Category: Academic article

The physiological disorder soft scald may cause losses in apple fruit storage. This study aimed at understanding the interplay between fruit maturity at harvest and storage temperature on soft scald development in the susceptible cultivar ‘Red Aroma’. Fruit harvested late and subsequently stored at −0.5 °C developed the significantly highest soft scald incidence. Overall ethylene and CO2-production was reduced in late harvested fruit stored at −0.5 °C, while fruit from the early harvest showed a cold-induced ethylene increase under the same storage conditions, suggesting an active cold-acclimation response. Clustering of RNA sequencing data and overrepresentation analysis revealed that transcripts involved in cell wall modification, ripening-associated signaling, antioxidant defense system and secondary metabolism were upregulated in late harvested fruit at harvest as well as soft scald-affected fruit after storage. In contrast, early harvested fruit at harvest and disorder-free fruit after storage showed higher expression of transcripts associated with abiotic stress resistance, such as leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases, protein kinases with tetratricopeptide repeat domains, and auxin response factor, indicating a potential link between early maturity and enhanced cold tolerance in ‘Red Aroma’ apple fruit.

Conveyor belts are recognized as common niches for persistent Listeria monocytogenes contamination in food processing environments. This study evaluated the efficacy of 24 commercially available cleaning and disinfection (C&D) agents, UV-C irradiation, and heat treatments against L. monocytogenes, using a laboratory biofilm model on woven conveyor belt material. Selected treatments were further tested on a used conveyor belt from food industry harboring a persistent outbreak strain.
Cleaning followed by disinfection, using concentrations recommended by manufacturers, achieved limited reductions (1.2–2.5 log) of L. monocytogenes after 10 min exposure in the laboratory biofilm model. Extreme concentrations of cleaning agents improved efficacy in the laboratory model but failed to eliminate L. monocytogenes from the used belt. All C&D agents applied at recommended concentrations led to >3.8 log reduction against a dried suspension of L. monocytogenes on stainless steel.
UV-C treatment resulted in dose-dependent but modest reductions (≤2.4 log) and the combination of C&D and UV-C improved efficacy in the laboratory model, but failed to eliminate L. monocytogenes from the used belt from food industry.
Heat treatment in a water bath at 60 °C for 1 h completely eliminated L. monocytogenes (>4 log reduction, negative after enrichment) from both types of conveyor belts, whereas hot dry air was less effective. Extended enrichment times revealed prolonged lag phases of stressed cells, highlighting the risk of false-negative results when standard detection protocols are applied.
Overall, the findings highlight the potential of hot water treatment as an effective strategy for eliminating L. monocytogenes from hard–to reach sites where chemical C&D and UV-C treatments are insufficient.

This study evaluated the potential of the zymolytic black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, ZBSF) as feed for Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio). Six diets, including a normal protein diet (C) and five reduced-protein diets with different ZBSF levels (R, RZ5, RZ10, RZ15, and RZ20), were fed to 630 fish with an average weight of 5.11 ± 0.02 g for 8 weeks. Dietary ZBSF did not affect fish growth in any of the R groups. The hepatopancreatic crude protein, DHA, and n-3 PUFA levels in the RZ15 and RZ20 groups were lower than those in the R group. Notably, compared to the R group, the RZ15 group showed significantly higher catalase activity in the serum and hepatopancreas, along with a significantly lower malondialdehyde content. The RZ15 group exhibited improved morphological health of the hepatopancreas and intestine. Furthermore, the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors (il-6 and il-1β) in the hepatopancreas were significantly decreased and the expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors (il-10) were increased in the RZ15 group compared to the R group. The RZ10 and RZ15 groups showed decreased il-6 and tnf-α1 expression levels, but increased il-10 levels in the kidney. The RZ15 group showed significantly increased expression levels of antioxidant genes (nrf2, sod, cat, gpx1) in the intestine. The RZ15 group showed reduced cumulative mortality when the Yellow River carp were infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Overall, the incorporation of 15 g/kg ZBSF into reduced-protein diets improved tissue health, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in Yellow River carp. However, it also decreased hepatopancreatic nutritional composition (crude protein and n-3 PUFA levels), highlighting a potential trade-off between physiological health benefits and nutritional quality.

Introduserte arter som etablerer seg varig utfordrer økosystemer, lokalsamfunn og næringsliv. Denne studien
undersøker om bærekraftig forvaltning av pukkellaks (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) er mulig, og hvilke forut
setninger som må være oppfylt for å oppnå miljømessig, økonomisk og sosial bærekraft.
Dersom pukkellaks øker i omfang, kan dagens bekjempelsestiltak være utilstrekkelige, og muligheten for
kommersiell fangst avhenger av at samfunnsøkonomisk gevinst overstiger kostnadene ved ren bekjempelse.
Studien identifiserer betydelige kunnskapshull knyttet til økologiske effekter, verdiskaping, fangstteknologi og
vandringsmønster. En bærekraftig forvaltning av introduserte arter forutsetter derfor styrket forskning, bedre
overvåking og vurdering av institusjonelle endringer, inkludert tettere samhandling mellom miljø- og
fiskerimyndigheter.

The invasion of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in northern Norwegian rivers has raised ecological concerns
and led to eradication fishing, primarily in freshwater systems. At present, most fish removed through
river-based fisheries are discarded, and the potential of river-caught salmon as a food resource has therefore not
been evaluated. This study investigated changes in food composition, fatty acid profile, fillet colour, and quality
during sexual maturation. Fish were classified into four maturation stages based on external characteristics, from
immature (MS 0) to fully mature individuals (MS 3). Advancing maturation was associated with a significant
increase in muscle water content from 72.8% to 76.9%, and corresponding decreases in protein, lipid, and ash
contents. Total fatty acid content declined from 2.47 to 1.38 g/100 g muscle during maturation, primarily due to
reductions in monounsaturated fatty acids. Fillet colour deteriorated noticeably at the spawning stage, with
substantial losses in redness and colour saturation. Despite reduced lipid content during maturation, pink salmon
remained a valuable source of high-quality protein and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. These findings provide
essential food composition data and demonstrate that fish captured in river-based eradication fisheries may
represent an underutilised food resource.

Abstract This case study examines the role of food contests in professionalizing local food entrepreneurs in Norway, using Det Norske Måltid (DNM), a prestigious national food competition. It investigates how participation influences product development, market exposure, and entrepreneurial learning. Despite the growing importance of food contests for learning and validation, limited empirical research has examined their function in supporting micro-entrepreneurs in rural and local food contexts. A mixed-methods approach combined a survey of 105 DNM participants with interviews of ten finalists and winners, complemented by observations of jury meetings. The findings show that participants primarily sought professional product evaluation but also reported outcomes related to product development, market development, and entrepreneurial growth. Participation was associated with greater awareness of packaging, storytelling, product quality, brand visibility, networking, and professional legitimacy. These outcomes were more pronounced among experienced participants and winners, but should be interpreted as perceived and reported outcomes rather than direct causal effects. The study contributes to understanding food contests as structured arenas for expert feedback, benchmarking, validation, and entrepreneurial learning, while highlighting the need for consumer visibility, follow-up support, and institutional engagement.

The aquaculture industry is not sufficiently prepared to deal with the impacts of climate change. Increasing temperatures, intensified marine heat waves, and more frequent jellyfish blooms threaten production. Gill disorders in farmed Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) have become one of the most significant challenges for the industry. Few studies have explored the interactions between fish mucosal microbiomes and scyphozoans within a climate change context. This study explored how increased temperature and limited oxygen availability interact with the salmon gill microbiome and gill gene expression after jellyfish ( Aurelia aurita ) exposure. Gill microbiota changes were determined by ONT MinION sequencing of the V1-V3 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene and gill transcriptomic responses were assessed by total RNA sequencing with Illumina. Alpha diversity Shannon index was significantly higher in fish exposed to increased temperature, regardless of exposure to jellyfish. In addition, LEfSe analysis identified a significant increase in the abundance of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus , which were identified as biomarkers in all groups exposed to increased temperatures. At the transcriptomic level, principal component analysis showed that group separation was mainly driven by the increased temperature variable, which was responsible for the largest number of differentially expressed transcripts. Pathway analysis revealed that the different experimental conditions significantly impacted the expression of transcripts related to glycosylation, immune response and tissue development and integrity. Although the jellyfish exposure did not significantly affect the gill transcriptomic response, the combination with the other environmental stressors induced further changes related to haemostasis, protein modification and cell migration. Overall, the results provide important evidence regarding how combined stressors may affect Atlantic salmon’s gill mucosal health and highlight key genes and microbial taxa to be explored in more detail to understand the mechanisms behind climate-change effects on aquaculture.

DNA methylation can change DNA properties, affecting chromatin accessibility, gene expression, and phenotypic
variation. In clonal Norway spruce, warmer (WE) versus cooler (CE) embryogenic conditions produce phenotypically dif
ferent trees. This climatic memory, induced during embryogenesis, remains stable in the resulting epitype trees, and the
epigenetically altered timing of bud phenology persists between WE and CE epitypes even after decades under common
garden conditions. We examined DNA methylation patterns in 14-year-old epitypes throughout the annual developmental
cycle. Using targeted bisulfite sequencing, we screened for differential DNA methylation over a 3000 bp region in 2744
genes related to the epigenetic machinery, circadian clock, and phenology. Clustering DNA methylation differences in the
CG context clearly separated epitype trees, confirming epigenetic mark differences. Differences in methylation of cytosines
in all contexts were highly dynamic and varied markedly among annual developmental stages, suggesting the existence of
circannual clocks affecting methylation levels in the studied genomic regions. Most stable methylation marks were identified
in CG contexts, fewer in CHG and none in CHH contexts, consistent with differences in inheritance among methylation con
texts. We identified stable CG and CHG methylation marks in the promoter regions of 30 specific genes. Two ARGONAUTE
genes and 4 other genes exhibited stable marks across all time points for CE or WE, and putative embryo–adult transmission
for some genes. These findings indicate that DNA methylation marks maintained in genomic regions throughout the annual
cycle may contribute to an induced epigenetic memory established in embryos and later manifested as phenologically dif
ferent epitype trees.

Understanding how organisms allocate energy across competing physiological demands is central to predicting responses to environmental variation. In seasonal environments, shifts in resource availability and activity impose dynamic constraints on energy storage, maintenance and reproduction. Here, we investigated seasonal changes in body composition in the tegu lizard Salvator merianae using the minimally invasive dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) technique. After DEXA validation against direct chemical analysis for this species, male and female individuals were repeatedly scanned across key phases of the annual cycle, including hibernation, reproduction and transition phases between them. Body composition remained largely unchanged during prolonged dormancy, despite fasting and inactivity, with lean and mineral compartments comparatively maintained in both sexes. In contrast, reproduction was associated with the most pronounced seasonal shifts, including reductions in fat reserves and increases in protein- and water-related compartments in both sexes, together with mineral remodeling that was more evident in females. In subsequent months, several of these components shifted back toward pre-reproductive values. These patterns indicate a coordinated reorganization of energy and body resources across seasons, with fat reserves mobilized during reproduction while lean and mineral compartments followed distinct, phase-dependent trajectories. Our results suggest a partial decoupling between energy storage and structural maintenance, consistent with the idea that key functional compartments may be differentially buffered against seasonal constraints. By linking within-individual variation in energy reserves to shifts in physiological demands, this study provides an integrative physiological perspective on how life-history trade-offs are expressed in seasonal environments. More broadly, these findings contribute to understanding how physiological flexibility may influence organismal performance under changing environmental conditions.

Unconventional Edible Plants (UEPs) offer a promising strategy to diversify diets and value local biodiversity, yet their consumption remains low. The aim of this study was to explore children’s proposals of UEP-based foods and whether co-creation with children could facilitate the inclusion of UEP-based meals in schools. Fifty-seven children developed meal concepts—such as pizza and cheese bread with yam or ora-pro-nóbis—which were then tested by 180 students. Results demonstrated good overall acceptance (in the range 5.3 and 5.7 in a 7-point scale) of UEP-based products. While the impact of co-creation on acceptance varied by school context, information about whether peers or cooks prepared the meals did not significantly affect liking scores. Emotional responses were, in general, little affected according to children’s participation. Co-creation proved to be a feasible and promising approach for introducing UEPs into school feeding systems, successfully supporting biodiversity and sustainability without compromising food acceptance.

With over 3.1 billion people unable to afford healthy diets and 37.7% of fish stocks overfished globally, developing sustainable marine industries based on underutilized resources have become critical for food security. Calanus finmarchicus, a dominant zooplankton species in the Northeast Atlantic, represents a significant underexploited marine resource. Despite Norway establishing a commercial fishing quota, current harvesting remains dispersed and marginal. Using qualitative and quantitative data provided by relevant stakeholders, a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is employed to rank three legally regulated harvesting areas according to their performance across selected sustainability criteria. Results show that biodiversity risk and bycatch are the most critical sustainability concerns, while fuel consumption and operational costs dominate economic assessments. Social factors, including safety and regulatory compliance, remain relevant, but less influential. Given the methodological framework adopted in this study, nearshore harvesting areas rank highest in overall sustainability performance. Findings highlight trade-offs across sustainability criteria and underscore the need for adaptive management and improved data to reduce uncertainty. The study underlines the importance of participatory decision-making and integrated assessment frameworks to guide sustainable exploitation of emerging marine resources. By making trade-offs explicit, this study offers a transparent framework for evaluating and comparing management approaches in emerging fisheries.

Environmental contaminants pose a significant risk to marine species due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential to impair reproduction. In fish, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are primarily acquired through diet. This study investigated POP accumulation and lipid metabolism in farmed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from early maturation to spawning, integrating chemical analyses with gene expression profiling of lipid- and stress-related pathways. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the most abundant POPs detected, followed by toxaphene, reflecting feed composition. POP concentrations were highest in liver and whole body, lower in gonads and muscle. Maturation was associated with sex-specific changes in gonadal lipid composition, including increased free fatty acids and cholesterol in males, and elevated n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in females. In the liver, oxidative stress-related genes (e.g., catalase, cat) and lipid metabolism genes (e.g., ATP citrate lyase, acly) were downregulated, particularly in females. Lipases involved in extracellular uptake (lipoprotein lipase, lpl) and intracellular hydrolysis (lipoprotein lipase, lipe-2) were downregulated in liver and upregulated in gonads. These findings demonstrate that POP accumulation, lipid remodeling, and gene expression are dynamically influenced by reproductive maturation in Atlantic cod.

Intake of fish and supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are associated with reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cetoleic acid promotes n-3 PUFA generation in salmon and human HepG2 cells, but data in humans are scarce. To explore the effect of cetoleic acid on n-3 PUFA levels, we performed a double-blinded randomised controlled trial in healthy adults (37 females and 12 males) for four weeks. The participants were randomised to consume either capsules with mackerel oil, naturally rich in cetoleic acid, or a control oil, both with a similar concentration of n-3 PUFA. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04841044). Supplements with mackerel oil resulted in higher plasma levels of the n-3 PUFAs 20:4n-3 (Eicosatetraenoic acid) and 20:5n-3 (Eicosapentaenoic acid) as compared with those receiving control oil. In addition, those who received the cetoleic-rich capsules had higher levels of 20:4n-3 in the RBC membrane and a decrease in expression of elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 5 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We found no differences in lipid, glucose or C-reactive protein between the two treatment groups, consisting of healthy subjects. Our data suggests that supplementation with cetoleic-rich mackerel oil may result in increased levels of certain n-3 PUFAs. Further studies should include patients with or at risk for metabolic and CVD.

This study aims to explore how children aged 3–6 years perceive and make meaning of taste experiences in everyday kindergarten contexts to better understand how taste and its dimensions are interpreted by young children. A qualitative design with a child-centred approach was employed, using drawing activities and semi-structured focus group interviews. Twenty-six children from four Norwegian kindergartens participated, drawing foods they would serve as a cook and discussing taste experiences. Data were thematically analysed using the Wistoft’s seven dimensions of taste as a theoretical and analytical framework. Results showed that shared meals, cultural traditions, favourite foods, and sensory experiences dominated children’s narratives. They identified unhealthy and restricted foods, and some expressed limited control over mealtime decisions. Overall, children’s taste understandings are multidimensional and embedded in a broader social and cultural taste community. The study contributes to taste perception theory and informs practitioners on supporting children’s experiences and meaning-making of taste in educational practices.

Coronary arteriosclerosis, the narrowing and stiffening of the arteries supplying oxygenated blood to the myocardium, is gaining attention as a contributor to stress-related mortality in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Rapid growth has been proposed as a risk factor. Thus, clarifying relationships between growth and arteriosclerosis is important, as aquaculture’s emphasis on accelerated growth may compromise fish cardiovascular health.
Arteriosclerotic lesions were histologically assessed in the main coronary artery of Atlantic salmon at four commercial sites in the Faroe Islands. Fish were sampled after sea transfer and before slaughter to evaluate the effects of hatchery and marine growth. Lesion prevalence (% fish affected), incidence (% artery affected), severity (mean histopathological grade, 0–5), and coronary lumen area reduction for the most severe lesions were assessed.
After sea transfer, prevalence ranged from 26 to 67%, with incidences of 5–26% across sites. Lesion severity ranged from 0.1 to 0.3, and lumen area reduction in the most severe lesions ranged from 4 to 14%. Before slaughter, prevalence increased to 90–100% and lesion incidence to 69–84%. Lesion severity ranged from 2.5 to 3, and the lumen area reduction ranged from 15 to 17%.
Growth rates were significantly associated with variation in lesion status across sites: higher hatchery growth coincided with greater severity at sea transfer, and higher marine growth was associated with increased lesion progression thereafter. These observational findings indicate that higher growth rates are associated with increased coronary arteriosclerosis in Atlantic salmon under commercial production conditions, suggesting a trade-off between rapid production and cardiovascular health.

Muscle quality in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) is closely linked to the fish’s nutritional status and energy reserves. Reliable and easy-to-implement indicators are needed to monitor fish condition and prevent quality deterioration during live storage, or in traditional fisheries to facilitate production planning. This study examined the relationship between muscle quality and condition indices in cod exhibiting or lacking signs of severe emaciation (gelatinous texture and atypical white muscle colour) and evaluated whether the derived threshold values for Fulton’s condition factor (K-factor) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) can predict muscle quality across three independent trials. K-factor was calculated using both total body weight (KTW) and somatic weight (KSW) to account for variation in visceral mass. Using data from a controlled feed-deprivation trial, we identified threshold values for KTW, KSW and HSI that distinguish between poor, intermediate, and good-quality fish. When these threshold values were applied to independent trials, the KSW-factor yielded the most consistent and accurate predictions of fillet defects, whereas thresholds for KTW-factor and HSI provided less reliable predictions of muscle quality. These findings demonstrate that simple biological indices, particularly KSW, can support proactive quality management in live storage systems and conventional supply chains. Future work should validate thresholds across seasons and integrate automated measurement technologies.

Diets with 30 and 60 ppm astaxanthin in combination with vitamin A (VA) concentrations of 6500, 35,000, and 100,000 IU/kg were fed to Atlantic salmon post smolts in seawater for 17 weeks. Flesh color (SalmoFan 27.1–27.5), astaxanthin concentration (3 mg/kg), retention (4.8% and 8.9% at 30 and 60 mg astaxanthin/kg respectively), and digestibility (29% and 12% at 30 and 60 mg astaxanthin/kg, respectively) were lowest at the highest dietary VA concentration. Increasing VA concentration in the diet also reduced the astaxanthin concentrations in liver and plasma, but not in intestine. Hepatocytes and enterocytes were isolated from fish fed the six diets and incubated for 48 h with radiolabeled astaxanthin to study metabolic transformation of astaxanthin in vitro. Astaxanthin was metabolized to idoxanthin, β-carotene, retinol, and retinal in both cell types, but astaxanthin made up a larger proportion of total radioactivity in hepatocytes than in enterocytes. Hepatocytes from salmon fed high VA in the diet had the highest astaxanthin concentration (39% of the radioactivity), whereas the highest VA concentration (6% of the radioactivity) was found in hepatocytes from fish that received the lowest dietary VA concentration. Enterocytes from salmon fed the medium VA diet, had highest concentrations of astaxanthin (17%–26%), retinol (6.4%–7%) and the lowest concentration of idoxanthin (14%–31%). After the 17-week feeding trial, salmon fed four of the diets (30 and 60 ppm astaxanthin in combination with 6500 and 100,000 IU/kg VA) were exposed to repeated stress (crowding and low oxygen) for a period of 5 weeks. Stress reduced the astaxanthin concentrations in muscle with around 0.5 mg/kg, except in salmon fed the diet with high VA and 60 ppm astaxanthin, which maintained an astaxanthin concentration of 3.3 mg/kg. Changes in the part of the carotenoid NMR spectrum in salmon exposed to stress indicated that stress affected the conversion of astaxanthin in interaction with dietary VA and astaxanthin. The effects of diet VA and astaxanthin concentration in combination with stress on gene expression in intestine, liver, and muscle were measured, and minor effects on several immune, stress, and metabolic genes were found.

A declared shelf life aligned with consumer acceptance is essential to avoid unnecessary food waste. The relationship between microbial development and consumers’ odour-based decisions to accept or discard industrially packed chicken breasts from three European countries (Hungary, Norway and Portugal) was investigated. Products were stored at 4 °C up to 27 days, with or without a shift to 8 °C after 3–7 days to mimic temperature abuse at retail/consumer stages. Bacterial levels were quantified by culture-based enumeration (total viable counts, TVC), and the microbiota assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In each country ≥120 consumers assessed acceptance based on odour. Acceptance was modelled through survival analysis using time (days) and TVC as predictors.
Initial TVC differed among products (2.5 – 4.3 log cfu/g). Dominant taxa were Photobacterium (Hungary), Lactobacillales (Norway), and Brochothrix together with Yersiniaceae (Portugal) at the end of the declared shelf life. Temperature abuse shifted the microbiota towards higher proportions of Enterobacterales (Norway and Portugal). Sensory shelf life varied markedly, with 25% rejection rates reached after 9 days (Hungary), 25 days (Norway), and 12 days (Portugal) during storage at 4 °C, corresponding to TVCs of 6.4, 7.4 and 7.3 log cfu/g.
We propose a consumer-anchored methodological approach for shelf life assessment that (i) predefines an acceptable rejection level (ii) models acceptance as a function of TVC under foreseeable abuse and (iii) complements culture-dependent analyses with culture-independent profiling. This approach links microbial criteria to consumer perception and behaviour and providing a basis for more accurate, consumer-anchored shelf-life determination.

Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer, 1837) represents a major biological challenge in Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Despite extensive research on salmon lice biology, host interaction, and immunomodulation, the mechanisms underlying early host recognition and attachment remain poorly understood. Microscopic examination of the infective stage revealed a previously undescribed spike-like structure in the anterior rostral region of the copepodids. The structure appeared flexible, moved synchronously with body movements, and was present prior to exposure to host tissues or detectable host contact. Behavioral observations further revealed that copepodids actively probe salmon skin explants and fins with their anterior appendages before initial attachment, often followed by prolonged immobility. Scanning electron microscopy suggested that the structure may exist in both protruded and retracted forms and revealed a crevice- or pore-like feature at its proximal end. It is hypothesized that this structure may contribute to early host interrogation through localized sensing and the initial attachment process. These findings highlight a component of early host–parasite interactions and may contribute to future strategies to disrupt host recognition mechanisms in salmon lice.

Processing poultry meat generates large amounts of protein-rich side streams. Enzymatic hydrolysis is widely used for upcycling but often produces bitter and unpalatable products. Membrane filtration may improve quality, but its effects on sensory properties and composition remain unclear. This study examined microfiltration (MF), nanofiltration (NF), and diafiltration of a poultry protein hydrolysate using sensory analysis, 1H NMR metabolomics, and volatile compounds. MF removed lipids and suspended particles, reducing flavour intensity and lipid oxidation products, with hexanal reduced by 94–96%. NF reduced ash and low-molecular-weight metabolites while increasing protein levels. Despite these changes, NF had limited additional sensory effects and slightly increased bitterness, likely related to reduced salt levels and increased peptide concentration. Altogether, these findings highlight the role of matrix effects in flavour perception and support strategies to improve the sensory quality of poultry protein hydrolysates.

The upcycling of whitefish side streams into food-grade powders offers an opportunity to increase resource efficiency in the whitefish industry. This study compared a conventional fishmeal process based on presscake production with a gentle processing method involving washing of raw materials, mild steam cooking, and direct steam drying. Presscake-derived powders showed very high odour intensity and poor palatability, making them unsuitable for human consumption. Washing of cod heads and backbones with fresh (FW) or salt water (SW) effectively reduced pro-oxidative compounds (e.g., iron) and volatile nitrogen compounds, resulting in more consistent product quality. Colour measurements showed increased lightness (L∗) and reduced redness (a∗) and yellowness (b∗) after 2–3 wash cycles. Saltwater washing increased sodium content to 3.7 % after three cycles, corresponding to 1.5 g per 40 g powder. Sensory evaluation showed reduced odour and flavour intensity in gently processed powders compared with fishmeal, although washing alone resulted in limited additional sensory improvement. Overall, integrating washing with gentle steam processing produced lighter, milder, and more consistent powders, demonstrating strong potential for food applications and improved onboard utilization of whitefish side streams.

Nephrocalcinosis (NC), characterized by excessive mineral deposition in the kidneys, represents an increasing challenge in commercial smolt production of Atlantic salmon. The aim of this study was to survey NC and mineral status in whole fish and kidneys in Atlantic salmon smolts from commercial smolt facilities, aiming to identify potential triggers of NC development. Samples were collected from eight fish groups across six commercial smolt facilities, sharing the same genetic origin and feed supplier. Three flow-through systems and three recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) were included, and the facilities applied different smoltification protocols.
NC was found to be a commonly occurring production disorder during smoltification, affecting 41% of the sampled fish, with a higher prevalence (52.5%) and more severe cases in fish from RAS facilities. However, variation between facilities was large, clearly showing that RAS does not necessarily equal high NC prevalence. More frequent and severe NC was observed in fish exposed to continuous light compared to winter signal within the same facility, but the latter group also had lower CO2 levels presumably due to reduced feeding. No differences were seen between fish given salt feed and standard feed in the same facility. Among other parameters, increased salinity early in smoltification appeared to contribute to NC. There was a strong association between the analyzed content of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn) in the kidneys and increasing severity of NC. Most microminerals accumulated in the water in RAS facilities, reflected in higher levels in whole fish and kidneys, with selenium as an exception. Neither whole body minerals nor any plasma parameters were related to NC. Our findings highlight the potential for optimizing production technologies and smoltification protocols to reduce NC.

Understanding how individuals perceive food texture is crucial for promoting healthier eating habits, particularly in the context of highly processed foods (HPFs), which are often soft, making them easier to consume quickly. Based on previous literature, we hypothesised that (i) individual differences in texture openness would relate to tactile sensitivity and reliance on internal cues; (ii) differences in texture and processing level would influence expected and actual satiation and satiety; and (iii) individual differences would modulate these effects and relate to HPF consumption. This study explored whether oral tactile sensitivity — people’s ability to detect texture in the mouth — relates to food preferences, satiety perception, and eating behaviour, particularly towards texture. Bread samples were used as a model, varying in texture (Soft: softer, easier to chew, and porous; and Compact: firmer, harder to chew and dense/compact) and in processing level, classified as either processed (without additives or ‘NoA’) or highly processed (with additives or ‘A’). A consumer study was carried out in both laboratory and home settings, combining psychophysical tests, product evaluations, and questionnaires. Based on their behavioural sensitivity towards texture, two distinct consumer segments emerged: one group showed more openness to varied textures (named Texture Explorers, n = 58), and another group had higher tactile sensitivity to touch, preferred familiar textures and relied more on visual cues (named Texture Picky, n = 29). SO-PLS-PM modelling revealed contrasting structural relationships among sensory and physiological cues. Texture Explorers were more likely to regulate their intake based on internal cues, such as hunger and fullness, and showed stronger sensory engagement. Texture Picky individuals exhibited more externally driven eating patterns, with weaker satiety regulation and greater reliance on appearance and packaging cues. Although no significant differences were found between the groups in self-reported eating rate or HPF consumption, individuals more open to varied textures relied more strongly on internal cues such as hunger and fullness. Texture and processing contrasts did not significantly affect satiety-related measures. These findings suggest that texture sensitivity and sensory engagement may play a role in shaping food preferences and satiety responses and may help explain individual differences in dietary choices.

Binders are commonly incorporated into aquafeeds to improve pellet durability during transport and handling, as well as to enhance water stability. These functional properties may also affect faecal characteristics, which are critical for efficient removal of solid waste in aquaculture systems. Two control feeds were formulated: one fish-meal-based feed (FM, 60% FM) and one plant-meals-based-feed (PM, with 15% FM). An additional 14 PM-based feeds were produced by including one of the following binders; guar gum, xanthan gum, lignin sulfonate, potato starch, pea starch, alginate or gelatine—at 2 or 5%. Atlantic salmon postsmolt were fed these feeds in two preliminary trials: Trial 1 compared the PM control with feeds containing 2% binders, and Trial 2 compared FM control with feeds containing 5% binders. In Trial 1, faecal material could only be collected from fish fed 2% guar gum, whereas faeces were collected from all groups in Trial 2. Based on these results, the FM control, PM control and feeds containing 2% guar gum, xanthan gum and alginate were selected for a final trial (Trial 3). Significantly more faecal material was collected from salmon fed guar gum, followed in descending order by FM control > alginate > xanthan gum > PM control. Guar gum also resulted in significantly lower nutrient digestibility and, together with xanthan gum, increased intestinal viscosity and decreased faecal dry matter content compared to the control feeds (PM < FM). Faeces from fish fed the FM control contained less carbohydrates and more ash than faeces from PM-based feeds, which may have contributed to differences in faecal stability and should be investigated further.