Food businesses and export requirements: a first glance at current perception and future expectations.

The export of agri-food products represents a pillar of the Italian economy. However, food businesses (FBs) must comply with a series of requirements, including those imposed by importing countries. This study conducted in-depth interviews with three Italian FBs producing food of animal origin to explore their perception about procedures, documentation, and the role of the central competent authority (CA) related to export.

Effects of atmospheric cold plasma treatment mode on muscle quality and bacterial community of red shrimp during cold storage.

Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP), known for its safety, non-thermal processing, and energy efficiency, is especially effective for preserving perishable items such as seafood. However, excessive use of ACP may cause oxidation and sensory quality deterioration, which limits its application in the seafood industry. Thus, optimizing ACP treatment modes to balance sterilization efficiency with minimal oxidative effects is essential.

16S rRNA metabarcoding applied to the microbiome of insect products (novel food): a comparative analysis of three reference databases.

The 16S rRNA metabarcoding, based on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), is used to assess microbial biodiversity in various matrices, including food. The process involves a "dry-lab" phase where NGS data are processed through bioinformatic pipelines, which finally rely on taxonomic unit assignment against reference databases to assign them at order, genus, and species levels. Today, several public genomic reference databases are available for the taxonomic assignment of the 16S rRNA sequences.

Antibacterial mechanism of atmospheric cold plasma against Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas putida and its preservation application on in-packaged red shrimp paste.

This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial mechanism of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) against Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas putida and its preservation effect on red shrimp paste. A reactive species (RS) assay showed that O, HO, and total nitric oxide were generated after ACP treatment, which possessed great potential for antibacterial and food preservation. In vitro antibacterial results showed that excess RS inhibited bacterial activity through cell membrane damage.

Novel foods, old issues: Metabarcoding revealed mislabeling in insect-based products sold by e-commerce on the EU market.

Insects intended for human consumption are considered Novel Foods according to EU legislation. marketed in form of powders, bars, snacks are increasingly available on the EU market, especially on e-commerce. The commercial form and the way of distribution make IBPs particularly prone to mislabeling.

Larval ascaridoid nematodes in horned and musky octopus (Eledone cirrhosa and E. moschata) and longfin inshore squid (Doryteuthis pealeii): Safety and quality implications for cephalopod products sold as fresh on the Italian market.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence, infection level and distribution of ascaridoid larvae in cephalopod products sold in Italy. Data on the species most commonly commercialized as whole and fresh on the Italian market were collected. After comparing commercial and literature data, Eledone spp.

Anisakis spp. larvae in different kinds of ready to eat products made of anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) sold in Italian supermarkets.

In this study the occurrence of visible anisakid larvae in semi-preserved anchovy products sold on the Italian market was investigated. Totally, 107 ready to eat products (33 salted-ripened, 49 in oil and 25 marinated) were sampled. Each sample was digested, then the digested material was observed under natural and UV light.

Meat from cattle slaughtered without stunning sold in the conventional market without appropriate labelling: A case study in Italy.

In the European Union, slaughter without stunning is allowed for religious slaughter to obtain halal and kosher meat. Especially in the case of Jewish slaughtering, cuts which are not deemed as kosher are sold to regular market without any specific labelling. This survey, conducted in Tuscany in 2016, aimed to quantify the carcasses rejected in relation to the type of religious slaughter.

Visceral larvae as a predictive index of the overall level of fish batch infection in European anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus): A rapid procedure for Food Business Operators to assess marketability.

The European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), one of the most important pelagic fish resources in the Mediterranean Sea, is frequently infected by anisakid larvae. Food Business Operators (FBOs) should use appropriate sampling plans and analytical methods to avoid commercialization of massively infected batches and reduce the risk of transmission of viable zoonotic larvae. In this study, performed at FishLab (Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Pisa) during 2016, an official sampling plan was associated with a digestion protocol for the inspection of anchovies.

Evolution of the Anisakis risk management in the European and Italian context.

Due to the social and legislative implications, the presence of Anisakis spp. larvae in fishery products has become a concern for both the consumers and the official Control Authorities. The issuance of a large number of provisions, aimed at better managing fish products intended to be consumed raw or almost raw and the associated risks, resulted in a very complicate legal framework.