In this survey aflatoxin, M was quantified in raw and processed milk from various areas of two big cities of Punjab province, i.e. Lahore and Multan. The results indicated that approximately 90% of the raw milk samples collected from Lahore city was contaminated with aflatoxin M. Similarly, around 92% of the raw milk samples collected from Multan city was contaminated with aflatoxin M. All samples of processed milk and tea whiteners were contaminated and 56% of the contaminated processed milk samples and 66% of the contaminated tea whitener samples were violating the maximum limits. The dietary exposure data of AFM among six different groups was calculated, which indicated that the male children population was the most vulnerable group to AFM, up to 6.68 ng L per day and the least affected one was the female group above 20 years of age with 1.13 ng L per day.

The present study was designed to evaluate functional potential of Aloe vera juice against (CCl 4 induced) hepatotoxicity using animal model. Biochemical analyses including liver, renal enzymes, bone biomarkers and lipid profile were conducted after 4 weeks of oral Aloe vera juice administration. Liver enzymes, AST, ALP and total bilirubin were reduced up to 15-7%, 60-32.52% and 29-48%, respectively in Aloe vera juice treated rats i.e., 10 mL/kg and 20 mL/kg doses. Reduction in serum cholesterol (8%), LDL (12%) and triglycerides (15%) were observed. Urea was significantly reduced up to 11% which further reduced up to 30% at higher dose. Increased content of serum proteins (23-50%) and albumin (40-116%) were found at the different doses. Vitamin D was found maximum in G 4 i.e., 38.63 mg/dL as compared to lowest i.e., 5.12 mg/dL in G 2 , similarly improvement in calcium i.e., 11-22% was observed in G 3 and G 4 . The serum oxidative stress markers indicated raised superoxide dismutase (9%), glutathione (15%), catalase (9%) and reduced lipid peroxidation 78% at higher concentration of Aloe vera juice consumption. In addition, histological evaluation also depicted positive impact on hepatic and renal portfolio in all treated rats. All of the findings enlighten the potential of Aloe vera juice as a functional beverage.

Developing nations are striving to assure food safety that rely mainly upon handling procedures. The current study focused upon the understanding level and practices of food handlers working at various canteens of University of the Punjab, Quid-i-Azam campus, Lahore. Different canteens were selected where 300 different food handlers were judged for their approach towards food safety through a closed ended questionnaire. Samples of different food products were also taken randomly for their microbiological safety evaluation. The whole data was analyzed using chi-square to assess the proportion of correct and incorrect responses among various parameters. The non-significant variation was observed among the knowledge, attitude and practices scores of university and its hostels’ canteens food handlers. Overall, 60% of the responses were correct from the university and hostel canteens food handlers. Similarly, 50-60% of the responses regarding attitude and practices were correct from the university and hostel canteen food handlers. With many technical flaws, these food handlers showed moderate level of knowledge. Not only apprentices but the supervisors too, lacked the basic knowledge of temperature as major factor creating potential food safety threats. Lack of knowledge about personal hygiene and workplace sanitation were few contributing factors towards heedless behavior. Incidence of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus contamination in food samples was found 29% and 57%, respectively, while 35% food samples were found contaminated with E. coli. It further exposed the negligence, emphasizing proper training of employees as part and parcel of food safety procedures. It was concluded that more training programs along with periodic validation of food manufacturing standards are required to ensure food safety. Furthermore, strict surveillance and implementation of GMPs by the administrative authorities are needed to safeguard the consumers’ health.

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The current study aimed at the quinoa-wheat composite flour's characterization (including total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity) as well as its effect on dry cake sensory quality. Findings revealed a rise in ash content, fat, protein, and crude fiber of composite-flour (0.56-1.23%, 1.13-1.76%, 10.14-11.02%, and 0.23-1.04%, respectively) with an increase of quinoa flour (5-20%). The addition of quinoa flour to the composite flour enhanced cake texture (0.26-.70 kg), but it also decreased L-value of cake crumb (55. 29-50.73). Total flavonoids (56.44-59.48 mg QE/100 g) and antioxidant activity (4.66-9.76%) increased as quinoa flour was increased, whereas total phenolics (8.68-5.46 mgGAE/g) decreased. By mixing wheat flour with quinoa flour, the nutritional value of wheat flour was increased. During sensory evaluation, the cake made from composite-flour containing 10% quinoa-flour scored the highest overall acceptability. Sensory quality of last two treatments, which included 15% and 20% quinoa flour, was lower. Quinoa seeds had a better nutritional profile than wheat, with higher levels of amino acids, minerals, dietary fibers, and oil. Since wheat is a staple food in Pakistan, adding quinoa-flour would help to reduce malnutrition in Pakistan. Furthermore, no previous research on the suitability of quinoa-wheat flour for dry cake has been conducted on Pakistani wheat flour.