food safety – Page 8

Agaricus bisporus Grown on Sustainable Peat Casing Alternatives—A Systematic Review on Quality Characteristics

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This review examines how replacing traditional peat with sustainable alternatives affects button mushroom quality. Researchers analyzed seventeen studies testing materials like composted waste and soil mixes as replacements for peat casing. The findings show that alternative materials can maintain or improve nutritional content and other quality traits, though specific combinations and fungal strains significantly influence outcomes.

Pigment Formation by Monascus pilosus DBM 4361 in Submerged Liquid Culture

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Scientists studied how to produce natural yellow, orange, and red pigments from the fungus Monascus pilosus in liquid culture. They found that the type of sugar and nitrogen used in the fermentation significantly affects pigment production. Interestingly, glucose actually reduces pigment formation through a process called carbon catabolite repression. M. pilosus offers a safer alternative to other Monascus species because it does not produce the harmful toxin citrinin, making it suitable for use in food products.

Integrated Transcriptomics–Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Response Mechanism of Morchella sextelata to Pseudodiploöspora longispora Infection

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White mold disease is a major problem for morel mushroom farmers in China. Researchers identified the fungus causing this disease and studied how morel cells defend themselves. Using advanced molecular techniques, they found that morel cells respond to infection by changing their cell membranes and walls, and by activating protective proteins that fight oxidative stress. This research helps explain how the disease damages morels and could lead to developing stronger, disease-resistant mushroom varieties.

The Effect of Aspergillus flavus on Seedling Development in Maize

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Aspergillus flavus is a dangerous fungus that contaminates maize crops and produces toxic aflatoxins harmful to human and animal health. Researchers tested maize varieties to identify which are naturally resistant to this fungus using a simple laboratory method. They found significant differences in resistance among maize varieties and proposed a new evaluation system to help identify resistant varieties before they are sold to farmers, which could help reduce aflatoxin contamination in our food supply.

Effects of Temperature, pH, and Relative Humidity on Growth of Penicillium crustosum OM1 Isolated from Pears and Its Penitrem A Production

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Researchers found that a mold called Penicillium crustosum produces a dangerous neurotoxin called penitrem A that can contaminate pears and other foods. The study showed that this mold grows best at cool temperatures (25°C) but produces the most toxin at slightly cooler temperatures (22°C) with neutral acidity and high moisture levels. Understanding these conditions helps us develop better strategies to prevent this toxin from contaminating the fresh fruit we eat.

Modeling of mold inactivation via cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)

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This research develops a mathematical model to predict how cold atmospheric plasma kills mold, which is important because molds produce toxins that harm human and animal health and damage food and buildings. The model uses equations to describe mold growth and plasma effects, allowing researchers to predict outcomes in minutes rather than waiting weeks for lab experiments. The study found that plasma is most effective when its killing power matches the mold’s natural growth rate, causing complete extinction.

Mushroom: an emerging source for next generation meat analogues

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Mushrooms are emerging as excellent meat substitutes because they have a meaty, chewy texture and savory flavor similar to meat, while being nutritious, low in fat, and sustainable to grow. When added to meat products like sausages, burgers, and nuggets, mushrooms improve texture, extend shelf-life, and reduce spoilage. The growing shift toward plant-based eating combined with environmental concerns makes mushroom-based meat alternatives an attractive option for consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable food choices.

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

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This research examined the genetic makeup of a mold called Penicillium paneum that contaminates pears and apples by producing a toxic substance called patulin. Scientists sequenced the entire genome and identified all the genes responsible for patulin production. They found that this mold has 33 different gene clusters for producing various toxic compounds, with the patulin-producing genes being highly similar to those in other related molds. This genetic knowledge could help develop better strategies to prevent patulin contamination in fruit crops.

Updated safety evaluation of the food enzyme AMP deaminase from the non‐genetically modified Streptomyces murinus strain AE‐DNTS

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Scientists evaluated the safety of AMP deaminase, an enzyme used in food processing for yeast and mushroom extract production. The enzyme is produced from a naturally occurring bacterium and is intended to help break down adenosine monophosphate during food manufacturing. Through extensive testing including genetic mutation tests and animal studies, researchers found no safety concerns when used at recommended levels in food processing. The amount of enzyme that consumers might ingest through food is far below levels that could cause any adverse effects.

Modelling the Combined Effects of Oxalic Acid, Water Activity, and pH on the Growth and Mycotoxin Production of Aspergillus spp. in a Dried Fig System

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Dried figs can become contaminated with harmful fungi that produce dangerous toxins during the drying process. Researchers used mathematical modeling to understand how water content, acidity, and oxalic acid treatment affect fungal growth and toxin production in figs. They found that reducing water content is the most effective way to prevent dangerous toxin buildup. These models help the fig industry identify and avoid conditions that promote contamination, ultimately making dried figs safer for consumers.

Research Keyword: food safety