Food safety in basic schools across developing countries poses significant public health challenges. Soya kebabs, popular protein-rich snacks sold in Ghanaian schools, have received limited microbiological safety assessment despite widespread consumption. This study investigated the microbial quality of soya kebabs sold in basic schools (covering primary and junior high education, grades 1-9) within Sunyani Municipality, Ghana, examining relationships between vendor hygiene practices and contamination levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted across 25 basic schools from March to June 2025. Soya kebab samples (n = 50) were collected from 25 vendors at two time points (early week: Monday-Tuesday; late week: Thursday-Friday) and analyzed for total aerobic counts, coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi using standard microbiological methods. Vendor hygiene assessments were performed using structured observation checklists for all 25 vendors. Bacterial contamination levels varied substantially throughout the school week. Total aerobic counts ranged from 4.18 ± 0.13 to 4.71 ± 0.20 log10 CFU/g, while S. aureus contamination ranged from 2.28 ± 0.13 to 4.12 ± 0.10 log10 CFU/g (p < 0.001). E. coli levels ranged between 1.85 ± 0.16 and 2.43 ± 0.19 log10 CFU/g. Public schools showed significantly higher contamination than private schools across multiple parameters. Vendor assessments revealed critical deficiencies: only 16% demonstrated adequate hand washing, 28% had hand washing facilities, and 12% maintained proper temperature control. A strong negative correlation (r = -0.780, p < 0.001) existed between hygiene scores and contamination levels. The study reveals substantial quality variation in soya kebabs throughout the school week and widespread hygiene deficiencies posing significant health risks to students. Targeted interventions addressing vendor training and infrastructure provision could substantially reduce these food safety risks.
As of August 2023, 24 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have legalized and taxed recreational cannabis. However, how these excise taxes impact prices and the demand for legally sold recreational cannabis remains underexplored. In this study, we evaluate the impact of cannabis taxes on prices and sales, further exploring how taxes on cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and beer impact cannabis sales. We utilized state-published records on cannabis tax revenue and cannabis sales in dollars in the U.S. to construct state-month-level flower-equivalent sales data from January 2014 to June 2023. We employed a two-way fixed effects model to identify the causal impact of taxes and prices on recreational cannabis sales (i.e., elasticity of demand). A $1 increase in cannabis taxes leads to a $4-$6 increase in cannabis prices. A 10% increase in cannabis taxes leads to a 12.6% reduction (p < 0.05) in the sales of legalized recreational cannabis, and a 10% increase in prices leads to a 17.8% reduction (p < 0.001). Increasing cigarette and beer taxes may reduce legal sales of cannabis, suggesting that these two products are economic complements to legal recreational cannabis products. Increases in cannabis excise taxes significantly raise the prices of legal products. Higher cannabis taxes reduce legal cannabis sales but also decrease tax revenues. Increasing cigarette and beer taxes may reduce legal cannabis sales. Policymakers should consider these dynamics when introducing or amending cannabis regulations.
The bacterium Escherichia (E.) coli has long been acknowledged as a major causative agent of food-borne illness, with the ability to cause several illnesses and fatalities nationwide. It has the ability to produce Stx1 and Stx2 toxins that cause food poisoning. The primary goals of the current study were to isolate and identify E. coli classical methods and confirmed by detecting the uidA gene using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to identify the Stx1 and Stx2 genes in E. coli isolated. Three hundred samples of veal meat sold at retail and various parts of butchers' shops were collected from each side of Mosul city. The prevalence of E. coli in the current investigation was 48%. The high prevalence of E. coli isolated from the floor was 61.7%. The prevalence of E. coli isolated from veal meat, tables, walls, and worker's hand was 60%, 56.7%, 31.7%, and 30%, respectively. A statistically significant difference in contamination rates was observed among sample types (χ² = 23.96, p < 0.001). The highest prevalence was recorded in the floor samples (61.7%). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two areas (χ² = 0.00, p > 0.05), indicating similar hygienic and contamination conditions in butcher shops on both sides of the city. Additionally, PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the uidA gene in all E. coli isolates (100%), the presence of the Stx1 gene in 73.3%, and the presence of the Stx2 gene in 23.3% of E. coli isolates. Four different gene profiles were found in E. coli. Profile II (uidA + Stx1) accounted for 53.3% of all isolates. All butcher shops' equipment spread E. coli, the retail meat was tainted by the bacteria, and the E. coli isolates had the Stx1 and Stx2 genes.
Beef is a prominent dietary component in many developing countries, including Ghana, due to its rich protein, energy, and fat contents. However, it has become a significant source of foodborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal infections. This study investigated food hygiene practices and the microbial safety of beef sold at the Ho Central Market in Ghana. Sixty-three beef handlers and processing facilities in 25 shops were conveniently sampled using a structured questionnaire. Twelve beef samples were also collected in duplicates at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from the market and subjected to microbial analyses using standard procedures (aerobic plate count [NMKL No. 86, 2013], coagulase-positive staphylococci [NMKL No. 66, 5th Ed., 2009], Enterobacteriaceae [NMKL 144, 2005], E. coli O157 [NMKL 125, 2005], and Salmonella [NMKL No. 71, 1999]). The data collected were analyzed using SPSS Version 22. The food hygiene protocol observation study revealed that food safety and hygiene standards were compromised. However, personal hygiene practices like wearing suitable PPE (100%), using standard protocols for handwashing (100%), and removing pieces of jewelry before processing (92%) were observed. For microbial analyses, the results showed that almost all the beef samples were highly contaminated under each indicator, except the sample from shade Vendor 1 at 9:00 a.m., which recorded Enterobacteriaceae (3.18 ± 5.00) and E. coli (2.68 ± 4.04) below Ghana's Food and Drug Authority thresholds. While almost all the samples (75%) were free from E. coli O157, the Salmonella species contaminated about 75% of the samples. However, there are no statistical differences between the samples collected at 9:00 a.m. and those at 3:00 p.m. (p > 0.05). The presence of high microbial counts, E. coli O157, and Salmonella in beef samples could be attributed to inadequate and substandard infrastructure. Hence, effective food safety measures and regular monitoring are imperative to ensure the safety of beef products and protect public health.
Many studies have identified antibiotic resistant (ABR) Escherichia coli on meat. Appropriate hand hygiene and cooking practices should minimize the risk of gastrointestinal colonisation with ABR E. coli found on meat, and the subsequent chance of causing resistant opportunistic extraintestinal infection. There are large gaps in our understanding of the prevalence, origins and zoonotic potential of ABR E. coli found on meat, however, and particularly for meat reared in extensive farming systems. Wales is a devolved nation within the United Kingdom having large populations of extensively-reared sheep and beef cattle. To help address knowledge gaps around ABR E. coli on extensively reared meat, therefore, beef mince and lamb loin/leg steaks/chops were purchased from 50 (beef) and 46 (lamb) independent butchers across Wales. Following enrichment culture, 200 g meat samples were found to be positive for E. coli resistant to amoxicillin (31% positivity), streptomycin (28%), spectinomycin (29%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (11%), 3rd generation cephalosporins (2%) and fluoroquinolones (5%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that Welsh lamb meat ABR E. coli isolates (n = 78) are more closely related to those found in faecal samples collected around sheep (n = 352) than around beef cattle (n = 361) on Welsh farms. This suggests that faecal contamination at or around slaughter is their primary origin. We found no closely related meat/infection clones (<20 SNPs distant and the same antibiotic resistance genes) when comparing ABR E. coli from Welsh meat (n = 91) and those causing extraintestinal infections in people (n = 2387) in an English region bordering Wales. We conclude, therefore, that the wider zoonotic implications of finding ABR E coli on beef and lamb meat sold at independent butchers in Wales are small, though a more geographically and temporarily contemporaneous survey is warranted to address this further.
The objective of this study is to describe parental experiences with solid food introduction (SFI), with a focus on decision-making and challenges related to the feeding approach. A qualitative study was conducted analyzing semi-structured interviews of English-speaking parents of 8-13-month-old infants recruited from multiple outpatient clinics in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas. Parents of infants with medical conditions altering SFI practices or those involved in other feeding-related studies were excluded. The interview questions were informed by a modified version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TBP) and explored the factors that guided SFI, including facilitators and barriers. Interview themes were refined through an iterative discussion until consensus was reached amongst the researchers. 49 parents were interviewed, with participants being primarily mothers (92%). Of these, 43% were White, 29% were Black, 29% were Hispanic/Latinx, 8% were Asian, and 2% were Native American. 3 themes and 2 subthemes on the feeding approach were applied from the analysis including 1) feeding along a continuum, 1.1) navigating infant preferences and caregiver circumstances, 1.2) situational adaptation, 2) family and cultural influences, and 3) variable guidance based on sources of information. While BLW and PLF are often viewed as contrasting approaches, most parents described elements of both, adapting practices to suit their family's needs in different circumstances. These findings highlight the importance of supporting personalized nutritional recommendations, rather than promoting a one-size-fits all method.
Understanding retailer advertising has been identified as critical for developing effective policies to reduce tobacco product use, as these forms of advertising are among the tobacco industry's largest expenditures. Online retailer marketing has grown rapidly, and in this study, we sought to describe the marketing practices of these retailers. Between March and July 2022, we conducted keyword searches (e.g. 'buy e-cigs', 'buy vapes') with the Brave search engine, embedded in the Brave browser, to identify online tobacco retailers, using the inclusion criteria: English-language websites of online retailers selling e-cigarette products that allowed online ordering and the sale of products to customers in the United States. Measures included name, address, and landing page characteristics, including products, brands, product types, seasonal specials, social media links, age gating, and whether the retailer sold non-tobacco products. Results are reported descriptively. We identified 97 unique online tobacco retailers. Of these, 58 (60%) had set a restriction on browsing based on age. E-cigarettes, both disposable and reusable, were the most available products, followed by liquid nicotine ('vape juice'). Thirty-seven percent of online tobacco retailers sold cannabis products, and 38% of retailer websites listed other types of products for sale (e.g. bongs, dab rigs, cannabis apparel, psilocybin chocolates). Our findings indicated that online tobacco retailers heavily marketed flavored products, and a majority sold derived cannabis products. Future research should continue to investigate whether this marketing conflicts with stated federal regulatory goals, and whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should expand enforcement of existing regulations on tobacco and derived cannabis products.
In August 2023, the United Kingdom introduced alcohol taxation reforms designed to encourage alcohol producers to lower the alcoholic strength of their products. This study aims to quantify the extent of reformulation of alcoholic drinks sold in the off-trade in Great Britain between 2018 and 2025 and explore the role the tax reforms may have played. We used continuous longitudinal data on alcohol purchases from Worldpanel by Numerator's Take Home data to examine changes between 2018 and 2025 in the mean alcohol-by-volume (ABV) of all alcohol sold, identify specific product reformulations and examine how their timing related to the 2023 tax reforms. We also explored growth in the < 3.5% ABV beer market, for which tax rates were cut in the reforms. The average ABV of all alcohol rose from 17.2% in late 2018 to 17.7% in June 2022, before falling to 16.7% in December 2025. We identified 557 reformulations, of which 50% were for wine and 17% were for beer. Reformulations increased substantially following the reforms, with the proportion of the beer market, measured in pure alcohol, sold below 3.5% ABV increasing from 1.1% in 2022 to 18.1% in 2025. Our findings suggest that the 2023 UK alcohol tax reforms appear to have contributed to an increase in reformulations that reduced the strength of alcoholic drinks. In turn, these may have played a role in reductions in the overall ABV of alcoholic drinks purchases. Following the reforms, there was a large and immediate increase in the market share of lower-strength beers.
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an essential crop in tropical Africa with its production facing numerous challenges. Identifying technologies and policies allowing to improve cowpea production are required to confront increasing food insecurity. This study investigated cowpea production systems, identified farming constraints, traits preference and determinants for the adoption of improved cultivars among 300 farmers surveyed across 15 divisions in two distinct agroecological zones of Cameroon. Participatory research through questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data, analysed with IBM SPSS and GraphPad prism softwares. Farmers grow minorly improved varieties (21.66%) compared to landraces (78.44%). These improved varieties are essentially grown in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. Farmers there are mainly males (85%), cultivating on large farm size, using animal traction (74.29%) with higher harvest that are sold. The western highlands zone in contrary is highly characterized by female farmers (98.75%), practicing sole cropping (95.63%) entirely on an area of < 0.5 ha with no use of chemicals, not belonging to farmers' organisation and minimum harvest product sold (96.87%). Farmers preferred traits are high yielding varieties, longer storage duration, drought tolerance and early maturing. Major production constraints across the two zones are drought, insect pests, lack of improved varieties and poor soil fertility. Results showed that purchasing land, using animal traction, having certified seed company and improved varieties seed stockists as seed sources, targeting large benefits, belonging to a famer organisation and larger farm size with more workforce positively affected the adoption of improved varieties. To increase adoption, breeders should address the identified farming constraints and take into account farmers' preferred traits in their research. There is huge recommendation to enhance availability of improved varieties to farmers once developed, through strengthening extensionists training and services, and encouraging farmer-to-farmers experience exchanges.
HIV self-testing (HIVST) through community pharmacies offers a complementary, confidential and convenient testing option. Despite the availability of HIVST kits in Belgian pharmacies since 2017, little is known about sales and pharmacists' experiences. This study assessed HIVST sales and pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding its provision. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey among all community pharmacies (~4700) in Belgium between 14 May and 31 July 2025. Participants were recruited via newsletters from national and regional pharmacists' associations and a pharmacy network. We analysed responses on HIVST sales and pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions descriptively. Associations between sales and pharmacy or pharmacist characteristics were examined using χ2, Fisher's exact or Mann-Whitney tests. Among 235 respondents, 33.2% (78/235) reported selling HIVST, of whom 69.2% (54/78) sold ≤2 kits annually. Most sold the finger-prick Autotest HIV (65/78, 83.3%). Retail prices ranged from €26 to €35 (58/78, 74.4%). Half procured kits on request (37/78, 47.4%), only 12.8% (10/78) displayed kits. Sales were associated with pharmacist age (p=0.04) and location, with Brussels pharmacies more likely to sell kits than those in Flanders or Wallonia (p<0.001). Selling ≥3 HIVST kits annually occurred in 90.0% (9/10) of respondents with kits visibly displayed, compared with 41.4% (12/29) for behind-the-counter storage and 5.4% (2/37) for on-request provision (p<0.001). While 76.6% (180/235) considered HIVST a valuable complement to facility-based testing, only 19.6% (46/235) actively recommended it. Only 15.3% (36/235) had attended HIVST training; 31.9% (75/235) reported discomfort advising clients due to limited experience (85.3%) or low knowledge (78.7%). The opportunity to purchase HIVST in community pharmacies remains underutilised in Belgium. Enhancing pharmacists' training, confidence, visibility of kits and affordability may increase uptake, strengthening the role of pharmacists as complementary providers of HIVST. Future research should include clients' perspectives on HIVST.
Raw chicken meat is widely consumed and serves as an important vehicle for foodborne pathogens when hygienic-sanitary controls at the retail level are insufficient. This cross-sectional study evaluated the occurrence of Enterobacteriaceae in 88 raw chicken meat samples collected from supermarkets, butcher shops, and street fairs across the four urban zones of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, between June and September 2025. Detection of Salmonella spp. was performed according to ISO 6579-1:2017, followed by biochemical identification of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and other Enterobacteriaceae, including Citrobacter freundii, Proteus spp., and Shigella spp. Salmonella spp. was detected in 32.9% of samples, E. coli in 42.0%, and other Enterobacteriaceae in 11.4%. Higher contamination frequencies were observed in samples sold at room temperature and in street fairs, which exhibited poorer hygienic-sanitary conditions, whereas supermarkets generally showed lower contamination rates and better adherence to cold chain and hygiene practices. No significant differences were observed among chicken cuts or urban zones. Hygienic-sanitary assessments of 49 retail establishments revealed inconsistent use of personal protective equipment, inadequate cleaning of surfaces and utensils, and the presence of synanthropic vectors. These findings highlight the potential public health risks associated with raw chicken sold in informal retail settings in Amazon and emphasize the need for strengthened sanitary surveillance, improved vendor training, and targeted educational interventions to reduce consumer exposure to foodborne pathogens.
Measurements are considered to be the basis of exposure assessments used to determine risks to workers. Inhalation exposure poses the greatest risk for most airborne chemicals, and measurements are based on collecting (sampling) and analyzing air samples. Samplers have been developed for more than 120 years. Each new design has been intended to address flaws perceived in earlier designs. Users are faced with a varied array of samplers from which to choose. Comparisons are difficult to make because tests of sampler performance were not standardized until recently and have not been applied consistently. The existing large body of work does allow some conclusions to be drawn regarding performance. Many samplers have been shown to work effectively with test aerosols under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Further testing in the field has shown that not all samplers perform equally well in every situation; for example, under different wind speeds and directions or with aerosols that maintain unusual physical characteristics. There is not one aerosol sampler that can be used for all situations. Further, the design of a sampler and how the sampler needs to be handled can have an enormous influence on the result. Quality of manufacture, material of construction, cost, reusability, ease of use, setting of flow rates, transportation issues, and wearer acceptability all have an impact on selecting from among different samplers with similar performance. The range of available samplers constitutes a toolkit from which the most appropriate sampler could be selected for a given specific situation. Common inhalable and respirable aerosol samplers are considered in respect of their history of design and manufacture, validated performance studies, environmental factors, and practical use. However, the impact of these considerations on sampler selection is minimized through generalized industry-specific or task-specific recommendations. An online web-based Sampler Selection Tool is under development. It will use the information presented in this Commentary to provide a ranked list of appropriate samplers to be used in specific situations. In this commentary, the following definitions are used:Sampler: complete product for collecting the sample, including the collection substrate (filter or foam), which may be included in a capsule or cassette, size-separator (where applicable), and sampler body (where applicable).Cassette: product of multiple parts into which a collection substrate (filter or foam) can be placed. The cassette parts are typically sold separately from the collection substrate. Parts may be single-use or may be reused after cleaning. Cassettes may be the samplers themselves, e.g., closed-face cassettes (CFC), or may be placed in a sampler body (holder) to form the sampler, e.g., IOM cassettes.Capsule: filter including cowl or similar product sold as a single item, for single-use only. Capsules are always placed in other assemblies to form the sampler.Sampler body (holder): any additional device to support and/or orient the sampler in position for proper sampling performance.
Market vendors play a critical role in food distribution, employment creation, and the functioning of the urban economy in Uganda, yet they operate within highly flood-prone environments. Despite their socio-economic importance, there remains limited empirical understanding of the factors shaping flood impacts and the adaptive capacity of informal market vendors in such urban vulnerable contexts. This study therefore seeks to address this knowledge gap by examining the determinants of flood impacts and adaptation capacity among market vendors in Walukuba-Masese, Jinja City. A cross-sectional survey of 263 vendors was conducted using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression models. Logistic regression results showed that vendors with 5-9 years of business experience had significantly lower flood impacts (β = -1.89, p < 0.05) compared to vendors with fewer years of operation. Vendors who were not members of business associations were about 5.7 times more likely to experience flood impacts compared to those who were members. Adaptive capacity analysis revealed several significant determinants. Access to savings (β = 4.876, p < 0.001), access to credit (β = 2.616, p = 0.002), availability of storage containers (β = 2.939, p = 0.002), receipt of early warning information (β = 3.857, p < 0.001), disaster preparedness training (β = 4.097, p < 0.001), vendor association membership (β = 1.680, p = 0.002), and support from family or community during floods (β = 4.014, p < 0.001) significantly enhanced vendors' adaptive capacity. Additionally, the type of goods sold (β = 0.214, p = 0.020) and financial loss experienced during the last flood (β = 0.090, p = 0.023) were also associated with adaptive responses. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions such as improved drainage infrastructure, expanded access to financial services, disaster preparedness training, and strengthened early warning systems to enhance the resilience of informal urban enterprises and support inclusive flood risk management in Uganda's rapidly growing secondary cities.
Trends in cardiac erosion after closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) have not been assessed since updates were made to the Instructions for Use in 2012 and 2018. This study evaluates the incidence and demographics of ASO erosion over time since its introduction in 1996. Data were analyzed for all cardiac erosions reported through March 2025 after ASD closure with an ASO device from 1996 to 2024, as adjudicated and characterized by the AGA Erosion Board or Abbott Medical Affairs. The number of implants annually was estimated as the number of units sold in the calendar year. Overall and time-dependent erosion rates were calculated as the ratio of reported erosions to the estimated number of implants during each calendar year. As of March 2025, 198 erosions had been reported and confirmed for ASO devices implanted from 1996 through 2024, which corresponds to an estimated erosion rate of 0.037%. Overall, 31% of erosions occurred within 72 h of implant, 55% within 3 months, and 77% within 1 year, while 13% occurred >5 years after implant. The 1-month, 1-year, and 3-year erosion rates were 0.016%, 0.029%, and 0.031%, respectively. The overall erosion rate decreased significantly from 1996 to 2012 to 2013 to 2024 (0.056% to 0.020%, p < 0.001), as did 3-day, 1-month, 1-year, and 3-year erosion rates (all p < 0.001). The erosion-related mortality rate decreased from 0.0040% to 0.0014% from the early era to the later era (p = 0.061). Although limitations in the method of estimating implant numbers and ascertaining erosions must be acknowledged, ASO erosion rates and related mortality have decreased significantly since 2012.
The relevance of the chosen topic of the scientific article is due to the fact that due to the introduction of sanctions against the Russian Federation and the legalization of parallel imports by the Government of the Russian Federation, most of the branded goods (including crude products) are sold to the Russian markets through the EAEU countries. Research conducted by Rosaccreditation and independent expert laboratories revealed a high level of counterfeit products among the goods imported in this way, which undoubtedly affects the health of end consumers. Thus, during expert research in relation to shoe products that are potentially dangerous to the health of citizens, high concentrations of such substances as phthalates and formaldehyde were revealed. In addition, high-quality violations of such goods due to fragile fastening, the use of cheap analog materials can be the causes of microtrauma, and with prolonged wear - foot deformations, negative impact on the musculoskeletal system and the development of fungal infections. In this regard, the article analyzed the system of technical regulation in the EAEU as an integral part of prohibitions and restrictions, identified problematic aspects, and gave recommendations on the introduction of the «single window» mechanism in technical regulation at the supranational level, as well as the introduction of technologies based on the principles of artificial intelligence, which will increase the efficiency of detecting violations when importing goods. These measures will make it possible to level violations of the import of low-quality footwear products under the guise of parallel imports, which will have a positive effect on the safety and health of end consumers. Актуальность выбранной тематики научной статьи обусловлена тем, что ввиду введения в отношении России санкционных мер и легализации Правительством РФ параллельного импорта бóльшая часть брендовых товаров (в том числе обувная продукция) поступают на рынки России через страны Евразийского экономического союза (ЕАЭС). Исследования, проводимые Росаккредитацией и независимыми экспертными лабораториями, позволили выявить высокий уровень контрафактной продукции среди импортируемых таким образом товаров, что, несомненно, сказывается на здоровье конечных потребителей. Так, при проведении экспертных исследований в отношении обувных товаров, потенциально опасных для здоровья граждан, были выявлены высокие концентрации таких веществ, как фталаты, формальдегид. Помимо этого, качественные нарушения таких товаров ввиду непрочного крепления, использование дешевых аналоговых материалов могут быть причинами микротравм, а при длительной носке — деформаций стопы, негативного влияния на опорно-двигательный аппарат и развития грибковых инфекций. В этой связи в статье проанализирована система технического регулирования в ЕАЭС как составная часть запретов и ограничений, выявлены проблемные аспекты и даны рекомендации по внедрению механизма «единого окна» в техническое регулирование на наднациональном уровне, а также внедрение технологий, основанный на принципах работы искусственного интеллекта, которые позволят повысить эффективность выявления нарушений при ввозе товаров. Указанные меры позволят нивелировать нарушения ввоза обувной продукции низкого качества под видом параллельного импорта, что положительно скажется на безопасности и здоровье конечных потребителей.
Objectives. To examine operational ultraprocessed food (UPF) definitions and policy scope in existing US policy proposals. Methods. We conducted a search for federal and state policy proposals targeting UPFs through December 2025. Results. We identified 43 proposals targeting UPFs between 2021 and 2025. Most (93%) hailed from states. About a third (35%) defined UPFs by listing narrow sets of specific food additives. Some provided definitions more closely related to Nova's: 9% referenced classes of additives considered "cosmetic" by Nova, whereas 21% directly referenced or paraphrased Nova but lacked comprehensive lists of targeted ingredients. A final third (35%) did not provide any definition. Most targeted foods served or sold in schools (58%). Others proposed UPF warning labels (12%) and marketing restrictions (5%). Conclusions. Proposals mostly targeted school foods and frequently defined UPFs using narrow lists of additives that lack evidence as reliable UPF indicators. Public Health Implications. Informing policymakers about existing and emerging operational UPF definitions consistent with science-based approaches is urgent. (Am J Public Health. 2026;116(7):1025-1029. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308464).
Food additives are widely used in processed foods to improve safety, shelf life, and quality, but data from low- and middle-income countries are limited. This study examined the use of label-declared food additives in packaged foods sold in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional survey of 332 products across eight food categories was conducted in major urban supermarkets. Additives were identified from ingredient lists and classified by functional groups. Most products (64.2%) were locally manufactured, indicating that additive exposure is largely driven by domestic production. Additive use varied by food category, with the highest prevalence and diversity observed in beverages, snack foods, dairy products, and processed meats. Beverages showed high use of sweeteners and acid regulators, while processed meats were characterized by flavor enhancers and preservatives. In contrast, cereals, legumes, and oils often contained no additives. These findings show that additive exposure in Zimbabwe is concentrated in highly processed, commonly consumed foods. While most additives are permitted under international standards, their widespread occurrence within specific food categories raises potential exposure concerns. Strengthening risk-based food safety systems, including targeted monitoring and improved labeling, is essential to ensure compliance and protect public health as consumption of processed foods increases.
Efforts to increase medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) prescribing among primary care professionals (PCPs) are a priority for reducing overdose and related harms. A primary concern among PCPs, however, is that prescriptions will be diverted or sold to someone else. Understanding and contextualizing diversion concerns among PCPs can inform implementation strategies to support buprenorphine adoption and expand access to medication. We conducted semistructured interviews with Ohio PCPs as part of the design and pilot of a training intervention to increase PCP buprenorphine prescribing. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using three-step thematic analysis in Dedoose. Detailed memos on all codes were written and inductively informed key themes pertaining to addressing PCPs' diversion concerns. Twenty-six PCPs completed in-depth interviews. Diversion concerns were common and limited willingness to prescribe buprenorphine or changed the way PCPs prescribed. Three key themes emerged: (1) Diverse diversion concerns continue to influence prescribing behavior; (2) Prescribing experience and comfort with harm reduction shaped views on diversion; and (3) Specific forms of diversion information can motivate buprenorphine prescribing. Buprenorphine is highly effective for reducing mortality in patients with opioid use disorder, but it is vastly underutilized in the primary care setting. Diversion concerns among both nonprescribers and current prescribers are a significant barrier to expanding access in this setting. Leveraging data and personal anecdotes on the scope of, public health impact of, and reasons for diversion may help overcome this commonly cited barrier to prescribing MOUD.
Previous studies examined area-level differences in menthol and non-menthol cigarette prices, finding cigarettes tend to cost less in neighborhoods with lower household income, higher percentage of youth, and higher percentage of Black residents. Previous studies of store-type differences in cigarette price found lower prices in pharmacies compared to convenience stores. In a representative sample of urban cigarette retailers, this study examined differences in advertised cigarette prices by store type and neighborhood demographics. In a random sample of 1489 cigarette retailers in 26 US cities, data collectors recorded five single-pack prices: Marlboro Red and menthol (Philip Morris USA), Newport menthol and Camel Crush (RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company), and cheapest pack regardless of brand (June-August, 2022). General Estimation Equations tested differences in cigarette price (including taxes) by store type and store-neighborhood demographics. Pharmacies sold premium cigarette brands at lower prices than all other store types, except for Newport menthol in tobacco specialty shops. Associations of price with neighborhood demographics varied by manufacturer. Marlboro (Philip Morris) prices decreased as the percentage of youth in neighborhoods increased. Newport menthol and Camel Crush (RJ Reynolds) prices decreased as percentage of minoritized population increased. Price of cheapest pack decreased as the percentage of youth increased. Pharmacies were the cheapest retail source for cigarettes. With the caveat that this study is cross-sectional and observational, area-level differences in cigarette price were consistent with tobacco industry documents about marketing to youth and to racial/ethnic subgroups. Laws mandating tobacco-free pharmacies and minimum prices are recommended.
Pets are subject to latent toxicological hazard from microplastics (MPs) contamination in dry pet food (DPF). Very little is understood about the commercial and regional variables leading to the MP exposure by DPF intake. The goal of this study was to compare MP contamination in dog and cat DPF commercially available in Spain and Ecuador. The analysis relied on stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and μFTIR spectrophotometry, which indicated a significant difference in MP abundance and composition. Ecuadorian items, especially those sold in bulk (loose), achieved concentrations of 12.33 ± 1.53 MPs/5 g, whereas Spanish samples maintained lower baselines (3.33-11.33 MPs/5 g). In unsealed Ecuadorian samples, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR) revealed a broad polymeric profile that included polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) in combination with industrial indicators such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the dangerous plasticiser benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP). According to morphological analysis, fibres represented 70-80% of the particles, and as many as 44% of them were classified in the potential translocatable 1-20 μm range. According to daily intake estimates, dogs in Ecuador had the greatest cumulative MP burden, consuming roughly 461 MPs/day as compared to 395 MPs/day in Spain. These results suggested that bulk commercialisation was a significant secondary vector for hazardous exposure, whereas industrial processing and raw materials (marine and agricultural) were the main contaminant sources. In conclusion, enhanced regulatory control of storage and packing processes shall be crucial to reduce chronic MP intake and potential endocrine disruption in pets.