Colour changes and consumer acceptability of bulk packaged pork retail cuts stored under O(2), CO(2) and N(2)

A centralised bulk packaging technique, utilising various gas mixtures, c. 100% CO₂ + oxygen scavenger, c. 80% O₂:20% CO₂ and c. 25% CO₂:50% N₂:25% O₂, was evaluated in terms of consumer acceptability and colour. The inclusion of an oxygen scavenger ensured that pork retail chops bulk packaged in a 100% CO₂ were as acceptable after 0, and 14 days bulk storage and subsequent retail display than chops stored in oxygen-enriched atmospheres. The study also indicated that a saturation level of 10 and higher indicated that the appearance of the pork chop was acceptable to the consumer panel. From the results of this study it is apparent that consumers find pork retail packs, bulk packaged in oxygen depleted atmospheres, as acceptable as pork chops stored in oxygen enriched atmospheres.     

A comparison of modified atmosphere and vacuum skin packing for the storage of red meats

The performances of two commercially available packaging systems for prolonging the shelf-life of fresh meat were compared at 1°C and during simulated retail display. Beef and pork loin steaks in modified atmosphere packs (MAP), containing 75% O2 and 25% CO2, developed an initial bright red (beef) or pink (pork) colour, which gradually changed to brownish-red or -pink after 12 days; similar samples in vacuum skin packs (VSP) remained purple-red throughout the storage period. Off-odours developed more rapidly in MAP (8–12 days), possibly due to more extensive growth of Brochothrix thermosphacta and the effects of aerobic conditions on the metabolites of lactic acid bacteria, which predominated in both types of packs. Evidence of rancidity, using thiobarbituric acid assay, was demonstrated in MAP beef after approximately 8 days, but not in VSP. Drip losses in MAP increased after 6 days' storage, but remained generally low in VSP. Physical texture (shear force values of cooked samples) of beef was unaffected by packaging method, but pork in VSP was significantly more tender ( P < 0.001) than in MAP.     

The combined effect of antioxidants and modified atmosphere packaging on protein and lipid oxidation in beef patties during chill storage

Effect of rosemary extract and ascorbate/citrate (1:1) in combination with modified atmosphere packaging (100% N(2), 80% O(2)/20% N(2)) on protein and lipid oxidation in minced beef patties during storage in the dark for up to 6 days at 4°C was investigated. A high level of oxygen in the packaging atmosphere was found to increase both lipid and protein oxidation during storage as evaluated by TBARS analysis of secondary lipid oxidation products and by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatization of protein carbonyls. Both antioxidant systems tested were found to inhibit lipid oxidation but not protein oxidation. In contrast, ascorbate/citrate was found to promote protein oxidation. Rosemary extract was found to regenerate or protect α-tocopherol whereas the packaging atmospheres had no effect on α-tocopherol stability. In high oxygen atmospheres both antioxidants protected the fresh red meat colour with ascorbate/citrate being more efficient than the rosemary extract, whereas no effect of antioxidant on meat colour was found in beef patties stored in 100% nitrogen.     

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.     

High-pressure treatment of dry-cured Iberian ham. Effect on colour and oxidative stability during chill storage packed in modified atmosphere

Slices of dry-cured Iberian ham were pressurized at 200 and 400 MPa for 15 min and subsequently packed in two different modified atmospheres of 30% carbon dioxide or 30% carbon dioxide and 5% oxygen (both balanced with nitrogen). Non-pressurized ham slices were also packed in two different modified atmospheres and all packages were stored at 5 °C for 39 days in illuminated chill cabinets. Measurements of colour and oxidative stability were performed after 1, 18 and 39 days of storage. High-pressure treatments at the level of 400 MPa resulted in the highest value for the tristimulus lightness L ^*-parameter during storage, reaching the maximum values after 39 days. Redness, measured as the tristimulus a ^*-parameter, was affected by pressure treatment, since samples submitted to treatment of highest pressure had significantly lower initial red colour. Oxygen was found to have a detrimental effect on nitrosylmyoglobin content since the extractable content was significantly lower after 18 and 39 days of storage in the 5% oxygen atmosphere. The effect of high pressure on oxidative stability was statistically significant after 39 days of chill storage with slices pressurized at 400 MPa showing the highest content in TBARS. High-pressure treatment at 400 MPa resulted in discoloration and oxidative degradation of lipids in dry-cured Iberian ham during subsequent illuminated chill storage.     

Influence of packaging material on pomegranate juice colour and bioactive compounds,during storage

Pomegranate juices were assessed after pasteurisation and storage in different packaging materials: transparent and green glass, and paperboard carton with polyethylene layers (Minibrik‐200). The main objective was to establish the influence of the container on the stability of colour and bioactive compounds (anthocyanins, ellagic acid and other non‐coloured phenols). Results showed that non‐coloured phenols and ellagic acid were quite stable during the storage period. In contrast, anthocyanins degraded, to an extent directly proportional to colour loss, less for those juices stored in glass bottles than for those stored in Minibrik. These results indicated that these paperboard carton containers are oxygen permeable, and that oxygen has a greater influence on anthocyanin, and consequently on colour degradation, than light on pomegranate juice during storage. Nevertheless, the antioxidant activity was not influenced by the packaging material employed. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

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

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

Effect of different concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen on the growth of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica 4/O:3 in ground pork packaged under modified atmospheres

The influence on Yersinia enterocolitica counts of a gradual increase of carbon dioxide concentrations (percentage by volume in air) during packaging and storage of ground pork meat artificially contaminated with this pathogen was evaluated. Ground meat was packaged under customary conditions using modified atmospheres with various carbon dioxide percentages (0, 30, 50, 70, and 100% CO2 by volume; for atmospheres of less than 100% CO2, the rest of the gas was O2). The packs were stored at 2 degrees C for 12 days. During the entire storage time, counts of Y. enterocolitica were determined by the spread plate method for direct plate counts (DPCs). Microbiological shelf life of the stored ground pork also was assessed by total mesophilic aerobic bacterial plate counts (APCs). Y. enterocolitica counts were not significantly different (P > or = 0.05) in the ground pork packaged under the various CO2-enriched atmospheres. The growth of Y. enterocolitica was nearly entirely inhibited in all tested modified atmospheres containing the protective CO2. However, in ground pork packaged with 100% oxygen, there was a significant decrease (P < or = 0.05) in the DPC for Y. enterocolitica from 4.30 log CFU/g (day 0) to 3.09 log CFU/g at the end of the storage time (day 12). The decrease was presumably due to the marked increase in APC seen only in those packages stored under 100% O2. Packaging with high CO2 concentrations had significant inhibitory effect (P < or = 0.05) on the growth of mesophilic aerobic bacteria.     

Evaluation of shelf life of cured, cooked, sliced turkey fillets and cooked pork sausages-'piroski'-stored under vacuum and modified atmospheres at +4 and +10 °C

Evaluation of shelf life was made of cured, cooked, sliced turkey breast fillets and a type of cooked pork sausage called 'piroski', stored in vacuum and in six different modified atmospheres (MA) at +4 and +10?°C. Total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, pH changes, colour attributes and the presence of pathogenic bacteria (listeriae, staphylococci) were monitored during the storage. The results of the study showed that the average shelf life for both products was 2 and 1 week at 4 and 10?°C, respectively. By the end of these periods, the bacterial population consisting of only lactic acid bacteria reached 10(8) cfu g(-1). Macroscopical (colour, drip loss and slime) and organoleptical changes (sour odours) were not related to pH and observed already at pH values >5.5. It is concluded that the use of MA packaging in these tests did not extend and not reduce the product shelf life in comparison to vacuum packaging.     

新鲜猪肉气调保鲜包装技术与设备

本文介绍鲜猪肉气调保鲜包装混合气体的组成、保持鲜肉色泽与防腐保鲜效果和GM型气体比例混合器的结构与性能。通过鲜猪肉的气调包装和真空包装保鲜效果试验得出：在0～6℃温度贮藏14天后，两种包装的保鲜和保持色泽的效果相比较，气调包装鲜猪肉的细菌总数低于真空包装，血色素的指标是真空包装的三倍。研制的GM型气体比例混合器，可使二种气体（O2与CO2或CO2与N2）或三种气体（O2、CO2、N2）任意体积比例混合，气体比例混合的精度（±1％，其标准流量在0．1MPa压力下为2．4m3／h）GM型气体比例混合器的供气量可满足热成型真空充气包装机或其他机型的气调包装操作要求。     

Effect of the packaging method and the storage time on lipid oxidation and colour stability on dry fermented sausage salchichón manufactured with raw material with a high level of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids

The effects of fatty acid composition, two packaging methods (vacuum and 20% CO₂/80% N₂) and storage under refrigeration for 210 days were evaluated on a dry fermented sausage (salchichón), manufactured with raw material enriched in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acid composition was determined on sausage mixtures and on ripened sausages and lipid oxidation and colour stability was determined on ripened sausage at different times during storage. The modification of fatty acid composition of the sausages raised the nutritional quality, slightly affecting the colour properties. Dry fermented sausages enriched in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids presented higher lipid oxidation values than the control ones. Both packaging methods (vacuum and 20% CO₂/80% N₂) during 210 days of chilled storage had minor effects on the colour and the lipid oxidation stability.     

Effects of modified atmosphere storage on colour and microbiological shelf life of normal and pale, soft and exudative pork

Pale, soft and exudative (PSE) and normal pork loins (n = 9 of each) were deboned, divided and packaged in modified atmospheres (MA) of 100% carbon dioxide containing 0, 0.5 and 1.0% residual oxygen (O(2)). The meat was stored at 3 °C, first in MA for 21 days, followed by 5 additional days under retail display conditions with access to air. Before packaging, PSE loins were more light and less red than those of normal meat. The drip loss after MA storage was twice as high from PSE meat as from normal meat. PSE meat was not more discoloured after MA storage than normal meat. The level of residual O(2) in the MA had a significant impact on the colour of the two types of meat. Discoloration was observed on both PSE and normal meat with 0.5% O(2) and even more clearly with 1.0% O(2), as demonstrated by instrumental and visual colour analyses. After MA storage, the microbiological shelf life and flora were not affected by the type of meat, or level of residual O(2).     

Mild protein oxidation enhanced hydration and myofibril swelling capacity of fresh ground pork muscle packaged in high oxygen atmosphere

Abstract: This study investigated the influence of an oxygen‐enriched modified atmosphere packaging (HiOx: 80% O₂/20% CO₂) in comparison with air‐permeable polyvinylchloride (PVC) wrapping and partial vacuum (VP: 60%) packaging on the ability of myofibrils to imbibe water during retail display of fresh ground pork at 2 to 4 °C. Both HiOx and PVC muscles after 4 d showed maximum myofibril swelling and A‐band dissolution when isolated myofibrils were subjected to a graded series of salt solutions (0.2→0.4 M NaCl with 10‐mM sodium pyrophosphate, pH 6.2), while VP samples exhibited no remarkable change. Protein carbonyl content increased substantially from day 0 to 4 in all muscle samples. For HiOx, muscle hydration capacity increased linearly (P < 0.05) during storage up to 14 d, corresponding to protein carbonyl production. No significant changes in hydration properties were noted in VP muscle samples, which also maintained lower levels of protein oxidation, during storage up to 21 d. These results indicated that packaging in modified atmosphere with high levels of oxygen could result in increased protein oxidation but enhanced hydration capacity of fresh meat. Practical Application: Packaging of fresh meat, including ground pork, under an oxygen‐enriched atmosphere condition is widely used in the industry to preserve red color of meat. Results from the present study indicate that high oxygen packaging has a discordant effect on fresh ground pork: it enhances hydration but decreases water‐binding, and this seems to be caused by increased swelling of muscle fibers due to mild protein oxidation. Hence, it is advisable to employ a water‐binding agent in this type of packaging system so as to retain the moisture in stored fresh pork products while maintaining the color stability.     

Effect of different concentrations of carbon dioxide and low concentration of carbon monoxide on the shelf-life of fresh pork sausages packaged in modified atmosphere

This paper reports the effects of different concentrations of carbon dioxide and the presence of low levels of carbon monoxide on quality attributes throughout storage of fresh pork sausages. Four pork forelegs (initial pH 5.5-5.7) were used to prepare a total of 120 fresh sausages, which were packaged in different atmospheres containing (%O(2)/%CO(2)/%N(2)): 0/20/80; 0/60/40; 40/20/40; 40/60/0; 80/20/0; and 0.3% CO/30% CO(2)/rest argon. The packs were stored for 20 days at 2±1 °C in the dark. Three packs for each atmosphere were opened every 4 days for subsequent analysis of pH, colour CIE L*, a*, b*, TBARS formation, microbial psychotrophic aerobes and sensory discolouration and off-odour. Results showed that increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide promoted oxidation of both myoglobin and lipids, most probably due to its effect of lowering pH. Therefore, preservation of colour and odour of fresh pork sausages packaged in modified atmosphere was better achieved using atmospheres containing low CO(2) concentrations (20%) rather than high (60%). However, their shelf-life depended also on the concentration of O(2); 20% CO(2) with high O(2) (80%) enhanced the red colour, but shortened shelf-life, while 20% CO(2) in the absence of O(2) extended freshness to 16 days. The atmosphere containing 0.3% CO, together with 30% CO(2), maintained the red colour for 20 days, but failed to keep fresh odour longer than 16 days.     

Effect of residual oxygen on the colour, odour and taste of carbon dioxide-packaged beef, lamb and pork during short term storage at chill temperatures

Samples of boneless pork, lamb, beef (high and normal pH) were packaged in '100%' carbon dioxide atmospheres in foil laminate pouches. These pouches were fitted with a septum and a gas sampling port that allowed the introduction of air and removal of gas samples for analysis from the sealed packs. After sealing, measured volumes of air were introduced into test packs that had been gassed at a carbon dioxide volume to meat weight ratio of either 1 litre/kg or 2 litres/kg, to give initial atmospheres containing approximately 0·1, 0·2 and 1·0% oxygen. After 24 and 168 h storage at -1·5 ± 0·5°C, test packs were removed and compared with similarly treated control packs without added oxygen with respect to meat odour, taste and colour. No significant differences between the test and control packs in respect to odour or taste were evident with any meat type. The tendency to develop browning in response to the presence of residual oxygen within packs, increased in the order: pork, normal pH beef, normal pH lamb, high pH beef. Beef and lamb developed noticeable browning in packs containing more than 0·15% total oxygen while pork was able to tolerate 1% oxygen without obvious detrimental effects. For all meat types, the colour stability was greater in packs gassed to the higher gas volume to meat weight ratio.     

Responses of CA-stored Bramley's Seedling and Cox's Orange Pippin apples to modified atmosphere retail packaging

The responses of Bramleys and Coxs apples to modified atmosphere (MA) retail packaging were studied in samples of fruit removed from controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage at monthly intervals through the marketing season, packed in MA or perforated control packs and held under simulated marketing conditions at 15C. The degree of modification of the pack atmospheres and the effects of MA packaging on fruit ripening changes were influenced by the duration and conditions of storage prior to packing. In addition, differential effects of MA packaging on the extent of retardation of flesh softening and skin yellowing were found as the storage period was extended. During 2 or 4 weeks at 15C, however, MA packs made from low density polyethylene (LDPE, 30 p) were effective in retarding changes in firmness and skin colour of Bramleys, previously stored for < 22 weeks (October-March) in 8% C02+ 13% O2 or for < 30 weeks (October-May) in 6% C02+3% 02. Similarly, during a 2-week marketing period at 15C, LDPE or ethylenevinylacetate (EVA, 30 II.) MA packs were effective in retarding some ripening changes in Coxs previously stored for < 31 weeks (Oc- tober-May) in < 1% C02+1.25% 02. The practical benefits of MA retail packaging for the marketing of apples are also discussed.     

含CO气调包装对冷却肉护色效果的研究

本试验采用0.5%CO/60%CO2/39.5%N2(CO组)真空(真空组)、70%O2/30%CO2(高氧组)和60%CO2/40%N2(无氧组)四种不同的气调包装,以及三种不同CO浓度的气调包装分别包装冷却肉并在1±1℃下贮藏,研究CO气调包装对肉色稳定性的影响。结果显示,CO组可明显延长冷却肉色泽稳定的时间,使冷却肉在整个贮存期中都保持鲜艳的红色,优于真空组、高氧组和无氧组,CO可向肉中不断渗透,生成稳定的鲜艳红色的CO-肌红蛋白。     

MAP storage of shell hen eggs, Part 1: Effect on physico-chemical characteristics of the fresh product

The aim of this study was to compare some physico-chemical properties (O₂ and CO₂ in the package headspace, weight loss, pH, albumen and yolk water content and colour, Haugh unit) of non packed eggs and eggs packed in high barrier plastic pouches with three atmospheres (air, 100% N₂, 100% CO₂) during 28 days of storage at 25 °C. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) permitted a strong reduction of the weight loss from the product. While the greatest quality decline was observed for the control eggs (not packed), eggs packed in CO₂ maintained the initial values of Haugh unit during storage and the albumen pH was about 2 units lower than in the control group. Nevertheless, the light yellow colour of CO₂ sample albumen deepened and the shell gradually developed a powdery surface. MAP with 100% N₂ did not promote any additional benefits to the eggs in comparison with the product packed in air.     

Effect of packaging atmosphere and pH on the virulence and growth ofYersinia enterocoliticaon pork stored at 4°C

Growth and virulence of pathogenicYersinia enterocoliticawere investigated on high (pH>6.0) and normal (pH<5.8) pH pork packaged in modified atmospheres and stored at 4°C. Modified atmospheres used in the study were vacuum packaging and saturated CO₂. Pork was packaged in a high gas barrier packaging film and examined over a 30-day period. Phenotypic characteristics were used to detect the presence of the virulence plasmid ofY. enterocoliticaafter exposure to the pork packaging and storage regimen. Phenotypic characteristics ofY. enterocoliticaisolates from pork loin stored at 4°C for 30 days that were studied included Congo red uptake, calcium dependence and autoagglutination in methyl red Voges–Proskauer broth and tissue culture medium. Numbers ofY. enterocoliticaon the lean surface of high pH pork slices increased approximately 2.7logcfucm⁻²when vacuum packaged and stored at 4°C for 30 days. Storage of inoculated normal pH pork in 100% CO₂resulted inY. enterocoliticaremaining in the lag phase over the storage period. Virulence ofY. enterocoliticawas maintained in 25 to 35% of isolates following storage for 30 days at 4°C in vacuum- and CO₂-packaged meats and was not affected by pH of the pork loin.     

Nisin、姜油协同高氧气调包装熟肉保鲜效果的研究

将熟猪肉采用Nisin和姜油处理,结合60%O2+20%CO2+20%N2和80%O2+20%CO2高氧气调包装,于低温和常温条件下贮藏,研究高氧气调包装对熟猪肉制品的保鲜效果,以空气包装的熟肉制品为对照。结果表明:高氧气调包装可显著抑制熟肉制品贮藏期间菌落总数的上升和感官品质的下降,贮藏后期能有效抑制TBA值的上升,防止肉制品的氧化;0.05%乳酸链球菌素、0.08%姜油结合80%O2+20%CO2高氧气调包装,可使肉制品达到最佳的保藏效果,低温下(0～4℃)至少可以保藏28d,常温下可以保藏15d。