Combination effects of nitrite from fermented spinach and sodium nitrite on quality characteristics of cured pork loin

Clean labelling sodium nitrite at pilot scale: In-situ reduction of nitrate from plant sources and its effects on the overall quality and safety of restructured cooked ham

Growing health and environmental concerns have increased demand for all-natural products, with a focus on clean labelling. Sodium nitrite is the most widely used additive in the meat industry because it imparts the typical cured flavour and colour to meat products and, most importantly, their microbiological safety. However, due to health concerns, the European Commission is proposing revised regulations to reduce nitrate and nitrite levels in meat products. As a result, the meat industry is actively seeking alternatives. This study explored the production of four cooked hams utilising nitrate-rich vegetable sources combined with two different nitrate-reducing commercial food cultures, alongside a control ham prepared with sodium nitrite (150 ppm). Microbiological, physico-chemical (pH, water activity, nitrate and nitrite concentration, lipid profile, lipid oxidation) and sensory (texture and colour profile) characterisation of the products was carried out. Challenge tests for Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium sporogenes and Clostridium perfringens have been performed to assess the growth of pathogens, if present in the products. Results revealed comparable microbiological and physico-chemical profiles across ham formulations, with minor differences observed in colour parameters for sample C. The sensory analysis showed that for the pilot ham formulations A and D, there were no significant differences in consumer perception compared to the control ham. In the challenge tests, L. monocytogenes levels were similar in both control and tested hams. There were no significant differences in C. sporogenes and C. perfringens counts at any temperature or between test and control samples. These results indicate that this technology has a potential future in the cured meat sector, as regulators mandate the reduction of added synthetic chemicals and consumers seek healthier and more natural ingredients in their daily diets.

Alternative Curing Methods

Purpose of Review

Curing—the treatment of meat products with nitrite and nitrate—is controversially discussed by consumers, as increased consumption of cured foods might negatively influence human health.

Recent Findings

However, omitting of curing chemicals might reduce microbiological safety, thereby increasing the risk to consumer health. Also, besides the addition of nitrate/nitrite, meat products are additionally preserved within the hurdle principle by other methods such as chilling, ripening, or heating.

Summary

The present article focuses on the addition of plants/plant extracts or plasma-treated water as nitrate sources and the direct treatment of meat products with plasma for nitrate generation. With regard to color and microbial safety of cured meat products, which are relevant to the consumers, promising results were also obtained with the alternative curing methods. Nonetheless, it is doubtful to what extent these methods are viable alternatives, as the curing chemicals themselves and not their origin are problematic for consumer health.

Sensory Changes and Listeria monocytogenes Behavior in Sliced Cured Pork Loins during Extended Storage

Cured pork loins are sausages with a production tradition in several regions worldwide. They are made from one of the noblest cuts of pork, and for this reason cured loins are one of the most expensive pork meat products. Establishing the correct shelf life allows products to be accepted by the consumer, and to avoid the costs associated with shorter shelf lives. The aim of this study is: (1) to establish proper shelf life by evaluating the willingness of participants to consume and the sensory modifications that occur during prolonged storage via Check All That Apply (CATA) questions; and (2) to study the behavior of Listeria monocytogenes through a microbial challenge test. Sliced cured pork loins can be stored at 6 ± 1 °C for 105 days while maintaining a consumer acceptance of more than 75%. The freshness loss was associated mainly with a decrease in aromatic notes (particularly the smoke and cured aroma), and with the appearance of spoiled characteristics, specifically a sour/vinegar aroma and acidic taste that were detected by a reduced proportion of participants. The freshness evaluation was positively influenced by the typical characteristics of cured products, such as color and a garlic and wine aroma. Sour/vinegar aroma and acidic taste were the attributes most associated with higher freshness penalization. During the period of the test, Listeria monocytogenes inoculated onto the cured loin slices did not grow.

Effects of natural nitrite source from Swiss chard on quality characteristics of cured pork loin

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate quality characteristics of cured pork loin with natural nitrite source from Swiss chard.

METHODS

Pork loin was cured in the brine and the ratio of water and fermented Swiss chard (FSC) solution in the brine was changed by 4:0 (Control), 3:1 (T1), 1:1 (T2), 1:3 (T3), 0:4 (T4) and pickled samples with 0.012% nitrite (PC) and nitrite free brine (NC) were considered as the control.

RESULTS

The pH values of cured pork loins with FSC were decreased with increasing addition level of FSC. Cooking loss was not significantly different among all treatments. T4 had the lowest value in moisture content and lightness value and the highest value in curing efficiency. The redness value of T4 was not significantly different from that of PC in raw. After cooking, however, it was higher than that of PC. The yellowness value of cured pork loin added with FSC was increased with increasing level of FSC. Volatile basic nitrogen content of cured pork loin added with FSC was higher than PC and NC. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value of cured pork loin added with FSC was decreased with increasing FSC level. Residual nitrite level and shear force were increased with increasing FSC level. In the sensory evaluation, sensory score for flavor, off-flavor, hardness, chewiness, juiciness, and overall acceptability were not significantly different among all treatments. However, sensory score for color was increased when the concentration of FSC added to pork loin was increased.

CONCLUSION

Fermented Swiss chard solution had a positive effect on redness, lipid oxidation. Although there were shown in protein decomposition and sensory, Swiss chard can be replaced sodium nitrite as natural curing agent.