• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.353-358
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• 2021

BACKGROUND: Prochloraz has been widely used as an imidazole fungicide on fruits and vegetables in Korea. Analytical approaches to evaluate prochloraz residues in herbal medicine are required for their safety management. In this study, we developed a GC-ECD method for quantitative determination of prochloraz in Platycodi Radix. The metabolite 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-T) was used as a target compound to evaluate total prochloraz residues as it is categorized to a representative residue definition of prochloraz. All residues containing 2,4,6-T were converted to 2,4,6-T and subjected to GC-ECD. METHODS AND RESULTS: In order to verify the applicability, the method was optimized for determining prochloraz and it metabolite 2,4,6-T in Platycodi Radix. Prochloraz and its metabolite 2,4,6-T residuals were extracted using acetone. The extract was diluted with and partitioned directly into dichloromethane to remove polar co-extractives in the aqueous phase. The extract was decomposed to 2,4,6-T, and then the partitioned ion-associate was finally purified by optimized aminopropyl solid-phase extraction (SPE). The limits of quantitation of the method (MLOQs) were 0.04 mg/kg and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively for prochloraz and 2,4,6-T, considering the maximum residue level (MRL) of prochloraz as 0.05 mg/kg in Platycodi Radix. Recovery tests were carried out at two levels of concentration (MLOQ, 10 MLOQ) and resulted in good recoveries (82.1-89.7%). Good reproducibilities were obtained (coefficient of variation < 2.8%), and the linearities of calibration curves were reasonable (r² > 0.9986) in the range of 0.005-0.5 ㎍/mL. CONCLUSION(S): The method developed in this study was successfully validated to meet the guidelines required for quantitative determination of pesticides in herbal medicine. Thus, the method could be useful to monitor prochloraz institutionally in herbal medicine.

• Food Engineering Progress
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.307-315
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• 2010

The safety and security of food supply should be one of the primary responsibilities of any government. Estimation of nation's food commodity intakes is important to control the potential risks in food systems since food hazards are often associated with quality and safety of food commodities. The food intake databases provided by Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) are good resources to estimate the demographic data of intakes of various food commodities. A limitation of the KNHANES databases, however, is that the food intakes surveyed are not based on commodities but ingredients and their mixtures. In this study, reasonable calculation strategies were applied to convert the food intakes of the ingredients mixtures from the KNHANES into food commodity intakes. For example, Perilla leaf consumed with meat, raw fish, and etc. in Korean diets was used to estimate its Korean intakes and develop algorithms for demographic analysis. Koreans have consumed raw, blanched, steamed, and canned perilla leaf products. The average daily intakes of the perilla leaf were analyzed demographically, for examples, the intakes by gender, age, and etc. The average daily intakes of total perilla leaf were 2.03${\pm}$0.27 g in 1998, 2.11${\pm}$0.26 g in 2001, 2.29${\pm}$0.27 g in 2005, 2.75${\pm}$0.35 g in 2007, and 2.27${\pm}$0.20 g in 2008. Generally, people equal to or over 20 years of age have shown higher perilla leaf intakes than people below 20. This study would be contributed to the estimation of intakes of possible chemical contaminants such as residual pesticides and subsequent analysis for their potential risk.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.283-290
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: Pesticide residue analysis is an essential activity in order to establish the food safety of agricultural products. Analytical approaches to the food safety are required to meet internationally the guideline of Codex (Codex Alimentarius Commission, CAC/GL 40). In this study, we developed a liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) method to determine the herbicide clopyralid in food matrixes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clopyralid was extracted with aqueous acetonitrile containing formic acid and the extracts were mixed in a citrate buffer consisted of magnesium sulfate anhydrous, NaCl, sodium citrate dihydrate and disodium hydrogencitrate sesquihydrate followed by centrifugation. The supernatants were filtered through a nylon membrane filter and used for the analysis of clopyralid. The method was validated by accuracy and precision experiments on the samples fortified at 3 different levels of clopyralid. LC-MS/MS in positive mode was employed to quantitatively determine clopyralid in the food samples. Matrix-matched calibration curves were inearranged from 0.001 to 0.25 mg/kg with r2 > 0.994. The limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 0.001 and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. There covery values of clopyralid for tified at 0.01 mg/kg in the control samples ranged from approximately 82 to 106% with relative standard deviations below 2 0%. CONCLUSION: The method developed in this study meets successfully the Codex guideline for pesticide residue analysis in food samples. This, the method could be applicable to determine pesticides in foods produced domestically and internationally.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

The health benefits associated with consumption of fresh produce have been clearly demonstrated and encouraged by international nutrition and health authorities. However, since fresh produce is usually minimally processed, increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has also led to a simultaneous escalation of foodborne illness cases. According to the report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 10 people suffer from foodborne diseases and 420,000 die every year globally. In comparison to other processed foods, fresh produce can be easily contaminated by various routes at different points in the supply chain from farm to fork. This review is focused on the identification and characterization of possible sources of foodborne illnesses from chemical, biological, and physical hazards and the applicable methodologies to detect potential contaminants. Agro-chemicals (pesticides, fungicides and herbicides), natural toxins (mycotoxins and plant toxins), and heavy metals (mercury and cadmium) are the main sources of chemical hazards, which can be detected by several methods including chromatography and nano-techniques based on nanostructured materials such as noble metal nanoparticles (NMPs), quantum dots (QDs) and magnetic nanoparticles or nanotube. However, the diversity of chemical structures complicates the establishment of one standard method to differentiate the variety of chemical compounds. In addition, fresh fruits and vegetables contain high nutrient contents and moisture, which promote the growth of unwanted microorganisms including bacterial pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli O157: H7, Shigella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus) and non-bacterial pathogens (norovirus and parasites). In order to detect specific pathogens in fresh produce, methods based on molecular biology such as PCR and immunology are commonly used. Finally, physical hazards including contamination by glass, metal, and gravel in food can cause serious injuries to customers. In order to decrease physical hazards, vision systems such as X-ray inspection have been adopted to detect physical contaminants in food, while exceptional handling skills by food production employees are required to prevent additional contamination.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.447-452
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• 2018

Water is an important component in the production of fresh produce. It is mainly used for irrigation and application of pesticides and fertilizers. Several outbreaks cases related to fresh produce have been reported and water has been identified as the most likely source. On the other hand, wildlife has been identified as a possible source of the waterborne pathogens. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of wildlife access on irrigation water used in the cultivation of Chinese cabbage in Goesan. The frequency of wild animals access to upstream water source and the contamination level of bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Enterococci of irrigation water used in Chinese cabbage farm was examined. A total of 37 wildlife including the wild bear and water deer were observed in upstream of water source during the cultivation of Chinese cabbage. The result indicated the presence of hygienic indicator bacteria from the upstream where there is no human access. The contamination range of coliforms, E. coli, and Enterococcus spp. Detected in the irrigation water were 2.13~4.32 log MPN / 100 mL, 0.26~2.03 log MPN / 100 mL, and 1.43~3.49 log MPN / 100 mL, respectively. Due to low water temperatures, the contamination levels of coliform bacteria and E. coli in the irrigation water during harvesting time was lower compared to those recorded during transplanting of Chinese cabbage. However, no significant difference was detected in the number of Enterococci during the cultivation of Chinese cabbage. The results indicated the need to manage the microbial risk in irrigation water to enhance safety in cultivation of Chinese cabbage.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.108-117
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• 2021

BACKGROUND: Dichlobentiazox is a newly registered pesticide in Korea as a triazole fungicide and requires establishment of an official analysis method for the safety management. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the residual analysis method of dichlobentiazox for the five representative agricultural products. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three QuEChERS methods were applied to establish the extraction method, and the EN method was finally selected through the recovery test. In addition, various adsorbent agents were applied to establish the clean-up method. As a result, it was found that the recovery of the tested pesticide was reduced when using the d-SPE method with PSA and GCB, but C₁₈ showed an excellent recovery. Therefore this method was established as the final analysis method. For the analysis, LC-MS/MS was used with consideration of the selectivity and sensitivity of the target pesticide and was operated in MRM mode. The results of the recovery test using the established analysis method and inter laboratory validation showed a valid range of 70-120%, with standard deviation and coefficient of variation of less than 3.0% and 11.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dichlobentiazox could be analyzed with a modified QuEChERS method, and the method determined would be widely available to ensure the safety of residual pesticides in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.194-215
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• 2021

Termites are important decomposers in the ecosystem. They are also economically significant structural pests. In this study, we reviewed the developments of termite control and recent research on termite management to provide information on the prevention and control of termites. In Korea, most of the damage to wooden historical buildings is caused by subterranean termites. Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis is the main species, which is widely found throughout the country. In the early 1900s, inorganic insecticides, such as arsenic dust, were used for termite control. After the synthesis of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide in the 1940s, it was widely utilized and demonstrated high termite control efficacy. However, chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides were later banned, disappearing from markets after reports emerged concerning environmental contamination and toxicity to humans. Therefore, the termite control industry sought a new termiticide; hence many pesticides were utilized for termite control. Organophosphate (1960s), carbamate (1970s), pyrethroid, and insect growth inhibitor (1980s) were newly synthesized and adopted. In the 1990s, the first commercial baits using chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSI) were developed, providing a means to eliminate an entire colony of subterranean termites around a structure. Many studies have been carried out on soil termiticides (liquid termiticides) and CSI baits to increase their efficacy, and different baits such as aboveground bait stations, fluid bait, and high-durability bait were also developed in the 2000s. In addition, the paradigm of termite control has shifted from localized treatments using soil termiticides to area-wide pest management using CSI baits to create termite-free zones and protect buildings over time. Termite infestations in wooden historical buildings in Korea have been reported since 1980, and considerable attention was drawn in the 1990s when several UNESCO world heritages such as the Jongmyo Shrine and the Janggyeong Panjeon Depositories of Haeinsa Temple were infested by subterranean termites. Since then, a survey of termite infestation in wooden architectural heritage has been conducted, and the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Heritage Care Program regularly monitors those properties. Finally, we suggest termite management using primarily CSI baits, selective application of various soil treatments applied to the object, foundation soil treatment, research and development of durable termite baits, application of area-wide programs for wooden-building complexes, application of integrated termite management (ITM), and regular education for owners and managers to prevent and reduce termite damage.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.220-227
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• 2021

Fluoroimide is a fungicide and is also used as a pesticide for persimmons and potatoes. The established fluoroimide pesticide analysis method takes a long time to perform and uses benzene, a carcinogen. In addition, a lower limit of quantification is required due to enforcement of the Positive List System. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the analysis method for residual fluoroimide to resolve the problems associated with the current method. The analytical method was improved with reference to the increased stability of fluoroimide under acidic conditions. Fluoroimide was extracted under acidic conditions by hydrogen chloride (4 N) and acetic acid. MgSO₄ and NaCl were used with acetonitrile. C₁₈ (octadecylsilane) 500 mg and graphitized carbon black 40 mg were used in the purification process. The experiment was conducted with agricultural products (hulled rice, potato, soybean, mandarin, green pepper), and liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry was used for the instrumental analysis. Recovery of fluoroimide was 85.7-106.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 15.6%. This study reports an improved method for the analysis of fluoroimide that might contribute to safety by substituting the use of benzene, a harmful solvent. Furthermore, the use of QuEChERS increased the efficiency of the improved method. Finally, this research confirmed the precise limit of quantification and these results could be used to improve the analysis of other residual pesticides in agricultural products.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.69-79
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to monitor the pesticide residues in frozen fruits and vegetables distributed and sold in online and offline markets in Korea. For the study, 107 samples of 34 types of frozen fruits and vegetables were examined, and a total of 341 pesticide residues were analyzed by using multiclass pesticide multi-residue methods of the Korean Food Code. As a result, pesticide residues were detected from 16 of 64 frozen fruits samples and 15 of 43 frozen vegetables samples. Conclusively, residues were detected from 31 samples in total, showing a detection rate of 29.0%. Specifically, pyridaben exceeded the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) based on the Positive list system (PLS) in one of the frozen radish leaves, and the violation rate was 0.9%. Detection on frozen fruits and vegetables was made 23 times for 11 types and 36 times for 21 types. In total, 28 types of pesticide residues were detected 59 times. Fungicides were detected the most in frozen fruits, while insecticides were detected the most in frozen vegetables. The most detected pesticides were the insecticide, acaricide chlorfenapyr (5) and the fungicide boscalid (5). Chlorfenapyr was detected only in frozen vegetables, and boscalid was detected in frozen fruits except one.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.129-142
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• 2022

Ginseng sprouts, which can be eaten from leaves to roots, has the advantage of not having to use pesticides without being affected by the season by using smart farms. The optimal cultivation timing of sprout ginseng was checked and the nutritional content and antioxidant activity were compared and analyzed. The values of total fatty acids and total minerals were no significant changes during the growth periods. The contents of total amino acids were slightly decreased to 45 days and after increased to 65 days. When the growth period was 65 days, arginine had the highest content of 3309.11 mg/100 g. The total phenolic contents were high at 3.73 GAE mg/g on the 45 days, and the total flavonoid contents were also the highest at 9.04 RE mg/g on the 45 days. The contents of total ginsenoside was not noticeable for the growth periods (29.83 on 25 days→32.77 on 45 days→26.02 mg/g on 65 days). The ginsenoside Rg2 (0.62 mg/g), Re (8.69 mg/g), Rb1 (4.75 mg/g) and Rd (3.47 mg/g) had highest contents on 45 days during growth. The values of phenolic acids and flavonols were gradually increased to 45 days (338.6 and 1277.14 ㎍/g) and then decreased to 65 days. The major compounds of phenolic acids and flavonols were confirmed to benzoic acid (99.03-142.33 ㎍/g) and epigallocatechin (416.03-554.64 ㎍/g), respectively. The values of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (44.27%), 2,4,6-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphnoic acid) diammonium salt (75.16%), and hydroxyl (63.29%) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (1.573) showed the highest activity on the 45 days as well as results of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents.