Comparisons between Australian consumers' and industry experts' perceptions of ideal wine and cheese combinations

Background and Aims:  Despite being a common food and beverage combination today, few scientific studies have examined ideal wine and cheese matches. The current study was designed to have Australian consumers evaluate wine and cheese combinations suggested by industry experts.
Methods and Results:  Under controlled conditions, 46 wine and cheese consumers examined the 'ideal' pairings of eight different cheese and wine styles, using a structured, 12-cm 'just right' line scale. The consumers agreed with the experts about six of the eight combinations. Red table wine was marginally more versatile than white table wine for cheese pairings. Cheddar and Gruyère were the most versatile cheeses while a white mould and blue mould were dominant over the wines. The Gewürztraminer and Sangiovese wines were most complementary to the cheeses but the Sauvignon Blanc and white dessert wine were the most difficult to match.
Conclusions:  These scientific results confirm some of the anecdotal beliefs held regarding the art of wine and food matching.
Significance of the Study:  The findings will enhance wine and food service professionals' knowledge of how wine and food sensory elements interact and transform one another, promoting better gastronomic experiences for consumers.     

The effects of copper and high sugar concentrations on growth, fermentation efficiency and volatile acidity production of different commercial wine yeast strains

The effect of high sugar concentrations or the presence of copper residues on fermentation efficiency and volatile acid (VA) production were examined for selected commercial wine yeast strains. Fermentation rate as measured by accumulated mass loss appeared to be least affected by high sugar concentrations during the first few days of fermentation for strains VIN13, WE14, N96 and RJ11. It was, however, only fermentations using VIN13, WE372, N96 and L2056 that contained less than 11 g/L fructose after 21 days. VIN13 and RJ11 produced the lowest VA in the 21^o, 25^o and 28^oBrix musts. Fermentation efficiency of six strains was also studied in must containing 0.25 mM Cu²⁺. Results indicated that strains NT50, Collection Cépage Cabernet (CC) and D80 were not significantly affected, whereas VIN13, NT112 and RJ11 contained significantly more glucose and fructose after fermentation in the must containing copper. Copper addition also increased VA production, with strains RJ11 and NT50 being the most affected.     

BDI-GS体系评价干红葡萄酒营养健康效应及 食品安全性探讨

目的通过食品BDI-GS新体系评价干型红葡萄酒的营养健康效应,探讨食品安全性问题。方法以生长期ICR小鼠为研究对象,分组给予饮用水、5%、10%和20%干红稀释液,同时均给予玉米低营养饲料,共喂食12 d。解剖并统计9项脏器组织重量、系数及其损益指数(benefit damage index,BDI)和累计积分(general score,GS),并进行血清生化指标测试。结果除胰腺以外,3组干红对其他脏器组织均显示一定的营养健康效应,突出体现在胸腺、脾脏和性腺的重量及系数BDI值明显高于1.0;累计GSW值均明显高于9.0的基本值,而累计GSI值各剂量较接近,也均高于9.0。然而,连续摄取干红可以显著升高血糖(P0.05),轻度升高血脂水平。结论干红葡萄酒对机体脏器组织的总体营养及健康效应良好,不存在明显的健康损害。同时,与普通甜型红葡萄酒相比,干红葡萄酒的营养和健康效应更佳,拥有更好的内在质量和安全性。     

The role of light,temperature and wine bottle colour on pigment enhancement in white wine

Pigmentation enhancement in a Chardonnay wine with high flavan-3-ol concentration was examined by irradiating the wine under controlled conditions. Heating the wine in darkness required temperatures in excess of 50 °C before enhanced pigmentation became apparent. It was found that ultraviolet and, to a lesser extent, low wavelength visible light contributed to pigment production. The development of pigmentation depended on wine bottle glass colour: Flint > Arctic Blue > French Green > Antique Green. This is in agreement with the transmission characteristics of the bottles with even the darkest (Antique Green) allowing the transmission of some ultraviolet light. Riboflavin, when added to the wine, degraded rapidly when exposed to radiation <400 nm. The degradation of riboflavin and the onset of colour development depended on the actual amounts as well as the ratio of riboflavin to flavan-3-ol, suggesting that a complex series of reactions are occurring. A degradation product of riboflavin may be contributing to the increase in absorbance in the visible region observed during light exposure.     

Antioxidant capacity and vasodilatory properties of Mediterranean food: The case of Cannonau wine,myrtle berries liqueur and strawberry-tree honey

The aim of this work was to use different assays to evaluate the antioxidant and vasodilatory properties of three typical food products from the Mediterranean area and to correlate these activities with their phenolic content. For this purpose, red wines Cannonau, liqueurs obtained by cold maceration of myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) berries and bitter honeys obtained from strawberry-tree flowers (Arbutus unedo L.) were analysed. The total phenolic (TP) content was measured spectrophotometrically with a modified Folin–Ciocalteau method and phenolic compounds were identified and dosed by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS. Antioxidant activities were evaluated with DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays and the in vitro vasodilatory effects were assessed using norepinephrine precontracted rat aortic rings. Cannonau wines and myrtle liqueurs showed high levels of TP (1978 ± 279 and 1741 ± 150 mg GAE/L, respectively), linearly correlated to the results of FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays. Their maximal vasodilatory activity was 61.7 ± 4.1% and 53.0 ± 3.0%, respectively. Although strawberry-tree honey contained relatively high levels of phenolic compounds (922 ± 38 mg GAE/kg), it did not induce vasodilation, even at the highest dose tested (0.206 g/L). These results indicate that foods with high levels of phenolic compounds should be studied using several different biological assays before being recommended to the general public as functional foods.     

The effect of multiple yeasts co-inoculations on Sauvignon Blanc wine aroma composition,sensory properties and consumer preference

Consumer acceptance testing has been only recently applied in wine research, to assess wine sensory attributes that affect hedonic liking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Saccharomyces yeast co-inoculations on wine volatile composition and sensory profiles, and to determine if differences were sufficient enough to affect consumer acceptance. Fermentations were conducted using two- and three-yeast co-inoculations, and single strains. Yeast inocula differed substantially in volatile thiols and other flavour compounds, and in their sensory properties. Wines from four yeast inocula which showed large sensory differences were subjected to consumer testing by 120 consumers, with differences in overall liking found. Four clusters of consumers were identified, with one group strongly preferring the two-yeast co-inoculated wine with an intermediate sensory profile, while another group favoured the wine made using the three-yeast co-inoculation. This study has demonstrated that the yeast inoculum used to conduct fermentation affects consumer acceptance.     

The consumer’s perception of artificial food additives: Influences on acceptance,risk and benefit perceptions

Food additives, such as food colours or sweeteners, play an important part in food supply. For a variety of reasons, some consumers might regard the use of food additives, especially artificial ones, with suspicion; food additives are considered unnatural, unhealthy or even a public health risk. The goal of this study was to investigate consumers’ perceptions and the most essential variables related to the acceptance of food additives. Two versions of a paper-and-pencil questionnaire, one investigating artificial food colours and the other investigating artificial sweeteners, were distributed to a large sample of Swiss German households. The final samples for artificial food colours and artificial sweeteners comprised 506 and 487 participants respectively. The questionnaires contained items on consumers’ acceptance, risk and benefit perception, trust in regulators, knowledge of regulation and their preference for natural products. The relationships between variables were investigated in a path model, which was constructed based on a review of previous literature. The path coefficients suggested that risk and benefit perceptions significantly influence the acceptance of the two selected food additives. The risk and benefit perceptions were influenced by consumers’ knowledge of regulation, their trust in regulators, and their preference for natural products. In the discussion, the study’s findings are examined in terms of their implications for further research and for the development of concrete communication materials.     

我国食品理化实验室专业技术人员的食品安全知信行调查及影响因素分析

目的 了解我国食品理化实验室专业技术人员食品安全知识、态度、行为现状,探讨其影响因素。方法 对我国15个省的省级、市级、区（县）级部门下属食品理化实验室及第三方机构、企业等非政府机构食品理化实验室的专业技术人员开展食品安全知识、态度、行为问卷调查,并对调查结果进行统计分析。结果 共回收有效问卷1339份。除性别对态度得分无显著影响,文化程度、就职年限等对行为无显著影响外,年龄、实验室类型、所在区域和最近一次接受培训时间等均是影响食品理化检验人员食品安全知识、态度、行为得分的因素,且知识、态度和行为得分存在正相关关系。结论 尽管存在满分问卷,但食品理化实验室专业技术人员KAP平均得分仅略高于及格水平。需要关注重点人群,如年龄25岁以下、就职年限2年以下或大专及以下学历的专业技术人员等食品安全知识水平的提升、态度的端正和行为的规范。     

The influence of product preparation,familiarity and individual traits on the consumer acceptance of insects as food

Insects are highly valued as food in many cultures but have only recently gained interest in the West as a sustainable alternative to reduce the environmental impact of meat production. Despite the growing consumer interest in insect consumption, there is still a great disparity between curious trying and actual acceptance. The aim of this study was to examine how the product preparation, familiarity and individual traits (e.g. food neophobia) influence the consumer acceptance of insects as food. Dutch consumers (n = 976) evaluated 8 mealworm product images on 4 acceptability measures (product appropriateness, expected sensory-liking, willingness to buy, willingness to try). Product images varied according to mealworm visibility (visible/invisible), carrier flavour (savoury/sweet) and carrier origin (Western/Asian). High product acceptability was not simply achieved by adding mealworms to familiar foods. Acceptability depended very much on the perceived appropriateness of mealworms as food and the perceived appropriateness of the product combination. However, mealworm products were always expected to be inferior to the carrier products, even when visually identical. Familiarity with mealworms and individual traits played a relatively minor role, and influenced the willingness to try more than the other acceptability measures. We conclude that appropriate product design is important but insufficient to achieve consumer acceptance of insects as food in the West. Additional incentives are required to encourage acceptance beyond the mere willingness to try. We discuss the complexities underlying the consumer acceptance of insects as food and reflect on how acceptance might be increased in the future.     

Effects of area,year and climatic factors on Barbera wine characteristics studied by the combination of 1H-NMR metabolomics and chemometrics

Barbera is one of the most common red grape in Italy, found in almost every region of the country. The widespread market of the corresponding wine deserves studies on its traceability and authenticity. To this end, the ¹H-NMR database of several wine metabolites was built using spectra recorded in a wine-like matrix containing ethanol and tartaric acid with pH precisely adjusted. The combination of ¹H-NMR metabolomics study and chemometrics (multivariate data analysis) is able to discriminate between samples of such a wine produced in three different areas of Piedmont. The influence of climatic factors on the wine characteristics has also been studied.     

Influence of Dekkera bruxellensis on the contents of anthocyanins,organic acids and volatile phenols of Dão red wine

The anthocyanin, organic acid and volatile phenol compositions of red wine obtained from Touriga Nacional grapes growing in the Dão region (Portugal) were determined by HPLC/DAD, HPLC/UV and GC/FID, respectively. By these means, nine anthocyanic compounds (malvidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, malvidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin, cyanidin, pelargonidin and malvidin), six organic acids (ketoglutaric, tartaric, malic, quinic, lactic and shikimic acids) and two volatile phenols (4-ethylguaiacol and 4-ethylphenol) were identified and quantified. Malvidin-3-O-glucoside, the pair lactic plus shikimic acids and 4-ethylguaiacol were the main anthocyanin, organic acids and volatile phenol, respectively. The effects of nine different Dekkera bruxellensis strains on these chemical parameters were also evaluated. The results obtained indicate that some strains of D. bruxellensis yeast are able to cause deterioration of red wine from the Dão region during its maturation by the production of volatile phenols, namely 4-ethylphenol.     

Comparative studies on the antioxidant properties and polyphenolic content of wine from different growing regions and vintages,a pilot study to investigate chemical markers for climate change

Many health benefits of wine result from specific polyphenolic compounds. Factors such as climate, CO₂ levels and region are known to affect polyphenolic compounds in wine; therefore a pilot study was conducted to focus on the Australian climate which has shifted from El Niño to La Niña. This research paper presents the influence of climate conditions and growing regions on the in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant capacity of red and white wine and the profile and concentration of polyphenols in these wines from the 2008 and 2009 vintages. The ORAC and polyphenolic data show that warmer climate wines had lower in vitro antioxidant capacity values but retained good bioavailability based on data from the RBC ex vivo assay compared to cool climate wines. Based on this pilot study, further research is being conducted at the National Measurement Institute, Australia (NMIA) with the goal of determining more polyphenolic compounds which appear to be affected by climate conditions.     

Efficacy of various plant hydrosols as natural food sanitizers in reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium on fresh cut carrots and apples

In the present study, inhibitory effects of the hydrosols of thyme, black cumin, sage, rosemary and bay leaf were investigated against Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated to apple and carrots (at the ratio of 5.81 and 5.81 log cfu/g for S. Typhimurium, and 5.90 and 5.70 log cfu/g for E. coli O157:H7 on to apple and carrot, respectively). After the inoculation of S. Typhimurium or E. coli O157:H7, shredded apple and carrot samples were washed with the hydrosols and sterile tap water (as control) for 0, 20, 40 and 60 min. While the sterile tap water was ineffective in reducing (P > 0.05) S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7, 20 min hydrosol treatment caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction compared to the control group. On the other hand, thyme and rosemary hydrosol treatments for 20 min produced a reduction of 1.42 and 1.33 log cfu/g respectively in the E. coli O157:H7 population on apples. Additional reductions were not always observed with increasing treatment time. Moreover, thyme hydrosol showed the highest antibacterial effect on both S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 counts. Inhibitory effect of thyme hydrosol on S. Typhimurium was higher than that for E. coli O157:H7. Bay leaf hydrosol treatments for 60 min reduced significantly (P < 0.05) E. coli O157:H7 population on apple and carrot samples. In conclusion, it was shown that plant hydrosols, especially thyme hydrosol, could be used as a convenient sanitizing agent during the washing of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.     

The impact of closures, including screw cap with three different headspace volumes, on the composition, colour and sensory properties of a Cabernet Sauvignon wine during two years' storage

This paper presents the results from an investigation to assess the development of a Cabernet Sauvignon wine bottled with different closures including a screw cap (ROTE, roll-on-tamper-evident) and different ullage volumes (4, 16 and 64 mL of air). The wines were filled manually, sealed using commercial equipment and stored under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The concentration of free and total SO₂, and phenolic compounds including anthocyanins, selected pigments, pigmented polymers and tannins, and colour measurements using spectral and CIELAB methods, have been determined in the wines over a two-year storage period. In addition, sensory analysis of the aroma and palate properties of the wines was performed after 6, 9, 11, 18 and 24 months' storage. The wines sealed under the screw cap with either 4 or 64 mL ullage volumes were clearly different from each other and the other treatments in the study, and these differences were seen within the first year after bottling. The wines bottled under the more commercially relevant conditions, screw cap with 16 mL headspace, synthetic closure or natural bark closure, were more similar in both composition and sensory characters, although subtle differences between different closures were evident. 'Rubbery' and 'struck flint' like aromas (generically termed reduced aroma) were detected in some of the wines in the study but were not a large or dominating character. The scores for this character were highest in the wine sealed under the screw cap with the smallest ullage volume.     

Effects of food additives on biogenic amine formation in Myeolchi-jeot, a salted and fermented anchovy (Engraulis japonicus)

This study was carried out to reduce biogenic amine contents in Myeolchi-jeot, a salted and fermented anchovy (Engraulis japonicus). The effects of various food additives on biogenic amine formation were determined by HPLC. The greatest inhibitory effect on biogenic amine production was observed in the culture treated with glycine. In the culture, the contents of putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine and spermidine were reduced by 32.6%, 78.4%, 93.2%, 100.0% and 100.0%, respectively, compared to control. The other additives tested had less effect in inhibiting biogenic amine production. Out of food additives tested, glycine was finally applied to the ripening of Myeolchi-jeotin situ, and then overall production of biogenic amines was reduced by up to 63.0% and 73.4%, compared to controls prepared with no and 20% NaCl, respectively. Therefore, it is expected that the findings of this study enhance the safety of not only Myeolchi-jeot but other salted and/or fermented seafood.     

The effects of X-ray radiation on Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Shigella flexneri inoculated on whole Roma tomatoes

In the last two decades several foodborne disease outbreaks associated with produce were reported. Tomatoes, in particular, have been associated with several multi-state Salmonella outbreaks. Inactivation of inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Shigella flexneri on whole Roma tomato surfaces by X-ray at 0.1, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 kGy was studied. The main purpose of this study was to achieve a 5 log reduction in consistent with the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods. Moreover, the effect of X-ray on inherent microflora (mesophilic counts, psychrotrophic counts and yeast and mold counts) of untreated and treated Roma tomatoes, during storage at ambient temperature (22 °C) for 20 days was also determined. Mixtures of three or two strains of each tested organism was spot inoculated (100 μl) onto the surface of Roma tomatoes (approximately 7–9 log per tomato), separately, and air-dried, followed by treatment with X-ray doses at 22 °C and 55–60% relative humidity. Surviving bacterial populations on tomato surfaces were evaluated using a nonselective medium (tryptic soy agar) with a selective medium overlay for each bacteria; E. coli O157:H7 (CT-SMAC agar), L. monocytogenes (MOA), and S. enterica and S. flexneri (XLD). Treatment with X-ray significantly reduced the population of the tested pathogens on whole Roma tomato surfaces, compared with the control. Approximately 4.2, 2.3, 3.7 and 3.6 log CFU reduction of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, S. enterica and S. flexneri per tomato were achieved by treatment with 0.75 kGy X-ray, respectively. More than a 5 log CFU reduction per tomato was achieved at 1.0 or 1.5 kGy X-ray for all tested pathogens. Furthermore, treatment with X-ray significantly reduced the inherent microflora on Roma tomatoes. Inherent levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the control sample throughout storage for 20 days.     

Effects of X-ray radiation on Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Shigella flexneri inoculated on shredded iceberg lettuce

The main goal of this investigation was to study the efficacy of X-ray doses (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kGy) on inoculated Escherichia coli O157: H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Shigella flexneri on shredded iceberg lettuce. The second goal was to study the effect of X-ray on the inherent microflora counts and visual color of shredded iceberg lettuce during storage at 4 °C for 30 days. Treatment with 1.0 kGy X-ray significantly reduced the population of E. coli O157: H7, L. monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and S. flexneri on shredded iceberg lettuce by 4.4, 4.1, 4.8 and 4.4-log CFU 5 cm⁻², respectively. Furthermore, more than a 5 log CFU reduction of E. coli O157: H7, L. monocytogenes, S. enterica and S. flexneri was achieved with 2.0 kGy X-ray. Treatment with X-ray reduced the initial microflora on iceberg lettuce and kept them significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the control during storage at 4 °C and 90% RH for 30 days. Treatment with X-ray did not significantly (p > 0.05) change the green color of iceberg lettuce leaves. Treatment with X-ray significantly reduced selected pathogens and inherent microorganisms on shredded iceberg lettuce leaves, which could be a good alternative to other technologies for produce (lettuce) industry.     

The prevalence of Listeria, Salmonella, Escherichia coli and E. coli O157:H7 on bison carcasses during processing

Bison meat is a relatively new, emerging meat species gaining increased popularity in the US and European meat markets, but little is known of its microflora or pathogens that may be present. This study was carried out to determine the incidence of the foodborne pathogens Listeria, Salmonella, Escherichia coli/E. coli O157:H7 on slaughtered bison and to evaluate the bison slaughter process. Bison carcass sampling was carried out at monthly intervals over a period of 1 year at a Bison processing facility in the Midwestern United States. A total of 355 Bison carcasses were sampled by surface swabbing the carcasses at five points on the production line: pre-dehiding, post-evisceration, post-USDA inspection, post-washing and 24 h chilled carcass. Overall, the prevalence of Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 was 18.3%, 3.94%, 38.3% and 1.13%, respectively. The prevalence of Listeria spp. at each sampling point tested was 42.24%, 18.1%, 6.03%, 1.72% and 3.77% while the prevalence of E. coli at each sampling point was: 88.79%, 73.28%, 52.59%, 56.89% and 11.3%, respectively. The data obtained suggests that current antimicrobial intervention strategies used at the plant are relatively effective in reducing Listeria and E. coli contamination on bison carcasses to some extent, however further study is required to determine the influence of current slaughter practices on carcass contamination. The data reported in this study to the authors’ knowledge is some of the first information reporting on the bacteriological status of Bison, and provides some useful baseline information for future research.     

The influence of product attributes, consumer attitudes and characteristics on the acceptance of: (1) Novel bread and milk, and dietary supplements and (2) fish and novel meats as dietary vehicles of long chain omega 3 fatty acids

Two conjoint studies were undertaken in the USA on relative preferences for sources and food vehicles for long chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCO3FA). Study 1 (n = 202) investigated consumer acceptance of the source of LCO3FA (fish oil, algal oil and novel oilseed) in the most popular, well established vehicle foods (bread, milk and supplements). Study 2 (n = 211) investigated consumer acceptance of the source of LCO3FA (fishmeal, novel oilseed and fish oil) used to enrich the diet of animals for meat production (beef, chicken, pork and fish). Product concepts were varied by base product (vehicle); source of LCO3FA; information source; health claim and additional cost.These samples of US consumers reported preferences for novel (genetically modified, GM) oilseed incorporated into enriched foods (i.e., bread, milk and supplements) and also for meats above fish and fish oil as sources of LCO3FA and vehicles for consumption. Overall conjoint analysis revealed a general positive relative utility (worth or value) for novel oilseeds which were related to neutral or positive attitudes towards GM.Generally, the acceptance of enriched foods was dependent on the type of the base food and the cost of fish, with bread preferred over milk and supplements. Similarly, for meat, base (vehicle) product was significantly the most important driver of preference, with about 80% of the sample expressing highest preferences for chicken, fed oilseed (as a source of LCO3FA). However, cost was not an important driver of acceptance of meat alternatives.Further, knowledge that the novel oilseed was derived from a GM source did not impact on the acceptance of food alternatives. Thus, incorporating GM oilseeds rich in LCO3FA into animal feed, particularly for chicken and beef, and for enriching bread was found to be acceptable amongst the majority. These two studies suggest the existence of a potential demand for novel ‘non-fish’ source of LCO3FA, providing potential health benefits not currently realised.     

The influence of seasonal temperatures on meat quality characteristics of hot-boned, m. psoas major and minor, from goats and sheep

Samples of psoas major and minor muscles were randomly collected weekly from 203 (99 hot and 104 cool seasons) Omani goats, 215 (106 hot and 109 cool seasons) Omani sheep, 212 (104 hot and 108 cool seasons) Somali goats, 242 (127 hot and 115 cool seasons) Somali sheep and 211 (110 hot and 101 cool seasons) Australian Merino sheep slaughtered at the Central Slaughterhouse in Oman to investigate the effect of season on meat quality. The collection period was during November 2004–October 2005 and divided into two seasons according to ambient temperatures and relative humidity. These were termed: cool season (average temperature of 21 °C and 59% relative humidity and hot season (average temperature of 35 °C and 47% relative humidity). Muscles collected during the hot season had significantly (P < 0.05) higher ultimate pH values (5.78) than those collected during the cool season (5.65). Myofibrillar fragmentation index was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for hot season samples (86.88%) than for cool season samples (85.59%). Expressed juice was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for cool season samples (36.84) than for hot season samples (35.74). Goat meat from the hot seasonal group was significantly (P < 0.05) darker than the cold season group based on L* (37.6 vs. 39.6), a* (20.0 vs. 23.3) and b* (3.6 vs. 4.2) colour measurements. These results indicated that high ambient temperatures had caused an increase in muscle ultimate pH leading to significant effects on meat quality.