Abstract:In order to investigate a management system for safely utilizing puffer fish resources, a series of management measures regarding the cultivation, processing, sale and handling of aquaculture puffer fish were conducted under the support of Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science and Technology. No food poison accident has been reported during millions of eating trials in the pilot study. All documents developed by the study group could provide references for setting up management measures on taking puffer fish as a novel food source in China.

Abstract:Objective To make comet assay automated and standardized; to study and test the function and reliability of comet auto-assay (Comet A) software. Methods Comet A software installed on 3 different computers were operated independently by 3 analysers to analyze the same 30 pieces of comet pictures; some pictures were also measured by visual scales. The results were analyzed and the functions of comet A software were tested. Results The results analyzed by 3 analysers independently were not significantly different from each other; there were no significant differences between the results analyzed by visual scale and Comet A. The functions of Comet A were auto selection and recognition, auto analysis, auto storage and traceable to the source. Conclusion The results analyzed by Comet A software are stable and reproducible, which is helpful to make comet assay automated and standardized.

Abstract:Objective To synthesize and identify artificial antigens for pyrethroids. Methods Two haptens were synthesized by using Kung Fu chrysanthemic acid and 3-Phenoxybenzoicacid as the intermediate of pyrethroids to react with a four carbon “spacer arm”—aminobutyric acid, which were verified by MS. Immunogens for immunizing Balb/c mouse were prepared by the N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated ester method using bovine serum albumin as carriers; and coating antigens were prepared by mixed anhydride reaction using ovalbumin as carriers. The concentration of conjugates and molar ratios were estimated by UV spectrophotometry. Results The titer of polyclonal antisera determined by ELISA was high (>1:50000) and the IC₅₀ was 200 ng/ml. Conclusion The artificial antigens for pyrethroids were prepared successfully.

Abstract:Objective To judge the stability and digestibility of human α-lactalbumin derived from recombinant bovine. To compare the digestion time for the recombinant human α-lactalbumin with that for standard human α-lactalbumin in simulated gastric and intestinal fluid or in gastric and intestinal fluid extracted from miniature swine. This would provide basic materials for assessing the allergenicity of recombinant proteins. Methods The recombinant protein and human α-lactalbumin standard substance were digested according to the national standard method Food safety detection of genetically modified organisms and derived products—Method of target protein digestive stability in simulative gastric and intestinal fluid. The samples after digestion were analyzed with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting. Results The recombinant protein samples were digested completely within 0 s in simulated gastric fluid; 10 min in simulated intestinal fluid; and 20 min in gastric and intestinal fluid of miniature swine. The digestion time was all less than 20 minutes for recombinant protein samples, which was similar for human α-lactalbumin standard substance, although some differences were existed. Conclusion There was no digestion resistance of the recombinant protein in simulated gastric and intestinal fluid or in gastric and intestinal fluid extracted from miniature swine.

Abstract:Objective revealing the relationship between irradiation dose and inactivation ratio for cysticerci of Taenia solium in pork，determining the minimal dose for totally killing cysticerci and providing scientific evidence for setting up relevant hygienic standards of radiation. Methods After Taenia solium infected pork being treated with different irradiation doses; cysticerci were separated and incubated in fresh swine bile. The adjusted inactivation ratio was calculated according to the survival rate. Results There was a linear correlation between irradiation dose and adjusted inactivation ratio, the D₁₀ value was about 3.8kGy, and a totally killing could be achieved by 4.5kGy irradiation. Conclusion Irradiation at a dose of 4.5kGy could be applied as the maximum dose to inactivate cysticerci of Taenia solium in pork processing.

Abstract:Objective To determine the distribution of tccP1 gene in Escherichia coli O157 isolates collected by the National Foodborn Disease Surveillance System from 2005 to 2007. Methods PCR was applied to detect the genes of 89 isolates of E. coli O157. Results The isolates carrying tccP1 accounted for 55.1%. Conclusion The tccP1 gene was widely present in O157:H7 strains but scarcely present in O157:hund/O157:NM strains. There were some associations of the distribution of tccP1 gene with eaeA gene but no association with shiga toxin gene carried by Escherichia coli O157.

Abstract:Objective To obtain the basic data of lead and cadmium exposure from food for Shanghai residents, and to estimate the health risk of dietary lead and cadmium contamination in Shanghai. Methods A method recommended by WHO on the dietary exposure assessment of chemicals in food was applied. Surveillance on the content of lead and cadmium in food combined with a survey on dietary nutrients intake of Shanghai residents was conducted. Results The average dietary lead and cadmium exposure of Shanghai residents per week were estimated to be 0.0062 mg/kg BW and 0.0025 mg/kg BW, accounted for 24.77% and 35.06% of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI), respectively. The dietary lead and cadmium exposure per week of top consumers (the food consumption was higher than the upper 90th percentile) were estimated to be 0.0123 and 0.0048 mg/kg BW, accounted for 49.08% and 68.09% of PTWI. Conclusion The level of dietary cadmium exposure in Shanghai residents was higher than that of dietary lead exposure. Although both dietary lead and cadmium exposure level in Shanghai residents is usually lower than PTWI, cutting it down is necessary.

Abstract:Objective To study the change of 11β-HSD2 gene expression in carcinogenesis and cancer prevention and to study the possibility of using 11β-HSD2 gene expression as a molecular target endpoint in the progression of breast cell carcinogenesis suppressed by Grape Seed Extract(GSE). Methods Cell carcinogenesis model for human breast epithelial MCF10A cell was induced by treating the cell with carcinogens NNK and B[a]P repeatedly, and the cell model system for the prevention of carcinogenesis was developed by combining GSE with NNK and B[a]P. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of 11β-HSD 2 gene. The biological change of carcinogen treated cells was studied by transfecting small interference RNA (siRNA) to inhibit 11β-HSD 2 gene expression of cells. Results The colony formation of carcinogen treated cells in low-mitogen medium was less after the expression of 11β-HSD 2 gene was inhibited by specific siRNA , which was just like the colony formation of normal cells. The expression of 11β-HSD 2 gene was high in carcinogen treated cells, and the gene expression was low or undetectable in normal breast epithelial cells and cells combined treated with GSE and carcinogen. Conclusion The biological display of carcinogen treated cells could be normalized after the expression of 11β-HSD 2 gene was inhibited. The mechanism for GSE preventing carcinogenesis might be the result of GSE inhibiting the expression of 11β-HSD 2 gene. 11β-HSD 2 gene might be the molecular target endpoint for the suppression of breast cell carcinogenesis by GSE.

Abstract:Objective To observe the effect of iron fortified soy sauce on improving the physical ability of students. Methods Boy students suffering from iron deficiency anemia and eating in a school canteen were selected as IDA group and fed with iron fortified soy sauce for 10 months. Other boy students without anemia and not eating in school were regarded as NA group and having common soy sauce. Hb, SF, sTfR, SI, maximum oxygen consumption, 24 h heart rate monitoring and energy consumption of normal students (NA) and anemic students (IDA) were measured before and after the trial. Results Hb, SF, sTfR and SI of IDA subjects were improved significantly after the intervention with iron fortified soy sauce (P＜0.01). There was no change of these indexes in NA subjects before and after the trial. In addition, the increase of VO_2max/FFM, WT_max, NetHRL, AAT and EE in IDA subjects was (9.74±2.88 )ml/(kg?min), (3.11±0.88) min, (8.55±5.11)beats/min, (5.28±2.04 )min and (386±108) kJ/d, respectively, which were significantly different from the change of relative indexes in NA subjects (P＜0.01). Conclusion Iron fortified soy sauce was effective in reducing iron deficiency anemia and significantly improving the aerobic ability of IDA students. The intensity and the time period of aerobic activity during leisure time was also strengthened significantly in IDA subjects after intervention with iron fortified soy sauce.

Abstract:Objective To observe the effects of oats glucan on vascular endothelial active substances and inflammatory markers (CRP) in hypercholesterolemic rats. Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (11 rats) administered with distilled water and high cholesterol group (33 rats) fed with high fat diet for 4 weeks. It was applied as an indicator for the success of inducing hypercholesterolemic model when the levels of fasting serum total cholesterol (TC) in the high cholesterol group was significantly higher than the control group. The hypercholesterolemic rats were regarded as the model group and then divided into three subgroups，high cholesterol control group and two oat glucan groups fed with different doses of oat glucan (500 and 1000 mg/（kg?d）). The rats in control groups were given water，and the rats in oar glucan groups were fed with oat glucan for another 6 weeks. Vascular endothelial function indexes, including nitric oxide (NO), endothelium (ET-1), thromboxane A2 (TXA₂), and inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) were tested. Results The levels of NO were increased and the levels of ET-1and TXA₂ were decreased in the oat glucan groups compared with the high cholesterol control group, and the levels of CRP was decreased with higher dose of oat glucan. Conclusion There might have some effects of oat glucan on improving the vascular endothelial function，inhibiting platelet aggregation，reducing inflammatory response and protecting vascular endothelial cells.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the subchronic toxicity of yeast β-glucan and to determine its no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). Methods Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups with twenty rats (10 males and 10 females) in each group. Four groups of animals were treated respectively with 0, 0.62，1.25，and 2.50 g/kg BW of test material by gavage for 90 days. Clinical observations were conducted daily. Body weights and food consumption were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected from all rats on the 45^th day and the day by the end of the study. Gross and histopathologic examinations and organ weights were performed on all animals euthanized for necropsy. Results All parameters including body weight, food consumption, hematology, clinical chemistry, absolute and relative organ weights and histopothological examination in treatment groups were comparable with the control group. Conclusion The NOAEL of yeast β-glucan was 2.50 g/kg BW in male and female rats, which was the highest dose tested in this study and equivalent to 600 times of the quantiy of yeast β-glucan recommended for human use.

Abstract:Objective To study whether the long term use of glucosamine sulfate is harmful to people. Methods Eighty SD rats were divided randomly into 4 groups by body weight, with 10 male rats and 10 female rats in each group. Then rats were fed with glucosamine sulfate at the dosage of 0, 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0g/kg for 30 days, and were weighted once every week. Blood samples from eyeballs were collected for blood routine test and biochemical indexes. Liver, kidney, spleen and stomach of rats were weighted and used for histopathological examination. Results The weight gain of rats in all treated groups was similar to that in non-treated group. Hb, RBC, WBC and leucocyte differential count of rats in all treated groups were normal. AST, ALT, BUN, Cr, TC, TG, Glu, Alb and TP of rats in all treated groups were normal. Kidney/body, spleen/body, liver/body and testicle/body coefficients of rats in all treated groups were similar to those in non-treated group. No pathological changes in liver, kidney, stomach and spleen of rats in all treated groups were observed under microscope. Conclusion No adverse effect was observed in rats fed with glucosamine sulfate for 30 days, which indicate that long term use of glucosamine sulfate might be safe for people.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of almond consumption on body weight, blood pressure and blood lipids of smokers. Methods Almonds were given to 60 young healthy male smokers, 84 g/d for 28 days. Body weight and blood pressure were measured and blood lipids including triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL were determined before and after the trial. Results No significant differences on body weight, blood pressure and blood lipids of smokers were found before and after almond consumption. Conclusion Almond consumption (84 g/d for 28 days) exhibited no affect on body weight, blood pressure and blood lipids of smokers.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of different heating methods on the degradation of carp DNA and to compare different DNA extraction methods. Methods The dorsal muscle of carp was boiled for 1, 2 and 3 h by electromagnetic oven or microwave oven. Genomic DNA of carp meat was extracted by four different methods (phenol/chloroform extraction, Wizard? commercial Kit, Mag-Bind DNA Kit and spin column). The length of DNAs before and after heat treatment was compared by agarose gel electrophoresis. The contents of ?-actin in tested DNA samples were determined by Real-time PCR assays. Results The contents of β-actin DNA after heating for 1, 2 and 3 h in electromagnetic oven were 143 309, 441 350 and 256 994 copy/μl and those in microwave oven were 269 121, 267 371 and 134 650 copy/μl respectively. The contents of raw carp β-actin DNA was 1 070 213 copy/μl, which were decreased significantly after being heated. However, the contents of β-actin DNA would be no significant change with extended heating time. The contents of DNA extracted by phenol/chloroform or Wizard^? commercial Kit (718 945 and 737 946 copy/μl respectively) were higher than that by spin column and Mag-Bind DNA Kit (26 751 and 2 934 copy/μl respectively). Conclusions DNA could be degraded by heating for more than 1 h. Therefore, the target fragments of DNA in food selected for DNA detection should be shorter. As for the extraction methods, the contents of DNA extracted by phenol/chloroform ion and Wizard^? commercial Kit were higher than that by spin column and Mag-Bind DNA Kit.

Abstract:Objective To develop a rapid method for detecting residues of 13 quinolones in aquatic products by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Methods The chromatographic column was Ultimate XB-C₁₈（2.1 mm×150 mm，5 μm）. The optimal analytical conditions and detection parameters were confirmed. The electrospray conditions were as follows: ion source, ESI(+); selection reaction monitoring (SRM) system; ion-spray voltage, 4500 V; sheath gas pressure, 35 units; auxiliary gas pressure, 5 units; ion source temperature, 350℃; collision induced dissociation (CID) pressure, 10 V. And the best conditions and procedures for extraction and purification were established. Results The average recovery was 74.6%-113.0%, and the relative standard deviation was 3.24%-12.11% (n=6), the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 1.00 μg/kg. The linear range was 3.0-200.0 ng/ml. Conclusion This method was suitable for the detection of 13 quinolones residues in aquatic products.

Abstract:Objective To develop a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for identification of hogwash oil. Methods Gene sequences specific for pork, beef, mutton, chicken, mammal and rice-specific gene were used as targets for identification of hogwash oil by PCR and fluorescent PCR methods. Results Six home-made crude swill oil samples were all identified as hogwash oil, 5 in 7 suspected swill oil samples were identified as hogwash oil, and no hogwash oil was detected in 4 normal edible vegetable oil samples. Conclusion Gene sequences specific for animal and rice-specific gene mixed in hogwash oil were used as targets; and hogwash oil could be effectively identified by the established PCR and fluorescent PCR methods.

Abstract:Food recall system has been stipulated in the Food Safety Law and has been established as legal obligations. Violation of the obligations will cause tort compensation for damages, which is linked with the tort liability for products, but they are different from each other. It is necessary to consider seriously in combining food recall with tort liability.

Abstract:Objective To understand the content of fourteen kinds of elements including plumbum, arsenic, cuprum, ferrum, manganese, zinc, cadmium, aluminum, selenium, nickel, chromiumo, cobalt, stannum and stibium in teas collected from different areas with different categories in Fujian so as to provide a scientific basis for the development of tea resources. Methods Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with microwave digestion was developed to determine the content of Pb, As, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Al, Se, Ni, Cr, Co, Sn and Sb from nine categories of teas in Fujian province. Results The content of 14 kinds of elements in 9 categories of teas were: Mn 135-1797mg/kg, Al 69-1126mg/kg, Fe 37-371mg/kg, Zn 3.93-90.05mg/kg, Cu 2.25-43.66mg/kg, Ni 0.95-7.40mg/kg, Pb 0.29-5.45mg/kg, Cr 0.10-2.39mg/kg, Co 0.018-0.67mg/kg, Se 0.020-0.68mg/kg, Cd 0.014-0.24mg/kg, As 0.023-0.30mg/kg, Sn 0.010-0.49mg/kg and Bi 0.006-0.073mg/kg. The qualified rate for Cr, Cd and As was 100%, and that for Pb was 99.1%. Conclusion The contents of Mn, Al, Fe, Zn and Cu were abundant in teas from Fujian province. The pollution of hazardous elements Cr, Cd, As and Pb was low, and the content of elements in teas was varied with the areas of production and categories.

Abstract:Objective To learn about the status of preservatives and sweeteners in condiments and to provide a basis for risk assessment on food additives. Methods After the samples were homogenized, acidified, extracted by ether and then dried with nitrogen, the residues were dissolved with the mobile phase and made to a certain volume. After filtered by a 0.45μm films, the test solutions were injected onto a Diamonsil^TMC₁₈ column of HPLC, and then eluted by methanol-ammonium acetate (12+88, V/V) at the flow rate of 0.8ml/min, and detected at the wavelength of 230nm. Results The detection rate of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, sodium saccharin and acesulfame potassium were 36.9%, 17.9%, 15.5% and 26.2%, respectively. No result was out of the limit of the national standard. Conclusion The use of food additives in condiments in Beijing market was conformed to the hygienic standards. Comparison with the results of national surveillance, the content of preservatives and sweeteners in condiments in this study was safer. The detection rate and maximum value in sauce were higher than that in other condiments, the surveillance on preservatives and sweeteners in sauce should be strengthened.

Abstract:The rapid development of private standards possesses a tremendous impact on Codex standards. The difference and relationship between private standards and Codex standards in terms of the speed of developing standards, extent of stringency, evidence of enacting standards, costs of certification and transparency etc. were analyzed in this paper. The possible impacts of private standards on Codex standards and the sound development of private standards while ensuring the authority of Codex standards were considered. It is suggested that technical support on industries for improving their infrastructure of establishments should be provided. Furthermore, it should be strengthened on investigating into private standards, following their developments, and reducing the negative impacts on China’s trade as low as possible, in order to ensure the sound development of food industries and ultimately to protect consumers’ health.

Abstract:To compare general standards of contaminants and toxins in food established by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) with the basic standards used in China in terms of contaminant species, food categories and maximum levels; and to provide evidence and reference for revising and improving our basic standards of contaminants and toxins in food. There are 20 contaminant species in our basic standards and 15 contaminant species in CAC standards; but 8 of them are the same. The food categories in our basic standards are more than that in CAC standards. Within comparable indexes, the maximum level of 19 indexes in China standards is equal to that in CAC standards, 6 of them are more generous than CAC standards and only one of them is stricter than CAC standards. Among the maximum levels, 77% in China basic standards are equal to or higher than the requirement of CAC standards, and the extent of coincidence with CAC general standards is very high.

Abstract:More evidences implied that over consumption of trans fatty acids can cause dyslipidemia and increase the incidence of coronary heart disease and other chronic diseases. Thus, much more attentions have been attracted by the negative effects of trans fatty acids on health. This review concentrates on the issues of structural characteristics, food source and health risk of trans fatty acids, the intake of trans fatty acids in different population and related regulations.

Abstract:Cyanuric acid is an analogue of melamine and combined with melamine in some conditions to form insoluble complexes causing bladder and kidney damage. The toxicological information of cyanuric acid (including metabolism, acute toxicity, genetic toxicity, subchronic toxicity, chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity and human exposure) and the joint toxicity of cyanuric acid and melamine were reviewed.