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: The Mediterranean diet (MD), the golden standard for healthy nutrition, has positive health impacts on metabolic disorders. Over the last few decades, Lebanon has been witnessing a gradual change in food intake nowadays referred to as “nutritional transitioning” defined as a shift from traditional to Western dietary pattern. Exploring the main determinants of adherence to the MD may be useful in understanding and counterbalancing this shift toward a Western diet. Objectives: The aims of our study were to assess the level of MD adherence and examine the associations between perceived ...

Wild edible plants have attracted an increasing interest from researchers as they represent important inexpensive sources of nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, as well as natural treatments for diseases. The genus Scorzonera includes about 170 species distributed worldwide, many species of this genus are either consumed as raw vegetables or cooked. In addition to their edible properties, some of the species ha ve been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. Nine species of the genus Scorzonera are found in Lebanon, with one of the nine species, Scorzonera Pheopappa ...

Background: Olive Oil (00) is premium oil which plays an important part of the Mediterranean cuisine due to its nutritional and sensory characteristics. Studies highlight the nutritional benefits associated with the consumption of 00 including the low level of saturated fatty acids (SFA), the high level of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the moderate level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) along with minor constituents including phenolic compounds. Studies highlight the importance of phenolic compounds as they are the major bioactive of 00 which contribute to its sensory, organoleptic ...

Introduction: according to the global report on drug use, the prevalence of people who use drugs (PWUD) and hence require treatment are estimated to be more than a quarter of a billion worldwide. Malnutrition is highly prevalent among PWUD and hyperphagia is also present in the early phases of treatment. Objective: this study aimed to assess the association between weight gain amongst PWUD currently undergoing treatment for recovery whether in the rehabilitation centers or the opioid substitution therapy (OST) program centers in Lebanon. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study, where demographics ...

Following the developments of the world's population, alternative sources of protein to the complement and / or replacement of animal proteins are subject to intense development efforts in research and industries. Climate change and a better understanding of the environmental impact of food production have created an urgent need to develop sustainable food systems. The demand for plant-based proteins is due to multiple factors, the vegetarian, vegan and flexitarian populations have promoted the use of plant-based proteins in the production of food products. In addition, there is a global challenge ...

Background -- Eating disorders (EDs) and related risk factors have become an area of interest for researchers, and a challenge to manage for health care practitioners. EDs were considered mainly as western culture disorders; however recent studies showed a comparable raise of EDs in the Middle Eastern countries. Objective -- The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of Notre Dame University students (NDU) who are at risk of developing EDs, and examine the association of ED’s risk with socio-demographic, lifestyle, dietary factors and dietary patterns Methods -- This was a ...

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 and objective: Glyphosate, a nonselective herbicide widely-used in crop production, persists in food products leading to residues. Research findings on the health effects of glyphosate are highly controversial due to a perceived conflict of interest by the majority of research funders who are glyphosate manufacturers themselves. Glyphosate residues are detected in various tested food products globally, but data about exposure in Lebanon is lacking. Bread is a stable food in the Lebanese diet and the extend of its contamination with glyphosate is unknown. This study aimed at determining ...

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 ...