Mycotoxin Prevalence and Microbiological Characteristics of Locally Produced Elected Freekeh Products.

Freekeh is produced from roasted, immature wheat grains. It is very popular in Middle Eastern and North African nations. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of different types of mycotoxins, physical impurities, and microbiological contamination in local freekeh products.

Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of oleuropein, olea Europea leaf extract, and thymus vulgaris oil.

Background: Although synthetic preservatives and antioxidants may have high antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, they are usually associated with adverse effects on human health. Currently, there is a growing interest in natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two medicinal plant extracts and one active compound.

The occurrence of aflatoxins and labelling compliance of locally produced za'atar mix products.

Za'atar mix products are mainly composed of the dried and ground leaves and/or blossoms of wild and cultivated plant species (, , , and ) with the addition of condiments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of aflatoxins, chemical composition (carbohydrates, fibre, fat, protein, moisture, ash, and acid contents), mineral content (Na, Ca, and K), and colour traits (L*a*b*) in relation to food label and food standards compliance. Measured and labelled fat content did not agree for approximately 91% of the samples.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of natural extract as a substituent for synthetic preservatives and antioxidants in pharmaceutical preparations.

Background: Despite the fact that synthetic preservatives and antioxidants have strong antibacterial and antioxidant activity, they are frequently associated with negative health consequences. Currently, there is an increasing interest in pharmaceutical products that are excellent in quality and free of synthetic preservatives.

Methods: As a result, the purpose of this research is to assess the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of olive leaf extract, oleuropein, and thymol in various pharmaceutical products.

Effects of Black Cumin Seed () and Coconut Meals () on Broiler Performance and Cecal Microbiota.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with black cumin seed meal (BCSM) and coconut meal (CM) on the performance and cecal microbiota of Cobb 500 hybrid broilers. The study was conducted on 600 chicks on the first day of hatching; the chicks were randomly distributed equally into 12 equal-sized floor pens. Four dietary treatments (C, T1, T2 and T3) were replicated three times (50 chicks/replicate): C was the control group; T1 was supplemented with 10% BCSM; T2 was supplemented with 10% CM; T3 was supplemented with 5% BCSM and 5% CM.

The Impact of Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils Dietary Supplementation on Broiler Health, Growth Performance, and Prevalence of Growth-Related Breast Muscle Abnormalities.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of thyme and oregano essential oils (as growth promotors), individually and in combination, on the health, growth performance, and prevalence of muscle abnormalities in broiler chickens. Six hundred day-old Cobb 500 hybrid chickens were randomized into four dietary treatment groups with three replicates each. Chicks in the control group (C) received a basal diet, while the experimental treatment groups received basal diets containing 350 mg/kg of thyme oil (T1), 350 mg/kg of oregano oil (T2), and 350 mg/kg of thyme and oregano oil (T3).

Application of the Hurdle Technology Concept to the Fresh Za'atar () Preservation.

Oregano (Origanum syriacum) is popularly called za’atar in the Middle East region. It is widely used in the Mediterranean diet as an aromatic herb. This study aimed to evaluate the preservation effect of natural additives, vacuum packaging, and refrigeration on the quality traits of fresh oregano.

Influence of Slaughter Age on the Occurrence and Quality Characteristics of White Striping and Wooden Muscle Abnormalities.

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of white striping (WS), wooden breast (WB), and WS combined with WS/WB muscle abnormalities in broilers (Ross 500) at different slaughter ages (34, 41, and 48 d). In addition, the influence of these muscle abnormalities at different slaughter ages on quality characteristics (physical dimensions, pH, color index, and chemical composition) was studied. Overall occurrence of muscle abnormalities was 45%, 92%, and 100% at slaughter ages of 34, 41, and 48 d, respectively.

Comparison between Quality Traits of Solar-Dried and Freeze-Dried L. (Za'atar).

There is growing interest in Origanum syriacum due to attractive culinary applications and functional properties. Solar drying is the most common conventional method for drying Origanum syriacum L. (Za’atar) in Mediterranean region.

Quality control and mycotoxin levels in food in the Palestinian market.

A total of 51 food samples (18 rice, 17 wheat flour, and 16 nuts) were randomly collected from different shops and analysed for the presence of total aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and fumonisins, using a lateral flow competitive immunochromatographic assay method. Mycological contamination (total aerobic and fungi count), colour index (L*a*b*) and moisture content were also evaluated. Sensory characteristics for mycotoxins contaminated and uncontaminated samples of rice and wheat flour were evaluated by 40 panellists.

L. (Za'atar), from Raw to Go: A Review.

The interest in za'atar has increased in recent years due to its economic, cultural, and functional importance. The traditional za'atar mix made from dried is now a demanded product nationally and internationally. Air-drying at low temperatures can preserve za'atar quality traits better than other techniques such as oven-drying.

Differentiation between Normal and White Striped Turkey Breasts by Visible/Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Data Analysis.

The appearance of white striations over breast meat is an emerging and growing problem. The main purpose of this study was to employ the reflectance of visible-near infrared (VIS/NIR) spectroscopy to differentiate between normal and white striped turkey breasts. Accordingly, 34 turkey breast fillets were selected representing a different level of white striping (WS) defects (normal, moderate and severe).

Incidence of White Striping and Its Effect on the Quality Traits of Raw and Processed Turkey Breast Meat.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of white striping abnormality and its consequences on the quality traits of raw and processed turkey breast (chemical composition, color traits, and water holding capacity). In total, about 2300 breasts from 22 flocks were used to assess the incidence and 60 breasts to evaluate the quality traits. Our study showed that the total incidence of moderate and severe white striping was 61.