Basma Dashti

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food products originating from locally reared animals in Kuwait

Analysis for the presence of 12 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 327 foodstuff samples originating from locally reared animals was carried out. The data revealed that non-carcinogenic PAHs were detected in considerable amounts in several food commodities. The carcinogenic PAH concentrations were relatively low in most of the samples investigated. Among the carcinogenic PAHs detected, chrysene had the highest concentration.

Nutrient contents of some traditional Kuwaiti dishes : proximate composition, and phytate content

Abstract Thirty-two Kuwaiti composite dishes were analyzed for their proximate composition and phytate content. The moisture content ranged from 89.5% in vegetable soup to 0.89% in rahash (a traditional sweet). The fat content varied from 0.99 to 29.2%. Fish dishes showed the highest protein content (20.9%) while vegetable soup had the lowest (1.19%). Carbohydrate content of the 32 dishes varied from 3.5% in fried fish to 53.3% in rahash. The ash content ranged from 5.1% in hallomi cheese to as low as 0.39% in legemat (sweet dumpling). Phytate content, ranged from 2835 mg/100 g in rahash to 32.6 mg/100 g in labnah (strained yoghurt).

Screening for β-agonists in sheep urine and eyes by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the state of Kuwait

Abstract Data are reported here on the assessment of the potential use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to monitor the presence of the β-agonist, clenbuterol in 142 samples of sheep urine and 53 samples of eye tissues from the same sheep. Data obtained showed that the clenbuterol levels ranged in the urine and eye tissues from not detected to 0.272 ppb and not detected to 1.54 ppb tissue, respectively. For confirmation, all samples that showed to be ELISA positive for clenbuterol residues were analyzed by GC–MS and were all found to be negative.

Assessment of the levels of chlorinated pesticides in breast milk in Kuwait

Breast milk samples, randomly collected from 32 Kuwaiti donors were analysed for chlorinated pesticides. DDE residues ranged from 127 to 3333 micrograms/kg, averaging, 833 micrograms/kg, expressed on a fat weight basis. DDT levels ranged from 0.6 to 67 micrograms/kg fat and averaged 12.4 micrograms/kg, fat. High DDE/DDT ratios were found, which indicated that the exposure to DDT, in most cases, happened quite some time ago. In addition many of the samples also contained isomers of HCH, heptachlor-epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin and endrin. Residue levels of non-DDT pesticides were generally low. Overall levels of DDT-pesticides in Kuwaiti milk samples were lower than levels reported from other Middle Eastern countries, although methodologies may not be directly comparable.

Soluble and insoluble dietary fibre in thirty-two Kuwaiti dishes

Abstract Thirty-two commonly consumed dishes (fish dishes, sandwiches, soup, pastries, salads, kubas, sweets and dairy dishes) in Kuwait were analysed for total dietary fibre, soluble dietary fibre and insoluble dietary fibre. The total dietary fibres were the highest in salads with an average of 5.39 mg/100 g edible portion. The other dishes contained variable amounts of dietary fibre with ranges of 3.36–4.22, 4.73–4.99, 1.85–4.3, 1.99–3.8, 1.73–2.5 and 0–3.33 mg/100 g for sandwiches, soup, pastries, fish, and sweet dishes respectively. The dairy dishes contained 0% fibre. For the insoluble dietary fibre, the range for all dishes was from 0 to 6.55%, while for the soluble fraction it was from 0 to 2.52%.

Fatty acid profile and cholesterol content of 32 selected dishes in the state of Kuwait

Thirty-two Kuwaiti composite dishes were analyzed for their fatty acid and cholesterol contents. The fatty acid profile showed that palmitic and stearic acid were predominant, whereas cis-oleic was the major mono-unsaturated fatty acid. Some dishes contained relatively low levels of trans 18:1 fatty acids. The ratio of poly- to mono-unsaturated and saturated fatty acids (P:M:S) showed that only three dishes were close to the recommended ratio of 1:1:1 with the rest being substantially higher, particularly with respect to the saturated fatty acids. Cholesterol content of the dishes, ranged from traces to 150 mg/100 g. The shrimp dishes contained the highest levels (115-151 mg/100 g), followed by dairy dishes, with an average of 47.4 mg/100 g and sandwiches with 41.4 mg/100 g (on average). The other dishes contained lower amounts of cholesterol.

Screening for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in local and imported food and feed products available across the State of Kuwait and assessment of dietary intake.

A total of 318 local and imported meat, milk, eggs, fish, and animal feed samples collected in Kuwait were analyzed by cell-based reporter gene assay (Dioxin-Responsive Chemical Activated LUciferase gene eXpression DR-CALUX) for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. The bioanalytical equivalents (BEQs) obtained by DR-CALUX bioassay were compared with the official maximum limits according to the European Commission (EC) regulations. Suspected and randomly chosen negative samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). The results showed that among suspected samples, one sample was confirmed to be non-compliant. The positive sample was of imported origin. The correlation coefficient of 0.98 between DR-CALUX and GC-HRMS was found. Moreover, the average daily intakes of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs for the Kuwaiti population were estimated. Results obtained in this study were discussed and compared with other published data.

Consumption patterns of artificially coloured foods among children in Kuwait

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the consumption patterns of artificially coloured foods among children in Kuwait. A 24‐h dietary recall field survey was conducted on 3,141 male and female children from 58 schools in Kuwait to determine colour additive levels in food products marketed in Kuwait, and to assess and compare intake levels to FAO/WHO acceptable daily intakes.Design/methodology/approach – Of 450 coloured foods available in the market, 344 that were commonly consumed by children were purchased from different co‐operative societies and supermarkets distributed in Kuwait and were grouped into nine categories, namely: biscuits, cake, candy, chips, chocolate, drinks and juices, chewing gum, jelly, and lollypops. These were then analysed for their contents of artificial colour additives using a high‐pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detector.Findings – Data obtained from the field survey showed that “drinks and juices” contributed the most to the mean daily intake, follo...

Dietary fiber content of 21 kuwaiti composite dishes

Dietary fiber analyses were carried out on 21 commonly consumed Kuwaiti composite dishes. The dietary fiber content was determined by an enzymaticgravimetric method for the determination of soluble (SDF), insoluble (IDF) and total (TDF) dietary fiber. The IDF was the major dietary fiber fraction in all the dishes. The average content of IDF in the 21 dishes was 3.7 g/100 g fresh weight compared with 1.00 g/100 g for the SDF fraction. The mean content of TDF was highest in the sweet dishes (4.2 ±1.3722 g; n= 10), particularly those containing dates, followed by the cereal-based dishes (3.9 ±1.9523 g; n= 10) containing whole grain wheat flour. The meat-(3.46 ±1.3722 g; n = 14) and chicken-based (2.7 ±0.1331 g; n = 4) dishes contained moderate levels of TDF, with the vegetables (3.87 g; n = 2) in the recipes contributing most of the TDF in these dishes. However, since most of the dishes contained 2-4 g dietary fiber per 100 g fresh weight, and more than 100 g is consumed in a serving (average 300-400 g), then these dishes can generally be considered as good sources of dietary fiber.

Exposure and risk characterization for dietary methylmercury from seafood consumption in Kuwait

Seafood is an important source of essential nutrients; however, it can also confer health risks from methylmercury (MeHg). In this paper, we evaluate the levels of potential methylmercury exposure among Kuwaiti seafood consumers in order to support the development of dietary recommendations for fish consumption in Kuwait. Total mercury (HgT) concentration for most of the studied fish and shellfish species were on average below the 0.5μgg-1 Codex guideline. The notable exception to this was Hamoor (Epinephelus coioides), which averaged 1.29μgg-1 HgT and 0.55μgg-1 MeHg. A dietary survey of 2393 households demonstrated that large quantities of fish and shellfish are commonly consumed in Kuwait (average consumption: 103gd-1). Most participants (53.6%) exceeded the Tolerable Daily Intake of MeHg; this percent exceedance was as high as 78% in children 6-12years of age. The majority (Mean: 50-51%) of Kuwaitis dietary MeHg exposure comes from the consumption of Hamoor; therefore, advisories to limit the consumption of Hamoor may be necessary. Nutrient:Methylmercury ratios are reported herein; these ratios may assist efforts to create dietary advice that limits contaminant risk while promoting the nutritional benefits of seafood in Kuwait.