Determination of formaldehyde in wet marketed fish by HPLC analysis: A negligible concern for fish and food safety in Bangladesh

Formaldehyde (FA) content in nine commonly available marine and freshwater finfish and one shrimp species marketed in Dhaka was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Limit of detection and limit of quantification values of 6.90 and 22.90 µg kgâ1 were calculated respectively. The study revealed different levels of formaldehyde in analyzed samples. The Kawran bazaar, the Raiyer bazaar and the Mohakhali bazaar of Dhaka city fish were analyzed; the level of the content of formaldehyde was higher in Raiyer bazaar fish samples and lower in Kawran bazaar fish samples. The range of formaldehyde value in freshwater and marine finfish samples and shrimp samples ranged 5.1 ± 0.71â12.26 ± 1.67 mg kgâ1, 10.8 ± 1.72â39.68 ± 7.87 mg kgâ1 and 13.57 ± 1.93 mg kgâ1 respectively. The FA content was in the range of 5.1 ± 0.71â39.68 ± 7.87 mg kgâ1 eventually found in all marketed fish. Keywords: Marketed fish, Penaeus monodon, Food safety, Formaldehyde, HPL

Effects of freezing periods and polythene packaging with or without turmeric powder paste on proximate composition of Labeo bata fish

The study was designed to investigate the effects of freezing periods and the combination of packaging with or without turmeric on the proximate composition of whole and sliced Labeo bata. The samples were subjected to 28 days of frozen (-20 °C) storage periods and analyzed for proximate composition such as moisture, protein, lipid and ash at intervals of 0, 14 and 28 days. Data obtained was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% significant level. Different preservation periods and methods significantly affected the nutritional composition of fresh fish. Moisture, protein, lipid and ash content decreased with increasing storage periods when compared to the fresh fish as control. The highest percentage of protein was found in turmeric-treated whole fish preserved in polythene, C4, after the 14th (15.70±0.14) and 28th (15.27±0.21) day. On the other hand, the lowest percentage (14.01±0.10 and 13.22±0.18 for the 14th and 28th day, respectively) was found in sliced fish preserved without polythene, C5. In conclusion, the turmeric-treated whole fish preserved in polythene retained fish nutrients and ensured its good quality and composition longer than other treatments, thereby extending the shelf life during frozen storage

Conventional and advanced detection techniques of foodborne pathogens: A comprehensive review

Foodborne pathogens are a major public health concern and have a significant economic impact globally. From harvesting to consumption stages, food is generally contaminated by viruses, parasites, and bacteria, which causes foodborne diseases such as hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), typhoid, acute, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Hence, early detection of foodborne pathogenic microbes is essential to ensure a safe food supply and to prevent foodborne diseases. The identification of foodborne pathogens is associated with conventional (e.g., culture-based, biochemical test-based, immunological-based, and nucleic acid-based methods) and advances (e.g., hybridization-based, array-based, spectroscopy-based, and biosensor-based process) techniques. For industrial food applications, detection methods could meet parameters such as accuracy level, efficiency, quickness, specificity, sensitivity, and non-labor intensive. This review provides an overview of conventional and advanced techniques used to detect foodborne pathogens over the years. Therefore, the scientific community, policymakers, and food and agriculture industries can choose an appropriate method for better results

Evaluation of occupational health management status and safety issues of the small-scale fisheries sector in Bangladesh

Background: Small-scale fishing is one of the most precarious occupations, with high rates of threats and hazards. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the health hazards and safety issues of fishers involved in small-scale fisheries (SSF).Materials and methods: Fifty SSF fishers (n = 50) were surveyed by using a pre-tested questionnaire between October 2019 and March 2020 at the lower Meghna River in the northern tip of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh.Results: Results revealed that 56% of SSF fishermen belong to a nuclear family, and 42% completed primary education. Forty per cent had an annual income of between 1,000 and 1,500 USD. Seventy-six per cent of fishermen were found to suffer from fever, and 72%, and 60% from diarrhoea and skin diseases over the last 5 years (2015–2020), respectively. During fishing, 78% of fishermen also suffered from red-eye problems, dizziness, and headache, and 68% struggled with musculoskeletal complaints during the last 5 years. Extreme cyclonic occurrences and sudden storms were experienced by 66% and 32% of fishermen, respectively, during the last 5 years. Local pharmacies were visited by 46% of fishermen for treatment due to ease of access. Sixty-four per cent of participants applied their local indigenous knowledge to treat health-related problems. Twenty-eight per cent and 32% of fishermen used a first aid box and stored medicine on board, respectively.Conclusions: Most of the fishers are in great risk of medium- to high-range danger while fishing in the SSF sector in Bangladesh. Many countries have developed protocols for safe and responsible fishing. In Bangladesh, adequate attention is needed for the sustainable development of the SSF sector

Nutritional properties of wild and fattening mud crab (Scylla serrata) in the south-eastern district of Bangladesh

Mud crab (Scylla serrata) is one of the most important crustacean species in Bangladesh due to its high economic value. Crab fattening is widely practiced in the country to meet export demand while the supply for domestic consumption is mainly dependent on wild sources. This work reported for the first time a comparative evaluation of the nutritional properties of wild and fattening mud crabs. For this purpose, the proximate compositions were determined in terms of total contents of protein, moisture, ash, lipid, and minerals. Female fattening mud crabs had the highest levels of protein (17.07 ± 1.52%) and moisture (76.95 ± 1.39%) content, while the highest percentages of ash (4.9 ± 1.03%) were detected in male fattening mud crabs. Male fattening mud crabs also contained high amounts of minerals, especially calcium (1199.71 ± 343.43 mg/100g) and iron (14.21 ± 1.28 mg/100g). Male and female wild crabs showed the highest levels of magnesium and phosphorus, respectively. Additionally, the calculated percentage of recommended nutrient intake (RNI) value revealed that mud crab contributes 4.4–59.99%, 6.6–53.98%, and 7.33–54.53% for infants, adults, pregnant and lactating women, respectively. The present study indicates that mud crab had a balanced nutritional composition that would be nutrient-rich excellent diet for consumers

Nutritional profile and heavy metal contamination of nursery, grower, and finisher feeds of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Bangladesh

Tilapia, the third most cultured fish, is a part of the daily diet of more than 50% of the population of Bangladesh. Thus, adequate nutrition and toxic metal-free tilapia fish feeds are the prerequisites of sustainable aquaculture. The present study was carried out to investigate the nutritional profile and heavy metal pollution in nursery, grower, and finisher types of feeds of tilapia commercially available in Bangladesh. The proximate composition (moisture, protein, lipid, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate), mineral nutrients, fatty acid profile, and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) of feed samples were assessed. Low protein content and the absence of essential fatty acids mark the feeds as low-quality diets. A significant amount of trace metals were also detected in the feeds, posing a direct threat to the health of the fish and, ultimately, to consumers. The results revealed the highest Zn concentration in all tilapia feed samples. The descending order of heavy metal concentrations was identified as Zn>Ni>Pb>Cu>Cr in nursery feeds, Zn>Cu>Cr in grower feeds, and Zn>Ni>Cu>Cr>Cd in finisher feeds. Pb and Cr values were higher than the recommended values set by FAO. Therefore, strong monitoring is recommended to ensure the optimum quality and safety feeds

Utilisation of probiotics for disease management in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) : administration methods, antagonistic effects and immune response

The giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is a high-yielding prawn variety well-received worldwide due to its ability to adapt to freshwater culture systems. Macrobrachium rosenbergii is an alternative to shrimp typically obtained from marine and brackish aquaculture systems. However, the use of intensive culture systems can lead to disease outbreaks, particularly in larval and post-larval stages, caused by pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeasts and protozoans. White tail disease (viral), white spot syndrome (viral) and bacterial necrosis are examples of economically significant diseases. Given the increasing antibiotic resistance of disease-causing microorganisms, probiotics have emerged as promising alternatives for disease control. Probiotics are live active microbes that are introduced into a target host in an adequate number or dose to promote its health. In the present paper, we first discuss the diseases that occur in M. rosenbergii production, followed by an in-depth discussion on probiotics. We elaborate on the common methods of probiotics administration and explain the beneficial health effects of probiotics as immunity enhancers. Moreover, we discuss the antagonistic effects of probiotics on pathogenic microorganisms. Altogether, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of disease control in M. rosenbergii aquaculture through the use of probiotics, which could enhance the sustainability of prawn culture