Shrimp and Cod Allergen Transfer to Non-seafood via Reused Batter and Persistence after Deep Frying.

Prevalence of Vibrio vulnificus in Shrimp Farm and Seafood Processing Environment: Molecular Characterization, Antibiotic Resistance and Mitigation Measures

Assessment of microbiological quality and safety in frozen ready-to-eat foods in Korea

Microplastic contamination in giant tiger prawn and greasyback shrimp from Malaysian waters

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous contaminants in the marine environment. The potential pathway through the food web to humans is a general public concern. Commonly consumed marine organisms have never been studied for the presence of MPs as an entry route into the food chain. This study selected Penaeus monodon (tiger prawn) and Metapenaeus ensis (greasyback shrimp) because of their commercial importance, high consumption rates, and consistent availability in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. Samples were collected from major fish markets supplied by both coastal fisheries and aquaculture farms. The gastrointestinal tracts of both species were analyzed under a microscope, and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy was performed on suspected MPs based on their physical characteristics. All samples contained plastic: 280 ± 91 pieces/kg wet weight for P. monodon and 457 ± 171 pieces/kg for M. ensis . Fibers were the dominant shape of the MPs observed, followed by fragments and pellets; black was also the dominant color. Most of the particles determined by size were within 500 to 1000 μm in dimension. Polyester and polystyrene were the two major types of polymers by the FTIR analysis. This calls for urgent reinforcement in food safety measures accompanied by environmental policy interventions directed towards microplastic contamination in seafood that encapsulates potential health risk avenues to consumers as well as broader ecological impacts.

Quality assessment of smoked Clarias gariepinus from farms and markets in Ibadan, Nigeria: implications for public health

Smoked fish is widely consumed in Nigeria and may serve as a route of exposure to microbial contamination and toxic metals. This study assessed microbial quality, spoilage indicators, proximate composition, and heavy metal content associated with smoked Clarias gariepinus obtained from two farms (A and B) and two markets (A and B) in Ibadan, Nigeria, with implications for public health. Spoilage indicators were higher in market-sourced samples, with peroxide values ranging from 0.93 ± 0.40 mEq/kg in Farm B to 3.37 ± 0.29 mEq/kg in Market B. Total volatile base nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid values were also elevated, indicating increased lipid oxidation and protein degradation. Total viable (3.68 ± 0.79) × 10⁴ and fungal counts (2.66 ± 0.54) × 10⁵ were higher in market samples, although coliforms were not detected. Microbial profiling revealed greater diversity in market fish, including Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, and Geotrichum. Proximate composition was comparable across sources, with low moisture content (4.70–6.70%) and water activity (0.850–0.910), reflecting effective drying. Heavy metal concentrations were generally low in farmed fish but higher in market samples, particularly Market B, following the order arsenic > chromium > lead > cadmium, while mercury was not detected. Estimated daily intake and target hazard quotient values were below established safety thresholds, indicating no health risk. However, elevated spoilage indices and metal levels in market fish highlight the need for routine monitoring to protect consumer health. Keywords: Biochemical Spoilage; Fish; Markets; Microbial Quality

Edible Fungi in Functional Aquafeeds: Prebiotic and Immunostimulatory Effects in Commercially Important Farmed Fish

Simple Summary Fish farming must increase production while reducing reliance on fishmeal, fish oil and antibiotics. Edible fungi, such as oyster, shiitake and reishi mushrooms, contain bioactive compounds that may support intestinal function, feed utilization, and innate immune responses in fish. This review examines how edible fungi and fungal-derived compounds, especially β-glucans and chitin, may contribute to gut microbiota modulation and immune stimulation in diets for commercially important fish. The available evidence indicates that their biological effects depend strongly on the fish species, ingredient form, dietary inclusion level, processing method and experimental conditions. Omnivorous fish such as tilapia generally tolerate broader inclusion levels, whereas carnivorous salmonids appear to respond more consistently to low dietary levels of extracts or processed fractions. Therefore, edible fungi should be regarded as complementary functional ingredients rather than simple protein replacements, requiring species-specific formulation strategies, standardized ingredient characterization, and validation under commercial farming conditions.

Preliminary Assessment of Co-Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Bovine and Goat Milk in Algeria

Chemical contamination of milk represents a relevant food safety concern, particularly in countries where systematic monitoring programs are still limited. In Algeria, information on human exposure to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination remains fragmented or lacking. This study assessed the occurrence of AFM1 and 17 PFAS in cow and goat milk and explored farm-level management practices potentially influencing contamination. Bulk-tank milk samples were collected from 26 dairy cattle and 11 dairy goat farms. Farm characteristics, including feeding strategies, water sources, grazing practices, and herd size, were recorded using structured questionnaires to characterize farm-level practices and explore their potential association with contamination patterns. AFM1 was detected in all samples. In cow milk, 96.1% exceeded the EU limit (0.05 µg/kg), with concentrations ranging from 0.048 to 0.410 µg/kg (mean: 0.102 µg/kg), although none exceeded the Codex Alimentarius limit (0.50 µg/kg). Goat milk showed a lower prevalence of samples above the EU limit (36.4%), but higher concentrations were observed (range 0.030–0.578 µg/kg; mean 0.193 µg/kg), with two samples (18.2%) exceeding the Codex limit. PFAS contamination was generally low: 73.0% of cow and 64.0% of goat samples were below detection limits, with only PFBS (cow milk) and PFDA (goat milk) quantified above LOQ. Because of the limited number of farms and the single sampling period, no robust associations could be established between farm-level variables and contaminant concentrations. This preliminary study provides an exploratory overview of AFM1 and PFAS occurrence in bovine and goat bulk milk from the sampled Algerian farms. These findings reveal widespread AFM1 contamination within the investigated farms, consistent with possible feed-borne AFB1 exposure, whereas PFAS occurrence appeared sporadic and generally low.