FLAIR-FLOW EUROPE: a focused dissemination system for small food companies

The goal of the FLAIR-FLOW EUROPE dissemination project is to ensure a rapid transfer of research results, from EU-supported food R&D programmes, to food companies and other end-users in the 15 EU countries and in Hungary, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. The routes used for dissemination are one-page technical documents, their reproduction in trade journals and on the internet, workshops, and lectures and presentations by the 19 FLAIR-FLOW network leaders, and by network members Europe-wide at a range of fora. Special RE(TU)ER (ready-to-use European research) workshops are held for small companies including those making traditional foods. Feedback from end-users of the disseminated information is quantified and recent surveys have been carried out, using >200 food SMEs, on priorities for food R&D and on sources and use of technical information.     

Migration modelling from food-contact plastics into foodstuffs as a new tool for consumer exposure estimation

One important aspect within the European Union's public healthcare is the exposure of consumers to undesirable chemicals in the diet. Food-contact materials (FCM) are one potential contamination source and therefore of particular interest for food exposure assessment. On the other hand, scientific investigations concerning the migration potential and behaviour of food-packaging materials have demonstrated that diffusion in and migration from FCM are foreseeable physical and, in principle, mathematically describable processes. Because of this situation and the current state-of-the-art in migration science, a research project was initiated within the 5th Framework Programme of the European Commission. This project, with the acronym 'FOODMIGROSURE' (European Union Contract No. 'QLK1-CT2002-2390') started on 1 March 2003, was due to last 3 years and had the participation of nine European project partners (see the project website: www.foodmigrosure.org). The aim of the project was to extend currently existing migration models (which have been demonstrated to be applicable for less complex matrices such as food simulants) to foodstuffs themselves. In this way, the project aims to provide a novel and economic tool for estimation of consumer exposure to chemicals migrating from food-contact plastic materials under any actual contact conditions. In addition, the project aims to increase knowledge of the mechanisms of diffusion of organic compounds in foodstuffs and provide data on the partitioning effects between FCM and foods. Today the latter aspect is increasingly regarded as a fundamental influence parameter for migration into foods. Based on the project achievements, a much better scientific basis is available to allow scientifically appropriate amendments of European Union Directive 85/572/EEC as well as to support further developments with the so-called Plastics Directive 2002/72/EC. The paper introduces the project and presents an overview of the project work progress.     

获得性抗生素抗性基因: 威胁发酵蔬菜食品安全的一种新型污染物

作为全球关注的新型面源污染之一,获得性抗生素抗性基因(AARGs)的水平转移成为食品安全领域近年来研究的新课题。发酵蔬菜是我国食品加工的重要组成部分,其发酵过程多样化的微生物参与为AARGs的传播和扩散转移提供了高风险的生态场所。为此,本文提出将AARGs作为威胁发酵蔬菜食品安全的一种新型污染物,对该类污染物的来源、潜在的传播途径以及国内外相关研究进行综述,并提出了当前形势下我国开展发酵蔬菜中AARGs污染研究的方向和防控建议。     

Animal,food and biomedical aspects of verocytotoxigenic E. coli: a European concerted action project

A Concerted Action project titled “A European study on animal, food and biomedical aspects of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli including serotype O157:H7, an emerging pathogen’’ is funded within the European Agriculture and Fisheries Framework IV Programme (CT98-3935) and runs for three years (May 1998 to May 2001). This paper summarises the main objectives and activities of this programme. The project involves 31 participants representing 12 European countries and brings together groups from academia and industry who have an active interest in verocytoxigenic Escherichia coli. Five main thematic areas are being addressed in this project including methods for VTEC, survival and growth of VTEC, pathogenicity and virulence of VTEC and epidemiology of VTEC. These thematic areas are being addressed principally via six monthly research meetings and workshops. Dissemination of information from the project is by conference proceedings, technical booklets reviewing the thematic areas and a project web site (http://www.research.teagasc.ie/vteceurope).     

英文刊Food Science and Human Wellness征稿启事(英文)

<正>We are pleased to announce the launch of a new international peer-reviewed journal-Food Science and Human Wellness,ISSN 2213-4530,which is an open access journal,produced and hosted by Elsevier B.V.on behalf of Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Food Science and Human Wellness is an international peer-reviewed English journal that provides a forum for the dissemination of the latest scientific results in food science,nutriology,immunology and crossfield research.The journal focuses on both fundamental and applied research outcomes worldwide,aiming at providing comprehensive coverage of research progress concerning food biochemistry,food nutrition,effects of bioactive components on human health,immunologic mechanisms,relationship between food and disease,and food safety,etc.     

Consumer acceptance of a quick response (QR) code for the food traceability system: Application of an extended technology acceptance model (TAM)

The objectives of this study are to apply the TAM using the addition of perceived information to individuals' behavioral intention to use the QR code for the food traceability system; and to determine the moderating effects of food involvement on the relationship between perceived information and perceived usefulness. Results from a survey of 420 respondents are analyzed using structural equation modeling. The study findings reveal that the extended TAM has a satisfactory fit to the data and that the underlying dimensions have a significant effect on consumers' intention to use the QR code for the food traceability system. In addition, food involvement plays a significant moderating function in the relationship between perceived information and perceived usefulness. The implications of this study for future research are discussed.     

互联网生态下舆情对粮食安全的影响（网络首发、推荐阅读）

新冠肺炎疫情（以下简称“疫情”）在全球爆发后，引发一些粮食主要生产国限制出口，还有一些国家对国际贸易增设壁垒、阻断物流，导致良好的全球粮食供需关系被扭曲，全球粮价出现暴涨，引发各国政府和民众对粮食安全的高度关注。影响粮食安全的传统因素包括实际的产量、库存量、消费量、贸易量的增减变化，引发供需关系变化，并作用于价格。在互联网高度发达的背景下，上述信息经互联网传播发酵后，会形成一定规模的社会舆情，其传播效应甚至扭曲短期的供需关系和价格，也是影响粮食安全的重要因素。本文以疫情期间国际国内的几次涉粮舆情为例，分析互联网生态下舆情对粮食安全的影响，提出粮食安全基础仍需持续夯实，并要正确认识常态与极限思维下安全的关系、微观安全与宏观安全的关系、现在安全与未来安全的关系，持续做好互联网下的信息发布与舆情管理等方面的建议，为把握住正向引导预期、管理舆情主动权提供参考。     

Migration from food contact plastics. Part I. Establishment and aims of the PIRA project

In the European Community regulatory approaches adopted by individual Member States to the control of food contact plastics differ markedly and, as a result, the European Commission has identified a need for harmonized legislation in this sector. The Commission requested its Scientific Committee for Food to advise on the toxicity of monomers and other starting substances used in the production of such plastics and the Committee's report has recently been published. It is apparent that, although some monomers have been studied in depth, for many little or no information was available to the Committee on either the levels migrating into food or their likely toxic effects. The Committee has requested that such information be provided within 3 years. Following discussions between the UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, PIRA and companies involved in either the manufacture or use of food contact plastics, a Project has been established at PIRA to develop sensitive analytical procedures for the relevant UK-required monomers and to provide the required migration data. As a second part to this project the methodology for determining overall migration is being examined with a view to resolving existing experimental difficulties. The first analytical methods to be developed in the project are those for the determination or terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid. Residual levels of these monomers in plastics and the quantities migrating into food simulants and food have been shown to be very low.     

Descriptive modelling to predict deoxynivalenol in winter wheat in the Netherlands

Predictions of deoxynivalenol (DON) content in wheat at harvest can be useful for decision-making by stakeholders of the wheat feed and food supply chain. The objective of the current research was to develop quantitative predictive models for DON in mature winter wheat in the Netherlands for two specific groups of end-users. One model was developed for use by farmers in underpinning Fusarium spp. disease management, specifically the application of fungicides around wheat flowering (model A). The second model was developed for industry and food safety authorities, and considered the entire wheat cultivation period (model B). Model development was based on observational data collected from 425 fields throughout the Netherlands between 2001 and 2008. For each field, agronomical information, climatic data and DON levels in mature wheat were collected. Using multiple regression analyses, the set of biological relevant variables that provided the highest statistical performance was selected. The two final models include the following variables: region, wheat resistance level, spraying, flowering date, several climatic variables in the different stages of wheat growing, and length of the period between flowering and harvesting (model B only). The percentages of variance accounted for were 64.4% and 65.6% for models A and B, respectively. Model validation showed high correlation between the predicted and observed DON levels. The two models may be applied by various groups of end-users to reduce DON contamination in wheat-derived feed and food products and, ultimately, reduce animal and consumer health risks.     

GENERAL FOODS TEXTUROMETER APPLICATION TO FOOD TEXTURE RESEARCH IN JAPAN

Applications of the General Foods Texturometer to food research in Japan are reviewed based mainly on information published in Japanese scientific journals. The instrument is being used on various food items such as rice, fish, soybeans, gels, meat, cheese and spaghetti. Correlations with sensory evaluation, development of a similar apparatus for crispness characterization of vegetables and new interpretation of Texturometer parameters are also discussed.     

Internal versus external preference analysis: An exploratory study on end-user evaluation

Internal and external preference analysis emphasise fundamentally different perspectives on the same data. We extend the literature on comparisons between internal and external preference analysis by incorporating the perspective of the end user of the preference analysis results. From a conceptual analysis of the methodological similarities and differences between these two techniques, we develop and implement a framework for end-user evaluation of preference analysis output in terms of perceived actionability for food technology, marketing and creative purposes as well as comprehensibility and perceived appropriateness at the marketing–R&D interface. Overall, this exploratory study suggests that end-users find information from external analysis more actionable for food technological tasks. Internal preference analysis holds a clear advantage on marketing actionability and new product creativity. No preference technique holds a clear advantage on marketing–R&D interface appropriateness and comprehensibility. Rather than recommending applying both techniques, we suggest several ways forward in better exploiting the synergy between these two approaches.     

Information systems in food safety management

Information systems are concerned with data capture, storage, analysis and retrieval. In the context of food safety management they are vital to assist decision making in a short time frame, potentially allowing decisions to be made and practices to be actioned in real time. Databases with information on microorganisms pertinent to the identification of foodborne pathogens, response of microbial populations to the environment and characteristics of foods and processing conditions are the cornerstone of food safety management systems. Such databases find application in: Identifying pathogens in food at the genus or species level using applied systematics in automated ways. Identifying pathogens below the species level by molecular subtyping, an approach successfully applied in epidemiological investigations of foodborne disease and the basis for national surveillance programs. Predictive modelling software, such as the Pathogen Modeling Program and Growth Predictor (that took over the main functions of Food Micromodel) the raw data of which were combined as the genesis of an international web based searchable database (ComBase). Expert systems combining databases on microbial characteristics, food composition and processing information with the resulting "pattern match" indicating problems that may arise from changes in product formulation or processing conditions. Computer software packages to aid the practical application of HACCP and risk assessment and decision trees to bring logical sequences to establishing and modifying food safety management practices.In addition there are many other uses of information systems that benefit food safety more globally, including: Rapid dissemination of information on foodborne disease outbreaks via websites or list servers carrying commentary from many sources, including the press and interest groups, on the reasons for and consequences of foodborne disease incidents. Active surveillance networks allowing rapid dissemination of molecular subtyping information between public health agencies to detect foodborne outbreaks and limit the spread of human disease. Traceability of individual animals or crops from (or before) conception or germination to the consumer as an integral part of food supply chain management. Provision of high quality, online educational packages to food industry personnel otherwise precluded from access to such courses.     

Big data in food safety: An overview

Technology is now being developed that is able to handle vast amounts of structured and unstructured data from diverse sources and origins. These technologies are often referred to as big data, and open new areas of research and applications that will have an increasing impact in all sectors of our society. In this paper we assessed to which extent big data is being applied in the food safety domain and identified several promising trends. In several parts of the world, governments stimulate the publication on internet of all data generated in public funded research projects. This policy opens new opportunities for stakeholders dealing with food safety to address issues which were not possible before. Application of mobile phones as detection devices for food safety and the use of social media as early warning of food safety problems are a few examples of the new developments that are possible due to big data.     

Harmonization of legislation and regulations to achieve food safety: US and Canada perspective

Trade in food and food ingredients among the nations of the world is rapidly expanding and, with this expansion, new supply chain partners, from globally disparate geographic regions, are being enrolled. Food and food ingredients are progressively sourced more from lesser developed nations. Food safety incidents in the USA and Canada show a high unfavorable correlation between illness outbreaks and imported foods. In the USA, for example, foodborne disease outbreaks caused by imported food appeared to rise in 2009 and 2010, and nearly half of the outbreaks, associated with imported food, implicated foods imported from areas which previously had not been associated with outbreaks. Projecting supply chains into new geographical regions raises serious questions about the capacity of the new supply chain partners to provide the requisite regulatory framework and sufficiently robust public health measures for ensuring the safety of the foods and foodstuffs offered for international trade. The laws, regulation and legislation among the many nations participating in the global food trade are, at best, inconsistent. These inconsistencies frequently give rise to trade disputes and cause large quantities of food to be at risk of destruction on the often dubious pretext that they are not safe. Food safety is often viewed through a political or normative lens. Often as not, this lens has been wrought absent scientific precision. Harmonization of food safety legislation around sound scientific principles, as advocated by the US Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), would ultimately promote trade and likely provide for incremental improvement in public health. Among the priority roles of most national governments are the advancement of commerce and trade, preservation of public health and ensuring domestic tranquility. Achieving these priorities is fundamental to creating and preserving the wealth of nations. Countries such as the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Japan and the USA, for example, have very stable governments, are leaders in trade and commerce and enjoy high standards of public health. It is not by accident or coincidence that these nations are also among the world's wealthiest. Attainment of national priorities, especially those related to promoting trade in foodstuffs and also in preserving public health (food safety), would benefit greatly from international efforts in harmonizing food safety regulations and legislation. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

The "Sym'Previus" software, a tool to support decisions to the foodstuff safety

Describing the Sym'Previus project, the software and its deliverable facilities is the aim of this present paper. This software concerns all the partners of the food industry who are involved in the management of food safety and allows food-borne pathogen behaviour in food to be predicted, as function of the environment (nature of the food, manufacturing process, conditions of conservation). This analysis of microbial behaviour has been possible thanks to the progress made in predictive microbiology since the 1980s. Sym'Previus offers to food industry professionals and their partners the possibility of applying this progress, by giving access to a database, to simulation systems and expertise.     

食品添加剂对薯类食品品质影响的研究进展

随着我国"马铃薯主食化"战略的提出,薯类食品的研究开发受到重视。薯类淀粉支链淀粉含量和直链淀粉聚合度高,蛋白含量低,不易形成网络结构。添加薯类淀粉会导致食品的黏度增加,严重影响外观及口感,是薯类食品生产应用中的一个大问题。食品添加剂可以有效解决产品的感官品质差等问题,是近年研究的热点。分析总结了不同种类食品添加剂对薯类食品品质的影响,并对薯类食品未来的科学研究方向进行展望,为食品添加剂在薯类食品中的应用提供理论基础和指导意义。     

An internet compendium of analytical methods and spectroscopic information for monomers and additives used in food packaging plastics

An internet website (http://cpf.jrc.it/smt/) has been produced as a means of dissemination of methods of analysis and supporting spectroscopic information on monomers and additives used for food contact materials (principally packaging). The site which is aimed primarily at assisting food control laboratories in the European Union contains analytical information on monomers, starting substances and additives used in the manufacture of plastics materials. A searchable index is provided giving PM and CAS numbers for each of 255 substances. For each substance a data sheet gives regulatory information, chemical structures, physico-chemical information and background information on the use of the substance in particular plastics, and the food packaging applications. For monomers and starting substances (155 compounds) the infra-red and mass spectra are provided, and for additives (100 compounds); additionally proton NMR are available for about 50% of the entries. Where analytical methods have been developed for determining these substances as residual amounts in plastics or as trace amounts in food simulants these methods are also on the website. All information is provided in portable document file (PDF) format which means that high quality copies can be readily printed, using freely available Adobe Acrobat Reader software. The website will in future be maintained and up-dated by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) as new substances are authorized for use by the European Commission (DG-ENTR formerly DGIII). Where analytical laboratories (food control or other) require reference substances these can be obtained free-ofcharge from a reference collection housed at the JRC and maintained in conjunction with this website compendium.     

Printing on Food or Food Printing: a Review

The processes of printing foodstuffs or imaging on an unconventional surface deserve extra attention in comparison with conventional techniques especially in relation with the substrate interested that will or should say a lot about the concept behind the design. Indeed, while printing on food, designers are required to consider carefully both, the appropriate edible inks and the production processes. Moreover, printing on food packaging requires almost as much care. However, the concept of food printing represents nowadays a new frontier in food processing and industry to realize new food products of complex shapes and colour and with particular mixtures. At the moment, many current research projects and products related to food printing are being developed. In 2011, a European Cooperation in Science and Technology action named “New possibilities for print media and packaging, combining print with digital” was created with the aim to promote an interdisciplinary interaction among European research partner with several different research backgrounds. Among the aims of the project, a crucial aspect regards the combination of food expertise with printing using new technologies in order to print on food or food printing. In light of this scenario, image processing and machine control occupy a very important part of the research: a number of programs were written or modified as part of the research into food printing. This review aims to produce an updated analysis on the current developments regarding the technology for food printing and printing on food. In this sense, the work starts giving an overview of the 2D and three-dimensional (3D) printer technology and moves on the food media, edible substrate used by 3D printers and a print of food chapter, related to the substrates used by the 2D printers.     

Improving street food vending in South Africa: achievements and lessons learned

Until the late 1990s there were limited scientific data on the microbiological quality and safety of street-vended foods in South Africa, while information was already available in other developing countries, including those within the African region. At that time street-vended foods were perceived as unsafe and street food vending in South Africa was regarded as a practice, which should be outlawed. The first comprehensively documented scientific research into the safety of street-vended foods in South Africa was carried out through university-based research. This research found that street food vendors in South Africa were capable of producing relatively safe foods, with low bacterial counts, although there was still a need for proper hygiene conditions and access to basic sanitary facilities. The Department of Health of South Africa, when coordinating an FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project on Improving Street Foods in South Africa, drew similar conclusions. This article provides information of the efforts by universities and health authorities in South Africa towards improving the safety and promoting the sale of street-vended foods. It is shown that a successful transition from street food vending being perceived as a nuisance by health authorities can be made to these authorities promoting and improving street food vending instead.