Blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), pouting (Trisopterus luscus) and common dab (Limanda limanda) are underutilized fish species attractive in terms of sustainability. However, there is limited information about their nutritional characteristics as well as potential presence of environmental contaminants. Specimens caught in European waters were characterised for their content of essential and toxic elements. The three species, along with common carp and blue mussels, relevant for sustainable production too, were employed as raw materials for the development of semi-industrial ready-to-eat products. Calcium, copper, iodine, iron, selenium, zinc, cadmium, lead, mercury, and nickel were determined by ICP-MS, whereas methylmercury was determined by HPLC-ICP-MS. These two techniques were also used to determine arsenic and inorganic arsenic, respectively, in blue mussel and derived products. Differences in element contents were related to the biology and ecology of the examined species. Intake of nutrients and exposure to contaminants were assessed in relation to the relevant DRVs and HBGVs, respectively. All the species were found to be valuable dietary sources of selenium. Pouting was rich in iodine and mussels were good sources of iodine and iron. These two species had comparatively higher levels of mercury and lead, respectively. However, the levels of contaminants were generally of no concern in both raw materials and products. Iodine bioaccessibility was studied in blue whiting, a species with an intermediate iodine content, and found to be 98%. Selenium:mercury molar ratios were assessed and found to be favourable. The semi-industrial products were found to be good sources of selenium and many of them provided appreciable amounts of calcium, iron, copper and zinc.

Endocrine-disrupting compounds are chemicals that alter the normal functioning of the endocrine system of living organisms. They can be natural (N-EDCs) or synthetic compounds (S-EDCs). N-EDCs can belong to different groups, such as phytoestrogens (PEs), including flavonoids, or mycotoxins originating from plants or fungi, and cyanotoxins, derived from bacteria. Humans encounter these substances in their daily lives. The aim of this rapid review (RR) is to provide a fine mapping of N-EDCs and their toxicological effects on human health in terms of various medical conditions or adverse consequences. This work is based on an extensive literature search and follows a rigorous step-by-step approach (search strategy, analysis strategy and data extraction), to select eligible papers published between 2019 and 2023 in the PubMed database, and to define a set of aspects characterizing N-EDCs and the different human target systems. Of the N-EDCs identified in this RR, flavonoids are the most representative class. Male and female reproductive systems were the targets most affected by N-EDCs, followed by the endocrine, nervous, bone and cardiovascular systems. In addition, the perinatal, pubertal and pregnancy periods were found to be particularly susceptible to natural endocrine disruptors. Considering their current daily use, more toxicological research on N-EDCs is required.

Home food safety (HFS) is a major contributor to foodborne illness, often originating in domestic settings. Although population-based studies using surveys, questionnaires, and interviews are commonly used to assess consumers’ HFS-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), methodological heterogeneity limits comparability across studies. This scoping review aimed to map studies assessing consumers’ HFS-related KAP in high-income countries, describe recurrent methodological and reporting features, and identify areas of variability. Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and JBI guidance, the literature published between 2000 and 2023 was systematically searched across five scientific databases, as well as governmental and institutional sources for the grey literature. Data extraction and synthesis were guided by an expanded 15-feature framework refined from a previous rapid review. A total of 274 documents were included (247 scientific articles and 27 governmental and institutional reports). Across the included studies, several methodological features showed high consistency, including primary data collection (93%), predominantly cross-sectional designs (91%), the use of closed-ended instruments (71%), quantitative analytical approaches (78%), and voluntary, non-incentivised participation (68%), suggesting the presence of a common descriptive methodological core. At the same time, substantial variability was observed in sample size (62%), study aims (52%), analytical strategies (52%), modes of administration (51%), geographic coverage (47%), thematic scope (44%), and study period (54%). The coexistence of methodological convergence and context-dependent variability poses challenges in terms of evidence synthesis and comparability in HFS-related KAP research. The 15-feature framework developed in this review provides a structured, non-prescriptive tool to support transparent description and comparison of methodological and reporting practices. By pinpointing common approaches and areas of divergence, this review offers a foundation for guiding future HFS-related KAP research and supporting the development of more comparable and policy-relevant evidence.

Food contact materials release bioactive molecules that are potentially detrimental to health. Despite the relevance of this daily and repeated exposure, little attention is paid to single-use materials in contact with food. In Cameroon, despite the local tradition of using biodegradable and compostable leafy plants and the government’s decision to ban the use and marketing of plastics, they are still massively used in contact with food. The aim of this study was to explore the dynamics of the ongoing trend in the use of plastics for food handling. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2023 to investigate consumers’ perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of plastics and traditional leaves as food contact materials. Two hundred consumers were interviewed at eight restaurants in Kumba municipalities through a structured questionnaire. The result of this study revealed that consumers considered that plant-based materials do not affect human health; they know that leaves, compared to plastics, are easier to dispose of and that plastic is an environmental hazard. Age and education turned out to significantly affect all the answers, while income did not. The current study highlights the need to provide clear and updated information on the long-term danger posed to health and the environment by plastics used to cook, store, protect, and transport food. Despite the numerous advantages and benefits of traditional leaves as food contact material, their traditional use by the population has been lost. Consumers in Cameroon are at a critical juncture in choosing biodegradable and compostable food contact materials. This transition can be accelerated if governments invest in actions and measures to curb and potentially reverse the widespread adoption of plastics as a symbol of modernity. Scientific and technological research should engage in the innovation of traditional plant-based materials. This local example is also intended to provide impetus for more global investment in traditional plant-based materials for food packaging to support sustainability and the planetary health agenda.

Endocrine disruptors (ED) are a heterogeneous group of substances capable of inducing adverse health effects by altering, through various mechanisms and targets, the functioning of the endocrine system. Given the widespread presence in the environment and in foods, the assessment and reduction of the risks associated with ED exposure is an important public health issue. The article specifically takes into consideration two aspects: the long-term effects (reproductive, neurobehavioral, metabolic) of exposures during pre- and post-natal development; the importance of the study and interpretation of ED mechanisms for the purposes of risk assessment, also using the Adverse Outcome Pathways approach.