Aniello Anastasio

This work aims to assess the risk of heavy metal contamination of volcanic origin in the agri-food chain, describing the potential danger to human health. Volcanic phenomena lead to the environmental presence of contaminants, including heavy metals, which influence our ecosystems, food, and health. Opinions have been expressed regarding the presence of heavy metals in our diet and the potential risk of food contamination following volcanic eruptions. Regulation (EU) 915/2023 does not reference the sanctions that would be applied if food products with analytical values exceeding the established tolerance limits for heavy metals were marketed. Legislative Decree No. 18 of February 23, 2023, while providing a sanctions framework, is not specific to the exceedance of maximum limits for heavy metals in water intended for human consumption; it is plausible to apply the Penal Code (Articles 444 and 452) and Law No. 283 of April 30, 1962. The effect of volcanic eruptions seems to play a residual role in heavy metal contamination in food supply chains, considering that their presence is quantified in trace amounts. Given that a limited number of active volcanoes have been monitored for heavy metal emissions and that data regarding the contribution of volcanic activity is lacking, there are still too many missing pieces to conduct a realistic risk assessment of the impact volcanic activity has on the food chain. In conclusion, the 2022 Environmental Data Yearbook from the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research indicates that Italy has achieved the goals set internationally by the Aarhus Convention.

Cyanobacteria are ubiquitous photosynthetic microorganisms considered as important contributors to the formation of Earth’s atmosphere and to the process of nitrogen fixation. However, they are also frequently associated with toxic blooms, named cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs). This paper reports on an unusual out-of-season cyanoHAB and its dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Lake Avernus, South Italy. Fast detection strategy (FDS) was used to assess this phenomenon, through the integration of satellite imagery and biomolecular investigation of the environmental samples. Data obtained unveiled a widespread Microcystis sp. bloom in February 2020 (i.e., winter season in Italy), which completely disappeared at the end of the following COVID-19 lockdown, when almost all urban activities were suspended. Due to potential harmfulness of cyanoHABs, crude extracts from the “winter bloom” were evaluated for their cytotoxicity in two different human cell lines, namely normal dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7). The chloroform extract was shown to exert the highest cytotoxic activity, which has been correlated to the presence of cyanotoxins, i.e., microcystins, micropeptins, anabaenopeptins, and aeruginopeptins, detected by molecular networking analysis of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) data.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen responsible for about 1600 illnesses each year in the United States (US) and about 2500 confirmed invasive human cases in European Union (EU) countries. Several technologies and antimicrobials are applied to control the presence of L. monocytogenes in food. Among these, the use of natural antimicrobials is preferred by consumers. This is due to their ability to inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens but not prompt negative safety concerns. Among natural antimicrobials, plant extracts are used to inactivate L. monocytogenes. However, there is a large amount of these types of extracts, and their active compounds remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes of about 800 plant extracts derived from plants native to different countries worldwide. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to verify how the plant extracts affected L. monocytogenes at the microscopic level. Results showed that 12 of the plant extracts had inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes. Future applications of this study could include the use of these plant extracts as new preservatives to reduce the risk of growth of pathogens and contamination in the food industry from L. monocytogenes.

A new additive formulation containing hydrogen peroxide, citric acid and trisodium acid is illegally used in fishery products due its whitening and antioxidant features. Aim of this study was to evaluate the possible presence of COPs and their role as markers of illegal treatment in anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) stored at different temperatures. Sensory analysis was also performed by the specific QIM test. The quantitative determinations (%) of cholesterol oxides (COPs) showed changing amounts during storage. Not always The COPs measured in the treated samples were significantly higher than control samples. Considering the volatility of hydrogen peroxide and the poor repeatability of COPs analyses, as shown in the present study, it is crucial to intensify the control by the Authorities.