Exploring the bioactive potential of dried fruit by-products: a focus on hazelnut, peanut, and almond teguments and shells
Dried fruits are renowned for their nutritional value, particularly their seeds. However, their skins, shells, and hulls also hold significant nutritional and commercial potential, yet remain largely unexplored for their bioactive compounds. This study examines the teguments and shells of three types of dried fruits – hazelnut, peanut, and two almond varieties. Ethanol extracts from these by-products reveal a variety of phytochemicals with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, confirmed through in vitro and in vivo assays. Teguments contain higher polyphenol levels compared to shells, with 24 compounds identified via HPLC analysis. The Achak almond tegument extract demonstrates strong antiradical activity, significant antimicrobial effects, and notable antiviral properties at a low concentration. Moreover, extracts from Achak almond tegument and hazelnut shells exhibit notable anti-inflammatory properties. This underscores the potential of utilizing dried fruit by-products to create innovative, value-added products, supporting environmental sustainability and boosting the competitiveness of the dried fruit industry. https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2024.2373174
Insights into the cashew production system in Guinea-Bissau: implications for agroecosystem sustainability
Introduction: West Africa, particularly Guinea-Bissau, heavily relies on cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) production, which significantly impacts the countries’ economies. Cashew exhibits remarkable adaptability to impoverished and arid soils. Understanding producers’ socio-economic characteristics is crucial due to their potential influence on crop productivity and household income. Methods: This study aims to characterize the socio-economic, productive, and phytosanitary aspects of cashew production in Guinea-Bissau, through 151 interviews with producers across all administrative regions of the country. Results: Our findings reveal that cashew producers are mainly males aged 40 to 60, they typically manage plantations under 5 ha, with the smaller plantation areas located in Gabú, Cacheu, and Bolama. The age of the older trees averaged 31 years, with the highest age found in Biombo. Tree density averaged 286 trees per hectare, with higher values in Cacheu, Bafatá, and Bolama. Cashew nut yield in 2020 averaged less than 0.5 tons per hectare, with farmer-set prices generally lower than government determined prices. Oio, Tombali, and Bolama were the regions most affected by pests, while Oio and Cacheu (North) were the most affected by diseases. Top pests included termites, branch girdler, weaver ants, African grasshopper, and stem borer; while top diseases comprised gummosis, anthracnose, and dieback. Discussion: Characterization of cashew production system is crucial at both national and regional levels to identify region-specific limitations and strengths, aiding in the formulation of tailored strategies for sustainable production. Moreover, cashew production plays a crucial role in household incomes in Guinea-Bissau, underscoring the necessity of developing integrated management strategies. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1439820
Labeling Update: July 2024
USA: Hawaii Adopts New Labeling Requirements for Macadamias
On July 3, 2024, the Governor of Hawaii signed a bill that increases transparency in macadamia nut labeling by requiring products containing nuts grown outside Hawaii to disclose this fact on the label. The bill also prohibits misleading “Hawaii-grown” claims and envisages stringent enforcement measures and penalties for violations.
Food Safety Update: July 2024
Australia: New BMSB Pre-Border Biosecurity Treatment Provider Scheme
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has introduced AusTreat, a new pre-border biosecurity treatment provider scheme. AusTreat replaces the Offshore Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Treatment Providers Scheme and sets the conditions for the regulation of pre-border biosecurity treatment providers.
AusTreat is not pest- or pathway-specific. Instead, treatment providers register to conduct multiple treatment types (heat treatment, methyl bromide fumigation, sulfuryl fluoride fumigation) for multiple pests. Registration now lasts for three years, whereas under the previous scheme registration was renewed on a yearly basis. All treatment certificates, records of treatment and other treatment data must be submitted into the treatment certificate portal.
China: Draft National Food Safety Standard for Dried Fruit
China has notified the World Trade Organization of the publication of a draft of the National Standard for Food Safety Dried Fruit and Vegetable Products. If adopted, this new standard would replace GB 16325-2005 (“Hygienic Standard for Dried Fruits”). The standard would establish moisture index limits for dried apricots and raisins that are higher than those in the Codex Alimentarius international standard. The deadline for comment on this draft standard is September 9, 2024.
EU: Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons Update
According to FRUCOM, the European Commission has drafted new maximum levels (MLs) for mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAHs) in various commodities.
| Commodity | Draft ML (mg/kg) |
| Groundnuts | 6.0 from January 1, 2026
4.0 from January 1, 2028 2.0 from January 1, 2030 |
| Tree nuts | 2.0 |
Relatedly, also according to FRUCOM, the Commission has drafted a recommendation on the monitoring of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food, under which Member States, in collaboration with food business operators, should monitor the presence of MOSH and MOAH in food during the years 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029. The monitoring of MOSH should include oilseeds, tree nuts, tree-nut-based products, tree-nut-containing products, processed fruits and processed products containing fruits, among other foods. The monitoring of MOAH should include processed fruits, and processed products containing fruits, among other foods. The limits of quantification of the analytical methods should be below or at:
- 0.50 mg/kg for MOSH and MOAH in products with <4% fat/oil content
- 1.0 mg/kg for MOSH and MOAH in products with >4% and ≤ 50% fat/oil content
- 2.0 mg/kg for MOSH and MOAH in products with >50% fat/oil content
Further investigation of the causes of the contamination should be carried out when the following indicative levels are exceeded:
For MOSH:
- Oilseeds, oil fruits, tree nuts, processed fruits: 5.0 mg/kg
For MOAH:
- Processed fruits: 2.0 mg/kg
Where MOSH and MOAH are detected in food in concentrations above the indicative levels, Member States should carry out further investigations in the food business establishments in order to determine the possible source or sources
EU: Plant Protection Products Update
The European Union notified the WTO of a draft Commission Regulation regarding maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fenbuconazole and penconazole in or on certain products:
| Substance | Commodity | New MRL (mg/kg) |
| Fenbuconazole(1) | Apricots | 0.01 |
| Fenbuconazole(1) | Plums | 0.01 |
| Fenbuconazole(1) | Grapes | 0.01 |
| Fenbuconazole(1) | Cranberries | 0.01 |
| Fenbuconazole(1) | Peanuts | 0.01 |
| Penconazole(1) | Apricots | 0.07 |
| Penconazole(1) | Plums | 0.15 |
| Penconazole(1) | Grapes | 0.4 |
(1) Proposed date of adoption: January 24, 2025. More information
The European Commission published an Implementing Regulation approving the use of Onobrychis viciifolia (sainfoin) dried pellets as a nematicide in grapevines. The Regulation will enter into force on July 17, 2024.
The Commission published an Implementing Regulation renewing the approval of the active substance metconazole as a candidate for substitution. The Regulation shall apply from September 1, 2024.
According to another Implementing Regulation published by the Commission, the approval period for amisulbrom and S-abscisic acid has been extended until September 15, 2026 and the approval period for thiencarbazone and valifenalate has been extended until March 1, 2027.
EU: Draft Regulation on Sorbates as Food Additives
The European Commission has published a draft Commission Regulation (and draft Annex) regarding sorbates as food additives. These documents would amend Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) and the Annex to Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 as regards the specifications for sorbic acid (E200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and propyl gallate (E 310).
Japan: MRLs Update
Japan has notified the World Trade Organization of new maximum residue limits (MRLs) for fluxapyroxad in various commodities.
| Substance | Commodity | New MRL (ppm) |
| Fluxapyroxad(1) | Apricots | 7 |
| Dimethomorph(2) | Grapes | 15 |
(1) More information
(2) More information
USA: New Allergen Verification Sampling Program
On August 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will implement a new allergen verification sampling program at establishments that produce ready-to-eat products with labeling that claims the absence of at least one of 14 food allergens. The purpose of the program is to expand verification of industry compliance with labeling regulations. The allergens included in the new program include peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts.
Latest Trade News and Agreements: July 2024
Brazil: Opportunities for US Tree Nut Exporters
A recent USDA GAIN report provides a comprehensive analysis of the tree nut market in Brazil, highlighting significant opportunities for US exporters. With a growing consumer focus on health and lifestyle, the demand for nutritious nuts is rising in Brazil. The report details current market conditions, challenges, regulatory and competitive landscapes, trade analysis, consumer insights and distribution channels.
China: Practical Tips for US Agricultural Exporters
A recent USDA GAIN report provides practical tips for US agricultural exporters on how to conduct business in China, including information on market overview, export opportunities, local business practices, a review of consumer preferences, food standards and regulations, and import and inspection procedures.
EU: Delegated Regulation on Agri-food Consignments Requiring Notification of Arrival in the EU
The European Commission has adopted a Delegated Regulation that sets out cases where, and conditions under which, operators may be required to notify the arrival in the EU of consignments of certain categories of agri-food goods not subject to official controls at border control posts by virtue of EU law.
Competent authorities may request operators to notify the arrival of certain goods where the following conditions are met:
- the notification is necessary, taking into account:
- identified risks to human, animal or plant health, animal welfare or, as regards genetically modified organisms and plant protection products, also to the environment, associated with the goods concerned; or
- the history of compliance with the requirements established by the rules referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 applicable to the goods concerned;
- the goods concerned are subject to official controls at border control posts in accordance with Article 44(3), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.
EU: Turkish “Osmaniye Yer Fıstığı” Peanuts Granted Protected Designation of Origin Status
On July 10, 2024, the European Commission published an Implementing Regulation granting protected designation status to “Osmaniye Yer Fistiği” peanuts from Türkiye. As noted in Türkiye’s application to register the name, Osmaniye Province is defined as the geographical area where this type of peanut is produced.
Kenya-EU: Trade Agreement Comes Into Force
The EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) entered into force on July 1, 2024. The EPA seeks to create opportunities for Kenyan businesses and exporters, as it will fully open the EU market for Kenyan products and incentivize EU investment in Kenya.
USA: USDA Expands Insurance Options for Specialty and Organic Growers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the expansion of crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers beginning with the 2025 crop year.
Changes affecting nuts and dried fruits include the following:
- Enterprise units will be expanded to include almonds, macadamias, walnuts, figs and prunes.
- Enterprise units will be allowed by organic farming practice for almonds, macadamias, walnuts, figs and prunes.
- Sunburned damaged walnuts will be eligible for indemnity payments through quality adjustment.
- Insurance coverage will be expanded to younger almond trees by including trees in their fifth leaf year after being set out.
Sustainability Update: July 2024
USA: California to Vote on Climate-Resilience Funding
On July 3, 2024, California’s acting governor signed SB 867, the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024, clearing the way for the bill to be put before voters on the November ballot. The bill envisages investments totaling US$10 billion in a wide range of climate-resilience initiatives, including projects for drought, flood and water resilience; biodiversity and nature-based climate solutions; wildfire and forest resilience; and sustainable, resilient and climate-smart farms. In particular, the bond would allocate US$386 million for projects related to groundwater storage, groundwater banking and groundwater recharge, as well as instream flow projects supporting the conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water supplies. If approved by voters, the bond would be the single largest investment in public funding for climate resilience in California’s history.
Canada: Federal Plastics Registry
Canada’s new Federal Plastics Registry will require businesses to report on the quantity and types of plastic they place on the market each year. Reporting requirements will be introduced in phases. As of 2026, reporting will be required in the agriculture and horticulture category regarding the quantity of plastic in packaging and products. A guidance document is currently being drafted to aid businesses required to the report to the Registry.
EU: Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive Published in Official Journal
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on June 13, 2024 and entered into force 20 days later.
The CSDDD aims to ensure that EU and non-EU companies active in the EU market:
“contribute to sustainable development and the sustainability transition of economies and societies through the identification, and where necessary, prioritisation, prevention and mitigation, bringing to an end, minimisation and remediation of actual or potential adverse human rights and environmental impacts connected with companies’ own operations, operations of their subsidiaries and of their business partners in the chains of activities of the companies, and ensuring that those affected by a failure to respect this duty have access to justice and legal remedies.”
The CSDDD applies to:
- EU companies with more than 1,000 employees on average and a net worldwide turnover exceeding €450 million in the last financial year.
- Non-EU companies that generated a net turnover of at least €450 million in the EU in the financial year preceding the last financial year.
Protocol: A Novel Approach to Assess Several Environmental Impacts of Diets on Differences of Nut Intake
Effects of energy-restricted diets with or without nuts on weight, body composition and glycaemic control in adults: a scoping review
Energy-restricted (ER) diets promote weight loss and improve body composition and glycaemic control. Nut consumption also improves these parameters. However, less is known about the combined benefit of these two strategies. This scoping review implemented a systematic search of Medline, Embase and Scopus to identify randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of ER diets with or without nuts on body mass, body composition and glycaemic control in adults. After reviewing titles and abstracts, twenty-nine full-text articles were screened, resulting in seven studies reported in eight papers that met the inclusion criteria. Energy restriction was achieved by prescribing a set energy target or reducing intake by 1000-4200 kJ from daily energy requirements. Interventions ranged from 4 to 52 weeks in duration and contained 42-84 g/d of almonds, peanuts, pistachios or walnuts. While all studies reported that energy restriction resulted in significant weight loss, the addition of nuts to ER diets demonstrated significantly greater weight loss in only approximately half of the included studies (4/7 studies). There was limited evidence to support additional benefits from nuts for body composition measures or glycaemic control. Although improvements in weight loss and glycaemia were not consistent when nuts were included in ER diets, no study revealed an adverse effect of nut consumption on health outcomes. Future studies could explore the effect of consuming different types and amounts of nuts, combined with various levels of energy restriction on weight, body composition and glycaemic control. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954422424000106
Comprehensive Review Compiles Myriad Health Benefits of Almonds
Almond consumption may improve cardiovascular disease risk factors, gut microbiome and much more
A study published recently in Nutrients provides a systematic and updated perspective on the benefits of almond consumption for cardiovascular health and the gut microbiome.
The authors conducted a comprehensive review of studies investigating the effects of almond consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and gut health. According to their findings, regular intake of almonds has been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing low-density lipoprotein (“bad”) cholesterol and enhancing the functionality of high-density lipoprotein (“good”) cholesterol. Additionally, their findings showed that almonds aid in glycemic control, blood pressure reduction and chronic inflammation amelioration. Research has also shown that the antioxidant properties of almonds help in reducing oxidative stress markers. Moreover, almonds have been shown to positively influence body composition by enhancing satiety and reducing body fat percentage and central adiposity. Finally, almond consumption appears to modulate the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acid production.
The authors concluded that the current evidence suggests that almonds may improve certain CVD risk factors and benefit gut microbiome composition.
The Almond Board of California provided funding for this study.
Singar, S., Kadyan, S., Patoine, C., Park, G., Arjmandi, B., & Nagpal, R. (2024). The Effects of Almond Consumption on Cardiovascular Health and Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients, 16(12), 1964.
Study Finds Pistachios May Improve Cognitive Performance and Mood in Overweight Young Adults
Significant improvements in waist circumference and cholesterol were also observed
A new study published in Food Chemistry evaluated the impact of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults.
A baseline-final, uncontrolled nutritional intervention was performed in which overweight young adults ate 28 grams of pistachios daily for 28 days. Psychometric tests were applied to estimate cognitive performance and mood. Anthropometric evaluation and biochemical analysis were also carried out and plasma antioxidant activity was measured.
Pistachio consumption was associated with statistically significant reductions in waist circumference, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as an increase in plasma antioxidant activity. Pistachio supplementation was also associated with improved risk tolerance and decision-making strategy, executive functions, and selective and sustained attention, as well as positive modulations of mood state for anxiety, anger-hostility and sadness-depression.
These findings suggest that pistachio consumption could confer various benefits on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults.
Landaverde-Mejia, K., Dufoo-Hurtado, E., Camacho-Vega, D., Maldonado-Celis, M. E., Mendoza-Diaz, S., & Campos-Vega, R. (2024). Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) consumption improves cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults: A pilot study. Food Chemistry, 457, 140211. Advance online publication.