The microbial safety of strawberry and raspberry fruits packaged in high-oxygen and equilibrium-modified atmospheres compared to air storage

Microbial safety of strawberry and raspberry fruits was assessed after shelf‐life extension by two new packaging systems, high‐oxygen atmospheres (HOA) and equilibrium‐modified atmospheres (EMA), in combination with an ethylene absorbing film. Both fruits had a shelf‐life of 3 days at 7 °C when macroperforated films were used. Strawberry fruits were acceptable for 5 days in both packages, raspberries had a shelf‐life of 7 and 5 days when using EMA and HOA respectively. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were artificially inoculated onto packaged fruits. All were able to survive on packaged fruits stored at 7 °C. Raspberries showed an enhanced inactivation of Salmonella during storage time in both types of packaging. Growth of L. monocytogenes was observed on the calyx of strawberries after the end of the established shelf‐life. Generally, increasing the shelf‐life of the fruits with EMA and HOA did not give an increased microbial risk.     

Predictive modelling for packaging design: equilibrium modified atmosphere packages of fresh-cut vegetables subjected to a simulated distribution chain

The impact of temperature fluctuations in a simulated cold distribution chain, typical of commercial practice, was investigated on both the microbial and sensorial quality of equilibrium modified atmosphere (EMA) packaged minimally processed vegetables. The internal O2 concentration of the designed packages could be predicted for the different steps of the simulated distribution chain by applying an integrated mathematical system. The internal atmosphere in the packages remained in its aerobic range during storage in the chain due to the application of high permeable packaging films for O2 and CO2. Spoilage microorganisms were proliferating fast on minimally processed bell peppers and lettuce. Yeasts showed to be the shelf-life limiting group. Visual properties limited the sensorial shelf-life. Listeria monocytogenes was able to multiply on cucumber slices, survived on minimally processed lettuce and decreased in number on bell peppers due to the combination of low pH and refrigeration. Aeromonas caviae was multiplying on both cucumber slices and mixed lettuce, but was as well inhibited by the low pH of bell peppers. Storage temperature control was found to be of paramount importance for the microbial (spoilage and safety) and sensorial quality evaluation of EMA-packaged minimally processed vegetables.     

Microbial and sensory quality of vegetables for soup packaged in different atmospheres

Fresh prepacked vegetables for soup have become very popular on the Italian market, since they are already peeled, cut, washed and ready-to-use. The packaging and the modified atmosphere can prolong their shelf-life and maintain their hygienic, physicochemical and sensory characteristics during storage at + 4°C. The hygienic and sensory quality was evaluated by analysing microbial growth and atmosphere composition at the moment of packaging and at the end or the shelf-life of vegetables prepacked in air on under modified atmospheres, and by determining the browning or blackening of parsley and the loss of carrot exudates. A large number of different groups of microorganisms was found in raw vegetables. In spite of this high starting concentration of microbial flora, the prepackaging systems investigated did not seem to significantly influence their growth during vegetable storage at +4°C. No pathogenic microorganisms were isolated from the prepackaged vegetables. The hygienic quality was similar in all packaging systems used. However, the vegetables packaged in perforated. film kept their sensory characteristics better than those packaged in air or under a modified atmosphere.     

Biochemical Changes and Sensory Quality of Shredded and MA-Packaged Iceberg Lettuce

Cultivars of shredded iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativu L.) ‘Saladin’, ‘Santis’, ‘Telda’ and ‘Roxette’ responded in a parallel way to four modified atmosphere (MA) packaging treatments. Moderate vacuum packaging (mvp) in 80 μm polyethylene (PE) inhibited enzymatic browning over 10-day storage at 5°C. When lettuce was packaged in 80% O₂, 20% CO₂ (80/20), more browning occured in SL3-bags (59 μm multilayer coextruded film) than in PE-bags. Polyphenol oxidase activity declined during storage in all 4 atmospheres, with lowest activity in PE-80/20. Endogenous ascorbic acid (AA) did not act as an efficient antioxidant in delaying browning. Total carbohydrate content (TC) declined slightly during storage. Tristimulus color measurements correlated highly with visual ratings.     

天津市2015~2019年生鲜果蔬病原微生物污染排查分析

为排查天津市即食生鲜果蔬病原微生物污染情况,2015~2019年在生产环节和流通环节抽取生菜、番茄、黄瓜、苦菊、桃和梨等6种即食果蔬品种共计654批次样品,采用国家标准方法分析样品中菌落总数、大肠菌群、沙门氏菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、单增李斯特氏菌、蜡样芽孢杆菌和大肠杆菌O157:H7污染状况进行风险分析。结果显示,654批次样品中检出食源性致病菌135批次,检出率为20.6%,其中包括沙门氏菌1份,金黄色葡萄球菌6份,蜡样芽孢杆菌128份,其他致病菌均未检出。食源性致病菌检出率较高的样品多出现在超市和农贸市场,表明即食果蔬致病菌的污染易发生在流通环节。即食生鲜果蔬中食源性致病菌污染对消费者健康存在潜在的安全隐患,需加强采后流通环节污染防控,保障即食果蔬食品安全,防止食源性疾病暴发。     

The use of packaging techniques to maintain freshness in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables: a review

Browning and other discolourations, softening, surface dehydration, water loss, translucency, off-flavour and off-odour development, as well as microbial spoilage are some of the most frequent causes of quality loss in fresh-cut products. Nowadays, the use of innovative modified atmospheres and edible coatings stands out among other techniques in the struggle for maintaining freshness and safety of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. A few studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these techniques when applied to different fresh-cut commodities. However, treatment and storage conditions for fresh-cut fruits are still being largely explored to better keep their fresh-like quality attributes. This review discusses the recent advances in the use of innovative modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems to maintain freshness of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, special attention is devoted to the development of coatings that can be used as a complement or alternative to MAP.     

高浓度二氧化碳气调包装通过调节酚代谢抑制鲜切莲藕的酶促褐变

鲜切莲藕褐变的主要原因是酶促褐变,高浓度CO_2气调包装(Modified-atmosphere packaging,MAP)可以有效延缓鲜切果蔬褐变,而苯丙氨酸解氨酶(L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase,PAL)、多酚氧化酶(Polyphenol oxidase,PPO)和过氧化物酶(Peroxidase,POD)的编码基因是引起果蔬褐变的主要基因。然而,高浓度CO_2 MAP对鲜切莲藕片PAL、PPO、POD酶及其编码基因表达的影响却鲜有报道。本文分析了100%CO_2MAP对鲜切莲藕贮藏过程中褐变度、总酚含量、PAL、PPO和POD酶活性及其编码基因表达的影响。结果表明:100%CO_2 MAP对延缓鲜切莲藕褐变有较好效果,且100%CO_2 MAP贮藏期间鲜切莲藕PAL、PPO和POD酶活性随褐变程度的增加而同步变化。此外,Nn PAL1,Nn PPOA和Nn POD2/3的表达变化与PAL,PPO和POD酶活性的变化及褐变相一致,说明高浓度CO_2 MAP可能通过下调Nn PAL1,Nn PPOA和Nn POD2/3的表达来延缓鲜切莲藕褐变。     

肉制品包装研究进展

加工后的肉制品由于微生物污染、脂类物质氧化、肌红蛋白褐变等原因而导致败坏,必须对肉制品进行包装。本文综述了肉制品包装中存在的问题以及肉制品包装的研究进展。     

The sensory and microbiological quality of fresh sliced mushroom (Agaricus bisporus L.) packaged in modified atmospheres

The effect of modified atmospheres, generated by using different packaging films, on the quality of sliced mushrooms was evaluated. The carbon dioxide and oxygen content inside the packages as well as the colour, texture, weight loss, sensory attributes, mesophiles, psychrotrophs, Pseudomonas fluorescens, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and anaerobic spores were determined. Modified atmospheres containing 2.5% CO₂ and 10–20% O₂ reduced the microbial counts and improved the mushrooms’ appearance when compared with an air atmosphere. Modified atmospheres containing 15% CO₂ and <0.1% O₂ inhibited mushroom development and toughening and reduced microbial growth. Although these atmospheres had no effect on colour, they did allow the development of off odours and anaerobic spores were detected. No differences in microbial growth or mushroom spoilage were observed under the different moisture contents generated in the packages at 4 °C. Aerobic bacteria counts were considered very high even at the beginning.     

Effect of packaging atmosphere on the microbial attributes of pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis Bloch) stored at 0-2 degrees C

Effect of packaging atmosphere (air and under different modified atmospheres (MAs), 40% CO2/60% O2, 50%/50% O2, 60% CO2/40% O2, 70% CO2/30% O2 and 40% CO2/30% O2/30% N2) on the microbial and biochemical attributes of fresh pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis Bloch) stored at 0-2 degrees C was investigated. Trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values remained lower than the proposed acceptability limits throughout the storage period. Results demonstrated that storage of pearlspot under air and MA 40% CO2/30% O(2)/30% N(2) resulted in growth of Enterobacteriaceae, Aeromonas and H(2)S-producing bacteria including Shewanella putrefaciens, while all other packaging atmospheres did not allow multiplication of Enterobacteriaceae and Aeromonas within 3 weeks. Aeromonas spp. identified were Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria and A. veronii biovar veronii. Significant reduction (p<0.01) was noticed in Aeromonas population of pearlspot stored under MA 60% CO2/40% O2 and 70% CO2/30% O2. A delay of growth of Pseudomonas below 5.0log(10)cfug(-1) was observed during the 15th day of storage at 0-2 degrees C under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions. Growth of faecal streptococci was significantly inhibited in all the packaging atmospheres at 0-2 degrees C during the entire storage period. Survival of coagulase positive Staphylococci (<50cfug(-1)) in low numbers was noticed during storage in all the packaging atmospheres. Clostridium botulinum toxin was not detected. All the packaging atmospheres did not allow multiplication of sulphite-reducing clostridia at 0-2 degrees C during the entire storage period. Packaging in MA 60% CO2/40% O2 resulted in the inhibition of growth of Aeromonas and Enterobacteriaceae, and the slowest growth of psychrotrophic bacteria, H(2)S-producing bacteria, including Shewanella putrefaciens and Pseudomonas and extended microbiological shelf life to 9-10 days. This study confirms the survival of potentially pathogenic A. hydrophila, A. veronii biovar sobria and A. veronii biovar veronii capable of growth at low temperature in pearlspot stored under MA.     

Behavior of Listeria monocytogenes and Aeromonas spp. on fresh-cut produce packaged under equilibrium-modified atmosphere.

Storage experiments were conducted to follow the behavior of pathogens on fresh-cut vegetables (trimmed brussels sprouts, grated carrots, shredded iceberg lettuce, and shredded chicory endives) packaged under an equilibrium-modified atmosphere (EMA) (2 to 3% O2, 2 to 3% CO2, and 94 to 96% N2) and stored at 7 degrees C. As a comparison, fresh-cut vegetables were also packaged in a perforated high-barrier film (air conditions) and stored at 7 degrees C. In a first step, the shelf life of the vegetables in the two kinds of packages was determined by evaluating the microbiological quality as well as the sensorial quality (appearance, taste, and odor). In general, sensorial properties were faster in limiting the shelf life than microbiological criteria. The shelf life of the vegetables stored under an EMA was extended by 50% or more, compared with the air-stored vegetables. In a second storage experiment, the four fresh-cut vegetables were inoculated with a cocktail of psychrotrophic pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Aeromonas caviae [HG4]) and A. bestiarum (HG2) before packaging under an EMA and air at 7 degrees C. The inoculated pathogens were more influenced by the type of vegetable than by the type of atmosphere. No growth was detected on the brussels sprouts or on carrots (L. monocytogenes). Aeromonas spp. had a higher growth rate than L. monocytogenes on the shredded chicory endives and shredded iceberg lettuce at 7 degrees C.     

Phytochemical and microbiological changes of honey pomelo (Citrus grandis L.) slices stored under super atmospheric oxygen,low‐oxygen and passive modified atmospheres

The effect of different modified atmosphere packaging conditions, 75 kPa O₂ (high‐oxygen atmosphere, HOA), 3.0 kPa O₂ + 5.0 kPa CO₂ (low‐oxygen atmosphere, LOA) and passive atmosphere (PA) on the antioxidant properties of ready‐to‐eat honey pomelo slices stored at 4 °C was investigated. Both ascorbic acid content and antioxidant capacity underwent a significant depletion under HOA in comparison with LOA and PA. Total phenolic content among the samples stored under HOA and PA decreased significantly, but not for LOA. Moreover, HOA was more effective in maintaining the firmness of the slices. The hue angle values among different packaging atmosphere conditions were significantly affected, but chroma values were not. Both high oxygen and low oxygen concentrations inhibited the growth of spoilage microorganism of honey pomelo slices.     

Effect of nitrogen gas packaging on the quality and microbial growth of fresh-cut vegetables under low temperatures

Nitrogen (N2) gas packaging for fresh-cut vegetables (lettuce and cabbage) has been examined as a means of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for extending the shelf life of cut vegetables. Gas composition in enclosed packages that contained cut vegetables and were filled with 100% N2 had an oxygen (O2) concentration of 1.2 to 5.0% and a carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration of 0.5 to 3.5% after 5 days of storage. An atmosphere of low concentrations of O2 and high CO2 conditions occurred naturally in the package filled with N2 gas. Degradation of cut vegetables in terms of appearance was delayed by N2 gas packaging. Because of this effect, the appearance of fresh-cut vegetables packaged with N2 gas remained acceptable at temperatures below 5 degrees C after 5 days. Treatment with acidic electrolyzed water (AcEW) contributed to the acceptability of the vegetables' appearance at 5 and 10 degrees C in the air-packaging system. N2 gas packaging did not significantly affect the growth of microbial populations (total aerobic bacteria, coliform bacteria, Bacillus cereus, and psychrotrophic bacteria) in or on cut vegetables at 1, 5, and 10 degrees C for 5 days. Microbial growth in or on the cut vegetables was inhibited at 1 degrees C for 5 days regardless of atmospheric conditions.     

The effects of active and passive modified atmosphere packaging on the survival of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium on washed romaine lettuce leaves

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is commonly used to preserve the quality of ready-to-eat lettuce by inhibiting oxidative browning and growth of microbial populations. The efficacy of MAP is improved by the initial displacement of air with a gas mixture of a desirable composition (active MAP). The present work focused on the effects of MAP on indigenous microbial populations and the survival of Salmonella enterica on the surface of the lettuce. Chlorine-washed leaves of romaine lettuce were inoculated with S. enterica serotype Typhimurium or not inoculated and packaged in one of the three systems: (a) passive MAP in polyethylene bags; (b) active MAP in the same bags with a gas mixture of 10% O₂, 10% CO₂, and 80% N₂; and (c) control without MAP. Active MAP ensured the more rapid establishment of a steady-state atmosphere and favorable conditions during the transitional period preceding the steady state. The active MAP had an antimicrobial effect on indigenous lettuce microflora, but not on Salmonella and even favored the survival of the pathogen, possibly due to the elimination of its natural antagonists. The effects of the passive MAP were less pronounced. The results obtained draw attention to potential safety risks of ready-to-eat fresh produce kept in active MAP and require further investigation.     

Minimally processed ready-to-eat baby-leaf vegetables: Production,processing, storage,microbial safety,and nutritional potential

The market for minimally processed ready-to-eat (RTE) baby-leaf vegetables (BLVs) has been rapidly growing and offering to consumers convenient and appealing products, rich in health beneficial bioactive compounds. These vegetables are harvested at a very early stage of maturation and prepared with minimal processing methods such as cutting, washing, rinsing, and packaging with the modified atmosphere of O₂, CO₂, and relative humidity (RH). Maintenance of microbial safety, color, texture, aroma, and nutrients are the major problems associated with commercial production and marketing of BLVs. This review discusses the theoretical aspects and recent developments in the maintenance of nutritional quality and microbial safety during production, processing, sanitization, packaging, and storage of BLVs. The varietal improvements in BLVs for wider adaptability and disease resistance are also discussed. Additionally, future research challenges in these contexts are identified.     

The effectiveness of ozone and acidulant treatments in extending the refrigerated shelf life of fresh-cut potatoes

Abstract: The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of acidulant dip treatments (with or without aqueous ozone) to reduce enzymatic browning and to extend the shelf life of fresh‐cut potato slices during refrigerated storage (4 °C) for 28 d. Potato slices subjected to aqueous ozone (2 ppm) had significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher L‐values and lower a‐values, but ozone did not appear to have any effect on aerobic plate counts (APCs) or polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. NatureSeal (NS) and sodium acid sulfate (SAS) were the most effective acidulant treatments in reducing browning (significantly [P≤ 0.05] higher L‐values, lower a‐values, and browning index values) regardless of ozone treatment. NS and SAS also had lower PPO activity compared to other treatments on days 0 and 28, and significantly (P≤ 0.05) lower APCs (≤2.00 log CFU/g) over refrigerated storage. Therefore, the SAS treatment was comparable to NS, a commercially available product, and showed promise as an effective antibrowning dip to reduce browning and spoilage in fresh‐cut potato products. Practical Application: A 1% SAS dip treatment which included 1% citric and 1% ascorbic acid was found to be an effective antibrowning dip for fresh‐cut potatoes along with NatureSeal®'s PS‐10, compared to other treatments. They were both effective in maintaining low microbial counts over refrigerated storage. Additionally, aqueous ozone washes (2 ppm) showed significant benefits to reduce browning; however, ozone did not affect microbial counts or PPO enzyme activity. Therefore, the SAS treatment could have potential use in the fruit and vegetable industry to reduce browning and spoilage in fresh‐cut potato products.     

Development of different damage pathways in Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) stored under different chilling systems

Slurry ice is a biphasic system that has recently shown a number of advantages when employed as a chilling medium for fish species. Its use for a crustacean species of high commercial value, Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), was evaluated in parallel with traditional flake icing. Quality parameters related to microbial spoilage and biochemical breakdown (aerobe and psychrotroph counts, pH, K value, total volatile amines, trimethylamine, free fatty acids and non‐enzymatic browning reactions) were assessed and compared with sensory (carapace, eyes, gills, odour and flesh) acceptability. Storage in slurry ice produced a significant (P < 0.05) inhibitory effect on both microbial growth (as determined by aerobes, psychrotrophs and volatile amines) and autolysis breakdown (as determined by K values and the release of free fatty acids) in comparison with the flake ice batch. In contrast, an enhancement effect of slurry ice on carapace browning was observed as a result of enzymatic browning development. Slurry ice batch also showed a more intense non‐enzymatic browning reaction in the lipid extract of the edible flesh. With a view to limiting both browning effects, the incorporation of an anti‐melanosis agent in the liquid phase of the slurry ice system is envisaged. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

EFFECT OF PE/AG2O NANO‐PACKAGING ON THE QUALITY OF APPLE SLICES

ABSTRACT

Effects of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) packaging and nano‐structured silver‐polyethylene (PE/Ag₂O) packaging on the overall sensory quality, color, weight and solute loss of fresh‐cut apples stored at 5 and 15C were studied in this research. Results showed that, compared with normal LDPE packaging, the PE/Ag₂O packaging helped to maintain the freshness of apple slices. Nano‐structured PE/Ag₂O bag delayed apple browning and decreased the weight loss of apple slices during storage. In addition, it can also prevent apple slices from microbial spoilage. As a result, the quality of apple slices saved at 5C in PE/Ag₂O bag was acceptable in 12 days, while those held in LDPE bag showed some deterioration in 6 days. Furthermore, considering the potential health risk resulting from silver leak, the safety of PE/Ag₂O bag was evaluated, and the result indicated an acceptable safety for food packaging.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Types of nano‐structured bags are recently commercialized for food packaging in many countries, but few documents report their performance in quality maintenance. This study indicates that nano‐structured PE/Ag₂O bag is effective in maintaining the freshness of apple slices with extended shelf‐life. Results of this work may be useful for promoting the acceptance and application of similar nano‐packaging in the quality maintenance of fresh‐cut products.     

Growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on fresh-cut apples in modified atmospheres at abusive temperatures

The effects of reduced-O2 and elevated-CO2 modified atmospheres (MAs) and abusive temperatures on the growth and survival of E. coli O157:H7, yeast, and molds and on changes in the visual quality of fresh-cut apples were evaluated. High-CO1 and low-O2 (> or = 15% and < 1%, respectively) atmospheres inhibited the growth of the pathogen on apple slices at 15 and 20 degrees C. However, the population of the pathogen increased by 1 log cycle after 2 weeks of storage in air. The high-CO2 MA resulted in the inhibition of yeast and mold growth, less browning, and better visual quality than did air and ambient-CO2 atmospheres. The results of this study confirm that E. coli O157:H7 can grow on apple slices in air. These results also show that these organisms survive but are inhibited in MAs with high CO2 levels at abusive temperatures. An MA can increase the shelf life of fresh-cut apples by improving retention of visual quality and inhibiting yeast and molds. Thus, contamination of minimally processed apples with E. coli O157:H7 can be a safety issue for both air- and MA-packaged cut apples.     

Innovative processes and technologies for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology has been commercially viable since the 1970s. Currently, MAP is extensively used worldwide to preserve the quality and extend the shelf-life of whole fresh fruits and vegetables, but is also increasingly used to extend the shelf-life of minimally processed fresh fruit and vegetables. This review discusses new processes and technologies that can be used to improve quality preservation and consumer acceptability of minimally processed produce where high respiration rates and challenging degradation processes operate. New packaging innovations are enabling producers and retailers to further maintain quality for longer. Innovative approaches to extend shelf-life include active MAP with differentially permeable films, films that incorporate antimicrobial properties, edible coatings that confer barriers properties, and the use of non-traditional gases to modify respiration. Intelligent packaging using integrated sensor technologies that can indicate maturity, ripeness, respiration rate and spoilage are also appearing. This review demonstrates that preservation technologies and associated packaging developments that can be combined with modified atmosphere are constantly evolving technology platforms. Adoption of combinations of technology improvements will be critical in responding to commercial trends towards more minimally processed fresh-cut and ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products, which require specialized packaging solutions.