Culinary herbs inhibit lipid oxidation in raw and cooked minced meat patties during storage

Lipid Peroxidation in Muscle Foods: Impact on Quality, Safety and Human Health

The issue of lipid changes in muscle foods under the action of atmospheric oxygen has captured the attention of researchers for over a century. Lipid oxidative processes initiate during the slaughtering of animals and persist throughout subsequent technological processing and storage of the finished product. The oxidation of lipids in muscle foods is a phenomenon extensively deliberated in the scientific community, acknowledged as one of the pivotal factors affecting their quality, safety, and human health. This review delves into the nature of lipid oxidation in muscle foods, highlighting mechanisms of free radical initiation and the propagation of oxidative processes. Special attention is given to the natural antioxidant protective system and dietary factors influencing the stability of muscle lipids. The review traces mechanisms inhibiting oxidative processes, exploring how changes in lipid oxidative substrates, prooxidant activity, and the antioxidant protective system play a role. A critical review of the oxidative stability and safety of meat products is provided. The impact of oxidative processes on the quality of muscle foods, including flavour, aroma, taste, colour, and texture, is scrutinised. Additionally, the review monitors the effect of oxidised muscle foods on human health, particularly in relation to the autooxidation of cholesterol. Associations with coronary cardiovascular disease, brain stroke, and carcinogenesis linked to oxidative stress, and various infections are discussed. Further studies are also needed to formulate appropriate technological solutions to reduce the risk of chemical hazards caused by the initiation and development of lipid peroxidation processes in muscle foods.

Plant extracts and essential oils in the dairy industry: A review

Plants have been used as food additives worldwide to enhance the sensory qualities of foods and extend their shelf life by reducing or eliminating foodborne pathogens. They also serve as therapeutic agents due to their beneficial effects on human health through their anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory properties. Plants can be added to food as a dry powder, grated material, paste, juice, or as an extract that can be produced by a variety of methods. Plant extracts and essential oils are concentrated sources of bioactive phytochemicals that can be added to food in small amounts in a variety of forms. These forms include liquid, semi-solid, or dry powder for easy and uniform diffusion. Encapsulation can protect bioactive compounds from temperature, moisture, oxidation, and light, as well as allow for controlling the release of the encapsulated ingredients. Nanoemulsions can enhance the bioactivity of active components. This review explains how plant extracts and essential oils are used in the dairy industry as antimicrobial materials, analyzing their impact on starter bacteria; as natural antioxidants to prevent the development of off-flavors and increase shelf life; and as technological auxiliaries, like milk-clotting enzymes, stabilizers, and flavoring agents. Therefore, plant extracts and essential oils are a better choice for the dairy industry than plants or their parts due to a wide range of applications, homogeneous dispersion, and ability to control the concentration of the bioactive ingredients and enhance their efficiency.

A chitosan-based edible film with clove essential oil and nisin for improving the quality and shelf life of pork patties in cold storage

This study assessed chitosan (CS)-based edible films with clove essential oil (CO) and nisin (NI) singly or in combination, for improving quality and shelf life of pork patties stored in cold conditions. The treatments were control (without chitosan film coating), CS, CS-CO, CS-NI, and CS-CO-NI, and these were tested for physicochemical, microbiological and sensory qualities for 15 days (3 days per interval) on samples in cold storage (4 ± 2 °C). Overall, the results showed that the lightness (L* value) (53.47 to 67.58), yellowness (b* value) (1.32 to 2.88), pH (5.31 to 7.98), metmyoglobin (MetMb) content (54.10 to 63.36%), free fatty acid (FFA) (0.67 to 3.17%), peroxide value (PV) (0.80 to 3.67 milliequivalent/100 g), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (0.69 to 3.27 mg MDA per kg), total viable count (TVC) (2.97 to 7.63 log CFU g-1), psychotrophic bacteria count (psychrotrophs) (2.94 to 6.59 log CFU g-1), Enterobacteriaceae (2.59 to 6.57 log CFU g-1), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (2.53 to 6.81 log CFU g-1) and sensory scores (red non-discolored part (1 to 4.70), discoloration (1 to 4.40) and off-odor (1 to 5.00)) were gradually increased during storage and whereas redness (a* value) (16.43 to 8.62) and redness index (12.54 to 3.01) were decreased. However, the quality changes were minimal in the pork patties treated with CS-CO-NI. Based on sensory and microbiological evaluations, the shelf life of treated pork patties was 6 days for control, 9 days for CS and CS-NI, and 12 days for CS-CO and CS-CO-NI.

Sensory Analysis in Assessing the Possibility of Using Ethanol Extracts of Spices to Develop New Meat Products

The food industry has endeavoured to move toward the direction of clean labelling. Therefore, replacing synthetic preservatives with natural plant extracts has gained significant importance. It is necessary to determine whether products enriched with such extracts are still accepted by consumers. In this study, consumer tests (n = 246) and sensory profiling were used to assess the impact of ethanol extracts of spices (lovage, marjoram, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and basil; concentration 0.05%) on the sensory quality of pork meatballs and hamburgers. The desirability of meat products with spice extracts to consumers depended on the added extract. The highest scores were for products with lovage extract, whose sensory profile was the most similar to the control sample without the addition of an extract (with higher intensity of broth taste compared with the others). Products with rosemary and thyme extracts were characterised by lower desirability than the control. This was related to the high intensity of spicy and essential oil tastes, as well as the bitter taste in the case of products with thyme. The studied extracts of spices allow for the creation of meat products (meatballs and hamburgers) with high consumer desirability, however, the high intensity of essential oil and spicy tastes might be a limitation.

The use of bioactive properties of sage preparations to improve the storage stability of low-pressure mechanically separated meat from chickens2

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Salvia officinalis L. (sage) preparations on the storage stability of vacuum-packed low-pressure mechanically separated meat (MSM) from chickens stored at -18°C for 9 mo. Chilled low-pressure MSM coming from 4 production batches was obtained from the plant located in north-eastern Poland. All sage preparations-a water extract, ethanol extracts, and an essential oil-were prepared and added to the MSM under laboratory conditions. Five samples of low-pressure MSM were prepared that differed in terms of the type of sage preparation added: control-without addition of sage, WE-2.0% addition of water extract from sage, E40-2.0% addition of 40% (vol/vol) ethanol extract from sage, E70-2.0% addition of 70% (vol/vol) ethanol extract from sage, and EOS-0.1% addition of essential oil from sage. The MSM samples were assessed immediately after arrival into the laboratory and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9 mo of storage. The quality changes of MSM samples were determined on the basis of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) index and microbial analyses. On the basis of the TBARS index it was proved that addition of essential oil and (40% and 70% (vol/vol)) as well as water extracts of sage significantly (P < 0.05) slowed down fat oxidation processes in low-pressure MSM from chickens. The growth of mesophilic aerobic bacteria and psychrotrophic bacteria, coliforms, and Enterobacteriaceae was significantly (P < 0.05) restricted by all sage preparations tested. The most effective inhibitory effect for groups of bacteria analyzed in this study was demonstrated by sage essential oil, despite insignificant (P > 0.05) differences between the preparations. In conclusion, it was found that sage preparations are rich in bioactive compounds. Due to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, especially sage oil and ethanol extracts may be recommended as an auxiliary factor to prolong the storage stability of frozen, vacuum-packed low-pressure MSM from chickens.

Formation of oxysterols during thermal processing and frozen storage of cooked minced meat

BACKGROUND

Cholesterol is susceptible to oxidation and the formation of oxysterols, which could have a negative health effect. The formation and distribution of oxysterols was investigated in meatloaves prepared under different baking regimes with an increased temperature or prolonged time. The effect of frozen storage and marjoram addition on the level of oxysterols was also investigated.

RESULTS

The effect of baking regime on the content and distribution of oxysterols was determined. Temperature was the most important factor affecting 7-ketocholesterol formation in baked meatloaf. Its content was significantly higher after baking at 250 °C compared to at 180 °C. The content of 7-ketocholesterol increased from the centre (87 µg kg^-1 ) to the surface (122 µg kg^-1 ) of baked meatloaves prepared under standard conditions. The level of α-tocopherol and its distribution was also affected by the baking regime. A higher level of 7-ketocholesterol was found in baked meatloaves after their frozen storage. The addition of marjoram did not change this level.

CONCLUSION

Inadequate culinary conditions used for preparation of baked meat can contribute to an increased oxysterol intake in the diet. Frozen storage did not stop oxysterol formation. The inhibition effect of marjoram on sterols oxidation was not confirmed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of curry leaf and clove bud essential oils on textural and oxidative stability of chill stored sutchi catfish fillets

Effect of coating with curry leaf and clove essential oils (EO) on oxidative and textural stability of sutchi catfish fillets were evaluated during chilled storage. The changes in parameters associated with textural and lipid degradation was also evaluated to ascertain the interactive effect of polyphenols with muscle proteins. Further, the results were compared against vacuum and conventional polyethylene packaging practices. Prior to coating, the properties of antioxidants were evaluated in vitro based on total phenolic and flavonoid contents, 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation, iron reducing power, and metal chelating ability. Coating with clove bud EO was found to be more effective in protecting the textural quality and retarding lipid oxidation of the fillets during chilled storage. Curry leaf EO was found to have only moderate effect.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In addition to the well-studied antibacterial and antioxidant properties, plant polyphenols have become an intense focus of research for their ability to cross-link proteins that widens their applications for textural and functional modification of food and beverages. Currently, a number of carcinogenic chemicals such as ammonia and formalin are hazardously used to prevent texture deterioration in chilled fish associated with post-rigor changes and microbial reactions. This study evaluates the efficacy of polyphenols present in culinary herbs such as clove bud and curry leaf EO, in stabilising the texture of fish meat during chilled storage. From the results, it could be inferred that both the EO at 0.25% level mediated protein cross-linking/complexation and maintained textural integrity during chilled storage apart from exhibiting antioxidant activities.

Quality attributes and retention of vitamin E in reduced salt chicken sausages fortified with vitamin E

The effect of salt reduction and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) fortification, at a level in excess of that required for a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claim, on the quality of chicken sausages was investigated. Four formulations of chicken sausages were prepared: C (control, 1.3% NaCl, 0 mg/kg added α-tocopherol), L (low salt, 0.47% NaCl, 0 mg/kg added α-tocopherol), CE (1.3% NaCl, 200 mg/kg added α-tocopherol), LE (0.47% NaCl, 200 mg/kg added α-tocopherol). Salt or α-tocopherol level did not significantly affect the fat content, protein content, moisture content, lipid oxidation, microbial growth, cook loss or texture profile analysis values of raw or cooked sausages. There was a significant effect of salt level on the ash content of raw and cooked sausages. Colour of cooked sausages was affected by salt reduction, with fried low salt sausages being darker and yellower than control, while grilled low salt sausages were lighter and redder than control. Cooking and storage did not significantly affect α-tocopherol retention, and enough was retained to meet both the EFSA nutrient and health claims. The sensory properties of the sausages were unaffected by the reduction in salt, and by fortification with α-tocopherol.

The effect of clove bud powder at a spice level on antioxidant and quality properties of emulsified pork sausage during cold storage

BACKGROUND

Clove bud is a widely used spice in meat and meat products, and it contains high level of phenolic compounds. The effectiveness of the clove as a spice has not been fully studied at a general level of addition in the meat products. Therefore, in the present study, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nitrite scavenging abilities of clove bud powder (CBP) was assessed at spice level (0.1% and 0.2%) in emulsified pork sausage, during 6 weeks of cold storage.

RESULTS

CBP had DPPH radical scavenging ability, but CBP addition at 0.1% and 0.2% did not decrease the TBARS value. An antimicrobial effect of CBP was also not observed during the cold storage. However, residual nitrite at storage weeks 4 and 6 was shown to be lower (P < 0.05). Addition of CBP decreased CIE L* and a* values, but it produced unacceptable sensory properties. Texture profile analysis was not affected by the addition of CBP in emulsified pork sausage (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The positive effect on nitrite scavenging could be expected by the addition of 0.2% CBP as a spice. However, antioxidant and antimicrobial abilities were not observed, as well as improvement in the quality of characteristics, in emulsified pork sausage. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Peach skin powder inhibits oxidation in cooked turkey meat

The objective of this study was to measure the antioxidant activity of peach skin and test the antioxidant effect of peach skin powder on cooked ground turkey meat during 12 d of refrigerated storage. Antioxidant activity of 3 cultivars of peaches grown in South Carolina was first evaluated by 3 antioxidant assays. The peach variety O'Henry showed the greatest antioxidant effect and therefore was used for further study. Two levels of peach skin powder (0.5%, 1%) and 0.01% butylated hydroxylanisole (BHA) were applied to ground turkey meat. Oxidation of cooked turkey meat was measured by detection of hexanal using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results indicated that all levels of peach skin powder used in this study had an antioxidant effect on ground turkey with a greater effect at the higher concentration. O'Henry peach skin powder was as effective as BHA in preventing oxidation at the levels tested.

Impact of Cooking, Storage, and Reheating Conditions on the Formation of Cholesterol Oxidation Products in Pork Loin

This study investigates the effect of cooking, storage, and reheating conditions on the formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in pork loin. Samples of pork loin procured 24 h postmortem were initially processed and assessed for total fat and cholesterol content. The cooking methods evaluated were pan roasting, steaming, oven grilling, and microwaving. Cooked pork loin samples were stored at 4℃ and reheated after 3 and 6 d of storage using the original method of preparation or alternately, microwaving. Fat content increased significantly with cooking as a result of the loss in moisture but cholesterol content remained unchanged. Pan roasting and microwave cooking caused a significantly higher production of COPs, as with the process of reheating using microwave, pan roasting, and oven grilling methods. The major COPs found in pork loin were cholestanetriol, 20-hydroxycholesterol, and 25-hydroxycholesterol, whose concentrations varied according to the different cooking and reheating methods used. Moreover, the aerobic storage of cooked pork loin under a refrigerated condition also increased the formation of cholesterol oxides on reheating.

Cooking, storage, and reheating effect on the formation of cholesterol oxidation products in processed meat products

BACKGROUND

Cholesterol is an important biological compound; however, its oxidation products have been proven to be harmful to human health. Cooking, storage, and reheating methods significantly affect the safety of meat products, as they contribute to the production of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs).

METHODS

Three cooking methods were used to cook sausages, loin ham, bacon, luncheon meat, and pressed ham, in order to investigate the effect of cooking, storage, and reheating on total cholesterol and on the formation of COPs. Cooked samples were stored at 4 °C and reheated after 3 and 6 storage days by the same cooking method or by microwaving. The samples were assessed for total lipids, cholesterol, and cholesterol oxides.

RESULTS

The average cholesterol content in the processed meat varied from 76.0 mg/100 g to 201.70 mg/100 g. Microwaved ham showed the lowest cholesterol content compared to that of other processed meat products. Significant differences were found in cholesterol content and cholesterol oxidation products depending on cooking, storage, and reheating methods. Six cholesterol oxides were found in processed meat, of which 7β-hydroxycholesterol and α-epoxides were detected as the major oxidation products.

CONCLUSIONS

Microwaving and oven grilling resulted in higher production of COPs in processed meat as compared with other cooking methods. Refrigerated storage tended to significantly increase the COPs content.

The significance of cooking for early hominin scavenging

Meat scavenged by early Homo could have contributed importantly to a higher-quality diet. However, it has been suggested that because carrion would normally have been contaminated by bacteria it would have been dangerous and therefore eaten rarely prior to the advent of cooking. In this study, we quantified bacterial loads on two tissues apparently eaten by hominins, meat and bone marrow. We tested the following three hypotheses: (1) the bacterial loads on exposed surfaces of raw meat increase within 24 h to potentially dangerous levels, (2) simple roasting of meat on hot coals kills most bacteria, and (3) fewer bacteria grow on marrow than on meat, making marrow a relatively safe food. Our results supported all three hypotheses. Our experimental data imply that early hominins would have found it difficult to scavenge safely without focusing on marrow, employing strategies of carrion selection to minimize pathogen load, or cooking.

Effect of grape seed powder on oxidative stability of precooked chicken nuggets during frozen storage

The inhibitory effect of grape seed powder (GSP) on lipid oxidation in chicken nuggets during frozen storage for 5 months was investigated. Chicken nuggets were prepared by dipping into batter containing GSP and pre-fried at 180 °C and then stored at -18 °C. Prefried chicken nugget crusts showed antioxidant properties. Primary oxidation products, determined by the peroxide value (POV) and conjugated diene (CD) concentration, gradually increased until month 2 and then declined, which is an indication of secondary lipid oxidation. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values slowly increased during the first 2 months of storage and then slightly decreased. However, at the end of the storage period, the levels were increased to 0.4 mg MDA/kg meat and were lowest in 10 % GSP (0.104 mg MDA/kg meat). The para-anisidine values (pAV) increased in all samples during storage. Generally, samples treated with GSP had lower POV, pAV, TBARS, and CD values compared to the control. These findings indicated that GSP significantly (p < 0.05) retarded lipid oxidation in precooked chicken nuggets.

Does the spicing step affect the quality and drying behaviour of traditional kaddid, a Tunisian cured meat?

BACKGROUND

The effects of spicing on the physicochemical and microbial characteristics and drying behaviour of kaddid, a Tunisian dry-cured meat, were studied. In addition, the quality characteristics of traditional sun-dried kaddid and processed convective-dried kaddid were compared.

RESULTS

Spicing had no significant effect on the pH and water activity of brined beef meat at 21% (w/w), but it reduced the product water and salt contents. Effects of spicing on brined meat microbial flora were the appearance of sulfito-reducer bacteria, an increase in total mesophilic aerobic flora (+15%) and staphylococci (+26%) and a decrease in faecal coliforms (-23%). The salted beef meat sorption behaviour was affected by spicing. Besides, spicing increased the kaddid drying rate, allowing a significant decrease in the drying process time (-33%). Traditional and processed kaddid presented comparable microbial characteristics. Both drying methods led to a reduction in the number of total mesophilic aerobic flora in unspiced and spiced kaddid and of faecal coliforms in spiced kaddid.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that spicing, as a step in kaddid meat processing to enhance the final product flavour, caused changes in the salted meat physicochemical and microbial characteristics and accelerated the drying rate. Convective drying at 30 °C is recommended to produce kaddid having the same characteristics as the traditional product.

Antioxidant effectiveness of vegetable powders on the lipid and protein oxidative stability of cooked Turkey meat patties: implications for health

Lipid and protein oxidation decreases the shelf-life of foods and may result in formation of end-products potentially detrimental for health. Consumer pressure to decrease the use of synthetic phenolic antioxidants has encouraged identification of alternative compounds or extracts from natural sources. We have assessed whether inclusion of dried vegetable powders improves the oxidative stability of turkey meat patties. Such powders are not only potentially-rich sources of phenolic antioxidants, but also may impart additional health benefits, as inadequate vegetable consumption is a risk factor for heart disease and several cancers. In an accelerated oxidation system, six of eleven vegetable powders significantly (p < 0.05) improved oxidative stability of patties by 20%-30% (spinach < yellow pea < onion < red pepper < green pea < tomato). Improved lipid oxidative stability was strongly correlated with the decreased formation of protein carbonyls (r = 0.747, p < 0.01). However, improved lipid stability could not be ascribed to phenolic acids nor recognized antioxidants, such as α- and γ-tocopherol, despite their significant (p < 0.01) contribution to the total antioxidant capacity of the patties. Use of chemically complex vegetable powders offers an alternative to individual antioxidants for increasing shelf-life of animal-based food products and may also provide additional health benefits associated with increased vegetable intake.

Shelf Stability, Sensory Qualities, and Bioavailability of Iron-Fortified Nepalese Curry Powder

Background

The prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in Nepal is almost 50% of the whole population. Curry powder is a promising vehicle for fortification due to its use in various meals.

Objective

To evaluate the bioavailability of different iron fortificants in curry powder and their effects on the qualities of curry powder.

Methods

The serving size of curry powder was evaluated in 40 Nepalese households and 10 restaurants. The powders were fortified with iron sources of different bioavailability. Sources with good bioavailability of iron—ferrous sulfate (FS), ferrous fumarate (FF), and sodium ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (NaFeEDTA)—were added to provide one-third of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron per serving. Elemental iron (H-reduced [HRI] and electrolytic [EEI]), which has poor bioavailability, was added to provide two-thirds of the RDI per serving. Both fortified and unfortified products were packed in either commercial packs or low-density polyethylene bags and stored at 40 ± 2°C under fluorescent light for 3 months. The stored products were analyzed for CIE color, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, moisture, water activity, iron, and sensory qualities. The contents of phenolic compounds and phytate were analyzed, and iron bioavailability was determined by the Caco-2 cell technique.

Results

The serving size of curry powder was 4g. Iron fortificants did not have adverse effects on the physical, chemical, and sensory qualities of curry powder packed in commercial packaging. After 3 months storage, HRI significantly affected darker colors of curry powder and the cooked dishes prepared with curry powder. The relative bioavailabilities of NaFeEDTA and EEI were 1.05 and 1.28 times that of FS, respectively. The cost of fortification with EEI was similar to that with FS and 4.6 times less than that with NaFeEDTA.

Conclusions

It is feasible and economical to fortify Nepalese curry powder packed in commercial packaging with EEI.