Moniliformin (MON), a mycotoxin produced by species, has recently raised health concerns. Therefore, MON levels were determined in 399 cereal grain samples obtained from retail stores across Japan between April 2020 and July 2024. The survey showed the presence of MON in 36% of the tested samples. It was mainly found in Job's tears products, corn-based products, Japanese wheat flour and rye. The highest level (3109 µg/kg) was present in a Job's tears product. Co-occurrence of MON with fumonisins was observed in corn-based products and the contamination of both mycotoxins was correlated. The obtained results indicate that Japanese people may be exposed to MON through the consumption of cereal products. Further studies on its occurrence and toxicity are advisable to achieve a more accurate health risk assessment of MON for the Japanese population.

Rice is a dietary staple throughout Latin America and serves as a major source for heavy‑metal exposure by consumers. This study investigated arsenic, lead and cadmium levels in rice from Guyana and Chile, assessing associated public health risks. The quantification of these metals was carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The mean level of total As in Guyanese rice (100 ± 21 ng/g dw) was higher than in those marketed in Chile (75 ± 36 ng/g dw), while comparison of their mean Pb and Cd levels revealed no statistical differences. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values indicated that the population in Guyana may face non-cancer health risks, as the THQ reached 1, while Chilean rice posed no non-cancer risks. Carcinogenic risks were estimated at 4.3 × 10 for Guyana and 6.4 × 10 for Chile, suggesting potential cancer risks from rice consumption by their population.

In this study 49 plant secondary metabolites such as phytoestrogens (PEs) and pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) were determined in dairy total mixed rations (TMR) collected from dairy farms in Punjab, Pakistan. A validated multi-metabolite method based on liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC - MS/MS) was used to screen a range of plant-derived metabolites. Across 30 TMR samples, PEs and other bioactive compounds, including PAs, were found at mean levels of 42,300 ± 25,400 and 340 ± 249 µg/kg dry matter, respectively, with 100% occurrence of PEs daidzein, genistein and glycitein, followed by biochanin A (96%), genistin (96%), daidzin (93%), glycitin (93%) and coumestrol (83%). All PEs, except biochanin A, coumestrol and ononin, positively correlated with proportions of corn grain, soybean meal, canola meal and molasses ( < 0.01). In conclusion, the widespread presence of PEs and PAs requires investigation of their effects in animals, to determine maximum levels in feed, considering animal and food safety perspectives.

This study investigated fluorinated pesticide residues in food commodities marketed in Luxembourg, focusing on substances listed in the European Chemicals Agency's Annex XV Restriction Report Proposal as potential precursors of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent degradation product of concern. From 6,034 samples collected between 2011 and 2024, 48.1% contained quantifiable residues, with fluorinated compounds detected in 12.3% of the samples. Tea (65.3%) and dried fruits (45.6%) showed the highest contamination rates. Detection rates of fluorinated pesticide residues rose from 9.6% of the samples in 2011 to 26.8% in 2024. In 18 cases (1.8%) EU maximum residue limits (MRLs) were exceeded. Thirty-one distinct fluorinated pesticides were identified, with six compounds, fluopyram, lambda-cyhalothrin, trifloxystrobin, bifenthrin, fluopicolide, and flonicamid accounting for nearly 80% of the detections, all being considered potential precursors of TFA. These findings underline the need for continued monitoring and regulatory attention to limit environmental and health risks from TFA formation.

This study aimed to examine the levels of sodium benzoate (SB), potassium sorbate (PS), and natamycin (NAT) in doogh samples collected during the winter and summer in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan region of Iraq, utilising high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV). Moreover, human health risks associated with these preservatives in doogh were assessed using Monte Carlo simulations. SB, PS, and NAT levels in the doogh ranged from <0.47 to 22.5 mg/L, <0.015 to 8.3 mg/L, and 1.4 to 11.5 mg/L, respectively. The levels of these preservatives in the doogh samples were within international standards. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of SB, PS, and NAT in doogh were below the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Hazard quotient (HQ) data of SB and PS in doogh were below 1. Based on these findings, the obtained levels of preservatives in doogh do not pose a health risk to Iraqi consumers.

This study investigated ethylene oxide (EO) residues, using 2-chloroethanol (2-CE) as the proxy compound, in spices, herbs, and related processed foods through market surveillance in Singapore. Residues were analysed using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) after modified QuEChERS sample extraction, to achieve highly sensitive and selective detection of 2-CE residues. Ten out of 53 spice and herb samples contained 2-CE residues ranging from 11 to 885 mg/kg and 8 out of 106 chilli and seasoning packets in instant noodle products contained 2-CE residues ranging from 16 to 186 mg/kg, while 44 samples of these product categories showed 2-CE residues between LOQ and 2 mg/kg. The remaining samples were found with 2-CE less than the LOQ. Test findings from this study highlight the need for strict monitoring and surveillance programs to ensure regulatory compliance concerning EO residues in raw food commodities and finished products.

Coix seed (.) is used as a medicinal and edible grain in China. In this study, nontargeted screening of pesticide residues in 126 coix seed samples was conducted in Guizhou Province, southwestern China. The 39 pesticides screened were detected and quantified using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method after modified QuEChERS pretreatment. The samples were extracted with an acetonitrile-formic acid (98:2;v/v) mixture. Method linearity was confirmed between 0.001-1 mg kg, with significant correlation coefficients (R >0.980). Mean recoveries were 72.2%-115% and the limit of quantification was 0.01 mg kg. Intraday repeatability and inter-day reproducibility ranged from 0.2% to 17.8% and 0.3% to 18.0%, respectively. Risk assessment showed that Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) were well below 1. This method can help to regulate pesticide use in cultivation areas and improve the quality and safety of coix seed products.

The rising global demand for medicinal herbs has increased human consumption, raising concerns about potential health risks related to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), especially among infants due to frequent use in certain cultures. To perform a market survey, an LC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed to detect five QACs, including Benzalkonium Chlorides (BACs) and Dialkyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DDAC), in dry medicinal herbs. The method employed QuEChERS extraction with acetonitrile and achieved chromatographic separation with a poroshell C18 column. Method validation was conducted according to Eurachem and SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines, showing high sensitivity and selectivity, with recoveries between 70% and 110% and RSDs below 5%. The method was applied to market samples, resulting in 33% exceedances of the maximum residue limits. In this study also dietary exposure risks for adults, toddlers and infants were evaluated. Preliminary risk assessment indicated acceptable dietary exposure risks.

This study analysed the physicochemical properties of 93 different meat product samples from the Kosovo market, focusing on the critical examination of nitrite and chloride levels to assess food safety and public health implications. The samples involved fresh and minimally processed meats, cooked meat products, cured meats, and traditional sausages, adhering to ISO standard methodologies for assessing pH, water activity, sodium chloride and nitrite concentrations. The survey revealed that while nitrite levels in meat products comply with EU safety regulations, sodium chloride content in certain products, particularly sausages and dry cured meats, is significantly higher than recommended. Frequent consumption of these high-salt products may lead to excessive sodium intake among consumers. These findings underscore the need for regular monitoring of sodium chloride levels in meat products, implementation of sodium-reduction strategies by meat producers, and enhanced consumer education on health risks associated with high sodium intake.

Mycotoxin contamination of staple foods represents a significant public health concern, particularly in countries lacking regulatory frameworks. This study aimed to assess mycotoxin contamination in maize, cowpeas and rice from local markets across Mauritania, using three detection methods (Charm II, ELISA and immunochromatographic tests). Samples were collected from 14 markets in six cities to analyse the presence of aflatoxins, ochratoxins, zearalenone and fumonisins. Preliminary results revealed significant contamination in cowpeas (64% positive for aflatoxins) and maize samples (fumonisins levels up to 50 times the EU limits in Nouakchott and Rosso markets). Rice samples showed minimal contamination across all tested mycotoxins. The obtained results highlight the need for monitoring and regulation of mycotoxin contamination in Mauritania, particularly considering climate change impacts on mycotoxin production and associated health risks.

A straightforward method for the determination of histamine and other biogenic amines in Vietnamese traditional fish sauce was developed, avoiding a time-consuming derivatisation step. This resulted in the application of hydrophilic interaction in combination with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). The characteristics of the analytical method, such as linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), repeatability, stability, and matrix effects were systematically investigated. The validated method was successfully applied to analyse 8 biogenic amines in 15 Vietnamese traditional fish sauce samples, as well as 10 broth samples directly collected from the fermentation tanks. Among the eight investigated biogenic amines, histamine was found in all analysed samples, in some at high levels. However, in traditional fish sauce samples collected from supermarkets histamine levels were lower than the maximum level as set by European Union regulations.

There are many studies, both abroad and in Turkey, on the detection of antibiotic residues in animal products. However, studies on this subject in the Hatay region are rare. Within the scope of this study, the presence of 14 types of antibiotic residues (ampicillin, amoxycillin, demeclocycline, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, chlortetracycline, novobiocin, oxytetracycline, penicillin G, streptomycin, sulphadimethoxine, sulphamethazine, tetracycline, and tylosin) in samples from animal products such as beef, poultry, milk, and eggs sold unbranded in Hatay were investigated using HPLC. Total antibiotic residues were between 0.257 and 0.891 mg kg in poultry, between 0.357 and 0.971 mg kg in mutton, between 0.077 and 0.218 mg kg in beef, between 0.591 and 1.985 mg L in milk, and between 0.006 and 1.605 mg kg in egg samples. Antibiotic residues were detected in all samples examined. This shows that some manufacturers are still careless regarding the correct application of antibiotics.

In this study, the presence of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) in 135 samples of pistachio spreads, marketed and produced from 2016 to 2020 in Southern Italy, was determined by a validated High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with fluorescence detection method. The obtained results showed variable contamination across the years, with a significant increase in 2020 for AFB1 and AFG1 ( < 0.05), showing mean levels of 1.85 ± 4.45 μg/Kg and 1.46 ± 3.24 μg/Kg, respectively, probably influenced by disruptions in the supply chain and storage practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. In only one sample from 2020 the EU maximum limit of 10 µg/kg for total AFs was exceeded, which was a new finding for the presence of AFs in this type of processed product. The results emphasise the need for enhanced monitoring and control measures, especially during health crises.

Spices are essential to cooking and include health benefits. Nevertheless, information regarding the prevalence of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and As) and As species in spices is limited. Consequently, 254 samples from 6 varieties of commercially available branded and non-branded spices were examined for heavy metal and As species content. The analytical results were ranked as Pb > As > Cd ( < 0.05), with red chilli and garlic exhibiting the highest and lowest levels, respectively. A significant difference in heavy metal levels was observed between branded and non-branded samples ( < 0.05), suggesting that processing and trade influence the initial metal levels. Arsenite was the predominant form in spices, but dimethylarsinic acid and monomethylarsonic acid primarily accumulated in spices from the ( < 0.05). No carcinogenic risk to human health from heavy metals in spices was identified (HIs < 1).

Multi-mycotoxin analysis of 22 mycotoxins in 202 durum wheat samples collected in Algeria from 2019 to 2021 was performed by UHPLCMS/MS. Enniatins were present in 2 out of 45 wheat samples in the 2019 harvest, whereas in the harvest of 2020 37.6% of wheat samples were contaminated by ochratoxin A and/or beauvericin, deoxynivalenol (1076 µg/kg), fumonisin B1, enniatins, and zearalenone (most prevalent in 2020 and 2021 harvest). Mycotoxin contamination increased from 37.6% in 2020 to 55.2% in 2021 harvests. The most frequently observed mycotoxin co-occurrence was the combination of enniatin A1, enniatin B, and enniatin B1 (0.5-126 µg/kg) and DON (1307 µg/kg). AFB1 (0.4-2.6 µg/kg) was found in only one sample collected from the continental region. These results pointed to the necessity of frequent and regular wheat quality controls in order to better evaluate the risk regarding the Algerian population.

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in commonly consumed herbal medicines ( = 80), as determined by Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy, revealed that 10% of the samples contained at least one HM which exceeded the maximum limits of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The estimated daily intake of Cr was higher through the consumption of amla, brahmi, and lodhra bark, when compared to other HMs. The Hazard Quotient (1.8) and Hazard Index (2.3) exceeded 1 for brahmi consumption, suggesting potential non-carcinogenic health risks for the population. The Life Time Cancer Risk for brahmi was 2.95E-03, so above 10-10, which indicates a cancer risk to the population. Monte Carlo simulations for amla showed a skewed distribution, also suggesting its consumption to be a health risk. Therefore, proper management strategies and regular monitoring of herbal products are recommended to ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines for the consumers.