Quantitative levels of norovirus and hepatitis A virus in bivalve molluscs collected along the food chain in the Netherlands, 2013-2017.

Contamination of bivalve molluscs with viruses is well recognized as a food safety risk. A microbiological criterion for norovirus (NoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) in shellfish, however, does not exist in the European Union currently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination levels of these viruses for fluctuation over a long period (2013-2017) in oyster (n = 266) and mussel samples (n = 490) using a method based on ISO/TS 15216-1: 2013.

Protolysis and Complex Formation of Organophosphorus Compounds-Characterization by NMR-Controlled Titrations.

Phosphonic acids, aminophosphonic acids, and phosphonocarboxylic acids are characterized by an advanced hyphenated technique, combining potentiometric titration with NMR spectroscopy. Automated measurements involving C, F and P nuclei lead to "pseudo 2D NMR" spectra, where chemical shifts or coupling constants are correlated with analytical parameters. Dissociation constants, stability constants, dynamic and specific chemical shifts are determined.

Monitoring of pork liver and meat products on the Dutch market for the presence of HEV RNA.

The aim of the present study was to assess pork liver and meat products present on the Dutch market for the presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA. HEV RNA was detected in 27.3% of 521 products sampled from Dutch retail stores in 2016.

Porcine blood used as ingredient in meat productions may serve as a vehicle for hepatitis E virus transmission.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the use of porcine blood(products) in food could be a risk for a hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. HEV RNA was detected in 33/36 batches of (non-heated) liquid products and in 7/24 spray dried powder products. Contamination levels varied among the products, but were highest in liquid whole blood, plasma and fibrinogen reaching levels of 2.