不同条件下辣椒发酵过程硝酸还原酶活性和亚硝酸盐含量变化

该试验以线辣椒为原料,研究了不同温度、食盐浓度及陈菜汁含量下发酵汁的pH值、发酵辣椒中硝酸还原酶活性及亚硝酸盐含量的变化。结果表明,pH值在发酵过程中先迅速下降后趋于平稳,而且低pH值能促使亚硝酸盐的降解;硝酸还原酶活性和亚硝酸盐含量的变化趋势基本一致,即随着发酵时间的延长先逐渐增大,出现峰值后迅速下降到较低水平;在发酵温度为25℃～30℃,食盐浓度为3%～5%,接种20%的陈菜汁条件下,硝酸还原酶活性和亚硝酸盐含量均较低。     

A survey of nitrate and nitrite content of fruit and vegetables grown in Slovenia during 1996-2002

Monitoring of nitrate (NO₃^-) and nitrite (NO₂^-) content in agricultural products in Slovenia has been carried out since 1996. The results of monitoring over the period 1996-2002 are presented. During this time 924 samples of 14 different agricultural products (potato, lettuce, apples, carrot, silage maize, cabbage, grapes, peaches, string beans, cereals, pears, cucumbers, strawberries and tomato) were analysed. The samples were taken at the time of maturity directly from growing sites and they were analysed using segmented flow analysis. The average nitrate contents were the highest in lettuce (1074 mg kg^-1), cabbage (881 mg kg^-1), string beans (298 mg kg^-1) and carrot (264 mg kg^-1), and they were moderately high in potato (158 mg kg^-1), silage maize (122 mg kg^-1), strawberries (94 mg kg^-1), cucumbers (93 mg kg^-1) and cereals (49 mg kg^-1). Low nitrate contents (below 6 mg kg^-1) were found in fruit (grapes, peaches, apples and pears) and tomato. With the exception of cereals (8.9 mg kg^-1), apples (1.5 mg kg^-1), potato (1.2 mg kg^-1) and pears (1.0 mg kg^-1) the content of nitrites did not exceed 0.5 mg kg^-1. It may be concluded that the results of the monitoring were in most cases similar to the results of investigations obtained in other countries.     

贮存条件对蔬菜及其食品中硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐含量的影响

对不同温度、容器等贮存条件下蔬菜及菜汤中NO3-和NO2-含量状况的研究。结果表明:不论是在新鲜蔬菜还是菜汤中,这两种有害物质的含量均随贮存温度的升高而相应增加,且含盐菜汤中的含量高于无盐菜汤;在同种温度条件下,3种不同质地容器贮存的菜汤中NO3-特别是NO2-的含量差异较大,均为铝容器>不锈钢容器>铁容器。     

低硝灌肠制品腐败菌的分离与初步鉴定

对引起低硝灌肠制品腐败的腐败菌进行了分离和鉴定,研究表明,从低硝灌肠制品中分离和鉴定出假单胞菌属3株、葡萄球菌属2株、微球菌属2株、肠杆菌科1株、热死环菌属1株、乳酸菌属1株及酵母菌1株,其中假单胞菌属为优势菌。     

不同生长发育阶段三种野菜中硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐及Vc的含量

测定菜蕨、刺苋、苣荬菜等3种野菜不同发育阶段叶中的硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐和Vc的含量,实验结果分析可知:提琴头期、幼叶期、成熟叶期的菜蕨和幼苗期、营养生长期、果期的苣荬菜为一级蔬菜,可生食、盐渍和熟食;半成熟叶期的菜蕨、初花期的苣荬菜为二级蔬菜,不可生食,可盐渍和熟食;盛花期的苣荬菜,幼苗期、营养生长期、初花期和果期的刺苋属于三级蔬菜,不可生食、盐渍,可熟食;初果期(盛花期)的刺苋属于四级蔬菜,应避免食用或限量熟食。     

离子色谱法测定牛奶或奶粉中亚硝酸盐 硝酸盐及氯化物

牛奶或奶粉中的亚硝酸盐、硝酸盐及氯化物经溶解稀释后可直接进样至离子色谱仪中进行测定；样品中加入亚硝酸盐、硝酸盐及氯化物标准后测定，两者的准确度及精密度均取得满意结果。6份样品采用本方法测定结果与国家标准[GB／T5413．32-1997及GB／T5413．32-1997（第二法）]采用的方法测定结果比较无显著性差异：     

Antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of five plants used as Portuguese food spices

In the present work, we report the results of a study aimed at evaluating the antiradical activity, the antioxidant activity and the acetylcholinesterase (E.C. 3.1.1.7.) inhibitory capacity of essential oils, ethanol and boiling water extracts from five aromatic herbs growing wild in Portugal and used in traditional food preparations: fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), mint (Mentha spicata), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum). The water extracts of M. spicata and M. pulegium showed the highest radical-scavenging activity (DPPH test) values (IC₅₀ = 5.7 ± 0.4 and 8.9 ± 0.2 μg ml⁻¹ respectively). This activity was higher than that found with the standard antioxidant BHT. The ethanol extracts of M. spicata, T. serpyllum and F. vulgare showed the highest antioxidant activities measured by the β-carotene/linoleic acid assay, IC₅₀ = 36.9 ± 0.1, 41.2 ± 0.1 and 68.7 ± 0.1 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. The inhibition of AChE was higher in the essential oil fraction. The highest activity was found for R. officinalis with an IC₅₀ = 69.8 ± 0.1 μg ml⁻¹.     

Isotope dilution-GC-MS/MS analysis of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in selected medicinal herbs used as health food additives

Medicinal herbs have a very important role in health protection and disease control, and have been used in health foods. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have carcinogenic, biological and mutagenic effects. In this paper, the content of 16?PAHs as representative contaminants in nine Chinese medicinal herbs, as additives for health foods, was investigated in order to ensure food safety from this source. A highly sensitive isotope dilution-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-GC-MS/MS) method combined with gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) was developed. Calibration curves showed good linearity for all PAHs (R ^2?>?0.999), and the limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.42 to 2.7?µg?kg^?1. Average recoveries for these compounds were in the range of 52.5–117%, 52.6–119% and 81.4–108% at the concentrations of 10, 50 and 250?µg?kg^?1 with RSD of 1.8–15%, 0.9–15% and 1.0–15%, respectively. The proposed method was used for the analysis of nine Chinese medicinal herbs. Total levels of PAHs varied from 98.2?µg?kg^?1 (cassia seed) to 2245?µg?kg^?1 (eucommia bark). The highest level was found for phenanthrene (Phe) in liquorice root (631.3?µg?kg^?1), indigowoad leaf (551.0?µg?kg^?1), rose flower (435.2?µg?kg^?1) and eucommia bark (432.3?µg?kg^?1). The proposed method could provide a useful basis for safety monitoring of herbs and risk management for PAHs in the health food industry.     

The influence of nitrite and nitrate on microbial, chemical and sensory parameters of slow dry fermented sausage

Nitrate and/or nitrite are used in the manufacture of dry-fermented sausages. However, research has mainly been focusing on nitrite and its effect on flavour development whereas little attention has been paid to nitrate. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of nitrate and nitrite as curing salts on the quality of a slow fermentation process. Two different batches containing nitrate or nitrite were manufactured. Microbial and chemical parameters were monitored during ripening and after vacuum packed storage, as well as their fatty acid composition and their profile of volatile compounds. The oxidation, measured as TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), was greater in the samples with added nitrite than in the samples with added nitrate. FFA (free fatty acids) release was higher in the samples containing nitrite throughout the process. Volatile compounds arising from amino acid degradation and carbohydrate fermentation were generated at higher levels in the samples with added nitrate, probably due to the higher population of microorganisms in these samples and the effect of nitrate on their metabolism.     

Determination of nitrate,nitrite and perchlorate anions in meat,milk and their products consumed in Hatay region in Turkey

Nitrates and nitrites added to food can cause formation of cancerous N-nitroso compounds, whereas exposure to perchlorate is especially emphasised as an important risk factor for newborns’ health. In this study, nitrate, nitrite and perchlorate concentrations in meat and milk products consumed in the Hatay region of Turkey were determined. Nitrate and nitrite were analysed with a spectrophotometric method, and perchlorate analysed via ion chromatography. The detected sodium nitrate and nitrite amounts in meat consumed in the Hatay region are less than the maximum levels as declared in the Turkish Food Codex. The amount of perchlorate was considered not to pose a threat as well. However, in 50% of the cheese samples, sodium nitrate amounts were found to be more than the maximum acceptable level in the Turkish Food Codex.     

Carotene content of some common (cereals,pulses, vegetables,spices and condiments) and unconventional sources of plant origin

This study provides new data on the the total carotenoids and β-carotene content of commonly consumed cereals, pulses, vegetables, spices and condiments. Separation of carotenoids by HPLC showed that β-carotene is the predominant carotenoid in all the foods studied. Cereals and pulses appear to be poor sources of provitamin A precursors. Among the vegetables studied pumpkin, ridge gourd, green chillies, tomato, green peas, field beans and French beans are not only inexpensive but are better sources of β-carotene (20–120 mg/100 g). Among the spices and condiments, red chilli (1310 mg/100 g) and Smilax (2136 mg/100 g), which are regularly used in Indian recipes are good sources of provitamin A precursors. The study also identified unconventional sources like Gulmohar, Peltiforum ferruginum,Lucern and Spirulina as rich sources of β-carotene. Considering that Indian diets predominantly consist of cereals and pulses, choosing appropriate combinations of cereals and pulses will contribute significantly to overall vitamin A intakes. Together with our earlier efforts, the present study has generated a database of β-carotene contents of Indian plant foods, which could be of help in the elimination of vitamin A deficiency.     

Flavonols (kaempeferol,quercetin, myricetin) contents of selected fruits,vegetables and medicinal plants

The concentrations of flavonols (kaempeferol, quercetin, myricetin) were determined in 22 plant materials (9 vegetables, 5 fruits, and 8 medicinal plant organs). The materials were extracted with acidified methanol (methanol/HCl, 100:1, v/v) and analyzed by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) with UV detection. The total flavonols contents varied significantly (P < 0.05) among vegetables, fruits and medicinal plant organs ranged from 0 to 1720.5, 459.9 to 3575.4, and 2.42 to 6125.6 mg kg⁻¹ of dry matter, respectively. Among vegetables, spinach and cauliflower exhibited the highest amounts of flavonols (1720.5 and 1603.9 mg kg⁻¹, respectively), however, no flavonols were detected in garlic. Within fruits, highest level of flavonols was observed in strawberry (3575.4 mg kg⁻¹), whereas, the lowest in apple fruit (459.9 mg kg⁻¹). Of the medicinal plant organs, moringa and aloe vera leaves contained the highest contents of flavonols (6125.6 and 1636.04 mg kg⁻¹), respectively, whereas, lowest was present in barks (2.42–274.07 mg kg⁻¹). Overall, leafy green vegetables, soft fruits and medicinal plant leaves exhibited higher levels of flavonols.     

亚硝酸还原酶的分离纯化及其性质研究

经硫酸铵分级沉淀、DEAE-Cellulose柱层析、SephadexG-75凝胶过滤层析,由巨大芽孢杆菌(B.megaterium MPF-906)分离纯化得到亚硝酸还原酶(nitrite reductase,NiR),分子量为35ku.NiR反应的最适温度和pH值分别为40℃和6.5.热稳定性较好,80℃保温4h后仍有50％的酶活力.在pH5.5～9.0均较稳定,残余酶活都在60％以上.Cu2+、Ba2+能提高酶活力;Mn2+、Pb2+对酶活力有明显抑制作用;Na+、Fe3+、M2+、Al3+对其有轻微抑制作用;Ca2+、Zn2+对酶活力影响不大.亚硝酸钠为底物,该酶的Km=8.6mmol/L,Vmax=4.1U/mg,该酶的适电子供体为抗坏血酸20mol/L、0.1mol/L的连二亚硫酸钠和0.075mol/L的草酸钠.     

In vitro activity of methanol extracts of plants used as spices against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other bacteria

This study determined the phenolic composition of two thyme species (Lamiaceae), Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz and P.H. Davis and Thymbra spicata L. var. spicata, and assessed their antibacterial and antimycobacterial activities. “Kekik” is a collective term used in Turkey for plants that smell like thyme. O. minutiflorum, (locally “Sutculer kekigi”, endemic) and T. spicata var. spicata (locally “Karakekik”) are widely used in Turkey and are important export commodities.     

Natural occurrence of citrinin in widely consumed traditional Chinese food red yeast rice, medicinal plants and their related products

Natural occurrence of citrinin in traditional Chinese food red yeast rice, medicinal plants and their related products has been investigated for the first time. Samples were extracted by methanol/water, cleaned-up with an immunoaffinity column (IAC) and quantified by HPLC-FLD. The mean recoveries, spiking with citrinin at levels ranging from 25 to 200 μg/kg, were 73.4-92.5%, and the coefficients of variations (CVs) were 1.4-7.9%. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.8 μg/kg. Out of a total of 109 widely consumed samples analysed, citrinin was detected in 31 samples (28%) ranging from 16.6 to 5253 μg/kg, all of them derived from 59 red yeast rice and related products. None of the remaining 50 medicinal plants samples was found to contain citrinin. The positive samples were further confirmed using LC-ESI-MS/MS.     

Survival of Listeria innocua in dry fermented sausages and changes in the typical microbiota and volatile profile as affected by the concentration of nitrate and nitrite

The involvement of nitrate and nitrite in the formation of N-nitrosamines in foods is a matter of great concern. This situation has led to revise the real amount of nitrate and nitrite needed in meat products to exert proper technological and safety activities, and also to extensive research to find alternatives to their use. The present study addresses the possibility of reducing the ingoing amounts of these additives below the legal limits established by the current European regulations. Different concentrations of nitrate and nitrite were tested on Spanish salchichón-type dry fermented sausages concerning their role in the microbiota and volatile profile. Sausages were manufactured with the maximum ingoing amounts established by the EU regulations (150 ppm NaNO₃ and 150 ppm NaNO₂), a 25% reduction and a 50% reduction; control sausages with no nitrate/nitrite addition were also prepared. The mixtures were inoculated with 5 log cfu/g of Listeria innocua as a surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes. L. innocua numbers in the final product were approximately 1.5 log cfu/g lower in the batch with the maximum nitrate/nitrite concentration when compared to 25 and 50% reduced batches, and about 2 log cfu/g in comparison to the control sausages. The final numbers of catalase-positive cocci were 1 log cfu/g higher in the 50% nitrate/nitrite reduced batch and 2 log cfu/g higher in the control sausages, compared to products manufactured with the maximum nitrate/nitrite concentration. This increase was related to a higher amount of volatile compounds derived from carbohydrate fermentation and amino acid degradation. Sausages with no addition of nitrate/nitrite showed higher amount of volatiles from lipid oxidation. Enterobacteriaceae counts reached detectable values (1-2 log cfu/g) in both nitrate/nitrite reduced sausages and in the control batch, while these organisms were not detected in the batch with the maximum ingoing amount. Nitrate and nitrite exerted a significant effect on the typical microbiota of dry fermented sausages and effectively contributed to control Listeria. These considerations should be taken into account in view of a future restriction in the use of these curing additives.     

Prediction of NaCl,nitrate and nitrite contents in minced meat by using a voltammetric electronic tongue and an impedimetric sensor

A method for predicting levels of sodium chloride, sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate in minced meat by using a combination of two different electrochemical methods; namely an electronic tongue (ET) based on pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements is proposed here. The measurements with the voltammetric ET were carried out on both saline solutions (brines) and minced meat, whereas the impedimetric sensor was used only in minced meat. The addition of the salts was performed following an experimental design in which a system of three compounds/three levels was established. Multivariate analysis including Cross validation and Partial Least Square (PLS) techniques were applied for data management and prediction models building. A very good prediction of the concentration of chloride was achieved, whereas the prediction for the concentration of nitrate and nitrite can be considered as moderate.     

Presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in woody chips used as adjuvant in wines, vinegars and distillates

Samples of 15 commercially available batches of wood chips, used in alcoholic beverage industry, were extracted and analyzed for their content in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total amounts of PAHs varying between 0.96 and 15.1 ng/g of wood were found, with medium to low MW compounds being mainly present. Carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene was found in such a value, however, not alarming if maximum mandatory levels in food are considered.PAHs content in chips was unaffected by wood origin, size or toasting level while further investigations dealing with phenomena occurring during the wood seasoning could be necessary.