Sanitary Quality of the Meals Served in the Canteens and Vicinity of the Lagoon Mother and Child University Hospital Centre and National Hospital and University Centre Hubert Koutoukou Maga of Cotonou (Benin)

Background: Food safety is an integral part of food security. It refers to the protection of the food supply against risks of microbial, chemical and physical origin at every stage of the food chain. The study aimed to investigate the sanitary quality of meals served in the canteens and vicinity of the Lagoon Mother and Child University Hospital Centre (CHU-MEL) and National Hospital and University Centre Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) of Cotonou. Methods: It was a cross-sectional with a data collection period from 16 March to 22 April 2021. There were 32 vendors surveyed and 40 meals sampled for microbiological examination. We collected data on the vendors’ socio-demographic characteristics, working environment, health status, knowledge and food hygiene practices. Results: About 83% of the meals contained pathogenic microorganisms. All meals had a temperature from 4°C to 60°C called the “danger zone”. The level of knowledge about food hygiene was low in 65.7% of the vendors. About 47% had poor personal and clothing hygiene, food storage and service practices. Conclusion: These results show that the meals sold in the CHU-MEL and CNHU-HKM could present a health risk for the consumer. There is a need for improvement of the sanitary quality of the meals delivered in the canteens and vicinity of these hospitals.

Effect of the Dietary Substitution of Fish Meal with Achatina fulica Meat Meal on the Growth Performance and Production Cost of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

Fishmeal is the most preferred source of protein in aquafeeds, but it is expensive and scarce. Hence, Achatina fulica meat meal (AFM), which is much less preferred for human consumption out of three species of African giant land snails, was tested as a fishmeal substitute for Clarias gariepinus growth. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-calorific diets were formulated, in which AFM substituted fish meal at 0% (control or Diet A), 25% (Diet B), 50% (Diet C), 75% (Diet D) and 100% (Diet E). These dietary treatments were each replicated thrice in a completely randomized design experiment, using 36-L plastic tanks in which the fish were fed daily rations corresponding to 5% of their body weight, for 8 weeks. Water quality parameters in the tanks were monitored. Proximate analyses were conducted on the fish meal, snail meal and experimental diets before the feeding trials. Cost-benefit analysis of the different diets was performed. The crude protein content of AFM (69.18%) was significantly higher than that of fish meal (55.81%). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate in fish fed Diet A and Diet B. The best protein efficiency ratio (0.77) was recorded in fish fed Diet B. Furthermore, the survival rate of fish increased with increased levels of AFM substitution. Water quality parameters were within a suitable range for tropical fish culture, indicating that the AFM did not pollute the water. The fish fed 25% AFM diet significantly (P Clarias gariepinus diets at a 25% substitution level. The aquaculture industry can thus exploit the availability of this feed resource.

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in soybean meal fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows

Background Two studies were designed to determine standard ileal crude protein(CP)and amino acid(AA)digestibility of soybean meal(SBM)from different origins fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows.Seven solvent-extracted SBMs from soybeans produced in the USA,Brazil,and China were selected.In Exp.1,eight different diets were created:a nitrogen(N)-free diet and 7 experimental diets containing SBM from different origins as the only N source.Eight non-pregnant,multiparous sows were arranged in an 8×8 Latin square design(8 periods and 8 diets).In Exp.2,the diet formula was the same as in Exp.1.Eight gestating sows(parity 3)were assigned to 4 different diets in a replicated 4×3 Youden square design(three periods and four diets)in mid-gestation and again in late-gestation stages.Results When fed to non-pregnant and late-gestating sows,the standardized ileal digestibility(SID)of CP and most AAs from different SBM were not significantly different(P>0.05).When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for Arg,His,Lys,Phe,Cys,Gly,Ser,and Tyr in SBM 1 were lower than in SBM 4 and 5(P<0.05),whereas SID for Leu from SBM 5 was higher than in SBM 1 and 4(P<0.05).SID values for Ile,Ala,and Asp from SBM 4 were lower than in SBM 1 and 5(P<0.05).Sows had significantly greater SID values for Lys,Ala,and Asp during mid-gestation when compared with late-gestation stages(P<0.05).Mid-gestating sows had greater SID value for Val and lower SID value for Tyr when compared with non-pregnant and late-gestating sows(P<0.01),whereas non-pregnant sows had significantly greater SID value for Met when compared with gestating sows(P<0.01).Conclusions When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for most AAs varied among SBM samples.The SID values for Lys,Met,Val,Ala,Asp,and Tyr in SBM were affected by sow gestation stages.Our findings provide a cornerstone for accurate SBM use in sow diets.

Debaryomyces hansenii supplementation in low fish meal diets promotes growth,modulates microbiota and enhances intestinal condition in juvenile marine fish

Background The development of a sustainable business model with social acceptance,makes necessary to develop new strategies to guarantee the growth,health,and well-being of farmed animals.Debaryomyces hansenii is a yeast species that can be used as a probiotic in aquaculture due to its capacity to i)promote cell proliferation and differen-tiation,ii)have immunostimulatory effects,iii)modulate gut microbiota,and/or iv)enhance the digestive function.To provide inside into the effects of D.hansenii on juveniles of gilthead seabream(Sparus aurata)condition,we inte-grated the evaluation of the main key performance indicators coupled with the integrative analysis of the intestine condition,through histological and microbiota state,and its transcriptomic profiling.Results After 70 days of a nutritional trial in which a diet with low levels of fishmeal(7%)was supplemented with 1.1%of D.hansenii(17.2×10^(5) CFU),an increase of ca.12%in somatic growth was observed together with an improve-ment in feed conversion in fish fed a yeast-supplemented diet.In terms of intestinal condition,this probiotic modu-lated gut microbiota without affecting the intestine cell organization,whereas an increase in the staining intensity of mucins rich in carboxylated and weakly sulphated glycoconjugates coupled with changes in the affinity for certain lectins were noted in goblet cells.Changes in microbiota were characterized by the reduction in abundance of several groups of Proteobacteria,especially those characterized as opportunistic groups.The microarrays-based transcrip-tomic analysis found 232 differential expressed genes in the anterior-mid intestine of S.aurata,that were mostly related to metabolic,antioxidant,immune,and symbiotic processes.Conclusions Dietary administration of D.hansenii enhanced somatic growth and improved feed efficiency param-eters,results that were coupled to an improvement of intestinal condition as histochemical and transcriptomic tools indicated.This probiotic yeast stimulated host-microbiota interactions without altering the intestinal cell organization nor generating dysbiosis,which demonstrated its safety as a feed additive.At the transcriptomic level,D.hansenii pro-moted metabolic pathways,mainly protein-related,sphingolipid,and thymidylate pathways,in addition to enhance antioxidant-related intestinal mechanisms,and to regulate sentinel immune processes,potentiating the defensive capacity meanwhile maintaining the homeostatic status of the intestine.

Screening of glucosinolates degrading lactic acid bacteria and their utilization in rapeseed meal fermentation

Rapeseed meal is a promising food ingredient, but its utilization is limited by the presence of some potentially harmful ingredients, such as glucosinolates. Fermentation is a cost-effective method of detoxication but a food-grade starter culture with glucosinolates degradation capacity is required. In this study, 46 strains of lactic acid bacteria from traditional paocai brines were screened for their ability to glucosinolate degradation. The results showed that more than 50% of the strains significantly degraded glucosinolates. Two strains of Lactiplantibacillus(p7 and s7) with high capacity of glucosinolates degradation through producing enzymes were identified. Then,an optimized condition for rapeseed meal fermentation by p7 was established to degrade glucosinolates, which can achieve about 80% degradation. UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that the degradation rate of individual glucosinolates was different and the degradation rate of gluconapin and progoitrin in rapeseed meal can reach more than 90%. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can improve safety of rapeseed meal by inhibiting the growth of Enterobacteriaceae and improve its nutritional properties by degrading phytic acid. The in vitro digestion experiments showed that the content of glucosinolates in rapeseed meal decreased significantly during gastric digestion. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can greatly improve the release of soluble protein and increase the contents of free essential amino acids, such as lysine(increased by 12 folds) and methionine(increased by 10 folds).

Effects of Fermented Puffed Feather Meal on Growth Performance,Serum Biochemical Indices,Meat Quality,and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor design was adopted,and four treatments were administered with five replicates to 240 one-day-old AA broilers.The control group(group A)received a basal diet,while the experimental groups received a basal diet plus 33%(group B),67%(group C)and 100%(group D)FPFM,respectively.Compared with group A,(1)the average daily gain(ADG)in group C decreased(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio(FCR)in group D increased(P<0.05);(2)the level of serum urea nitrogen in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of triglyceride,high density lipoprotein,low density lipoprotein,cholesterol,and glucose contents in group D increased(P<0.05)at day 21;(3)the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group B and the immunoglobulin A in group C increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group D decreased(P<0.05)at day 42;(4)the share force of breast muscle and thigh muscle in group D increased(P<0.05);(5)the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of group B increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the villus height in group C and D increased(P<0.05)at day 42;(6)the proteobacteria counts in the cecum digesta in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05)at day 21.The basal diet supplemented with 33%FPFM promoted protein metabolism,enhanced immunity and improved meat quality,promoted the digestion and absorption of nutrients,increased intestinal microbial diversity,and improved the content of beneficial bacteria without affecting the growth performance,it was possible to be used as a good substitute for fish meal.

Estimating Glycemic Index of Rice-Based Mixed Meals by Using Predicted and Adjusted Formulae

The estimation of glycemic index(GI) of rice-based mixed meal either by using predicted GI(GI_(pred)) or adjusted GI(GI_(adj)) formula is unclear.This study aimed to determine the glycemic response of rice in rice alone or mixed meals and to identify the appropriate formula for estimating the GI of rice-based mixed meals.The glycemic responses produced by the rice alone(red rice,fragrant white rice or parboiled rice) and the rice-based mixed meals(fried red rice,fried fragrant white rice or fried parboiled rice) which provided 25 g available carbohydrate were assessed in 11 healthy individuals.To determine the measured GI(GImeasured) of rice alone and rice-based mixed meals,participants underwent three repeated tests of a reference food(Glucolin~?).Tests were performed in random order on nine separate visits after an overnight fasting for at least 8 h.Capillary glucose at baseline(0 min),15,30,45,60,90 and 120 min from starting the meals was assessed and used to determine the incremental area under the curve(iAUC_(120)).The agreement between GImeasured and the estimation formulae(GI_(pred) or GI_(adj)) were determined using Bland-Altman analysis.The iAUC_(120) after consuming rice alone was significantly higher than the rice-based mixed meals except for fried fragrant rice,which was comparable to the rice alone(P > 0.05).The GI_(measured) values of rice were categorized as medium(61 for parboiled rice,67 for fragrant white rice,and 68 for red rice).GI_(pred)(r = 0.40,P < 0.01) and GI_(adj)(r = 0.41,P < 0.01) were significantly correlated with iAUC_(120).The agreement between GI_(measured) and GI_(adj) is apparent suggesting the usefulness of GI_(adj) in estimating meal GI of rice-based mixed meals.

Identification and Determination of Phenolic Compounds in Rapeseed Meals (Brassica napus L.)

This study aimed in the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in different four varieties of rapeseeds (Brassica napus L.) using LC-MS and HPLC. LC-MS analysis guided to identify 12 phenolic compounds including sinapine, sinapine(4-O-8')guaiacyl, feruloyl choline(4-O-8') guaiacyl, kaempferol-3-O-sinapoyl-sophoroside-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-sophoroside, cyclic spermidine-alkaloid, feruloyl choline(5-8')guaiacyl, kaempferol-sinapoyl-trihexoside,1,2-di- O-sinapoyl-gentiobiose, 1,2-di-O-sinapoyl-glucose, feruloyl choline(4-O-8')guaiacyl-di-sinapoyl, and sinapine(4-O-8')guaiacyl-di-sinapoyl, respectively. Total phenolic compounds in rapeseed meals were ranged from 38.50 (2012 “Sunmang”) to 63.95 mg/g dry weight (DW) (2014 Jeju local cultivar). Main phenolic compositions were cyclic spermidine-alkaloid, kaempferol, feruloyl choline, and sinapine. Sinapine was predominant compound among all the samples ranged from 29.74 to 52.24 mg/g DW (mean 79% of total phenolic contents). This study provided the information for the variation of phenolic compounds between the varieties of rapeseeds and the cultivation periods. Furthermore, this information can be developed for bio-energy industry as a reducer of the cost of the bio-energy products.

Effect of High-Protein Breakfast Meals on Within-Day Appetite and Food Intake in Healthy Men and Women

Breakfast is considered an important meal for daily appetite control. We examined the effect of high-protein breakfasts on within-day appetite sensations and subsequent ad libitum intake, in men and women. Twenty subjects attended on 4 occasions, to consume in a randomised order high-protein (30% energy) breakfast meals, as, 1) maintenance (MTD) fed to energy requirements (2.67 MJ), 2) a weight-loss (WL) bacon-based meal breakfast (WL-B, 2.13 MJ), 3) a WL-chicken salad (WL-CS, 2.13 MJ) and 4) a WL-smoothie (WL-S, 2.08 MJ). The 3 HP-WL breakfasts elicited differences in hunger (p = 0.007), fullness (p = 0.029), desire to eat (p = 0.006) and prospective consumption (p = 0.020). The WL-B meal reduced hunger (p = 0.002) and enhanced fullness (p = 0.02), compared with the two other WL breakfasts. Although these differences were not reflected in ad libitum energy intake later in the day, a HP breakfast can modify morning satiety, which is important during dieting.

Comparative effects of soy protein concentrate,enzyme‑treated soybean meal,and fermented soybean meal replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs

Background Soy protein supplements,with high crude protein and less antinutritional factors,are produced from soybean meal by different processes.This study evaluated the comparative effects of various soy protein supplements replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on the intestinal immune status,intestinal oxidative stress,mucosaassociated microbiota,and growth performance of nursery pigs.Methods Sixty nursery pigs(6.6±0.5 kg BW)were allotted to five treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks.Pigs were fed for 39 d in 3 phases(P1,P2,and P3).Treatments were:Control(CON),basal diet with fish meal 4%,2%,and 1%,poultry meal 10%,8%,and 4%,and blood plasma 4%,2%,and 1%for P1,P2,and P3,respectively;basal diet with soy protein concentrate(SPC),enzyme-treated soybean meal(ESB),fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus(FSBL),and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus(FSBB),replacing 1/3,2/3,and 3/3 of animal protein supplements for P1,P2,and P3,respectively.Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4.Results The SPC did not affect the BW,ADG,and G:F,whereas it tended to reduce(P=0.094)the ADFI and tended to increase(P=0.091)crypt cell proliferation.The ESM did not affect BW,ADG,ADFI,and G:F,whereas tended to decrease(P=0.098)protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa.The FSBL decreased(P<0.05)BW and ADG,increased(P<0.05)TNF-α,and Klebsiella and tended to increase MDA(P=0.065)and IgG(P=0.089)in jejunal mucosa.The FSBB tended to increase(P=0.073)TNF-α,increased(P<0.05)Clostridium and decreased(P<0.05)Achromobacter and alpha diversity of microbiota in jejunal mucosa.Conclusions Soy protein concentrate,enzyme-treated soybean meal,and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus could reduce the use of animal protein supplements up to 33%until 7 kg body weight,up to 67%from 7 to 11 kg body weight,and entirely from 11 kg body weight without affecting the intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs.Fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus,however,increased the immune reaction and oxidative stress in the intestine consequently reducing the growth performance.

Efficient Extraction of Tea Saponin from Tea Seed Meals by ^(60)Coγ-Irradiation

In order to simplify the extraction process of tea saponin and improve its extraction rate,tea seed meals was taken as materials to explore effects of ^(60)Coγ-irradiation and H_(2)O_(2) on the extraction rate of tea saponin.The results showed that the optimal crude extract condition of tea saponin was 6%H_(2)O_(2) and an irradiation dose of 5 kGy,the extraction rate was 46.4%.However,when the irradiation dose and the H_(2)O_(2) concentration continued to increase,the extraction rate of tea saponin decreased.After flocculate extraction,the tea saponin content increased from 40.80%to 48.32%.Foaming property test results showed that the higher the tea saponin content in the solution was,the higher the foaming height will be,and the foam had a certain stability.This work provided a new method for the extraction of natural products,usingγ-ray irradiation and H_(2)O_(2) pretreatment to improve the extraction rate,and this was of great significance for industrial extraction.

Verification of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point in Hotels and Catering Units: Evaluation of the Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures and Microbiological Monitoring of Hot and Cold Meals

The aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of the methods used in a HACCP system by measuring the Total Viable Count (TVC) and Coliforms, after cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces used and also by monitoring TVC and enterobacteriaceae of hot and cold meals. In order to evaluate the appropriateness of the surfaces used, samples were obtained from kitchens of 37 Greek hotels/resorts, all of which operated a documented HACCP safety management scheme, while the samples of hot and cold meals were selected from the menu of a catering unit and collected from the actual point of hot and cold dishes banquette at the start time (time 0) and after 4 hours. The developed colonies were counted. The results showed that only 13.5% of the hotels presented surfaces without any TVC or coliforms and 86.5% of the hotels had surfaces with TVC or coliforms or both above the limits. However, 75.8% of the total surfaces examined were acceptable for TVC and 81.9% of the surfaces examined were coliforms. Our microbiological monitoring of food showed that the TVC content of hot meal samples after 4 hours of display (above 60℃) was not significantly different from the TVC content of the aforementioned samples at time 0, while in cold meals TVC and enterobacteriaceae content had significantly risen after 4 hours of display (below 5℃).Conclusively, insufficient application of disinfection and ineffective surface and equipment cleaning programs were found. Additionally, cold meals are more vulnerable than hot meals in developing TVC and enterobacteriaceae.

Phytochemical, anti nutrient, invitro-protein digestibility and functional properties of (Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile) Aduwa protein meals, Protein Concentrate and Isolate

Background:Protein meals,Concentrate and Isolates are widely use as bioactive ingredients in functional food.In this study,the effect of toasting of Aduwa(Balanites aegyptiaca)seed on the phytochemicals,Anti nutrient,in vitro protein digestibility and functional properties of Aduwa Protein Meals,Protein Concentrate and Isolate were investigated.Methods:Aduwa seeds toasted at 70°C to make Aduwa protein meal(APM)yield extensive resolved biomaterials.The meal were resolved into DAPM,APC and API.Results:Phytochemicals analysis revealed reduction as APM sample is being resolved to protein concentrate and isolate.Similar trend was also observed in Anti-nutrients content significant reduction as material meal are resolved into protein concentrate and isolate.The in-vitro protein digestibility showed that APM(59.81%)and API(76.41%)had high percentage protein digestibility.Functional properties declined as meals materials were been resolved into protein concentrate and isolate.Swelling capacity revealed that resolved and unresolved samples leached biomolecules.Conclusion:The results obtained showed nutritional potential,and safety of biomaterials from Aduwa meals,an alternative food ingredient for protein supplementation.

The potential of two vegetable-carried blood meals as protein sources in African catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>, Burchell) juvenile diets

The study was designed to determine the growth response of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles on diets with two vegetable-carried blood meals (brewers’ dried grains with blood meal (BB) and rumen contents with blood meal (RB)) as protein sources and alternatives to imported commercial fish feed (CatCo?). Diets, with BB and RB included at 10%, formulated to supply 45% crude protein and 4,300 Kcal digestible energy/kg in similarity with CatCo?, were used in a 49-day trial in plastic tanks (L × B × H: 53 cm × 37 cm × 29 cm;capacity 50 liters). Juveniles were evaluated in terms of mean final body weight (MFBW), mean weight gain (MWG), average daily gain (ADG), specific growth rate (SGR), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed cost/g gain (FCGA), and mortality (as % survival). CatCo? was superior (P ? was similar (P < 0.05) to BB in PER but inferior in FCGA (0.46 vs. 0.36 Naira/g gain;1 US$ = N150). RB was similar (P < 0.05) to BB in PER but least economical in FCGA (0.51 Naira/g gain). The study demonstrated the potential of vegetable-carried blood meals from brewers’ dried grains and dewatered rumen contents as alternatives for use as feed for African catfish especially juveniles.

Isolation of <i>Bacillus cereus</i>in a Facility Preparing School Meals

Food safety is a fundamental requirement in mass catering, as large numbers of meals are served each day to potentially vulnerable consumers, such as children. Food Business Operators implement plans for the microbiological monitoring of the meals prepared and served in the catering sector, and for the swab-sampling of surfaces. From January 2018 to June 2019, our laboratory analyzed both food and swab samples from four catering facilities. Considering the EFSA 2018 data, we specifically focused on samples analyzed for Bacillus cereus. Our data substantially showed episodic contamination due to a piece of equipment that is not usually subjected to microbiological control, thus suggesting that every aspect should be scrutinized in order to identify critical points. While Bacillus cereus is widespread in nature and common in soil, it is adapted for growth in the intestinal tracts of insects and mammals. It is often present in a variety of foods, and may cause an emetic or a diarrheal type of food-associated illness. B. cereus produces several toxins. Multiplex PCR enables seven toxin genes to be detected (hblC, hblD, hblA, nheA, nheB, nheC and cytK).

Sodium Content in Takeaway Meals Sampled from Three Large China Cities

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate salt levels in popular hot takeaway meals in three large China cities, and to compare the difference in sodium content in different types of takeaway meals. Methods: We randomly collected a total of 4450 samples of 7 different types of takeaway meals, which were the most consumed by local residents from takeaway platforms. The main ingredients, auxiliary ingredients, as well as the weight used in takeaway meals were collected. The sodium content in takeaway meals was obtained by calculation. Results: Obtained results show that the sodium content in three large China cities is alarmingly high. Comparing medians (interquartile range) of takeaway meals from different cities, Beijing contained the highest sodium content per portion (1371.3 mg (890.3 - 2137.4)), followed by Hangzhou (1348.45 mg (694.25 - 1541.62)) and Shanghai (340.1 (259.75 - 942.25)). In addition, the sodium content between pasta and porridge, Chinese meals, and western meals show significant differences (p 0.05). Compared with Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes, the average sodium content exceeded dietary recommendations for one takeaway meal. The sodium content differed among takeaway meals prepared with various cooking methods and meats. Conclusion: Notable differences are detected in takeaway meals’ sodium content between several large cities in China. To meet China’s target salt intake, consumers in these cities are highly recommended to reduce sodium content in their everyday meals.

Analysis on the Colour Scheme of Brand Ready-Made Clothes in China

The colour scheme of brand ready-made clothes, as an integral part of brand culture, is playing a more and more omportant role in modem brand ready-made clothes designing. The cultural background of Chinese clothing brands was explored, the features of the interaction of colour, the design concept of colouring of the local Chinese brano clothes were discussed. International fashion trend was analysed, and both the psychological and social infuences on the colours of a certain season were discussed. In addition, we ought to investigate and study the late essential colours and the salable colours of our own brands, and summarize the clout systems that are practicable.

Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Ready-Made Garment Industry of Bangladesh in Order to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals: A Study on Bangladeshi Garment Manufacturers

The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector has played the most momentous role for the economic development of Bangladesh. To achieve the culmination, this labor-intensive industry needs to go through sustainable practices with the adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in its garment manufacturing chain. CSR, being a fast-developing phenomenon in industrial arena, is drawing the attention of world-renowned apparel buyers working with Bangladesh. After a few tragic occurrences, for instance, Rana Plaza collapse & Tazreen Fashion fire, the reputation of the RMG sector of Bangladesh has been somewhat blemished. Presently, this scenario is being changed since a considerable number of Bangladeshi garment producers have adopted CSR practices spending a huge sum of money. This study shows the current status of sustainable development through the implementation of CSR practices in the RMG industry of Bangladesh.

Sodium and health: New proposal of distribution for major meals

Sodium ingestion in regular diet exceeds individuals’ physiological needs, and it is etiologically related to various diseases. Studies estimate that the worldwide average individual intake of sodium reaches almost double the maximum limit of ingestion for the day only in the main meals: lunch and dinner. Culturally, sodium is highly used in meals to enhance the flavor of preparations. Then, the purposes of this research are to evaluate sodium use in meals prepared in Popular Brazilian Restaurants and to suggest the distribution of sodium for each kind of preparation of major meals. This is an exploratory cross-sectional research based on direct documentation subdivided in six steps: determination of samples of foodservices and menus;development of the technical preparation files offered in the menus;determination of the weight of average portions offered;determination of the average amount of sodium in the portions offered;estimation of sodium distribution regarding two parameters;and determination of the sodium distribution among preparations of major meals by the two proposed parameters. For results’ analysis, portions were calculated as well as the mean contribution of the preparation in the plate weight in percentage and the mean sodium contribution. Standard deviation is also presented. We verified through the study the possibility of using the distribution of sodium by two parameters: the first one considers the ratio of components’ weight in the menu in relation to the total weight of the meal;the second one considers the distribution of sodium in preparations in relation to the total amount of sodium in the meal. We expect the results of this research to improve menu planning in restaurants as to fulfill the actual clients’ needs in order to prevent diseases.