International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

15 pages, 725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of a Pulsed Light Stream on the Quality and Durability of the Cold-Stored Longissimus Dorsal Muscle of Pigs

by Paulina Duma-Kocan, Mariusz Rudy, Marian Gil, Renata Stanisławczyk, Jagoda Żurek and Grzegorz Zaguła

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054063 - 24 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1336

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed light application (exposure to a pulsed light beam (PL) of 400 Hz for a period of 60 s, with an energy dose of 600 mW and wavelengths of 660 and 405 [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed light application (exposure to a pulsed light beam (PL) of 400 Hz for a period of 60 s, with an energy dose of 600 mW and wavelengths of 660 and 405 nm) on the physicochemical, technological, and sensory properties, as well as the nutritional value and shelf life of cold-storage pig longissimus dorsi muscle. Each muscle was divided into six parts, three of which were control samples, and the rest were exposed to pulsed light. The detailed laboratory tests of the meat were conducted 1, 7, and 10 days after slaughter. The meat was cold stored at +3 °C ± 0.5 °C. The study showed that the application of pulsed light has a favorable effect on lowering the TBARS index, oxidation-reduction potential, and water activity values. In addition, the application of PL had no statistically significant effect on the variation in the perception of selected sensory characteristics of meat. Furthermore, PL processing, as a low-energy-intensive method that can be environmentally friendly and thus have a large potential for implementation, is an innovative way to extend the shelf life, especially of raw meat, without a negative impact on its quality. This is of particular importance for food security (especially in the quantitative and qualitative aspects of food, but also in terms of food safety). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Towards More Sustainable Food Systems)

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17 pages, 427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Kosher Determinants of Beef on Its Color, Texture Profile and Sensory Evaluation

by Jagoda Żurek, Mariusz Rudy, Renata Stanisławczyk and Paulina Duma-Kocan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021378 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1456

Abstract

Traditional ritual slaughter is an underlying practice in religious Jewish communities and it translates into eating in accordance with core beliefs. This paper aims to comprehensively analyze factors determining the kosher status of beef (sex, slaughter method, and muscle type) and assess their [...] Read more.

Traditional ritual slaughter is an underlying practice in religious Jewish communities and it translates into eating in accordance with core beliefs. This paper aims to comprehensively analyze factors determining the kosher status of beef (sex, slaughter method, and muscle type) and assess their impact on selected quality properties, such as color or texture profile. Sensory evaluation was also performed. The muscles were obtained from 80 carcasses (50% of heifers and 50% of young bulls). The experimental results indicate that each studied kosherness determinant influenced beef quality properties. The process of koshering caused the darkening of beef and lowered the share of color parameters red (a*) and yellow (b*). The influence of the type of slaughter on the values of adhesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness of beef was confirmed; higher values were mostly obtained in the muscles of cattle from kosher slaughter. As to sensory evaluation, the study showed that in the case of muscle type, the sex and slaughter method positively influenced only some of the properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Towards More Sustainable Food Systems)

17 pages, 3339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Food Security in China and Its Obstacle Factors

by Yan Zhang and Xiaoyong Lu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010451 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2417

Abstract

China’s food security has attracted global attention as the various drivers of its instability and uncertainty have intensified. This study developed a new framework for food security evaluation in China by analyzing its availability, distribution, utilization, vulnerability, sustainability, and regulation. The entropy weight [...] Read more.

China’s food security has attracted global attention as the various drivers of its instability and uncertainty have intensified. This study developed a new framework for food security evaluation in China by analyzing its availability, distribution, utilization, vulnerability, sustainability, and regulation. The entropy weight method (EWM) and the matter–element extension model (MEEM) were combined to examine China’s food security status between 2001 and 2020. Additionally, an obstacle degree model (ODM) was used to investigate the key factors functioning as obstacles to food security. The results show that China’s overall food security improved greatly but experienced a slight downward trend in 2003. The main obstacles initially entailed grain distribution but then spread to vulnerability- and sustainability-related issues. Ultimately, the key factors restricting China’s food security were the amount of fertilizer application per unit sown area (AFA) and the grain self-sufficiency rate (GSR). The next 40 years could be the most critical period for ensuring China’s food security, which incorporates demographic, climate change, and resource shortage factors. China appears to be implementing its national strategies through sustainable farmland use and agricultural technology innovation to facilitate the high-quality development of its grain industries and strengthen its food security. This study provides an overall picture of China’s food security and can serve as a reference for those concerned with China’s future national security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Towards More Sustainable Food Systems)

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25 pages, 3737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Diversity of Grain Production Resource Utilization Efficiency under the Constraint of Carbon Emissions: Evidence from Major Grain-Producing Areas in China

by Haokun Wang, Hong Chen, Tuyen Thi Tran and Shuai Qin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137746 - 24 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1581

Abstract

As the most important driving force for ensuring the effective supply of grain in the country, the production stability of the major grain-producing areas directly concerns the national security of China. In this paper, considering the “water–soil–energy–carbon” correlation, water, soil and energy resource [...] Read more.

As the most important driving force for ensuring the effective supply of grain in the country, the production stability of the major grain-producing areas directly concerns the national security of China. In this paper, considering the “water–soil–energy–carbon” correlation, water, soil and energy resource factors, and carbon emission constraints were included in an index system, and the global common frontier boundary three-stage super-efficient EBM–GML model was used to measure the grain production resource utilization efficiency of the major grain-producing areas in China from 2000 to 2019. This paper also analyzed the static and dynamic spatiotemporal characteristics and the restrictions of utilization efficiency. The results showed that, under the measurement of the traditional data envelopment analysis model, the grain production resource utilization efficiency in the major producing areas is relatively high, but there is still room to improve by more than 20%, and grain production still has enormous growth potential. After excluding external environmental and random factors, it was found that the utilization efficiency of grain production resources in the major producing areas decreased, and the efficiency and ranking of provinces changed significantly. External factors inhibit pure technical efficiency and expand the scale efficiency. The utilization efficiency of Northeast China was much higher than that of the Huang-Huai-Hai region and the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River region, and its grain production resource allocation management had obvious advantages. The total factor productivity index of food production resources showed an upward trend as a whole, and its change was affected by both technological efficiency and technological progress, of which technological progress had the greater impact. Therefore, reducing the differences in the external environment of different regions while making adjustments in accordance with their own potential is an effective way to further improve the utilization efficiency of food production resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Towards More Sustainable Food Systems)

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18 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Traceability as an Element of Sustainable Consumption—Pandemic-Driven Changes in Consumer Attitudes

by Anna Walaszczyk, Małgorzata Koszewska and Iwona Staniec

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5259; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095259 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2140

Abstract

A conscious approach to the issue of food traceability on the part of consumers is essential for making rational food purchases, which in turn contributes to sustainable consumption and globally, is an element of sustainable development. The study aims to assess the changes [...] Read more.

A conscious approach to the issue of food traceability on the part of consumers is essential for making rational food purchases, which in turn contributes to sustainable consumption and globally, is an element of sustainable development. The study aims to assess the changes in consumers’ buying behaviors in the context of food traceability before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the impact of sociodemographic factors on those changes. Therefore, an online survey was conducted on a sample of 1000 respondents who were Polish food consumers. The study covered aspects related to the traceability of food by consumers before and during the pandemic. The results allowed for positive verification of the H1: Polish consumers attitudes related to food buying process changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results didn’t allow for fully positive verification of the H2: Sociodemographic factors significantly influence Polish consumers attitudes to the food shopping during COVID-19 period compared to pre-pandemic period. The significant influence was supported in almost all (in 6 out of 8) analyzed aspects in case of age, education, and place of residence. However, in case of gender it was confirmed only in terms of two out of eight aspects: choosing product of national origin and using the online form of ordering purchases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Towards More Sustainable Food Systems)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

17 pages, 3345 KiB

Open AccessReview

Edible Insects Consumption in Africa towards Environmental Health and Sustainable Food Systems: A Bibliometric Study

by Newton R. Matandirotya, Walter Leal Filho, Gaathier Mahed, Basil Maseko and Cleophas V. Murandu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14823; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214823 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3861

Abstract

Africa is home to an estimated wild edible insect population of 1000 species that offer an opportunity for sustainable food systems while also improving food and nutrition security on the continent. Edible insect consumption has been part of African communities for a long [...] Read more.

Africa is home to an estimated wild edible insect population of 1000 species that offer an opportunity for sustainable food systems while also improving food and nutrition security on the continent. Edible insect consumption has been part of African communities for a long time and forms part of their diets and cuisines, particularly within low-income households with limited resources. The purpose of our study was to investigate and review the contribution that edible insects can make towards the realisation of sustainable food systems, and environmental/planetary health including the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goal number 2 (zero hunger). Our study applied a bibliometric analysis approach using VOS Viewer, a data mining software. The study established that the consumption of edible insects is still widespread across many African countries and therefore can be used as an avenue for improving environmental health and enhancing food systems on the continent through a reduction in meat-based diets. This, in the long term, will also reduce the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane from livestock production-related activities. Edible insects are also known to contain a high percentage nutrient content of proteins, fats and iron and, thus, can also play a vital role in reducing food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly within low-income households. Due to the existence of a high number of edible insect species on the continent, communities in Africa can easily access sources that can further be preserved using various indigenous techniques while also having minimal impact on the environment. In addition, being a source of nutritious food, edible insects can also be a source of establishing sustainable livelihoods, as well as being able to be commercialised, thus further creating employment opportunities and economic growth. Some of the notable edible insects in abundance on the continent include termites, ants, crickets and caterpillars. Our study recommends that Africa should commercialise edible insect production, in addition to preservation processing that leads to the eradication of perennial food insecurity and malnutrition and improves environmental health, as well as developing sustainable food systems. We also further recommend the establishment of food safety guidelines on edible insects as most African countries do not have such a plan in place currently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Towards More Sustainable Food Systems)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

23 pages, 1944 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Consumers’ Attitudes towards Animal Suffering: A Systematic Review on Awareness, Willingness and Dietary Change

by Rui Pedro Fonseca and Ruben Sanchez-Sabate

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16372; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316372 - 06 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4422

Abstract

Planetary and human health depend on Westerners’ ability to reduce meat consumption. Meat production degrades the environment while excessive meat intake is associated with cancer and cardiovascular disease, among others. Effective reasons and motivations are needed for consumers to change their diet. The [...] Read more.

Planetary and human health depend on Westerners’ ability to reduce meat consumption. Meat production degrades the environment while excessive meat intake is associated with cancer and cardiovascular disease, among others. Effective reasons and motivations are needed for consumers to change their diet. The fact that modern animal agriculture inflicts a great deal of pain on animals from their birth to their slaughter, animal welfare/suffering may drive consumers to curtail their meat consumption. This systematic review examined a total of 90 papers to ascertain consumers’ awareness of the pain animals experience in animal agriculture, as well as consumer attitudes towards meat reduction due to animal welfare. Results show that consumers have low awareness of animal agriculture. Awareness of animal agricultural practices and animal sentience is associated with increased negative attitudes towards animal suffering. Animal suffering due to farming practices, transportation, slaughter, and animal sentience are factors that may encourage a reduction in meat consumption, and even dietary change in the short term. There is also evidence that animal suffering may be a more compelling motivation for consumers’ willingness to change their diet than for health or environmental reasons. Therefore, increasing consumers’ awareness of animal suffering in meat production is paramount to contributing to reduced pressure on the environment and improved human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Towards More Sustainable Food Systems)

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9 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Perspectives of Licorice Production in Harsh Environments of the Aral Sea Regions

by Botir Khaitov, Aziz Karimov, Jamila Khaitbaeva, Obidjon Sindarov, Akmal Karimov and Yongqing Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11770; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811770 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2082

Abstract

Along with pharmacological applications due to bioactive elements such as flavonoids and glycyrrhizin, licorice has positive influences on the rehabilitation, rejuvenation, and management of salt-affected degraded lands in arid regions. These features made this plant widely appreciated worldwide when climate change is showing [...] Read more.

Along with pharmacological applications due to bioactive elements such as flavonoids and glycyrrhizin, licorice has positive influences on the rehabilitation, rejuvenation, and management of salt-affected degraded lands in arid regions. These features made this plant widely appreciated worldwide when climate change is showing detrimental impacts for crop production and food security. However, a growing demand followed by irrational harvesting of wild licorice plants has led to substantial dwindling of its natural habitat. There is an increasing need to protect the plant biodiversity since sustainability can be a problem with wild harvesting. Therefore, it is important to investigate cultivation technologies of licorice under harsh environments, while this plant can adapt to a wide range of climates. Thus, in this review, we studied, analyzed and summarized the literature on licorice cultivation methods counteracting the most common environmental stresses in the Aral Sea region. Particularly, the current knowledge was rationalized regarding on cultivation technologies for alleviating salt stress thereby improving crop production. We also highlighted that future research directions on licorice breeding and genomics that might facilitate to produce more resilient and sustainable licorice genotypes to renovate agricultural productivity under disastrous ecology and climate change of the arid regions. Whereas this area possesses all prerequisite conditions needed for successful cultivation of the alternative cash crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Towards More Sustainable Food Systems)

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