A combination of modified atmosphere and antimicrobial packaging to extend the shelf-life of beefsteaks stored at chill temperature

An antimicrobial polyethylene (PE) film was obtained by coating a nisin-based antimicrobial solution. PE sheets were coated on both sides and were used for the packaging of beefsteaks to be stored in air or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP, 60% O(2)-40% CO(2)). Microbial populations, species diversity, headspace volatile organic compounds, colour and sensory properties were monitored after 0, 1, 7 and 12days of storage at 4°C. The viable counts showed that there was an effect of MAP and antimicrobial film on the development of all the spoilage associated microbial populations. Carnobacterium spp., Brochothrix thermosphacta, Pseudomonas fragi and Rhanella aquatilis were found in most of the samples. C. maltaromaticum was identified in MRS bulk cells from samples stored in air as well as MAP. Quantitative data of headspace-SPME-GC/MS analysis showed that during storage the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was affected by the use of the treated film and the MAP storage. Compounds such as phenylethylalcohol, nonanal, decanal and ethylbutanoate were produced only from 7 to 12day of storage and only in the samples stored in air. In agreement with the microbiological and VOCs data, the meat stored in active packaging scored the best rankings in the sensory evaluation. Principal component analysis of microbial, sensory and instrumental data showed that beefsteaks stored with the combination of MAP and active packaging for 12days at 4°C differed from the other samples that were more associated to high microbial loads, VOCs concentration and meat off odour perception. In conclusion, the antimicrobial sheets in combination with MAP storage at 4°C were effective for the storage of beefsteaks by retarding the growth of spoilage bacteria, determining lower concentration of VOCs and keeping acceptable levels of colour and other sensory parameters for more than 10days.     

MICROBIAL QUALITY OF FRESH‐CUT ICEBERG LETTUCE WASHED IN WARM OR COLD WATER AND IRRADIATED IN A MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGE*

ABSTRACT

The microbial keeping quality of fresh‐cut iceberg lettuce was determined after being washed in either cold water (5C) for 3 min or warm water (47C) for 2 min followed by a cold water rinse (5C) and packaged in a modified atmosphere film bag. The lettuce samples were treated with gamma radiation to 0, 1 or 2 kGy while maintaining a refrigerated temperature (4C). The samples were analyzed for total aerobic, total coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts after refrigerated storage up to 12 days. No difference in aerobic counts was observed between the hot‐ and cold‐washed samples immediately after washing. The coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts were reduced by 2 log after the warm water wash and no difference for the cold water‐washed sample. The irradiation treatment at 1 kGy reduced the aerobic, coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts by 2 log for the warm‐washed samples. At the 2‐kGy treatment level, the aerobic and coliform counts were reduced by 3 log for the cold‐washed lettuce, whereas the Enterobacteriaceae counts were reduced by only 2 log. The observed log reductions in bacterial counts after irradiation were maintained for 12 days when stored at 4C. The combination of a cold water wash and irradiation to 2 kGy had the best microbial keeping quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Fresh‐cut lettuce, when washed in either cold or warm water, shows neither an appreciable removal of the microbial load nor a significant increase in the keeping quality when compared with unwashed fresh‐cut controls. Placing the washed lettuce into modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) did not lessen the overall bacteriologic load, and after 12 days of storage at 4C, the microbial counts increased. However, gamma irradiation of the washed, MAP‐stored lettuce to a dose of 2 kGy significantly reduces the overall microbe count, thereby increasing both the shelf life and the safety of the produce. A 2‐kGy dose of gamma irradiation provides a pathogen‐free, long shelf life, fresh‐cut lettuce that is bacteriologically safer and sensorially indistinguishable from bagged, nonirradiated, fresh‐cut lettuce.     

INFLUENCE OF 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE AND NATURESEAL ON THE QUALITY OF FRESH-CUT "EMPIRE" AND "CRISPIN" APPLES

Wounding during processing triggers physiological reactions that limits shelf life of fresh‐cut apples. Exposure of “Empire” and “Crispin” apples at harvest to the ethylene antagonist, 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP), on the maintenance of fresh‐cut quality was evaluated in combination with post‐cut dipping of NatureSeal^TM Efficacy of 1‐MCP on fresh‐cut physiology and quality depended on the storage duration and apple cultivar. Ethylene production of apple slices was inhibited by 1‐MCP but not by NatureSeal. Total volatiles produced by fresh‐cut apples were not affected by NatureSeal but by 1‐MCP when 1‐month stored “Crispin” apples were used. 1‐MCP influenced the quality attributes of fresh‐cut slices prepared from apples stored either 4 months in cold storage or 6 months in controlled atmosphere. Enzymatic browning and softening of the cut‐surface, TSS and total microbial growth were suppressed by 1‐MCP in “Empire” apples. The influence of 1‐MCP on quality attributes in “Crispin” apple slices was marginal.     

Combination effect of phosphate and modified atmosphere on quality and shelf-life extension of refrigerated seabass slices

Effect of pretreatment with three different phosphate compounds including trisodium phosphate (TSP), sodium pyrophosphate (PP) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) in combination with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (80%CO₂, 10%O₂, 10%N₂) on seabass slices stored at 4 °C was investigated. Phosphate pretreatment showed the synergistic effect with MAP on reduction of microbiological, chemical and sensory deterioration of seabass slices as evidenced by the lowered microbial counts, total volatile base and trimethylamine, compared with samples stored in air and those kept under MAP. Pretreatment with PP resulted in the retarded protein denaturation as evidenced by the reduced changes in sulfhydryl content and surface hydrophobicity during the extended storage. Increase in water uptake ability accompanied by the decreased exudate loss was observed in samples pretreated with phosphates, especially pyrophosphate. No marked autolytic degradation in samples kept under MAP with and without phosphate pretreatment was observed throughout the storage as indicated by no changes in trichloroacetic acid soluble peptide. Therefore, the effective retardation of microbiological, chemical, and sensory deterioration of seabass slices stored under MAP could be achieved by pretreatment with pyrophosphate.     

生鲜鲩鱼片货架期预测模型的建立与评价

以生鲜鲩鱼片为对象,研究在15.0、10.0、5.0、-0.7℃贮藏的鲩鱼片在贮藏期间其细菌总数、挥发性盐基氮(TVB-N)和感官评定变化,以探讨鲩鱼片贮藏过程中的品质变化并建立其剩余货架期的预测模型。结果表明,随着贮藏时间的延长,鱼片肌肉的感官指标呈下降趋势,而细菌总数和TVB-N值呈上升趋势。用修正的Gompertz模型描述各温度下细菌总数的增长规律,优于一级化学反应动力学模型和Logistic模型。贮藏温度对细菌最大比生长速率μm和延滞时间λ的影响,采用Arrhennius方程描述,呈现良好线性关系,R2分别为0.956和0.990。在-0.7～15.0℃贮藏时,以细菌总数为标准建立货架期预测模型,所预测货架期分别为1.0、1.9、4.6、17.5d,与实测值的相对误差均小于12.5%,表明该模型可以快速可靠地预测-0.7～15℃贮藏生鲜鲩鱼片的剩余货架期。     

黄鳝片冷藏保鲜过程中的品质变化

为了探究黄鳝片在冷藏保鲜过程中的品质变化,用鲜活处理的黄鳝片为材料,将其置于3℃条件下进行冷藏试验。以细菌总数、挥发性盐基氮(TVB-N)、组胺、pH、质构特性、持水力和感官评定为研究内容,每两天取样测定黄鳝冷藏过程中的品质变化。结果表明:0~2 d内黄鳝片感官品质仍处于新鲜状态,随后逐渐下降,至第12 d时腐败变质;1~10 d内黄鳝片的细菌总数从7.38×103 CFU/g上升为4.34×106 CFU/g,8 d后超过二级鲜度指标(≤ 106 CFU/g);冷藏期间,挥发性盐基氮逐渐增加,在黄鳝片出现腐败变质时尚未超过一级鲜度指标(≤ 13 mg/100 mg),12 d内组胺含量增加至3.69 mg/100 g,未超过食品安全国家标准(≤ 20 mg/100 g);pH呈现缓慢增长趋势(pH变化从6.69至7.18),符合鱼类死后pH变化规律,持水力总体呈下降趋势;在1~6 d内黄鳝片的质构特性快速下降,其中硬度、内聚性、弹性和咀嚼性分别下降了39.49%、36.31%、33.09%、68.83%,6 d以后变化趋于平缓。采用回归分析表明,细菌总数可以作为黄鳝片在冷藏条件下的鲜度指标,TVB-N可不作为鲜度指标,综合评判在3℃冷藏条件下,黄鳝片的最佳食用期为2 d,保质期为8 d。     

Sensory, physical, chemical and microbiological changes in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets packed under modified atmosphere/air or prepared from whole fish stored in ice

Quality changes and shelf‐life in European sea bass fillets packed under 40% CO₂: 60% N₂ (MAP) and air (AIR) or prepared from the whole ungutted fish stored in ice (ROUND) were compared. Raw and cooked sensory scores, pH, colour, expressible water, malonaldehyde, total viable count, Pseudomonas spp., H₂S‐producing bacteria, Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., coliforms and proteolytic counts, were determined until AIR and MAP raw fillet spoilage. Raw ROUND fillets had the best quality and shelf‐life (10 vs. 8 vs. 7 days after slaughtering in ROUND, MAP and AIR, respectively), while the MAP fillets had better sensorial scores, lower pH values and better microbiological counts, but greater lightness values than the corresponding AIR fillets. MAP fillets also had the highest malonaldehyde levels. The higher correlation between Streptococcus spp. and odour scores (r = ?0.971, P < 0.01) compared to the other species could suggest that it is a specific spoilage organism in the MAP condition used.     

Prediction of Microbial and Sensory Quality of Cold Smoked Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) by Electronic Nose

ABSTRACT: Quality changes of cold smoked salmon from 4 different smokehouses in Europe were monitored by a prototype gas-sensor array system, the FishNose. Samples were stored in different packaging (vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packaging [MAP]) for up to 4 wk under controlled storage conditions at 5 °C and 10 °C. Quality criteria based on sensory attributes (sweet/sour, off, and rancid odor), and total viable counts and lactic acid bacteria counts were established and used for classification of samples based on the responses of the FishNose. The responses of the gas-sensors correlated well with sensory analysis of spoilage odor and microbial counts suggesting that they can detect volatile microbially produced compounds causing spoilage odors in cold-smoked salmon during storage. The system is therefore ideal for fast quality control related to freshness evaluation of smoked salmon products. Partial least squares (PLS) regression models based on samples from single producer showed better performance than a global model based on products from different producers to classify samples of different quality.     

Freshness Assessment of Thawed and Chilled Cod Fillets Packed in Modified Atmosphere Using Near-infrared Spectroscopy

Near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectra was recorded of 105 samples of cod mince prepared from chill stored thawed cod fillets of varying quality in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Traditional chemical, physical, microbiological and sensory quality methods developed for assessing fresh fish products were determined on the same cod fillets. The purpose was to evaluate the potential of NIR spectroscopy for estimating (i) frozen storage temperature, (ii) frozen storage period and (iii) chill storage period of thawed-chilled MAP Barents Sea cod fillets. Furthermore, the potential for measuring of selected quality attributes as drip loss, water holding capacity and content of dimethylamine by NIR was evaluated. The results of the investigation were presented using multivariate modelling methods such as partial least-squares regression (PLSR) and discriminant partial least-squares regression (DPLSR). Systematic differences in the NIR measurements on minced cod fillets were primarily due to the chill storage duration (days at 2°C) on thawed-chilled MAP fillets. PLSR models based on wavelengths selected by a new Jack-knife method resulted in a correlation coefficient of 0.90 between measured and predicted duration of chill storage period (days at 2°C). The root-mean-square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) was 3.4 d at 2°C. NIR measurements provided promising results for evaluation of freshness for thawed-chilled MAP cod fillets completing the traditionally quality methods. However, it is necessary to study the effect of e.g. sample preparation, season, fishing ground and cod size together with more sophisticated pre-treatments of NIR spectra before the NIR method can be integrated as a method for evaluation of thawed-chilled MAP cod fillets.     

Study of different nectarine cultivars and their suitability for fresh‐cut processing

Nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] is a sought‐after fruit due to its properties. In addition, minimally processed produces are more and more accepted by consumers. Four nectarine cultivars (‘Early Top’, ‘Nectaprima’, ‘Big Top’ and ‘Venus’) were selected to study their suitability for minimal processing. Samples were processed in a clean room at 8 °C, washed them in water (4 °C) and stored at 4 °C in modified atmosphere packaging. The samples were analysed at 0, 3, 6 and 9 days of storage, and quality parameters as well as functional compounds (polyphenols and polyphenol oxidase activity) were studied. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to assess the relationship between nectarine cultivars and determined parameters. In conclusion, ‘Early Top’ and ‘Nectaprima’ cultivars showed the best quality results and therefore a promising suitability for fresh‐cut processing. Nevertheless, the remaining cultivars should not be ruled out due to their functional content, advising additional conservation treatments for them.     

Postharvest Aloe vera gel-coating modulates fruit ripening and quality of 'Arctic Snow' nectarine kept in ambient and cold storage

To evaluate the role of Aloe vera gel coating on ripening and fruit quality of nectarine ( Prunus persica L. Batch cv 'Arctic Snow'), the uncoated and coated fruit were allowed to ripen at 20 ± 1 °C in first experiment and in the second experiment, the fruit were stored at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% RH for 3 and 6 weeks prior to ripening at 20 ± 1 °C. Aloe vera gel-coated fruit kept at ambient or 3 and 6 weeks cold storage reduced respiration rate, ethylene production (62, 37 and 43% respectively), retarded fruit softening, reduced electrolyte leakage (EL), weight loss (65%), levels of ascorbic acid and total antioxidants (24, 9 and 13%) during ripening than control. In conclusion, Aloe vera gel can be used for extending storage life at ambient or cold storage and maintaining quality of 'Arctic Snow' nectarine.     

Microbiological quality of fresh-cut sweet potatoes

Sweet potato roots were dipped in various concentrations of chlorine for 5 min at 1 or 20 °C before and after slicing, and then stored at 2 or 8 °C for 14 days to evaluate the effects of different chlorine treatments and storage temperatures on the microbiological quality of fresh‐cut sweet potato slices. The microflora of fresh‐cut sweet potato slices was dominated by mesophiles, followed by psychrotrophs and fungi initially and during storage. The 2 °C storage was necessary to keep the microbial load at a low level. No spoilage was observed in fresh‐cut sweet potatoes at both storage temperatures for 14 days. Chlorination of sweet potatoes before slicing was not effective in ensuring acceptable microbiological quality of fresh‐cut sweet potatoes. Dipping slices in 200 ppm chlorine at 1 °C reduced the population of all micro‐organisms during storage.     

ATPase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Activities in Frozen Stored Fish Muscle as Indices of Cold Storage Deterioration

The effect of prolonged cold storage on muscle adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities was studied in a variety of fresh water and brackish water fish. Decrease in enzyme activity was observed in all samples stored frozen (- 20°C) over a period of 180 days. Highly significant negative correlation was observed between enzyme activity and frozen storage period with mullet, pearlspot, milk fish and tilapia. Significant linear correlations were observed between decrease in enzyme activities and other biochemical indices and sensory scores. The results indicated that loss of activities of ATPase and LDH in fish muscle was significantly related to early changes in quality of frozen stored fish.     

Methyl jasmonate coupled with modified atmosphere packaging to extend shelf life of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) during cold storage

The effects of methyl jasmonate coupled with modified atmosphere packaging (MJ+MAP) on the quality and shelf life of mature green tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were investigated during cold storage at 5 °C. Tomatoes were treated with 10⁻⁴  m MJ and packaged under 5%O₂/5%CO₂/90%N₂ in a plastic bag. The effects of MJ+MAP were compared with control as well as heat treated (HT) samples. Control samples were tomatoes packaged under atmospheric air. HT samples were prepared by dipping tomatoes in hot water at 50 °C for 3 min and packaged under atmospheric air. The results showed that MJ+MAP and HT could delay ethylene production during tomato ripening and consequently slowed down the softening rate. MJ+MAP tomatoes showed better quality and less chilling injury (CI) symptoms than HT and control samples. Based on a nine-point score, shelf life criteria assumed that rejection would occur when the sensory attributes declined below 5. Control and HT overall acceptance scores were shown to fall below 5 scores after 3 and 6 weeks storage, while MJ+MAP had overall acceptance scores above 5 for up to 9 weeks. Control and HT samples could be stored for about 4 and 6 weeks, respectively, while MJ+MAP tomatoes could be stored for up to 9 weeks.     

Extending the shelf life of fresh ewe’s cheese by modified atmosphere packaging

This study evaluated the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in extending the shelf life of a fresh ewe’s cheese stored at 4 °C for 21 days. Three batches were prepared with 20, 30 or 50% CO₂ with N₂ as filler gas. MAP controlled well the microbial growth, and the best result was obtained with 50% CO₂. Pathogens were not detected in any sample. Softening of cheese was best reduced by 30% or 50% CO₂. The sensory characteristics of the cheeses markedly decreased during storage. Only the sample stored with 50% CO₂ obtained an overall score above the acceptability at 14 days.     

Extending the Shelf Life of Edible Flowers with Controlled Release of 1‐Methylcyclopropene and Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Abstract: Edible flowers have great sensory appeal, but their extremely short shelf life limits their commercial usage. Postharvest 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment is used to counter ethylene activity and delay senescence in fresh produce; however, its potential application in edible flowers has not been tested. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 1‐MCP treatment with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the shelf life of edible flowers. Freshly harvested carnations and snapdragons were packaged in trays with or without 0.5 μL/L of 1‐MCP, sealed with a gas permeable film, and stored at 5 °C. Package atmospheres, tissue electrolyte leakage, and flower quality were evaluated on days 0, 7, and 14. Treatment with 1‐MCP resulted in significantly slower changes in package headspace O₂, CO₂, and C₂H₄ partial pressures, maintained higher overall quality of both flower species and reduced electrolyte leakage and abscission in snapdragon. All samples prepared with MAP had significantly reduced dehydration and higher overall quality compared to flowers packaged commercially in plastic clamshell containers. Treatments with controlled release of 1‐MCP and MAP significantly extended storage life of edible carnation and snapdragon flowers. Practical Application: Edible flowers are currently shipped via air cargo due to their extremely short shelf life. The technology developed in our research significantly extended the storage life of edible flowers, making it possible to ship the edible flowers via ground transportation with significant cost savings.     

Postharvest performance of fresh‐cut ‘Big Top’ nectarine as affected by dipping in chemical preservatives and packaging in modified atmosphere

Fresh‐cut ‘Big Top’ nectarines were dipped in 2% (w/v) ascorbic acid–1% (w/v) calcium lactate and stored at 4 °C for up to 12 days in 10 kPa O₂‐ and 10 kPa CO₂‐modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The used microperforated plastic film allowed O₂ and CO₂ concentrations to reach steady values from the fifth day in storage onwards. Samples stored in MAP after chemical dipping showed the highest visual quality score, slight browning symptoms, increment in firmness and very low ethanol and acetaldehyde content. The chemical dipping also increased antioxidant capacity, probably due to the effect of ascorbic acid. The results suggested that the control of yeasts was mainly exerted by MAP, whereas only a slight effect was achieved by the chemical dipping. Therefore, MAP plus ascorbic acid/calcium lactate dipping was the best combination to preserve phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity and microbiological safety of fresh‐cut nectarines during storage.     

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with low and superatmospheric oxygen on the quality and antioxidant enzyme system of golden needle mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) during postharvest storage

To quantify the effect of oxygen concentrations on the quality and antioxidant enzyme system of stored golden needle mushroom, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with low and initial superatmospheric oxygen was applied during mushroom storage, and physiological changes associated with postharvest deterioration, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and of cellulase, were monitored during subsequent storage for 0–34 days. Golden needle mushrooms stored in MAP without oxygen or 20–50% oxygen rate had a poorer sensory quality because of chilling injury and physiological injury. These injuries included increased levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide anion whereas some extent of browning was observed. The antioxidant enzyme system, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase, was activated, to scavenge the reactive oxygen species to reduce injury during the initial storage period. However, these injuries also induced senescence of the stored golden needle mushroom during later storage, followed by a decrease in activities of the antioxidant enzymatic system. The activities of the antioxidant enzymatic system of the mushroom stored in MAP with 80% oxygen rate were the most favorable to delay the senescence process in the later period of storage, and the mushrooms had the best quality until the end of storage. MAP with high oxygen concentrations (e.g., 80% oxygen rate) can induce relatively high antioxidant capacity, significantly decrease postharvest quality loss and improve shelf life of fresh mushrooms.