Control of Microbial Spoilage on Fresh Poultry using a Combination Potassium Sorbate/Carbon Dioxide Packaging System

The effects of potassium sorbate combined with vacuum or carbon dioxide modified atmosphere packaging on natural poultry spoilage flora were examined. Fresh chicken thighs were dipped into either 2.5% potassium sorbate solution or distilled water, adjusted to pH 6.0 and packaged on trays in Nylon/Plexar/Surlyn bags. Atmospheres of either air, vacuum or 100% C0₂ were created in the packages which were then stored at 10 ± 1°C for 10 days. Changes in aerobic plate counts, lactic acid bacteria and pseudomonads were monitored. The combination of CO₂ packaging and sorbate treatment provided the most effective inhibitory system against the poultry spoilage organisms, especially Pseudomonas species, without creating a selective environment for the growth of lactic acid bacteria and premature souring of the product. The shelf life of the sorbate/CO₂ samples was extended 3 days over the control/air samples at 10°C.     

Using A New Measure To Define Shelf Life Of Fresh Whitefish

An acceptor set size measure was successfully employed to examine shelf life trade-offs when fresh lake whitefish fillets (Coregonus clupeaformis) were dipped in 0.0, 2.5 or 5.0% (w/v) potassium sorbate, packaged in low, intermediate, or higher barrier bags, placed in 100% CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging system and held under refrigeration at less than 3°C. When sorbate was varied, shifts in acceptor size indicated that fillets dipped in 5.0% sorbate had the longest shelf life, exceeding 14 days. No significant difference was found when film permeability was varied. For all barrier films, shelf life exceeded 15 days although the low barrier bag had smaller acceptor sizes.     

Control of Two Major Pathogens on Fresh Poultry Using a Combination Potassum Sorbate/Karbon Dioxide Packaging Treatment

Salmonella enteriditis and Staphylococcus aureus were separately inoculated onto fresh chicken thighs prior to dipping in 0, 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0% potassium sorbate solutions adjusted to pH 6.0. Treated samples were packaged in Nylon/Plexar/Surlyn bags under air, vacuum, 20%, 60%, or 100% CO₂ atmospheres and stored at 10°C ± 1.0°C for 10 days. Changes in gaseous headspace composition, sorbate concentrations, surface pH, and microbial numbers were monitored during the storage period. S. enteriditis was more sensitive to potassium sorbate than S. aureus; growth on poultry of the latter organism was more effectively inhibited by exposure to high levels of CO₂. Increased concentrations of sorbate dip solutions in combination with higher concentrations of CO₂ in the package environment provided a more effective inhibitory system against growth of both pathogens on fresh poultry.     

Microbiological,physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Cameros cheese packaged under modified atmospheres

This study evaluated the shelf-life quality of Cameros cheeses packaged under modified atmospheres. Five different modified atmosphere conditions were studied (carbon dioxide/nitrogen mixtures and vacuum). Control cheeses were packaged in air. The product stored at 3–4°C was evaluated periodically to investigate its sensory quality, microbiological condition and physicochemical characteristics. Weight loss and pH evolution were similar in vacuum and air packaging. Cheeses packaged in 100% CO₂showed the greatest weight losses and lower pH values. CO₂reduced proteolysis and lipolysis during storage in all conditions studied. Fat acidity and NPN/TN values were slightly higher in vacuum than in CO₂, but lower than in air. Modified atmosphere packaging presented an extended shelf life. Those containing CO₂reduced the growth rate of mesophiles, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms, which was lower when the CO₂concentration increased. The lowest microbial counts were at 100% CO₂while vacuum conditions presented microbial counts only slightly lower than the controls. Salmonella spp.,Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria spp. were not found in any of the samples. Faecal coliforms, moulds and yeasts were not detected under CO₂atmospheres or in vacuum. After 7 days of storage, the sensory characteristics of the control cheeses were unacceptable in all the parameters studied. However, the overall score for cheeses stored in 40% and 50% CO₂did not change substantially, retaining a reasonable acceptability until the end of the storage period. The 100% CO₂atmosphere had a very negative effect on sensory quality. With regard to Cameros cheese, packaging in 50%CO₂/50%N₂and 40%CO₂/60%N₂are the most effective for extending shelf life and retaining good sensory characteristics.     

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum packaging on the shelf-life of refrigerated chub mackerel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Scomber japonicus</Emphasis>): biochemical and sensory attributes

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP 1: 70% CO₂/30% N₂ and MAP 2: 50% CO₂/30% N₂/20% O₂) and vacuum packaging (VP), on the shelf-life of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) fillets stored under refrigeration was studied. Quality assessment was based on sensory analysis and biochemical indices determination. Increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and trimethylamine nitrogen (TMAN) followed the order: MAP 1 < MAP 2 < VP < air (control samples). The presence of oxygen into the fish package (air or MAP) resulted in an increase in the 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values in comparison with samples packaged in the absence of oxygen. The most effective MAP used was MAP 1 which contributed to a considerably slower rate of fish spoilage. Based primarily on odour scores it was observed that raw chub mackerel fillets stored in the presence of air remained acceptable up to ca. 11 days, VP and MAP 2 samples up to ca. 15–16 days, while MAP 1 samples up to ca. 20–21 days of storage. On the other hand, flesh texture and flesh colour of all packaged samples received scores above or equal than the acceptability limit up to ca. 13–14 days of storage.     

Colour of hot paprika from the La Vera and Murcia regions packaged in different atmospheres during storage

This study compared the behaviour of hot paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) samples from the district of La Vera and the region of Murcia packaged in five different conditions during storage. The following five different packaging conditions were used in this study: modified atmosphere packaging with three different conditions (100% N₂; 50% N₂ and 50% CO₂; and 100% CO₂), vacuum packaging and traditional packaging (product packaging system without modifying the atmosphere). After the samples were packaged, they were stored for 8 months at room temperature (normal storage conditions). The following parameters were used to indicate the quality of the samples: Aw, ASTA colour, CIE_L*a*b* colour parameters, and the composition of red and yellow compounds. The results indicate that the modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum packaging exerted a protective effect on the paprika quality characteristics regardless of the paprika origin. However, no clear differences were detected between the effect of vacuum packaging and the different modified atmosphere packaging conditions.     

THE SHELF-LIFE EXTENSION OF HADDOCK IN CARBON DIOXIDE-OXYGEN ATMOSPHERES WITH AND WITHOUT POTASSIUM SORBATE

Fresh haddock, whole fish or fillets, treated or not with various potassium sorbate dips, were sealed in gas impermeable bags containing gas atmospheres of 60% CO₂, 20% O₂ and 20% N₂, air or vacuum, stored on ice in insulated AIRBOX containers at 0°C and subsequently assessed using the Torry freshness scale after 11 to 18 days storage. The trends in the data suggested higher freshness scores for gas and gas plus dip compared with the air and vacuum packs. The dip alone was not effective. It was important to maintain the fish at 0° C.     

DISTRIBUTION PACKAGING METHOD AND STORAGE TIME EFFECTS ON THE MICROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND INCIDENCE OF THE PATHOGENS LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND SALMONELLA IN PORK1

Microbiological and yield characteristics were determined on bone-in pork loins and Boston butts (n = 65 each) that were selected from a commercial facility and subjected to one of three packaging treatments: (1) paper wrapped, (2) modified atmosphere packaging (66% O, 2.26% CO₂ and 8% N₂), and (3) vacuum packaging. Cuts were stored up to 21 days at 0 ± 2C for yield characteristics and an added 28 and 35 days for microbiological characteristics. Treatment and storage effects on the incidence of the pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and numbers of aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and coliforms were determined. The amount of purge was variable (100 to 500 g) among packaging treatments. The vacuum packaged and modified atmosphere packed pork loins and butts had lower aerobic plate counts (P < .05) compared with the paper wrapped loins and butts. The numbers of Listeria species decreased at a greater rate for the vacuum packaged and modified atmospheric packaged pork loins compared with the paper wrapped loins. No Salmonella were found on meat from any packaging treatment or storage time. The microbial quality of pork loins and butts can be improved by using vacuum packaging compared with paper wrapping or modified atmosphere packaging.     

Development of Botulinal Toxin and Sensory Deterioration During Storage of Vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packaged Fish Fillets

Toxin production by C. botulinum type E was studied in cod, whiting, and flounder filets packaged in air-permeable film, vacuum packages and packages flushed with N₂ or CO₂ during storage at 8°, 12° or 26°C. Cod and whiting filets were flushed with CO₂ and stored continuously at 4°C or cycled between 4° or 8° and 26°C. Cod and whiting fillets were flushed with gas mixtures and stored at 8°C or 26°C. Flounder deteriorated rapidly and was rejected by sensory evaluation prior to toxin detection during vacuum or modified atmosphere storage at 12°C and 8°C but after toxin detection at 26°C. Toxin was present either prior to or simultaneously with sensory rejection of cod and whiting fillets for all vacuum or modified atmosphere treatments and temperature regimens.     

Shelf‐life extension of refrigerated seabass slices under modified atmosphere packaging

The effect of CO₂‐enriched atmosphere in combination with either oxygen or nitrogen on the keeping quality of seabass slices stored at 4 °C was investigated. The inhibitory effect on bacterial growth increased proportionally to the CO₂ concentration in the packaging, maximum inhibition being achieved with 100% CO₂ (P < 0.05). Seabass slices stored in CO₂‐enriched atmosphere had lower total volatile base, trimethylamine, ammonia and formaldehyde contents than those stored in air (P < 0.05). However, increases in lightness and exudate loss were observed for samples packaged in high‐CO₂ atmosphere, suggesting the denaturation of both muscle and pigment proteins by carbonic acid formed. Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) increased as the CO₂ concentration increased (P < 0.05). However, odour, flavour and overall acceptability of CO₂‐enriched packaged samples, particularly with 80 and 100% CO₂, were acceptable throughout storage for 21 days. Chemical and microbial changes in all samples were generally in agreement with sensory panel evaluations. The shelf‐life of seabass slices packaged in 80–100% CO₂ atmosphere could be extended to more than 20 days at 4 °C, compared with 9 days for those packaged in air. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of combined chitosan-krill oil coating and modified atmosphere packaging on the storability of cold-stored lingcod (Ophiodon elongates) fillets

Chitosan solutions (3%) incorporating 20% krill oil (w/w chitosan) with or without the addition of 0.1 μl/ml cinnamon leaf essential oil were prepared. Fresh lingcod (Ophiodon elongates) fillets were vacuum-impregnated with the coating solutions, vacuum or modified atmosphere (MA) (60% CO₂ + 40% N₂) packaged, and then stored at 2 °C for up to 21 days for physicochemical and microbial quality evaluation. Chitosan-krill oil coating increased total lipid and omega-3 fatty acid contents of the lingcod by about 2-fold. The combined chitosan coating and vacuum or MA packaging reduced lipid oxidation as represented in TBARS, chemical spoilage as reflected in TVBN, and microbiological spoilage as reported in total plate count (2.22–4.25 Log reductions during storage). Chitosan-krill oil coating did not change the colour of the fresh fillets, nor affect consumers’ acceptance of both raw and cooked fish samples. Consumers preferred the overall quality of chitosan-coated, cooked lingcod samples over the control, based on their firm texture and less fishy aroma.     

Shelf Life of Fresh Tilapia Fillets Packaged in High Barrier Film with Modified Atmospheres

The effect of modified atmospheres (MAs) (75% CO₂:25% N₂; 50% CO₂: 50% N₂; and 25% CO₂: 75% N₂) and 100% air on shelf life of fresh tilapia fillets packaged in high barrier film bags was evaluated at refrigeration temperature (4.0°). Fillets packaged in 100% air spoiled after 9 days, as indicated by sensory characteristics, and had increased surface pH, TMA content, K-value and high microbial counts. When levels of CO₂ were increased from 25 to 75% in the package atmosphere, the shelf life of MA-packaged tilapia fillets was extended 4–21 days more than that of fillets packaged under 100% air. Although fillets packaged under 75% CO₂:25% N₂ were judged by sensory characteristics to be acceptable for more than 25 days, their K-value was high (93.1%). K-values were independent of spoilage and correlated only with length of storage of the MA-packaged fillets.     

Toxin Development by Clostridium botulinum in Modified Atmosphere-Packaged Fresh Tilapia Fillets During Storage

Potential for toxin development by Clostridium botulinum type E was investigated in retail-type packages of fresh tilapia fillets packaged in high barrier film under selected atmospheres [100% air, a modified atmosphere (MA) containing 75%CO₂:25%N₂, and vacuum] and stored under refrigeration (4°C) and abuse temperatures (8 and 16°C). Toxin development coincided with sensory spoilage at 16°C storage for fillets packaged in either MA, or vacuum. At 8°C, toxin development in fillets packaged in either of the atmospheres occurred 7-23 days after sensory spoilage. At 4°C, none of MA-packaged fillets became toxic until 10 days after onset of sensory spoilage. Toxin development did not precede sensory spoilage in any treatments or temperatures studied.     

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the growth of spoilage microorganisms and Listeria monocytogenes on fresh cheese

Queso Fresco has a limited shelf life and has been shown to support the rapid growth of Listeria monocytogenes during refrigerated storage. In addition to improving quality and extending shelf life, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been used to control the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in foods. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of MAP conditions on the survival and growth of spoilage microorganisms and L. monocytogenes during storage of Queso Fresco manufactured without starter cultures. For L. monocytogenes experiments, cheeses were surface inoculated at ～4 log₁₀ cfu/g before packaging. Inoculated and uninoculated (shelf life experiments) cheeses were placed in 75-µm high-barrier pouches, packaged under 1 of 7 conditions including air, vacuum, or combinations of N₂ and CO₂ [100% N₂ (MAP1), 30% CO₂:70% N₂ (MAP2), 50% CO₂:50% N₂ (MAP3), or 70% CO₂:30% N₂ (MAP4), 100% CO₂ (MAP5)], and stored at 7°C. Samples were removed weekly through 35 d of storage. Listeria monocytogenes counts were determined for inoculated samples. Uninoculated samples were assayed for mesophilic and psychrotolerant counts, lactic acid bacteria, coliforms, and yeast and mold. In general, cheeses packaged under conditions consisting of higher contents of CO₂ had lower pH levels during storage compared with those stored in conditions with lower levels or no CO₂ at all. Similarly, the antimicrobial efficacy of MAP in controlling spoilage microorganisms increased with increasing CO₂ content, whereas conditions consisting of 100% N₂, vacuum, or air were less effective. Mean L. monocytogenes counts remained near inoculation levels for all treatments at d 1 but increased ～2 log₁₀ cfu/g on cheeses packaged in air, vacuum, and 100% N₂ (MAP1) conditions at d 7 and an additional ～1.5 log₁₀ cfu/g at d 14 where they remained through 35 d. In contrast, treatments consisting of 70% CO₂ (MAP4) and 100% CO₂ (MAP5) limited increases in mean L. monocytogenes counts to <1 log₁₀ cfu/g through 14 d and ～1.5 log₁₀ cfu/g by d 21. Mean L. monocytogenes counts increased to levels significantly higher than inoculation (d 0) on cheeses stored in MAP2 and MAP3 on d 21, on d 28 for MAP4, and on d 35 for cheeses stored under MAP5 conditions. Overall, significant treatment × time interactions were observed between air, vacuum, and MAP1 when each was compared with MAP2, MAP3, MAP4, and MAP5. These data demonstrate that packaging fresh cheese under modified atmospheres containing CO₂ may be a promising approach to extend shelf life while limiting L. monocytogenes growth during cold storage.     

Effect of Packaging Film and Vacuum Level on Regular and Sorbate-Cured Bacon

Bacon was produced with either 40 ppm NaNO₂/0.26% potassium sorbate, or 120 ppm NaNO₂. Slices were packaged in either nylon/Surlyn or nylon/Saran/Surlyn pouches and sealed at either a high or intermediate vacuum level. At 0, 10, 21 and 28 days after packaging, residual nitrite, rancidity, pH, residual salt and pigment conversion were measured. Residual nitrite and pH were lower while nitrosopigment conversion was higher in bacon packaged with the high-barrier film. Vacuum level, however, had no effect on any measured characteristic. The sorbate/reduced nitrite cure resulted in lower pigment conversion, lower residual nitrite, and a higher TBA number.     

Spoilage Processes and Proteolysis in Chicken as Detected by HPLC

Fresh poultry fillets inoculated or not with Pseudomonas fragi stored under aerobic, vacuum and 100% CO₂ packaging conditions to study the microbiological as well as the changes occurring in the concentration of glucose, lactate and water-soluble proteins, during the storage at 3 and 10°C. It was found that lactic acid bacteria were the dominant organisms in inoculated or uninoculated poultry fillets stored under these conditions. The low-molecular-weight compounds such as glucose and L -lactate were found to decrease always in these fillets during storage and the profile of water-soluble proteins as detected by HPLC differed among the different samples treated differently. © 1997 SCI.     

不同包装与贮藏条件对两种低盐腌制罗非鱼片的品质影响

为了开发低盐罗非鱼（Oreochromis mossambicus）深加工产品,延长其货架期,以本实验室开发的低盐腌制罗非鱼片、复合低盐腌制罗非鱼片为对象,通过普通包装（对照）、真空包装和气调包装,测定鱼片在4 ℃（冷藏）和－3 ℃（微冻）贮藏过程中汁液流失率、感官评分、pH值、硫代巴比妥酸反应物（thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,TBARS）值、挥发性盐基氮（total volatile base-nitrogen,TVB-N）含量、菌落总数等指标,分析不同包装方式和不同贮藏条件下的品质变化规律。结果表明：不同包装方式的两种低盐腌制罗非鱼片在4 ℃和－3 ℃贮藏过程的感官评分随贮藏时间延长逐渐下降,pH值呈现先降低后升高的趋势,而汁液流失率、TBARS值、TVB-N含量、菌落总数均随着贮藏时间的延长呈现上升的趋势。综合各项指标的变化规律,复合低盐组罗非鱼片比低盐组罗非鱼片在贮藏过程中能更好地维持品质,气调包装的鱼片品质优于真空包装和普通包装。在4 ℃贮藏时,气调包装的两种低盐腌制罗非鱼片货架期均为12 d,比普通包装和真空包装分别延长8 d和4 d;在－3 ℃贮藏时,气调包装组的货架期均达到43 d,比普通包装组和真空包装组分别延长25、10 d。两种低盐腌制罗非鱼片采用气调包装、－3 ℃贮藏可明显保持产品的品质和延长货架期,这为罗非鱼低盐深加工产品的开发生产提供技术支持。     

Different MAP conditions to improve the shelf life of sea bass

Shelf life of cultured sea bass packaged in air, vacuum, and gas mixture packages stored for 40 days at 2.90±0.02°C was compared. The gas mixtures used contained CO₂, O₂, and N₂ at difference percentages (M1: 75% CO₂/25% N₂; M2: 60% CO₂/40% N₂; M3: 30% O₂/30% CO₂/40% N₂). Sensory and physical parameters, chemical changes, and microbiological counts were monitored during storage. Storage with a gas mix including 75 and 60% CO₂ was more effective than vacuum processing and packaging with a gas mix that included oxygen. Vacuum was the most effective method for preventing lipid oxidation. The optimum method for sea bass in view of all analysis results was modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and the most suitable gas mix ratio was 75% CO₂/25% N₂. The best days for consumption of sea bass packaged with air, MAP (M1, M2, and M3), and vacuum were 4^th, 28^th, 28^th, 16^th, and 20^th days, respectively.     

The impact of packaging system and temperature abuse on the shelf life characteristics of ground beef

New ground beef packaging systems have warranted investigation of their spoilage and quality characteristics. Furthermore, analysis of ground beef spoilage in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and stored at abusive temperature is lacking. This research aimed to determine the effect of packaging systems and temperature abuse on the sensory and shelf-life characteristics of ground beef. Ground beef patties were packaged using polyvinyl chloride overwrap (OW), HI-OX MAP (80% O₂, 20% CO₂), LO-OX MAP (30% CO₂, 70% N₂), CO-MAP (0.4% CO, 30% CO₂, 69.6% N₂), or vacuum (VAC) prior to color, odor, biochemical, and microbial analyses over display. CO-MAP exhibited more desirable color and consumer acceptability throughout display. Lean discoloration and odor scores were lower for anaerobic packaging than aerobic packaging. Microbial results mirrored sensory preferences for anaerobic packaging. These results indicate anaerobic packaging extends shelf-life properties and desirable sensory attributes throughout display and temperature abuse.