Evaluation of shelf life of cured, cooked, sliced turkey fillets and cooked pork sausages—‘piroski’—stored under vacuum and modified atmospheres at +4 and +10 °C

Antioxidant potential of coffee husks in fresh pork sausage

Coffee husks, a by-product of dry coffee processing, present a disposal problem in coffee-producing countries. Valorization of this residue is necessary to reduce its environmental impact and improve benefits to the producer. This study evaluated the antioxidant effect of coffee husks on physicochemical properties and sensory liking of fresh sausages packaged in aerobic (AEP) or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (20% CO2 + 80%N2). Fresh sausages were prepared with different antioxidants: no addition (control C), sodium nitrite (T2), sodium nitrite + sodium erythorbate + BHA/BHT blend (T3), sodium nitrite + coffee husk 1% (T4), sodium nitrite + coffee husk 2% (T5). Physicochemical properties (TBARs, carbonyl content, pH and instrumental color) were analyzed to evaluate the effect of added synthetic and natural antioxidants on fresh sausages. A sensory test (n = 100) was conducted to assess consumer liking of fresh sausages stored in AEP and MAP. The addition of coffee husks reduced lipid oxidation in fresh sausages, especially under MAP packaging, but did not affect carbonyl content. Consumers reported lower liking scores for products packed in MAP. The addition of coffee husks did not affect the degree of liking. Valorization of coffee husks as an antioxidant in fresh meat products is a viable natural option for the meat industry.

Changes in nitrosohemachrome lead to the discoloration of spiced beef during storage

The discoloration of spiced beef during storage is a severe problem that limits the shelf life of products. This study explored the associations between discoloration and pH, water, lipid oxidation, and protein oxidation. Electron paramagnetic resonance and UV-Vis spectroscopy illustrated that the pigment of spiced beef was a pentacoordinate mononitrosylheme compound and its conjugated structure changed during storage. The low-field NMR and magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the mobility of water increased, and the water content decreased with the extension of storage time. Multivariate analysis showed that color attributes were negatively correlated with oxidation. The oxidation of nitrosohemachrome was the primary reason for the lightness (L*) and redness (a*) decline in spiced beef. In addition, water loss exerted a promotion function in the oxidation process. This study provides valuable information on maintaining the quality of spiced beef during storage.

Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Varying in CO2 and N2 Composition on Quality Characteristics of Dry Fermented Sausage During Refrigeration Storage

The current study investigated the effects of the most suitable modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of fermented dry sausages during 45 days of refrigeration (4°C) storage period. Treatments were vacuum-packed (control), 25% CO₂/75% N₂ (MAP1), 50% CO₂/50% N₂ (MAP2), 70% CO₂/30% N₂ (MAP3), and 100% CO₂ (MAP4). All MAP samples regardless of their CO₂ composition significantly (p<0.05) decreased in pH, a_w, total plate count, and lactic acid bacteria count values as compared to the vacuum-package during storage. The Enterobacteriaceae count in all MAP packaging was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the vacuum-packed samples and counts in MAP3 and MAP4 samples were markedly (p<0.05) lower than all other treatments in prolonged storage of 15 and 45 days. Based on the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance content at day 15 and 30 storage time, treatments are ranked as follows: Vacuum-packed>MAP1>MAP2>MAP3>MAP4. The a* of MAP4 was higher than all other treatments. In the final storage days, no variation was exhibited (p>0.05) among treatments in lactic acid aroma and sourness, and MAP2 samples had the lowest (p<0.05) overall acceptability. The use of MAPs with an increase in the CO₂ from MAP1 to MAP4 samples can help in better microbial inhibition than vacuum package, and 70% CO₂/30% N₂ (MAP3) and 100% CO₂ (MAP4) were effective to maintain several quality parameters (a_w, pH, microbial inhibition, stability against lipid oxidation, and instrumental color traits) and extend the shelf life of dry fermented sausage.

Effect of addition of carbon dots to the frying oils on oxidative stabilities and quality changes of fried meatballs during refrigerated storage

Carbon dots (CDs) were prepared and noted to exhibit potent scavenging activities against DPPH·, ·OH, and O₂^·- radicals. Addition of CDs to frying oil as a means to improve oxidative stability and minimize quality changes of fried meatballs during refrigerated storage was investigated in comparison with the use of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and carnosic acid (CA). Compared with the control sample, 0.05% CDs significantly reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value, carbonyl and total volatile basic nitrogen contents of fried meatballs. Both lipid and protein oxidation inhibition capabilities of CDs were higher than those of 0.05% CA but lower than those of 0.02% TBHQ. Total sensory score of sample with CDs (7.1 ± 0.06) was significantly higher than those of the control (4.7 ± 0.03) and sample with TBHQ (6.4 ± 0.04). CDs could delay oxidation of fried meatballs during refrigerated storage and can well serve as an alternative antioxidant.

Glycerol-Based Dendrimer Nanocomposite Film as a Tunable pH-Sensor for Food Packaging

Large amounts of food are wasted during the food supply chain. This loss is in part due to consumer confusion over dates on food packages that can indicate a variety of quality indicators in the product (e.g., expiration date, "best by" date, "sell by" dates, etc.). To reduce this food loss, much research has been focused on the films that offer simple and easily manipulated indication systems to detect food spoilage. However, these materials are usually hydrophilic biopolymers that can detect the food spoilage in a wide pH range but do not provide highly sensitive real-time measurements. In this work, a glycerol-based nanocomposite core-shell latex film was synthesized to create a responsive packaging material that can provide real-time pH detection of food with high sensitivity. First, the pH-responsive dendrimer comonomer was synthesized from glycerol and diamine. Then, the nanoencapsulation polymerization process via miniemulsion was conducted to form a core-shell structure with tunable nanoshell thickness for a sensible pH-responsive release (<0.5 pH change). Next, the flexible film encapsulated a color-indicative dye that provided highly sensitive and visible color changes as both the pH dropped and the time elapsed in the food. This film also provided a barrier to water and heat and resisted deformation. Ultimately, this nanocomposite flexible film pending a pH sensor has the potential as an intelligent food packaging material for a universal, accurate, easy-to-use, and real-time food spoilage monitoring system to reduce food waste.

DECREASE OF REPEATED CONTAMINATION OF PACKED DELI-CIOUS MEAT PRODUCTS

The study considers a problem of repeated contamination of delicious products, ready for consumption. The aim of the work is to study the repeated thermal processing of a ready vacuum-packed whole-muscular meat product for inhibiting a surface microbiota. Today it is urgent for the meat industry, because it influences safety and quality, and also limits a storage term of a product. After bringing a meat product to culinary readiness by thermal processing, it has an unessential amount of microbiota. Microorganisms, including pathogenic and conventionally pathogenic ones, fall on a product after its cooking at cutting, preparation to package and at the package stage itself. Microbiological contamination of a ready meat product results in fast spoilage and is a serious problem for producers, because the microbiota growth shortens its storage life. In its turn, it results in a refuse of a consumer to buy this product and great economic losses for producers. The study is directed on a possibility of solving a problem of contamination of a whole-muscular delicious meat product. The solution is in package of a ready product under vacuum and short-term heating at a high temperature. The work is devoted to the complex study of an influence of repeated pasteurization on safety and quality of a product. There was studied an influence of the repeated thermal processing (post-pasteurization) on microbiological, physical-chemical and also organoleptic parameters of a delicious meat product. The special attention is paid to an influence of post-pasteurization regimes on a microbiological condition of studied samples. Studies of a total amount of microbiota and also the presence of sanitary-representative microorganisms were conducted. It has been proven, that the use of post-pasteurization essentially inhibits a number of microorganisms, and also doesn’t influence physical-chemical parameters outlook of a product and organoleptic characteristics. Based on studying an influence of post-pasteurization, it has been established, that inhibition of a microbiota essentially influences safety and prolongs the storage term of a product.

Alternatives to carcinogenic preservatives in Chinese Sausage - Sorbic acid-loaded chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles

Preservatives in processed meat raise significant concerns associated with bowel cancer and diabetes, and implicate various public health issues. This introduces the need for safer preservatives to uphold public health standards. However, developing safer alternatives to these preservatives poses a significant challenge to food industry. A potential solution to this issue is the use of loaded nanoparticles as preservative agents. This study investigated antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of sorbic acid-loaded chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (SAN) in Chinese Sausage. SAN were prepared through ionic gelation, followed by natural air-drying for 20 days. After preparation, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of various treatment groups were analyzed intermittently during storage at room temperature. SAN-treated samples had significantly lower levels of surviving bacteria, molds, and yeasts than the blank control (p < 0.05) over the entire 72 days of storage. Additionally the SAN-treated samples also had lower levels of surviving bacteria than the chitosan/tripolyphosphate samples after 31-56 days of storage (p < 0.05). The thiobarbituric acid value and pH of the SAN-treated samples were also significantly lower than the blank control (p < 0.05). These results indicated that SAN could be a good intervention strategy to retard lipid oxidation and inhibit microbial growth in Chinese Sausage.

Survival of Salmonella spp. in minced meat packaged under vacuum and modified atmosphere

The effect of different modified atmosphere packaging regimes on the behavior of Salmonella spp. on minced meat was studied. Minced meat was experimentally contaminated with a Salmonella spp. cocktail (S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Infantis and S. Arizonae), packaged under vacuum or modified atmosphere with initial headspaces containing 20%O2/50%CO2/30%N2 and 20%O2/30%CO2/50%N2) and stored at 3±1°C for 12 days. Samples were analyzed for Salmonella spp., viable and lactic acid bacteria count every third day. Salmonella spp. counts decreased during storage in all packaging types, with reductions of about 1.5logCFU/g. A significant difference (p<0.01) was noted between Salmonella spp. counts in meat packaged in vacuum and modified atmospheres, although there was no significant difference in Salmonella spp. count between meat packaged in 50%CO2, and meat packaged in 30%CO2. At the end of the study, there were significant differences (p<0.01; p<0.05) in total viable and lactic acid bacterial counts between meat packaged in vacuum and modified atmosphere, and the lowest counts were noted in meat packaged in modified atmosphere with 50%CO2.

Preservative potential of Tinospora cordifolia, a novel natural ingredient for improved lipid oxidative stability and storage quality of chevon sausages

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the preservative potential of Tinospora cordifolia as a novel natural preservative in muscle foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Chevon sausages were used as a model system and were prepared by incorporating different levels of T. cordifolia, namely, T1 (0.25 per cent), T2 (0.50 per cent) and T3 (0.75 per cent), and assessed for lipid oxidative stability and storage quality under refrigerated (4 ± 10°C) conditions.

Findings

Lipid oxidative stability showed a significant improvement as the products incorporated with T. cordifolia exhibited significantly (p = 0.001) lower thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (mg malonaldehyde/kg) in comparison to control. A significant improvement was also observed in the microbial stability as T. cordifolia-incorporated products showed significantly lower values for total plate count (log cfu/g, p = 0.001), psychrophilic count (log cfu/g, p = 0.003), yeast and mould count (log cfu/g, p = 0.02) and free fatty acid (percentage of oleic acid, p = 0.01). Significantly higher scores were observed for various sensory parameters of the treated products during storage.

Originality/value

Tinospora cordifolia successfully improved the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of the model meat product and may be commercially exploited as a novel preservative in muscle foods.

Effect of natural pre-converted nitrite sources on color development in raw and cooked pork sausage

Objective

The effect of pre-converted nitrites from natural sources (spinach, lettuce, celery, and red beet) on color development in raw and cooked pork sausage was investigated in this study.

Methods

The pork sausage was manufactured with six treatments: NC (negative control, nitrite free), PC (positive control, 150 ppm sodium nitrite), FS (3.0% fermented spinach extracts), FL (3.0% fermented lettuce extracts), FC (3.0% fermented celery extracts), and FR (3.0% fermented red beet extracts).

Results

The pH value of the pre-converted nitrites groups was lower than those treated with 150 ppm sodium nitrite (p<0.05). The color values of raw and cooked pork sausage added with pre-converted nitrite showed slightly lower and/or similar lightness, lower redness, and higher yellowness values than PC. Color development (redness values) of cooked samples added with FS was higher than those of the NC and other treatments (FL, FC, and FR). Additionally, treatments with FS and FL were most effective for reducing thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and volatile basic nitrogen than the NC.

Conclusion

Effects of natural nitrites from fermented vegetables on shelf stability of raw and cooked pork sausages were investigated. Fermented spinach extract was much more useful for maintaining the color development, but also inhibiting lipid and protein oxidation of cooked pork sausage. Therefore, pre-converted nitrite from spinach as a natural nitrite could be used as another natural nitrite source for making processed meat products.

Effect of edible chitosan film enriched with anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oil on shelf life and quality of the chicken burger

In this study, the effect of chitosan film (CF) with different concentrations of anise essential oil AEO (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) on the quality of chicken burger during chilled storage (4 + 1°C) were examined over a period of 12 days. For this purpose, at the first, the physical and mechanical properties of the produced films were studied. Then, the chicken burger was covered with the produced films. Different treatment were analyzed by biochemical properties such as moisture and thiobarbituric acid, bacteriological properties such as total viable counts and total psychrotrophic counts, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The results of this study showed that adding AEO improved the properties of CF, the moisture, solubility, and water vapor permeability decreased in these films. By increasing the concentration of AEO the tensile strength and elasticity of film were increased. CF with AEO, delayed lipid oxidation in chicken burger and improved the chemical properties of chicken burger. Also, microbial spoilage in these samples decreased significantly (p < .05) compared to the control sample. AEO at 2% in all experiments had better results than other treatments (p < .05), and the AEO (1.5% and 2%) had acceptable biochemical, bacteriological attributes up to end of storage, and these treatments could reduce the population of pathogen bacteria below the acceptable level from day 3 until the end of the storage period. Sensory score of the treatment containing AEO at 1.5% was higher than the sensory score of AEO at 2%. Overall, the results of this study showed that the use of CF with AEO as a natural preservative increased the shelf life of meat products. Considering the relatively similar anti‐oxidation and antimicrobial effect of AEO at 1.5 and 2% and also economic aspects, optimum dose for AEO could be 1.5% in the film.

Asparagus racemosus

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the possibility of utilization of Asparagus racemosus as a novel natural preservative in meat products.

Design/methodology/approach

Chevon sausages were used as a study model and prepared by incorporating different levels of A. racemosus, namely, T1 (0.25 per cent), T2 (0.50 per cent) and T3 (0.75 per cent) and were vacuum packaged and assessed for various lipid oxidative stability and storage quality parameters under refrigerated (4  ±  1°C) conditions.

Findings

Significantly (p < 0.05) lower thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (mg malonaldehyde/kg) values were observed for the products containing A. racemosus in comparison to control indicating a significant effect on the lipid oxidative stability. The products containing A. racemosus also showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower values for various microbiological characteristics like total plate count (log cfu/g), psychrophilic count (log cfu/g), yeast and mould count (log cfu/g), anaerobic count (log cfu/g) and free fatty acid (% oleic acid) values indicating the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of A. racemosus. No significant (p > 0.05) effect was observed on the cooking yield and moisture content of the products. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores were observed for various sensory parameters of the products containing A. racemosus during the entire period of storage.

Originality/value

A. racemosus successfully improved the lipid oxidative stability and storage quality of the model meat product without compromising the sensorial characteristics and has a great potential as a novel natural preservative in muscle foods.

Effect of Fermented Spinach as Sources of Pre-Converted Nitrite on Color Development of Cured Pork Loin

The effect of fermented spinach extracts on color development in cured meats was investigated in this study. The pH values of raw cured meats without addition of fermented spinach extract or nitrite (negative control) were higher (p<0.05) than those added with fermented spinach extract. The pH values of raw and cooked cured meats in treatment groups were decreased with increasing addition levels of fermented spinach extract. The lightness and yellowness values of raw cured meats formulated with fermented spinach extract were higher (p<0.05) than those of the control groups (both positive and negative controls). The redness values of cooked cured meats were increased with increasing fermented spinach extract levels, whereas the yellowness values of cooked cured meats were decreased with increasing levels of fermented spinach extract. The lowest volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were observed in the positive control group with addition of nitrite. TBARS values of cured meats added with fermented spinach extract were decreased with increasing levels of fermented spinach extract and VBN values of curing meat with 30% fermented spinach extract was lower than the other treatments. Total viable bacterial counts in cured meats added with fermented spinach extract ranged from 0.34-1.01 Log CFU/g. E. coli and coliform bacteria were not observed in any of the cured meats treated with fermented spinach extracts or nitrite. Residual nitrite contents in treatment groups were increased with increasing levels of fermented spinach extract added. These results demonstrated that fermented spinach could be added to meat products to improve own curing characteristics.

Effect of starter cultures and packaging methods on amino acid profile and eating quality characteristics of pork ham

Wet cured pork hams were inoculated with a mixed starter cultures comprising of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Micrococcus varians M483 at the dose level of 106 cfu/g and the un inoculated hams served as controls. The amino acid profile of hams of the treated and the control groups stored at 4oC under MAP and VP and evaluated on 60th day of storage revealed that treated hams liberated higher concentration of free amino acids except for proline and methionine which were found in higher concentration (P < 0.01) in the MAP control samples. The MAP control samples liberated glutamic acid (85.65 ± 1.40 ppm), cystine (21.56 ± 1.14 ppm) and tyrosine (16.63 ± 1.94 ppm) whereas, the treated samples did not release these amino acids. The VP control samples too liberated cystine (6.98 ± 1.36 ppm) and arginine (42.70 ± 2.78 ppm) but the treated ham of the VP did not liberate these amino acids. The VP hams had higher concentration (P < 0.01) of free proline, glycine, alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine and histidine than the MAP samples. Colour analysis of ham using CIE Lab colour system revealed that the treated samples had significantly higher concentrations of L*, a* and b* components. The L* and a* values were higher in the MAP than under VP systems while the b* values were higher in the VP samples than the MAP samples. Neither the bacterial cultures nor the packaging system influenced the textural property of ham. Starter cultures inoculated hams were rated superior (P < 0.05) in terms of their sensory properties. Hams packaged under MAP were rated superior (P < 0.05) than those packaged under VP in terms of appearance, colour, taste, tenderness, flavour, juiciness and overall acceptability.

Effect of packaging method and storage time on physicochemical characteristics of dry-cured pork neck products at 10°c

Dry-cured pork neck samples were stored at 10°C for 90 days under vacuum packaging (VP) or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 25% CO2+75% N2) conditions. The pH, moisture, water activity, total aerobic bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae counts of dry-cured pork neck products with MAP were significantly lower than those with VP (p<0.05) after 90 days of storage. However, CIE b* and 2-thiobarbituric acid reacted substance (TBARS) values of the pork product with MAP were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those with VP. Total aerobic bacterial counts and Enterobacteriaceae counts of samples with MAP were lower than those with VP after 30 days of storage. Sensory results indicated that aroma, flavor and tenderness scores of the samples with both VP and MAP decreased during storage and the scores after >60 days of storage were lower than those at Day 1. In conclusion, despite presenting higher lipid oxidation, the samples stored in packages containing 25% CO2 for 90 days at 10°C have lower bacterial counts than vacuum-packed samples. Therefore, further studies should be performed on the packaging of dry-cured meat at adjusted concentrations of CO2.

Effects of Gas Composition in the Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Shelf-life of Longissimus dorsi of Korean Native Black Pigs-Duroc Crossbred during Refrigerated Storage

This study was conducted to observe the effects of gas composition in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the shelf-life of Longissimus dorsi of Korean Native Black Pigs-Duroc Crossbred (KNP×D) during refrigerated storage. Muscle sample was obtained from the left side of carcass of seven months old of KNP×D barrow. The sample was sliced into 1 cm in thickness, placed on trays (two slices/tray) and filled with different gas composition, i.e. 0:20:80/O2:CO2:N2 (MAP1), 30:20:50/O2:CO2:N2 (MAP2) and 70:20:10/O2:CO2:N2 (MAP3). Other slices of sample were vacuum packed (VP) as a control. All packs were stored at 5±1°C. At 12 d of storage, pH value of MAP2 and MAP3 were higher (p<0.05) than that of MAP1 and pH value of MAP1 was higher (p<0.05) than that of VP. At 6 d of storage, redness (a*) value of MAP2 and MAP3 were higher (p<0.05) than that of VP and MAP1 and, at 9 and 12 d of storage, redness value of MAP3 was higher (p<0.05) than that of VP, MAP1, and MAP2. At 3, 6, 9, and 12 d of storage, the 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value of MAP3 was higher than that of MAP2 and TBARS value of MAP2 was higher than that of VP and MAP1. At 3, 6, 9, and 12 d of storage, volatile basic nitrogen values of MAP2 and MAP3 were higher (p<0.05) than those of VP and MAP1. At 3 d of storage, total aerobic plate counts of MAP2 and MAP3 were higher (p<0.05) than those of VP and MAP1 and, at 6 d of storage, total aerobic plate counts of MAP3 was higher (p<0.05) than that of MAP1 and MAP2. However, there was no significant different total aerobic plate count among MAP1, MAP2, and MAP3 at 9 and 12 d of storage. There was no significant different total anaerobic plate count among MAP1, MAP2, and MAP3 during storage. It is concluded that the MAP containing 30:20:50/O2:CO2:N2 gas composition (MAP2) might be ideal for better meat quality for KNP×D meat.

Effect of modified atmosphere and vacuum packaging on some quality characteristics and the shelf-life of "morcilla", a typical cooked blood sausage

The effect of modified atmosphere and vacuum packaging on the shelf-life of "morcilla", a traditional cooked blood sausage, was investigated. A total of 99 "morcillas" were packaged under vacuum and in modified atmosphere using three different gas mixtures: 15:35:50/O(2):N(2):CO(2) (atmosphere 1), 60:40/N(2):CO(2) (atmosphere 2) and 40:60/N(2):CO(2) (atmosphere 3), and stored during 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks at 4 °C. Shelf life evaluation was based on pH, water activity (a(w)), colour (CIE L*, a*, b*, C* and h*), TBARS formation and microbial counts. The results indicated that, in general, storage time affected (P<0.05) all parameters whereas no significant differences were observed (P>0.05) among packaging conditions. Based on the microbial counts, the shelf-life of "morcilla" would be greater than 8 weeks for all packaging conditions. Samples packaged with high CO(2) concentrations (40:60/N(2):CO(2)) showed the lowest values of TBARS at the end of storage.

Role of globin moiety in the chemical structure of curing pigment

In this study, the role of the globin moiety in the structure of this pigment has been evaluated, using myoglobin and hemin as model systems. After the synthesis of the cured pigment from the compounds used in this study, the absorption spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and electrospray ionization (ESI)/MS spectroscopy were used to evaluate the chemical structure. Results indicated that the UV/visible, IR absorption, and mass spectroscopy of the cured pigment produced from myoglobin and its counterpart without the globin moiety, hemin, are different. Whereas myoglobin produced mononitrosylheme, hemin converted to dinitrosylheme, but probably the second nitric oxide group attached to the propionate side chain of the heme ring. It seems that the globin moiety protected heme ring against the second nitric oxide group.

Quality of meat products packaged and stored under vacuum and modified atmosphere conditions

The experimental materials comprised cooked coarsely-ground and finely-ground sausages. The sausages were packaged in vacuum (V) and in modified atmospheres with the following composition: 20 % CO2, 80 % N2 (A1); 50 % CO2, 50 % N2 (A2); 80 % CO2, 20 % N2 (A3). The samples were stored at around 4 °C for 15 days. The measurements were repeated 8 times: at the completion of the production process and at 3-day intervals (day 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15) during storage. Drip loss changes in the package were analyzed during storage. Meat products were subjected to a sensory evaluation. The obtained results show that changes in the quality of meat products packaged under modified atmosphere are significantly influenced by the composition of the applied atmosphere. A wider range of quality changes were noted in vacuum-packaged products. Changes in the quality of modified atmosphere packaged products were less significant.

Effect of Different Packaging Methods and Storage Temperature on Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality Characteristics of Meatball

The objective of this research was to determine physicochemical changes and microbiological quality of the different packaged meatball samples. Meatball samples in polystyrene tray were closed with polyethylene film (PS packs), vacuumed and modified atmosphere packaged, (MAP) (65% N2, 35% CO2), and held under refrigerated display (4 °C) for 8, 16 and 16 days for PS packs, vacuum and MAP, respectively. Microbial load, free fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid values of the samples tended to increase with storage time. Bacteria counts of the raw meatball samples increased 2 log cycles at the end of storage compared with initial values. Meatball samples can be stored without any microbiological problem for 7 days at 4 °C. Results from this study suggested that shelf-life assigned to modified-MAP and vacuum-packed meatballs may be appropriate. Meatball samples underwent physical deformation when they were packed before vacuum process. With these negative factors considered, MAP is superior to other two packs methods.

The Effect of Cooking in a Steam-convection Oven and Storage in Vacuum on the Quality of Turkey Meat

The effect of cooking on the quality of turkey meat heated by steam at different temperatures and saturation levels, and then vacuum stored at 3 °C for 28 days, was studied. The smallest cooking loss was observed in meat cooked at 220 °C and when the highest air steam saturation was applied. The rate of lipid oxidation as a result of cooking and storage was the lowest in sample cooked at 180 °C and in meat heated by 20% steam, and additionally during storage in sample treated with 0% steam. The higher cooking temperature was applied, the more intensive hydrolytic process took place in fat. Heating at 180 °C and in hot air with 0%, 70%, and 90% steam resulted in a more intensive hydrolytic process in meat during storage than other cooking parameters. The oxidation rate of -SH groups was higher in sample heated by 90% steam than the ones by 20%, 50%, and 70% steam. The use of steam saturation over 20% caused a decrease in mono-unsaturated fatty acids and an increase in saturated fatty acids content. Meat cooked at 220 °C and treated with 0% or 90% steam was characterized by better sensory attributes than other samples.