Combined Effect of Vacuum Packaging, Fennel and Savory Essential Oil Treatment on the Quality of Chicken Thighs

Valorization of Dairy and Fruit/Berry Industry By-Products to Sustainable Marinades for Broilers' Wooden Breast Meat Quality Improvement

The study aims to improve the quality of wooden breast meat (WBM) via the use of newly developed marinades based on selected strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in combination with the by-products of the dairy and fruit/berry industries. Six distinct marinades were produced based on milk permeate (MP) fermented with Lacticaseibacillus casei (Lc) and Liquorilactobacillus uvarum (Lu) with the addition of apple (ApBp) and blackcurrant (BcBp) processing by-products. The microbiological and acidity parameters of the fermented marinades were evaluated. The effects of marinades on the microbiological, technical, and physicochemical properties of meat were assessed following 24 and 48 h of WBM treatment. It was established that LAB viable counts in marinades were higher than 7.00 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and, after 48 h of marination, enterobacteria and molds/yeasts in WBM were absent. Marinated (24 and 48 h) WBM showed lower dry-matter and protein content, as well as water holding capacity, and exhibited higher drip loss (by 8.76%) and cooking loss (by 12.3%) in comparison with controls. After WBM treatment, biogenic amines decreased; besides, the absence of spermidine and phenylethylamine was observed in meat marinated for 48 h with a marinade prepared with Lu. Overall, this study highlights the potential advantages of the developed sustainable marinades in enhancing the safety and quality attributes of WBM.

Investigating the effects of chitosan/ tragacanth gum/ polyvinyl alcohol composite coating incorporated with cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsion on safety and quality features of chicken breast fillets during storage in the refrigerator

The present study investigated the effects of composite coatings made of chitosan (CS), tragacanth gum (TG), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) containing cinnamon essential oil (CEO) on the shelf-life of refrigerated chicken breast fillets. The samples were treated with different coating dispersions, and coded as: T1 (distilled water as control), T2 (blank composite coating), and T3 (composite coating containing CEO). Results showed that incorporating CEO into CS/TG/PVA coatings could significantly increase the quality of chicken fillets. The obtained results showed that after 21 days, the total microbial population of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria in T3 samples was less than T1 and T2 samples. In addition, the highest antioxidant activity (48.04 %) and total phenolic content (TPC) values (2.458 mg gallic acid /g), the best sensory characteristics and the lowest pH (5.73), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) (21.89 mg N/100 g), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (1.678 mg malondialdehyde equivalent/kg) and percentage of cooking loss (30 %) were related to T3. Results disclosed that this composite coating is a promising technology to improve the shelf life of chicken fillets during storage.

Quality Assessment of Minced Poultry Products Including Black Fermented Garlic

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of fermented black garlic on the quality of minced poultry products. Treatments were organized in four groups (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) containing either black fermented garlic (bg) or fresh garlic (fg), and a control (produced without garlic). The quality assessment of minced poultry products included physicochemical properties (weight losses, pH, colour and shear force), microbiological quality (Enterobacteriaceae, total count of bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and Pseudomonas spp.) and evaluation of sensory attributes. The results showed that the pH values in the black garlic groups, pH 6.06, 6.03, and 6.01, were lower than in the control group, pH 6.16, and tended to decrease during the period of cold storage. As the percentage of black garlic increased, there was a decrease in pH, the value of L* (brightness) from 76.16 in the control group to 48.03 in the group with 4% bg, while the value of b* (yellowing) increased analogously from 12.59 to 16.08. The use of black fermented garlic at 2% as a substitute for fresh garlic is a viable alternative to obtaining product with an acceptable taste and aroma. The addition of 4% black garlic was not acceptable to the assessors.

Marinades Based on Natural Ingredients as a Way to Improve the Quality and Shelf Life of Meat: A Review

Marinating is a traditional method of improving the quality of meat, but it has been modified in response to consumer demand for "clean label" products. The aim of this review is to present scientific literature on the natural ingredients contained in marinades, the parameters of the marinating process, and certain mechanisms that bring about changes in meat. A review was carried out of publications from 2000 to 2023 available in Web of Science on the natural ingredients of meat marinades: fruit and vegetables, seasonings, fermented dairy products, wine, and beer. The review showed that natural marinades improve the sensory quality of meat and its culinary properties; they also extend its shelf life. They affect the safety of meat products by limiting the oxidation of fats and proteins. They also reduce biogenic amines and the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This is possible due to the presence of biologically active substances and competitive microflora from dairy products. However, some marinades, especially those that are acidic, cause a slightly acidic flavour and an unfavourable colour change. Natural compounds in the ingredients of marinades are accepted by consumers. There are no results in the literature on the impact of natural marinades on the nutritional value and health-promoting potential of meat products, so it can be assumed that this is a future direction for scientific research.

Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Quail Meat at the Retail Level

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of 37 fresh quail meats. Mesophiles, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci counts were 5.25 ± 1.14, 3.92 ± 1.17, 3.09 ± 1.02, and 2.80 ± 0.64 log CFU/g, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes was detected in seven samples (18.92%). Campylobacter jejuni was detected in one sample (2.70%). Clostridium perfringens was not detected in any sample. The dominant bacteria were Pseudomonas spp. (30.46%), Micrococcaceae (19.87%), lactic acid bacteria (14.57%), and Enterobacteriaceae (11.92%). Brochotrix thermosphacta and enterococci were isolated to a lesser extent, 7.28% and 1.99%, respectively. The dominant Enterobacteriaceae found were Escherichia coli (42.53%). ESBL-producing E. coli was detected in one sample (2.70%), showing resistance to 16 antibiotics. Sixteen different Staphylococcus spp. and three Mammaliicoccus spp. were identified, the most common being S. cohnii (19.86%) and M. sciuri (17.02%). S. aureus and S. epidermidis were also found in one and four samples, respectively. Methicillin-resistant M. sciuri and S. warneri were found in 13.51% and 10.81% of quail samples, respectively. These bacteria showed an average of 6.20 and 18.50 resistances per strain, respectively. The high resistance observed in ESBL-producing E. coli and methicillin-resistant S. warneri is of special concern. Measures should be adopted to reduce the contamination of quail meat.

Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Turkey Meat at Retail Level, Including the Presence of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus

The aim of this work was to study the microbiological safety and quality of marketed fresh turkey meat, with special emphasis on methicillin-resistant S. aureus, ESBL-producing E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. A total of 51 fresh turkey meat samples were collected at retail level in Spain. Mesophile, Pseudomonas spp., enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci counts were 5.10 ± 1.36, 3.17 ± 0.87, 2.03 ± 0.58, 3.18 ± 1.00, and 2.52 ± 0.96 log CFU/g, respectively. Neither Campylobacter spp. nor Clostridium perfringens was detected in any sample. ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and E. coli were detected in 22 (43.14%), and three (5.88%) samples, respectively, all of which were multi-resistant. Resistance to antimicrobials of category A (monobactams, and glycilcyclines) and category B (cephalosporins of third or fourth generation, polymixins, and quinolones), according to the European Medicine Agency classification, was found among the Enterobacteriaceae isolates. S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus were detected in nine (17.65%) and four samples (7.84%), respectively. Resistance to antimicrobials of category A (mupirocin, linezolid, rifampicin, and vancomycin) and category B (cephalosporins of third- or fourth generation) was found among S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and M. caseolyticus isolates.

Quality and Microbiological Safety of Poultry Meat Marinated with the Use of Apple and Lemon Juice

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of apple juice for the marinating of poultry meat and its effect on the technological as well as sensory characteristics and microbiological safety of the raw product after heat treatment. Broiler chicken breast muscles were marinated for 12 h in apple juice (n = 30), a mixture of apple and lemon juice (n = 30) and compared with those in lemon juice (n = 30). The control group (n = 30) consisted of unmarinated breast muscles. Following the evaluation of the technological parameters (pH, L*, a*, b* colour, cutting force, cooking losses) quantitative and qualitative microbiological evaluations were performed on the raw and roasted products. The microbiological parameters were determined as total Mesophilic aerobic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae family, and Pseudomonas count. The bacterial identification was performed using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The marinating resulted in lower pH value, but increased tenderness of raw and roasted products. Marinating chicken meat in both apple and lemon juices, including their mixtures and in the control sample, resulted in increased yellow saturation (b*). The highest flavour desirability and overall desirability were obtained in products marinated using a mixture of apple and lemon juice, while the most desirable aroma was obtained from products marinated with apple juice. A significant antimicrobial effect was observed in marinated meat products compared to unmarinated, irrespective of the type of marinade used. The lowest microbial reduction was observed in the roasted products. Apple juice can be used as a meat marinade because it promotes interesting sensory properties and improves the microbiological stability of poultry meat while maintaining the product's good technological characteristics. It makes a good combination with the addition of lemon juice.

Critical Review on Nutritional, Bioactive, and Medicinal Potential of Spices and Herbs and Their Application in Food Fortification and Nanotechnology

Medicinal or herbal spices are grown in tropical moist evergreen forestland, surrounding most of the tropical and subtropical regions of Eastern Himalayas in India (Sikkim, Darjeeling regions), Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, a few Central Asian countries, Middle East, USA, Europe, South East Asia, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to the cultivation region surrounded, economic value, and vogue, these spices can be classified into major, minor, and colored tropical spices. In total, 24 tropical spices and herbs (cardamom, black jeera, fennel, poppy, coriander, fenugreek, bay leaves, clove, chili, cassia bark, black pepper, nutmeg, black mustard, turmeric, saffron, star anise, onion, dill, asafoetida, celery, allspice, kokum, greater galangal, and sweet flag) are described in this review. These spices show many pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and antioxidant activities. Numerous bioactive compounds are present in these selected spices, such as 1,8-cineole, monoterpene hydrocarbons, γ-terpinene, cuminaldehyde, trans-anethole, fenchone, estragole, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, piperine, linalool, malabaricone C, safrole, myristicin, elemicin, sinigrin, curcumin, bidemethoxycurcumin, dimethoxycurcumin, crocin, picrocrocin, quercetin, quercetin 4'-O-β-glucoside, apiol, carvone, limonene, α-phellandrene, galactomannan, rosmarinic acid, limonene, capsaicinoids, eugenol, garcinol, and α-asarone. Other than that, various spices are used to synthesize different types of metal-based and polymer-based nanoparticles like zinc oxide, gold, silver, selenium, silica, and chitosan nanoparticles which provide beneficial health effects such as antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, enzyme retardation effect, and antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles can also be used in environmental pollution management like dye decolorization and in chemical industries to enhance the rate of reaction by the use of catalytic activity of the nanoparticles. The nutritional value, phytochemical properties, health advantages, and both traditional and modern applications of these spices, along with their functions in food fortification, have been thoroughly discussed in this review.

Inhibition of spoilage bacteria on marinated chicken by essential oils under aerobic and vacuum packaging

"Chicken tawook" is a marinated boneless chicken entrée consumed in the Middle East. The aim of this study was to determine whether bioactive essential oil (EO) components carvacrol (CA), cinnamaldehyde (CI), and thymol (TH) would delay the growth of microorganisms causing tawook spoilage during aerobic (AP) or vacuum (VP) packed storage. The EOs at 1% and 2% were mixed individually with the marinade. The samples (10 g of chicken cubes with 1.2 g of marinade - with or without EOs) were stored in bags under AP and VP (Geryon^® ) for 7 days at 4 ± 1°C and abusive conditions (10 ± 1°C). Two control samples consisting of meat chunks and tawook without EO were used. The microflora numbers were greater at 10°C than at 4°C, and the marinade worked additively with AP against anaerobes, yeast and mold (Y & M) and lactic acid bacteria. It also worked additively with VP against aerobic bacteria recovered as Pseudomonas and the total plate count. EO components were observed to decrease microbial populations by a maximum of 4 to 6 log colony-forming unit (CFU)/g depending on the type of microorganism. The combined mixture of marinade and 2% EO (CA, CI, and TH) resulted in the greatest reductions of all spoilage microorganisms at 10°C under AP on the last day of storage. Overall, VP was more effective (p < 0.05) than AP in controlling microorganisms at both 4 and 10°C. This study provides an affordable and natural alternative for extending product life. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The use of EOs in marinated chicken (tawook) is expected to help producers reduce spoilage and extend shelf-life of the product when stored at refrigeration temperatures. EOs provide a cheaper alternative and are naturally sourced. Vacuum packaging will increase the shelf-life of marinated chicken tawook and facilitate its storage and transportation.

Natural Anti-Microbials for Enhanced Microbial Safety and Shelf-Life of Processed Packaged Meat

Microbial food contamination is a major concern for consumers and food industries. Consumers desire nutritious, safe and “clean label” products, free of synthetic preservatives and food industries and food scientists try to meet their demands by finding natural effective alternatives for food preservation. One of the alternatives to synthetic preservatives is the use of natural anti-microbial agents in the food products and/or in the packaging materials. Meat and processed meat products are characteristic examples of products that are highly perishable; hence natural anti-microbials can be used for extending their shelf-life and enhancing their safety. Despite several examples of the successful application of natural anti-microbial agents in meat products reported in research studies, their commercial use remains limited. This review objective is to present an extensive overview of recent research in the field of natural anti-microbials, covering essential oils, plant extracts, flavonoids, animal-derived compounds, organic acids, bacteriocins and nanoparticles. The anti-microbial mode of action of the agents, in situ studies involving meat products, regulations and, limitations for usage and future perspectives are described. The review concludes that naturally derived anti-microbials can potentially support the meat industry to provide “clean label”, nutritious and safe meat products for consumers.

The antimicrobial effect of thyme and rosemary essential oils against Listeria monocytogenes in sous vide turkey meat during storage

The research was aimed to study the impact of sous vide thermal treatment on the microbiological quality of fresh turkey breast meat after treatment with thyme and rosemary EOs and the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on the turkey meat samples. The samples were vacuum-packed and cooked at 55 °C, 60 °C, and 65 °C for 5, 15, 30 and, 60 min. There was an amount of 5 g (5 ±0.2 g) of the sample placed in PA/PE film bags and inoculated with 100 μL of L. monocytogenes inoculum. The sample was incubated at 37 °C for 18 h after bag sealing. The samples were tested on the 1st and 3rd days of experiments. The microbiological quality of fresh turkey breast meat was assessed by the detection of total microbial counts and meat microbiota was identified by mass spectrometry using MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics, Germany). Microbial counts differed significantly depending on temperature and time and the microbial counts ranged from 2.21 log cfu.g-1 to 8.26 log cfu.g-1 on the 1st and 3rd day of the experiment. The study shows that the sous vide method with essential oils combination is an effective method and it can be used to protect the microbiota of turkey meat and L. monocytogens survival, however, the quality of raw material is crucial.

Assessment of technological characteristics and microbiological quality of marinated turkey meat with the use of dairy products and lemon juice

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of marinating turkey meat with buttermilk and acid whey on the technological traits and microbiological quality of the product.

Methods

Slices of turkey meat muscles were marinated for 12 hours in buttermilk (n = 30), acid whey (n = 30) and comparatively, in lemon juice (n = 30). The control group (n = 30) consisted of unmarinated slices of turkey breast muscles. Physical parameters (pH, water holding capacity, colour L*a*b*, shear force, weight loss) were assessed and quantitative and qualitative microbiological evaluation of raw and roasted products was performed. The microbiological parameters were determined as the total viable counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, of the Enterobacteriaceae family, and Pseudomonas spp. Bacterial identification was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Results

Marinating turkey meat in buttermilk and whey compared to marinating in lemon juice and the control sample resulted in a higher (p<0.05) degree of yellow color saturation (b*) and a reduction (p<0.05) in the number of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae family as well as the number of identified mesophilic aerobic bacteria in both raw and roasted samples. The lowest (p<0.05) shear force values were found in products marinated in whey.

Conclusion

The use of buttermilk and acid whey as a marinade for meat increases the microbiological safety of the product compared to marinating in lemon juice, while maintaining good technological features of the product.

Characterization of Pediococcus acidilactici postbiotic and impact of postbiotic-fortified chitosan coating on the microbial and chemical quality of chicken breast fillets

This study was carried out to characterize antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and the phenolic and flavonoids profile of postbiotic of Pediococcus acidilactici and to evaluate the effects of postbiotics (10% and 50%) alone and in combination with chitosan coating (1%) on the microbial and chemical quality of chicken breast fillets during storage at 4 °C. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the postbiotics were found to be 1291.02 ± 1.5 mg/L TEAC and 2336.11 ± 2.36 mg/L GAE, respectively. The most abundant phenolic was vanillic acid, followed by t-caffeic, gallic, and caftaric acids. The postbiotic-chitosan (50% + 1%) combination decreased L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium counts by 1.5 and 2.1 log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively, compared to the control (P < 0.05). This combination decreased the total viable count (TVC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and psychrotrophic bacteria count compared to the control (P < 0.05). No differences were found in thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values among the samples during storage (P > 0.05). Postbiotic treatment did not significantly change the pH values and color properties of the breast fillets (P > 0.05). Postbiotic-chitosan combinations extended the shelf-life by up to 12 days compared to the control. In conclusion, the postbiotic-chitosan combination can be used to preserve and improve the microbial quality of chicken meat products.

Effects of dietary fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed powder supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, small intestinal morphology, and carcass traits of broilers

Background

With the increasing demands in livestock and poultry breeding and the growing number of food-borne diseases, it is necessary to practice food safety and develop strategies to produce healthy livestock. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) has been used as an additive in poultry production by some researchers, but there are few studies on the systemic beneficial effects of dietary fennel seed powder supplementation on broilers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary fennel seed powder supplementation on feed intake, the apparent metabolic rate of nutrients, intestinal morphology, and carcass traits in Cobb broilers.

Methods

A single-factor experimental design was used. In total, 160 1-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments, with four replicates each (n = 10/replicate). Broilers in the control (CN) group were fed a basal diet without fennel seed powder, and broilers in the treatment groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.15% (LF), 0.30% (MF), or 0.45% (HF) fennel seed powder, respectively. Feeding trials lasted for 42 days under the conditions of ad libitum access to feed and water, and 24-h illumination. During the third and sixth weeks, digestive and metabolic assays were carried out. When the broilers were 42 days old, one chicken with a weight close to the average was selected from each repetition, euthanized by an intravenous injection of 5% sodium pentobarbital, and carcass traits were measured and intestinal samples were collected for morphological assessment.

Results

There was no significant difference in growth performance of broilers (P > 0.05). The breast muscle percentage, fat width and fat width index, breast muscle area, and breast muscle area index of broilers in the LF group were higher than those in other groups (P < 0.05). Jejunum weight and length were higher in MF than in CN and LF broilers (P < 0.05). Additionally, duodenal villi height, ileal villi height, and ileal wall thickness were higher in MF than in CN broilers (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in nutrient utilization among all groups (P > 0.05), except that the ash apparent metabolic rate in MF broilers at 21 days of age was higher than that in LF broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with a moderate concentration of fennel affects carcass performance, and intestinal morphology, and promotes the growth and development of broilers.

Quality and Safety of Marinating Breast Muscles of Hens from Organic Farming after the Laying Period with Buttermilk and Whey

Simple Summary

Quality and safety are the most important features of poultry meat products for consumers. After the end of laying the meat of hens is hard, therefore methods of improving its tenderness are sought. Marinating is a frequently-used method used to improve the culinary qualities of a product. Synthetic additives for marinating meat are gaining increasingly less consumer acceptance. Acid whey and buttermilk are by-products of the dairy industry which are a source of many valuable components. The aim of this study was to evaluate marinating organic hen meat after the end of the laying period with buttermilk and whey for 24 and 48 h. In this article we have demonstrated that whey and buttermilk are suitable as natural marinades for marinating organic hen meat after laying period as they provide microbiological safety of the product and have a beneficial effect on tenderness and chewiness. In the sensory evaluation, they improve flavour and tenderness, which allows obtainment of a high-quality product.

Abstract

The material for the study was the breast muscles of hens after the laying period which were marinated with buttermilk and acid whey for 24 and 48 h. The quality parameters of non-marinated and marinated raw and roast products were evaluated in respect of physical traits (marinade absorption, pH, colour L*a*b*, shear force, TPA texture profile analysis test), microbiological parameters and sensory characteristics. The microbiological parameters were determined as the total viable counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family and Pseudomonas spp. Bacterial identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS. The study showed that marinating the breast muscles of hens after the laying period with buttermilk and whey lightened the colour (p < 0.05), decreased the shear force value (p < 0.05), and reduced hardness and chewiness (p < 0.05) both after 24 and 48 h of marinating compared to the control product. The 24-h time of marinating with buttermilk and whey inhibited (p < 0.05) the growth of aerobic bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. and had a positive effect on the desirable odour, the intensity and desirability of flavour as well as the roast product tenderness. Longer marinating time reduced the product palatability and decreased its microbiological safety. The obtained results suggest that the 24-h time of marinating hen meat after the laying period with buttermilk and acid whey allows to obtainment of a high-quality product.

Identification of Yeasts with Mass Spectrometry during Wine Production

The aim of the present study was to identify yeasts in grape, new wine “federweisser” and unfiltered wine samples. A total amount of 30 grapes, 30 new wine samples and 30 wine samples (15 white and 15 red) were collected from August until September, 2018, from a local Slovak winemaker, including Green Veltliner (3), Mūller Thurgau (3), Palava (3), Rhein Riesling (3), Sauvignon Blanc (3), Alibernet (3), André (3), Blue Frankish (3), Cabernet Sauvignon (3), and Dornfelder (3) grapes; federweisser and unfiltered wine samples were also used in our study. Wort agar (WA), yeast extract peptone dextrose agar (YPDA), malt extract agar (MEA) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) were used for microbiological testing of yeasts. MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (Microflex LT/SH) (Bruker Daltonics, Germany) was used for the identification of yeasts. A total of 1668 isolates were identified with mass spectrometry. The most isolated species from the grapes was Hanseniaspora uvarum, and from federweisser and the wine—Saccharomyces cerevisiae.