This study aimed to compare hygroscopicity properties of three cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) products: native starch powder (NS), fermented starch powder (FS), and starch granulate (SG). The analyzed properties were compared based on the statistical evaluation of differences in the course of sorption isotherms and the identification and comparison of parameters in two theoretical models of sorption. Empirical data were generated by means of the static-desiccator method. Measurements were made using AquaLab apparatus. The size, shape, and number of tapioca particles were characterized using a Morphology automatic particle analyzer. The study demonstrated that in-depth exploration of empirical data describing hygroscopicity of samples with the use of mathematical tools allows evaluating their physical parameters. The results obtained were analyzed in terms of correlations between physical and physicochemical properties determining utility traits of cassava starch. The NS and SS featured significantly higher hygroscopicity than SG, as evidenced by the values of all parameters analyzed in this study. The study results provided new information related to the management of the production process, safety, and stability of these products.

The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acid profile of intramuscular fat (IMF) in female roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) and red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) living in the wild. The experimental materials comprised samples of the Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle collected from 20 carcasses of does aged 3–5 years and 15 carcasses of hinds aged 4–6 years. All animals were hunter-harvested in the forests of North-Eastern Poland. The IMF of does had considerably higher concentrations of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, it was characterized by more desirable values of quality parameters, and provided more health benefits. The observed differences in the fatty acid composition of IMF between does and hinds are important in view of both the nutritional value of meat and its susceptibility to lipid oxidation and rancidification.

The goal of this work is the critical analysis of premises influencing the concerns typically expressed by Polish consumers over the safety of venison. Risk factors which are indicated in literature as important to the safety of venison in consumers’ eyes are discussed, including: 1) trichinosis, 2) genetic modifications, 3) hormones, and 4) toxoplasmosis. The critical analysis of literature data allowed concluding that the aforementioned factors do not increase the risk posed by venison consumption. It was additionally concluded that, in many aspects, the venison is definitely safer meat than meat of the livestock. An overview of literature data demonstrated, however, the potential threat to consumer health posed by wild game meat contamination with heavy metals. For this reason, contents of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury were determined in meat samples of 12 does of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) from the northern Poland. Results of determinations showed explicitly that the analyzed meat posed no risk associated with the content of heavy metals because contents of arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in 12 samples and lead content in 11 samples were below the detection limit, whereas lead content in one sample was determined at a very low level. In general, the results presented are consistent with literature data, however it needs to be noted that varying conditions of game habitat and factors associated with the hunt can contribute to increased contents of heavy metals in game meat.

Attitudes toward food are one of the most critical factors related to consumer behavior in the food market. Therefore, identifying attitudes toward a specific food product may be essential for identifying factors influencing certain behaviors regarding game. In addition, game meat is a valuable food that can increase the variety of meat and reduce the intensive breeding of slaughter animals. Therefore, a research gap was found regarding the lack of a tool for identifying attitudes toward game that would allow for the acquisition of data valid for studying conditions related to game consumption. The study aims to validate a developed scale for identifying the attitudes of young Tri-City residents toward game. To collect the database, two groups of respondents are involved in the validation procedure. This procedure includes validation of content, response process, and statistical validation. The scale is validated, and four domains are distinguished based on the PCA test. The validated scale consists of 10 statements (initially 11). The estimated Cronbach’s alpha (0.6944) indicates good scale internal consistency. The developed scale can be used to identify attitudes of young Tri-City residents toward game and search for links between these attitudes and behaviors related to game consumption.

This paper analysed the need for fundamental education of consumers to create attitudes and behaviours favouring the promotion of the idea of sustainable development and sustainable consumption. The methodology applied included the use of logical analysis of secondary data available in research, plus normative and legal literature. The analysis of gathered data indicated that a reduction of adverse environmental effects of livestock farming and meat production could be achieved by increasing the focus on consumer education, in particular on the risk of mass production. Game meat in Poland is beginning to enter the next product life cycle very slowly and gradually through the promotion of meat products. If these measures are continued at the present level, consumer acceptance of this type of meat could increase. At the same time, it was found that appropriate education of the population and building a sense of social responsibility may allow for the introduction of positive changes in hunting management, e.g., the marketing of fresh meat.

The purpose of this article was to identify significant differences in the hunting management process in Poland and selected European countries in the context of their impact on the preservation of biodiversity and the implementation of the idea of sustainable development. The goal was achieved through the analysis of hunting management in selected European countries through the prism of the assumptions made by Aldo Leopold in 1933. Based on the analysis carried out, it was found that hunting management in relation to Leopold’s postulates has best been undertaken by France. Moreover, the wild game management process should be actively implemented and based on the still up-to-date, universal postulates of Leopold, which can be treated as a model approach.