To develop a functional probiotic that inhibits gingipain, a major virulence factor of Porphyromonas gingivlais (P. gingivalis), we screened over 30 probiotic strains for their ability to inhibit gingipian activity. We investigated the inhibition of expression of gingipain genes kgp, rgpA, and rgpB as well as gingipain activity, using freeze dried cell-free supernatants of Weisiella cibaria SPM402 (WC402) and Lactobacillus paracasei SMP412 (LP412), both of which demonstrated antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis. Thus, it was verified that kgp expression was reduced by approximately 0.71±0.02 folds and rgpB expression was reduced by approximately 0.71±0.14 folds at a concentration of WC402 10 mg/mL. Meanwhile, at the same concentration of 10 mg/mL of LP412, kgp expression was reduced by approximately 0.19±0.08 folds, rgpA expression was reduced by approximately 0.09±0.02 folds, and rgpB expression was reduced by approximately 0.24±0.03 folds. At a concentration of 10 mg/mL, Kgp activity was inhibited by approximately 78.65±3.58% (cell associated gingipain, CAG), 82.45±1.22% (cell-free gingipain, CFG) by WC402 and 80.71±2.11% (CAG), and 85.81±0.05% (CFG) by LP412 respectively. Rgp activity was also effectively inhibited by approximately 78.6±1.01% (CAG), 86.78±0.47% (CFG) and 82.93±1.26% (CAG), 88.81±0.36% (CFG) by WC402 and LP412 respectively. Based on these results, W. cibaria SPM402 and L. paracasei SPM412 can be regarded as functional probiotics with the ability to inhibit gingipain activity and exhibit antibacterial effects against P. gingivalis.

This study monitored the caffeine content of ready-to-drink coffee and verified the appropriateness of the labeling. The caffeine content was analyzed using HPLC. The average caffeine content of cold brew coffee was 0.31-1.04 mg/mL, with an average of 0.55 mg/mL. The average content of product was 147.27 mg/bottle, and taking into account the recommended daily intake, an adult can consume 2.7 bottles. Americano coffee was 0.15- 0.38 mg/mL, with an average of 0.28 mg/mL. The average content of product was 110.42 mg/bottle, and considering the recommended daily intake, an adult can consume 3.6 bottles. The caffeine content of decaffeinated cold brew coffee was 5.14 mg/bottle and compared to Americano coffee, more than 95% of the caffeine was removed. In addition, we verified the tolerance level of the total caffeine content in ready-to-drink coffee, and none of them exceeded 120%, signifying that all commercial products were effectively managed.

This study aimed to examine the possibility of upcycling extracts of Angelica keiskei and Oenanthe javanica juice by-products through comparing enzyme extraction (EE) and complex extraction (CE) methods to increase the extraction yield and flavor of materials. A higher extraction yield was obtained for free amino acid content with EE and CE for A. keiskei and O. javanica juice by-products, respectively, and a higher extraction efficiency was achieved with juice by-products than with extracts prepared from raw materials before juice production. The content of major amino acids varied depending on the extraction method used. When used according to the characteristics of the extract, their use as a functional material was confirmed along with improvement in the flavor of the food. Consistently high extraction yields for organic acid and sugar levels were obtained with CE in A. keiskei and O. javanica juice by-products. The DPPH radical scavenging ability and TPC were consistently high with CE in A. keiskei and O. javanica juice by-products; the increase in extracted content was likely because of the reaction between the ethanol used for CE and the phenolic compounds. However, because the antioxidant capacity of the juice by-product extracts was somewhat lower than that of the extracts from raw materials before juice production, the amount used should be reviewed. The TFC was found to be higher in extracts obtained with EE than with CE for A. keiskei juice by-products; however, no significant difference was observed between EE and CE in the O. javanica juice by-products. Through this study, the taste compounds and antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from juice by-products produced after the production of A. keiskei and O. javanica green juice were analyzed, and the availability of high value-added materials was confirmed. Based on these research results, expanding specific R&D for practical use should be explored.

The consumption of enoki mushrooms has been associated with cases of listeriosis produced by Listeria monocytogenes, highlighting the significance of sanitizing food-contact surface, such as the velcro used in welding processing of enoki mushrooms, to ensure microbial safety. We investigated the inhibitory activity of nine chemical disinfectants at regular concentrations against L. monocytogenes isolated from a mushroom farm environment. The bacterial suspension was prepared in phosphate buffered saline and mushroom extract broth and inoculated onto the velcro surface. After inoculation, most disinfectants reduced the initial 8 log CFU/coupon concentration by less than 2 log CFU/coupon during a 5-min treatment. Slightly acidic hypochlorous water showed a reduction of approximately 4 log CFU/coupon when tested for more than 30 min at the maximum allowable concentration of 200 mg/L. Sodium hypochlorite solution showed a reduction of approximately 5 log CFU/coupon when used at 100 mg/L for 60 min. Peracetic acid, at the maximum allowable concentration of 300 mg/L, showed the most effective reduction of 5 log CFU/coupon or more when the surface was treated with 37.5 mg/L for 30 min. These results indicate that peracetic acid can be used as the disinfectant strategy to control cross-contamination of L. monocytogenes on the velcro surface of plastic wrappers used in the welding processing of enoki mushrooms.

This study investigated species identification and labeling compliance of 48 shrimp products sold in the Korean online markets. Species identification was conducted using the standard DNA barcoding method, using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. The obtained sequences were compared with those deposited in the NCBI GenBank and BOLD Systems databases. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis was performed to further verify the identified shrimp species. Consequently, 16 shrimp species were identified, including Penaeus vannamei, Pandalus borealis, Palaemon gravieri, Leptochela gracilis, Penaeus monodon, Pleoticus muelleri, Metapenaeopsis dalei, Euphausia pacifica, Lebbeus groenlandicus, Trachypenaeus curvirostris, Argis lar, Metanephrops thomsoni, Metapenaeopsis barbata, Alpheus japonicus, Penaeus chinensis, and Mierspenaeopsis hardwickii. The most prevalent species was Penaeus vannamei, found in 45.8% of the analyzed products. A significant mislabeling rate of 72.9% was found; however, upon excluding generic names such as shrimp, the mislabeling rate reduced to 10.4%. The mislabeling rate was higher in highly-processed products (89.3%) compared with that in minimally-processed products (50%). No correlation was found between the country of origin and mislabeling rate. The results of this study provide crucial data for future monitoring of shrimp products and improving the labeling of shrimp species in Korea.

In this study, we detected the presence of residual pesticides in 341 agricultural products collected from local food outlets in western Gyeonggi Province. Residual pesticides were detected in 105 (30.8%) samples. Six samples exceeded the legal limits for residual pesticides, resulting in a non-compliance rate of 1.8%, which was slightly higher than the average non-compliance rate of 1.4% in the last three years. Among the tested agricultural products, only fruits and vegetables were found to have pesticide residues, with 24 of 34 fruits (a detection rate of 70.6%) and 81 of 277 vegetables (a detection rate of 29.2%) testing positive. In total, 59 types of pesticides, including acetamiprid, which was detected 208 times, were detected and had a detection range of 0.01–2.38 mg/kg. Among the 105 agricultural products containing pesticide residues, a single pesticide was detected in 62 samples (59%) and two or more pesticides were detected in 43 samples (41%). In particular, 14 pesticides were detected in the same sample of peaches; dinotefuran was detected 21 times. Upon examining the toxicity of the detected pesticides, Class III pesticides (moderate toxicity) were detected 44 times (21.2%) and Class IV pesticides (low toxicity) were detected 164 times (78.8%). Class I, II, and III pesticides with fish toxicity were detected 68 (32.7%), 14 (6.7%), and 126 times (60.6%), respectively. Upon examining the exposure to high-frequency pesticide components detected five or more times, the hazard index was found to be ≤2.8%. Accordingly, the hazard of residual pesticides based on dietary intake was deemed insignificant.

The status of residual pesticides was investigated in four pepper seed oil samples and 36 pepperflavored oil samples oil distributed on the market from August to December 2022. A total of 179 pesticides were monitored in 40 samples, and 14 pesticides were detected in 39 of the samples, with a detection range of 0.01-2.16 mg/kg. In chili seed oil, 10 pesticides were detected 27 times with a range of 0.11-2.16 mg/kg, and in pepper-flavored oil, 9 pesticides were detected 94 times with a range of 0.01-0.80 mg/kg. The most frequently detected pesticides were tebuconazole, ethion, and difenoconazole, with ethion being detected in large concentrations in products using Chinese raw materials. Ethion, an unregistered pesticide in the Republic of Korea, has not been detected in the Gyeonggi-do area in the past 10 years. It is thought that the detection of ethion can be utilized as an indicator of products made in China. Peppers are a representative agricultural product for which many pesticides are used, and if the pesticides transferred to pepper seeds are not removed, the probability of detecting various types of pesticides in pepper seed oil is very high. Therefore, continuous research is needed to ensure the safety of pepper seed oil.

In this study, based on an analysis of two DNA barcode markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b genes), we performed species identification and monitored labeling compliance for 50 commercial pufferfish products sold in on-line markets in Korea. Using these barcode sequences as a query for species identification and phylogenetic analysis, we screened the GenBank database. A total of seven pufferfish species (Takifugu chinensis, T. pseudommus, T. xanthopterus, T. alboplumbeus, T. porphyreus, T. vermicularis, and Lagocephalus cheesemanii) were identified and we detected 35 products (70%) that were non-compliant with the corresponding label information. Moreover, the labels on 12 commercial products contained only the general common name (i.e., pufferfish), although not the scientific or Korean names for the 21 edible pufferfish species. Furthermore, the proportion of mislabeled highly processed products (n = 9, 81.8%) was higher than that of simply processed products (n = 26, 66.7%). With respect to the country of origin, the percentage of mislabeled Chinese products (n = 8, 80%) was higher than that of Korean products (n = 26, 66.7%). In addition, the market and dialect names of different pufferfish species were labeled only as Jolbok or Milbok, whereas two non-edible pufferfish species (T. vermicularis and T. pseudommus) were used in six commercial pufferfish products described as JolboK and Gumbok on their labels, which could be attributable to the complex classification system used for pufferfish. These monitoring results highlight the necessity to develop genetic methods that can be used to identify the 21 edible pufferfish species, as well as the need for regulatory monitoring of commercial pufferfish products.

To investigate residual pesticide levels in agricultural products contained in Meal-kits, 27 Meal-kit products were collected from marts, Meal-kit shops, and online stores in Incheon City, South Korea. Seventy-six vegetable and thirty-seven mushroom products were analyzed for residual levels of 339 pesticides. Residual pesticides were detected in 23 out of 76 vegetables and were not present in the 37 mushroom products. The residual pesticide detection rate was 20.4% (23/ 113 cases). The pesticides famoxadone 0.034 mg/kg (standard: 0.01 mg/kg or less, PLS) and fenpyroximate 0.302 mg/kg (standard: 0.01 mg/kg or less, PLS) exceeded their maximum residue levels (MRL). This survey revealed that various types of pesticides remain in agricultural products in Meal-kits. Due to the nature of Meal-kit products, there is no separate standard for residual pesticides in agricultural products. Therefore, continuous monitoring of residual pesticides is necessary.

In this study, we developed Rapid Enrichment Broth for Vibrio parahaemolyticus (REB-V), a broth capable enriching V. parahaemolyticus from 100 CFU/mL to 106 CFU/mL within 6 hours, which greatly facilitates the rapid detection of V. parahaemolyticus. Using a modified Gompertz model and response surface methodology, we optimized supplement sources to rapidly enrich V. parahaemolyticus. The addition of 0.003 g/10 mL of D-(+)- mannose, 0.002 g/10 mL of L-valine, and 0.002 g/10 mL of magnesium sulfate to 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW was the most effective combination of V. parahaemolyticus enrichment. Optimal V. parahaemolyticus culture conditions using REB-V were at pH 7.84 and 37oC. To confirm REB-V culture efficiency compared to 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW, we assessed the amount of enrichment achieved in 7 hours in each medium and extracted DNA samples from each culture every hour. Real-time PCR was performed using the extracted DNA to verify the applicability of this REB-V culture method to molecular diagnosis. V. parahaemolyticus was enriched to 5.452±0.151 Log CFU/mL in 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW in 7 hours, while in REB-V, it reached 7.831±0.323 Log CFU/mL. This confirmed that REB-V enriched V. parahaemolyticus to more than 106 CFU/mL within 6 hours. The enrichment rate of REB-V was faster than that of 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW, and the amount of enrichment within the same time was greater than that of 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW, indicating that REB-V exhibits excellent enrichment efficiency.

This study aimed to prepare kombucha, a fermented tea beverage, containing Dendropanax morbiferus (DM) leaves and roots, and analyze its antioxidant and intracellular activities. We compared the pH change, total acidity, radical scavenging activity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of kombucha fermented with black tea alone and that with added DM leaves or roots during fermentation. Using RAW 264.7, we evaluated the effects of kombucha containing different DM parts on nitric oxide (NO) production and inflammation-related cytokine content in cells. Kombucha containing ethanol extracts of DM leaves (BTK-E-DML) and roots (BTK-E-DMR) showed higher radical scavenging activity and ORAC 3 d after fermentation than that prepared from black tea alone (BTK-Ori). In an in vitro experiment using RAW 264.7, samples were treated with 8 mg/mL kombucha considering cytotoxicity; the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO content significantly reduced after BTK-E-DML and BTK-EDMR treatments compared with that after BTK-Ori treatment. Additionally, the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which were LPS-stimulated inflammatory cytokines, significantly decreased in cells treated with BTK-E-DML and BTK-E-DMR 15 d after fermentation compared with those treated with BTK-Ori. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that kombucha fermented with the leaves and roots of DM increases antioxidant activity and can significantly regulate inflammatory responses at the cellular level.

Velvet antler is widely used as a traditional medicine, and numerous studies have demonstrated its tremendous nutritional and medicinal values including immunity-enhancing effects. This study aimed to investigate different deer velvet extracts (Sample 1: raw extract, Sample 2: dried extract, and Sample 3: freeze-dried extract) for proximate composition, uronic acid, sulfated glycosaminoglycan, sialic acid, collagen levels, and chemical components using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-light mass spectrometry. In addition, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of the deer velvet extracts on BV2 microglia, HT22 hippocampal cells, HaCaT keratinocytes, and RAW264.7 macrophages using the cell viability MTT assay. Furthermore, we evaluated acute toxicity of the deer velvet extracts at different doses (0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) administered orally to both male and female ICR mice for 14 d (five mice per group). After treatment, we evaluated general toxicity, survival rate, body weight changes, mortality, clinical signs, and necropsy findings in the experimental mice based on OECD guidelines. The results suggested that in vitro treatment with the evaluated extracts had no cytotoxic effect in HaCaT keratinocytes cells, whereas Sample-2 had a cytotoxic effect at 500 and 1000 μg/mL on HT22 hippocampal cells and RAW264.7 macrophages. Sample 3 was also cytotoxic at concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg/mL to RAW264.7 and BV2 microglial cells. However, the mice treated in vivo with the velvet extracts at doses of 500–2000 mg/kg BW showed no clinical signs, mortality, or necropsy findings, indicating that the LD50 is higher than this dosage. These findings indicate that there were no toxicological abnormalities connected with the deer velvet extract treatment in mice. However, further human and animal studies are needed before sufficient safety information is available to justify its use in humans.

Dried apple jeonggwa, a traditional Korean dessert, was made using various apple varieties, such as Jonathan, Fuji, and Hongro. After making the dried apple jeonggwa, the physical and sensory properties of the dessert made using different apple varieties were compared. The apple varieties had no differences in moisture content, weight loss, or sugar content. Chromacity differences were observed depending on the varieties, but E was small. Hardness was highest in Jonathan, while resilience was highest in Fuji, but there was no significant difference in hardness. In the sensory evaluation, appearance, color, sweetness, hardness, chewiness, and overall acceptability were highest in Jonathan, while there was no substantial difference among the varieties in terms of flavor, sourness, or adhesiveness.

GC-MS/MS using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and C18 cartridges was used to identify and quantify levels of chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and permethrin in bulk raw milk. A calibration curve spanning 10 ng/mL to 200 ng/mL was obtained with a satisfactory correlation coefficient of 0.99. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantitation (LOQ) for chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin in the matrix ranged from 0.06 to 1.81 ng/mL and 0.19 to 6.04 ng/mL, respectively. The recoveries of 5 pesticides from spiked samples at 37.5-125 ng/mL ranged from 86.1 to 102.1%. The measurement of uncertainty of the GC-MS/MS method for these five pesticides was developed based on the analytical process and quantification. An analysis method that is easier and faster than the method specified in the Korean food standards codes for analyzing these five pesticides in raw material milk was developed. Moreover, the analytical method for chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin in bulk raw milk by GC-MS/MS was established.

This research investigated the immunoenhancing effect through the intracellular MAPKs and NF-B signaling pathways in macrophages activated by crude polysaccharides (YBP) of barley sprouts. YBP extracted from barley sprouts is composed of xylose (25.8%), arabinose (24.1%), galactose (23.4%), and galacturonic acid (11.7%). YBP did not affect the cytotoxicity and showed superior secretion of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- by RAW264.7 cells. Also, YBP dose dependently increased IL-6, TNF-, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA gene expression. In the western blot, YBP strongly induced the phosphorylation of the p38, JNK, ERK, and IB pathways in RAW 264.7 cells. In the anti-pattern recognition receptor (anti-PRRs) assay, the effect of YBP on NO secretion strongly decreased toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and Dectin1 antibodies, whereas IL-6 and TNF- secretion by YBP mainly decreased SR and CD14. Therefore, we concluded that YBPinduced NO, IL-6, and TNF- were secreted via the MAPKs, while NF-B pathways through TLR4, Dectin1, SR, and CD14 receptors existed in a macrophage surface and were involved in the immunoenhancing effect.

Okadaic acid (OA) group toxins, including OA and its analogs, such as dinophysis toxins (DTXs), have been reported to cause diarrheal shellfish poisoning (DSP). These toxins are primarily produced by dinoflagellates and are accumulated in bivalves. Recently, the presence of Dinophysis sp., a causative alga of DSP, has been reported along the coasts of Korea, posing a potential risk of contamination to domestic seafood and exerting an impact on both the production and consumption of marine products. Accordingly, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have established standards for the permissible levels of OA group toxins in marine products for safety management. Additionally, in line with international initiatives, the domestic inclusion and regulation of DTX2 among the substances falling under the purview of management outlined by the 2022 diarrheal shellfish toxin standard have been implemented. In this study, we reviewed the physicochemical properties of OA group toxins, their various exposure routes (such as acute toxicity, genotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity), and the relative toxicity factors associated with these toxins. We also performed a comparative assessment of the methods employed for toxin analysis across different countries. Furthermore, we aimed to conduct a broad review of human exposure cases and assess the international guideline for risk management of OA group toxins.

This study investigated the quality characteristics and optimal conditions of noodles produced by adding Baromi 2 Garu floury rice to wheat flour. The lightness of samples with floury rice increased, while the lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) decreased after cooking compared to before cooking. The weight, volume, and moisture absorption rate of cooked noodles decreased compared to wheat, but turbidity increased as the amount of rice flour increased. In addition, compared to the control with 20% rice flour, GR-20 (flour replacement by 20% Garu floury rice) with floury rice had lower turbidity, showing less cooking loss. The hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of noodles with floury rice decreased as the floury rice content increased, while springiness, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness increased. The elongation force and distance decreased as the amount of floury rice increased. Therefore, the optimal amount of floury rice to replace wheat flour would be 20%. Adding excessive amounts of floury rice to processed foods requires additional processes, such as adding food additives or changing the processing method to control physical properties.

This study aimed to apply rice flour Baromi 2 (B2) varieties developed by the Rural Development Administration in low-sugar baguette products. To achieve this, baguettes were produced using B2 at 10%, 20%, and 30% levels. As the content of B2 increased, the mixing time decreased, and the dough became sticky. Additionally, the dough fermentation ability was reduced. The finished products showed no significant difference in the external structure with varying B2 contents. However, the crust color containing B2 was darker than that of the control. In color value, the L* value decreased as the amount of added B2 increased, while the a* value and b* value increased. Furthermore, the sensory evaluation revealed that baguettes with a higher amount of B2 had a softer crumb and a crunchy crust, and with 20% substituted for B2, the sample obtained the highest score. From these results, it has been determined that B2 can substitute for up to 20% of wheat flour in bakery products.

This study established optimal cookie conditions by varying the amount of modified starch treated with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA). It also investigated the quality and digestion characteristics of the cookies produced. The moisture content increased as the amount of OSA-modified starch added to the cookies increased. As for cookie color brightness, the redness and yellowness decreased as the OSA-modified starch content increased. The spread factor and hardness of the cookies showed the most similar results for control and OSA: 20%. As the amount of OSA-modified starch added to cookies increased, RS tended to increase. It was found that OSA-modified starch cannot easily replace wheat flour completely and that the optimal amount of OSA-modified starch added to cookies is 20%. OSA-modified starch can be used not only as a cookie but also as a low-calorie food ingredient.

Silkworms have been developed for food and medicinal purposes, and several silkworm products are commercially available. However, there has been no research on their shelf stability. This study investigated the shelf stability of freeze-dried silkworms during storage at various temperature and humidity conditions, using three lipid oxidation indicators: peroxide, acid, and TBA value. The higher the temperature and relative humidity are, the more significant the three lipid oxidation indicators increase. Among these indicators, the TBA and peroxide values show the highest temperature dependence and humidity dependence, respectively. This study could contribute to the standardization of the shelf life of products made from freeze-dried silkworms.