The aim of this study was to determine the actual content of some exogenous contaminants in the honey from the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic. The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and risk elements (Mercury -Hg, Cadmium -Cd, Lead -Pb, and Arsenic -As) in multifloral blossom and honey dew samples of honey were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy methods. The samples were collected form beekeepers and from retail stores located in South Moravia in the Czech Republic. Concentrations of individual PAHs in honey samples ranged between 0.02 μg·kg . Acceptable limits for trace elements in infant formula were met. Results of this study complete present knowledge of the contaminant content in Czech honey and confirmed high quality and safety of honey from the South Moravian region. Persistent organic pollutants, toxic elements, HPLC, atomic absorption spectroscopy

Yoghurts from cow, goat and sheep milk were produced and stored under defined conditions to monitor the influence of various factors on the benzoic acid content as determined by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC). The highest level of benzoic acid was found in sheep yoghurt (43.26 ± 5.11 mg kg−1) and the lowest in cow yoghurt (13.38 ± 3.56 mg kg−1), with goat yoghurt (21.31 ± 5.66 mg kg−1) falling in between. Benzoic acid content did not show statistically significant variation until the second and third weeks of storage, and the dynamics of this variation varied depending on the type of yoghurt. The yoghurt culture containing different strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus also affected the contents of benzoic acid. Further, the different storage temperatures (2 and 8 °C) as well as the temperatures used to milk heat treatment before yoghurt production (80, 85 and 90 °C) affected the amount of benzoic acid in different types of yoghurts.

Cold chain interruption during transport of samples to the laboratory may become a confounder in food hygiene practice. This study evaluates the influence of inadequate transport conditions on the microbiological quality of fish fillets from common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) packaged in plain, vacuum, or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The experiments simulated the temperature increase during sample transport to 3, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, and 25 °C with exposure times of 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. Aerobic plate count (APC), psychrotrophic microorganisms count (PMC), β-D-glucuronidase-positive Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. were evaluated immediately after the exposure to the elevated temperature (0 h), 3 h, and  24 h after the return to the normal temperature. Variability was observed even in the initial microbial contamination of fish fillets. Storage at higher temperatures led to an increase in microbial contamination of fish fillets Different types of packaging also played a role. In non-fatty fish (cod), CO2-containing MAP led to a decrease in pH and, therefore, to lower microbial growth. In fatty fish (salmon), the presence of CO2 did not lead to the reduction in pH and the degree of microbial contamination was, therefore, not affected by this intrinsic factor. If cold chain interruption occurs during the transport of samples to the laboratory, it is necessary to perform the analysis immediately as even storage in cold conditions until the next day can lead to increased levels of microbial contamination of such samples.

The shelf life of fresh meat and fish is highly dependent on packaging technologies. The aim of any packaging system for fresh flesh foods is to prevent or delay undesirable changes to the appearance, flavour, odour, and texture. Moreover, microbial contamination, together with lipid and protein oxidation, are major concerns for meat and products thereof in terms of food safety. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is widely applied in the packaging of both meat and fish. This packaging technology extends shelf life and improves appearance; however, several variables must be considered, such as temperature control and differences in gas compositions in combination with different types of meat. This review provides an overview of the available information on packaging technologies, from the perspectives of their characteristics, application types, and effects on the shelf life of poultry, meat, and fish. Special attention is paid to the MAP and active packaging.