The effect of storage conditions on ethanol content of kombucha tea

Ethanol is one of the alcohol compounds commonly found in food and beverages. Some of the food and beverage products sold in the market contain ethanol. In accordance with that, the objective of this research was to analyse the ethanol content of kombucha tea which is stored at a certain duration and temperature. The research experiment used commercial and homemade kombucha teas. The test was performed at 2 contact temperatures, 8°C (chiller) and 28°C (room temperature) for a duration of 4 weeks. Each sample was analysed for ethanol content, every 1 week using a gas chromatograph coupled with a single quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC-FID). The results demonstrate that storage temperature significantly influences ethanol production, with higher temperatures yielding elevated ethanol content. The ethanol content of commercial kombucha tea stored for 28 days at 28°C was the highest ethanol content (3.43±0.06% ABV). The lowest ethanol content was found in kombucha green tea (1.55±0.11% ABV) which was kept in the chiller (8°C) for the duration of 28 days. It was found that storage temperature and duration play important roles in the concentration of ethanol content. These findings provide producers and regulators with valuable insights for optimising storage practises, promoting halal compliance, and ensuring food safety while preserving fermented beverage’s quality and flavour

Effects of selected plants against rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae)

Rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae) have caused significant damage and losses in rice storage. The use of chemical pesticides to control them has had negative environmental effects and limited efficacy. To address this issue, natural plant-based insect-control alternatives were investigated. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of (Pandanus amaryllifolius), kaffir lime leaves (Citrus hystrix), and “asam gelugor” (Garcinia atroviridis) in repelling, inhibiting feeding, and reducing the offspring of rice weevils. Plant samples were extracted using the soxhlet extraction method, and the crude extracts were concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The extract solutions were then tested for their effects on rice weevils. The results showed that pandan leaves were the most effective, with a repellency percentage of 46.67% and a better anti-progeny effect of 2.175%. Kaffir lime leaves had no effect on rice weevils, while asam keping only showed an anti-progeny effect of 6.525%. The study revealed that low concentrations (0.002 - 0.006 g/mL) of insecticides from pandan extracts could provide a repellency effect against rice weevils. Therefore, plant extracts from Pandanus can be used as botanical insecticides to manage S. oryzae infestations

Effects of selected plants against rice weevil (sitophilus oryzae)

Rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae) have caused significant damage and losses in rice storage. The use of chemical pesticides to control them has had negative environmental effects and limited efficacy. To address this issue, natural plant-based insect-control alternatives were investigated. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of (Pandanus amaryllifolius), kaffir lime leaves (Citrus hystrix), and “asam gelugor” (Garcinia atroviridis) in repelling, inhibiting feeding, and reducing the offspring of rice weevils. Plant samples were extracted using the soxhlet extraction method, and the crude extracts were concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The extract solutions were then tested for their effects on rice weevils. The results showed that pandan leaves were the most effective, with a repellency percentage of 46.67% and a better anti-progeny effect of 2.175%. Kaffir lime leaves had no effect on rice weevils, while asam keping only showed an anti-progeny effect of 6.525%. The study revealed that low concentrations (0.002 - 0.006 g/mL) of insecticides from pandan extracts could provide a repellency effect against rice weevils. Therefore, plant extracts from Pandanus can be used as botanical insecticides to manage S. oryzae infestations

Abstracts of the International Halal Science Conference 2023

This book presents the extended abstracts of the selected contributions to the International Halal Science Conference, held on 22-23 August 2023 by the International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), IIUM, Malaysia in collaboration with Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, University Islam Sultan Sharif (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam. With the increasing global interest in halal products and services, this conference is timely. Conference Title:  International Halal Science ConferenceConference Acronym: IHASC23Conference Theme: Halal Industry Sustainability Through ScienceConference Date: 22-23 August 2023Conference Venue: International Islamic University (IIUM), MalaysiaConference Organizer: International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), International Islamic University (IIUM), Malaysi