AIMS In order to assess the potential for producing mycotoxins, fungi were isolated from wine producing grapes. METHODS AND RESULTS The isolates were identified and Penicillium expansum, the most well recognized mycotoxin producer, was analysed for mycotoxin production by TLC. Many of the strains produced patulin and/or citrinin, often depending on whether they were grown on a grape or yeast ...

The contamination of pasteurised fruit juice products by thermophilic acidophilic bacteria (TAB) has become a concern for producers. The aim of this study was to identify the bacteria present in South African fruit juices before and after pasteurisation, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Alicyclobacillus acidote"estris was found to be pr...

Insufficient wine acidity can affect wine quality and stability. To overcome this problem, DL-malic acid can be added to the grape juice prior to fermentation. We have investigated the effect of DL-malic acid on wine fermentations and its influence on the final concentration of L-malic acid, naturally present in grape juice. To this end yeast strains that metabolise L-malic acid in different wa...

AIMS To determine the survival and growth characteristics of Cronobacter species (Enterobacter sakazakii) in infant wheat-based formulas reconstituted with water, milk, grape juice or apple juice during storage. METHODS AND RESULTS Infant wheat-based formulas were reconstituted with water, ultra high temperature milk, pasteurized grape or apple juices. The reconstituted formulas were inoculat...

BACKGROUND Ochratoxin A (OTA) is the main mycotoxin found in grapes, wines and grape juices and is considered one of the most harmful contaminants to human health. In this study, samples of tropical wines and grape juices from different grape varieties grown in Brazil were analysed for their OTA content by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The detection and quantification limits...

Pomegranate juice is in high demand due to its well documented health benefits. Studies based on a significant body of scientific research conducted on authentic pomegranate juice have established that pomegranate juice has superior antioxidant activity compared to other popular fruit juices such as grape, orange and apple1,2,3. These superior health benefits have led to a meteoric rise in the ...

In warm irrigated regions of Australia (such as Sunraysia), pH of grape juice often tends to be high (e.g. > 3.8). A high juice pH is undesirable for the production of quality wines as it results in wines of low quality for example, reduced colour stability and poor taste. Such a high juice pH is typically associated with a high concentration of K in the juice, depending on the scion, rootstock...

AIMS Animal experiments have shown that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in the regulation of ethanol intake. We investigated these effects in healthy volunteers who consumed a moderate amount of ethanol (red wine) and measured plasma levels of the endocannabinoids (ECs) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) to test whether alcohol consumption influences the...