• 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.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.75-79
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• 2019

Purpose Cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) camera with semiconductor detector is capable of dynamic myocardial perfusion SPECT for coronary flow reserve (CFR). Image acquisition with the heart positioned within 2 cm in the center of the quality field of view (QFOV) is recommended because the CZT detector based on focused multi-pinhole collimators and is stationary gantry without rotation. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal method for measuring position of the heart within the center of the QFOV when performing dynamic myocardial perfusion SPECT with the Discovery NM 530c camera. Materials and Methods From June to September 2018, 45 patients were subject to dynamic myocardial perfusion SPECT with D530c. For accurate heart positioning, the patient's heart was scanned with a mobile ultrasound and marked at the top of the probe where the mitral valve (MV) was visible in the parasternal long-axis view (PLAX). And, the marked point on the patient's body matched with the reference point indicated CZT detector in dynamic stress. The heart was positioned to be in the center of the QFOV in rest. The coordinates of dynamic stress and rest were compared statistically. Results The coordinates of the dynamic stress using mobile ultrasound and those taken of the rest were recorded for comparative analysis with regard to the position of the couch and analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in the coordinates of Table in & out, Table up & down, and Detector in & out (P > 0.05). The difference in distance between the 2 groups was measured at $0.25{\pm}1.00$, $0.24{\pm}0.96$ and $0.25{\pm}0.82cm$ respectively, with no difference greater than 2 cm in all categories. Conclusion The position of the heart taken using mobile ultrasound did not differ significantly from that of the center of the QFOV. Therefore, The use of mobile ultrasound in dynamic stress will help to select the correct position of the heart, which will be effective in clinical diagnosis by minimizing the image quality improvement and the patient's exposure to radiation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.12
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• pp.1109-1117
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• 2020

In order to verify whether Zophobas atratus is an edible insect, the nutrients and harmful substances of Z. atratus larvae reared with an artificial diet (AD) and wheat bran (WB) were compared and analyzed. Based on dry weight, the crude protein content of Z. atratus larvae reared with an AD was 62.4%, 1.4 times higher than that of those reared with WB (45.2%). The crude fat content was 20.5% in the AD group, 2.3 times less than in the WB group (46.3%). The leucine content was 1.4 times higher in the AD group (4.2%) than in the WB group (3.0%). The glutamic acid content of nonessential amino acids was 1.3 times higher in the AD group (7.0%) than in the WB group (5.3%). The oleic acid content was 1.4 times higher in the WB group (37.0%) than in the AD group (26.7%). The potassium content was 1.1 times higher in the AD group (975.9 mg/100 g) than in the WB group (872.9 mg/100 g). According to the results of the toxic substances analysis, the lead and cadmium levels of the WB and AD groups were standard for edible insects. Pathogenic microorganisms, such as E. coli and salmonella, were not detected in either group. According to the results of the present analysis of nutrition and harmful substances, Z. atratus larvae raised on an AD are safe and contain various nutrients. Therefore, such larvae could be useful sources of food and feed.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2021

In this study we analyzed the elution rates of 11 metals from 82 metallic kitchen utensils purchased in the market. The elution frequency of the 11 types of metals was iron > aluminum > chromium, nickel > zinc > copper > lead > arsenic > antimony > stannum > cadmium. For metallic kitchen utensils, the elution rate of heavy metals was 7.3-93.9%, and the average elution concentration was 0.001-13.473 mg/L. The average elution concentration of heavy metals was ranged between none-detected (N. D.) to 30.473 mg/L for non-coated kitchen utensils and 0.000-10.005 mg/L for coated kitchen utensils. The average elution concentration of metals from domestic kitchen utensils ranged from 0.001-25.145 mg/L, and from 0.000-33.518 mg/L for imported kitchen utensils. In particular, aluminum was found to be high in domestic kitchen utensils while iron was high in imported kitchen utensils. The average elution concentration of heavy metals was N.D.-2.670 mg/L for stainless steel, N.D.- 31.575 mg/L for aluminum, and N.D.-307.737 mg/L for iron. The amount of transition to food after cooking was investigated.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.264-270
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• 2021

In this study we investigated the elution level of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), antimony (Sb), germanium (Ge), aluminum (Al) and hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) from 69 home-cooking utensils into a food stimulants. The results of migration testing according to the Korea standards and specifications for utensils, containers and packages showed values the allowable migrantion limits. Al was detected in all 7 utensil materials with the average concentration ranging from 0.002-5.989 mg/L. According to the migration conditions for (180℃, 30 min), the average concentration of Al in paper was 7.2 times higher than 25℃, 10 min (P<0.05). The results of migration testing at 180℃, 30 min were also below the allowable migrantion limits. When comparing with the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of Al, the estimated weekly intakes (EWI) accounted for 0.000-0.045% for Al.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.248-256
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• 2021

A total of 120 samples corresponding to 12 categories of dried processed fishery products distributed in Gyeonggi-do were examined for radioactivity contamination (¹³¹I, ¹³⁴Cs, ¹³⁷Cs) and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury). One natural radioactive material, ⁴⁰K, was detected in all products, while the artificial radioactive materials ¹³¹I, ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs were not detected at above MDA (minimum detectable activity) values. The detection ranges of heavy metals converted by biological basis were found as follows: Pb (N.D.-0.332 mg/kg), Cd (N.D.-2.941 mg/kg), As (0.371-15.007 mg/kg), Hg (0.0005-0.0621 mg/kg). Heavy metals were detected within standard levels when there was an acceptable standard, but the arsenic content was high in most products, although none of the products had a permitted level of arsenic. In the case of dried processed fishery products, there are products that are consumed by restoring moisture to its original state, but there are also many products that are consumed directly in the dry state, so it will be necessary to set permitted levels for heavy metals considering this situation in the future. In addition, Japan has decided to release contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, so there is high public concern about radioactivity contamination of food, including fishery products. Therefore, continuous monitoring of various food items will be necessary to ease consumers' anxiety.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.117-126
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• 2019

This paper presents an experiment to examine the possibility of treating carcass while making compost with a horizontal cylinder composting equipment. The findings were as follows: as for heavy metal content, zinc content was above the allowed level in some measuring sections of the general operation and the entire measuring sections of the carcass operation, whose copper content was higher than the general operation. The wood chip operation was lower than the allowed level in all the heavy metals and similar or the same as the carcass operation in copper, cadmium and arsenic. Its nickel content was 29.5~63.8%, which was relatively higher than 9.3~18.0% and 15.8~18.0% of the general and carcass operation, respectively. Its chrome content was 14.2~31.9%, which was relatively higher than that of the general and carcass operation. The integrated operation was lower than the allowed level in all the heavy metals. Its copper and zinc content was 34.9~54.5% and 53.1~75.9%, which was similar to 48.9~52.6% and 64.6~85.9%, respectively, in the wood chip operation. Its chrome and nickel content was stabilized while their content was rather high in the wood chip operation. The average and final moisture content of the carcass operation was 60.7% and 49.6%, respectively. Its average moisture content was a little bit higher than the recommended level of 55.0%, but its final moisture content was lower than the recommended level. The average and final moisture content of the integrated operation was 29.2% and 18.6%, respectively, which was the lowest level among the four operation modes. The overall moisture content of the operation modes was under the recommended level of 55.0% with some variance among the modes. The C/N ratio was the lowest in the carcass operation and the highest in the general operation. The average C/N ratio of the operation modes was in the range of 13.7~20.3 with the total average of 18.3, and the modes kept it under the proper level of 30.0.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.581-586
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• 2020

In this study, we investigated the illegal hazardous compounds in dietary supplements. We analyzed the contents of anti-obesity drugs, their analogues (orlistat, sibutramine, desmethylsibutramine, didesmethylsibutramine, chlorosibutramine, chlorosipentramine) and three heavy metals (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As)) in 62 other processed products (n=32), candies (n=7), weight control foods (n=10) and teas (n=13). Anti-obesity drugs or their analogues were not detected in any of the 62 samples. Three heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As) were detected in the range of ND-0.177 mg/kg, 0.002-0.233 mg/kg and 0.001-0.188 mg/kg in teas, ND-0.370 mg/kg, 0.003-0.057 mg/kg and 0.007-0.120 mg/kg in candies, ND-0.055 mg/kg, 0.012-0.045 mg/kg and 0.010-0.163 mg/kg in weight control foods, respectively. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As) were detected in the range of ND-2.324 mg/kg, 0.004-0.936 mg/kg and 0.003-21.247 mg/kg in other processed products that are not regulated by specification standards according to food types. These results show that regulations of heavy metals is required in other processed products for genuine food safety.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.394-399
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• 2022

This study was conducted to estimate hazardous heavy metal content, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) in 120 collagen products currently marketed in Korea. Hg concentration was analyzed by a gold amalgamation method using a mercury analyzer, while concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As were analyzed by ICP-OES. The average Pb concentration was 0.097 mg/kg. For comparison, respective average concentrations were 0.108 mg/kg, 0.084 mg/kg, 0.131 mg/kg, and 0.149 mg/kg in functional health foods, other processed products, beverages, and fruit/vegetable processed products. The average concentration of Cd was 0.026 mg/kg. All products in which Cd was detected were functional health foods. The average concentration of As was 0.097 mg/kg, with respective average concentrations of 0.091 mg/kg, 0.133 mg/kg, and 0.086 mg/kg in functional health foods, other processed products, and fruit/vegetable processed products. The average Hg concentration was 0.0025 mg/kg, with respective average concentrations of 0.0012 mg/kg, 0.0028 mg/kg, 0.0013 mg/kg, and 0.0031 mg/kg in functional health foods, other processed products, fruit/vegetable processed products, and candies respectively. Heavy metal levels in beverages and candy products with set heavy metal standards were below the set standards. Even products without regulatory standards were found to be relatively safe compared with heavy metal standards set for domestic and foreign foods.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.175-182
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• 2022

Heavy metals can be intentionally or unintentionally introduced into plastic food utensils, containers, and packaging (PFUCP) as additives or contaminants, which can be ingested with food by humans. Here, seven-heavy metals (lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, antimony, copper, and manganese) with toxicity concerns were selected, and risk assessment was done by establishing their migration from 137 PFUCP products made of 16 materials distributed in Korea. Migration of heavy metals was examined by applying 4% acetic acid as a food simulant (70℃, 30 minutes) to the PFUCP products. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed for the analysis of migrated heavy metals, and the reliability of quantitative results was confirmed by checking linearity, LOD, LOQ, recovery, precision, and expanded uncertainty. As a result of monitoring, heavy metals were detected at a level of non-detection to 8.76 ± 11.87 ㎍/L and most of the heavy metals investigated were only detected at trace amounts of less than 1 ㎍/L on average. However, antimony migrated from PET products was significantly higher than other groups. Risk assessment revealed that all the heavy metals investigated were safe with a margin of exposure above 311. Collectively, we demonstrated that heavy metals migrated from PFUCP products distributed in Korea appear to be within the safe range.