Shelf-life extension and quality attributes of the whey cheese “Myzithra Kalathaki” using modified atmosphere packaging

The present work evaluated the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality characteristics and shelf-life extension of the whey cheese “Myzithra Kalathaki” using microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses. Myzithra cheese was packaged in four different atmospheres: vacuum, 20% CO₂/80% N₂ (M₁), 40% CO₂/60% N₂ (M₂) and 60% CO₂/40% N₂ (M₃); identical cheese samples were packaged in air, taken as controls. All cheese samples were kept under refrigeration (4±0.5 °C) for 45 days. Of the four atmospheres, the M₂ and M₃ gas mixtures were the most effective for inhibiting growth of aerobic microflora and psychrotrophs in cheese samples until days 40 and 33 of refrigerated storage, respectively. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were part of the cheese microflora becoming dominant toward the end of the storage period regardless of packaging conditions. Enterobacteriaeceae were also part of the cheese microflora being effectively inhibited after day 35 of storage. Molds and yeasts were also totally inhibited by MAP (M₂ and M₃) gas mixtures throughout the entire storage period. Of the chemical quality indices determined, lipid oxidation varied below 0.005 absorbance at 532 nm for all treatments, except control samples for which absorbance values of 0.02 were recorded after 35 days of storage. Lipolysis did not vary significantly with type of packaging treatment while proteolysis values showed and increasing trend up to day 25 of storage and then decreased toward the end of the storage period. Sensory evaluation (odour and taste) showed that Myzithra cheese packaged under MAP (M₂ and M₃) retained good sensory characteristics for 30 days of storage while control samples were sensorily unacceptable after 10-12 days of storage.     

Preservation of precut white cheese by modified atmosphere packaging

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on storage stability and quality of precut fresh and aged white cheese were investigated. Fresh or aged white cheese was cut into small cubes and packaged in five different atmospheres [0% O₂ + 0% CO₂ + 100% N₂ (MAP1), 10% O₂ + 0% CO₂ + 90% N₂ (MAP2), 0% O₂ + 75% CO₂ + 25% N₂ (MAP3), 10% O₂ + 75% CO₂ + 15% N₂ (MAP4) and aerobic (air)]. Control samples were packaged in brine and vacuum for fresh and aged white cheese, respectively. Changes in gas composition, total plate count, lactococci, lactobacilli, yeast and mould counts, proteolysis, lipolysis, pH, colour, texture and sensory properties were investigated during refrigerated storage. The best packaging treatment for the fresh cheese was MAP3, as it inhibited mould growth and protected the hardness. MAP2 can be recommended for the packaging of the aged cheese, as it decreased lipolysis.     

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.     

Gas exchange dynamics in modified atmosphere packaging of soft cheese

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a shelf-life extension technique that has been widely applied to horticultural, meat and dairy products. It relies on the interaction between product, packaging material and environment, which determines the gas composition inside the package at steady state. Therefore, MAP design needs to take into consideration O₂ consumption and CO₂ production rates of the product and the mass transfer coefficients for the gas exchange through the packaging material and how they are affected by environmental factors such as storage temperature. In this work, a mathematical model was developed for designing MAP systems for a soft cheese (camembert-type). The model was used to evaluate the effect of perforations on O₂ and CO₂ concentrations of package containing cheese, at constant and varying storage temperatures. The predicted gas composition was compared with those obtained experimentally at 293 and 285 K with packages having different numbers of perforations (1), (2) and (3). Experimental values of gas composition observed at steady state with one perforation were 0.050 and 0.148 (v/v) at 285 K for O₂ and CO₂ respectively, and 0.003 and 0.207 (v/v) at 293 K. Gas composition was found to take values between 0.009–0.058 for O₂ and 0.154–0.200 for CO₂, when the packages with a single perforation were exposed to storage temperature varying between 285 and 293 K during 14 days of storage. The model developed was able to accurately predict the gas exchange dynamics of the package throughout the storage period whether the temperature of storage was constant or not.     

METHOD FOR MEASURING CO2 ABSORPTION IN CO2 and N2 PACKAGED FRESH MEAT1

Headspace gas composition of meat stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) undergoes dynamic changes as a result of packaging film permeability, postmortem metabolic activity, CO₂ absorption in water and lipid, and bacteria growth and respiration. A combined analytical and experimental method was developed to investigate CO₂ absorption by packaged fresh meat in a gas-impermeable environment and during isothermal storage. the ideal gas law was used as a theoretical basis and a gas-impermeable and constant-volume chamber was constructed to evaluate the theoretical derivation. Changes in headspace pressure caused by dynamic interactions between beef and MAP atmospheres were monitored to predict concentration changes of CO₂ within the chamber. the proposed methodology for measuring CO₂ concentration changes was confirmed by gas analysis and proved valid for prediction of headspace CO₂ concentration changes in MAP gas-impermeable systems within the range of initial gas composition 20% to 100% CO₂ balanced with N₂, at temperatures ranging from 3 to 13C, and an initial headspace pressure of 155 kPa.     

A dissolving CO2 headspace combined with organic acids prolongs the shelf-life of fresh pork

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of a novel CO₂ packaging method in combination with organic acids on the microbial growth in fresh pork meat. Fresh pork fillet was packed with a small amount of 100% CO₂ (initial gas/product ratio 0.2/1.0) and a brine solution containing citric acid (3% w/w, pH 5), acetic acid (1% w/w, pH 5) or a combination of both. Microbial counts and composition in the product were determined. CO₂, citric acid and acetic acid each reduced total growth after four weeks of storage and delayed the onset of microbial growth. Combinations of treatments increased the effects and microbial growth in samples packed with a combination of CO₂ and both acids was negligible even after 35 days. However, the addition of citric acid to the packages led to significant precipitation in the brine. Analysis of the bacterial flora showed that lactic-acid bacteria dominated the flora in samples packed with CO₂ while vacuum-packed samples contained high numbers of Pseudomonas sp. and yeast. As all CO₂ dissolved in the product within hours after packaging, the outer appearance of the package was that of a vacuum-package. As a result, this novel packaging method combined the advantages of modified atmosphere packaging (antimicrobial effect of CO₂) and vacuum packaging (low space requirement).     

Effect of Packaging and Basil Essential Oil on the Quality Characteristics of Whey Cheese “Anthotyros”

In this study, we compared the effect of basil essential oil (EO) and various packaging conditions on “Anthotyros,” a Greek whey cheese. This cheese was stored at 4 °C under aerobic (A), vacuum (V), and modified atmosphere (M, 40%/60%; CO₂/N₂,) conditions, without or with (AB, VB, and VM) basil EO added to the cheese samples to a final concentration of 0.4% (v/w). The quality characteristics and the shelf life of both untreated and basil EO-treated cheese were assessed using microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory parameters. Microbiological results revealed that either modified atmosphere/vacuum packaging (MAP/VP) singly or in combination with basil EO delayed microbial growth as compared to the control (A) samples. The sensory and microbiological data showed that the combined use of MAP and VP with added basil EO extended the shelf life of fresh Anthotyros (4 °C) by approximately 10–12 days (treatment MB) and 6 days (treatment VB) as compared to aerobic packaging (A). Under these treatments, whey cheese samples maintained good sensory characteristics. This study has shown that the combined use of either VP or MAP, and basil EO, can extend the shelf life of whey cheese and maintain the freshness and the sensorial characteristics of the product.     

Gas production by Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis WDCO4 is increased in Cheddar cheese containing sodium gluconate

Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis can use gluconate (GLCN) as well as galactose as an energy source and because sodium GLCN can be added during salting of Cheddar cheese to reduce calcium lactate crystal formation, our primary objective was to determine if the presence of GLCN in cheese is another risk factor for unwanted gas production leading to slits in cheese. A secondary objective was to calculate the amount of CO₂ produced during storage and to relate this to the amount of gas-forming substrate that was utilized. Ribose was added to promote growth of Pa. wasatchensis WDC04 (P.waWDC04) to high numbers during storage. Cheddar cheese was made with lactococcal starter culture with addition of P.waWDC04 on 3 separate occasions. After milling, the curd was divided into six 10-kg portions. To the curd was added (A) salt, or salt plus (B) 0.5% galactose + 0.5% ribose (similar to previous studies), (C) 1% sodium GLCN, (D) 1% sodium GLCN + 0.5% ribose, (E) 2% sodium GLCN, (F) 2% sodium GLCN + 0.5% ribose. A vat of cheese without added P.waWDC04 was made using the same milk and a block of cheese used as an additional control. Cheeses were cut into 900-g pieces, vacuum packaged and stored at 12°C for 16 wk. Each month the bags were examined for gas production and cheese sampled and tested for lactose, galactose and GLCN content, and microbial numbers. In the control cheese, P.waWDC04 remained undetected (i.e., <10⁴ cfu/g), whereas in cheeses A, C, and E it increased to 10⁷ cfu/g, and when ribose was included with salting (cheeses B, D, and F) increased to 10⁸ cfu/g. The amount of gas (measured as headspace height or calculated as mmoles of CO₂) during 16 wk storage was increased by adding P.waWDC04 into the milk, and by adding galactose or GLCN to the curd. Galactose levels in cheese B were depleted by 12 wk while no other cheeses had residual galactose. Except for cheese D, the other cheeses with GLCN added (C, E and F) showed little decline in GLCN levels until wk 12, even though gas was being produced starting at wk 4. Based on calculations of CO₂ in headspace plus CO₂ dissolved in cheese, galactose and GLCN added to cheese curd only accounted for about half of total gas production. It is proposed that CO₂ was also produced by decarboxylation of amino acids. Although P.waWDC04 does not have all the genes for complete conversion and decarboxylation of the amino acids in cheese, this can be achieved in conjunction with starter culture lactococcal. Adding GLCN to curd can now be considered another confirmed risk factor for unwanted gas production during storage of Cheddar cheese that can lead to slits and cracks in cheese. Putative risk factors now include having a community of bacteria in cheese leading to decarboxylation of amino acids and release of CO₂ as well autolysis of the starter culture that would provide a supply of ribose that can promote growth of Pa. wasatchensis.     

Shelf-life evaluation of portioned Provolone cheese packaged in protective atmosphere

The aim of this work was to evaluate the shelf-life of portioned Provolone cheese packaged in protective atmosphere using four different CO₂/N₂ gas mixtures (10/90, 20/80, 30/70 and 100/0 v/v) and at 4 and 8 °C, in order to simulate, respectively, the most common domestic and retail storage conditions. Control samples were vacuum-packaged. Furthermore, the acquired data were utilized to predict the commercial shelf-life of the cheese. The gas mixture made up of 30% CO₂ and 70% N₂ guaranteed portioned Provolone cheese the best preservability, since it was able to slow the proteolytic and lipolytic phenomena typical of cheese ripening more than all other gas mixtures. Furthermore, this mixture lengthened Provolone cheese shelf-life by 50% in comparison with vacuum-packaging, bringing it to 280 days.     

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.     

Shelf-life of Domiati cheese under modified atmosphere packaging

The present study describes the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on shelf-life extension, chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of Domiati cheese. Five different MAP were studied [10% CO₂/90% N₂ (G1), 15% CO₂/85% N₂ (G2), 25% CO₂/75% N₂ (G3), 100% CO₂ (G4), and 100% N₂ (G5)]. Control samples were packaged in air (CA) and under vacuum. In both groups of cheeses, chemical analysis was significantly affected by MAP during cold storage. Ripening indexes were significantly affected by MAP during cold storage. Microbiological data showed that G4, followed by G5, were the most effective groups inhibiting the growth of total aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, and yeasts and molds until the end of storage. Sensory evaluation was significantly affected by MAP and storage period, at 45 d CA cheese samples were judged as unacceptable. The best sensory properties were obtained in G5, G4, and G3 treatments, and recorded a relatively higher sensory evaluation scores. The best shelf-life extension was obtained in G5, G4, and G3 treatments.     

Ethylene production,respiration and gas exchange modelling in modified atmosphere packaging for banana fruits

A mathematical model was developed from experimental measurements to describe the evolution of the O₂, CO₂ and ethylene in a modified atmosphere packaging system for Cavendish bananas. The respiration and ethylene production in the fruits were experimentally obtained from a closed system method and then represented by Michaelis–Menten equations of enzyme kinetics. The gas transfer through the packaging was described by a Fick's diffusion equation, and the temperature dependence was represented based on the Arrhenius law. The model was validated by packaging the fruit in perforated bags of polypropylene and low density polyethylene at 12 °C for a period of 8 days. With the developed model it was possible to satisfactorily describe the experimental evolution of the gas content in the headspace of the packages, obtaining coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.93 for the O₂ levels, 0.90–0.91 for the CO₂ levels, and 0.89–0.93 for the ethylene levels.     

The growth of Listeria monocytogenes in fresh goat cheese (Cameros cheese) packaged under modified atmospheres

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in inoculated and non-inoculated Cameros cheese was evaluated. Three different modified atmosphere conditions were studied (20%CO₂/80%N₂, 40%CO₂/60%N₂ and 100%CO₂). Control cheeses were packaged in air. The product was stored at 4°C and evaluated periodically to investigate its microbiological quality.MAP presented an extended shelf-life. Those containing CO₂ reduced the growth rate of mesophiles, psychrotrophs and anaerobes, which was lower when the CO₂ concentration increased. A concentration of 100% CO₂ showed the lowest microbial counts. L. monocytogenes growth was lower when the CO₂ concentration increased. However, after 28 days the L. monocytogenes population was 1·3 log units lower in inoculated cheeses packaged at 100% CO₂ than in those packaged in air. Listeria monocytogenes can grow in atmospheres containing 20, 40 and 100% CO₂. L. monocytogenes were not found in any of the non-inoculated samples. It was concluded that MAP was not a suitable means to prevent the growth of L. monocytogenes in Cameros cheese.     

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.     

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on quality factors and shelf-life of surface mould ripened cheese: Part I constant temperature

In the present study, packaging of a surface mould ripened cheese under 2 atm: MAP-A (0% O₂, 27 ± 6% CO₂) and MAP-B (2 ± 1% O₂, 19 ± 2% CO₂) was studied at 12 °C and the results were compared with the existing commercial packaging system (wrapped with waxed paper and inserted in cardboard box). Quality parameters such as colour, texture, pH and moisture content were evaluated after 0, 7 and 14 days of storage, together with a sensory evaluation. Tuckey test and principal components analysis showed that after 14 days of storage, the best conditions for the preservation of the cheeses corresponded to MAP-B. The predicted shelf-life was found to be 14, 6 and 17 days for control, MAP-A and MAP-B respectively. It was concluded that modified atmosphere packaging of surface mould ripened cheese with low levels of O₂ (1-3%) and relatively high levels of CO₂ (17-21%) can be used to extend the shelf-life of soft cheese; however the package has to be suitably designed, as total loss of O₂ (as in MAP-A) would shorten the shelf-life.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging to Maintain Direct-Set Cottage Cheese Quality

Direct-set cottage cheese packaged in barrier containers was flushed with 100% CO₂ 75% CO₂:25% N₂, 100% N_2, or air, and stored at 4°C for 28 days. Quality was assessed by sensory, microbiological, and chemical tests. No change was observed in headspace gas composition during storage. Psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria counts increased for air-treated samples, but counts for cottage cheese packaged under modified atmospheres remained unchanged. Product discoloration was not observed. Acidity increased over storage life, but lactic acid did not contribute towards increased acidity. Sensory characteristics of cottage cheese packaged under modified atmospheres remained satisfactory after 28 days, with 100% CO₂ best.     

Bio-based nanocomposite coating to preserve quality of Fior di latte cheese

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a bio-based coating containing silver-montmorillonite nanoparticles combined with modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) on microbial and sensory quality decay of Fior di latte cheese. Different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mg/mL) were dispersed in a sodium alginic acid solution (8% wt/vol) before coating the cheese. Modified-atmosphere packaging was made up of 30% CO₂, 5% O₂, and 65% N₂. The combination of silver-based nanocomposite coating and MAP enhanced Fior di latte cheese shelf life. In particular, product stored in the traditional packaging showed a shelf life of about 3 d, whereas coated cheese stored under MAP reached a shelf life of more than 5 d, regardless of the concentration of silver nanoparticles. The synergistic effects between antimicrobial nanoparticles and initial headspace conditions in the package could allow diffusion of dairy products beyond the local area.     

Gluconate metabolism and gas production by Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis WDC04

Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis, a nonstarter lactic acid bacteria, can cause late gas production and splits and cracks in aging cheese when it metabolizes 6-carbon substrates, particularly galactose, to a 5-carbon sugar, resulting in the release of CO₂. Previous studies have not explained late gas production in aging cheese when no galactose is present. Based on the genome sequence of Pa. wasatchensis WDC04, genes for potential metabolic pathways were mapped using knowledgebase predictive biology software. This metabolic modeling predicted Pa. wasatchensis WDC04 could metabolize gluconate. Gluconate contains 6 carbons, and Pa. wasatchensis WDC04 contains genes to convert it to 6-P-gluconate and then to ribulose-5-P by using 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in a decarboxylating step, producing CO₂ during its metabolism. The goal of this study was to determine if sodium gluconate, often added to cheese to reduce calcium lactate crystal formation, could be metabolized by Pa. wasatchensis WDC04, resulting in gas production. Carbohydrate-restricted DeMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe broth was mixed with varying ratios of ribose, sodium gluconate, or d-galactose (total added substrate content of 1% wt/vol). Oxyrase (Oxyrase Inc.; 1.8% vol/vol) was also used to mimic the anaerobic environment of cheese aging in selected tubes. Tubes were inoculated with a 4-d culture of Pa. wasatchensis WDCO4, and results were recorded over 8 d. When inoculated into carbohydrate-restricted DeMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe broth containing only sodium gluconate as the added substrate, Pa. wasatchensis WDC04 grew, confirming gluconate utilization. Of the 10 ratios used, Pa. wasatchensis WDC04 produced gas in 6 scenarios, with the most gas production resulting from the ratio of 100% sodium gluconate with no added ribose or galactose. It was confirmed that obligately heterofermentative nonstarter lactobacilli such as Pa. wasatchensis WDC04 can utilize sodium gluconate to produce CO₂ gas. Addition of sodium gluconate to cheese thus becomes another risk factor for unwanted gas production and formation of slits and cracks.