Georgios Papatzimos

This study characterised commercially available powdered infant formula products intended for term infants from birth to 6 months of age in Greece in terms of the nutritional, physicochemical and reconstitution-related characteristics. Fifteen samples, representing five availability-selected standard products and three production batches per product, were analysed for their proximate composition, fatty acid profile, lipid quality indices, colour in powdered and reconstituted forms, physicochemical characteristics, wettability and solubility. Label compliance was assessed, and principal component analysis was applied to evaluate product differentiation. Moisture did not differ significantly among the products (2.28–2.93%), whereas ash (2.38–2.76%), protein (9.21–10.62 g/100 g), fat (18.67–28.44 g/100 g) and lactose (50.62–56.48 g/100 g) differed significantly. One product had a measured fat content outside EU tolerance limits. Fatty acid composition differed significantly, reflecting formulation and lipid-source differences. Lipid quality indices varied markedly, with desirable fatty acids ranging from 63.03 to 93.51, hypercholesterolaemic fatty acids from 6.08 to 32.96, atherogenicity index from 0.08 to 0.94 and thrombogenicity index from 0.19 to 0.93. The colour analysis showed greater variability in the powder than in the reconstituted samples. The wettability was 13.57 s (10.88–15.62 s), and the solubility ranged from 99.06 to 99.18%. The principal component analysis explained 67.1% of the variance in the powdered formulas and 71.0% in the reconstituted formulas. These findings provide baseline data on the nutritional, physicochemical, colour and reconstitution-related properties of the examined powdered infant formula products sold through mainstream retail channels in Greece.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid content, proline, and protein levels of oak honeydew and oak honeydew-nectar honeys produced in Northwestern Greece, providing the first comparative compositional data for these honey types. Methods: Thirty-four honey samples (16 oak honeydew and 18 oak honeydew-nectar) were collected from the region of Western Macedonia during the 2021–2022 harvest seasons. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays), colour intensity (ABS450), and proline and protein contents were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Statistical analyses included independent-samples t-tests, Pearson correlation analysis, and multivariate techniques (PCA and hierarchical clustering) to assess variation and grouping patterns between honey types. Results: Oak honeydew honey showed higher TPC (137.52 vs. 115.69 mg GAE/100 g), antioxidant activity (DPPH: 20.26 vs. 15.24% inhibition; FRAP: 53.25 vs. 41.26 μΜ TE/100 g), and colour intensity (ABS450: 802 vs. 623.3 mAU) compared with oak honeydew-nectar honey (P < 0.05). TFC (51.67 vs. 42.22 mg RUE/100 g), proline (965.62 vs. 1,095.68 mg/kg), and protein contents (0.24 vs. 0.27 mg/g) were similar between oak honeydew and oak honeydew-nectar honey, respectively, with no significant differences (P > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among antioxidant activity, colour intensity, and flavonoid content, while protein exhibited inverse correlations with antioxidant parameters in oak honeydew honey but positive ones in oak honeydew-nectar honey. PCA showed a clear differentiation trend between the two honey types. Conclusions: Oak honeydew honey exhibited superior antioxidant capacity and phenolic content, reflecting a richer bioactive composition. These findings provide the first comparative insight into Greek oak honeys and highlight their practical significance for honey authentication, quality evaluation, and consumer awareness of honeydew honeys produced in Northwestern Greece.

This study examined the effects of incorporating processed (hydrolysed) (POP) and unprocessed (non-hydrolysed) (UOP) orange peels into the diets of lactating ewes on the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, antioxidant properties, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory attributes of traditional sheep milk yoghurt. Thirty-six Chios breed ewes were divided into three dietary groups: POP, UOP, and a conventional control diet (Control). Yoghurt produced from the UOP and POP diets had higher protein content (5.93 and 5.53%, respectively) and fat content (6.79 and 6.24%, respectively) compared to the Control (5.42% for protein and 6.06% for fat). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the nutritional indices of yoghurt fat. The determination of antioxidant activity showed no significant differences among the groups using the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods, whereas significant differences were observed when measured with the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Textural analysis revealed that UOP yoghurt had greater firmness and cohesiveness. The whiteness index of yoghurt across all treatments remained consistent during storage, maintaining the desirable visual characteristics of traditional sheep milk yoghurt. Syneresis levels were similar across all groups, indicating no negative effects on yoghurt stability. Sensory evaluation confirmed the high acceptability of yoghurt produced from both experimental diets. These findings highlight the potential of orange peels as a sustainable feed additive, with no adverse effects on the nutritional, functional, or sensory properties of dairy products, while contributing to effective waste valorisation.

This review examined the potential of hemp components as functional feed and food ingredients, focusing on their impact on the quality and nutritional value of animal products. Following hemp legalization, there was growing interest in its potential to enhance animal diets and processed animal products due to its rich nutritional profile, including high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential amino acids, and fibre. Incorporating hemp components into feed for monogastric animals, particularly poultry, improved lipid stability, sensory attributes, and the fatty acid composition of meat and eggs. Hemp supplementation for ruminants, especially in goats, increased PUFA and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in milk, improved meat tenderness, and enhanced oxidative stability. However, research on hemp supplementation for pigs and beef remained limited, indicating the need for further exploration of these species. Hemp cake, rich in protein, fibre, and essential fatty acids, was the most widely used hemp component due to its economic viability, nutritional benefits, and sustainability, contributing to improved meat and milk quality. Regulatory concerns about the transfer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) residues in the produced animal products restricted the use of hemp biomass. In processed animal products, hemp components were studied for their potential to enhance nutritional value, replace animal fats, and serve as natural preservatives. Although they improved the fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties of meat products, challenges such as textural changes and increased lipid oxidation needed to be addressed for optimal use. Limited studies on dairy products indicated promising nutritional enhancements, but textural issues could impact consumer acceptance. In conclusion, hemp components show significant potential for improving the quality and nutritional value of animal products. Further research is necessary to address regulatory, sensory, and formulation challenges and to expand their application across different animal species and processed animal products.

Recently, products of plant origin have been utilized to extend the shelf life of meat products. This study examined the impact of hemp seed oil as a replacement for animal fat and sodium nitrite on the nutritional, physicochemical, technological, and sensory traits of fermented salamis. Five treatments were prepared: S0 (100 mg/kg NaNO₂), S1 (2% hemp oil and 50 mg/kg NaNO₂), S2 (4% hemp oil and 50 mg/kg NaNO₂), S3 (2% hemp oil), and S4 (4% hemp oil). The addition of hemp seed oil did not affect proximate composition but improved fatty acid composition and lipid quality nutritional indices. Microbial growth was consistent across all treatments. Active acidity (pH) and water activity (aw) were influenced by hemp seed oil and/or sodium nitrite. Salamis containing only hemp seed oil exhibited lower redness and chroma values during storage. Hemp seed oil led to higher lipid peroxidation, mitigated by sodium nitrite. The addition of hemp seed oil and varying levels of sodium nitrite significantly impacted salami texture. Sensory evaluation showed consumer acceptance of hemp seed oil-enhanced salamis. In conclusion, hemp seed oil can be used as a functional ingredient to improve the nutritional value and healthiness of fermented meat products when combined with reduced sodium nitrite content.

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about synthetic preservatives like nitrites in meat, prompting the meat industry to explore alternatives in order to lower nitrite levels. This study investigated the effects of incorporating hemp flour on the chemical and shelf-life characteristics of minced meat products with reduced nitrite content. Three types of products were prepared: HF0 (control) (0% hemp flour, 30 mg/kg NaNO₂), HF4 (4% hemp flour, 15 mg/kg NaNO₂), and HF6 (6% hemp flour, 15 mg/kg NaNO₂). Analyses were conducted on proximate composition, fatty acid composition, antioxidant properties, lipid oxidation, colour, texture, and sensory characteristics. The addition of hemp flour at 6% reduced moisture content and influenced ash and sodium chloride levels in minced meat products. Despite the favorable fatty acid profile of hemp flour, its inclusion did not significantly alter the composition of the products. However, it did lead to significantly lower levels of lipid oxidation and modified the antioxidant capacity. Colour attributes were affected, with a higher hemp flour content resulting in colour deterioration. Cooking loss increased with a higher hemp flour content, and the minced meat products were significantly harder. Visual and olfactory sensory evaluation indicated that there were no significant differences in most traits, suggesting consumer acceptance of hemp-flour-enriched minced meat products. Overall, this study highlights the potential of hemp as a functional ingredient in minced meat products, also exhibiting the ability to reduce lipid oxidation.

Consumers differentiate milk-quality characteristics in relation to the production system, but data on retail milk composition are limited. This study investigated how farming methods and seasons affect proximate composition, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical characteristics of commercial cow’s milk. Milk samples, both conventional (n = 84, 7 manufacturers) and organic (n = 24, 2 manufacturers), were collected monthly over a year. Farming system did not significantly affect milk composition other than fat content, whereas seasonal effects were notable, impacting the contents of ash, protein, and added water. Fatty acid composition exhibited variations influenced by both production system and season. Compared to conventionally produced milk, organically produced milk exhibited higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.54 vs. 3.88, p < 0.01) and a lower atherogenicity index (2.23 vs. 2.50, p < 0.05). The antioxidant activity showed that conventionally produced milk exhibited better radical-scavenging activity (DPPH) (14.54 vs. 12.30 μM TE/mL, p < 0.01). Seasonal variations were evident in both free radical-scavenging activity (DPPH), with values of 12.29 μM TE/mL in winter and 15.58 μM TE/mL in spring (p < 0.05), and ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP), with levels of 21.81 μM TE/mL in autumn and 27.94 μM TE/mL in spring (p < 0.05). Season significantly affected (p < 0.001) milk pH, electrical conductivity, refractive index, and freezing-point depression. In conclusion, this study showed that the farming system has a limited impact on retail milk quality compared to the significant influence of season.

Dairy products from mountain-origin milk are known for their superior composition and quality. This study aimed to examine changes in composition, nutritional quality, and antioxidant properties of milk from semi-intensively managed goats in mountainous regions during the post-weaning to end-of-lactation period. Bulk tank milk samples from 10 farms were collected bi-weekly in the period from March to September. The farms were situated in regions with an average altitude of 772.20 m above sea level. The results revealed significant variations in milk composition, with fluctuations in fat, protein, lactose, and total solids. Milk yield per doe showed seasonal differences, with the highest yield in April and the lowest in September. Fatty acid composition exhibited changes throughout the sampling period, with variations in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nutritional indices, such as the atherogenicity index and thrombogenicity index, remained within the recommended values. Antioxidant properties, including total phenolic content, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS, showed significant differences, with higher values toward the end of the study. Milk pH, electrical conductivity, brix value, and refractive index also exhibited variations, while density and freezing point remained relatively stable. The study provided valuable information that can be used to develop breeding and feeding plans to achieve uniform milk quality in mountainous regions.

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the popularity of plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs). This work examined the nutritional value, antioxidant profile and physicochemical characteristics of commercial non-cocoa- and cocoa-flavoured PBMAs. The examined products were either nut or oat-based ones. In the absence of protein fortification, the products' protein content was found to be low. Fat content was also low, whereas carbohydrate and sugar contents were related to sugar addition. Oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acids were the primary unsaturated fatty acids. PBMAs have low Atherogenicity (AI) and Thrombogenicity (TI) indices and high hypocholesterolaemic:hypercholesterolaemic fatty acid ratio (h/H). The antioxidant profile significantly differed (P < 0.001) between non-cocoa- and cocoa-flavoured PBMAs. The antioxidant profile of cocoa-flavoured PMBAs improved due to the polyphenols present in cocoa beans. The physicochemical characteristics of the analysed PBMAs demonstrated great versatility. The nutritional profile of PBMAs also showed considerable variability, influenced by factors, such as product type and ingredient formulation. Additionally, differences in the nutritional composition and physicochemical properties were observed between non-cocoa and cocoa-based PBMAs.