A complete workflow for discovering small bioactive peptides in foods by LC-MS/MS: A case study on almonds.
Identification of bioactive peptides is an increasingly important target for food chemists, particularly in consideration of the widespread application of proteolytic enzymes in food processing. Because the characterization of small peptides by LC-MS/MS is challenging, we optimized a dimethyl labeling technique to facilitate small peptide identification, using almond proteins as a model. The method was validated by comparing the MS/MS spectra of standards and almond-derived peptides in their nonderivatized and derivatized forms. Signal enhancement of a1 ions was proved to effectively aid in the full-length sequencing of small peptides. We further validated this method using two industrially-relevant protein-rich extracts from almond flour: 1737 medium-sized peptides (5–39 amino acids) and 843 small peptides (2–4 amino acids) were identified. The use of an online bioactive peptide database, complemented by the existing literature, allowed the discovery of 208 small bioactive peptides, whereas for medium-sized peptides, only one was reported being bioactive. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130834
Research advancements in optical imaging and spectroscopic techniques for nondestructive detection of mold infection and mycotoxins in cereal grains and nuts.
Cereal grains and nuts are represented as the economic backbone of many developed and developing countries. Kernels of cereal grains and nuts are prone to mold infection under high relative humidity and suitable temperature conditions in the field as well as storage conditions. Health risks caused by molds and their molecular metabolite mycotoxins are, therefore, important topics to investigate. Strict regulations have been developed by international trade regulatory bodies for the detection of mold growth and mycotoxin contamination across the food chain starting from the harvest to storage and consumption. Molds and aflatoxins are not evenly distributed over the bulk of grains, thus appropriate sampling for detection and quantification is crucial. Existing reference methods for mold and mycotoxin detection are destructive in nature as well as involve skilled labor and hazardous chemicals. Also, these methods cannot be used for inline sorting of the infected kernels. Thus, analytical methods have been extensively researched to develop the one that is more practical to be used in commercial detection and sorting processes. Among various analytical techniques, optical imaging and spectroscopic techniques are attracting growers’ attention for their potential of nondestructive and rapid inline identification and quantification of molds and mycotoxins in various food products. This review summarizes the recent application of rapid and nondestructive optical imaging and spectroscopic techniques, including digital color imaging, X-ray imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, fluorescent, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging. Advance chemometric techniques to identify very low-level mold growth and mycotoxin contamination are also discussed. Benefits, limitations, and challenges of deploying these techniques in practice are also presented in this paper. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12801
Acceleration of lipid oxidation in raw stored almond kernels in response to postharvest moisture exposure.
Background: Almonds are an important crop in California, and increased yields necessitate that dried in-hull almonds are stored in the field for longer periods increasing the potential for postharvest moisture exposure (e.g. rain, fog, etc.). Processors are increasingly drying these 'wet' almonds to a moisture content of <6% using low heat before the hulling and shelling process in order to reduce mechanical damage to the nutmeat. To date, there is no information on the impact that moisture exposure and drying prior to hulling and shelling, has on lipid oxidation and storage shelf life of raw almonds. Results: Raw almonds exposed to ≤8% moisture and subsequently dried (MEx) and almonds not exposed to moisture exposure (≤ 4% moisture; control) were stored under accelerated shelf-life conditions and evaluated monthly over 12 months for free fatty acids value (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and headspace volatiles. At 12 months of accelerated storage, MEx almonds have 1.4 times higher FFA and 3.5 times higher PV than the control indicating significant oxidative damage. MEx almonds also demonstrated higher levels of headspace volatile compounds related to lipid oxidation (i.e. hexanal, octanal, hexanoic acid) throughout storage. Conclusion: Drying almonds exposed to postharvest moisture prior to storage results in a higher degree of lipid oxidation during storage and a significant reduction in shelf life. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11452
Italy: Samurai Wasp Authorized to Combat Halyomorpha halys
The use of the Samurai wasp was authorized in the regions of Marche, Campania, Liguria, Sardegna, Lazio and Umbria.
In the region of Campania, the first releases of the wasp started on July 27. According to the agricultural cooperative CERERE, technicians from the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) carried out the first launches of the wasp in the upper Caserta area (Teano). For each farm, about 230 individuals between males and females were released.
Brief COVID-19 Update: July 28, 2021
According to Bloomberg, more than 3.93 billion doses have been administered across 180 countries, which should be enough to fully vaccinate 25.6% of the world population, but inequitable vaccination is still present. “More than three-and-a-half billion vaccine doses have now been administered globally, and more than one in four people have received at least one vaccine dose. 75% of vaccines have been administered in just 10 countries. In low income countries, only 1% of people have received at least one dose, compared with more than half of people in high-income countries”, stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom, head of the WHO, during his speech at the 138th International Olympic Committee Session on July 21.
In some countries, lawmakers are encouraging vaccine uptake. France approved a law requiring special virus passes for all restaurants and domestic travel, and mandating vaccinations for all health workers. Italians will need to show a certificate known as the “Green Pass” if they want to partake in indoor activities (restaurants, museums, gyms and other public venues) from August 6. Greece also imposed mandatory inoculations for some workers, such as healthcare and nursing staff. The US made vaccines mandatory for certain federal workers and is looking for further steps to immunize the country.
Brief COVID-19 Update: July 28, 2021
According to Bloomberg, more than 3.93 billion doses have been administered across 180 countries, which should be enough to fully vaccinate 25.6% of the world population, but inequitable vaccination is still present. “More than three-and-a-half billion vaccine doses have now been administered globally, and more than one in four people have received at least one vaccine dose. 75% of vaccines have been administered in just 10 countries. In low income countries, only 1% of people have received at least one dose, compared with more than half of people in high-income countries”, stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom, head of the WHO, during his speech at the 138th International Olympic Committee Session on July 21.
In some countries, lawmakers are encouraging vaccine uptake. France approved a law requiring special virus passes for all restaurants and domestic travel, and mandating vaccinations for all health workers. Italians will need to show a certificate known as the “Green Pass” if they want to partake in indoor activities (restaurants, museums, gyms and other public venues) from August 6. Greece also imposed mandatory inoculations for some workers, such as healthcare and nursing staff. The US made vaccines mandatory for certain federal workers and is looking for further steps to immunize the country.
Food Safety Update: July 2021
Chile: Peanut Import Requirements
Chile has approved the treatments in origin with methyl bromide and phosphine to control certain insects.
This resolution entered into force on July 8, 2021.
Please see the WTO notification here.
ECHA: SO2 Re-classification
UK: Official Controls, Temporary Measures
2021 No. 681. Official Controls (Temporary Measures) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021.
Italy: Samurai Wasp Authorized to Combat Halyomorpha halys
The use of the Samurai wasp was authorized in the regions of Marche, Campania, Liguria, Sardegna, Lazio and Umbria.
In the region of Campania, the first releases of the wasp started on July 27. According to the agricultural cooperative CERERE, technicians from the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) carried out the first launches of the wasp in the upper Caserta area (Teano). For each farm, about 230 individuals between males and females were released.
Latest Trade News and Agreements: July 2021
Argentina: Export Duties Reduction
The process of reducing Export Duties of Regional Economies began in December 2019 and there are now 67 items with zero fiscal cost.
More information
Australia-UK: Free Trade Agreement
China: Yantian Port
EU: Suspension of Tariffs on US Goods
The application of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1646 is hereby suspended for a period of five years from July 11, 2021. The 25% duty on peanuts inshell (1202 41) and shelled (1202 42) is removed.
EU: WCO Modernization
- make the Organization a more effective and efficient actor for the promotion of safe, secure and licit trade,
- support customs policies worldwide that address global issues,
- contribute to sustainable development,
- remain fit for purpose in the digital world.
- Greater focus and clarity of the Organization’s strategic priorities.
- Good governance methods in the management of the Organization.
- Sustainable funding for the functioning of the Organization.
Turkey-Ukraine: Draft Free Trade Agreement
More information
Turkey-Malaysia: Free Trade Agreement Expansion
More information
UK-Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein: Free Trade Agreement
Free Trade Agreement between Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
UK: Trade Preferences
In particular, they are asking views on:
- rules of origin requirements for least developed countries (LDCs)
- reducing tariffs for low income and lower-middle-income countries
- the approach to goods graduation, which suspends reduced rates on some goods
- the conditions and reporting requirements for low or lower-middle-income countries
Pesticides Update: July 2021
Australia: MRLS Update
Among other changes, the table to section S20-3 in Schedule 20 is amended as follows:
- The maximum residue limit (MRL) for Benzyladenine in pistachio nut at T*0.05 ppm is omitted.
- The MRL for Benzyladenine in all other foods (except animal food commodities) at 0.01 ppm and walnut at T*0.005 ppm is inserted.
- The MRL for Pyroxasulfone in all other foods (except animal food commodities) at 0.01 ppm is inserted.
‘T’ indicates that the maximum residue limit is a temporary maximum residue limit.
The deadline for comments is August 10, 2021.
The proposal can be found here (pp. 23-27).
EU: MRLs Update
The MRL for cyflumetofen is set at 0.3 ppm in apricots.
This Regulation entered into force on July 26, 2021.
In addition, the EC published the Commission Regulation (EU 2021/1110) of 6 July 2021 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for ametoctradin, bixafen, fenazaquin, spinetoram, tefluthrin and thiencarbazone-methyl in or on certain products.
As previously announced, the Regulation establishes the following MRLs:
- The MRL for fenazaquin is lowered from 0.2 to 0.01* ppm in grapes.
- The MRL for spinetoram is lowered from 0.05* to 0.02* ppm in tree nuts, plums, dates, figs and peanuts; and from 0.5 to 0.4 ppm in grapes.
- The MRL for tefluthrin is lowered from 0.05 to 0.01* ppm in tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, and peanuts.
- The MRL for thiencarbazone-methyl is set at 0.01* ppm in tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, and peanuts.