ABSTRACT Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), an important UVB filter, is raising concerns about its potential metabolic toxicity due to widespread human exposure through dietary sources. However, little is known about the effects of EHMC on hepatic lipid metabolism and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we employed both 2D triglyceride assay and 3D high‐content imaging analysis to evaluate the hepatotoxicity and lipid accumulation potential for EHMC on HepaRG cells following 72h exposure, and further elucidated its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that EHMC at noncytotoxic concentrations significantly induced the accumulation of lipid droplets both in 2D and 3D cells. Biological assays revealed that EHMC induces the upregulation of two rate‐limiting enzymes within cells, thereby accelerating fatty acid synthesis. Meanwhile, there was no significant change in mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blot analysis revealed significantly increased protein levels of SREBP‐1 and nuclear receptors. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that EHMC binds well to three nuclear receptors. The results indicate that food‐derived EHMC can bind to nuclear receptors such as LXRα and PPARα, significantly disrupting hepatic lipid metabolism through the key factor SREBP‐1, thereby inducing the steatosis phenotype.
ABSTRACT Rising global demand for safe and unadulterated foods has accelerated the need for rapid, low‐cost, and portable analytical technologies. Traditional laboratory methods, although accurate, are often labor‐intensive and unsuitable for decentralized, real‐time monitoring. In response, nanomaterial‐assisted electrochemical sensors have emerged as transformative tools for food quality and safety analysis. This review synthesizes recent paradigms in the design and application of nano‐based electrochemical (bio)sensors for the detection of harmful substances, including mycotoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, foodborne pathogens, and illegal/excessive food additives. It also critically evaluates how advanced nanomaterials such as metal/metal oxides, MXenes, carbon‐based nanomaterials, quantum dots, and MOF enhance sensor performance by improving electron transfer kinetics, lowering detection limits, and providing robust antifouling interfaces. Furthermore, the review examines the shift towards miniaturized, point‐of‐care devices, such as smartphone‐integrated potentiostats, and the integration of artificial intelligence for intelligent multi‐parameter food traceability. Finally, the paper discusses current challenges in translating laboratory innovations into commercial field‐based platforms, providing a strategic framework to guide future research in the global food safety monitoring.
ABSTRACT The intricate interplay among circadian rhythms, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases has garnered increasing attention in recent years. By examining how circadian rhythms regulate metabolic processes, appetite, and energy balance, the study sheds light on how disruptions to these rhythms contribute to the development of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. From the timing of food intake to the regulation of blood pressure and vascular function, circadian rhythms influence various physiological functions critical to health and overall wellbeing. Understanding this interplay not only provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of disease but also highlights the importance of aligning health behaviors to optimize metabolic and cardiovascular health. This exploration underscores the significance of chronobiology in preventive and therapeutic strategies, offering potential avenues for improving public health outcomes in an increasingly 24/7 society. Therefore, this comprehensive review aims to elucidate the multifaceted relationships between these factors, exploring the underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic strategies. This review will elucidate the role of circadian rhythms in metabolic regulation, adipose tissue function, vascular health, and cardiovascular physiology. Furthermore, it will also examine the bidirectional relationship between circadian disruption and the development of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the importance of circadian alignment in preventive and therapeutic interventions.
ABSTRACT Chinese rice wine (Huangjiu) presents notable food safety concerns arising from the generation of endogenous hazardous compounds during fermentation and the possible carryover of pesticide residues from raw materials. Key fermentation related hazards include ethyl carbamate (EC), biogenic amines (BAs), and higher alcohols (HAs), which have been linked to carcinogenicity and other toxicological effects. This review systematically examines their formation mechanisms, analytical detection methods, and mitigation strategies in Huangjiu. Particular emphasis is placed on the interconnected metabolic networks that drive CO formation; for example, interventions that reduce EC precursors through arginine metabolism may unintentionally increase substrate availability for BA production. This study also consider the shift from traditional to mechanized processing, which can improve hygiene yet may reduce microbial diversity that contributes to flavor development. Applying Margin of Exposure and Acute Reference Dose approaches, we assess the health relevance of these hazards and identify EC as the most persistent concern from a risk‐based perspective. By clarifying metabolic linkages and practical trade‐offs across control options, this review provides guidance for improving both the safety and quality of this traditional fermented beverage.
ABSTRACT Neurolathyrism is a progressive motor neuron disease due to the consumption of Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) over long periods. The disease is still a major public health problem in the drought regions of sub‐Saharan Africa, where it continues to be used as a food source when other crops collapse because of the lack of water. Grass pea β‐N‐oxalyl‐L‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP) toxin may be reduced through indigenous detoxification techniques of soaking, boiling, and fermentation. However, during long droughts, such measures are often infrequent or ineffectual. The excessive reliance on grass peas highlights the precarious symmetry between nutritional survival and neurotoxic risk. Neurolathyrism has been variably associated with long‐term exposure among famine populations, particularly socioeconomically deprived groups. Low‐ODAP cultivar use and improved detoxification techniques continue to be restricted by cultural preference, low exposure, and resource constraints. This review examines the intersection of food security, neurotoxic risk, and One Health policy considerations and highlights the imperative for holistic agricultural innovation, public health education, and adaptive policy frameworks to protect vulnerable communities.
ABSTRACT Global health concerns and the increasing demand for nourishment have collectively driven the rising demand for functional foods. Mushrooms, possessing unique flavor and considerable edible and medicinal value, are high‐quality and sustainable bioresources for functional foods. Patent documents contain extensive information, which facilitates revealing technology development trends, exploring innovative breakthroughs, and providing direction for subsequent research. However, the geographical patterns and driving factors underlying mushroom‐derived functional foods (MDFF) remain largely unknown at a global scale. Here, a total of 17,322 patents related to “mushroom and functional food” between 2005 and 2025 were acquired from the Lens patent database and analyzed to comprehensively understand the developmental status of MDFF. We examined the general data (time distribution, countries or regions, inventors and owners, and technology category) and further dug the specific information (co‐occurrence analysis of key terms). The category distribution and co‐occurrence analysis of titles and keywords demonstrated that food ingredients, product production and processing, functional activity research, molecular mechanism analysis, and strain improvement may be research and development hotspots. Importantly, this study demonstrates the broad applications of artificial intelligence in identifying mushrooms, exploring functional active ingredients of mushrooms, and producing MDFF, thereby supporting a more cost‐effective and reliable development of MDFF.
ABSTRACT Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a recurrent gastrointestinal condition with a rising global prevalence. Current treatments, such as anti‐inflammatory drugs and biologics, are often limited by severe side effects and drug resistance, driving the search for safer alternatives. Natural polysaccharides (NPs) and their metabolites, particularly short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), have garnered significant interest because of their immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and microbiota‐modulating properties, positioning them as promising bioactive agents for IBD management. This review critically examines the structure–activity relationships of NPs and advanced delivery strategies, including nanoformulations, that increase their bioavailability and targeting ability. It also provides a comprehensive evaluation of the existing evidence, an in‐depth analysis of safety profiles, and a critical discussion of clinical translation prospects, addressing complexities in regulatory frameworks. By integrating recent molecular insights with translational challenges, this review aims to inform clinical practice and temper premature expectations, offering a balanced perspective on the journey of NPs from the bench to the bedside.
ABSTRACT Canning is one of the most effective preservation technologies, providing microbial safety and extended shelf life through thermal sterilization and airtight sealing. Since its development in the early 19th century, canning has progressed from simple glass containers to advanced tinplate and aluminum systems, becoming integral to global food security and year‐round food availability. Modern canned products encompass fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy items, grains, and ready‐to‐eat meals, many of which retain substantial nutritional value due to processing soon after harvest. However, concerns persist regarding chemical migration from can coatings into food. Epoxy‐based linings containing Bisphenol A (BPA), along with vinyl, polyester, phenolic, and oleoresin coatings, are widely used to prevent corrosion and maintain product quality. BPA and related compounds have been linked to endocrine disruption, metabolic disorders, and carcinogenic effects, while other synthetic polymers may also pose toxicological risks. Although regulatory agencies worldwide have set migration limits and tightened safety assessments, continual monitoring is necessary due to widespread consumption of canned foods. This review integrates the evolution of canning technology, product categories, nutritional benefits, and emerging safety concerns, emphasizing the need for innovative, nontoxic, and sustainable packaging materials to support both consumer health and the expanding global canned food industry.
ABSTRACT This review critically examines the current state of whey protein‐based micro and nanoencapsulation for the delivery of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in food systems. The literature demonstrates that micro and nanoencapsulation, particularly using whey protein as a wall material, significantly enhances the oxidative stability and bioavailability of omega‐3 PUFAs, addressing key challenges related to their incorporation into functional foods. The authors highlight that while traditional encapsulation methods such as spray drying and coacervation are widely used, their limitations—especially in terms of heat sensitivity and encapsulation efficiency—necessitate the exploration of novel approaches. The review underscores the potential of emerging technologies, including electrospray and 3D‐printed carriers, to further improve encapsulation performance and targeted delivery. Additionally, the integration of sustainable materials such as whey protein aligns with industry trends toward environmental responsibility and resource valorization. Looking forward, future research should focus on overcoming the poor acid stability of whey protein, optimizing encapsulation strategies for industrial application, and developing smart delivery systems that respond to physiological triggers. These directions are essential for maximizing the health benefits and commercial viability of omega‐3‐enriched food products.
ABSTRACT Caffeic acid, a natural plant‐derived phenolic compound, is found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, beverage, seeds, and nuts and has been isolated from a honey bee product, the propolis. It has emerged as a promising bioactive molecule with multiple pharmacological properties. It exhibits potent antioxidant activity by efficiently scavenging free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress. Caffeic acid exhibits antimicrobial properties against infectious disease agents. Its metal chelating ability contributes to its protective role against oxidative damage. Experimental evidences indicate that caffeic acid may protect against multiple organ injury particularly in the liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system through its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory mechanisms. This review emphasizes the dietary sources, structural characteristic, molecular mechanism underlying health promoting effects of caffeic acid, and possible research gaps.
ABSTRACT Psidium guajava (guava) has traditionally been used to treat diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and infections. Guava leaf extract, which contains quercetin, myricetin, saponins, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids, demonstrates powerful antioxidants, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects. This review discusses in detail different phytochemicals found in P. guajava, the impact its leaves have on disease, and the underlying effects of their treatments against metabolic syndrome and cancer. Blood glucose regulation is mediated through the modulation of NF‐κB, PPARγ, and α‐glucosidase activity along with the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Although laboratory studies have demonstrated medicinal potential, variations in phytochemical content due to differences in sourcing and processing limit the applicability of these findings to clinical settings. Most guava‐based treatments have not been developed the same way or rigorously tested on many people. Limited data exists on the long‐term effects of guava consumption or its interactions with conventional medications. It emphasizes 2023–2025 studies, synergistic effects with other plants, and industrial case studies (e.g., guava‐based nutraceuticals). The review also explores the application of guava in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and green synthesis technologies. To more fully realize its therapeutic potential, further mechanistic studies, extensive clinical trials, and extended industrial development are needed.
ABSTRACT Aloe vera is a polysaccharide‐ and phenolic‐rich bioresource for developing clean‐label edible films and coatings that mitigate microbial spoilage, oxidative deterioration, and textural loss in perishable foods. Its gel fraction, composed of > 98% water and 0.5%–1.0% solids containing acemannan, sugars, vitamins, and trace anthraquinones, provides a natural matrix for biopolymer integration. This narrative review consolidates advances reported between 2000 and 2025 in A. vera‐based preservation systems, describing antioxidant, antimicrobial, and barrier mechanisms exploited in polymer composites, emulsions, and nano‐enabled coatings that extend shelf life. Based on multiple studies reviewed, reported formulations typically reduce microbial load and weight loss by 30%–60% and retard lipid oxidation in meat and dairy products by up to 45%, depending on matrix and formulation. Nanoformulation strategies, such as nanoparticle stabilization (10–100 nm) and biocomposite films, enhance adhesion, strength, and controlled release of active constituents. The review further examines hydroxyanthracene derivative (HAD) toxicity (≤ 25 ppm in gel) alongside current regulatory frameworks. Several Aloe‐based coating systems demonstrate characteristics consistent with TRL 5–6 in defined food matrices. However, progression toward higher readiness levels required for large‐scale adoption faces challenges in compositional standardization, regulatory clearance, scalable processing integration, and long‐term safety validation, particularly for incorporating HADs or nano‐enabled components.
ABSTRACT Virtual water refers to the indirect or hidden water embedded in the production of goods and services, making it an important indicator in global water resource assessment. This concept provides countries with limited water resources a beneficial strategy for reducing local water stress by importing water‐intensive products from regions where water is more abundant. Agriculture contributes nearly 90% of the world's virtual water consumption. In water‐scarce nations such as the United Arab Emirates, virtual water trade plays a critical role in overcoming freshwater shortages. India's virtual water export patterns highlight the challenges of groundwater over‐extraction. Understanding virtual water flows supports sustainable planning for food security, environmental protection, and international trade policies. The aim of this review is to analyze the significance, sources, trade implications, and sustainability challenges of virtual water, while highlighting global case studies to support informed water resource management.
ABSTRACT The evolution of diet due to cultural, economic, and social factors has been an ongoing phenomenon that is heavily influenced by the rise of health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite enormous public attention, the importance of diet as a key determinant of health, physical fitness, and diseases such as non‐communicable diseases (NCD) has remained underscored. This review emphasizes different diet types, providing insights into their nutritional content and health effects. Vegetarian and vegan diets, ketogenic diets, Mediterranean diets, Western diets, pescatarian diets, flexitarian diets, and territorial diversified diets are discussed, highlighting their influences on health, and diseases. A total of 191 peer‐reviewed articles and reviews published between 2012 and 2025 have been analyzed to understand the role of various diets in preventing and dealing with the emerging global epidemic of NCDs. Significant heterogeneity have been observed in these study reports. As a result, we performed a narrative synthesis only. Nevertheless, the present review calls for ongoing research and a better understanding of factors contributing to the quality of diets and their impact on health outcomes. The identification of gaps and challenges within the current knowledge base is crucial for guiding future research directions in the ever‐evolving area of dietary interventions.
ABSTRACT Research on probiotic yeasts from fermented products in sub‐Saharan Africa was limited in the past, but there is currently a surge in investigative efforts in this field. The review aims to consolidate data on the probiotic characteristics of yeasts isolated from traditional fermented products. The prospects for the application of probiotics in sub‐Saharan Africa to address food insecurity, improve health, develop sustainable food systems, and address Sustainable Development Goals are also discussed. This review shows that selected yeasts from fermented products show potential as probiotics based on resistance to gastrointestinal stress, but further research is required to assess yeast adherence to epithelial cell lines, and in vivo studies are lacking. Probiotic yeasts can be applied as starter cultures to produce functional fermented products to address food insecurity and promote human health and be used by vendors in the informal market to scale up production, contributing to sustainable food systems. However, studies focused on probiotic yeast resistance to food processing stress, viability during shelf life, and efficacy upon consumption are still required. Regulatory frameworks and guidelines for policing health claims on probiotic products are also necessary. Therefore, collaborations between scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers are required for quality probiotic products and to protect consumers.
ABSTRACT This systematic review evaluates the principles, advancements, and applications of LIBS across diverse food matrices, synthesizing findings from 10 peer‐reviewed studies identified through rigorous PRISMA‐guided searches in ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed (2010–2025). Results demonstrate LIBS's capacity for real‐time, minimally destructive analysis with minimal sample preparation, achieving detection limits of 0.009–6.9 mg/kg through innovations such as nanoparticle‐enhanced ablation and hybrid systems (LIBS‐Raman). Portable LIBS devices further highlight the technique's potential for decentralized monitoring in resource‐limited settings. However, challenges persist in sensitivity for trace‐level residues (< 1 ppm) and matrix interference from organic components, necessitating advanced chemometric models for accurate quantification. This review underscores LIBS's alignment with green analytical chemistry principles by eliminating solvent use and reducing hazardous waste. Although LIBS excels in rapid screening, its reliance on elemental proxies limits standalone confirmatory testing, requiring integration with techniques such as mass spectrometry. Future research must prioritize hybrid platforms, AI‐driven spectral interpretation, and standardized validation protocols to bridge sensitivity gaps and enhance regulatory acceptance. By balancing agricultural productivity with public health demands, LIBS stands poised to revolutionize food safety analytics, offering a pragmatic solution for global pesticide monitoring amid escalating agricultural intensification and sustainability imperatives.
ABSTRACT Aflatoxins (AFs) are known to be cancer causing substances recognized within milk along with the milk goods. Studies reported that AFs exhibit a significant degree of resistance to high‐temperature processes such as pasteurization as well as ultra‐high temperature (UHT) treatment, indicating that these thermal methods are insufficient for their complete elimination. For decades, food safety and security have been critical priorities on both national and international levels, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to avoid food contamination. The contamination of milk and dairy products with AFs poses severe health risks, including liver cancer, kidney damage, cardiac complications, and, in extreme cases, sudden death. Therefore, detecting and reducing AF concentrations in milk and related products is essential for safeguarding public health. Advanced analytical methods such as thin‐layer chromatography (TLC), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are widely employed for the detection of AFs in milk and dairy products. Strategies to reduce AF contamination include physical, chemical, and biological approaches. Physical methods such as thermal deactivation, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, ionizing radiation, and solvent extraction are commonly applied to decrease AF levels.
ABSTRACT This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming food safety, particularly in detection and surveillance technologies. It highlights AI approaches such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision, emphasizing their role in detecting physical, chemical, and microbial contaminants, ensuring quality control, and predicting outbreaks. This paper also examines real‐world applications and recent case studies while addressing challenges such as data privacy, technical barriers, and regulatory acceptance. Furthermore, it proposes future research directions, including AI–IoT integration, blockchain‐enabled traceability, and quantum computing applications. By synthesizing recent developments (2021–2024), this review aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders toward leveraging AI for a safer and more resilient food supply chain.
The extraction of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from plant proteins remains challenging due to their low abundance, structural diversity, and the need for mild, efficient, and selective enrichment methods. In this study, a phosphorylated biochar adsorbent (BCp-KOH) derived from oil-tea seed husk was developed and applied to the rapid enrichment of AMPs from fava bean protein hydrolyzate. The material exhibited a high surface area, abundant phosphate groups, and strong cation-exchange capacity. BCp-KOH selectively enriches cationic AMPs from papain and pepsin digests, yielding adsorption ratios of 30.00% and 29.80%, respectively. The enriched peptides demonstrated markedly enhanced antibacterial activity. LC-MS/MS identification, network pharmacology analysis, and molecular docking further confirmed the strong affinity of the enriched peptides toward bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and DNA gyrase. Overall, this biochar-based extraction strategy not only provides an efficient approach for isolating plant-derived AMPs but also opens a feasible pathway for developing natural antimicrobial agents as alternatives to chemical preservatives, controlling microbial contamination during food processing and storage, and improving food safety. Future studies should validate the antibacterial efficacy and stability of these peptides in real food matrices (e.g., meat products, dairy, or fruits and vegetables) to promote their practical application in food preservation.
This study investigated the occurrence and the phenotypic and genotypic profile of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli isolated from water and fish samples from Lagoa da Concei & ccedil;& atilde;o (Florian & oacute;polis, SC, Brazil). Analysis of 97 isolates revealed that 70.10% (n = 68) of isolates exhibited resistance to at least one of the 17 antimicrobials tested, with a higher frequency during summer. Carbapenem (97.94%) and monobactam (89.70%) antimicrobials showed the highest sensitivity rates, whereas tetracycline demonstrated the highest resistance rates, with 51.02% in water isolates and 33.33% in fish isolates. Of the total analyzed, 29.90% of the isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, whereas 38.14% exhibited resistance to at least two antimicrobials, and the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) expression phenotype was detected in 15 water isolates and 2 fish isolates. In the genotypic analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the identified resistance genes included bla CTX-M-1, bla CTX-M-2, bla CTX-M-8, bla CMY-2, bla TEM, and bla SHV, as well as qnrB, qnrS, tetA, and tetB. The bla CTX-M, bla TEM and tetA genes were more frequently detected in water samples, whereas the tetB and qnrS genes appeared more frequently in fish isolates. The findings highlight a concerning scenario of environmental contamination by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
