This study evaluated the potential health risks associated with plant growth regulators (PGRs) residues in bean sprouts from Shandong province, China. Among 1494 samples collected across 16 cities (2016-2020), 951 (63.65 %) tested positive for at least one PGR residue, with 759 (50.80 %) exceeding the maximum residue limits. Indolylacetic acid (IAA) was the most frequently detected PGR, followed by Chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP), Gibberellin and Indolebutyric acid (IBA), the latter three of which are banned in China. Additionally, 20.01 % (299 out of 1494) of the samples contained multiple residues, with two to three PGRs present simultaneously. The long-term health risk showed, the highest hazard quotients (HQs) and cumulative risk ranged from 0.00 to 0.05 and from 0.01 to 0.06, respectively, well below the acceptable threshold of 1. Among 5 detected PGRs, 4-CPA posed the highest maximum HQ, with peak values for both HQ and cumulative risk observed in males aged 6-11 years. Probabilistic exposure assessment revealed, the maximum HQs and the cumulative risk for PGRs ranged from 0.00 to 0.30 for the general population. For the consumer population, HQ values with 95 % confidence were 0.00 for all PGRs except for 4-CPA (0.00-0.01), with the cumulative risk of 0.01. Although the maximum HQs and the cumulative risk reached 1.98 and 1.99, respectively, the associated probability was <2.5 %. From a public health perspective, PGRs residues in bean sprouts may not cause serious health risks. However, stricter management and continued health risk assessment are recommended.

What is already known about this topic?:Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a Gram-positive, halotolerant bacterium. Enterotoxin-producing strains of S. aureus can cause foodborne outbreaks in humans, with incubation periods typically ranging from 1 to 6 hours. What is added by this report?:Investigation identified 22 cases aged 9-61 years. All patients experienced diarrhea. Durian mille-feuille cakes were identified as the suspected food vehicle. cgMLST analysis demonstrated that clinical isolates, food samples, and food handler isolates exhibited minimal genetic divergence. What are the implications for public health practice?:Comprehensive hygiene control measures throughout the production chain are critical for cold-processed pastries, encompassing thorough fruit sanitation, rigorous microbial monitoring of raw ingredients, robust employee health surveillance, and uninterrupted cold chain maintenance with storage temperatures consistently below 4 °C. Franchise food operations demand enhanced regulatory oversight despite decentralized supply chains, underscoring the necessity for uniform food safety protocols implemented across all retail outlets.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1713237.].

Shrimp was the leading food vehicle for Vibrio parahaemolyticus outbreaks in China, yet studies on V. parahaemolyticus in globally predominant farmed shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) - particularly in freshwater culture remain limited. This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the contamination of V. parahaemolyticus in freshwater-farmed marine shrimp (L. annamei) in China. The prevalence and bacterial load of V. parahaemolyticus in shrimps were assessed by China China National Standard GB 4789.7-2013 and isolates were obtained for genomic analysis. The prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus in shrimp samples was 39.1% and the bacteria load ranged from 3.6 MPN/g to 24,000 MPN/g. Analysis on isolates demonstrated that 75.8% (94/124) were assigned to 28 sequence types (STs), whereas 24.2% STs were unknown. All isolates harbored 24 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), of which tet(34), tet(35), and blaCARB were harbored in all isolates. There was a significant correlation between blaCARB types and STs, with isolates sharing identical STs carried the same blaCARB variant. The trh+ isolates (9.7%, 12/124) was simultaneously coexisted with hlyB and hlyC. All four ST79 strains harbored trh/hlyB/hlyC and blaCARB_46. Our findings elucidated the contamination of V. parahaemolyticus in freshwater-farmed L. vannamei, with heavy bacteria load in Fujian province. The emergence of specific ST co-harboring critical virulence genes and ARGs indicating the necessity for targeted surveillance and specified control in aquaculture systems.

6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) is an important ingredient in production of "toxic bean sprouts". In order to assess health risk from 6-BAP residue in bean sprouts on a large sample size and wide sample range among large survey population, 6-BAP was detected in 149 out of 1 494 bean sprouts samples collected in 2016-2020 in Shandong Province of China. High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used for analysis. Those 10.0 % samples contained 6-BAP residue above the maximum residue limit (MRL) and the average level was 0.007 mg kg-1. Hazard quotient (HQ) of 6-BAP was 0.0 % for the general population and 0.2 % for consumers. The daily exposure of 6-BAP was accounted for 0.0 % of the the acceptable daily intake (ADI) and the estimated daily intake (EDI) of all subjects surveyed was below ADI. From the perspective of public health, the occurrence of 6-BAP residue in bean sprouts could not pose a serious health risk problem. Strict regulations on the management of 6-BAP residue in bean sprouts and human health risk assessment should be recommended.

The extensive utilization of pesticides results in their frequent detection in aquatic environments, often as complex mixtures, posing risks to aquatic organisms. The hook snout carp (Opsariichthys bidens) serves as a valuable bioindicator for evaluating the impacts of environmental pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. However, few studies examined the toxic effects of pesticides on O.bidens, let alone the characterization of the combined effects resulting from their mixtures. This study aims to elucidate the toxic effects of beta-cypermethrin and pyraclostrobin on O.bidens, individually and in combination, focusing on biochemical, transcriptional, and molecular responses. By organizing and analyzing the toxicogenomic databases, both pesticides were identified as a contributor to processes such as apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. The acute toxicity test revealed comparable acute toxicity of beta-cypermethrin and pyraclostrobin on O.bidens, with LC50 being 0.019 and 0.027 mg/L, respectively, whereas the LC50 decreased to 0.0057 and 0.0079 mg/L under the combined exposure, indicating potential synergistic effects. The activities of enzymes involved in oxidative stress and detoxification were significantly altered after exposure, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increasing, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased. The activity of CYP450s was significantly changed. Likewise, the expression levels of genes (mn-sod, p53, esr, il-8) associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, endocrine and immune systems were significantly increased. Combined exposure to the pesticides significantly exacerbated the aforementioned biological processes in O.bidens. Furthermore, both pesticides can modify protein activity by binding to the surface of SOD molecules and altering protein conformation, contributing to the elevated enzyme activity. Through the investigation of the synergistic toxic effects of pesticides and molecular mechanisms in O.bidens, our findings highlight the importance of assessing the combined effects of pesticide mixtures in aquatic environments.

Objective To provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of foodborne diseases among the geriatrics in China's Mainland,the epidemiological characteristics of foodborne diseases was understood.Methods Information on acute gastroenteritis cases aged ≥65 years in China's Foodborne Disease Case Surveillance System from 2018 to 2022 was collected and analyzed.Results The overall prevelance of foodborne disease monitoring pathogens among the geriatrics in China was 9.15％(7 218/78 904,95％CI:8.95％,9.35％,with Salmonella spp.being the highest(4.90％,3 860/78 699,95％CI:4.75％,5.06％),Norovirus(2.07％,1 517/73 173,95％CI:1.97％,2.18％),Diarrheogenic E.coli(1.39％,1 015/72 763,95％CI:1.31％,1.48％),Vibrio parahaemolyticus(1.00％,782/78386,95％CI:0.93％,1.07％)and Shigella spp.(0.19％,147/78 611,95％CI:0.16％,0.22％).The prevelance of Salmonella spp.in male elderly was higher than that in female,while the prevelance of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in female was higher than that in male.The higher the age,the lower the prevelance was.Geriatrics with foodborne diseases had obvious seasonality.The prevelances of Salmonella spp.,Shigella spp.,Vibrio parahaemolyticus and diarrheogenic E.coli reach their peak in July and August,while Norovirus reaches its peak in February and March.The overall prevelance varies across different regions of the country,and the differences are statistically significant(x2=546.85,P＜0.001).The categories of suspicious exposed foods mainly include meat and meat products,grains and its products,vegetables and its products,etc,with households being the main place of consumption.Conclusion Salmonella spp.has the highest prevelance in active surveillance of acute gastroenteritis among the geriatrics in China's Mainland.The epidemiological characteristics of surveilled pathogens vary in different gender,age and regions,taking targeted measures should be formulated based on the corresponding distribution of characteristics to prevent foodborne diseases in geriatrics.

What is already known about this topic? Foodborne diseases, representing significant food safety and public health challenges globally, are not well- documented in terms of incidence, particularly for cases characterized by acute gastroenteritis (AGI) in China. What is added by this report? This study developed a pyramid model to estimate the incidence of five pathogens, stratified by gender and age. The estimated incidences per 100,000 people with 95% % uncertainty intervals (UI) UI ) are as follows: Norovirus, 3,188.28 (95% % UI : 2,518.03, 7,296.96); Salmonella spp., 1,295.59 (95% % UI : 1,002.62, 1,573.11); diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC), 782.62 (95% % UI : 651.19, 932.05); Vibrio parahaemolyticus , , 404.06 (95% % UI : 342.19, 468.93); and Shigella spp., 26.73 (95% % UI : 21.05, 33.46). What are the implications for public health practice? This study elucidates the incidence rates across various gender and age groups, thereby identifying priority populations for targeted preventive interventions aimed at reducing disease burden. These insights are crucial for the development of public health policies and management of food safety risks.

Objective This study was designed to investigate cadmium(Cd)pollution levels in wheat and wheat flour in different cities of Shandong Province,as well as conduct preliminary health risk assessment of Cd intake via wheat flour.Methods 1 789 samples of wheat or wheat flour were collected from farmers'markets,supermarkets,and farmers in 16 cities of Shandong Province.Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry(ICP-MS)was performed to determine the Cd content in wheat.Based on the data of residents'wheat flour consumption,the risk of Cd exposure of residents through wheat flour was estimated.Results The Cd level of wheat was higher than that of wheat flour(Z=-12.50,P＜0.001),and there were differences among cities in Cd levels in both wheat and wheat flours.The estimated monthly intake(EMI)of the average consumer group in Shandong Province was 1.18 μg/kg·BW,accounting for 4.72％of the provisional tolerable monthly intake(PTMI).The EMI of the high-consumption population of wheat flour was 2.87 μg/kg·BW,accounting for 11.47％ of the PTMI.Conclusion The exposure risk of dietary Cd from wheat flour in the average consumer population of Shandong Province is low;however,further attention should be paid to the exposure risk to dietary Cd in high wheat-flour consumers in cities with relatively high Cd content.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of foodborne disease outbreaks on campus in Shandong Province as a reference basis for effective prevention and control of foodborne diseases on campus.MethodsThe surveillance data of foodborne disease outbreaks on campus in Shandong Province reported by the National Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance Network from 2014 to 2021， were collected. The epidemiological characteristics， such as onset time， onset area， pathogenic factors， causative foods and initiating links， were analyzed.ResultsA total of 425 foodborne disease outbreaks on campus were reported in Shandong Province， with a total of 5 147 cases， with an average annual incidence of about 643 cases， 653 cases of hospitalization， and 0 cases of death. No pathogenic factors were identified in 83.1% （353/425） of the outbreaks， and no causative food was identified in 22.4% （95/425） of outbreaks. The number of outbreak events caused by microbial factors was the largest， accounting for 76.4% （55/72） of the outbreak events with known etiology. Bacillus cereus and Salmonella were the most common pathogens， accounting for 25.5% （14/55） and 21.8% （12/55） of microbial outbreak events， respectively. The most common reasons were mixed food （18.1%，77/425）， a variety of foods （15.3%，65/425）， meat and meat products （13.7%，58/425）， and grain products （8.9%，38/425）. September is the high month； the trigger factors were multiple， followed by improper processing， improper storage and misuse of food.ConclusionSchools and relevant departments of food safety management should conduct regular training for cafeteria staff and food safety education for students， strictly keep food samples for each meal， and strengthen collaboration among all departments to improve incident identification rates.

为了解山东省市售花生及其制品中黄曲霉毒素B1(AFB1)污染状况,评估其暴露水平及潜在的健康风险,并为有关部门采取控制措施提供依据,2015-2020年于山东省16市生产环节、流通环节(农贸市场、商店)随机采集花生、花生酱、花生油共计246份样品,采用高效液相色谱-柱后衍生法测定其AFB1含量,计算AFB1平均膳食暴露量和暴露限值(MOE),评估山东省市售花生及其制品中AFB1膳食暴露风险.结果表明,花生及其制品中AFB1总检出率为28.46％,不合格率为7.72％.花生酱和花生油中AFB1检出率显著高于花生;散装花生酱、花生油中AFB1检出率显著高于预包装产品;一般消费居民通过花生、花生酱和花生油AFB1平均膳食暴露量分别为0.01、0.61、1.09 ng/(kg·d),肝癌发病风险分别为0.000、0.019、0.034例/10万人,其MOE分别为30 500、500和280;高消费居民通过花生、花生酱和花生油AFB1平均膳食暴露量分别为0.23、6.64、8.90 ng/(kg·d),肝癌发病风险分别为0.007、0.205、0.274例/10万人,其MOE分别为1 326、46和34.严格执行限量标准后经花生酱和花生油AFB1平均膳食暴露量、肝癌发病风险降幅均达50％以上.为了更大限度地保护人群健康,有必要采取有效的监管和风险管理措施控制山东省市售花生及其制品中AFB1含量,特别是散装花生酱和花生油.

We investigated the distribution of 8 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in 321 shellfish samples collected from four coastal cities along the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea of Shandong Province, China. The concentrations of total PFASs (∑PFASs) were in the range of 0.061-178.259 ng/g wet weight (ww). Two legacy long-chain compounds were dominant. Three emerging compounds and two short-chain alternatives were also observed with higher concentration and detection frequency than in previous studies, whereas 4, 8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoate acid (ADONA) was not detected. There were differences in concentrations and composition profiles of PFASs among different species, as well as among different sampling cities. According to scores of principal component analysis, metal plating plants, textile treatments, and fluoropolymer products were considered as the main sources of PFAS contamination in shellfish. Furthermore, a potential health risk of perfluorooctanoic acid should be highly considered for local residents that frequently consume crabs and molluscs.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of foodborne disease outbreaks caused by takeaway in China’s Mainland from 2010 to 2020, and put forward relevant regulatory suggestions.Methods Through the National Foodborne Disease Outbreak Monitoring System, the data of foodborne disease outbreaks caused by takeaway in China’s Mainland from 2010 to 2020 were collected and analyzed, and descriptive epidemiological characteristics were performed.Results A total of 549 foodborne disease outbreaks caused by takeaway were reported in China’s Mainland（except Tibet Autonomous Region） from 2010 to 2020, resulting in 9 285 illnesses and 2 deaths. The largest number of outbreaks and illnesses was in the third quarter, accounting for 41. 53% and 44. 58% of the total respectively. Except the unknown pathogenic factors, the number of outbreaks and illnesses caused by microbial pathogenic factors were the highest, accounting for 39. 16% and 60. 26% of the total respectively. Except the unknown suspected food, the number of outbreaks and illnesses caused by mixed food and multiple food were higher, accounting for 21. 86% and 15. 12% of the outbreaks respectively, and accounting for 20. 58% and 13. 10% of the number of illnesses respectively. Except the unknown food source, the top 3 food source were school canteens, collective dining delivery units/central kitchens and fast food restaurants, the number of outbreaks accounted for 20. 04%, 15. 66% and 15. 48% respectively, and the number of illnesses accounted for 35. 30%, 17. 52% and 10. 57% respectively. Except the multiple factors and unknown factors, the number of outbreaks caused by improper storage were the highest accounting for 8. 74%, and the number of illnesses caused by improper processing accounted for 7. 74%.Conclusion Microbial growth and reproduction due to improper storage and processing is the major cause of foodborne disease outbreaks caused by takeaway. It is suggested that the food safety supervision and administration departments should strengthen the whole process supervision and management of takeaway, establish and ensure catering services strictly abide by the good hygiene operations according to food raw in materials, production, transportation, distribution and other aspects, so as to effectively prevent and control the occurrence foodborne diseases.

目的 了解山东省农村中小学生用耳现状和听力损伤影响因素,为保护中小学生听力提供基础依据.方法 2019年8—12月,按照分层整群抽样的方法,对山东省16地市5515名曾至少连续使用耳机30 min的农村中小学生进行用耳行为调查.结果 调查对象中12.24％的学生每天使用耳机的平均时间超过1 h,40.68％的学生1周内曾长时间连续使用耳机超过1 h,有25.88％的学生1周内曾长时间连续在需要提高音量的环境中使用耳机,男女生之间的差异均具有统计学意义.感觉自己听声音不如过去清楚的学生比例为13.54％.多因素回归结果显示,相对于每天使用耳机小于1 h,每天使用耳机1～2 h(OR=1.413,95％CI:1.170～1.706)和大于2 h(OR=1.775,95％CI:1.410～2.235)的学生听力损伤率更高,住校(OR=1.243,95％CI:1.042～1.484)、地区经济差(OR=1.331,95％CI:1.043～1.699)、父母双无相对于双亲家庭(OR=1.717,95％CI:1.124～2.622)、耳机总使用年限大于6年相对于小于2年(OR=1.569,95％CI:1.193～2.064)、每天上网大于2 h相对于不上网(OR=1.424,95％CI:1.119～1.812)的学生听力损伤率更高;每天睡眠时间8～10 h相对于不足8 h(OR=0.887,95％CI:0.634～1.240)是听力损伤的保护因素.结论 山东省中小学生耳机使用现状不容乐观,应采取措施减少耳机使用频率,缩短耳机使用时间.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors of myopia and high myopia in students from primary school and junior high school in Shandong. METHODS A total of 35,614 subjects completed the visual acuity test, refraction error measurement, and questionnaire in 2019. The visual acuity test was performed using the standard logarithmic visual acuity chart and the refractive error was measured by an automatic refractometer without cycloplegia. RESULTS The average age was 12.38 ± 1.78 years, with 18,501 boys and 17,113 girls. The overall prevalence of myopia and high myopia was 68.02% and 5.90%, respectively, and reached up to 85.54% and 13.13% for the grade 9 students. The risk factors included girls, parental myopic history, time spent doing homework, and less sleep time. Performing eye exercise was significantly associated with a lower risk of myopia. Use of mobile devices and reading while lying down were only related to myopia, not high myopia. CONCLUSION The prevalence of myopia and high myopia is at a high level. In addition to genetic factors, continuous close work and a lack of sleep was an important factor associated with children myopia and high myopia.

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of foodborne disease outbreaks in schools in China’s Mainland and to identify where preventive measures could be targeted.MethodsData on foodborne disease outbreaks in schools reported between 2010 and 2020 were extracted from Chinese National Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance Network and analyzed.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2020， 2 101 outbreaks of foodborne disease in schools were reported in China’s Mainland and involved 44 510 cases， 15 193 hospitalizations and 6 deaths. The median number of cases per event was 21. The etiology of 50.9% （1 069/2 101） of the outbreaks was not determined， and suspected food of 21.2% （446/2 101） of the outbreaks was not determined. Microbial pathogens were the most common cause of the outbreaks with a known etiology （65.7%， 678/1 032） and 83.3% （5/6） of the deaths were chemical agents-related outbreaks. Staphylococcus aureus and its enterotoxins and Bacillus cereus were the most commonly identified pathogens， accounting for 14% （145/1 032） and 13% （135/1 032） of outbreak reports with a known etiology. The most common foods were meat products （9.2%， 194/2 101）， accidental ingestion of poisonous plants （8.8%， 184/2 101） and rice products （8.1%， 171/2 101）. September was a high month for foodborne disease outbreaks （20.2%， 425/2 101）. The main reasons for food contamination in outbreaks were insufficient heating or cooking time during food preparation， or accidental ingestion and misuse of poisonous plants and chemicals， and improper food storage.ConclusionSchools and relevant departments of food safety management should strengthen food safety guidance， supervision and management， regularly train canteen employees， carry out food safety education for primary and secondary school students， and strengthen cooperation among various departments and field hygiene investigations.

Pesticide residues in radishes can induce serious health hazards, especially in children and toddlers. In order to assess potential health risk from pesticide residues in radishes, a total of 26 pesticides were evaluated by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in 1690 samples, which were collected from the year 2016 to 2019 in Shandong Province of China. All the 26 pesticide residues were detected in 752 radish samples (44.50%), but only 221 samples (13.08%) contained detectable pesticide residues, which are above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Multiple residues with two to nine pesticides were present in 5.09% (86 out of 1690) of samples. Hazard quotient (HQ) and the cumulative risk index were far below 100, while percentage value of acute reference dose (%ARfD) of triazophos exceeded 100 for adults, children, and toddlers. The %ARfD value for carbofuran, aldicarb, monocrotophos, and parathion was over 100 for toddlers. From the perspective of public health, the occurrence of pesticide residues in radishes could not pose a serious health risk problem, but the acute health risk should be paid more attention, especially to toddlers. It is recommended to make strict regulations on the management of pesticide residues and human health risk assessment about pesticide residues.

ObjectiveTo study the epidemiological characteristics of foodborne disease outbreaks in China in 2016.MethodsThe foodborne disease data collected from National Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Surveillance System were analyzed.Results4 056 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported in 31 provinces, which caused 32 812 illnesses and 213 deaths. Mushroom poisoning caused the largest percentage of outbreaks and deaths, accounting for 40.7% (991/2 435) and 74.1% (146/197), respectively. Microbiological agents caused the largest percentage of illnesses (59.3%, 12 910/21 769).ConclusionMicrobial foodborne disease remains a serious food safety issues in China. Mushroom poisoning frequently occurred all over the country.

Rare earth elements (REEs) can cause neoplasms, reduce bone density, affect children's intelligence, etc., and diet is an important way for the human body to absorb REEs. With the increasing use of REEs, the impact on human health is becoming more and more important. So, we used a probabilistic assessment method with Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the dietary intake of REEs by residents of a large light rare earth mining area in Shandong Province. 16 REEs in 447 samples (including wheat, maize, dry beans, vegetables, fruits and eggs) were detected. The mean value of total REEs for all samples was 286.96 μg/kg, and of light rare earth elements (LREEs) was 270.18 μg/kg. Among of LREEs, Ce, La, Nd and Pr were dominant. The REEs content of different food categories showed that wheat, leafy vegetables and allium vegetables had higher content of REEs, melons vegetables, root vegetables, fruits and eggs had the lowest content. The mean dietary intake of rare earth oxides for the whole population was 4.20 μg/kg bw/d, wheat and vegetables (leafy vegetables, allium vegetables and root vegetables) were the main sources of REEs. Dietary intake estimates of REEs by age and gender did not exceed the acceptable daily intake which means implying no impact on human health.

目的 了解山东省淡水鱼产品从养殖到餐饮全链条致病性弧菌的污染来源.方法 2018年每季度在养殖环节采集淡水鱼、养殖环境样品,并根据供货信息在流通及餐饮等环节采集淡水鱼样品.致病性弧菌菌株分离、鉴定按相关食品安全国家标准及监测工作手册进行.并完成副溶血性弧菌tlh、tdh、trh基因及霍乱弧菌ctxAB基因检测和血清型鉴定.结果 淡水鱼产品致病性弧菌总阳性率为29.66％,且在不同环节阳性率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).在养殖环节,非O1/O139群霍乱弧菌(33.75％)是优势弧菌,而在流通、餐饮环节,副溶血性弧菌检出率升高明显.养殖环节鱼苗(56.25％)、水体(50.00％)、水藻(50.00％)是主要污染来源.64株副溶血性弧菌有6株检出trh基因.结论 淡水鱼产品在不同环节均受到致病性弧菌的污染.养殖环境是养殖环节淡水鱼中致病性弧菌,尤其是霍乱弧菌的主要污染来源,而在流通或餐饮环节淡水鱼中嗜盐性弧菌的交叉污染更为明显.