ZURAINI MAT ISSA

@uitm.edu.my

ASSOCIATE PRFESSOR AT THE DEPARTMENT OF FOODSERVICE MANAGEMENT, FACULTY OF HOTEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

ZURAINI MAT ISSA

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Health (social science), Food Science, Multidisciplinary
14

Scopus Publications

689

Scholar Citations

10

Scholar h-index

10

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Association between taste sensitivity, taste preference, and obesity: study of healthy snacks in children aged 9–14 years
    Farapti Farapti, Afifah Nurma Sari, Chusnul Fadilla, Zuraini Mat Issa
    Food Production Processing and Nutrition, 2024
    Healthy eating habits are essential to prevent childhood obesity. Children’s eating habits are influenced by many factors, such as taste sensitivity and taste preferences. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between taste sensitivity, taste preference, and obesity in children. This cross-sectional study enrolled 101 healthy children aged 9–14(34 boys and 67 girls). Nutritional status was assessed based on age- and sex-specific BMI z-scores, following CDC Growth Charts. Taste sensitivity was measured using graded sucralose (sweet)/ saline (salty) solution of 0.1709, 0.3418, and 0.6837 mol/L with distilled water (blanks). Taste preferences were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, the gradation of sugar and salt, and four healthy snacks (two sweet snacks and two salty snacks). Statistical analysis was performed using correlation test. A quarter of the subjects were overweight and obese (25.8%). Most subjects had good taste sensitivity, and it was easier to recognize salty than sweet taste (89.1% vs. 58.4%). Moreover, the sweet taste and sweet food were preferred by almost all subjects. Correlation test showed a correlation between sweet taste sensitivity (r = 0.213; p = 0.032) and sweet preference (r = 0.374; p = 0.029) especially in boys to nutritional status, but not for salty taste. Obesity in children was associated with taste sensitivity and taste preferences especially for sweetness. Presenting healthy foods that consider the daily limit of sugar intake is very important to support optimal nutritional status for children. Graphical Abstract
  • Sweet and salt taste sensitivity in children and elderly and its correlation with obesity and hypertension
    F. Farapti, A.N. Sari, C. Fadilla, N.M. Nor, S.A.A. Aziz
    Food Research, 2024
    Dietary intake in children and the elderly is affected by the ability to recognize the taste. Children and sweetness are closely linked, and the elderly have a problem caused by the deterioration of their physiological condition. The research aimed to analyze taste sensitivity in children and the elderly and its correlation with obesity and hypertension. 54 elderly (60 years old) and 101 children (9 to 15 years old) participated in this crosssectional study. Three concentrations of sucrose and saline solutions were applied to the specific part of the tongue. When compared to children, the elderly are significantly less sensitive to sweet and salty tastes (22.2% vs. 58.4%; 81.5% vs. 89.1%). According to gender, women have better sensitivity than men in both children and the elderly. In children, sweet taste sensitivity was positively correlated with age (r = 0.262; P = 0.008) and this was reflected in girls (r = 0.276; p = 0.024) and BMI/U (r = 0.213; p = 0.032). In the elderly, age was negatively correlated with salt taste sensitivity (r = -0.401; p = 0.003), and this was observed significantly in older men (p = 0.027; r = -0.611). Sweet and salty taste sensitivity was positively correlated with male diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Sweet taste sensitivity in children and salty taste sensitivity in the elderly should be of concern due to its correlation with obesity and hypertension. Appropriate adjustment of sugar and salt intake for both children and the elderly is important to avoid negative health consequences.
  • Factors associated with blood pressure and nutritional status among adolescents: a cross-sectional study
    Farapti Farapti, Afifah Nurma Sari, Muji Sulistyowati, Saidatul Afzan Abdul Aziz, Zuraini Mat Issa, et al.
    Jurnal Ners, 2024
    Introduction: The association between obesity and hypertension in adolescents necessitates the identification of potential predictors at an early stage. This study aimed to examine the association of sex and place of residence with nutritional status and blood pressure in adolescents aged 10-18 years. Methods: A sample of 198 subjects aged 10-18 years was included in this study. Data on demographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire, whereas nutritional status and blood pressure were measured using standardized measures. Statistical analyses, including the independent t-test, Pearson and Spearman correlation test, and linear regression, were conducted to identify potential risk factors, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of overweight-obesity (24.7%) and hypertension (11.1%) among the subjects. Significant correlations were observed between body weight, height, age, and blood pressure (p < 0.05). Boys exhibited higher mean body height and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) than girls. Nutritional status was positively associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure, with nutritional status emerging as the primary predictor in both private houses and boarding schools (p < 0.05). Furthermore, age at menarche was found to be a predictor of blood pressure in boys, whereas age was a predictor in girls. Conclusions: BMI predicts nutritional status and blood pressure, whereas age and menarche age are crucial factors that depend on sex. Based on these findings, it is critical to manage obesity and hypertension by considering characteristics such as nutritional status, sex, and age
  • Investigating the effectiveness of conventional hospitality education curriculum in shaping Millennials’ career commitment: an empirical inquiry
    Feri Ferdian, Mohd Salehuddin Mohd Zahari, Mohd Onn Rashdi Abd Fatah, Zuraini Mat Issa, Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah
    Journal of Teaching in Travel and Tourism, 2024
  • The mediating role of purchase intention towards the actual purchase behaviour of halal bakery product among consumers in Petaling district, Selangor
    Malaysian Journal of Consumer and Family Economics, 2020
  • Human milk as a potential source for isolation of probiotic lactic acid bacteria: A mini review
    M. Mustakim, S. Sinawat, S.N. Salleh, E. Purwati, R. Alias, et al.
    Food Research, 2020
    Probiotics are living microorganism that can be employed as a new approach to promote human health. These organisms are found to have attractive means for health due to their probiotic properties particularly in generating antimicrobial activity. Lactobacillus spp. is one of the main genera commonly used for probiotic purpose. Human milk is a potential source of Lactobacillus spp. and one of the criteria that found beneficial is that it is of human origin, which could be more reliable sources to be used in human. Lack of studies on isolation of probiotic bacteria from human milk was reported and some probiotic properties show a variation between strains from different regions and population. Therefore, it is important to carry out the isolation of Lactobacillus spp. from a large number of species in the genera to facilitate the finding of the most competent strain to be incorporated as probiotic agent. Moreover, to ensure suitability and compatibility for human use, the probiotic agent originated from human milk should not be an exception. In addition, certain probiotics show a great correlation with prebiotic existed in human milk to boost their function and may suggest an added value to be a suitable candidate as probiotic. This review provides an overview of studies related to human milk as the promising sources for isolation of probiotic microorganisms.
  • The perceptions of plastic packaging usage to pack hot foods among food hawkers at night markets in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
    International Food Research Journal, 2018
  • Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and risk perception towards the practice of using repeatedly heated cooking oil among roadside food hawkers
    F.A.M. Sujang, Z.M. Issa, S.A.A. Aziz
    Heritage Culture and Society Research Agenda and Best Practices in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry Proceedings of the 3rd International Hospitality and Tourism Conference Ihtc 2016 and 2nd International Seminar on Tourism Isot 2016, 2016
  • Purchasing Decisions among Muslim Consumers of Processed Halal Food Products
    Haslenna Hamdan, Zuraini Mat Issa, Normala Abu, Kamaruzaman Jusoff
    Journal of Food Products Marketing, 2013
  • MPN-PCR detection and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from raw and ready-to-eat foods in Malaysia
    M.N. Marian, S.M. Sharifah Aminah, M.I. Zuraini, R. Son, M. Maimunah, et al.
    Food Control, 2012
  • Random amplified polymorphism DNA profile of Listeria monocytogenes from raw and ready-to-eat foods in Malaysia
    N. M. Muda, S. A. S. Mohamad, Z. M. Issa, M. Mustakim, N. Ahmat, et al.
    Shuser 2012 2012 IEEE Symposium on Humanities Science and Engineering Research, 2012
  • Profiling of recovery efficiencies for three standard protocols (FDA-BAM, ISO-11290, and modified USDA) on temperature-injured listeria monocytogenes
    Hai Yen Lee
    Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2011
  • Meat molecular detection: Sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in species differentiation of meat from animal origin
    International Food Research Journal, 2007
  • Meat molecular detection: Sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in species differentiation of meat from animal origin
    Asean Food Journal, 2007

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • A Qualitative Study of Eating Behaviour among On-Campus Students at a Malaysian Public University
    ZM Issa, MN Nizamuddin, AD Abd Nasir, F Farapti
    Jurnal Gizi dan Pangan 20 (2), 101-110 , 2025
    2025
  • Concern, intention and food waste behaviour: the intention-behaviour gap among households in Kuala
    SA Mohd Nazi, Z Mat Issa, SA Abdul Aziz
    Journal of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts (JTHCA) 17 (3), 15-30 , 2025
    2025
  • Sweet and salt taste sensitivity in children and elderly and its correlation with obesity and hypertension
    F Farapti, AN Sari, C Fadilla, NM Nor, ZM Issa, S Aziz
    Food Res 8 (5), 253-261 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 2
  • Examining Factors in Preventing Foodborne Diseases among Food Handlers at Military Dining Hall
    MSE Warman, ZM Issa
    Jurnal Gizi dan Pangan 19 (Supp. 2), 211-218 , 2024
    2024
  • Factors associated with blood pressure and nutritional status among adolescents: a cross-sectional study
    F Farapti, AN Sari, M Sulistyowati, SAA Aziz, ZM Issa, NM Nor
    Jurnal Ners 19 (2), 134 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 4
  • Association between taste sensitivity, taste preference, and obesity: study of healthy snacks in children aged 9–14 years
    F Farapti, AN Sari, C Fadilla, ZM Issa
    Food Production, Processing and Nutrition 6 (1), 37 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 5
  • An extended theory of planned behaviour model to predict Malaysian consumers' intention to purchase organic food: a conceptual study
    AM Mohamad, ZM Issa, MSA Latip
    Advanced International Journal of Business Entrepreneurship and SMEs 6 (20 … , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 1
  • Objective Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Gum Arabic Consumption among Malaysian Users
    ASA Halim, HAM Abd Majid, ZM Issa, R Hussin
    International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences … , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 1
  • Psychometric Properties of the Questionnaire on Factors that Drive Consumers' Dine Out Intention during Transition of Covid-19 Endemic in Malaysia
    SNAM Hanafiah, NR Rosli, ZM Issa, SA Abd Aziz, N Ishak
    2022
  • CUSTOMER ACCEPTANCE TOWARDS MODERN FOOD TRUCK IN KLANG VALLEY
    NS Yildirim, SK Abdullah, SAS Hamzah, ZM Issa, NH Mohamad, ...
    CONFERENCE ON HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM 2021, 172 , 2021
    2021
  • Restaurant operators’ level of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards reheated cooking oil (RCO) in association with total polar compound (TPC) and acid value (AV)
    A Abd Rahman, ZM Issa, N Abdullah
    International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences … , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 2
  • Development and validation of knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire on the consumption of Gum Arabic among users in Malaysia Cite This Article
    ASA Halim, HAM Abd Majid
    2020
    Citations: 2
  • Halal Bakery Products Purchase Intention: From The Lens Of Theory Of Planned Behaviour
    N Zulkfli, MI Zuraini, A Norhidayah
    European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 2
  • The mediating role of purchase intention towards the actual purchase behaviour of halal bakery product among consumers in Petaling district, Selangor
    N Zulkfli, ZM Issa, N Abdullah
    Malaysian Journal of Consumer and Family Economics 25 (S1), 172-186 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 7
  • Questionnaire on the Consumption of Gum Arabic among Users
    A Syifaa, A Halim, HAM Abd Majid, ZM Issa, R Hussin, S Yusoff
    2020
  • A preliminary study on food safety knowledge, attitude and practices among home-based food providers in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    FRN Izyan, MI Zuraini, MS Maria, BJ Lovelyna, M Maimunah, AAS Afzan
    Malaysian Applied Biology 48 (2), 157-160 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 23
  • The influence of cross-generation attitude on halal food products
    MI Zuraini, MM Afiq, Z Nurzulain
    Malaysian Applied Biology 48 (2), 41-46 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 12
  • Psychometric evaluation of purchase intention and actual purchase behaviour towards halal bakery products using Rasch analysis
    Z Nurzulain, MI Zuraini, A Norhidayah, MM AFIQ
    Malaysian Applied Biology 48 (2), 19-25 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 9
  • Assessing the attributes of self-service menu tablet ordering towards customer satisfaction
    ZM Issa, FA Fudzali, NM Yusoff
    Social Sciences 8 (17), 267-289 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 11
  • Retracted: Development and validation of the Malay interactive basic Nutrition module for food handlers
    ZM Issa, W Muda
    Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences 10 (6S), 766-778 , 2018
    2018

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Purchasing decisions among Muslim consumers of processed halal food products
    H Hamdan, ZM Issa, N Abu, K Jusoff
    Journal of Food Products Marketing 19 (1), 54-61 , 2013
    2013
    Citations: 275
  • MPN-PCR detection and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from raw and ready-to-eat foods in Malaysia
    MN Marian, SMS Aminah, MI Zuraini, R Son, M Maimunah, HY Lee, ...
    Food Control 28 (2), 309-314 , 2012
    2012
    Citations: 115
  • Meat molecular detection: sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in species differentiation of meat from animal origin
    SB Ong, MI Zuraini, WG Jurin, YK Cheah, R Tunung, LC Chai, Y Haryani, ...
    ASEAN Food Journal 14 (1), 51 , 2007
    2007
    Citations: 71
  • Food Safety Attitude of Culinary Arts Based Students in Public and Private Higher Learning Institutions (IPT).
    MORA Patah, ZM Issa, KM Nor
    International Education Studies 2 (4), 168-178 , 2009
    2009
    Citations: 60
  • Practices of food producers in producing halal food products in Malaysia
    ZM Issa, H Hamdan, WRW Muda, K Jusoff
    Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research In Business 1 (7), 53 , 2009
    2009
    Citations: 27
  • A preliminary study on food safety knowledge, attitude and practices among home-based food providers in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    FRN Izyan, MI Zuraini, MS Maria, BJ Lovelyna, M Maimunah, AAS Afzan
    Malaysian Applied Biology 48 (2), 157-160 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 23
  • Antibiogram Profiles of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from foods
    ZM Issa, M Mustakim, SAS Mohamed, NM Muda, LH Yen, S Radu
    Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Biotechnology and Food … , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 22
  • Molecular characterization of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from Malaysian fermented foods
    ZM Issa
    Abstract of MS thesis, University of Putra Malaysia , 2000
    2000
    Citations: 13
  • The influence of cross-generation attitude on halal food products
    MI Zuraini, MM Afiq, Z Nurzulain
    Malaysian Applied Biology 48 (2), 41-46 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 12
  • Assessing the attributes of self-service menu tablet ordering towards customer satisfaction
    ZM Issa, FA Fudzali, NM Yusoff
    Social Sciences 8 (17), 267-289 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 11
  • Psychometric evaluation of purchase intention and actual purchase behaviour towards halal bakery products using Rasch analysis
    Z Nurzulain, MI Zuraini, A Norhidayah, MM AFIQ
    Malaysian Applied Biology 48 (2), 19-25 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 9
  • The mediating role of purchase intention towards the actual purchase behaviour of halal bakery product among consumers in Petaling district, Selangor
    N Zulkfli, ZM Issa, N Abdullah
    Malaysian Journal of Consumer and Family Economics 25 (S1), 172-186 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 7
  • Pacific Rim Objective Measurement Symposium (PROMS) Conference Proceedings
    ZM Issa, W Abdul, M Wan
    Pacific Rim Objective Measurement Symposium (PROMS) 2015 Conference … , 2016
    2016
    Citations: 6
  • Profiling of recovery efficiencies for three standard protocols (FDA-BAM, ISO-11290, and modified USDA) on temperature-injured Listeria monocytogenes
    Y Cheah, S Radu, M Nishibuchi, HY Lee
    Journal of microbiology and biotechnology , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 6
  • Comparison of arbitrarily primed PCR, antibiotic resistance and plasmid profiling for differentiating Salmonella Enteritidis isolated from fish
    S Radu, AM Sahilah, G Rusul, L Samuel, MI Zuraini, EH Nasreldin
    Asian Fisheries Science 13 (1), 13-20 , 2000
    2000
    Citations: 6
  • Association between taste sensitivity, taste preference, and obesity: study of healthy snacks in children aged 9–14 years
    F Farapti, AN Sari, C Fadilla, ZM Issa
    Food Production, Processing and Nutrition 6 (1), 37 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 5
  • Factors associated with blood pressure and nutritional status among adolescents: a cross-sectional study
    F Farapti, AN Sari, M Sulistyowati, SAA Aziz, ZM Issa, NM Nor
    Jurnal Ners 19 (2), 134 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 4
  • Sweet and salt taste sensitivity in children and elderly and its correlation with obesity and hypertension
    F Farapti, AN Sari, C Fadilla, NM Nor, ZM Issa, S Aziz
    Food Res 8 (5), 253-261 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 2
  • Restaurant operators’ level of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards reheated cooking oil (RCO) in association with total polar compound (TPC) and acid value (AV)
    A Abd Rahman, ZM Issa, N Abdullah
    International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences … , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 2
  • Development and validation of knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire on the consumption of Gum Arabic among users in Malaysia Cite This Article
    ASA Halim, HAM Abd Majid
    2020
    Citations: 2