Effect of pre-heated whey protein level and salt on texture development of poultry meat batters

Optimising the use of proteins from rich meat co-products and non-meat alternatives: Nutritional, technological and allergenicity challenges

An exponential growth in the global demand for high quality proteins over the next 20 years is expected, mainly due to global population growth and the increasing awareness toward protein rich foods for more nutritive diets. Coupled with this, is the pressing need for more sustainable approaches within a bio-economy mindset. Although meat production is expected to increase to address this rising demand, a better use of the currently available resources provided by the food, and specially, the meat industry is required. In this regard, despite the high-quality proteins and other nutrients found in meat co-products; they are currently underused and their valorisation needs to be revisited. Also, emerging protein sources need to be investigated to alleviate the environmental pressure coming from the meat industry. In this review, the main focus was attributed to (i) the current and forthcoming challenges for the use of meat co-products as meat replacers to produce a new range of meat derived products (with high nutritional value, improved technological properties and better consumer acceptance); (ii) their performance regarding to the non-animal origin proteins currently used as meat protein replacers; and (iii) the allergenicity of the proteins that might fall into the category of novel protein sources.

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.

Low-sodium meat products: retaining salty taste for sweet health

There is a positive correlation between excessive intake of sodium and incidence of hypertension. As diet is the main source of sodium, awareness among people regarding its possible role upon health has driven demand for various low sodium foods including meat products. Meat products contribute a significant amount of dietary sodium, thus maligning their own image. However, this is not an easy task as common salt affects taste and flavor, functional attributes, stability, and food safety of meat products. The various properties such as taste and flavor, binding, as well as microbiological characteristics should be given due care while developing low salt meat products and accordingly different approaches have been proposed for processing of such products. Potassium chloride has been mostly used to replace sodium; however, a number of other salts, flavor enhancers, bitter blockers and water, as well as fat binders have also been attempted either alone or in different combinations. A number of low sodium meat products have been developed but their economy and consumer acceptability are the major concerns needing proper attention. In future it is anticipated that these challenges would be overcome to provide well acceptable and cost-effective healthier meat products to the consumers.

Improving functional value of meat products

In recent years, much attention has been paid to develop meat and meat products with physiological functions to promote health conditions and prevent the risk of diseases. This review focuses on strategies to improve the functional value of meat and meat products. Value improvement can be realized by adding functional compounds including conjugated linoneleic acid, vitamin E, n3 fatty acids and selenium in animal diets to improve animal production, carcass composition and fresh meat quality. In addition, functional ingredients such as vegetable proteins, dietary fibers, herbs and spices, and lactic acid bacteria can be directly incorporated into meat products during processing to improve their functional value for consumers. Functional compounds, especially peptides, can also be generated from meat and meat products during processing such as fermentation, curing and aging, and enzymatic hydrolysis. This review further discusses the current status, consumer acceptance, and market for functional foods from the global viewpoints. Future prospects for functional meat and meat products are also discussed.