Food Quality

Pomegranate seeds (Punica granatum L.) are quantitatively and qualitatively a relevant agri-food by-product which is rich in molecules beneficial to human health. In order to valorize this resource, this study aims to evaluate and to compare, for the first time, the characteristics of fruit seeds and seed oils of ten pomegranate cultivars grown in the Center of Morocco. Physical and biometric parameters of seeds, fatty acid composition, physicochemical criteria, and antioxidant activity of seed oils were determined. The results showed significant differences between the ten studied cultivars. The seeds yielded oil contents ranging from 17.59% to 24.69% and presented high contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exceeding 89%. The major fatty acid was punicic acid, which represented more than 80% of fatty acids, while other fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid could be considered a minority. Oils showed yellow colour due to the contents of chlorophy...

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the top commercial grade of olive oil, and its fatty acid composition and
minor compounds have many documented health benefits. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
has recently attributed some health claims to EVOO. Although numerous studies have been carried out
on its production technology and nutritional effects, little is known about the composition and quality of
EVOO from the retail market. Thus, our aim was to evaluate EVOOs from the Italian market by assessing
their fatty acid composition, quality indices, polyphenols, tocopherol content and antioxidant activity
(ABTS method) with a view to the possible application of EFSA health claims. High variability was found
for phenolic compounds and tocopherols, the levels of which were significantly higher in 100% Italian
labeled oils compared with European Union blends. Consumption of the recommended daily amount of
EVOO would cover about 50% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of tocopherols, as well as the
polyphenol intake recommended by EFSA. Only 3 of the 32 samples had a phenolic content above
250 ppm. Particularly high polyphenol indices were found in the samples of Italian oils covered by
Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs). In conclusion, the food industry and consumers need to pay
close attention to producing and choosing the best EVOO from the nutritional viewpoint.

Wongprawmas, R., Canavari, M., & Waisarayutt, C. (2015). A multi-stakeholder perspective on the adoption of good agricultural practices in the Thai fresh produce industry. British Food Journal, 117(9), 2234–2249. doi:10.1108/BFJ-08-2014-0300

Purpose – We explore the factors hindering the adoption of good agricultural practices (GAPs) in the Thai fresh fruit and vegetable industry from the perspectives of key stakeholders in different tiers of the supply chain up to consumers. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews carried out in Bangkok and nearby cities. The key informants were experts, governmental authorities, producers, distributors, exporters, and consumers. A qualitative content summarising approach was used to analyse the interview transcripts. Findings – Stakeholders perceived the credibility of national GAP (Q-GAP) standards implemented in the Thai domestic market as low, due to a lack of reliable verification and traceability and because the system is managed by governmental bodies. Consumer demand could drive the market of safe produce, but retail stores are the main influencers of producers’ adoption of GAPs in domestic markets. Research limitations/implications – The findings are based on a small group of Thai fresh produce industry players and consumers who operate mainly in an urban context. Practical implications – The paper provides relevant information for policy makers and industrialists to find appropriate strategies to sustain GAPs in Thailand. Stakeholder awareness of food safety issues and information provision are crucial. Originality/value – This is the first in-depth study of stakeholders’ perceptions of GAP implementation in the Thai fresh produce supply chain as the industry is currently transitioning from a commodity market to a quality/safety-oriented market. The results raise important issues regarding GAP adoption, food safety certification, and labelling in Thailand.