Digestibility of silages in relation to their hydroxycinnamic acid content and lignin composition

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the analysis of cell wall‐bound hydroxycinnamic acids and the composition of lignin to evaluate the in vivo digestibility of a silage collection with unknown botanical composition was evaluated. RESULTS: Syringyl units content and total etherified phenols showed the highest correlation coefficients with in vivo dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (r = ? 0.792 and r = ? 0.703, respectively), while guaiacyl units and total phenols showed the highest correlation coefficients with in vivo organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) (r = ? 0.871 and r = ? 0.817, respectively). Using the above‐mentioned chemical parameters, 10 equations were also developed to predict in vivo digestibility. The prediction of IVDMD produced a high adjusted R² value (0.710) using syringyl, total lignin, etherified total phenols, esterified ferulic acid and total phenol content as predictors. The prediction of IVOMD produced a higher adjusted R² value (0.821) using guaiacyl, total phenols, total ferulic acid and etherified p‐coumaric acid content as predictors. CONCLUSION: Cell wall digestibility depends on a multiplicity of factors and it is not possible to attribute a causal effect on in vivo digestibility to any single factor. However, syringyl and guaiacyl content and etherified phenols emerge as good predictors of digestibility. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Folic acid content in thermostabilized and freeze-dried space shuttle foods

This study was designed to determine whether freeze-dried and thermostabilized foods on a space shuttle contain adequate folate and to investigate any effects of freeze-drying on folacin. Frozen vegetables were analyzed after three states of processing: thawed; cooked; and rehydrated. Thermostabilized items were analyzed as supplied with no further processing. Measurable folate decreased in some freeze-dried vegetables and increased in others. Folacin content of thermostabilized food items was comparable with published values. We concluded that although the folacin content of some freeze-dried foods was low, adequate folate is available from the shuttle menu to meet RDA guidelines.     

Occurrence of 2-ethylhexanoic acid in foods packed in glass jars.

After simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE) of commercial baby foods (n = 20) and fruit juices (n = 15) (among them 15 and eight products labelled 'organic', respectively) from 11 different suppliers, analyses performed by coupled capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed the presence of 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2-EHA), a known teratogenic compound. 2-EHA was found in 80 and 73% of the baby foods and fruit juices, respectively. Amounts ranged from 0.25 to 3.2 mg kg(-1)(average, 0.55 mg kg(-1)) and from 0.01 to 0.59 mg l(-1) (average, 0.18 mg l(-1)) in baby foods and fruit juices, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the SDE extracts obtained from the plastic gaskets inside the metal lids of the samples under study revealed the gaskets to be the origin of 2-EHA. As shown from the non-contaminated samples under study, obviously technology is available to avoid 2-EHA contamination of glass jar-packed food.     

Occurrence of fumonisins in foods

Fumonisins (FB) are synthesized mainly by different species of the genus Fusarium and FB1 is the predominating fumonisin isolated in foods. FB1 shows different toxicological effects in humans and animals and has been associated with esophageal cancer in different countries. This review presents an overview of the worldwide occurrence of fumonisins in crops and human foods being corn and corn meal the most contaminated foods, and reviews variations of the presence of these mycotoxins in foods and in agricultural crops. In foods, these variations are due to the alkaline solutions, water and temperature. For agricultural crops, the role of climatic conditions and latitude, genotypes, spoilage and other fungal diseases is reviewed.     

Occurrence of 13 volatile organic compounds in foods from the Canadian total diet study

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous in the environment due to evaporation and incomplete combustion of fuels, use of consumer and personal care products, etc. and they can accumulate in foods. Some VOCs in foods can also be formed during food processing and preparation and migrate from food packaging. In this pilot study, a GC-MS method based on headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was validated and used to analyse selected individual foods which can be consumed directly and 153 different total diet composite food samples for 13 VOCs. Vinyl chloride was not detected in any of the 153 composite food samples, while the other 12 VOCs were detected at various frequencies, with m-xylene being the most frequently detected (in 151 of the 153 samples), followed by toluene (145), 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (140), ethylbenzene (139), styrene (133), 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (122), benzene (96), p-dichlorobenzene (95), n-butylbenzene (55), chloroform (45), naphthalene (45) and trichloroethylene (31). Concentrations of the 12 VOCs in most of the food composite samples were low, with the 90th percentiles from 1.6 ng g^–1 for n-butylbenzene to 20 ng g^–1 for toluene. However, some VOCs were detected at higher levels with maxima, for example, of 948 ng g^–1 for m-xylene and 320 ng g^–1 for ethylbenzene in chewing gum, 207 ng g^–1 for styrene and 157 ng g^–1 for toluene in herbs and spices. VOCs were detected at higher levels in most of the individual food items than their corresponding composite samples, for example, the average chloroform concentration in the individual canned soft drinks was 20 ng g^–1 compared with 3.0 ng g^–1 in their composite, and the average toluene concentration in the individual canned citrus juice was 96 ng g^–1 compared with 0.68 ng g^–1 in their composite. Thus, for determination of VOCs in foods which can be consumed directly, their individual food items should be analysed whenever possible for accurate exposure assessment.     

On the occurrence of derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, and hydroxycoumarins in citrus fruits (author's transl)]

Oranges, grapefruits and lemons contained p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid in bound form in concentrations of 10-100 mg/kg, whereby p-coumaric acid is localized chiefly in the peel. Hydroxybenzoic acids, chiefly salicylic acid and gentisic acid, and hydroxycoumarins were only found in traces.     

超高效液相色谱法测定保健食品中氨甲环酸和氨基己酸含量

目的建立超高效液相色谱法(ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography,UPLC)测定保健食品中氨甲环酸和氨基己酸非法添加物的检测方法。方法样品经溶剂提取后,经HILIC色谱柱进行分离、质谱检测后,对样品中的氨甲环酸和氨基己酸定性、定量分析。结果样品经HILIC柱分离后,氨甲环酸和氨基己酸能够得到有效的色谱保留和分离,并且待测物不受样品基质的影响。该方法在1.0～100ng/mL浓度范围(样品含量0.05～5μg/g)内,线性关系良好,方法的相对标准偏差(relative standard deviation, RSD)值小于2%,方法平均回收率为93.4%～100.3%。结论该方法快速、准确、灵敏,能够适合用于保健食品中氨甲环酸和氨基己酸的定性、定量检查。     

Occurrence of clostridia in glass bottled foods

Forty-one marketed samples of imported and domestic glass bottled foods were tested for clostridia contamination. It was detected in nine (22%) samples. Clostridia were isolated from fish sauce (Nam pla, Nuoc-mam), dressing, mustard, hot and sour soup mix (Tom Yum), mysids boiled down in soy, and salmon flakes. The origin of all clostridia positive samples was Asia. Clostridium botulinum and C. perfringens were not detected. The frequency of occurrence was higher by enrichment broth culture detection methods than by agar plate or pouch methods. These findings suggest that the number of bacteria in most of these clostridia positive food samples is very low, and the use of enrichment methods for detection of clostridia is essential.     

羟基肉桂酸衍生物的合成及其抗氧化构效关系

以羟基苯甲醛衍生物和丙二酸为原料,吡啶为溶剂,六水哌嗪为催化剂,通过Knoevenagel缩合反应合成五种羟基肉桂酸。采用熔点分析法、核磁共振氢谱法（₁H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance,₁H NMR）、红外光谱法（IR）、高效液相色谱法（HPLC）对产物的结构和纯度进行鉴定,结合对Fe³⁺还原能力、清除DPPH自由基能力等体外抗氧化方法进行抗氧化活性实验,并与羟基苯甲醛衍生物、2,6-二叔丁基-4-甲基苯酚（BHT）和肉桂酸的抗氧化能力进行对比。结果表明:分别得到目标产物——3,4-二羟基肉桂酸、4-羟基-3-甲氧基肉桂酸、3-羟基-4-甲氧基肉桂酸、4-羟基肉桂酸、3-羟基肉桂酸,纯度分别为92.45%、93.14%、99.55%、96.54%、93.50%;3,4-二羟基肉桂酸、4-羟基-3-甲氧基肉桂酸对Fe³⁺还原能力、清除DPPH自由基能力较强,均高于BHT,且对DPPH自由基的IC₅₀值（半抑制浓度）分别为（11.50±0.02）、（16.57±0.04）、（33.04±0.03）μg/m L;酚羟基是羟基肉桂酸衍生物的抗氧化活性中心,具有邻苯二酚结构或者羟基邻位存在给电子基团的衍生物,具有较高的抗氧化活性;4’位羟基取代衍生物比3’位羟基取代衍生物的抗氧化活性强;苯环上的α,β-不饱和酸共轭结构可以提高酚类化合物的抗氧化活性。      

Occurrence of 3-chloro-propane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and related compounds in foods: a review

A critical review of the occurrence of 3-chloro-propane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) in foods not known to contain hydrolysed vegetable proteins is presented. The review covers the properties and chemistry of 3-MCPD and the current methods of analysis in foodstuffs. The results of UK surveys of 3-MCPD occurrence in both retail foods and commercial food ingredients are discussed with particular reference to cereal, meat and dairy products. The possible mechanisms for the formation and decay of 3-MCPD in foods are suggested. The review does not cover the detailed toxicology of 3-MCPD and its occurrence in hydrolysed vegetable proteins, which have been considered elsewhere, nor possible issues such as in-vivo formation.     

Occurrence of zearalenone in Korean barley and corn foods

The presence of zearalenone (ZEN) in Korean foods such as barley, barley-based foods, corn, corn-based foods, fruits and vegetables was investigated by direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dcELISA) and the liquid chromatography (LC) method. A total of 164 samples was collected from Seoul, Korea, in 1998 and 1999 including 30 barley, 32 barley-based foods, 18 corn, 47 corn-based foods, 19 dried red pepper, nine dried jujube, and nine dried persimmon. Average recoveries of ZEN from barley and corn by dcELISA were 138 and 145%, and by LC were 91 and 83% respectively at spiking levels of 5- 500ngg -1 . The detection limit for ZEN was 3ngg -1 by dcELISA and 4ngg -1 by LC. From 164 samples analysed, ZEN was found by dcELISA in 35 samples (21%) with a mean level of 30ngg -1 . Barley-based foods had the highest incidence of ZEN (38%) followed by barley (33%), corn-based foods (26%) and corn (22%). No ZEN was detected in any red pepper, jujube or persimmon samples. A high degree of correlation (r 2 = 0.86) was observed between the 35 positive samples detected by dcELISA and 31 samples by LC.     

Occurrence and formation of biologically active amines in foods

Attention is given to the toxicology of biogenic amines and their occurrence and formation in foods, with special emphasis on fermented foods. The role of the associated flora, the starter cultures used and their interaction is discussed.     

Occurrence of Campylobacter in retail foods in Ireland

A surveillance study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter in a range of retail foods purchased in three Irish cities over a 20-month period between March 2001 and October 2002. In total 2391 food samples were analysed during this period. Campylobacter was isolated from 444 raw chicken (49.9%), 33 turkey (37.5%) and 11 duck samples (45.8%). Lower isolation rates of 7/221 (3.2%), 10/197 (5.1%) and 31/262 (11.8%) were observed for raw beef, pork and lamb, respectively. One sample of pork paté from 120 samples analysed (0.8%) was Campylobacter-positive. A total of three shellfish samples (oysters) from 129 raw specimens examined (2.3%) were found to contain Campylobacter. Low prevalences of the organism (0.9%) were also isolated from fresh mushrooms. Of 62 raw bulk tank milk samples analysed, Campylobacter was recovered in a single sample (1.6%). Campylobacter was not detected in any of the comminuted pork puddings, prepared vegetables and salads, retail sandwiches or cheeses made from unpasteurised milk. In total, 543 Campylobacter were isolated from all of the food samples analysed, of which 453 (83.4%) were confirmed as Campylobacter jejuni and the remaining 90 (16.6%) as Campylobacter coli.     

Free salicylic acid and acetyl salicylic acid content of foods using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Dietary salicylates inhibit cycloxygenase-2 and may therefore have anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of aspirin. Individuals that are sensitive to aspirin may also be intolerant to non-acetylated salicylates and could benefit from a low salicylate diet. A total of 76 foodstuffs comprising fruit (16), fresh and prepared vegetables (13), herbs and spices (12), flavourings and sauces (9), beverages (20) and miscellaneous foods (6) were analysed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection and ¹³C carboxyl SA as internal standard. Thirty-seven of the samples contained detectable SA, the highest levels being found in dried herbs (up to 28.6 mg/kg), whereas only one sample (curry sauce) contained detectable ASA at 0.34 mg/kg. Limits of detection for both SA and ASA were matrix-dependent and ranged from 0.008 to 0.23 mg/kg. The results show many inconsistencies with previous data and highlight the need for analysis of a wider range of foods and drinks that are currently available.     

Fenton oxidation products derived from hydroxycinnamic acids increases phenolic‐based compounds and organic acid formation in sugar processing

The hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), caffeic acid (CaA), p‐coumaric acid (pCoA) and ferulic acid (FeA) are the main phenolic acid colour precursors present in sugar cane juice. The Fenton oxidative degradation products of these HCAs and mixture using Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ at pH 4.72 at 25 °C were identified using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. Oxalic (≤14 wt%), isobutyric (≤13.5 wt%) and formic acids (≤1.3 wt%) were the main organic acids formed. CaA produced the highest proportion of oxalic and isobutyric acids, while FeA produced the highest proportion of formic acid. The presence of increased proportion of oxalic acid in juice will increase the proportion of calcium oxalate scale in sugar mill heat exchangers. The phenolic‐based products identified include protocatechuic aldehyde and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid and the basic phenols, p‐allyphenol, p‐vinylguaiacol, trans‐isoeugenol, which when present in juice may react with juice constituents to increase juice colour in subsequent processing.     

食品中甲醛的含量与控制

在食品加工过程中,可以通过采取不使用甲醛作为添加剂或甲醛含量高的物质做原料;采用合理的加工工艺;不使用甲醛为材料制造的树脂作为食品包装材料等措施,来有效地控制食品中的甲醛含量。      

Aluminium content of foods and diets

Literature data on the aluminium content of individual foods have been compiled, summarized and presented by food groups. The contribution of aluminium from food preparation and cooking utensils and from food additives is discussed. Literature data on the daily intake of aluminium are summarized, and the contribution of food groups to daily aluminium intake is estimated. The major sources of dietary aluminium include several with aluminium additives (grain products, processed cheese and salt) and several that are naturally high in aluminium (tea, herbs and spices). The aluminium that may migrate from aluminium utensils is probably not a major or consistent source of this element. Daily intakes of aluminium, as reported prior to 1980, were 18-36 mg per day. More recent data, which are probably more accurate, indicate intakes of 9 mg per day for teenage and adult females and 12-14 mg per day for teenage and adult males.     

Occurrence of furan in commercial processed foods in Brazil

Selected commercial processed foods available in the Brazilian market (306 samples) were analysed for furan content using a validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method preceded by headspace solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME-GC/MS). Canned and jarred foods, including vegetable, meat, fruit and sweet products, showed levels up to 32.8?µg?kg^?1, with the highest concentrations observed in vegetables and meats. For coffee, furan content ranged from 253.0 to 5021.4?µg?kg^?1 in the roasted ground coffee and from not detected to 156.6?µg?kg^?1 in the beverage. For sauces, levels up to 138.1?µg?kg^?1 were found. In cereal-based products, the highest concentrations (up to 191.3?µg?kg^?1) were observed in breakfast cereal (corn flakes), cracker (cream crackers) and biscuit (wafer). In general, these results are comparable with those reported in other countries and will be useful for a preliminary estimate of the furan dietary intake in Brazil.     

Changes in catechins and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives during development of apples and pears

We used quantitative methods to show that there are changes in the concentrations of catechins and hydroxycinnamic acids during the development of apples and pears. First, the concentrations of the phenolic compounds rise sharply until an age of about 2 to 3 months and then the catechin content is reduced (mg/whole fruit). Second, large quantities of catechins and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives are formed in the early fruit (mg/1000 g). After a few weeks these concentrations decline very sharply, especially during the progressive growth of the fruits, to reach a more steady level at maturity.