Changes in curcuminoids and chemical components of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) under freeze-drying and low-temperature drying methods.

We investigated how various drying methods affect the chemical components and microstructure of turmeric. We used freeze drying (FD), hot-air drying (HD) at 50 °C and sun drying (SD). Compared to all dried samples, fresh turmeric had greater amounts of chemical components (curcuminoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids and amino acids) andgreater antioxidantactivity (DPPH and FRAP) except for ABTS values.

Pathogenic bacterial contaminations in hospital cafeteria foods.

This study aims to examine the pathogenic bacterial contaminations in foods sold in hospital cafeteria. A study was conducted between April and September of 2008 using cafeteria located in Mahasarakham provincial hospital, Thailand, as a study area. The cafeteria foods were evaluated for contaminations with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and Streptococcus faecalis, which have been earlier reported to cause nosocomial outbreaks.