International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Editorial

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4 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector

by António Raposo, Fernando Ramos, Dele Raheem, Ariana Saraiva and Conrado Carrascosa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8073; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158073 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3642

Abstract

Food systems are at the center of global environmental, social, and economic challenges such as resource scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and climate change [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

Research

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16 pages, 751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Capital Endowment and Ecological Cognition Affect Environment-Friendly Technology Adoption: A Case of Apple Farmers of Shandong Province, China

by Hongyu Wang, Xiaolei Wang, Apurbo Sarkar and Fuhong Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147571 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 3778

Abstract

Ever-increasing global environmental issues, land degradation, and groundwater contamination may significantly impact the agricultural sector of any country. The situation worsens while the global agricultural sectors are going through the unsustainable intensification of agricultural production powered by chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This trend [...] Read more.

Ever-increasing global environmental issues, land degradation, and groundwater contamination may significantly impact the agricultural sector of any country. The situation worsens while the global agricultural sectors are going through the unsustainable intensification of agricultural production powered by chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This trend leads the sector to exercise environmentally friendly technology (EFT). Capital endowment and ecological cognition may significantly impact fostering farmers’ adoption of environmentally friendly technology. The government also tends to change the existing policies to cope with ever-increasing challenges like pollution control, maintaining ecological balance, and supporting agricultural sectors substantially by employing ecological compensation policy. The study’s main objective is to explore the impacts of farmer’s ecological compensation, capital endowment, and ecological cognition for the adoption of EFT. The empirical setup of the study quantifies with survey data of 471 apple farmers from nine counties of Shandong province. The study used Heckman’s two-stage model to craft the findings. The results showed that 52.02% of fruit farmers adopted two environmentally friendly technologies, and 23.99% of fruit farmers adopted three forms of environmentally friendly technologies. At the same time, we have traced that the capital endowment, planting scale, family income, and technical specialization of fruit farmers significantly impact adopting EFT. The study also revealed that understanding ecological compensation policy has a significant positive effect on adopting environmentally friendly technology. Seemingly, ecological compensation policy has a specific regulatory effect on fruit farmers’ capital endowment and ecological cognition. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the demonstration facilities, training, and frequently arrange awareness-building campaigns regarding rural non-point source pollution hazards and improve the cognition level of farmers. The agriculture extension department should strengthen the agricultural value chain facilities to make farmers fully realize the importance of EFT. Government should promote and extend the supports for availing new and innovative EFT at a reasonable price. Moreover, cooperative, financial, and credit organizations need to lead for the smooth transition of EFT. The agricultural cooperatives and formal risk-taking networks should act responsibly for shaping the behavioral factors of farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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15 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indigenous Community Perspectives of Food Security, Sustainable Food Systems and Strategies to Enhance Access to Local and Traditional Healthy Food for Partnering Williams Treaties First Nations (Ontario, Canada)

by Ashleigh Domingo, Kerry-Ann Charles, Michael Jacobs, Deborah Brooker and Rhona M. Hanning

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4404; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094404 - 21 Apr 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 10019

Abstract

In partnership with communities of the Williams Treaties First Nations in southern Ontario (Canada), we describe an approach to work with communities, and highlight perspectives of food security and sustainability, including priorities and opportunities to revitalize local food systems as a pathway to [...] Read more.

In partnership with communities of the Williams Treaties First Nations in southern Ontario (Canada), we describe an approach to work with communities, and highlight perspectives of food security and sustainability, including priorities and opportunities to revitalize local food systems as a pathway to food security and food sovereignty. The objectives of our project were: (1) to build a shared understanding of food security and sustainability; and (2) to document community priorities, challenges and opportunities to enhance local food access. Utilizing an Indigenous methodology, the conversational method, within the framework of community-based participatory research, formative work undertaken helped to conceptualize food security and sustainability from a community perspective and solidify interests within the four participating communities to inform community-led action planning. Knowledge generated from our project will inform development of initiatives, programs or projects that promote sustainable food systems. The community-based actions identified support a path towards holistic wellbeing and, ultimately, Indigenous peoples’ right to food security and food sovereignty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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12 pages, 3067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toxic Metals in Cereals in Cape Verde: Risk Assessment Evaluation

by Carmen Rubio-Armendáriz, Soraya Paz, Ángel J. Gutiérrez, Verena Gomes Furtado, Dailos González-Weller, Consuelo Revert and Arturo Hardisson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073833 - 6 Apr 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3631

Abstract

Consumption of cereals and cereal-based products represents 47% of the total food energy intake in Cape Verde. However, cereals also contribute to dietary exposure to metals that may pose a risk. Strengthening food security and providing nutritional information is a high-priority challenge for [...] Read more.

Consumption of cereals and cereal-based products represents 47% of the total food energy intake in Cape Verde. However, cereals also contribute to dietary exposure to metals that may pose a risk. Strengthening food security and providing nutritional information is a high-priority challenge for the Cape Verde government. In this study, toxic metal content (Cr, Ni, Sr, Al, Cd, and Pb) is determined in 126 samples of cereals and derivatives (rice, corn, wheat, corn flour, wheat flour, corn gofio) consumed in Cape Verde. Wheat flour samples stand out, with the highest Sr (1.60 mg/kg), Ni (0.25 mg/kg) and Cr (0.13 mg/kg) levels. While the consumption of 100 g/day of wheat would contribute to 13.2% of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of Ni, a consumption of 100 g/day of wheat flour would contribute to 8.18% of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of Cd. Results show relevant Al levels (1.17–13.4 mg/kg), with the highest level observed in corn gofio. The mean Pb average content in cereals is 0.03–0.08 mg/kg, with the highest level observed in corn gofio. Al and Pb levels are lower in cereals without husks. Without being a health risk, the consumption of 100 g/day of wheat contributes to 17.5% of the European benchmark doses lower confidence limit (BMDL) of Pb for nephrotoxic effects; the consumption of 100 g/day of corn gofio provides an intake of 1.34 mg Al/day (13.7% of the TWI) and 8 µg Pb/day (20% of the BMDL for nephrotoxic effects). A strategy to minimize the dietary exposure of the Cape Verdean population to toxic metals from cereals should consider the continuous monitoring of imported cereals on arrival in Cape Verde, the assessment of the population’s total diet exposure to toxic metals and educational campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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16 pages, 22037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Removal of Meat Exudate and Escherichia coli from Stainless Steel and Titanium Surfaces with Irregular and Regular Linear Topographies

by Adele Evans, Anthony J. Slate, I. Devine Akhidime, Joanna Verran, Peter J. Kelly and Kathryn A. Whitehead

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063198 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2811

Abstract

Bacterial retention and organic fouling on meat preparation surfaces can be influenced by several factors. Surfaces with linear topographies and defined chemistries were used to determine how the orientation of the surface features affected cleaning efficacy. Fine polished (irregular linear) stainless steel (FPSS), [...] Read more.

Bacterial retention and organic fouling on meat preparation surfaces can be influenced by several factors. Surfaces with linear topographies and defined chemistries were used to determine how the orientation of the surface features affected cleaning efficacy. Fine polished (irregular linear) stainless steel (FPSS), titanium coated fine polished (irregular linear) stainless steel (TiFP), and topographically regular, linear titanium coated surfaces (RG) were fouled with Escherichia coli mixed with a meat exudate (which was utilised as a conditioning film). Surfaces were cleaned along or perpendicular to the linear features for one, five, or ten wipes. The bacteria were most easily removed from the titanium coated and regular featured surfaces. The direction of cleaning (along or perpendicular to the surface features) did not influence the amount of bacteria retained, but meat extract was more easily removed from the surfaces when cleaned in the direction along the linear surface features. Following ten cleans, there was no significant difference in the amount of cells or meat exudate retained on the surfaces cleaned in either direction. This study demonstrated that for the E. coli cells, the TiFP and RG surfaces were easiest to clean. However, the direction of the clean was important for the removal of the meat exudate from the surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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14 pages, 1203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Halal Food Performance and Its Influence on Patron Retention Process at Tourism Destination

by Heesup Han, Linda Heejung Lho, António Raposo, Aleksandar Radic and Abdul Hafaz Ngah

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3034; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063034 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5526

Abstract

Muslim tourism is one of the most rapidly developing sectors in the international tourism industry. Nevertheless, halal food performance and its relationship with international Muslim traveler decision-making and behaviors have not been sufficiently examined. The present research explored the influence of halal food [...] Read more.

Muslim tourism is one of the most rapidly developing sectors in the international tourism industry. Nevertheless, halal food performance and its relationship with international Muslim traveler decision-making and behaviors have not been sufficiently examined. The present research explored the influence of halal food performance, which encompasses availability, health/nutrition, accreditation, and cleanness/safety/hygiene factors, on the Muslim traveler retention process at a non-Islamic destination. A survey methodology with a quantitative data analytic approach was employed to achieve research goals. Our findings indicated that halal food performance increased destination trust and destination attachment, which in turn influenced Muslim traveler retention. Additionally, the efficacy of the higher-order framework of halal food performance was defined. Both destination trust and attachment mediated the effect of halal food performance on retention. A halal-friendly destination image included a moderating influence on the retention process. The effectiveness of the proposed theoretical framework for explicating Muslim traveler behaviors was uncovered. This research better introduces the importance of halal food performance and its attributes for the elicitation of Muslim traveler approach responses and behaviors at a non-Islamic destination to researchers and practitioners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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13 pages, 534 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Ginger Root Powder Dietary Supplement on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Status and Blood Parameters in Laying Japanese Quails

by Zabihollah Nemati, Zahra Moradi, Kazem Alirezalu, Maghsoud Besharati and António Raposo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2995; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062995 - 15 Mar 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4261

Abstract

Medicinal plants with antibacterial effects have been used by humans for centuries. In the recent decade, due to the development of antibiotic resistant strains, many studies have focused on the use of natural compounds as feed additives in livestock. Ginger, among all, have [...] Read more.

Medicinal plants with antibacterial effects have been used by humans for centuries. In the recent decade, due to the development of antibiotic resistant strains, many studies have focused on the use of natural compounds as feed additives in livestock. Ginger, among all, have repetitively shown numerous biological activities, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ginger root powder (GP) on the performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of Japanese quail. A total of 240 10-weeks old female quails were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 4 replicates, and 15 birds per replicate. Dietary treatment were basal diet (control) and basal diet containing 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/kg of ginger root powder. Growth performance and exterior and interior quality of egg were measured biweekly over eight-week period. At the end of experiment blood parameters were evaluated. The results showed that diet supplementation with different levels of GP had no significant effect on egg production, egg mass weight, and egg weight (p > 0.05). However, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly lower in the treatment group than the control in the whole period (p < 0.05). Egg Quality traits (shape index, albumen index, the percentage of albumen, yolk and shell, yolk pH, and shell thickness and strength) were not affected by the supplements in the whole trial period. Addition of GP significantly increased the albumen height, Haugh unit, and albumen pH in comparison with the control treatment (p < 0.05). GP reduced blood triglyceride level yet was ineffective on blood total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with GP, could improve productive performance and the egg quality of Japanese quails. Nonetheless a comprehensive study needs to be performed in order to evaluate the impact of quail dietary ginger supplementation on productive performance and egg quality and their stability during storage time for commercial use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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15 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Acquisition and Daily Life for U.S. Families with 4- to 8-Year-Old Children during COVID-19: Findings from a Nationally Representative Survey

by Mackenzie J. Ferrante, Juliana Goldsmith, Sara Tauriello, Leonard H. Epstein, Lucia A. Leone and Stephanie Anzman-Frasca

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1734; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041734 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3642

Abstract

Evidence of short-term impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on family life is emerging. Continued research can shed light on potential longer-term impacts. An online survey of U.S. parents with 4- to 8-year-old children (n = 1000) was administered in [...] Read more.

Evidence of short-term impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on family life is emerging. Continued research can shed light on potential longer-term impacts. An online survey of U.S. parents with 4- to 8-year-old children (n = 1000) was administered in October 2020. The survey examined parent-reported impacts of COVID-19 on lifestyle (e.g., work, child-care, grocery shopping), as well as current family food acquisition and eating behaviors (e.g., cooking, restaurant use). Descriptive statistics were calculated, incorporating sampling weights based on sociodemographics. In terms of COVID-19 impacts, parents reported increases in working from home, decreased work hours, and increased child care and instruction, with most children attending school or receiving care at home. Parents reported increased home cooking and online grocery shopping; only 33% reported increased take-out or delivery from restaurants. About half of parents reported that their child dined at restaurants, 62% reported getting take-out, and 57% reported delivery from restaurants at least 2–3 times per month. About half viewed dining at restaurants as safe, while take-out and delivery were seen as safe by around three-quarters. Approximately two-thirds reported recent food insecurity. These nationally-representative results illustrate possible longer-lasting shifts in family life, with the potential to impact health and well-being. Sociodemographic differences and research and policy implications are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

16 pages, 424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Insecurity among Low-Income Food Handlers: A Nationwide Study in Brazilian Community Restaurants

by Ingrid C. Fideles, Rita de Cassia Coelho de Almeida Akutsu, Rosemary da Rocha Fonseca Barroso, Jamacy Costa-Souza, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, António Raposo and Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031160 - 28 Jan 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2650

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate food insecurity (FI) among Brazilian Community restaurant food handlers and its associated factors. This cross-sectional study was performed with a representative sample of 471 food handlers working in community restaurants (CR) from all Brazilian regions. Participants are mostly [...] Read more.

This study aims to evaluate food insecurity (FI) among Brazilian Community restaurant food handlers and its associated factors. This cross-sectional study was performed with a representative sample of 471 food handlers working in community restaurants (CR) from all Brazilian regions. Participants are mostly female (62.2%), ≤40 years old (67.7%), with a partner (52.0%), and with up to eight years of education (54.1%). Predictors of participants’ socioeconomic status and CR geographic location are associated with the household food insecurity categories (p < 0.05). The predictors of socioeconomic conditions are associated with mild and moderate/severe FI category. Workers with less education are twice as likely to belong to the category with the highest FI severity. Lower per capita household income increased the chances of belonging to the mild insecurity category by 86%. It more than doubled the chance to be in the category of moderate/severe insecurity. Predictors of health status, lifestyle, and work are not associated with any multinomial outcome categories. However, working in the South, Southeast, or Midwest regions of Brazilian decreased the chances of belonging to one of the FI categories, with significance only for the mild category. Variables that show an association for this population are per capita household income for the different levels of FI and the CR region for mild FI. A high prevalence of FI in this population points to the need for more studies with low-income workers to prevent FI and its health consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

15 pages, 1451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crepis vesicaria L. subsp. taraxacifolia Leaves: Nutritional Profile, Phenolic Composition and Biological Properties

by Sónia Pedreiro, Sandrine da Ressurreição, Maria Lopes, Maria Teresa Cruz, Teresa Batista, Artur Figueirinha and Fernando Ramos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010151 - 28 Dec 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3446

Abstract

Crepis vesicaria subsp. taraxacifolia (Cv) of Asteraceae family is used as food and in traditional medicine. However there are no studies on its nutritional value, phenolic composition and biological activities. In the present work, a nutritional analysis of Cv leaves was performed and [...] Read more.

Crepis vesicaria subsp. taraxacifolia (Cv) of Asteraceae family is used as food and in traditional medicine. However there are no studies on its nutritional value, phenolic composition and biological activities. In the present work, a nutritional analysis of Cv leaves was performed and its phenolic content and biological properties evaluated. The nutritional profile was achieved by gas chromatography (GC). A 70% ethanolic extract was prepared and characterized by HLPC-PDA-ESI/MSⁿ. The quantification of chicoric acid was determined by HPLC-PDA. Subsequently, it was evaluated its antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods. The anti-inflammatory activity and cellular viability was assessed in Raw 264.7 macrophages. On wet weight basis, carbohydrates were the most abundant macronutrients (9.99%), followed by minerals (2.74%) (mainly K, Ca and Na), protein (1.04%) and lipids (0.69%), with a low energetic contribution (175.19 KJ/100 g). The Cv extract is constituted essentially by phenolic acids as caffeic, ferulic and quinic acid derivatives being the major phenolic constituent chicoric acid (130.5 mg/g extract). The extract exhibited antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays and inhibited the nitric oxide (NO) production induced by LPS (IC₅₀ = 0.428 ± 0.007 mg/mL) without cytotoxicity at all concentrations tested. Conclusions: Given the nutritional and phenolic profile and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Cv could be a promising useful source of functional food ingredients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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19 pages, 3927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Characteristics in Grain Production and Its Influencing Factors in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain from 1995 to 2018

by Chunshan Zhou, Rongrong Zhang, Xiaoju Ning and Zhicheng Zheng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9193; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249193 - 9 Dec 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2665

Abstract

The Huang-Huai-Hai Plain is the major crop-producing region in China. Based on the climate and socio-economic data from 1995 to 2018, we analyzed the spatial–temporal characteristics in grain production and its influencing factors by using exploratory spatial data analysis, a gravity center model, [...] Read more.

The Huang-Huai-Hai Plain is the major crop-producing region in China. Based on the climate and socio-economic data from 1995 to 2018, we analyzed the spatial–temporal characteristics in grain production and its influencing factors by using exploratory spatial data analysis, a gravity center model, a spatial panel data model, and a geographically weighted regression model. The results indicated the following: (1) The grain production of eastern and southern areas was higher, while that of western and northern areas was lower; (2) The grain production center in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain shifted from the southeast to northwest in Tai’an, and was distributed stably at the border between Jining and Tai’an; (3) The global spatial autocorrelation experienced a changing process of “decline–growth–decline”, and the area of hot and cold spots was gradually reduced and stabilized, which indicated that the polarization of grain production in local areas gradually weakened and the spatial difference gradually decreased in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain; (4) The impact of socio-economic factors has been continuously enhanced while the role of climate factors in grain production has been gradually weakened. The ratio of the effective irrigated area, the amount of fertilizer applied per unit sown area, and the average per capita annual income of rural residents were conducive to the increase in grain production in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain; however, the effect of the annual precipitation on grain production has become weaker. More importantly, the association between the three factors and grain production was found to be spatially heterogeneous at the local geographic level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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16 pages, 730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Effective Sensory Experience in the Environmental Design of Sustainable Cafés

by Yen-Cheng Chen and Hsiang-Chun Lin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8957; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238957 - 2 Dec 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3424

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore and construct spatial indicators suitable for green café ambience. The indicators were further empirically verified. A three-round questionnaire survey, based on the Delphi method, was conducted with 15 experts, including university professors (food and beverage [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to explore and construct spatial indicators suitable for green café ambience. The indicators were further empirically verified. A three-round questionnaire survey, based on the Delphi method, was conducted with 15 experts, including university professors (food and beverage services management and interior environmental design), café operators, and personnel from government agencies. Data were collected, and the results on the characteristics of the repeated feedback from the experts were convergent. Thirty-six indicators suitable for the design of green café ambience were extracted, of which 17 were verified by actual cafés as highly operable. The five-sense indicators of sustainable green ambience design obtained in this study can facilitate positive customer experiences and enhance the appeal of maintaining sustainable green trends for cafés. These indicators can also provide references for café operators in business planning and green café ambience design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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12 pages, 694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Outcomes of Culturally Tailored Dietary Intervention in the North African and Bangladeshi Diabetic Patients in Italy

by Laura Piombo, Gianluca Nicolella, Giulia Barbarossa, Claudio Tubili, Mayme Mary Pandolfo, Miriam Castaldo, Gianfranco Costanzo, Concetta Mirisola and Andrea Cavani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8932; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238932 - 1 Dec 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3318

Abstract

Immigrants show higher adjusted diabetes prevalence than Italians, especially among South-East Asians followed by North and Sub-Saharan Africans. Diabetes progression is influenced by food behaviors, and diet control is a critical aspect in disease management. Food habits have many cultural and symbolic implications. [...] Read more.

Immigrants show higher adjusted diabetes prevalence than Italians, especially among South-East Asians followed by North and Sub-Saharan Africans. Diabetes progression is influenced by food behaviors, and diet control is a critical aspect in disease management. Food habits have many cultural and symbolic implications. Guidelines recommend that every patient should receive appropriate self-management education according to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. This study aims to test whether a customized diet and transcultural mediator’s support can improve immigrants’ food habits. A pre-post quali-quantitative study was conducted among 20–79-year-old Bangladeshi and North African diabetic immigrants. The INMP transcultural mediator, an expert in the social and health care field, actively participates in clinical activity by decoding linguistic and cultural needs expressed by the foreigner patient. Five culturally tailored dietary profiles were designed according to international diabetes guidelines and adjusted to traditional food habits. Data were collected with two different semi-structured questionnaires. Changes in food consumption were assessed through McNemar’s test, while paired Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to analyze pre and post intervention. Fifty-five patients were enrolled. At follow-up, cereals, meat, and potatoes intake significantly improved, and the number of adequate dietary habits for each patient increased significantly. Transcultural mediator support was 90% positively evaluated. Adherence to dietary control is favorably influenced by a transcultural intervention, which is based on clinical and socio-cultural criteria, in compliance with patient’s lifestyles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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20 pages, 1075 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Updating the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid towards Sustainability: Focus on Environmental Concerns

by Lluís Serra-Majem, Laura Tomaino, Sandro Dernini, Elliot M. Berry, Denis Lairon, Joy Ngo de la Cruz, Anna Bach-Faig, Lorenzo M. Donini, Francesc-Xavier Medina, Rekia Belahsen, Suzanne Piscopo, Roberto Capone, Javier Aranceta-Bartrina, Carlo La Vecchia and Antonia Trichopoulou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8758; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238758 - 25 Nov 2020

Cited by 204 | Viewed by 30283

Abstract

Background: Nowadays the food production, supply and consumption chain represent a major cause of ecological pressure on the natural environment, and diet links worldwide human health with environmental sustainability. Food policy, dietary guidelines and food security strategies need to evolve from the limited [...] Read more.

Background: Nowadays the food production, supply and consumption chain represent a major cause of ecological pressure on the natural environment, and diet links worldwide human health with environmental sustainability. Food policy, dietary guidelines and food security strategies need to evolve from the limited historical approach, mainly focused on nutrients and health, to a new one considering the environmental, socio-economic and cultural impact—and thus the sustainability—of diets. Objective: To present an updated version of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid (MDP) to reflect multiple environmental concerns. Methods: We performed a revision and restructuring of the MDP to incorporate more recent findings on the sustainability and environmental impact of the Mediterranean Diet pattern, as well as its associations with nutrition and health. For each level of the MDP we provided a third dimension featuring the corresponding environmental aspects related to it. Conclusions: The new environmental dimension of the MDP enhances food intake recommendations addressing both health and environmental issues. Compared to the previous 2011 version, it emphasizes more strongly a lower consumption of red meat and bovine dairy products, and a higher consumption of legumes and locally grown eco-friendly plant foods as much as possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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11 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Community-Based Pilot Intervention on Home Food Availability among U.S. Households

by Rachel A. Cassinat, Meg Bruening, Noe C. Crespo, Mónica Gutiérrez, Adrian Chavez, Frank Ray and Sonia Vega-López

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228327 - 11 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2192

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a pilot community-based behavioral intervention on the home food environment in U.S. households. Parents (21 females, 2 males; age = 36 ± 5.5 years; 78% Hispanic) of elementary school-aged children attended a [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a pilot community-based behavioral intervention on the home food environment in U.S. households. Parents (21 females, 2 males; age = 36 ± 5.5 years; 78% Hispanic) of elementary school-aged children attended a 10-week dietary improvement behavioral intervention targeting an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption and a reduction in sugar intake. Home food availability of fruit, vegetables, and sugar-laden foods and beverages were assessed before and after the intervention using a modified version of the Home Food Inventory. Relative to baseline, the intervention resulted in significant increases in fruit availability (7.7 ± 3.2 items vs. 9.4 ± 3.1 items; p = 0.004) and low sugar cereal (2.3 ± 1.4 types vs. 2.7 ± 1.4 types; p = 0.033). There was a significant reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage availability (3.2 ± 1.9 types vs. 1.7 ± 1.3 types; p = 0.004). There was a significant increase in the number of households with accessible ready-to-eat vegetables and fruit, and a significant reduction in available prepared desserts, and candy (p < 0.01). There were no significant changes in the availability of vegetables and sugar-laden cereals. The current intervention resulted in positive changes in the home food environment. Further research to confirm these results in a randomized controlled trial is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

20 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Epistemic Trust and Social Trust on Public Acceptance of Genetically Modified Food: An Empirical Study from China

by Longji Hu, Rongjin Liu, Wei Zhang and Tian Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7700; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207700 - 21 Oct 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4644

Abstract

Most studies exploring the public acceptance of genetically modified food (GMF) are based on social trust and the establishment of a causal model. The underlying premise is that social trust indirectly affects public acceptance of GMF through perceived risks and perceived benefits. The [...] Read more.

Most studies exploring the public acceptance of genetically modified food (GMF) are based on social trust and the establishment of a causal model. The underlying premise is that social trust indirectly affects public acceptance of GMF through perceived risks and perceived benefits. The object of social trust is trust in people, organizations, and institutions. Different from the social trust, epistemic trust refers to people’s trust in scientific knowledge behind the technology of concern. It has been shown that epistemic trust, like social trust, is also an important factor that affects the public perception of applicable risks and benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate epistemic trust into the causal model to derive a more complete explanation of public acceptance. However, such work has not been conducted to date. The causal model proposed in this paper integrated epistemic trust and social trust and divided social trust into trust in public organizations and trust in industrial organizations. A representative questionnaire survey (N = 1091) was conducted with Chinese adults. The model was analyzed by the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Three major findings were obtained: First, epistemic trust is an important antecedent of perceived risks and perceived benefits and exerts a significant indirect effect on the acceptance of GMF. Secondly, trust in industrial organizations negatively impacts perceived risks, while trust in public organizations positively impacts perceived benefits. Thirdly, contrary to the common opinion, trust in industrial organizations did not exert a significant direct effect on perceived benefits, and trust in public organizations did not demonstrate a significant direct effect on perceived risks. Therefore, trust in industrial organizations and trust in public organizations utilize different influence paths on GMF acceptance. This study enriches the understanding of the influence path of trust with regard to the acceptance of emerging technologies and is of great significance to relevant risk-management practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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17 pages, 1040 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Sovereignty of the Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic Zone of Western Siberia: Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

by Elena Bogdanova, Sergei Andronov, Ildiko Asztalos Morell, Kamrul Hossain, Dele Raheem, Praskovia Filant and Andrey Lobanov

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207570 - 18 Oct 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7209

Abstract

This article presents the challenges facing reindeer herding as being both a profitable business and part of the traditional culture of the nomadic Indigenous peoples in the Arctic zone of Western Siberia which addresses substantial needs of the local population. Reindeer herding products [...] Read more.

This article presents the challenges facing reindeer herding as being both a profitable business and part of the traditional culture of the nomadic Indigenous peoples in the Arctic zone of Western Siberia which addresses substantial needs of the local population. Reindeer herding products are used as traditional nutrition, and as effective preventive means and remedies for adapting to the cold and geomagnetic activity in the High North. Export trends of traditional reindeer products have decreased local Indigenous peoples’ access to venison and had a negative impact on their health. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially urgent for the Indigenous peoples to have sufficient access to traditional food and be involved in policy decision-making to maintain this traditional business. We aim to analyze the dependencies of Indigenous peoples on the reindeer produce–exporting “food value chain” and explore how (1) the independence of reindeer herders could be increased in these export chains and (2) how provision of their products to local communities could be secured. The study takes a multidisciplinary approach based on policy and socioeconomic analyses with input from medical research. Primary sources include data collected from interviews and surveys of Indigenous peoples during expeditions to the Nyda settlement, the Nydinskaya tundra, the Tazovsky settlement, the Tazovskaya tundra, the Nakhodka tundra, the Gyda and Gydansky settlements, the Yavai-Salinskaya tundra, the Seyakha settlement, the Seyakhinskaya and Tambeyskaya tundras located along the southern coast of the Ob Bay, the northeast coast of the Yamal Peninsula, the Tazovsky and Gydansky Peninsulas, and the Shuryshkarsky district. Data were collected during the summers and winters of 2014–2020. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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14 pages, 984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Roles of Green Food Consumption and Social Trust in the Relationship between Perceived Consumer Effectiveness and Psychological Wellbeing

by Jianming Wang, Ninh Nguyen and Xiangzhi Bu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(13), 4676; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134676 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5056

Abstract

Green food consumption is a core issue that contributes to solving environmental pollution and achieving sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of green food consumption and social trust in the relationship between perceived consumer effectiveness and psychological wellbeing to [...] Read more.

Green food consumption is a core issue that contributes to solving environmental pollution and achieving sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of green food consumption and social trust in the relationship between perceived consumer effectiveness and psychological wellbeing to provide new insights into green food consumption, based on social ideal theory and social trust theory. Using a sample data of 514 consumers in China, the results of structural equation modeling showed that perceived consumer effectiveness was positively related to psychological wellbeing. Furthermore, green food consumption mediated the relationship between perceived consumer effectiveness and psychological wellbeing. In addition, social trust moderated the relationship between perceived consumer effectiveness and green food consumption. Social trust also moderated the indirect effect of perceived consumer effectiveness on psychological wellbeing through green food consumption. The findings of this study enrich the extant literature relating to green food consumption and have practical implications for business managers and policymakers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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Review

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24 pages, 5848 KiB

Open AccessReview

Texture-Modified Food for Dysphagic Patients: A Comprehensive Review

by Dele Raheem, Conrado Carrascosa, Fernando Ramos, Ariana Saraiva and António Raposo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105125 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 10425

Abstract

Food texture is a major food quality parameter. The physicochemical properties of food changes when processed in households or industries, resulting in modified textures. A better understanding of these properties is important for the sensory and textural characteristics of foods that target consumers [...] Read more.

Food texture is a major food quality parameter. The physicochemical properties of food changes when processed in households or industries, resulting in modified textures. A better understanding of these properties is important for the sensory and textural characteristics of foods that target consumers of all ages, from children to the elderly, especially when food product development is considered for dysphagia. Texture modifications in foods suitable for dysphagic patients will grow as the numbers of elderly citizens increase. Dysphagia management should ensure that texture-modified (TM) food is nutritious and easy to swallow. This review addresses how texture and rheology can be assessed in the food industry by placing particular emphasis on dysphagia. It also discusses how the structure of TM food depends not only on food ingredients, such as hydrocolloids, emulsifiers, and thickening and gelling agents, but also on the applied processing methods, including microencapsulation, microgels as delivery systems, and 3D printing. In addition, we address how to modify texture for individuals with dysphagia in all age groups, and highlight different strategies to develop appropriate food products for dysphagic patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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31 pages, 5908 KiB

Open AccessReview

Microbial Biofilms in the Food Industry—A Comprehensive Review

by Conrado Carrascosa, Dele Raheem, Fernando Ramos, Ariana Saraiva and António Raposo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2014; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042014 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 218 | Viewed by 16175

Abstract

Biofilms, present as microorganisms and surviving on surfaces, can increase food cross-contamination, leading to changes in the food industry’s cleaning and disinfection dynamics. Biofilm is an association of microorganisms that is irreversibly linked with a surface, contained in an extracellular polymeric substance matrix, [...] Read more.

Biofilms, present as microorganisms and surviving on surfaces, can increase food cross-contamination, leading to changes in the food industry’s cleaning and disinfection dynamics. Biofilm is an association of microorganisms that is irreversibly linked with a surface, contained in an extracellular polymeric substance matrix, which poses a formidable challenge for food industries. To avoid biofilms from forming, and to eliminate them from reversible attachment and irreversible stages, where attached microorganisms improve surface adhesion, a strong disinfectant is required to eliminate bacterial attachments. This review paper tackles biofilm problems from all perspectives, including biofilm-forming pathogens in the food industry, disinfectant resistance of biofilm, and identification methods. As biofilms are largely responsible for food spoilage and outbreaks, they are also considered responsible for damage to food processing equipment. Hence the need to gain good knowledge about all of the factors favouring their development or growth, such as the attachment surface, food matrix components, environmental conditions, the bacterial cells involved, and electrostatic charging of surfaces. Overall, this review study shows the real threat of biofilms in the food industry due to the resistance of disinfectants and the mechanisms developed for their survival, including the intercellular signalling system, the cyclic nucleotide second messenger, and biofilm-associated proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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22 pages, 494 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural Sweeteners: The Relevance of Food Naturalness for Consumers, Food Security Aspects, Sustainability and Health Impacts

by Ariana Saraiva, Conrado Carrascosa, Dele Raheem, Fernando Ramos and António Raposo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6285; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176285 - 28 Aug 2020

Cited by 104 | Viewed by 16129

Abstract

At a moment when the population is increasingly aware and involved in what it eats, both consumers and the food sector are showing more interest in natural foods. This review work discusses, addresses and provides details of the most important aspects of consumer’s [...] Read more.

At a moment when the population is increasingly aware and involved in what it eats, both consumers and the food sector are showing more interest in natural foods. This review work discusses, addresses and provides details of the most important aspects of consumer’s perceptions of and attitudes to natural foods and in-depth research into natural sweeteners. It also includes issues about their use and development as regards health impacts, food security and sustainability. In line with our main research outcome, we can assume that consumers are very keen on choosing foods with clean labelling, natural ingredients, preferably with other functional properties, without the loss of taste. In response to such a phenomenon, the food industry offers consumers alternative natural sweeteners with the advantage of added health benefits. It is noteworthy that Nature is a superb source of desirable substances, and many have a sweet taste, and many still need to be studied. Finally, we must stress that being natural does not necessarily guarantee market success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

28 pages, 833 KiB

Open AccessReview

Maltitol: Analytical Determination Methods, Applications in the Food Industry, Metabolism and Health Impacts

by Ariana Saraiva, Conrado Carrascosa, Dele Raheem, Fernando Ramos and António Raposo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 5227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145227 - 20 Jul 2020

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 16191

Abstract

Bulk sweetener maltitol belongs to the polyols family and there have been several dietary applications in the past few years, during which the food industry has used it in many food products: bakery and dairy products, chocolate, sweets. This review paper addresses and [...] Read more.

Bulk sweetener maltitol belongs to the polyols family and there have been several dietary applications in the past few years, during which the food industry has used it in many food products: bakery and dairy products, chocolate, sweets. This review paper addresses and discusses in detail the most relevant aspects concerning the analytical methods employed to determine maltitol’s food safety and industry applications, its metabolism and its impacts on human health. According to our main research outcome, we can assume that maltitol at lower doses poses little risk to humans and is a good alternative to using sucrose. However, it causes diarrhoea and foetus complications at high doses. Regarding its determination, high-performance liquid chromatography proved the primary method in various food matrices. The future role of maltitol in the food industry is likely to become more relevant as processors seek alternative sweeteners in product formulation without compromising health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Review

2 pages, 211 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Mediterranean Dietary Pyramid

by Walter Willett

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094568 - 26 Apr 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3663

Abstract

The updated Mediterranean Dietary Pyramid (MDP) described by Serra-Majem et al [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

9 pages, 3974 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Highlights of Current Dietary Guidelines in Five Continents

by Maria Luz Fernandez, Dele Raheem, Fernando Ramos, Conrado Carrascosa, Ariana Saraiva and António Raposo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2814; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062814 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6872

Abstract

The dietary guidelines as well as the organizations that establish the recommendations are not homogeneous across regions of the world. Each country utilizes specific icons to better describe to the public easy ways to follow specific recommendations, including the use of pyramids, plates, [...] Read more.

The dietary guidelines as well as the organizations that establish the recommendations are not homogeneous across regions of the world. Each country utilizes specific icons to better describe to the public easy ways to follow specific recommendations, including the use of pyramids, plates, and other forms of presenting key information. All dietary guidelines are updated within certain periods to ensure that new findings or specific changes are communicated to the public. The purpose of this commentary is to describe the most updated information as well as some history on how these symbols are utilized in different countries or areas of the world. The updated Mediterranean pyramid as well as MyPlate and the Pyramids utilized in South Africa, Japan, and Argentina are discussed in this commentary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector)

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