Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants that require very strict performance criteria from the methods that want to analyze them in food for research or regulatory purposes. This systematic literature review tried to evaluate Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe (QuEChERS) extraction methodologies coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for PFAS determination in food. Peer-reviewed articles (2010–2025) were eligible if they analyzed PFAS in food matrices using QuEChERS extraction protocols with LC-MS/MS or HRMS and reported performance and/or validation data. Scopus, WoS and Google Scholar were searched up to 18 December 2025. Due to heterogeneity in matrices, PFAS panels and reported validation metrics, no meta-analysis was performed, and the results were synthesized narratively. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Most methods used acidified acetonitrile (ACN)-based QuEChERS workflows and achieved limits of quantification (LOQ) reported to be compatible with EU Regulation 2023/915 and Commission Implementing Regulation 2022/1428. Analytical scope expanded from 9 to 15 legacy PFAS to >40 analytes. Short-chain PFAS analyses in vegetable matrices and methods from developing countries are underrepresented. QuEChERS-based LC-MS/MS and HRMS methods support regulatory PFAS monitoring and PFAS research. The main limitation of this review is the heterogeneity of included studies and the absence of formal meta-analysis.

Aim:We examined marine collagen supplements derived from fish and jellyfish for the presence of toxic metals and metalloids (Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, and As). A risk assessment was also carried out by converting the obtained concentrations into average daily doses (ADDs) and comparing them with tolerable daily intakes (TDIs) to evaluate potential health risks associated with long-term consumption. Methods:The levels of Pb, Cd, Cr, and As in marine collagen samples were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Mercury levels were analysed with a direct analyser. The study analysed various brands of marine collagen supplements from fish and jellyfish, ensuring compliance with EU regulatory limits. Results:Arsenic was the most abundant element detected, with mean values of 0.59 ± 0.28 mg/kg, followed by Pb (0.13 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Significant variability was observed between brands. Hg was detectable in only 12% of the samples. Marine collagen samples derived from jellyfish and Scomber scombrus skin extract showed no detectable toxic metals or metalloids. None of the samples exceeded EU regulatory limits, and ADDs were consistently below TDIs, indicating safety for consumption at recommended doses. However, it is recommended that food safety regulations be updated to account for potential cumulative risks from simultaneous intake of contaminated supplements.

Minerals have key roles in the body’s metabolism and homeostasis. Biostimulants application to vegetables, such as seaweed extracts derived from Ecklonia maxima (SwE), is a useful agronomic approach to improve crop yield and quality by a naturally functionalizing process. We hypothesized that SwE biostimulants would impact the minerals profile of the lettuce and the consumption of lettuce with SwE application would affect blood minerals concentration in the health population. This in turn would impact metabolic pathways essential for human homeostasis. A group 48 healthy adults, of both sexes, was allocated in a double-blinded manner into groups that consumed 100 g a day of control lettuce, lettuce with SwE application or an iron tablet (30 mg) for four weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline (T0) and at the end of the trial (T2) and compared for differences in serum mineral concentrations, iron, lipid and glucose homeostasis. In lettuce, SwE biostimulant enhanced iron concentration by about 63%. The consumption of lettuce with SwE application increased serum iron by about 38%, transferrin saturation by about 47%, and reduced total cholesterol by about 19% and Low-density lipoprotein by about 22%. Supplementation of iron in tablets has similar effects to lettuce with SwE application but with side effects (diarrhea or constipation). The study offers an innovative perspective by assessing lettuce with SwE application as a natural alternative to iron supplements that are commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects. The results are of interest in the context of dietary iron deficiency especially among populations that avoid meat-based diets. This research could have broad implications for enhancing the nutritional value of plant-based foods to support dietary health by promoting intersection of sustainable agriculture and human nutrition. Clinical trial registration number: NCT06656871.

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 (p < 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.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of trace metals and metalloids (Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Al, V, Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, Ag, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se) in wild Mediterranean land snails, Cornu aspersum and Eobania vermiculata from Sicily (Southern Italy) through a reliable ICP-MS method, to assess the accumulation in soft tissues intended for human consumption and give new data useful to regulating their concentrations in this type of product.The results obtained showed the presence of all the trace elements analysed in all the samples except for Hg, with mean contents following the order Fe>Al>Zn>Mn>Cu>Ag>Cr>V>Ni>Cd>Pb>Co>Se>As. Significant differences were observed among samples collected from rural and urban areas (p<0.01) for non-essential elements (As, Pb) except for Cd. Very low As contents were found in both the species examined. The Principal Component Analysis confirmed that the accumulation of these elements predominantly occurs in sites close to urban areas.The residual levels of Cd and Pb and the non-detectable contents of Hg documented the quality of Cornu aspersum and Eobania vermiculata from Southern Italy for human consumption to employ in the heliculture and the safety of these snail species intended.

In the original publication [...].

Bivalves can concentrate biological and chemical pollutants, causing foodborne outbreaks whose occurrence is increasing, due to climatic and anthropic factors that are difficult to reverse, hence the need for improved surveillance. This study aimed to evaluate the hygienic qualities of bivalves sampled along the production and distribution chain in Sicily and collect useful data for consumer safety. Bacteriological and molecular analyses were performed on 254 samples of bivalves for the detection of enteropathogenic Vibrio, Arcobacter spp., Aeromonas spp., Salmonella spp., and beta-glucuronidase-positive Escherichia coli. A total of 96 out of 254 samples, collected in the production areas, were processed for algal biotoxins and heavy metals detection. Bacterial and algal contaminations were also assessed for 21 samples of water from aquaculture implants. Vibrio spp., Arcobacter spp., Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli were detected in 106/254, 79/254, 12/254, 16/254, and 95/254 molluscs, respectively. A total of 10/96 bivalves tested positive for algal biotoxins, and metals were under the legal limit. V. alginolyticus, A. butzleri, and E. coli were detected in 5, 3, and 3 water samples, respectively. Alexandrium minutum, Dinophysis acuminata, Lingulodinium polyedra, and Pseudonitzschia spp. were detected in water samples collected with the biotoxin-containing molluscs. Traces of yessotoxins were detected in molluscs from water samples containing the corresponding producing algae. Despite the strict regulation by the European Commission over shellfish supply chain monitoring, our analyses highlighted the need for efficiency improvement.

In this study, we investigate the role of microwave cooking in reducing mycotoxin contamination in plant-based food matrices, with a focus on veggie burgers (purchased and home-made) and their ingredients (soybean, potatoes, zucchini, carrots). Two different conditions were studied (Max–Min) that were 800 W for 60 s and 800 W for 90 s, respectively. The degradation patterns of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), fumonisins (FB1, FB2, FB3), trichothecenes (T2, HT2, ZEA), and ochratoxin A (OTA) were studied. The extraction procedures were conducted with the QuEChERS extraction, and the analyses were conducted with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that degradation under microwave cooking varies considerably across different food matrices and cooking conditions. This study provides valuable insights into the degradation of mycotoxins during microwave cooking and underscores the need for more research in this area to ensure food safety.

Heavy metals and metalloids are increasingly recognised as a threat to avian health, especially in species at the top of the food chain such as vultures. Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) are ideal bioindicators for studying environmental contamination due to their scavenging habits and territorial behavior. In this study, we analysed the concentrations of six trace elements (Cd, Pb, Cr, Sb, Ni, and Cu) in feathers, pectoral plumage, and blood samples of Griffon Vultures from a captive environment in Sicily, Southern Italy, using an ICP-MS method. Significant differences in the levels of trace elements were observed between different matrices (p < 0.05). The ramigal feathers were divided into rachis (basal, medial, apical), calamus, and barbs (basal, medial apical). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated a clear differentiation in metal accumulation between the sections of feather matrices and between pectoral plumage and blood, reflecting the diverse pathways and time of exposure and deposition. No significant differences in heavy metal concentrations were observed between sexes and age classes. This work highlights the effectiveness of using feather matrices for monitoring environmental exposure to toxic elements and highlight the importance of continuous surveillance of heavy metal contamination in reintroduced vulture populations.

In this work we examined the contents of 14 polyphenols in white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) samples cultivated in Southern Italy by the optimisation and validation of a LC-HRMS method. The validation of the LC-HRMS method showed linearity results r2 > 0.989 and recovery values between 71 and 119% for a very wide range of concentrations. Ellagic acid was the most abundant polyphenol, with mean concentrations of 16271.86 ± 19798.53 μg/Kg, followed by apigenin (2749.51 ± 889.95 μg/Kg). A significant variability in ellagic acid contents was found between the areas of cultivation examined (p < 0.05). As far as we know, this work provides the first data on the polyphenols contents of white lupins cultivated in Italy. The comparison with other study confirms the role of the cultivation area for the determination of the polyphenol's contents. The study also confirms white lupins as a promising source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances in a balanced diet.

Dolphins, top predators of the aquatic food chain, are used as sentinel species of marine pollution as they are sensitive to environmental changes and able to accumulate a large content of contaminants. Several EU directives promote study of marine mammalians as bio-indicators to evaluate the presence of contaminants in the aquatic environment, such as the Mediterranean Sea, which is rich in environmental pollutants due to its geographic and geo-morphological characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of toxic and essential metals and metalloids (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Se and Zn), through ICP-MS analysis, in organs/tissues (liver, muscle, lung, kidney and skin) of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded along the Sicilian coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea. The results confirm the exposure of dolphins to toxic metals and metalloids, with the highest Hg levels observed in skin and liver, although a low Metal Pollution Index (MPI) was found in all samples of both dolphin species. From a comparative analysis of trace metals and metalloids according to sex and state of development, the highest levels of Cd and As were found in females vs. males and adults vs. juveniles, except for Pb in both species, and significant differences were observed between the two species, size of specimens, and organs/tissues analyzed. The highest Hg levels were correlated to those of essential metals Se and Zn, expressed as molar ratios, to evaluate the potential synergic effect of these detoxifying elements against Hg toxicity. This study confirms the rule of Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis as valid sentinel species of the Mediterranean Sea, to verify the trend of metals pollution in this aquatic environment and, consequently, the health of these marine species.

Along the Italian coasts, toxins of algal origin in wild and cultivated shellfish have been reported since the 1970s. In this study, we used data gathered by the Veterinary Public Health Institutes (IZS) and the Italian Environmental Health Protection Agencies (ARPA) from 2006 to 2019 to investigate toxicity events along the Italian coasts and relate them to the distribution of potentially toxic species. Among the detected toxins (OA and analogs, YTXs, PTXs, STXs, DAs, AZAs), OA and YTX were those most frequently reported. Levels exceeding regulatory limits in the case of OA (<= 2,448 mu g equivalent kg(-1)) were associated with high abundances of Dinophysis spp., and in the case of YTXs (<= 22 mg equivalent kg(-1)) with blooms of Gonyaulax spinifera, Lingulodinium polyedra, and Protoceratium reticulatum. Seasonal blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. occur all along the Italian coast, but DA has only occasionally been detected in shellfish at concentrations always below the regulatory limit (<= 18 mg kg(-1)). Alexandrium spp. were recorded in several areas, although STXs (<= 13,782 mu g equivalent kg(-1)) rarely and only in few sites exceeded the regulatory limit in shellfish. Azadinium spp. have been sporadically recorded, and AZAs have been sometimes detected but always in low concentrations (<= 7 mu g equivalent kg(-1)). Among the emerging toxins, PLTX-like toxins (<= 971 mu g kg(-1) OVTX-a) have often been detected mainly in wild mussels and sea urchins from rocky shores due to the presence of Ostreopsis cf. ovata. Overall, Italian coastal waters harbour a high number of potentially toxic species, with a few HAB hotspots mainly related to DSP toxins. Nevertheless, rare cases of intoxications have occurred so far, reflecting the whole Mediterranean Sea conditions.

The presence of polyphenols was examined in carob pods (Ceratonia siliqua) from Southern Italy 90 days after harvest by the validation of a reliable LC-HRMS method. A greater abundance of Apigenin (51490.22 ± 34399.16 μg/Kg) and Myricetin (24897.92 ± 108332.05 μg/Kg) compared to previous research works conducted in Mediterranean countries. Significant differences in the polyphenol content between sampling areas (p < 0.05) were observed, particularly differences in hesperidin and myricetin. These differences confirmed the role of geochemical and climatic conditions in the variation of polyphenol content. This study is a first regarding the phenolic content of carob pods from Southern Italy, confirming the presence of these substances even long after harvest and that carob pods are valuable sources of phenolic substances that may be useful in the prevention of diseases related to oxidative stress.

We assessed the presence of V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sb, Cd, and Pb in white lupin samples cultivated in Southern Italy by the validation of an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. The ICP-MS method validation showed satisfactory values of linearity (r2 > 0.999), recovery (87.4-100.7%), repeatability, and reproducibility values. Zinc was the most abundant element; showing mean concentrations of 0.778 ± 0.09 mg/Kg wet weight (w.w.) and a maximum of 1.013 mg/Kg w.w., followed by copper (0.191 ± 0.05 mg/Kg w.w.). Among the non-essential elements, important levels of cadmium were found (0.017 ± 0.004 mg/Kg w.w.), with 28% exceeding the limits set by the EU Regulation. The results of this work confirm the role of white lupins and other legumes in reducing the pH of the soil, increasing the exchangeable forms of Cd. This work also provides the first data on the nutritional and antinutritional properties of white lupins cultivated in Italy.

Comparison between aluminum bioaccumulation in samples of the Muscovy duck Cairina moschata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves Anatidae) from the city (Palermo) and the country (Monreale) (Italy)

Calonectris diomedea is a Procellariforms seabird having a very representative colony in Linosa Island (Southern Italy). The adult forms of C. diomedea produce a pasty oil from their proventriculus to feed their chicks during the rearing period. In this work, we examined the fatty acids composition of the stomach oil of C. diomedea from Linosa Island by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The samples were collected at 20 and 70 days after hatching. Twenty different fatty acids (FAs) were identified. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were the most abundant in percentage (41.6%) at day 20 followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 38.7%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 19.7%). MUFAs were the most abundant in samples collected at day 70 (53.8%), followed by SFAs (36.6%) and PUFAs (9.8%). Oleic acid (C18:1ω9) in the samples on day 70 was 4 times higher than that in the samples on day 20. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) verified a clear separation of the stomach oil samples in two groups, according to the day of sampling. The results obtained confirm the role of FAs analysis of stomach oil to understand the ecology and breeding behaviour of C. diomedea, highlighting a resemblance with signatures recorded in marine organisms of Linosa Island.

Micronutrients are required in many reactions involved in physical activity and exercise. Most physically active people do not meet the body's needs in terms of micronutrients through diet. The novelty of the present manuscript is the use of an innovative dietary approach to supply micronutrients to physically active people through biofortified food. Therefore, the key point of this study was to verify whether supplementation with biofortified vegetables-and specifically molybdenum (Mo)-enriched lettuce-in healthy volunteers affects essential regulators of body homeostasis and, specifically, hematological parameters, iron and lipid metabolism, and hepatic function. Twenty-four healthy volunteers were allocated in a double-blinded manner to either a control group that consumed lettuce, or the intervention group, which consumed Mo-enriched lettuce, for 12 days. Blood samples were collected at baseline (T0) and after 12 days (T1). We found that supplementation with Mo-enriched lettuce did not affect hematological parameters, liver function, or lipid metabolism, but significantly improved iron homeostasis by increasing non-binding hemoglobin iron by about 37% and transferrin saturation by about 42%, while proteins of iron metabolism (e.g., transferrin, ferritin, ceruloplasmin) were not affected. The serum molybdenum concentration increased by about 42%. In conclusion, this study shows that consumption of Mo-biofortified lettuce ameliorates iron homeostasis in healthy subjects, and suggests that it could be used as a new nutritional supplementation strategy to avoid iron deficiency in physically active people.

The Experimental Zooprophyilactic Institute of Sicily has great opportunities and validated methods (accreditated by the national control unit ACCREDIA) for biodiversity monitoring and analysis of fauna samples. The fauna recovery centers of Bosco di Ficuzza (Palermo) and Colli San Rizzo (Messina) routinely send dead specimens to the Institute to perform every category of analysis for both medical and veterinary purpose. Measuring heavy metals concentrations in top predators is a strong indicator for territory and biodiversity health monitoring to take management and conservation actions for natural systems. In this study, two specimens of the Common buzzard ( Buteo buteo L., Accipitridae ) were investigated for Cd, Fe and Pb content by an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Results show that in one sample only Pb levels exceed cut-off values in organs like the liver, kidney and muscle with a concentration of 0,005 mg/Kg. This is probably a cause of prey ingestion killed by lead pellets. In the other sample the only high level was for Fe with a concentration of 0,386 mg/Kg. According to literature (Scheuhammer 1987), Pb present in plumage is probably a reflection of external pollution and it not depends on diet, while its high concentration in internal organs is directly related to ingestion of lead pellets during consumption of preys killed by them.

We examined the presence of As, Cr, Cd, and Pb in 42 samples of farmed East Asian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) from Vietnam and Thailand by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). An estimation of the dietary intake and exposure to the toxic elements analysed was also carried out. The results showed very high As levels, with mean values of 0.094 ± 0.085 mg/Kg w.w. and a maximum of 0.22 mg/Kg. No significant differences were found for As contents between areas of production (p > 0.05). No detectable Cd contents were found in all the samples examined. The Pb concentrations of the East Asian bullfrog legs samples were below the European Commission’s permitted levels. The Cr and Pb contents of the East Asian bullfrog produced in Vietnam were significantly higher than that produced in Thailand (p < 0.05). The target hazard quotient (THQ) ratio for Cr was not exceeded for all the samples analysed. In contrast, the benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) and THQ ratios for As were exceeded, indicating carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for those who consume this type of food. The results of this work confirm the role of As-contaminated water absorption as an important source of arsenic for these adult organisms.

Objectives: We analysed 900 samples of fresh (250) and processed (650) fish products collected in Sicily (Southern Italy) in 2020 during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) pandemic (hereafter: COVID-19). Materials and methods: The samples were divided temporally based on four phases relating to the various restrictions imposed by the Italian government in this period. The validated method of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography combined with a diode array detector was then employed for the analysis. Results: The samples collected during the Phase I lockdown period and after it had ended (Phase II) revealed significant increases in the mean histamine levels: (41.89 +/- 87.58) mg/kg and (24.91 +/- 76.76) mg/kg, respectively. The 11 (1.3% of the total) fresh fish samples that were identified as being non-compliant with Regulation (EC) No.2073/2005 were only found during these two periods. All the processed samples were always compliant. The histamine values decreased as the restrictions eased, achieving a mean value of (11.16 +/- 9.3) mg/kg (Phase III). Conclusions: There was an increase in the incidence of fish samples that were non-compliant with Regulation (EC) No.2073/2005 compared to previous surveillance data.These results provide a first report on the effect of lockdown measures on food safety and the cold chain. Our findings must cause food safety operators to intensify their controls over fresh fish products in such periods to safeguard consumer health. Further studies are required to evaluate whether the same trend would be observed with other food contaminants.