Review of centralized packaging systems for distribution of retail-ready meat

There is growing interest in centralized preparation of retail-ready meat cuts for distribution to widely dispersed retail stores due to the convenience of having high-quality ready-to-go products that are consistently provided to consumers at lower cost. Various centralized packaging techniques are described. Of all packaging techniques, master packaging is the most economical and shows promise for commercial application. Nevertheless, the master-packaging technique must be integrated with strict temperature control in a narrow range just above freezing (- 1.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C), good processing hygiene, and maintenance of a completely anoxic atmosphere in the package headspace throughout the distribution period to maximize storage life. Packaging using the CAPTECH process reduces the residual O2 present in the headspace to 300 ppm. Oxygen scavengers must be incorporated in the package to absorb the residual O2 and preserve the metmyoglobin reducing activity of meat tissues. Integration of all these technologies can provide a storage life of retail-ready meat up to 10 weeks in the master package followed by 3 days of retail display life. This extension of storage life is sufficient for transporting meat to distant markets.     

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging with carbon monoxide on the storage quality of master-packaged fresh pork

Modified atmosphere packaging with carbon dioxide is effective for prolonging shelf-life of fresh meat. Addition of carbon monoxide to the system provides the advantage of enhancing meat colour. The study objective was to determine the effect of CO₂-MAP + 0.4% CO, vs. 100% CO₂-MAP, on the bacteriology and colour of retail-ready fresh pork stored for 8 weeks in a master-package system. Total plate counts were not affected and listeria was present on meat from both treatments. Colour was enhanced with the inclusion of CO, while no effect on lipid oxidation was observed. Use of CO in MAP provides sufficient storage life and product colour quality to permit shipment of fresh pork to distant markets. However, given the stable fresh colour of CO-treated meat and the lack of inhibition of pathogen growth by CO, there is concern that CO-MAP under certain conditions may pose a food safety risk.     

The influence of storage and display conditions on the retail properties and case-life of display-ready pork loin roasts

A total of 216 pork loin subsections were utilized to investigate the effects of storage atmosphere (100% N(2); 100% CO(2); or 70% O(2) and 30% CO(2)), storage temperature (-1.5, 2 or 5 °C) and duration of chilled storage (≤28 days) and subsequent aerobic display (≤30 hr) on the retail properties and storage life of display-ready pork cuts. Composite results clearly emphasize the importance of subzero storage to the retail properties, and storage life of pork for all the types of storage atmosphere utilized. However, in the present study, controlled atmospheres of 70% O(2) and 30% CO(2) possessed the greatest preservative properties for masterpacked display-ready pork loin subsections (roasts) during chilled storage for up to 24 days, based upon visual and olfactory criteria. A decrease in retail appearance, attributable to a progressive increase in surface discoloration during both chilled storage and subsequent, aerobic display, resulted in a increase in the incidence of unacceptable packages, during both chilled storage and subsequent, aerobic display, which restricted chilled storage life to 20 days or less. Storage time consistently exerted the greatest influence on retail properties and generally accounted for 80% or more of the variation in most attributes evaluated. In addition, off-odors developed progressively during both chilled storage and subsequent, aerobic display, which further restricted chilled storage life to 12 days. Consequently, based upon previous cited results, for distribution of display-ready pork cuts to be successful, the hygienic quality of the commercial product must be improved.     

Where is MAP Going? A review and future potential of modified atmosphere packaging for meat

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is the removal and/or replacement of the atmosphere surrounding the product before sealing in vapor-barrier materials. While technically different, many forms of MAP are also case-ready packaging, where meat is cut and packaged at a centralized location for transport to and display at a retail store. Most of the shelf life properties of meat are extended by use of MAP, but anoxic forms of MAP without carbon monoxide (CO) do not provide bloomed red meat color and MAP with oxygen (O(2)) may promote oxidation of lipids and pigments. Advances in plastic materials and equipment have propelled advances in MAP, but other technological and logistical considerations are needed for successful MAP systems for raw chilled fresh meat. Current MAP options of air-permeable overwrapped trays in master packs, low O(2) formats of shrunk film vacuum packaging (VP) or MAP with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) and nitrogen (N(2)) and their peelable barrier film derivatives, and high O(2) MAP each have advantages and disadvantages. Packaging technology innovations and ingenuity will continue to provide MAP that is consumer oriented, product enhancing, environmentally responsive, and cost effective, but continued research and development by the scientific and industry sectors will be needed.     

Quality of fresh retail pork cuts stored in modified atmosphere under temperature conditions simulating export to distant markets

The effect of storage temperature on microbial and sensory quality of retail cuts of pork was determined on samples stored under temperature regimens designed to simulate conditions that could be encountered in accessing distant markets with retail-ready product. Samples were packaged in modified atmosphere with 100% CO(2) and <200 ppm O(2) in plastic film with extremely low gas transmission rates. All samples were stored at -1·5°C for three weeks. Reference samples were held at -1·5°C for the duration of the study; experimental samples were transferred to 4°C (-1·5 4° C ) or 7°C (-1· 517° C ) and analyzed for microbial content and sebsory attributes including appearance, confinement and meat odours. Storage life of reference samples at -1·5°C was seven weeks before rejection for loss of acceptable appearance. With transfer of samples to 4 and 7°C after three weeks at -1·5°C, samples remained acceptable for retail sale for two weeks and one week, restpectively. The microbial flora was dominated by lactic acid bacteria under all three storage conditions. Appearance of the cuts was the principal criterion limiting storage life. Discoloration of the meat was not a problem in this study, but purge and odour, including sour and sulphur notes, became a problem with time. The study indicated that export of retail-ready pork cuts to distant markets with a three-week time for delivery to market at -1·5°C can be achieved with one to two weeks of marketing time at retail market at 4 to 7°C.     

Antimicrobial and Antioxidative Strategies to Reduce Pathogens and Extend the Shelf Life of Fresh Red Meats

Abstract: The shelf life of packaged fresh red meats is most frequently determined by the activity of microorganisms, which results in the development of off‐odors, gas, and slime, but it is also influenced by biochemical factors such as lipid radical chain and pigment oxidation causing undesirable flavors and surface discoloration. The predominant bacteria associated with spoilage of refrigerated meats are Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter/Moraxella (Psychrobacter), Shewanella putrefaciens, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Brochothrix thermosphacta. The spoilage potential of these organisms and factors influencing their impact on meat quality are discussed. High O₂‐modified atmosphere (80% O₂+ 20% CO₂) packaging (MAP) is commonly used for meat retail display but vacuum packaging remains the major MAP method used for meat distribution. Two‐step master packaging (outer anoxic‐20% CO₂+ 80% N₂/inner gas‐permeable film) is used for centralized MAP distribution, but CO use (0.4%) in low O₂ packaging systems is limited by consumer uncertainty that CO may mask spoilage. Active packaging where the film contributes more than a gas/physical barrier is an important technology and has been studied widely. Its application in combination with MAP is very promising but impediments remain to its widespread industrial use. The influence of processing technologies including modified atmospheres on lipid oxidation and discoloration of meats are analyzed. Because both organic acids and antioxidants have been evaluated for their effects on microorganism growth, in concert with the prevention of lipid oxidation, work in this area is examined.     

Preservation of fresh meat with active and modified atmosphere packaging conditions

The sensory, microbiological and physicochemical attributes of fresh meat stored at 5 and 15 degrees C were affected by the combined effect of volatile compounds of oregano essential oil and modified atmosphere packaging conditions (40% CO2/30% N2/30% O2, 100% CO2, 80% CO2/20% air, vacuum pack and air). It was found that the extension of shelf life of meat samples depended on the packaging conditions and augmented in the order: air < vacuum pack < 40% CO2/30% N2/30% O2 < 80% CO2/ 20% air < 100% CO2. Longer shelf life was observed in samples supplemented with the volatile compounds of oregano essential oil and stored under the same packaging conditions mentioned above. The extension of shelf life may be due to the synergistic effect of volatile compounds of oregano essential oil and the modified atmosphere packaging used on the microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of meat. Indeed, both these hurdles can prolong and delay microbial growth or suppress the final counts of the spoilage microorganisms in comparison with the 'control' samples. The effect of essential oil volatile compounds was even more pronounced on the physicochemical changes of meat samples caused by microbial association. Oregano essential oil delayed glucose and lactate consumption, both indicators of meat spoilage aerobically as well as under 40% CO2/30% N2/30% O2, and 100% CO2. Finally, changes in other metabolites such as formic acid were also observed.     

Centralized bulk pre-packaging of pork retail cuts

The performance of a commercial bulk pre-packaging system was compared to a laboratory system in terms of quality attributes such as microbiology, colour, odour, and acceptability of PVC-overwrapped pork retail cuts. A similar retail shelf life of 3 days was achieved after either 0, 7, or 14 days bulk storage with both packaging systems. The colour of the samples from both systems was pale to normal during the trial. After 14 days storage the samples from both systems were still acceptable and had a fresh meat odour. The results show that the commercial system (Cryovac GFII, Darex Africa (Pty) Ltd, Kemptonpark RSA) may be applied successfully for 100% CO₂ bulk packaging of PVC-overwrapped pork retail cuts.     

气调包装结合电子束辐照对蚌肉的保鲜效果

为探究气调包装结合电子束辐照对蚌肉的保鲜效果,分别设置气调比例为A组:100％CO2、B组:70％CO2+30％N2、C组:50％CO2+50％N2、D组:30％CO2+70％N2和E组:50％CO2+30％N2+20％O2,气调包装后使用5 kGy电子束辐照处理,同时设置2个对照组,处理后蚌肉进行冰藏实验.研究结果表...     

不同气调包装结合冰温贮藏对羊肉保鲜效果的影响

为延长鲜羊肉的保鲜时间,研究不同气体组分的气调包装对羊肉冰温贮藏过程中品质的影响。以真空包装为对照,比较75% O2＋25% CO2、75% N2＋25% CO2气调包装羊肉在－1 ℃冰温条件下贮藏过程中感官品质、色泽、汁液流失率、嫩度、挥发性盐基氮、pH值、微生物等品质指标的变化。结果表明：真空包装羊肉的汁液流失率显著高于2 种气调包装,而75% N2＋25% CO2气调包装羊肉的色泽和感官评分最差。75% O2＋25% CO2气调包装的保鲜效果最好,其色泽和感官评分最高,汁液流失率较小,pH值最低,－1 ℃冰温条件下贮藏42 d时,羊肉的菌落总数、假单胞菌菌数、乳酸菌菌数的对数值分别为5.91、5.95、5.23 （lg（CFU/g））,其中菌落总数指标符合国家二级鲜肉标准。因此,－1 ℃冰温条件下结合75% O2＋25% CO2气调包装可以使羊肉有效保鲜42 d,是较好的鲜羊肉保鲜方法。     

Improved use of oxygen scavengers to stabilize the colour of retail-ready meat cuts stored in modified atmospheres

A series of three experiments were conducted to develop a retail packaging system suitable for use in centralized meat processing and packaging operations using modified atmosphere master packaging (MAP) of display-ready beef and pork cuts. It was shown that oxygen (O₂) scavengers were needed inside retail trays, lidded or over-wrapped trays could be used with equal success but inclusion of a grid inside the retail tray was not required. It was established that a minimum of eight O₂ scavengers with an O₂ absorption rate high enough to achieve an O₂ half-life of 0.6–0.7 h in the pack atmosphere were needed where the O₂ concentration could otherwise remain ≤500 ppm at any time during storage. Composite results from these experiments clearly showed that the best performance resulted from use of hard plastic retail trays containing eight O₂ scavengers, with high O₂ absorption rate, when placed underneath an absorbent pad and over-wrapped with an O₂ permeable film. Small holes in two corners of the O₂ permeable film to permit free exchange of atmospheres within the retail packages facilitated O₂ reduction during MAP storage.     

Effect of packaging conditions on shelf-life of fresh foal meat

The objective was to determine the shelf life of foal meat (Longissimus dorsi) stored in four different packages: (i) vacuum, (ii) overwrap and (iii) two modified atmospheres (MAP): high O(2) MAP (80% O(2)+20% CO(2)) and low O(2) MAP (30% O(2)+70% CO(2)) stored at 2 °C during 14 days. Shelf life evaluation was based on pH, colour, lipid and protein oxidation, microbial counts and sensory assessment of odour, colour and appearance. Based on aerobic bacterial counts, the shelf life of foal meat samples in overwrap and high O(2) MAP packages would be 10 days at most, almost 14 days in low O(2) MAP and more than 14 days in vacuum packaging. Scores for sensorial evaluation were unacceptable after 10 days of storage in samples in overwrap and MAP packs, but they were still acceptable in vacuum ones. Moreover, for all packaging conditions except vacuum, which remained constant, a decrease in redness (a*) and an increase in carbonyl content and TBAR'S values was observed with storage time. High O(2) levels negatively affected foal meat quality, while anaerobic conditions extended shelf life to 14 days.     

Influence of Injection, Packaging, and Storage Conditions on the Quality of Beef and Bison Steaks

The combined effects of injection, packaging (modified atmosphere packaging [MAP] with 70% O₂/ 30% CO₂ and vacuum packaging [VP]), storage temperature (‐1 °C and +4 °C), and storage time on the color, microbial and oxidative stability of beef and bison longissimus lumborum (LL) steaks were investigated. Beef LL steaks in MAP retained their bright red color longer than bison steaks. Bison steaks developed higher 2‐Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) during storage, and this might have influenced the resulting rapid loss of redness from the bloomed meat. Storage at ‐1 °C in MAP provided greater color stability and a longer storage life for both meat species studied. Injection of salt/phosphate had a beneficial effect on the color stability of steaks during retail display; however, this positive effect was more pronounced for bison steaks compared with those of beef. Steaks stored overnight under MAP before retail display maintained the highest a* values for up to 5 d compared with those stored under vacuum. MAP‐OV steaks generally maintained the highest OMB content for up to 5 d during retail display compared with those stored under vacuum. Nevertheless, OMB levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in bison steaks compared with those of beef irrespective of packaging treatments. Injected steaks and those stored at ‐1 °C had significantly (P < 0.05) higher OMB levels compared with non‐injected counterparts and those stored at +4 °C, respectively. MAP is an excellent option for short‐term storage due to its positive effects on meat color, but for longer storage, VP may be necessary. Storing meat under vacuum and then placing it under MAP just before retail display might be another option to increase shelf life.     

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.     

Botulism challenge studies of a modified atmosphere package for fresh mussels: inoculated pack studies

A series of botulism challenge studies were performed to determine the possibility of production of botulinum toxin in mussels (Mytilus edulis) held under a commercial high-oxygen (60 to 65% O(2)), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) condition. Spore mixtures of six strains of nonproteolytic Clostridium botulinum were introduced into mussel MAP packages receiving different packaging buffers with or without the addition of lactic acid bacteria. Dye studies and package flipping trials were conducted to ensure internalization of spores by packed mussels. Inoculated mussel packages were stored at normal (4°C) and abusive (12°C) temperatures for 21 and 13 days, respectively, which were beyond the packaged mussels' intended shelf life. Microbiological and chemical analyses were conducted at predetermined intervals (a total of five sampling times at each temperature), including total aerobic plate counts, C. botulinum counts, lactic acid bacterial counts, package headspace gas composition, pH of packaging buffer and mussel meat, and botulinum toxin assays of packaging buffer and mussel meat. Results revealed that C. botulinum inoculated in fresh mussels packed under MAP packaging did not produce toxin, even at an abusive storage temperature and when held beyond their shelf life. No evidence was found that packaging buffers or gas composition influenced the lack of botulinum toxin production in packed mussels.     

微冻及冰温结合气调包装对羊肉的保鲜效果

比较微冻、冰温结合气调包装对羊肉品质的影响,确定适合于羊肉保鲜新方法。以羊肉为原料,比较-3℃微冻、-1℃冰温气调包装(75%O2+25%CO2)与两个温度条件下普通包装的羊肉在贮藏过程中p H值、挥发性盐基氮(total volatile base-nitrogen,TVB-N)值、微生物菌落总数、汁液流失率等品质等指标的变化。结果表明,与-1℃冰温相比,-3℃微冻能很好地控制羊肉微生物菌落总数和TVB-N值,延缓p H值的升高,但汁液流失率为-1℃冰温贮藏的4~5倍。相同温度条件下,与普通包装相比,气调包装能使羊肉保持良好的色泽,抑制微生物菌落总数的增加,延长羊肉的保鲜期10 d。综合来看,-3℃微冻气调包装对于宰后羊肉品质的保持效果最好,可以使羊肉有效保鲜时间达40 d,此时羊肉微生物菌落总数为5.79(lg(CFU/g)),符合国家安全鲜肉标准(≤6(lg(CFU/g));TVB-N值为14.47 mg/100 g,符合国家一级鲜肉的标准(≤15 mg/100 g);p H值为5.84,符合国家一级鲜肉的标准(p H 5.18~6.12)。     

Influence of different gas compositions on the short-term storage stability of mother-packaged retail-ready lamb packs

Longissmus dorsi muscles were removed from Suffolk cross-breed lambs (aged 4-9 months) and cut into steaks. Lamb steaks were over-wrapped on trays and placed in vacuum pack bags. Bags were divided into 3 groups and flushed with gas mixtures containing 100:0, 90:10 or 80:20/CO(2):N(2). Mother packed lamb bags were stored for 4 days (T2) and 7 days (T3), respectively, in darkness at 4 °C, prior to retail display. The effect of aerobic packaging alone on lamb meat quality was used as the control (T1). Under retail display, all over-wrapped trays were held under refrigerated conditions (4 °C, 616 lx) for up to 8 days. Steaks were assessed for microbial growth, oxidative and colour stability as well as pH every 2 days. Mother-packing in 100:0/CO(2):N(2) was the most effective way of extending the storage life of retail ready lamb prior to display, particularly over longer storage periods. TVCs for T3 lamb meat using all gas compositions remained below 2.0×10(6) CFUs/g meat up until day 6 compared to day 4 in both T1 and T2 lamb. Lipid oxidation in lamb mother-packed for 7 days occurred at a faster comparative rate than discolouration and microbial growth and was the major determinant of shelf-life. However, under simulated retail display in aerobic packages, TBARS values did not increase significantly. There was no significant difference between Hunter 'a' values for T3 lamb meat and the control, but T3 meat mother-packed in 100:0/CO(2):N(2) had higher 'a' values than those of the control and T3 meat packed in other gas compositions. Lamb steaks in T3 previously mother-packed in 100:0/CO(2):N(2) were also significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of T2 on day 0. T3 meat also maintained initial colour values over those of the control.     

Static, Controlled (CO2) Atmosphere Packaging of Retail Ready Pork

Wrapped boneless pork loin roasts and slices were stored at 4°in bulk under constant CO₂ concentrations of 50% and 100% for 1 and 2 wks. Samples stored under 50% CO₂ for 2 wks could subsequently be displayed (aerobic) for 3 days without becoming unacceptable or for 6 days if previously held under 100% CO₂ for 14 days. Aerobic shelf-life at 4°of the latter samples equalled that of fresh pork chops under simulated retail display. Physicochemical characteristics during storage did not limit acceptability. Reusable master packs have application for distribution of retail ready cuts under controlled atmosphere packaging.     

QUALITY CHANGES IN FRESH‐CUT SPINACH (SPINACIA OLERACEA) UNDER MODIFIED ATMOSPHERES WITH PERFORATIONS

ABSTRACT

Fresh‐cut spinach leaves were stored for 4 days at 15C and 75% relative humidity under modified atmosphere packaging to assess the impact of differential in‐pack gas atmospheres generated through different packaging films and variable in‐pack weight on the quality of stored produce. After 4 days of storage, retention of chlorophyll, β‐carotene and ascorbic acid was better in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) packages than in polypropylene (PP) packages. LDPE film‐packaged samples had higher phenolic content than PP film‐packaged samples. Low in‐pack O₂ (1–2 kPa) along with the buildup of CO₂ (8–10 kPa) seems to have enhanced the retention of antioxidant components, i.e., β‐carotene and ascorbic acid, in LDPE packages. This helped in chlorophyll retention and also prevented formation of oxidation compounds of phenols that otherwise caused browning of cut surfaces. Thus, O₂ and CO₂ permeability of packaging film or in‐pack weight of produce might be such that equilibrated O₂ partial pressures remain near to 1–2 kPa so as to affect a beneficial increase in the phenolic content along with concomitant retention of chlorophyll.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Fresh‐cut spinach leaves have received an enormous demand due to their utility in various traditional Indian preparations. Shelf life and quality of fresh‐cut produce may be greatly reduced due to high rates of respiration. Traditional packaging and handling techniques reduce the shelf life and sensory quality of fresh‐cut spinach. Temperature control and atmospheric modifications help to maintain produce quality by reducing respiration rate and enhance shelf life by minimizing the adverse effects of cutting. This research focused on evaluation of respiratory behavior of fresh‐cut spinach leaves at a temperature commonly encountered during transportation and retail distribution, i.e., 15C, and the effect of different polymeric films and in‐pack weights on produce quality. The results of the study suggest that packaging of fresh‐cut spinach in polymeric film packages could maintain the sensory quality and reduce degradation of various physicochemical constituents. Utilization of the results for proper design of modified atmosphere packages for this highly perishable produce can prove to be extremely beneficial for safe storage and transportation to urban retail markets.     

鲜肉制品的气调包装技术浅析

气调包装是延长鲜肉货架期的最有效的方法之一,合理的气调包装不仅可以保证肉品的卫生质量、延长货架期,还可对冷却肉的感官质量产生良好影响。主要综述气调包装技术在鲜肉制品包装中的应用、气体比例及其包装方法和特点。