• 한국식생활문화학회지
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.175-184
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• 2017

Despite growing interest in Korean foods, South-east Asian consumers' perception and acceptance of Korean foods have not been well elucidated. This study was conducted to understand South-east Asian Muslim consumers' perception and acceptance of Korean foods and the association with their food neophobia level. Ninety-three Muslim consumers (mean ages 25.2, men 35.5%, women 64.5%) from Malaysia (72%), Indonesia (16.1%), and Singapore (11.9%) rated their degree of food neophobia as well as recognition and acceptance of representative Korean menu items. Background data such as duration of stay and Korean food consumption habits were collected. Overall, participants perceived Korean foods positively (4.04 on a 5-point hedonic scale). Most well-recognized Korean foods were gimbap and bulgogi, whereas less-known spicy foods such as ojingoe deopbap were most liked among items that were actually consumed. A neophobic group rated Korean foods less favorably than neutral and neophilic groups (p<0.05). Future studies are required to identify whether or not South-east Asian Muslim consumers' food neophobia is formed under the influence of religious regulations or reflect individual consumers' personal traits.

• 한국식생활문화학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.345-353
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• 2018

This study examined how the consumers' perception of GM food affects their purchasing behavior. In addition, this study investigated how the amount of knowledge a consumer has regarding GM food affects their perception of this type of food. The quantitative research method was used to collect data. The data from a self-administered survey, which was conducted in South Korea, was analyzed using descriptive analysis, ANOVA, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis methods. The results of the survey indicate that most respondents may have unknowingly purchased GM food. Further, the respondents reported that they likely had known about or had heard of GM food. In addition, the survey indicated that the amount of knowledge possessed by the respondents regarding GM food greatly affected their perceptions of this type of food. These findings will contribute to the current GM food market by providing the food market with additional information relating to the consumers' perceptions of GM food.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.561-570
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• 2020

This study was designed to synthesize triglycerol monolaurate (TGML) with Lipozyme 435 as the catalyst, and explore its effects on the growth of Aspergillus parasiticus (A. parasiticus) and Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and the secretion of aflatoxin b1. The highest content of TGML (49.76%) was obtained at a molar ratio of triglycerol to lauric acid of 1.08, a reaction temperature of 84.93℃, a reaction time of 6 h and an enzyme dosage of 1.32%. After purification by molecular distillation combined with the washes with ethyl acetate and water, the purity of TGML reached 98.3%. Through characterization by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry, infrared spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance, the structure of TGML was identified as a linear triglycerol combined with lauroyl at the end. Finally, the inhibitory effects of TGML on the growths of A. parasiticus and A. flavus and the secretion of aflatoxin b1 were evaluated by measuring the colony diameter, the inhibition rate of mycelial growth and the content of mycotoxin in the media. The results indicated that TGML had a stronger inhibitory effects on colony growth and mycelial development of both toxic molds compared to sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, and the secretions of toxins from A. parasiticus and A. flavus were completely suppressed when adding TGML at 10 and 5 mM, respectively. Based on the above results, TGML may be used as a substitute for traditional antifungal agents in the food industry.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.489-504
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined socio-economic differences in diverse food consumption among children 6-23 months of age in South Asia and Southeast Asian countries. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data from Demographic and Health Surveys in four countries in South Asia (n = 15,749) and four countries in Southeast Asia (n = 10,789) were used. Survey-design adjusted proportions were estimated for the following 10 food items: grains, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV), vitamin A-rich fruits, vitamin A-rich vegetables, other fruits and vegetables (OFV), fish, meat, dairy, and eggs. An equity gap was defined as an arithmetic difference in the proportion of each food item consumed in the past 24-hours between the wealthiest and lowest quintiles and between rural and urban areas, denoted by percentage points (pp). RESULTS: The consumption of most of the 10 food items was higher in the wealthiest quintiles and urban areas across eight countries. The size of equity gaps was greater in Southeast Asia than in South Asia, particularly for vitamin A-rich fruits (3.3-30.0 pp vs. 0.3-19.6 pp), vitamin A-rich vegetables (12.1-26.7 pp vs. 2.4-5.9 pp), meat (17.7-33.4 pp vs. 3.4-13.4 pp), and dairy (14.7-32.5 pp vs. 3.3-11.4 pp). However, the size of equity gap in egg consumption was greater in Southeast Asia than South Asia (11.2-19.8 pp vs. 11.0-26.7 pp). Relatively narrower gaps were seen in the consumption of grains (0.3-12.9 pp), DGLV (0.6-12.4 pp), and fish (0.1-16.8 pp) across all countries. CONCLUSIONS: Equity gaps in food consumption differed by socio-economic status and region. Reducing equity gaps in nutrient-rich foods and utilizing regionally available food resources may increase child dietary quality.

• 대한지역사회영양학회지
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.407-418
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• 2012

Many displaced North Koreans (NK) are living in South Korea (SK); however nutrition research with the displaced NK is limited. This study examined food and nutrient consumption status of displaced NK children (6-18 year-old) currently living in SK. A total of 154 children were recruited, and a pre-tested dietary behavior questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire, 24-hr recall method were used. Sex- and age-matched SK children (n = 462) randomly selected from 2009-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used as the comparison group. This study found that more NK children skipped breakfast (37%) and dinner (11%), and ate breakfast (38.8%) and dinner (18.2%) without family members than SK children. Many NK children reported that they rarely ate bread, rice cake, hamburger, pizza, fried food, candy. NK children consumed significantly less energy and nutrients (except calcium) and obtained more energy from fat and protein than SK children. Overall index of nutrient quality in NK children, however, was generally good. Length of stay in SK and breakfast skipping rates were significantly associated with lower diet quality. Therefore, nutrition education with displaced NK children should target those who recently came to SK. How to incorporate "new" foods, generally high in energy, sugar, or fat, in healthy ways and importance of breakfast should be emphasized. The growth patterns of the displaced NK children who were born and raised in food-deprived environments and will grow in food-affluent environments of SK should be monitored for health promotion of the NK children and for nutrition policy of the future united Korea.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제54권3호
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• pp.305-320
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• 2021

Purpose: This study analyzed the dietary patterns of Central Asian immigrant workers (Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan) living in South Korea to determine the food acculturation and how their dietary practices have changed after immigration. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 186 Central Asian immigrant workers living in South Korea. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to obtain information on the consumption frequency of 22 food items before and after their immigration to Korea. Results: Central Asians switched to Korean meat consumption patterns, which consume mainly pork, chicken, and beef, showing a decrease in the intake of beef and lamb and an increase in that of pork. Their consumption of Namul (cooked vegetable), Kimchi, rice, and marine products increased while that of potatoes decreased during acculturation to Korean food culture. Positive changes were observed in Mongolians' eating habits. Their meat-based diet turned into a healthy one in which nutritional balance was achieved by consuming the various food groups. Negative dietary changes were also observed; intake of instant foods and coffee increased while black and green tea consumption decreased. Intake of Namul (p < 0.01), Kimchi (p < 0.01), rice (p < 0.001), ramen (p < 0.001), pork, chicken (p < 0.01), fish (p < 0.01), seafood (p < 0.001), and coffee (p < 0.001) increased significantly in the group that responded and their health improved after moving to Korea. This result suggests that health improved among those who were well settled in Korea and ate the various food groups. Conclusion: These findings can help understand the acculturation process to Korean food culture and provide a basis for developing policies to help them adjust to Korean food culture.

• 한국식품영양학회지
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• 제12권5호
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• pp.543-549
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• 1999

This study was conducted to survey the feeding methods in Seogypo city and south Chejukun area. A random sample for this study a total of 355 mothers having babies under the age of 3 were surveyed. were boys. 45.5% were girls. infants' colostrum intakes in Seogypo sith and south Chejukun area were 69.9% and 63.1% respectability. Nother's education level affected colostrum intakes significantly. Baby's sex birth weight and mother's job affected the infants' feeding methods. The case of girl normal birth weight and mother's employment showed high percentage of bottle feeding. Bottle feeding was higher in Seogypo small city than in south Chejugun the country. Most of reasons for bottle feeding or mixed feeding was the lack of breast milk. The highest percentage of recommenders for breast feeding were baby's mother in Seogypo city area and were baby's grandmother in south Chejugun area. In Seogypo city area mother's education level did not affect the infant's feeding methods but in south Chjukun area mother's education level affected significantly.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제8권6호
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• pp.719-723
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: South Korean's sodium consumption level is more than twice the upper limit level suggested by the WHO. Steep increases in the prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in Korea necessitate more effective sodium reduction programs. This study was conducted in order to compare sodium intake-related eating behaviors and key psychosocial factors according to age group and gender. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Using an online survey, a total of 1,564 adults (20-59 years old) considered to be geographically representative of South Korea were recruited and surveyed. The major outcomes were perceived behaviors, knowledge, intentions, and self-efficacy related to sodium intake. RESULTS: The results show that perceived behavior and level of self-efficacy related to low sodium consumption differed by age and gender. Female participants showed better behavior and intention towards low sodium intake than male counterparts. Young participants in their 20s showed the lowest intention to change their current sodium intake as well as lowest self-efficacy measures. CONCLUSIONS: Future sodium reduction interventions should be developed with tailored messages targeting different age and gender groups. Specifically, interventions can be planned and implemented at the college level or for workers in their early career to increase their intention and self-efficacy as a means of preventing future health complications associated with high sodium intake.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제52권6호
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• pp.593-603
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• 2019

Purpose: Previous studies have highlighted that the nutritional behaviors among South Korean workers are far from ideal. This study examined the organizational influences affecting the eating practices of office workers in South Korea. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 22 office workers at 12 companies in South Korea. The interviewer inquired about the employees' daily routines on food and beverage intake. The various factors that influence their food choices in their work environments were also explored. The interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using a content analysis. Results: A framework analysis revealed 7 key recurring themes, and these were grouped under three levels: team-, company-, and corporate group-levels. First, team dinners are core social events for all the workers and they tend to include high-caloric food and alcoholic beverages. The frequency of team meals and the food associated with them depend on various team characteristics such as gender composition, the nature of a team's work and the team leaders' emphasis on group meals. Second, the company's policies and practices regarding budget allocation for team meals and subsidies for cafeteria meals affect the workers' food intake practices. In addition, the physical environment of the worksite cafeterias can influence the choices of foods. Third, various corporate group policies that were not designed to target food intake had additional positive effects on the workers' eating behaviors. Conclusion: This study provides important insights into the broader organizational influences on the food consumption of employees in their workplace. These insights can be used to design and implement more effective intervention strategies for improving the nutritional behaviors of office workers.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제34권5호
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• pp.1101-1108
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• 2024

Earlier studies have validated the isolation of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Salmonella (ESBL-Sal) strains from food. While poultry is recognized as a reservoir for Salmonella contamination, pertinent data regarding ESBL-Sal remains limited. Consequently, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has isolated Salmonella spp. from retail meat and evaluated their antibiotic susceptibility and genetic characteristics via whole-genome sequencing. To further elucidate these aspects, this study investigates the prevalence, antibiotic resistance profiles, genomic characteristics, and homology of ESBL-Sal spp. obtained from livestock-derived products in South Korean retail outlets. A total of 653 Salmonella spp. were isolated from 1,876 meat samples, including 509 beef, 503 pork, 555 chicken, and 309 duck samples. The prevalence rates of Salmonella were 0.0%, 1.4%, 17.5%, and 28.2% in the beef, pork, chicken, and duck samples, respectively. ESBL-Sal was exclusively identified in poultry meat, with a prevalence of 1.4% in the chicken samples (8/555) and 0.3% in the duck samples (1/309). All ESBL-Sal strains carried the bla_CTX-M-1 gene and exhibited resistance to ampicillin, ceftiofur, ceftazidime, nalidixic acid, and tetracycline. Eight ESBL-Sal isolates were identified as S. Enteritidis with sequence type (ST) 11. The major plasmid replicons of the Enteritidis-ST11 strains were IncFIB(S) and IncFII(S), carrying antimicrobial resistance genes (β-lactam, tetracycline, and aminoglycoside) and 166 virulence factor genes. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the surveillance and monitoring of ESBL-Sal in South Korean food chain.