food safety – Page 7

A high-quality genome assembly of angel-wing mushroom Pleurocybella porrigens that causes acute encephalopathy

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Scientists created a detailed genetic blueprint of the angel-wing mushroom, which caused serious poisonings in Japan. They identified three toxic compounds in the mushroom and found a gene that likely produces one of the most dangerous toxins responsible for brain damage. This research helps explain how the mushroom makes its poison and could lead to better understanding of foodborne illness prevention.

Inhibitory effect and mechanism of action of Carvacrol as a promising natural food preservative against Fusarium acuminatum causing postharvest rot of garlic scapes (Allium sativum L)

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Garlic scapes often rot quickly during storage due to fungal infections. This study found that carvacrol, a natural compound from oregano and thyme, effectively prevents this spoilage and extends shelf life. The research showed that carvacrol damages the fungal cells’ protective membranes, stopping the infection. Since carvacrol is already approved as safe for food use, it could become a practical, natural alternative to chemical preservatives.

Editorial: Aspergillus-Derived Mycotoxins in the Feed and Food Chain

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Aspergillus fungi produce harmful toxins called mycotoxins that can contaminate our food and animal feed at various stages from farm to table. Climate change is making this problem worse by helping these fungi spread and produce more toxins. Scientists are working on multiple solutions including using harmless fungi strains to compete with the harmful ones, using natural plant compounds to stop toxin production, and developing better ways to detect and remove these toxins from food and feed.

The Color-Developing Methods for Cultivated Meat and Meat Analogues: A Mini-Review

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This review examines how scientists are improving the color of lab-grown and plant-based meat to make them look more like traditional meat. Both natural ingredients like beet juice and paprika, as well as specialized cooking techniques, can help achieve the desired red meat color. The research shows that combining multiple coloring methods works better than using a single ingredient, and natural colorants are becoming preferred over synthetic dyes due to health concerns.

Transcriptome Analysis of Dimethyl Fumarate Inhibiting the Growth of Aspergillus carbonarius

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Researchers found that dimethyl fumarate, a chemical preservative, can effectively stop the growth of a common fruit fungus called Aspergillus carbonarius that causes rot and produces a harmful toxin in grapes. By studying how the fungus responds to this treatment at the genetic level, scientists discovered that the chemical damages the fungus’s protective outer layer and interferes with its ability to develop and reproduce. This research could lead to better ways to preserve fruit and prevent toxin contamination in the food industry.

Aspergillus in Italian Pistachios: Characterization and Detection of Major Aflatoxigenic Species With a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay

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Researchers studied pistachio nuts from Italy and found dangerous mold species that produce aflatoxins, harmful toxins that can cause serious health problems. They developed a quick and reliable test using molecular biology techniques to detect these molds in pistachios, even at very low levels of contamination. The test uses specially treated dried primers that remain stable for over a month, making it practical for food safety monitoring in warehouses and markets around the world.

Comparative genome analysis of patulin-producing Penicillium paneum OM1 isolated from pears

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Scientists sequenced the genome of a pear fungus called Penicillium paneum that produces patulin, a toxic compound found in moldy apples and pears. By analyzing its genetic blueprint, researchers identified 33 different toxin-producing gene clusters, with special focus on the 15 genes responsible for patulin production. The findings reveal which genes P. paneum uses to make patulin and how they compare to other fungal species, potentially helping develop better ways to prevent patulin contamination in fruit and fruit products.

Characterization of key aroma compounds in roasted chicken using SPME, SAFE, GC-O, GC–MS, AEDA, OAV, recombination-omission tests, and sensory evaluation

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Scientists identified the 20 most important flavor compounds that make roasted chicken taste and smell distinctive. The study found that certain compounds like anethole (fennel flavor) and various pyrazines (nutty, toasty flavors) are the main contributors to roasted chicken’s appealing aroma. These compounds are produced through heating during the roasting process and are especially concentrated on the chicken skin. Understanding these key flavor compounds can help producers maintain and improve roasted chicken quality.

Modeling of mold inactivation via cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)

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Molds produce harmful substances called mycotoxins that damage food and buildings. Scientists developed a mathematical formula to predict how cold plasma can kill mold colonies. This model works faster than actual experiments and could help control mold in food storage and building materials without using toxic chemicals.

Identification and Characterization of Five Previously Unrecorded Penicillium Species of Subgenus Aspergilloides Isolated in Korea

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Researchers in Korea discovered one new Penicillium fungal species and four species that had not been previously recorded in the country. These fungi were found in freshwater and soil samples from five Korean provinces. By analyzing the fungi’s genetic material and physical characteristics, scientists confirmed their identities and added them to Korea’s catalog of fungal species. This research helps create a valuable collection of domestic fungal resources that may have future applications in agriculture and biotechnology.

Research Keyword: food safety