Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, have a higher risk to foodborne infections as compared to other populations. Oncology nurses, having a direct significant contact with these patients, could be the first information source concerning food safety and play a pivotal role in reducing these risks. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge regarding food safety among oncology nurses, as well as their attitudes and practices in private hospitals in Lebanon. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out, using a self-administered questionnaire, recruiting 134 oncology ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the oldest known edible fruits that grow in the Mediterranean region, Southeast Asia, and Himalayas .Pomegranate is believed to have a high antioxidant activity because of its richness in active secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids, tannins and flavonoids, including anthocyanins, flavanols, and flavonols. Pomegranate molasses is a traditional condiment that can be obtained by boiling of pomegranate juice without the further addition of sugar or other additives. It is commonly used to improve the taste and aroma characteristics of salads and ...

Introduction: Food safety has been evolving tremendously in the past century and its importance in food industries is now very well established. However, with all the regulations, training, audits and inspections foodborne outbreaks continue to happen. Food safety climate has a great impact on food safety output of food companies. However, the organizational characteristics, food handlers’ behavior, knowledge and motivation of individual employees could also contribute to the food safety output. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the major factors contributing to the food ...

Background: Mediterranean diet (MD) is a traditional dietary pattern mainly followed in the Mediterranean regions and is shown to have positive health impacts, decreasing morbidity and mortality of major chronic diseases. A global shifting from the MD was documented especially in the Mediterranean regions, including Lebanon. Multiple individual and environmental factors were found to impact adherence to MD. In Lebanon, there is a shortage of recent information about adherence to the MD and its associated factors. Objective: The objectives of this study are to 1) evaluate the level of adherence ...

The pomegranate fruit is considered a functional food because of its bioactive compounds mainly phenolic compounds. Pomegranate molasses (PM) is a key ingredient in the Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. The effects of accelerated shelf life testing (ASLT) on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities (% DPPH scavenging activity, DPPH IC50, % Fe2+ chelating activity, and α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase IC50 antidiabetic inhibitory activity) of the Lebanese homemade PM have never been evaluated. Moreover, the effect of glutathione ...

Background: Diabetes is a major health disease reaching epidemic levels in the Middle East Regions. It is associated with many complications that have an adverse effect on patient’s quality of life. Nutrition therapy is essential, where dietary modification and improved dietary habits are important for its management and control. Objective: This study aimed to assess the adherence to dietary recommendations of adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) diagnosed since at least one year residing in north Lebanon and to explore factors associated with this adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional ...