Use of carbon monoxide combined with carbon dioxide for modified atmosphere packaging of pre- and postrigor fresh pork sausage to improve shelf life

Fresh pre- and postrigor pork sausage patties were manufactured in the Iowa State University Meat Laboratory and packaged either in modified atmosphere (MAP) with 0.4% carbon monoxide (CO) and 99.6% carbon dioxide (CO2) or on foam trays overwrapped with oxygen-permeable film (OW). Packages were stored at 2 to 40C under fluorescent lights for up to 31 days. Aerobic, anaerobic, and psychrotrophic plate counts, raw and cooked color, purge, and lipid oxidation were measured during storage. Results indicated that both pork sausage products in MAP had lower aerobic and psychrotrophic counts and less lipid oxidation throughout storage (P < 0.05). Raw color of both products in MAP was redder than the OW patties (P < 0.05), but the prerigor pork sausage in MAP benefited more from the CO atmosphere in terms of raw color than the postrigor pork sausage in MAP. Cooked color of the prerigor pork sausage in MAP was significantly redder than cooked color of the postrigor pork sausage. Both pork sausage products in MAP were also lighter (L* value) than the OW patties for raw and cooked color. Therefore, the combination of CO and CO2 in MAP was beneficial in extending the shelf life of pre-and postrigor fresh pork sausage by reducing aerobic and psychrotrophic microbial growth and improving oxidative stability and color, compared to conventional OW packaging. However, increased purge, increased anaerobic growth, and changes in cooking behavior were also observed for the products in MAP during storage (P < 0.05).     

SODIUM LACTATE EFFECTS ON THE STABILITY OF FRESH AND CURED PORK LONGISSIMUS

Boneless pork loins sliced into 1.9 cm fresh chops were dipped to retain 0, 1.5 or 3% sodium lactate (SL) and packaged in polyvinylchloride (PVC) or vacuum-packaged (VP), Color of fresh chops was monitored visually and objectively. Boneless pork loins were cured by injection with 0, 1.5 or 3% SL, or were dipped after slicing to retain 0, 1.5 or 3% SL. Cure for the dipped loins contained no SL. Color and aerobic plate count (APC) of vacuum-packaged chops were evaluated over 70 days of retail storage (4C). Visual color was darker (P < 0.05) and L* values were lower (P < 0.05) for 3% SL-dipped fresh chops. Fresh chops containing 1.5 and 3% SL had higher a* values than controls. Surface discoloration of 3% SL fresh chops was lower (P < 0.05) than control chops. Cured injected chops (3% SL) had lower (P < 0.05) L* values than dipped chops or injected controls. L*, a* and b* values of cured dipped chops (3% SL) were not different (P > 0.05) from controls. No consistent trends were found in APC of cured chops. Injection of SL prior to cooking darkened the color of cured pork loin chops.     

Effect of carbon monoxide and high oxygen modified atmosphere packaging and phosphate enhanced, case-ready pork chops

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of CO-MAP compared to traditional high oxygen MAP (HiOx-MAP) packaging and enhanced with different phosphate on enhanced pork quality. Pork loins were enhanced to 10.5% over initial weight to contain 0.3% salt and 0.4% phosphate (either sodium tripolyphosphate [STP] or a blend of STP and sodium hexametaphosphate) on a finished weight basis. Chops were cut, packaged in atmospheres containing 0.4% CO/30.0% CO₂/69.6% N₂ (CO-MAP) or 80% O₂/20% CO₂ (HiOx-MAP), aged in the dark, then placed in a lighted retail display case for 48 h. Chops packaged in CO-MAP were redder (higher Minolta a^* values) and darker (lower Minolta b^* values) than chops packaged in HiOx-MAP. Based on sensory scores, the CO-MAP chops were pinker than the HiOx chops after cooking. CO-MAP chops also experienced less purge loss than chops in HiOx-MAP. Results indicate that CO-MAP had no effect on flavor or consumer acceptability and only minimal effects on other characteristics.     

Effects of Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Acetate, Phosphates and Sodium Chloride Alone or in Combination on Shelf Life of Vacuum-Packaged Pork Chops

Microbiological and some physical and chemical effects of treating pork chop surfaces with sodium acid pyrophosphate, a commercial phosphate blend, potassium sorbate and phosphate/sorbate/sodium acetate solutions, with or without sodium chloride, before packaging were studied in pork chops vacuum-packaged and stored at 2–4°C for 10 weeks. All treatments containing potassium sorbate reduced (P<0.05) counts of mesophiles, psychrotrophs, EnterobacteriaCeae, facultative anaerobes, and lactobacilli. Treatment of chops with 10% phosphates/ 10% potassium sorbate solutions improved pork color and decreased purge. Potassium sorbate alone reduced microbial counts more than it did when combined with phosphates, but chops were darker and had more exudate (P<0.05). Combined use of 10% phosphates/10% potassium sorbate extended shelf life in vacuum-packaged fresh pork chops to 10 weeks at 2–4°C compared with 4 weeks for untreated pork and protected meat color.     

ENHANCEMENT SOLUTION EFFECTS ON SHELF-LIFE, COLOR AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF PORK CHOPS DURING RETAIL DISPLAY

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate shelf-life, color and sensory characteristics of pork chops from loin sections (n = 12/treatment) injected (110% original weight) with a potassium lactate/potassium acetate solution (2 %) + phosphate (0.35%)/salt (0.35%), compared with those injected with sodium lactate (3%) + phosphate/salt, or phosphate/salt alone, to control loins. After 96 h of display, aerobic plate counts (CFU/cm²) were significantly lower (P<0.05) for chops enhanced with the lactate + acetate combination than for the other treatments. Hue angle (tan^-1 b*/a*) of lactate + acetate enhanced chops was lower (P<0.05) than all other treatments at 96 h indicating that red color did not deteriorate as rapidly as in control, phosphate + salt- and lactate-injected chops. Sensory data suggest that lactate + acetate and lactate-injected chops were juicier, more tender, and less bitter than the noninjected chops. A difference in enhancement solution retention may partially explain differences in plate counts and sensory characteristics.     

Retail Shelf-Life of Pork Dipped in Organic Acid before Modified Atmosphere or Vacuum Packaging

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is increasingly popular for meat, but raw, chilled pork in vacuum or anoxic environments has a purple color. The retail shelf‐life of pork chops dipped in 500 ppm ascorbic acid, 250 ppm citric acid, or no acid dip and stored at 1 °C before simulated retail display in MAP with gas exchange or air‐permeable packaging after vacuum pouch storage was determined. The 80% N₂:20% CO₂ in MAP was exchanged with 80% O₂:20% CO₂, and chops were removed from vacuum packages and overwrapped with permeable film (VP‐PVC) on the 7th day before simulated retail display at 4 °C. Shelf‐life traits were determined at 1, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14 d postpackaging. The pH values changed with time, but returned to post‐dipped, prepackaged levels at the end of simulated retail storage. Weight loss of chops increased (P < 0.05) in VP‐PVC compared with MAP. The a* values increased (P < 0.05) and L* and b* values decreased during simulated retail display, with higher L*, a*, and b* color values for chops in MAP than VP‐PVC. Log numbers of psychrotrophic microorganisms were higher (P < 0.05) on VP‐PVC samples than for chops in MAP on days 12 and 14. Psychrotrophic counts on ascorbic acid‐treated samples were decreased compared with citric acid or no dipping on pork during simulated retail display. Pork chops in MAP with gas exchange had lighter and redder color, increased weight retention, decreased psychrotrophic counts, and increased lipid oxidation compared with conventional vacuum and overwrap packaging systems.     

Effects of lactic and acetic acid salts on quality characteristics of enhanced pork during retail display

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory and physical characteristics of pork chops from loins enhanced to 110% of original weight with either (1) potassium lactate, potassium diacetate, phosphate and salt, (2) sodium lactate, phosphate and salt, (3) potassium lactate, phosphate and salt, (4) sodium acetate, phosphate and salt, or (5) phosphate and salt. A trained sensory panel evaluated pork flavor, saltiness, bitterness, soapy flavor, acid flavor, juiciness and tenderness of cooked chops. Visual color of raw chops was also evaluated. After 96 h in display, chops enhanced with lactate/diacetate had significantly lower (P<0.01) aerobic plate counts than control (unpumped) chops, or those pumped with other solutions. Lactate/diacetate-enhanced chops maintained higher a* and b* values during display, and had less visual discoloration after 96 h display. Chops pumped with lactate, acetate or the lactate/diacetate mixture were more tender and juicy, and had more pork flavor than controls or those pumped with phosphate/salt only. There appears to be a significant advantage to using a lactate/diacetate enhancement solution over either lactate or acetate alone.     

Effect of carbon monoxide and high oxygen modified atmosphere packaging and phosphate enhanced,case-ready pork chops

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of CO-MAP compared to traditional high oxygen MAP (HiOx-MAP) packaging and enhanced with different phosphate on enhanced pork quality. Pork loins were enhanced to 10.5% over initial weight to contain 0.3% salt and 0.4% phosphate (either sodium tripolyphosphate [STP] or a blend of STP and sodium hexametaphosphate) on a finished weight basis. Chops were cut, packaged in atmospheres containing 0.4% CO/30.0% CO₂/69.6% N₂ (CO-MAP) or 80% O₂/20% CO₂ (HiOx-MAP), aged in the dark, then placed in a lighted retail display case for 48 h. Chops packaged in CO-MAP were redder (higher Minolta a¹ values) and darker (lower Minolta b¹ values) than chops packaged in HiOx-MAP. Based on sensory scores, the CO-MAP chops were pinker than the HiOx chops after cooking. CO-MAP chops also experienced less purge loss than chops in HiOx-MAP. Results indicate that CO-MAP had no effect on flavor or consumer acceptability and only minimal effects on other characteristics.     

Color and Oxidative Rancidity of Gamma and Electron Beam-Irradiated Boneless Pork Chops

Color and oxidative rancidity were determined for chilled (3 ± 2°C) and frozen (?17 ± 3°C) boneless pork chops packaged in vacuum or air and irradiated to an absorbed dose of 0, 1.5 or 2.5 kGy (chilled) or 0, 2.5 or 3.85 kGy (frozen) of electron beam or cobalt⁶⁰ irradiation. Irradiation of vacuum-packaged chops produced redder, more stable (color and rancidity) product. More pronounced oxidative rancidity and less stable display color were noted for samples irradiated in aerobic packaging. Irradiation source had varying but limited effects on color and rancidity. Optimum packaging conditions can control color and rancidity changes in boneless chops, thereby enabling irradiation to be a useful intervention technology.     

Benchmarking value in the pork supply chain: Characterization of US pork in the retail marketplace

Retail pork from eight US cities was obtained for quality and palatability evaluations. Boneless pork loin chops were classified into one of three quality categories - "high," "average," or "low" - with higher quality chops possessing more desirable color, marbling, juiciness, and shear force characteristics than lower quality chops. Loin chops that were enhanced (injected with solution to improve juiciness and/or tenderness) had higher (P<0.05) pH, less purge and cook loss, and higher palatability ratings compared to non-enhanced chops. Hams compared by their protein fat free (PFF) classifications showed that ham and water product received the highest (P<0.05) ratings for juiciness and tenderness, and ham with natural juices received the highest (P<0.05) texture, ham flavor intensity, and smoke flavor ratings. Bacon was compared by price/brand categories; however, the highest priced, national branded bacon (US$12.03/kg) was similar (P>0.05) for most quality and all palatability traits to the lowest priced, national branded bacon (US$6.47/kg) and the store branded bacon (US$8.30/kg) even though retail prices differed widely. Overall, there were tremendous ranges in values for these products indicating that retail pork is quite variable and that efforts to improve the quality and consistency of it must continue.     

HALOTHANE-GENOTYPE AND DURATION OF REFRIGERATED STORAGE EFFECTS ON THE QUALITY OF VACUUM-PACKAGED PORK LOINS

Loins (n=72) from halothane negative (NN) and carrier (Nn) pigs were vacuum-packaged and stored for 0, 3, or 6 weeks at 2C. Samples from Nn pigs had more (P<0.001) purge loss than NN-loins after 3 and 6 weeks of storage. Color scores for chops of Nn pigs were lower (P<0.001) than for the NN animals after 0 and 3 weeks; but after 6 weeks of storage, chops from Nn and NN pigs received similar American color scores. Chops from Nn pigs were lighter (P<0.001) and less (P<0.001) red than chops from the NN animals; however, L* values of chops from Nn pigs decreased, and a* values increased, from 0 to 3 weeks of storage. Although initial quality traits of chops from Nn pigs were inferior to those of NN, pork color of Nn-pigs appeared to be improved with extended storage.     

Effects of microbial inhibitors and modified atmosphere packaging on growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium and on quality attributes of injected pork chops and sliced cured ham

This study was designed to determine the inhibitory effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), both alone and in combination with potassium lactate and sodium diacetate (PLSD), on selected pathogens common to pork products. Effects of the treatments on product quality also were assessed. The hypothesis was that high-CO2 MAP would increase the effectiveness of PLSD for inhibition of pork pathogens. Fresh chops from untreated pork loins and loins that were injected with PLSD were inoculated with Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, and slices of untreated hams and hams that were injected with PLSD were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes. The samples were subjected to vacuum packaging (VP) or MAP with high concentrations (99.5 to 100%) of CO2. Pathogens were enumerated periodically during storage at 4 and 10 degrees C. Storage of pork chops at 4 degrees C slowed the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium, and there was little difference in pathogen numbers between VP and MAP samples. L. monocytogenes growth on ham slices at 4 degrees C was inhibited for up to 28 days by all of the treatments, but after 28 days, the VP-PLSD treatment had a greater inhibitory effect than did the other treatments. At 10 degrees C, the PLSD and MAP treatments each effectively inhibited the growth of the pathogens on pork chops and ham slices when compared with controls (VP). However, the results obtained with MAP plus PLSD at 10 degrees C were not different from those obtained with either MAP or PLSD alone. Therefore, the hypothesis was not supported; the high-CO2 atmosphere of the MAP did not increase the effectiveness of PLSD for inhibition of pathogens.     

Microbiological effects of acid decontamination of pork carcasses at various locations in processing

The microbiological effect of hot (55° C), 1% (v/v) lactic acid sprayed on the surface of pork carcasses (n = 36) immediately after dehairing, after evisceration (immediately before chilling) or at both locations in slaughter/ processing was determined. Mean aerobic plate counts (APCs) of all acid-treated carcass surfaces were numerically lower than those of control carcasses: however, in most cases these reductions were not statistically significant (P>0·05). All samples tested for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria were negative. No significant differences in sensory characteristics or microbiological counts were evident for acid-treated and control carcass loins that were vacuum packaged and stored 0–14 days post-fabrication. Mean pH value and scores of sensory attributes such as lean color, surface discoloration, fat color, overall appearance and off-odor of chops from acid-treated carcasses were not significantly and/or consistently different from chops of comparable control carcasses. The role of bacterial attachment to pork skin and its effect on the decontaminating efficiency of lactic acid are discussed.     

Effects of distribution packaging method and storage time on the physical properties and retail display characteristics of pork

The sensory characteristics of pork chops from bone-in loins and Boston butts (n = 65 each) were affected little by primal loin and the butt packaging method (paper wrap, vacuum pack and gas flush) and storage time (7, 10 and 14 days) under industry conditions. However, loin chops fabricated from vacuum-packaged loins after 14 days of storage had less (P < 0·05) discoloration and two-toning than chops fabricated from other loins. All loin chops were placed in retail display and overwrapped with a polyvinyl chloride film after fabrication at each storage time. Vacuum-packed butts stored for 10 and 14 days produced chops with less discoloration and two-toning, and higher overall appearance scores (P < 0·05) compared to chops from paper-wrapped or gas-flushed cuts. Vacuum-packaging resulted in higher quality retail cuts than paper-wrapped or gas-flushed packaging. Thus, it is recommended that the pork industry and retail distribution system utilize vacuum-packaging as the primary method to store and ship fresh pork before retail sale.     

Influence of dietary inclusion level of manganese on pork quality during retail display

Boneless pork loins (n = 112) were used to test the influence of dietary manganese (Mn) inclusion level on pork quality traits during retail display. Crossbred barrows and gilts were fed diets formulated with 0, 20, 40, 80, 160, or 320 ppm Mn from Availa^®Mn (AvMn; a Mn–amino acid complex) from 23.8 to 106.8 kg live weight. At approximately 48 h postmortem, boneless pork loins were fabricated into longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LM) chops, which were subsequently placed in open-topped, coffin-chest display cases (2.6 °C) under continuous warm-white, fluorescent lighting (1600 lx) for 7 days. Dietary Mn level had no effect on LM pH (P = 0.47), purge volume (P = 0.60) and loss (P = 0.53), or moisture loss (P = 0.95) during retail display. Chops from pigs fed 80 ppm Mn received higher (P < 0.05) American and Japanese color scores than pigs fed 0 and 40 ppm Mn. Even though the LM from pigs fed 80, 160, and 320 ppm Mn tended to be darker (lower L^* values; P = 0.07) than chops from pigs fed 40 ppm Mn, a^* (redness) and b^* (yellowness) values, as well as hue angle and chroma, were not (P  0.19) affected by dietary Mn. On days 0 and 1, the reflectance ratio of 630 nm/580 nm was similar (P > 0.05) among dietary Mn supplementation levels; yet, by day 4 of retail display, chops from pigs fed 80 ppm Mn had higher (P < 0.05) reflectance ratios than chops from pigs fed 0, 20, 40, and 160 ppm, whereas LM chops from pigs fed 40 ppm Mn had lower (P < 0.05) reflectance ratios than all other dietary treatments on day 7 (Mn supplementation level × display day; P = 0.04). Although TBARS were greater (P < 0.001) on day 7 than 0 of retail display, TBARS values did not (P = 0.43) differ among dietary Mn levels. Results indicate that supplementing swine diets with 80 ppm Mn may improve pork color during retail display without increasing the likelihood of lipid oxidation.     

Effect of irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging on the microbiological and sensory quality of pork stored at refrigeration temperatures

The effect of combining low-dose irradiation (1.75 kGy) with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the microbiological and sensory quality of pork chops stored at refrigeration temperatures was studied. The microflora of irradiated MAP pork was almost exclusively composed of lactic acid bacteria, predominantly Lactobacillus spp. Modified atmospheres containing either 25 or 50% CO₂, balance N₂, resulted in the best microbial control in irradiated pork held at 4°C, compared to an unirradiated MAP control, and these atmospheres were subsequently used in sensory studies. The atmosphere containing 25% CO₂ 75% N₂ maintained the uncooked colour and odour of irradiated pork chops more effectively than 50% CO₂ 50% N₂. Therefore packaging in a modified atmosphere containing 25% CO₂, balance N₂, followed by irradiation to a dose of 1.75 kGy is recommended to improve the microbiological and sensory quality of pork chops.     

Physicochemical and Sensory Qualities of Fresh Pork Chops as Affected by Phosphate, Ascorbate or Sorbate Dipping Prior to Irradiation

Fresh pork chops were dipped for a target absorption of 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), 550 ppm sodium ascorbate (SA), or 0.1% potassium sorbate (PS) prior to irradiation (1.0 kGy). Untreated pork chops, both irradiated and unirradiated, were used as controls. Dipping with STPP decreased drip loss and improved color and lipid stability of irradiated chops and resulted in better tenderness and juiciness scores than undipped, irradiated samples. Also, STPP treated chops had similar or better physicochemical and sensory properties than untreated (no irradiation, no dipping) controls. Dipping with SA or PS had little effect compared with STPP, but improved some sensory qualities.     

EFFECTS OF INJECTION OF A DILUTE PHOSPHATE-SALT SOLUTION ON PORK CHARACTERISTICS FROM PSE, NORMAL AND DFD CARCASSES

Phosphate-salt pump effects were evaluated on sensory characteristics of pale, soft, exudative (PSE) pork, normal and dark, firm and dry (DFD) pork. Water-holding capacity, instrumental color (L*, a*, b*), pH, and muscle color scores were determined at 24 h postmortem on pork loin pairs (n=21 pairs). Based on color score, paired loins were assigned to PSE, normal or dark, firm, dry groups. PSE muscles were lighter, redder and more yellow than normal or DFD muscles; hue angle indicated that DFD muscles were actually closer to the true red axis of the CIE Lab Color Space. Drip and purge losses were higher (p<0.05) in PSE muscles. Paired loins were pumped with water (controls) or 0.3% tripolyphosphate solution (0.25% salt) to 110% of original weight, vacuum packaged, frozen, cut into chops, and cooked to 70 or 80C. Phosphate-salt pumped loins were juicier and more tender (p<0.05) than water-pumped loins regardless of muscle condition. Loins cooked to 70C were juicier, were more tender (sensory) but required more force to shear than those cooked to 80C.     

胶原蛋白-壳聚糖膜的制备及其对猪肉的保鲜作用

为了延缓猪肉的腐坏变质,延长猪肉的保质期,保持猪肉良好的品质,本文研究了没食子酸(GA)改性超声辅助制备的胶原蛋白-壳聚糖复合膜对冷藏猪肉的保鲜效果。在4℃冷藏条件下,采用未经过膜包裹(对照组)和GA改性超声膜包裹(膜包裹组)2种方式处理猪肉样品,并贮藏10d,检测其p H值、挥发性盐基氮(TVB-N)值、细菌总数、质构、色差ΔE值,以及感官质量。结果表明,对照组和膜包裹组猪肉的p H值、TVB-N、细菌总数、色差ΔE均随着贮存时间的增加而上升,但是膜包裹组的数值比对照组分别低了8.39%、26.18%、17.54%和8.23%,得出膜包裹处理可以显著降低碱性含氮物质和细菌产生的数量以及减缓颜色的变差(p<0.05)。对照组和膜包裹组猪肉的硬度、弹性和感官指标均随着贮存时间的增加而下降,但是膜包裹组的数值比对照组分别高了80.01%、18.66%和160.38%,得出膜包裹处理可以显著改善猪肉的质构和感官指标(p<0.05)。由此说明,膜包裹处理可以通过抑制p H值、TVB-N和细菌总数的增高,有效延缓猪肉的腐坏变质,延长猪肉的保质期。而且,经膜包裹处理10d后的猪肉仍然具有良好的质构、颜色和感官品质。     

Effects of modified gas atmosphere packaging on pork loin colour, display life and drip loss

Boneless loins from both sides of 20 pig carcasses were divided into five sections each and assigned equally to five packaging treatments: 100 % CO(2); 50 % CO(2)/50 % N(2); 25 % CO(2)/ 75 % N(2); 25 % CO(2)/65 % N(2)/10 % O(2) and vacuum. Loin sections were packaged in bags of low O(2) permeability, then stored in darkness at 1 °C for up to 22 days. Retail chops were cut from the sections and displayed in oxygen-permeable film under light at 3 °C for 3 additional days. The O(2) concentrations in packages with nominally anoxic atmospheres were 0.1-0.4 %. Sections stored in 25 % CO(2)/65 % N(2)/10 % O(2) had more surface greying and greening, stronger off-odour and psychrotropic counts after storage were more than one log(10) higher compared to sections from the other four treatments. Displayed chops from sections stored in 25 % CO(2)/65 % N(2)/10 % O(2) also had greying/greening at an outer layer of the chops. Off-odour of chops was most pronounced for treatments with 10 % O(2) and vacuum. Drip loss from loin sections was highest for those in 100 % CO(2) (4.2 %) and lowest for those in vacuum (3.2 %). In conclusion, storage in CO(2) or CO (2)N (2) atmospheres benefitted the overall shelf life of pork.