Process optimisation for enzymatic clarification of indigenous wild watermelon () juice.

A fundamental step in improving the quality and consumer acceptability of wild watermelon () is the process of juice clarification. The aim of this research was to investigate the physicochemical properties of crude wild watermelon () juice and to optimise the processing conditions, incubation time, incubation temperature and enzyme concentration for the enzymatic clarification of the crude juice. Crude wild watermelon juice samples were treated with pectinase enzyme in different concentrations (0.

A 16S Next Generation Sequencing Based Molecular and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Identify Processed Meat Products Contamination and Mislabelling.

Processed meat is a target in meat adulteration for economic gain. This study demonstrates a molecular and bioinformatics diagnostic pipeline, utilizing the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, to determine processed meat product mislabeling through Next-Generation Sequencing. Nine pure meat samples were collected and artificially mixed at different ratios to verify the specificity and sensitivity of the pipeline.

The food safety knowledge of street food vendors and the sanitary conditions of their street food vending environment in the Zululand District, South Africa.

This research sought to evaluate the food safety knowledge of street food vendors and the sanitary compliance status of their vending facilities, Zululand District, South Africa. Data collection was done in a face to face interview with respondents in a cross-sectional survey research design. Data was collected from 399 randomly selected street food vendors and 200 randomly selected street food vending facilities.

An assessment of the food safety knowledge and attitudes of food handlers in hospitals.

Background: The possession of inadequate food safety knowledge (FSK) by food handlers poses a serious threat to food safety in service establishments. The aim of this research was to investigate factors that influenced the FSK and food safety attitudes (FSA) of employees involved in the preparation and/or the serving of food from nine hospitals in the Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Method: Up to 210 individuals (18-65 years) who were employed in these hospitals, and who were involved in the preparation and serving of food to patients were purposefully selected.

Genome Sequences of Bacillus sporothermodurans Strains Isolated from Ultra-High-Temperature Milk.

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 3 strains isolated from ultra-high-temperature milk products in South Africa and Brazil and the type strain MB 581 (DSM 10599). The genomes will provide valuable information on the molecular dynamics of heat resistance in .

Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Plants Used Traditionally as a Source of Food.

Many indigenous plants have also been used as a source of food and medicine in many African rural communities in the past. The study investigated the antimicrobial activity, phytochemical constituent, and antioxidant activity of selected traditional plants used traditionally as a source of food and medicine. The methanol and water extracts of different plant parts were analyzed for phytochemicals using standard phytochemical screening reagents while the broth microdilution assays were used to analyze antimicrobial activities.

Advantages and limitations of potential methods for the analysis of bacteria in milk: a review.

Contamination concerns in the dairy industry are motivated by outbreaks of disease in humans and the inability of thermal processes to eliminate bacteria completely in processed products. HACCP principles are an important tool used in the food industry to identify and control potential food safety hazards in order to meet customer demands and regulatory requirements. Milk testing is of importance to the milk industry regarding quality assurance and monitoring of processed products by researchers, manufacturers and regulatory agencies.

The effects of wet heat treatment on the structural and chemical components of Bacillus sporothermodurans spores.

The objective of this research was to study the rate of structural damage and survival of Bacillus sporothermodurans spores following treatment at high temperatures by determining the amount of Dipicolinic acid (DPA) and soluble protein leakage over time. A reference strain of B. sporothermodurans (DSM 10599) and a South African strain (UP20A) isolated from UHT milk were used.