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Consumer perception of foods processed by emerging technologies has been scarcely studied. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of vegan and non-vegan consumers regarding probiotic almond-fermented beverages processed by ultrasound using the packaging of the products (pasteurized/conventional, processed by ultrasound, and processed by ultrasound with a claim on the label). A "Check All That Apply" test with emojis and the Food Technology Neophobia scale were used. The "processed by ultrasound" information did not impact the purchase intention and the perception of healthiness, safety, nutrition, environmental impact, flavor, texture, and price of the products. The claim inclusion increased the perceived acceptability and purchase intention and improved the emotional profile. The vegan consumers showed a more positive perception of ultrasound processing, resulting in increased perceived acceptability, higher citation frequency of positive emoji, and lower sums for the neophobia scale. Vegan and non-vegan consumers agreed that the most important attributes for consumer acceptance are almond aroma, flavor, and consistency. In conclusion, the "processed by ultrasound" information did not negatively impact the acceptability and emotional profile of probiotic almond-fermented beverages, and using a claim on the label may improve consumer perception of the products.

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The use of suitable analytical techniques for the detection of adulteration, falsification, deliberate substitution, and mislabeling of foods has great importance in the industrial, scientific, legislative, and public health contexts. This way, this work reports an integrative review with a current analytical approach for food authentication, indicating the main analytical techniques to identify adulteration and perform the traceability of chemical components in processed and non-processed foods, evaluating the authenticity and geographic origin. This work presents results from a systematic search in Science Direct® and Scopus® databases using the keywords "authentication" AND "food", "authentication," AND "beverage", from published papers from 2013 to, 2024. All research and reviews published were employed in the bibliometric analysis, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of analytical techniques, indicating the perspectives for direct, quick, and simple analysis, guaranteeing the application of quality standards, and ensuring food safety for consumers. Furthermore, this work reports the analysis of natural foods to evaluate the origin (traceability), and industrialized foods to detect adulterations and fraud. A focus on research to detect adulteration in milk and dairy products is presented due to the importance of these products in the nutrition of the world population. All analytical tools discussed have advantages and drawbacks, including sample preparation steps, the need for reference materials, and mathematical treatments. So, the main advances in modern analytical techniques for the identification and quantification of food adulterations, mainly milk and dairy products, were discussed, indicating trends and perspectives on food authentication.

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AIMS: To develop and characterize a functional lactose-free ice cream with added ginger and honey, evaluate the survival of Lacticaseibacillus casei CSL3 under frozen storage and the simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT), as well as antioxidant activity and product acceptability. METHODS AND RESULTS: The survival of Lacticaseibacillus casei CSL3 was evaluated for 180 days, under frozen storage, and GIT at 60 days. At 15 days of storage, proximal composition, antioxidant activity, color, pH, acidity, fusion, density, overrun, and sensory analysis were performed. Ice cream was an effective food matrix for maintaining the viability of CSL3, with concentrations > 7 log CFU g- 1 during storage and GIT. In addition, the analysis showed overrun and prebiotic characteristics through high values of antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds, good acceptability, and purchase intention. CONCLUSIONS: The product has satisfactory market potential (acceptance rate of 95.19% and purchase intention rate > 96%), and it could become another means of inserting probiotics in food.

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We tested the hypothesis that milk proteins, through microencapsulation, guarantee protection against bioactive substances in coffee silverskin extracts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out technological, nutritional and physicochemical characterisation of a coffee silverskin extract microencapsulated using instant skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate as wall materials. The aqueous extract of coffee silverskin was spray-dried using 10% (w/v) skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate. The samples were characterised by determining the water content, water activity, particle size distribution, colour analysis and total phenolic compound content as well as antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-radical 1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging methods, nitric oxide radical inhibition and morphological analysis. The product showed water activity within a range that ensured greater stability, and the reduced degradation of the dried coffee silverskin extract with whey protein concentrate resulted in better rehydration ability. The luminosity parameter was higher and the browning index was lower for the encapsulated samples than for the pure coffee silverskin extract. The phenolic compound content (29.23 ± 8.39 and 34.00 ± 8.38 mg gallic acid equivalents/g for the coffee silverskin extract using skimmed milk powder and whey protein concentrate, respectively) and the antioxidant activity of the new product confirmed its potential as a natural source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. We conclude that the dairy matrices associated with spray drying preserved the bioactive and antioxidant activities of coffee silverskin extracts.

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In this initial study, the impact of thermosonication as an alternative to the traditional fusion in Brazilian cheese spread (Requeijão Cremoso) manufacture was investigated. The effect of ultrasound (US) power was evaluated considering various aspects such as gross composition, microstructure, texture, rheology, color, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds. A 13 mm US probe operating at 20 kHz was used. The experiment involved different US power levels (200, 400, and 600 W) at 85 °C for 1 min, and results were compared to the conventional process in the same conditions (85 °C for 1 min, control treatment). The texture became softer as ultrasound power increased from 200 to 600 W, which was attributed to structural changes within the protein and lipid matrix. The color of the cheese spread also underwent noticeable changes for all US treatments, and treatment at 600 W resulted in increased lightness but reduced color intensity. Moreover, the fatty acid composition of the cheese spread showed variations with different US power, with samples treated at 600 W showing lower concentrations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, as well as lower atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes, indicating a potentially healthier product. Volatile compounds were also influenced by US, with less compounds being identified at higher powers, especially at 600 W. This could indicate possible degradation, which should be evaluated in further studies regarding US treatment effects on consumer perception. Hence, this initial work demonstrated that thermosonication might be interesting in the manufacture of Brazilian cheese spread, since it can be used to manipulate the texture, color and aroma of the product in order to improve its quality parameters.

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The present study aimed to assess the occurrence and counts of Staphylococcus aureus in Brazilian artisanal cheeses (BAC) produced in five regions of Brazil: Coalho and Manteiga (Northeast region); Colonial and Serrano (South); Caipira (Central-West); Marajó (North); and Minas Artisanal cheeses, from Araxá, Campos das Vertentes, Cerrado, Serro and Canastra microregions (Southeast). The resistance to chlorine-based sanitizers, ability to attach to stainless steel surfaces, and antibiogram profile of a large set of S. aureus strains (n = 585) were assessed. Further, a total of 42 isolates were evaluated for the presence of enterotoxigenic genes (sea, seb, sec, sed, see, seg, sei, sej, and ser) and submitted to typing using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). BAC presented high counts of S. aureus (3.4-6.4 log CFU/g), varying from 25 to 62.5%. From the S. aureus strains (n = 585) assessed, 16% could resist 200 ppm of sodium hypochlorite, whereas 87.6% produced strong ability to attach to stainless steel surfaces, corroborating with S. aureus ability to persist and spread in the environment. Furthermore, the relatively high frequency (80.5%) of multidrug-resistant S. aureus and the presence of enterotoxin genes in 92.6% of the strains is of utmost attention. It reveals the lurking threat of SFP that can survive when conditions are favorable. The presence of enterotoxigenic and antimicrobial-resistant strains of S. aureus in cheese constitutes a potential risk to public health. This result calls for better control of cheese contamination sources, and taking hygienic measures is necessary for food safety. More attention should be paid to animal welfare and hygiene practices in some dairy farms during manufacturing to enhance the microbiological quality of traditional cheese products.

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Whey is a by-product derived from cheese making. Despite being rich in nutrients, it is little used, it even represents a problem form the environment in Mexico. In this sense, it is important to know the meanings that are associated with this term, especially when it is intended to develop new products from this by-product. The objective of this work was to analyze the representation of the term whey in rural and urban populations through the Central core Theory. Additionally, the relationship between gender-place of residence with the evoked word is explored. Therefore, three hundred and sixty people (from rural and urban areas) were interviewed face to face in two areas in the western region of Mexico. Word association test was carried out, using "whey" as stimulus; the associated words were ordered according to their importance; the polarity index of each associated word was evaluated. The most frequently mentioned words were analyzed based on their frequency of mention and average importance to identify the conceptual structure of the concept representation. The results show and influence of the place of residence on the conceptual structure. Rural participants tend to generate more words with negative connotations, while the central elements of urban consumers are mainly related to dairy products. When comparing consumers by gender, rural and urban women associate "whey" with aspects of both the production process and dairy products. In the case of men, those from the urban zone, relate to aspects related to nutrition, dairy products and nutrients. In contrast, men from the rural area relate whey mainly to negative aspects such as pollution. The study confirms that there is a link between the place of residence and the conformation of the conceptual structure, where the gender-region relationship influences the definition of the term "whey".

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Enterococci are ubiquitous microorganisms in almost all environments, from the soil we step on to the food we eat. They are frequently found in naturally fermented foods, contributing to ripening through protein, lipid, and sugar metabolism. On the other hand, these organisms are also leading the current antibiotic resistance crisis. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics of an Enterococcus faecium strain isolated from an artisanal Mexican Cotija cheese, namely QD-2. We found clear genomic differences between commensal and pathogenic strains, particularly in their carbohydrate metabolic pathways, resistance to vancomycin and other antibiotics, bacteriocin production, and bacteriophage and CRISPR content. Furthermore, a bacteriocin transcription analysis performed by RT-qPCR revealed that, at the end of the log phase, besides enterocins A and X, two putative bacteriocins not reported previously are also transcribed as a bicistronic operon in E. faecium QD-2, and are expressed 1.5 times higher than enterocin A when cultured in MRS broth.

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Introducción: Las enfermedades transmitidas por los alimentos es un fenómeno a nivel internacional que provoca cada año miles de enfermos o muertos, con la inclusión de niños y ancianos. La inocuidad de los alimentos es el proceso que garantiza la calidad de estos durante el proceso productivo, almacenamiento y distribución. Evitar afectaciones en este proceso beneficia directamente la calidad de vida sin que represente un riesgo para la salud. Objetivo: Ofrecer acciones en el proceso industrial de la Unidad Empresarial de Base Planta de Leche y sus Derivados, perteneciente a la Empresa Productos Lácteos Guantánamo, que permitan la inocuidad de los productos lácteos a partir de insuficiencias identificadas. Método: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo y cuantitativo en dicha planta en el periodo 2021-2022, donde participaron 43 obreros (N=43) directamente vinculados con el proceso productivo de los productos lácteos. Se aplicaron el cuestionario y la observación participante para la obtención de la información. Se contó, además, con los criterios y opiniones de cuatros directivos y seis especialistas de la entidad. Resultados: Se hallaron limitaciones en la concepción de alternativas que constituyen acciones novedosas para la aplicación en el proceso industrial de resultados de calidad en la inocuidad de los productos lácteos a partir de la obsolescencia de los equipos y los niveles de conocimiento de Regular y Mal en el 100 porciento de los obreros. Se aplicaron acciones que permitan asegurar la inocuidad. Conclusiones: Las acciones que se presentan satisfacen las limitaciones diagnosticadas, corroborada durante el desempeño laboral para satisfacer las demandas sociales de inocuidad.(AU)

Introduction: Foodborne diseases are an international phenomenon that causes thousands of illnesses or deaths every year, including children and the elderly. Food safety is the process that guarantees food quality during the production process, storage and distribution. Avoiding effects in this process directly benefits the quality of life without representing a risk to health. Objective: To offer actions in the industrial process of the Milk and its Derivatives Plant Base Business Unit, belonging to the Productos Lácteos Guantánamo Company, that allow the safety of dairy products based on identified insufficiencies. Method: A qualitative and quantitative study was carried out in said plant in the period 2021-2022, where 43 workers (N=43) directly linked to the production process of dairy products participated. The questionnaire and participant observation were applied to obtain the information. In addition, the criteria and opinions of four directors and six specialists of the entity were included. Results: Limitations were found in the conception of alternatives that constitute novel actions for the application in the industrial process of quality results in the safety of dairy products based on the obsolescence of equipment and the levels of knowledge of Regular and Poor in 100 percent of the workers. Actions were applied to ensure safety. Conclusions: The actions presented satisfy the diagnosed limitations, corroborated during work performance to satisfy social demands for safety.(AU)

Introdução: As doenças transmitidas por alimentos são um fenómeno internacional que causa milhares de doenças ou mortes todos os anos, incluindo crianças e idosos. A segurança alimentar é o processo que garante a qualidade dos alimentos durante o processo de produção, armazenamento e distribuição. Evitar efeitos nesse processo beneficia diretamente a qualidade de vida sem representar risco à saúde. Objetivo: Oferecer ações no processo industrial da Unidad Empresarial de Base Planta de Leche y sus Derivados, pertencente à Empresa Produtos Lácteos Guantánamo, que permitam a segurança de produtos lácteos com base nas insuficiências identificadas. Método: Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo e quantitativo na referida fábrica no período 2021-2022, onde participaram 43 trabalhadores (N=43) ligados diretamente ao processo produtivo de laticínios. O questionário e a observação participante foram aplicados para obtenção das informações. Além disso, foram incluídos os critérios e opiniões de quatro diretores e seis especialistas da entidade. Resultados: Foram encontradas limitações na concepção de alternativas que constituam ações inéditas para a aplicação no processo industrial de resultados de qualidade na segurança de produtos lácteos com base na obsolescência dos equipamentos e nos níveis de conhecimento Regular e Ruim em 100 porcento dos trabalhadores. Ações foram aplicadas para garantir a segurança. Conclusões: As ações apresentadas satisfazem as limitações diagnosticadas, corroboradas durante o desempenho do trabalho para satisfazer as demandas sociais de segurança.(AU)