Effects of Drying Methods, Temperature, and Initial Moisture Content on Drying Characteristics, Nutritional Quality, Texture, and Oxidative Stability of Peanuts

This study systematically investigated the combined effects of drying method (mid- and short-wave infrared drying, MSID; hot air drying, HAD; radio frequency-hot air combined drying, RF-HAD), drying temperature (35, 45, 55, 60 °C), and initial wet-basis moisture content (20%, 25%, 30%) on drying characteristics, nutritional quality, texture, and oxidative stability of peanuts. RF-HAD achieved the […]

Effects of different sterilization treatments on the quality and flavor profile of prune puree characterized by E-nose, E-tongue, GC-MS, and GC-IMS

To address the quality deterioration associated with thermal processing, this study systematically compared the effects of four sterilization treatments-pasteurization (PT), ultra-high temperature (UHT), ultra-high pressure (UHP), and low-voltage electrostatic field (LVEF) on the physicochemical properties, nutritional value, and flavor profile of prune puree. A multi-analytical platform integrating E-nose, E-tongue, GC-MS, and GC-IMS was employed for […]

Regular Nut Consumption Linked to Sperm Quality

A recent study published in the journal Andrology found that eating nuts regularly is associated with higher total sperm count and concentration in healthy young men of reproductive age. To evaluate the association between nut consumption and sperm quality parameters, researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from 222 men between the ages of 18 […]

Almonds May Provide Cognitive and Metabolic Benefits in People With Prediabetes

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that daily almond consumption for six months may enhance cognitive performance while improving metabolic markers in middle-aged adults with prediabetes. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of daily almond consumption on cognitive performance in 60 middle-aged Asian Indians with prediabetes. Participants […]

INC Provides Input on First Draft of Codex Code of Practice on Ochratoxin A

As noted previously, the INC is taking part in a Codex Alimentarius electronic working group tasked with developing a code of practice aimed at preventing and reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in dried fruits, specifically raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, dried dates, and prunes. In March, the chair of the working group shared the first […]

INC Tariff Report & Updates

Australia-EU: Implications of Free Trade Deal for Australian Tree Nuts The Australian government has published additional details on how the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement will affect trade in tree nuts. Upon entry into force, the agreement will immediately remove tariffs on Australian tree nuts exported to the EU, including the current EU tariffs of […]

Food Safety Update

EU: Discussions on Increasing Nickel ML in Hazelnuts According to FRUCOM, in recent technical meetings between the European Commission and Member States, an increase in the maximum level (ML) for nickel in hazelnuts from 3.5 to 4 mg/kg was discussed. This level was achieved based on a data set supplied by the European Food Safety Authority […]

Nut Consumption and Sperm Quality in Healthy Men: Results From the Led-Fertyl Study

Background: Nuts are rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, and recent evidence suggests that their regular consumption may be associated with sperm quality. However, the current scientific evidence remains limited and inconsistent. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the association between nut consumption and sperm quality parameters in healthy men of reproductive age. Materials […]

Almond Allergy in Children and Adults: A Narrative Review of Current Knowledge, Clinical Challenges, and Research Gaps

Background: Almond is one of the most widely consumed tree nuts worldwide; however, almond allergy remains poorly characterized. Despite frequent sensitization, the prevalence of clinically relevant almond allergy appears low, contributing to diagnostic uncertainty. This review summarizes current evidence on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic challenges of almond allergy. Methods: A narrative review was […]