The aim of this study was to assess occurrence of Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium perfringens in honey samples from Kazakhstan. Analyses were carried out using a set of PCR methods for identification of anaerobic bacteria, and detection of toxin genes of C. botulinum and C. perfringens. Among 197 samples, C. botulinum was noticed in only one (0.5%). The isolated strain of this pathogen showed the presence of the bont/A and ntnh genes. C. perfringens strains were isolated from 18 (9%) samples, and mPCR (multiplex PCR) analysis led to them all being classified as toxin type A with the ability to produce α toxin. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA genes showed occurrence in 4 samples of other anaerobes related to C. botulinum, which were C. sporogenes and C. beijerinckii strains. C. botulinum prevalence in honey samples from Kazakhstan in comparison to the prevalence in samples collected from the other regions seems to be less. The highest prevalence of Clostridium sp. was noticed in the East Kazakhstan province. Our study is the first survey on BoNT-producing clostridia and C. perfringens prevalence in Kazakh honey.

The dynamics of the consequences of the Proton-M carrier rocket crash on the soil and vegetation cover in the area where its parts fell were studied in 2007-2014. Analytical methods such as liquid chromatography with electrochemical and spectrophotometric detection were used. In 2007, four soil...

Aim: This study aimed to determine the food safety and protein adequacy of meats from various animals in the Shuchinsk- Burabay resort zone. Materials and Methods: Samples of meat were collected from markets "Zhomart" and "Kausar." Two hundred and ninety-eight samples of meat were obtained: beef - 166, horse - 42, pork - 67, mutton - 8, and poultry - 15. From each carcass, part of the carcass, point samples were taken to form an average sample and conduct research. Analyses used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography. The determination of amino acid composition was carried out following the chromatographic method for determining the amino acid composition of meat proteins. Results: The quality of meats from the resort zone was lower than recommended due to the reduced content of essential amino acids, including valine, lysine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine. Concentrations of heavy metals and radionuclides did not exceed maximum permissible limits, and trace concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, and lead were detected in all meat samples, except beef. The latter meat showed increased concentrations of mercury. Conclusion: In terms of quality indicators, all types of meat met standards; however, pork protein displayed the most favorable amino acid composition, both for content of essential amino acids and the ratio of amounts of essential to non-essential amino acids. For content of heavy metals, poultry and pork meats were safest.

Aim: This study investigated the effects of antitox and Vitamin E-selenium on meat quality and safety in rabbits after experimental 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (1,1-DMH) toxicosis. Materials and Methods: Experimental groups of rabbits weighing 1.5-2.5 kg each were kept in a vivarium under same controlled conditions (temperature 16-21°C, humidity 60-80%, 12/12 h light/dark cycle, noise level <85 dB) with free access to standard food containing 22.0% protein, 4.5% fat, and 4% fiber. The effect of a detoxifying mixture of antitox and Vitamin E-selenium on safety indicators (residual amount of 1,1-DMH) and quality indicators pre- and post-detoxification of the rabbits from 1,1-DMH was determined. Results: After detoxification, the residual 1,1-DMH level decreased in all organs and tissues to <0.1 mg/kg. The nutritional value of meat increased by improving organoleptic, physical, and chemical parameters and the amino acid composition of protein. Conclusion: The antitox+Vitamin E-selenium detoxifying mixture significantly decreases the residual 1,1-DMH level in organs and tissues of animals and increases the nutritional value of rabbit meat in subacute poisoning. The detoxifying mixture can also be used on animals grazing in territories adjacent to Proton-M launch sites for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

Nuts are a staple food consumed throughout the world, and their purity is essential to maintaining human health. However, fungal mycotoxins pose one of the real challenges in keeping nuts clean for human consumption. The high cost of equipment, reagents used, standard samples, as well as increased requirements for personnel qualifications limit the use of chromatographic methods in testing laboratories, both manufacturing enterprises and organizations monitoring food safety. The present study aimed to test a new method for extracting aflatoxin B1 using sodium chloride and citric acid instead of methanol present in imported nuts obtained from local markets in Astana (Kazakhstan). The proposed method for extracting aflatoxin B1 from nuts is chemically safe, since the substances used belong to hazard class 3 of the international classification and do not require separate premises in food safety laboratories of the Astana markets and special training of specialists. The technical objective of the method is to replace the reagent (methanol) during the sample preparation process when conducting cocuret enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Aflatoxin B1 levels varied depending on the type of nut. Aflatoxin contamination was observed in 35.8% of samples analyzed. These levels of mycotoxin contamination are alarming and raise serious questions about the purity of imported nuts to ensure food safety.

Background and Aim. Nuts are a vital component of the human diet; however, they are highly susceptible to contamination by mycotoxins. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive sanitary assessment of various domestic and imported nuts sold in Kazakhstan’s markets, specifically focusing on the quantification of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to evaluate potential carcinogenic risks to consumers. Materials and Methods. Samples of walnuts, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios were collected from major wholesale and retail markets in Almaty, Taraz, Shymkent, Astana, and the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions. The assessment employed a multidisciplinary approach, including organoleptic, physicochemical, and instrumental analyses (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect and quantify AFB1 contamination.Results. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in all analyzed samples. The highest contamination levels were identified in samples from Shymkent, ranging from 0,039 to 0,045 mg/kg. These concentrations significantly exceed the maximum permissible limit (MPL) of 0,005 mg/kg established by the Customs Union and European Union food safety regulations. Conclusion. The findings indicate that current levels of AFB1 contamination in nuts sold in Kazakhstan pose a notable public health concern. The results highlight the urgent need for systematic monitoring of mycotoxins and the implementation of more robust national food safety control protocols to ensure consumer protection.