Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose an emerging environmental risk impacting food products and ecosystems. This study analyzes over 150,000 entries from food safety authorities and scientific publications from 2017 onwards. Our findings show that fish & seafood, and biota have the highest PFAS concentrations due to environmental contamination and bioaccumulation. Surface water samples also frequently contain PFAS, raising concerns about long-term ecological and human health effects. Comprehensive strategies are essential to mitigate these risks.

Otitis is an ear inflammation characterized by an accumulation of polluted fluids in the ear, inflating the drum, causing ear pain, and draining the mucous membrane (pus) into the ear canal if the drum is perforated. Swimmer’s otitis, also known as acute external otitis, is a medical condition that frequently affects competitive swimmers. The risk factor analysis study was based on data obtained between May 2018 and May 2019 from four public swimming pools in Patras, Achaia. A checklist was created to evaluate the pools’ operational conditions, and it included information on the pools’ sanitation as well as swimming pool hygiene guidelines. In addition, a questionnaire was devised to collect data on pool swimmers’ use of the pools. Microbiological testing of the pool water was done ahead of time, and data on external otitis cases from hospitals was gathered. Based on this information, a risk factor analysis was conducted. Gender, weight, and age do not appear to have an impact on the number of otitis media cases that occur because of swimming in the pools. There is also no statistically significant link between episodes and the frequency of otitis events in locker rooms, restrooms, or swimming pools. The frequency with which swimmers utilize the pool, rather than the pool’s microbial burden, is the most significant determinant in otitis episodes. Furthermore, there is no statistically significant link between chlorine odor and otitis episodes. Additionally, several abnormalities in the ear or the child’s history do not appear to affect otitis episodes. More research is needed to determine whether infections are linked to microbial load or if other factors are responsible for the emergence of waterborne infections.

This study examines at the prevalence and spread of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and norovirus GI/GII in local and imported food products in Greece over a five-year period (2019–2024). A total of two hundred sixty-six food samples were evaluated using obligatory inspections and virus detection procedures, including 202 for Hepatitis A and 64 for Norovirus. High-risk categories analyzed were vegetables [138 (HAV), 17 (NoV)], fruits [16 (HAV), 7 (NoV)], soft fruits/berries [37 (HAV), 31 (NoV)], processed meals [4 (HAV), 4 (NoV)], and animal-based products [1 (HAV), 5 (NoV)]. Viral RNA was isolated using QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit and detected using established RT-qPCR procedures that met ISO requirements for high sensitivity and reproducibility. The results demonstrated HAV contamination mostly in vegetables (4.35% positive rate), with sporadic findings in other categories. Norovirus GI/GII was detected primarily in soft fruits/berries, with a category-specific positive rate of 6.45%. A temporal study revealed that HAV peaks in 2020, while Norovirus contaminations were detected in 2021 and 2024. The findings highlight the important need to incorporate viral testing into routine food safety procedures, especially for high-risk product categories. This study establishes a basic framework for public health initiatives that address gaps in foodborne virus surveillance in Greece. The study’s ramifications extend to global efforts to monitor and reduce foodborne virus contamination, pushing for higher regulatory requirements and targeted preventative actions.

Greek avgotaracho Mesolonghiou (fish eggs from Flathead Mullet) is a highly valuable food product which holds Protected Destination of Origin status. The aim of this work was to use PCR-DGGE technique to examine whether there is a correlation between bacteria population in fish eggs and geographical origin. Cluster analysis of fish eggs from three geographical locations (Mesolonghi, Australia and Mauritania) discriminated samples according to their provenance. Moreover, we utilized emulsion-PCR amplification in DGGE analysis in order to investigate whether we could obtain further information about food products’ bacteria communities. PCR-DGGE proved to be a suitable method for fish eggs traceability, moreover emulsion PCR-DGGE provides better results. Emulsion-PCR can face up the existing limitations of conventional PCR and thus can be demonstrated as alternative molecular technique for complex and processed matrices, regarding food traceability and authentication.