrition. Methodology: The present is an explorative, quali-quantitative study based on a structured questionnaire. Men and women who were from 20 to 64 years old from the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica gave over one hundred interviews during November 2016. Results: The interviewees were Costa Rican young adults with some university degree. Most interviewees admitted knowing front-of-pack nutritional labeling of food, especially those that are part of the monochromatic and colored Guideline Daily Amount. Results also showed that the front-of-pack nutritional labeling might improve the reading and interpretation of nutritional information. Additionally, the aforementioned labeling seems to also have an effect on food purchases just as it is considered a useful tool to prevent non-transmissible chronic diseases. Population study preferred the Guideline Daily Amount and "traffic light" labels over other types and supported the idea of using a unique, simple, and standard front-of-pack labeling in all food categories. Colors and nutritional descriptors were fundamental to define the nutritional labeling used in Costa Rica. Conclusion: A front-of-pack nutritional labeling easy to interpret like a colored Guideline Daily Amounte was thought preferable by a educated population who represents a possible agent of change when it comes to healthy eating habits that, at the same time, might bepositively impacted by this population's characteristic healthy eating choices.

Biopelículas fotoactivas: material de empaque en alimentos sensibles a la oxidación / Photoactive biofilms: packaging materials in oxidation sensitive foods

RESUMEN La contaminación, a causa de residuos plásticos, es uno de los principales problemas ambientales, emergentes del siglo XX. Particularmente, el uso de envases plásticos para alimentos y bebidas ocupa el 50% de su producción total. La producción de empaques bioplásticos, a partir de materias primas renovables, surge como alternativa de bajo impacto ambiental en la industria de alimentos, sensibles a la oxidación, conservando su calidad organoléptica y nutricional. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo la elaboración de biopelículas, a partir de almidón residual esterificado de papa, anclado a sustancias fotoactivas, con diferentes rangos de absorción electromagnética: betalaína, rutina y riboflavina, capaces de disminuir los procesos oxidativos inducidos por la luz, en muestras de carne bovina. Se evaluaron las propiedades fisicoquímicas, mecánicas y de eficacia fotoactiva. Los resultados mostraron que el anclaje de las sustancias fotoactivas al almidón esterificado, optimizó los valores de solubilidad en agua, transparencia, estabilidad ácido-base y resistencia a la ruptura de las biopelículas. La mayor protección fotoactiva, se obtuvo con la biopelícula de rutina, reduciendo en un 66,6% y 57,3% la degradación oxidativa de proteínas y lípidos de la carne. Se concluye, que la esterificación del almidón residual de papa y su posterior anclaje de sustancias fotoactivas, le confiere un uso potencial en la producción de envases biodegradables para alimentos.

ABSTRACT Pollution caused by plastic waste is one of the main emerging environmental problems of the 20th century. Particularly the use of plastic containers for food and beverages that occupies almost 50% of its total production. The elaboration of bioplastics from renewable raw materials emerges as an alternative of low environmental impact in the food industry sensitive to oxidation, conserving its organoleptic and nutritional quality. The aim of this research was to prepare biofilms from residual esterified potato starch, anchored to photoactive substances with different ranges of electromagnetic absorption: Betalaine, Rutin and Riboflavin, able to reduce oxidative processes induced by light in bovine meat samples. The physicochemical, mechanical and photoactive efficiency properties were evaluated. The results showed that the anchoring of the photoactive substances to the esterified starch optimizes the values of water solubility, transparency, acid-base stability and resistance to rupture of the biofilms. The greater photoactive protection was obtained with the biofilm of Rutin, reducing in 66.6% and 57.3% the oxidative degradation of proteins and lipids respectively. It is concluded that the esterification of residual potato starch and its subsequent anchoring of photoactive substances confers a potential use in the production of biodegradable food packaging.

Influence of Ionizing Radiation on Biodegradable Foam Trays for Food Packaging Obtained from Irradiated Cassava Starch

ABSTRACT Biodegradable polymers, such as starch, cellulose, and derivatives thereof, are being studied to produce innovative packaging in the most diverse shapes (films, bags, trays, bottles, etc.) to attend this current market trend. The aim of this work was to produce foam trays from cassava starch for food packaging via extrusion followed by thermoforming process. Their formulations were based on unirradiated and γ-irradiated starches at diverse radiation absorbed doses (in kGy) in order to evaluate the influence of the irradiated starches on the physical properties of the trays. Water absorption results showed an irregular increase with the increase of the absorbed dose ( for example, 26.32% and 39.84% for the trays based on unirradiated starch 0 kGy and 1:1 (w/w) mixture of starches 0 kGy and 100.0 kGy, respectively). Other physicochemical properties were evaluated from the starches utilized and the trays obtained. Aerobic biodegradation of the foams by mass loss also was checked in soil burial test.

Package design and nutritional profile of foods targeted at children in supermarkets in Montevideo, Uruguay / Desenho das embalagens e perfil nutricional de alimentos dirigidos ao público infantil em supermercados em Montevidéu, Uruguai / Diseño de envase y perfil nutricional de alimentos dirigidos a niños disponibles en supermercados en Montevideo, Uruguay

Abstract: Marketing of unhealthy products has been identified as one of the main characteristics of the food environment that negatively affects children’s eating patterns. Restrictions on advertising of unhealthy foods to children have already been imposed in different countries. However, marketing strategies are not limited to broadcast and digital advertising, but also include package design. In this context, the current study aimed to describe the food products targeted at children and sold in supermarkets in Montevideo, Uruguay, in terms of package design and nutrient profile. Two supermarkets in Montevideo were selected for data collection. In each supermarket, all products targeted at children were identified. Products were analyzed in terms of package design and nutritional profile, considering the Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model. A total of 180 unique products were identified, which included a wide range of product categories. The great majority of the products corresponded to ultra-processed products with excessive amounts of sodium, free sugars, total fat, saturated fat, and/or trans fat, which are not recommended for frequent consumption. Several marketing strategies were identified in the design of packages to attract children’s attention and drive their preferences. The most common strategies were the inclusion of cartoon characters, bright colors, childish lettering, and a wide range of claims related to health and nutrition, as well as the products’ sensory and hedonic characteristics. The study’s findings provide additional evidence on the need to regulate packaging of products targeted at children.

Resumen: El marketing de productos poco saludables se ha identificado como una de las características del entorno alimentario que afecta negativamente los hábitos alimentarios de los niños. Diferentes países han impuesto restricciones a la publicidad de alimentos poco saludables dirigidos a niños. Sin embargo, las estrategias de marketing no se limitan a la publicidad visual y digital, sino que también incluyen el diseño de envases. En este contexto, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir los productos alimenticios dirigidos a niños y vendidos en supermercados de Montevideo, Uruguay, en términos de diseño del envase y perfil nutricional. Se seleccionarondos supermercados em Montevideo para la recollección de datos. En cada supermercado, se identificaron todos los productos dirigidos a niños. Se analizaron los productos en términos de diseño del envase y perfil nutrientes, considerando el Modelo de Perfil Nutricional de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud. Se identificaron un total de 180 productos, que incluyeron una amplia variedad de categorías. La gran mayoría de los productos correspondieron a productos ultraprocesados con excesivas cantidades de sodio, azúcares, grasa total, grasas saturadas, y/o grasas trans, cuyo consumo frecuente no está recomendado. Se identificaron diversas estrategias de marketing en el envase de los productos para atraer la atención de los niños e influenciar sus preferencias. Las estrategias más comunes fueron la inclusión de personajes de infantiles, colores vivos, letras infantiles y una amplia variedad de alegaciones sobre salud y nutrición, así como relacionadas con caracterśiticas sensoriales y hedónicas de los productos. Los hallazgos del estudio proporcionan evidencias adicionales sobre la necesidad de regular el diseño de los envases de los productos dirigidos a niños.

Resumo: A publicidade de produtos alimentícios pouco saudáveis tem sido identificada como uma das principais características do ambiente alimentar com efeito negativo sobre a alimentação das crianças. Diversos países já impuseram restrições sobre a publicidade de produtos alimentícios pouco saudáveis para crianças. Entretanto, as estratégias publicitárias não se limitam à radiodifusão e às mídias digitais; incluem também o desenho das embalagens. Nesse contexto, o estudo buscou descrever os alimentos dirigidos ao público infantil e vendidos em supermercados em Montevidéu, Uruguai, em termos de desenho de embalagem e perfil de nutrientes. Dois supermercados em Montevidéu foram selecionados para a coleta dos dados. Em cada supermercado, foram identificados todos os produtos dirigidos ao público infantil. Os produtos foram analisados quanto ao desenho da embalagem e perfil nutricional, considerando o Modelo de Perfil de Nutrientes da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde. Foi identificado um total de 180 produtos, incluindo uma ampla variedade de categorias de produtos. A grande maioria dos produtos correspondia aos ultra-processados, com teores excessivos de sódio, açucares livres, gordura total e gordura saturada e/ou trans, que são contraindicados para consumo frequente. Foram identificadas diversas estratégias mercadológicas no desenho das embalagens para atrair a atenção das crianças e moldar suas preferências. As estratégias mais comuns foram a inclusão de personagens de desenho animado, cores brilhantes, letras infantilizadas e uma ampla gama de alegações em relação à saúde e nutrição e às características sensoriais e hedônicas dos produtos Os achados do estudo fornecem evidências adicionais sobre a necessidade de regulamentar as embalagens dos produtos alimentícios para crianças.

ICP OES Determination of Contaminant Elements Leached from Food Packaging Films

ABSTRACT Determination of potential contaminants elements in food packing films arising from contact with acidic aqueous foods was undertaken by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) in accordance with DIN EN 1186-1. Test sections from plastic films were totally immersed in 3% w/v CH3COOH used as the food simulant. Testing was conducted under three conditions: (1) 10 days at 40 ºC; (2) 30 min at 70 ºC and 10 days at 40 ºC; and (3) 30 min at 100 ºC and 10 days at 40 ºC. These time and temperature conditions were considered to be the most severe situations likely to be encountered in practice. Several different containers were investigated, including a borosilicate glass beaker, a glass bottle used for food canning, as well as one of polystyrene. The glass bottle was selected for testing treatments according to procedure (3) and a polystyrene one was chosen for use with procedures (1) and (2). Limits of quantitation were adequate for the determination of Ag, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sn and Zn by solution nebulization ICP OES and As by chemical vapor generation (CVG-ICP OES). Results for the analysis of AccuStandard certified reference materials as well as spike recoveries show good agreement with expected concentrations, demonstrating the accuracy and precision of the determinations. Eleven samples of food packing material were analyzed. The lead was present in the range 4.8 - 85.3 µg L-1 in 10 of 11 evaluated packing material, showing the importance of quality control measures.

Bio-Nanotechnology for Active Food Packaging.

The most commonly used packaging material is associated with environmental issues as they are non-degradable in nature. The number of attempts are made for developing the eco-friendly degradable biopolymers as ideal food packaging. The biopolymers developed are not commercialized as they have poor mechanical strength and resistance properties. Thus to enhance the following faults in the reinforcing material are added which resulted in the composites formation. During various food processing operations the nanotechnology approach is employed such as encapsulation of the material in the nanoparticles, which can be delivered to the targeted site, enhancement of the flavor, integration of antibacterial agents with the nanoparticle in the food, enhancement of shelf-life for storage, and contamination sensing. Food packaging substances synthesized by nanotechnology may increase the shelf-life of the food as they provide resistive packaging, increase the level of food safety, liberate the preservatives for enhancing the life of the food and notify the consumer either the food is consumable or spoiled. Nano-supplements are integrated by the encapsulation method for efficient dietary as well as drug delivery systems. Nano-materials are not well evaluated for the health risk and environmental issues associated with it even the side-effects are unexploited. Various authorities are working prompt designing of guidelines and legislation policies for further acceptance of Nano-based materials in food packaging systems. Biologically synthesized nanoparticles will serve as a significant tool to conquer present contests that are linked with food packaging constituents.

Determination of Cu, Ni and Zn in Aluminum Food Packaging Materials by Strong Acid Cation Exchange Fiber Solid Phase Extraton-ICP-AES / 中国药师

Objective:To establish the analysis method for the determination of Ni, Cu and Zn in aluminum food packaging mate-rials by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry ( ICP-AES) . Methods: A small amount of EDTA was added to the test solution till the concentration at 0. 010 0 mol·L-1 and the pH value was adjusted to 5. 0. Strong acid cation exchange fibers were used for the assisted extraction of Al3+ with ultrasonic. Al3+ could not quickly form a complex anion with EDTA, so it was adsorbed by the strong acid cation exchange fibers. Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ could form complex anions with EDTA rapidly, so they could not be ad-sorbed by the strong acid cation exchange fibers and were left in the solution to be determined. Results:After the separation, the con-tents of Cu, Ni and Zn were not lost, and the content of residual aluminum was about 170 times of that of Cu, Ni and Zn, which had not interferece with the determination of Cu, Ni and Zn. The sample standard addition recovery was within the range of 98. 3%-104%with RSD of 0. 2%-2. 5%(n=5). The relative errors between the measured values and the certified values of standard substances were less than 5. 0%. Conclusion:The proposed method can be successfully applied in the separation and determination of Cu, Ni and Zn in aluminum cans, barbecue aluminum foil and standard substances.

Nanotechnology in the food industry / Nanotecnologia na indústria de alimentos

Nanotechnologies involve the manipulation of matter at a very small scale, generally between 1 and 100 nanometers. They exploit novel properties and functions that occur in matter at this scale. The application of nanotechnology in the areas of food and food packaging is growing rapidly, and in the area of food security, these applications include the detection of microorganisms, environmental protection, water purification, encapsulation of nutrients and food packing. Nanotechnology is opening up a world of new possibilities for the food industry, but the entry of nanoparticles into the food chain can result in a buildup of toxic contaminants in food and harm human health. This review focuses on the nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds, nanosensor especially to detect foodborne pathogens, applications of nanotechnology in food packing and highlight some of aspects of toxicology.

A nanotecnologia envolve a manipulação da matéria em uma escala muito pequena, geralmente entre 1 e 100 nanômetros. Ela explora novas propriedades e funções que ocorrem na matéria nesta escala nanometrica. A aplicação da nanotecnologia nas áreas de alimentos, embalagens para alimentos e segurança alimentar têm crescido rapidamente. Estas aplicações incluem a detecção de microrganismos, proteção ambiental, purificação de água, encapsulamento de nutrientes e embalagem para alimentos. A nanotecnologia está abrindo novas possibilidades para a indústria de alimentos, mas, a entrada de nanopartículas na cadeia alimentar pode resultar em um acúmulo de contaminantes que podem ser tóxicos e prejudicar a saúde humana. Esta revisão enfoca a nanoencapsulação de compostos bioativos, nanosensores, especialmente para detecção de patógenos em alimentos, aplicação da nanotecnologia na área de embalagens para alimentos e destaca alguns aspectos sobre toxicologia.

Efeito de fibras vegetais nas propriedades de compósitos biodegradáveis de amido de mandioca produzidos via extrusão / Effects of vegetal fibers on properties of cassava starch biodegradable composites produced by extrusion

A preocupação com o volume de lixo tem gerado interesse no desenvolvimento de embalagens biodegradáveis capazes de substituir, ao menos em parte, os plásticos convencionais sintéticos, como é o caso das embalagens de poliestireno expandido (Isopor). Ojvetivou-se,neste trabalho caracterizar, quanto ao índice de expansão (IE), densidade, índice de absorção em água (IAA), índice de solubilidade em água (ISA) e cor (coordenadas L*, a* e b*), compósitos biodegradáveis expandidos produzidos via extrusão, a partir da mistura de amido de mandioca, glicerol (plastificante) e dois tipos de fibras vegetais. Os compósitos foram preparados em extrusora mono-rosca, com três diferentes teores de fibras de aveia ou de cana-de-açúcar (0, 5 e 10 g/100 g amido), dois teores de umidade (18 e 26 por cento) e teor fixo de glicerol (20g/100 g sólidos). A adição das fibras não afetou significativamente o IE, a densidade e o IAA, porém diminuiu o ISA dos materiais, o que é uma vantagem, favorecendo a utilização das fibras no reforço dos compósitos. A adição de fibras levou ao escurecimento das amostras, com decréscimo da luminosidade (L*) e, ainda, ao aumento nos valores dos parâmetros de cor a* e b*. Este estudo é passo fundamental para produção em escala industrial dos compósitos, que necessitam de condições de processo que forneçam resultados reprodutíveis de expansão e capacidade de absorção e solubilidade em água, propriedades de grande importância nesses produtos.

The concern with the volume of waste has generated interest in the development of biodegradable packaging able to replace, at least in part, the conventional synthetic plastics, such as packs of expanded polystyrene (Isopor). This study aimed to characterize the expansion index, density, the water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI) and color (coordinates L*, a* and b*) of expanded biodegradable composites produced by extrusion, from the mixture cassava starch, glycerol (plasticizer) and two different types of vegetable fibres. The composites were prepared in a single screw extruder, with three different levels of oat or sugar cane fibres (0, 5 and 10 g /100 g starch), two levels of humidity (18 and 26 percent) and a fixed level of glycerol (20 g/100 g solds). The addition of fibres did not affect significantly the expansion index, density and WAI of materials, and reduced WSI of products, which is an advantage and promotes the use of these fibres in the reinforcement of composites. The addition of fibers led to the darkening of the samples, with decrease in lightness (L*) and increase in the values of the color parameters a* and b*. This study is a key step for a future industrial scale production of these composites, which requires process conditions that provide reproducible results of expansion and absorption capacity and solubility in water, properties of great importance in these products.

Simultaneous Determination of Nonylphenol, Octylphenol and Bisphenol A in Textiles and Food Packaging Materials by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

A comprehensive analytical method based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry has been developed for the determination of nonylphenol, octylphenol and bisphenol A in textiles and food packaging) materials. Various textile and food packaging material samples were extracted under the conditions of 10.3 MPa and 120 ℃ by accelerated solvent extraction method with two static cycles using ethanol as the extraction) solvent. The extract was cleaned up by Supelclean Envi-Carb solid phase extraction cartridge. Qualitative) and quantitative analyses were carried out for the analytes under the multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode after the chromatographic separation on Waters XBridge C_(18))(150 mm×2.1 mm, 3.5 μm) column) with methanol-0.1% NH_4OH gradient elution. The limits of detection(LODs) for alkylphenol, octyphenol and bisphenol A were 0.5 μg/kg. The mean recoveries for textile samples at the spiked level of 0.5-10 μg/kg were 86.9%-92.5%, with the relative standard deviation less than 9.1%. The mean recoveries for food packaging material samples at the spiked level of 0.5-10 μg/kg were 87.8%-93.0%, with the relative standard deviation less than 8.8%. The method is accurate, simple, rapid, and adapts to the inspection of nonylphenol, octylphenol and bisphenol A in textiles and food packaging materials.

Contaminação bacteriana e fúngica de canudos de refrigerantes e seus recipientes em lanchonetes de município do interior de São Paulo / Fungal and bacterial contamination of drinking straws and their containers in snack bars in a municipality of São Paulo state, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o nível de contaminação bacteriana e fúngica de canudos de refrigerantes e seus recipientes em 30 lanchonetes do Município de Ibiúna (SP), correlacionando com as condições de higiene, processos e métodos de desinfecção destes estabelecimentos. MÉTODOS: Foram colhidas três amostras por estabelecimento nas embalagens fechadas, em recipientes e swab em toda a superfície de contato. Foi aplicado um questionário a fim de avaliar: a empresa fornecedora dos canudos, higienização, freqüência e desinfecção, e foram efetuadas inspeções sanitárias nos estabelecimentos. Para as análises microbiológicas foi utilizada a técnica de lavagem superficial e semeadura em meios, para contagem de bactérias mesófilas. As amostras turvas foram semeadas em meios de cultura para: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus, coliformes totais e/ou termotolerantes. RESULTADOS: Dentre os microorganismos isolados nas amostras dos canudos nos recipientes foi detectado Bacillus cereus em 36,6 por cento, Enterococo spp. em 3,3 por cento. O Bacillus cereus foi isolado em 46,6 por cento nos swabs dos recipientes, e em 13,3 por cento, Enterococos. Na análise de associação do nível de contaminação microbiana de canudos de refrigerantes e seus recipientes com as condições de higiene, os processos de higienização e a desinfecção dos estabelecimentos, não foi identifica significância estatística (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O Bacillus cereus foi o microorganismo que prevaleceu nas embalagens íntegras dos canudos, nos seus recipientes e no swab das superfícies. Não foi comprovada a associação de fatores de risco de contaminação bacteriana e fúngica.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the fungal and bacterial contamination level of drinking straws and their containers of thirty snack bars at the municipality of Ibiuna (SP, Brazil) and to correlate these data with conditions of hygiene and the processes and methods of disinfection of these establishments. METHODS: Three samples of closed packages, containers and contact surface swabs were collected in each establishment. A questionnaire was administered to identify the straws supplier, hygiene methods, frequency and disinfection. Sanitary inspections were also performed in these establishments. Microbiological analyses were done using the superficial washing technique and seeding plates to count mesophilic bacteria, mold and yeasts. Turbid samples were seeded in culture media for: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus, total and/or thermotolerant coliforms. RESULTS: Microorganisms isolated from samples of drinking straws were Bacillus cereus 36.6 percent, Enterococcus spp and Molds/yeasts 3.3 percent. Swabs of containers revealed 46.6 percent of Bacillus cereus and 13.3 percent of Enterococcus. Association analyses of the microbial contamination level of drinking straws and their containers with conditions of hygiene, hygiene processes and disinfection of the establishments did not show statistical significance (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Bacillus cereus was the most prevalent microorganism in closed packages, containers and surface swabs. No statistical association of risk factors for bacterial or fungal contamination was found.

Current and projected applications of nanotechnology in the food sector: [review] / Aplicações atuais e futuras da nanotecnologia no setor alimentício: [revisão]

The prospects for applications of nanotechnology to the food sector have become more apparent over the last few years. Nanotechnology applications are expected to bring changes to the food sector, including improved production and processing techniques, improved food contact materials, modification of taste, texture and sensation, monitoring food quality and freshness, reduced fat content, enhanced nutrient absorption, and improved traceability and security of food products. A variety of food ingredients, additives, encapsulation systems and food contact materials is already available in some countries and the market for nanotechnology-derived food products and food contact materials is expected to grow worldwide. However, no clear information about the actual use of nanotechnology in the food industry is available and data on the benefits, improvements and risks of nanotechnology applications in the food sector as well as their economical competitiveness are still almost lacking.

Las posibilidades de aplicación de la nanotecnología al sector de alimentos se tornaron más evidentes en los últimos años. Se espera que su empleo introduzca cambios en el sector de alimentos, incluyendo aumentos de productividad; perfeccionamiento de los procesos; mejora de los materiales de contacto con alimentos; modificaciones de sabor, textura y sensación; vigilancia de la calidad y el frescor; reducción del contenido de grasa; aumento de la absorción de nutrientes y perfeccionamiento de la trazabilidad y seguridad de los productos alimenticios. Una variedad de ingredientes de alimentos, aditivos, sistemas de encapsulación y materiales de contacto con los alimentos ya están disponibles en algunos países y se espera que el mercado de productos alimenticios con origen en la nanotecnología aumente en todo el mundo. Sin embargo, no existe en el momento información sobre como la nanotecnología esta siendo usada en la industria de alimentos, ni datos sobre los beneficios, progresos y riesgos de su aplicación al sector de alimentos o de la competitividad económica de esta tecnología.

As perspectivas de aplicações da nanotecnologia ao setor alimentício se tornaram mais aparentes nos últimos anos. Espera-se que as aplicações da nanotecnologia trarão mudanças ao setor, incluindo técnicas aperfeiçoadas de produção e processamento, materiais que têm contato com o alimento melhorados, modificação de sabor, textura e sensação, monitoria da qualidade e frescor dos alimentos, reduzido teor de gordura, absorção de nutrientes aumentada, e melhor rastreabilidade e segurança dos produtos alimentícios. Uma variedade de ingredientes, aditivos, sistemas de encapsulação e materiais que entram em contato com o alimento já estão disponíveis em alguns países e espera-se que o mercado para produtos alimentícios derivados da nanotecnologia e materiais que entram em contato com os alimentos cresça mundialmente. Entretanto, não há claras informações disponíveis sobre o real uso da nanotecnologia na indústria de alimentos e dados sobre os benefícios, melhorias e riscos da aplicação da nanotecnologia na indústria de alimentos, bem como sua competitividade econômica ainda são quase ausentes.

Determination of Phenolic Environmental Estrogens in Food Packing Materials by Nonaqueous Capillary Electrophoresis-Chemiluminescence / 分析化学

Nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis-chemiluminescence (NACE) method was developed for the determination of five phenolic environmental estrogens including bisphenol A (BPA),4-nonylphenol(4-NP) ,4-tert-octylphenol(4-tOP),4-tert-butylphenol(4-tBP) and tetrabromobisphenol A(TBBPA) in food packaging material. Target compounds in soaking solution of food packaging material samples were separated by NACE-CL after derivatization with 4-(4,5-diphenyl-lH-imidazol-2-yl) benzoyl chloride ( DIB-Cl) ,reacted with per-oxyoxalate chemiluminescence system,and then detected through magnifying light signal with photomultiplier. With 17β-E_2 as internal standard,qualitative and quantitative analysis of the target compounds were performed by relative migration time and the ratio of relative chemiluminescence intensity,respectively. Several influence factors on separation with NACE,such as the composition and proportion of organic solvent,the concentration of electrolyte,temperature surrounding of the capillary,the concentration of acetic acid and work voltage,were investigated. And the peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence system was optimized. Under these conditions,4-tBP,BPA,4-OP,4-NP and TBBPA were all separated and showed good linearities in the ranges of 0.0095-3.0 mg/L,0.0087-3.0 mg/L,0.0085 -3.0 mg/L,0.011 -3.0 mg/L,0.009-3.0 mg/L,respectively,with correlation coefficients over 0. 9947. The RSDs of relative migration time and relative chemiluminescence intensity ratio were 0.9% -3.0% and 6.5% - 8.6%. Recoveries for the spiked samples ranged from 86.7% to 98. 8%. Five common food packaging material samples were analyzed. The proposed method is simple and sensitive for the quantitative determination of phenolic environmental estrogens in food packaging material samples.