• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.189-197
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• 2022

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. The onset of asthma for most patients begins early in life, and current asthma treatment with anti-inflammatory agents can have adverse effects, eventually leading to impaired quality of life. In the pathogenesis of asthma, macrophages and basophils play a vital role during progression. Macrophages not only induce inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines but also promote DNA damage and mucus production through nitric oxide (NO) production. Basophils enhance eosinophil recruitment and aggravate asthma through the FcεRIα receptor with high affinity for histamine and IgE. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether the activation of macrophages and basophils is suppressed by the individual extracts of 28 natural products. RAW 264.7 cells (mouse macrophages) were treated with the natural products in LPS, and 4 natural product extracts resulted in decreased NO production. In β-hexosaminidase assay using RBL-2H3 cells (rat basophils), 19 natural product extracts decreased β-hexosaminidase production. In NO production and β-hexosaminidase assay using macrophages and basophils, 3 natural product extracts (Plantago asiatica, Centella asiatica, and Perilla frutescens var. japonica) significantly inhibited NO production and β-hexosaminidase release. Overall, we examined the inhibitory effects of 28 natural product extracts on macrophage and basophil activity, and the findings demonstrated the potential of natural product extracts for treating asthma and macrophage- and basophil-related diseases.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.260-270
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• 2022

In this study, we tested for pesticide residues in 114 samples representing 20 different types of fruit circulating in Gyeonggido. A total of 341 pesticides were identified via a multi-residue method using GC-NPD, GC-ECD, GC-MSMS, and LC-MSMS. In whole fruit, pesticides were detected in 48 cases, with a concentration range of 0.0025-0.1663 mg/kg. In the peels, pesticides were detected in 85 cases, with a concentration range of 0.0026-4.7185 mg/kg and a higher average concentration than was found in whole fruit. In the pulp, pesticides were detected in 8 cases, with a concentration range of 0.0021-0.0993 mg/kg. In most of the peels, pesticides were detected below MRL. In the kiwi peel, deltamethrin (with an MRL of 0.05 mg/kg) was detected at 0.1020 mg/kg. Since MRLs are applied to whole fruit, these levels are not unsuitable for ingestion. However, washing is recommended before ingestion to promote healthier and safer inclusion of the peel in the diet. Continuous monitoring of the peel and pulp is indicated.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.12-18
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• 2023

Beef traceability systems help prevent the distribution of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) meat as imported beef. In particular, assigning a traceability number to each cattle can provide all information regarding the purchased Hanwoo meat to the consumers. In the present study, a DNA identity test was conducted on 344 samples of Hanwoo meat from large livestock product stores in Seoul between 2021 and 2022 to determine the authenticity of important label information, such as the traceability number. Traceability number mismatch was confirmed in 45 cases (13.1%). The mismatch rate decreased to 11.3% in 2022 from 14.7% in 2021, and the mismatch rate was higher in the northern region (16.9%) than in the southern region (10.2%). In addition, of the six brands, B and D showed satisfactory traceability system management, whereas E and A showed poor traceability system management, with significant differences (P<0.001). The actual traceability number confirmation rate was only 53.9% among the mismatch samples. However, examination of the authenticity of label information of the samples within the identified range revealed false marking in the order of the traceability number (13.1%), sex (2.9%), slaughterhouse name (2.2%), and grade (1.6%); no false marking of breed (Hanwoo) was noted. To prevent the distribution of erroneously marked livestock products, the authenticity of label information must be determined promptly. Therefore, a legal basis must be established mandating the filling of a daily work sheet, including the traceability number of beef, in partial meat subdivisions. Our findings can be used as reference data to guide the management direction of traceability systems for ensuring transparency in the distribution of livestock products.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.112-122
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• 2023

We assessed the pesticide residues in the medicinal agricultural products distributed in Korea. Pesticide residues in 72 samples were analyzed using the QuECheRS method for 339 pesticides, using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. The pesticide residues were below the maximum residues limit (MRL) in 42 samples (58.3%); however, they exceeded the MRL in 5 samples (6.9%). These included 43 types of pesticides; 20 fungicides and 23 insecticides were detected 75 times and 58 times, respectively. Tebuconazole and carbendazim were the most detected fungicides, each 11 times. The levels of acetamiprid, cadusafos, chlorpyrifos, flubendiamide, fluopyram, and triazophos exceeded the MRL in Gogi berry, Omija, and Reishi mushroom. All of them were positive list system (PLS) items that lacked pesticide residue standards. Therefore, authorities should monitor the distributed medicinal agricultural products.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.544-550
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• 2023

To develop a functional probiotic that inhibits gingipain, a major virulence factor of Porphyromonas gingivlais (P. gingivalis), we screened over 30 probiotic strains for their ability to inhibit gingipian activity. We investigated the inhibition of expression of gingipain genes kgp, rgpA, and rgpB as well as gingipain activity, using freeze dried cell-free supernatants of Weisiella cibaria SPM402 (WC402) and Lactobacillus paracasei SMP412 (LP412), both of which demonstrated antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis. Thus, it was verified that kgp expression was reduced by approximately 0.71±0.02 folds and rgpB expression was reduced by approximately 0.71±0.14 folds at a concentration of WC402 10 mg/mL. Meanwhile, at the same concentration of 10 mg/mL of LP412, kgp expression was reduced by approximately 0.19±0.08 folds, rgpA expression was reduced by approximately 0.09±0.02 folds, and rgpB expression was reduced by approximately 0.24±0.03 folds. At a concentration of 10 mg/mL, Kgp activity was inhibited by approximately 78.65±3.58% (cell associated gingipain, CAG), 82.45±1.22% (cell-free gingipain, CFG) by WC402 and 80.71±2.11% (CAG), and 85.81±0.05% (CFG) by LP412 respectively. Rgp activity was also effectively inhibited by approximately 78.6±1.01% (CAG), 86.78±0.47% (CFG) and 82.93±1.26% (CAG), 88.81±0.36% (CFG) by WC402 and LP412 respectively. Based on these results, W. cibaria SPM402 and L. paracasei SPM412 can be regarded as functional probiotics with the ability to inhibit gingipain activity and exhibit antibacterial effects against P. gingivalis.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.16-25
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• 2024

This study investigated the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. In poultry meat and its association with foodborne illnesses in Gwangju, South Korea. It was found that out of the 307 samples of poultry meat examined, 111 (36.2%) were infected with Campylobacter spp. Among the isolated strains, 102 were identified as Campylobacter jejuni and 14 as Campylobacter coli. The detection rate of Campylobacter spp. was higher in duck meat (63.1%) than in chicken meat (26.0%). In 5 samples (1 chicken, 4 duck), both Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were found together. The antimicrobial resistance test showed that 99 strains were resistant to more than one antimicrobial. The most common antimicrobial resistance was seen against ciprofloxacin (84.5%), followed by nalidixic acid (82.8%), tetracycline (44.0%), and gentamicin (2.6%). The isolated Campylobacter spp. were serotyped and the results showed the presence of HS2 (20 strains), HS15 (11 strains), HS19 (9 strains), and HS8 (8 strains). Considering the findings, it is recommended to maintain hygienic practices during the cooking process and to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2024

This study was performed to survey the distribution of Listeria spp. in fresh agricultural products in the Busan area, the Republic of Korea, from January to November 2022. We investigated the pathogenicity and epidemiological relationships by tracing isolated strains using polymerase chain reaction and pulsed-field gel electro-phoresis (PFGE) methods. Forty cases of Listeria spp. were detected in the 210 samples of fresh agricultural products analyzed. Four species, Listeria rocourtiae, L. innocua, L. grayi, and L. monocytogenes were detected only in green vegetables (lettuce, perilla leaps) and the others (L. innocua, L. monocytogenes, and L. grayi) were detected in enoki and oyster mushrooms. L. innocua was detected in 22 samples and L. grayi in six samples. L. monocytogenes, which causes foodborne diseases, was only detected in enoki mushrooms and the strains that were isolated had genes responsible for the pathogenicity of listeriosis (iap, prfA, inlA, inlC, inlJ, and hly). To investigate the genetic similarity and contamination route of L. monocytogenes, serotyping and PFGE were conducted for 12 strains isolated from fresh agricultural (10 strains) and poultry (2 strains) products distributed at a market in the Busan area. Two serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b) were detected in strains isolated from the agricultural and poultry products, but serotype 1/2b was only detected in strains isolated from agricultural products. PFGE analysis showed index of similarity values of 45.7 to 100% and the same patterns were represented in isolates from some enoki mushrooms. These isolates had the same serotypes and showed significant epidemiological relationships.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2024

This study investigated the effectiveness of using pathogens and aqueous acids to reduce the Aspergillus ochraceus and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa contamination in livestock production environments. For this study, 1 mL of each bacterial suspension (10⁷-10⁸ spores/mL) was inoculated on a knife surface, dried at 37℃, and used under each treatment condition. First, to investigate the effect of organic acids, acetic, lactic, and citric acids were used. Subsequently, to select the appropriate concentration, they were prepared at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%, respectively. Accordingly, to further maximize the effect of organic acid treatment, we combined the treatment with ultraviolet light. The two strains showed a significant difference (P<0.05) compared to the initial strain, with a greater than 90% decrease in the concentrations of all organic acids. Consequently, acetic and lactic acids decreased by approximately 5 and 2 log colony forming unit (CFU)/cm², respectively, when treated with ultraviolet light (360 mJ/cm²); however, citric acid decreased by less than 1 log CFU/cm². However, when manufactured with 4% acetic acid, a severe malodor was emitted, making it difficult for workers to use it in a production environment. Accordingly, the optimal treatment conditions for organic acid and ultraviolet light for application were selected as follows: immersion in a 4% lactic acid solution for 1 minute and then, sterilization with ultraviolet light at 360 mJ/cm². Finally, when a pork meat sample was cut with a knife that was finally washed with lactic acid and treated with ultraviolet light, the low level of inoculum transferred from the cleaned knife to the surface of the sample was not detected. In conclusion, using this established method can prevent cross-contamination of the surface of the meat during processing.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.221-230
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• 2024

Pesticide residues were monitored in dried red pepper and pepper powder samples purchased in Northern Gyeonggi-do and from domestic online markets. The QuEChERS method was used to prepare 88 samples. GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS were used to analyze 338 pesticide residues. In the study, pesticide residues were detected in 70 samples (79.5%), with residues exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRL) in 4 samples (4.5%). Pesticide levels exceeded the MRL in imported samples, with two samples of dried red pepper and two samples of pepper powder showing elevated levels. Among the 61 pesticides detected, tebuconazole, a fungicide was most frequently detected (52 times). Tricyclazole, which is used to control the main disease affecting rice, exceeding the MRL in 3 of 12 Vietnam-origin samples. Ethion exceeded the MRL in one Indian-origin sample. Both tricyclazole and ethion are banned for use in pepper products in Korea and are regulated under the positive list system (PLS). Conversely, pesticides detected in domestic samples were within the MRLs. Therefore, authorities should monitor pesticide residues in imported red pepper products.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.239-247
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• 2008

Objective of this study was to investigate residual the levels of heavy metals in rice grain and soils of "Top-Rice" and common rice cultivation areas from 2005 to 2007. Soil and rice grain samples were taken from 33 "Top-rice" areas and neighboring paddies, and analyzed for the elements using ICP-OES and ICP-TOF-MS after acid digestion. A concentration of arsenic in paddy soil was 1.33 mg/kg which was below 1/5-1/11 fold of the threshold levels(concern: 4 mg/kg, action: 10 mg/kg), and paddy soil was 0.06 mg/kg of Cd(cadmium) being below 1/25-1/67 fold of the limits(concern: 1.5 mg/kg, action: 4 mg/kg). A level of Cu(copper) in paddy soil was 4.57 mg/kg which was below 1/11-1/27 fold of the threshold levels(concern: 50 mg/kg, action: 125 mg/kg), and Pb(lead) concentration in paddy soil was found to be a 4.68 mg/kg. In addition, Hg(mercury) concentration in paddy soil was to be a 0.03 mg/kg, which was below 1/131-1/328 fold of the threshold levels(concern: 4 mg/kg, action: 10 mg/kg). The average concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg in the polished rice samples were 0.037, 0.043, 0.280, 0.048 and 0.002 mg/kg, respectively. These levels are lower than those of other countries in rice grains. Assuming the rice consumption of 205.7 g/day by total dietary supplements in Korea, the amount of total weekly metal intake of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg by polished rice were estimated to be 0.0892, 1.035, 6.712, 1.161 and 0.054 ${\mu}g/kg$ body weigh/week, respectively. The PTWI(%) of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg were 5.95(inorganic arsenic), 0.26(total arsenic), 14.79, 0.19, 4.65 and 1.07% estimated to be 0.0892, 1.035, 6.712, 1.161 and 0.054 ${\mu}g/kg$ body weigh/week, respectively. In conclusion, it was appeared that the heavy metals contamination in the brown and polished rice should not be worried in Korea.