Background and objective: The world average yield of wheat, rice, and maize has doubled 20 folds since 1964 due to the increase in pesticide use. Glyphosate, a broad spectrum herbicide, is globally used in crop production and is residual in soil and water. Several research findings on glyphosate residues in different food groups and human exposure remain controversial as to whether or not it increases the risk of cancer and other health implications. In Lebanon, there is no current data to estimate glyphosate concentration and exposure in different food groups. This study quantified glyphosate ...

The genus Cercis (redbud) belongs to the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the plant family Fabaceae (Leguminosae). It includes 10 recognized species scattered widely across the warm, north-temperate zones of North America and Eurasia. Cercis siliquastrum is native to Lebanon found in altitudes ranging between 0-800m. The flowers are edible, with sweet to sour taste, used as salad garnish, and can be drunk as tea to relief stomach aches. Flowers are known to be rich in phytochemicals that are strongly associated with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and ...

Food packaging has a critical role in all food types and along the food chain from product preservation to transportation, distribution, storage, retailing, and end-use. However, it can become a source of contamination and transfer of microorganisms to the packed food when its hygienic status is not well maintained. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Prerequisite programs (PRPs) implementation in 5 food packaging companies across Mount Lebanon through on-site inspections and to assess the compliance of contact surfaces, employee hands and packaging materials to microbiological specifications. ...

Background: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. The prevalence of smoking and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing globally and in Lebanon. The objectives of this study are to assess the prevalence of tobacco use (waterpipe, cigarette, cigar, pipe, smokeless tobacco products) and to examine the independent associations between tobacco and MetS/ MetS components (low high-density lipoprotein, elevated triglyceride, hypertension, impaired fasting glucose and abdominal obesity) among a sample of Lebanese adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried ...

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Lebanon during the first six months of life remain suboptimal. With more women in the workforce and inadequate paid maternity leave, families in Lebanon increasingly rely on child care in nurseries or daycare centers. Internationally, the extent to which daycare centers support and promote breastfeeding is one influencer of maternal decisions to (dis)continue breastfeeding. In Lebanon, little is known about which breastfeeding-related policies, if any, are implemented in daycare centers, as well as the caregivers’ level of knowledge and attitudes ...

Recently, high levels of heavy metals in several Lebanese foods were reported, which has raised the issue that today, many Lebanese products could be contaminated with heavy metals and toxins. Knowing that no regulations, effective control or corrective actions from the Lebanese government are present, there is a need to assess the exposure of the Lebanese to those contaminants through its consumption. The objective of this study was to assess the exposure of the Lebanese population to heavy metals through the consumption of white pitta bread and to evaluate the health risks of its consumption ...

Introduction: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON), or the obsession with healthy eating is a new eating disorder that has gained popularity in the recent years. A very limited amount of literature exists regarding ON in Arab countries including Lebanon. The objective of the current study was to assess the prevalence of ON in a representative sample of Lebanese university students, and different factors that might affect ON development. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 349 university students from three Lebanese regions: Mount Lebanon, North, and Shouf. The ORTO-15 scale was used to assess ON ...

Background -- Olive oil (OO) has been widely known as a main source of lipid in the Mediterranean diet. Over the years, the interest in virgin olive oil (VOO) consumption boosted due to its sensory properties characterized by its unique taste, flavor and color; and its health properties exerted by its monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), tocopherols, and phenolic compounds. Phenols are minor compounds with antioxidant capacities that contribute positively to OO shelf life and stability to oxidation. Literature data have shown that several agro-industrial factors including harvesting time, ...

Background – Increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity is a major worldwide problem associated with many metabolic abnormalities. Compliance is poor with lifestyle modifications required for losing weight and maintaining long-term weight loss. There are no highly efficacious and safe therapeutic drugs for weight-loss, and few medications are approved for long-term management of obesity. In recent years, the use of supplements for weight loss has steadily increased among US and European adults. Weight loss supplements are easily available without prescriptions and do not require strict ...

Background: Olive oil is a vital component in the Lebanese diet and Lebanon is known for its contribution to the global production of olive oil. During the process of olive oil extraction, a brownish black effluent is also produced called Olive mill waste water (OMWW). OMWW is disposed into the environment causing serious polluting problems harming the aquatic and terrestrial organisms and reaching the underground water as well. OMWW contains considerable amount of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. In Lebanon, no study did extract and assess the levels of these phenolic compounds ...