Influence of oxygen exclusion and temperature on pathogenic bacteria levels and sensory characteristics of packed ostrich steaks throughout refrigerated storage

Ostrich steaks (290) were obtained from Iliofibularis muscles. For microbiological and pH determinations, samples were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 11994 (80 steaks) or Escherichia coli ATCC 12806 (80), then air- or vacuum-packed and stored at either 4±1°C or 10±1°C. Analyses were carried out on days 0, 3, 6 and 9 of storage. For sensory evaluation, samples (130) were air- or vacuum-packed and stored at 4±1°C or at 10±1°C. Sensory attributes (odour, colour, drip loss, texture and general acceptability) were scored by six untrained judges using an unstructured nine-point hedonic scale on eleven sampling days (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27 and 30). Increases in microbial counts (log(10)cfu/g) were observed throughout storage in all groups of samples for both L. monocytogenes (from 6.39±0.43-6.62±0.32 at day 0 to 8.87±0.19-9.64±0.43 at day 9) and E. coli (from 5.57±0.15-5.68-0.40 to 7.79±0.96-9.64±0.17). Gas atmosphere influenced microbial counts from day 3 of storage with lower (P<0.05) values observed in vacuum- than in air-packed samples at 10°C (L. monocytogenes) or at 4 and 10°C (E. coli). Storage temperature significantly influenced bacterial counts throughout storage, especially in air-packed samples. Lower pH values in vacuum- than in air-packed samples were observed from day 6. Both effects (gas atmosphere and temperature) influenced the hedonic scores, with higher values assigned to vacuum-packed samples for most attributes (with the exception of drip loss) and sampling days. A marked influence of storage temperature on sensorial scores was obtained in air-packaged ostrich steaks. The shelf-life (time until the average general acceptability score fell below 5) was 6 (air-packed samples), 9 (vacuum-packed, 10°C), or 12 days (vacuum-packed, 4°C). The results being reported here suggest the importance of both oxygen exclusion and storage at low temperatures to reduce microbiological risks and improve the acceptability of ostrich meat. However, the short shelf-life of this product highlights the need to keep the time between slaughter and sale to a minimum.     

Effects of fining treatment and storage temperature on the quality of clarified banana juice

The clarified banana juice was subjected to different treatment namely bentonite, combination of gelatin and bentonite and control and stored at 4, 25 and 37 °C for 24 weeks. The effects of fining treatment, storage temperature and storage time on turbidity, total polyphenol, browning index, microbiological, and sensory quality of clarified banana juice were evaluated during storage. Fining treatment, storage temperature and storage time had a significant (p<0.001) effect on turbidity, total polyphenol and browning index of clarified banana juice. Turbidity and browning index of juice were reduced by fining treatment with bentonite and a combination of gelatin and bentonite but increased with storage temperature and storage time. A significant decrease in total polyphenol content and increase in turbidity and browning index were detected for all juice samples during storage. However, it was noted that changes were significantly greater in control juice stored at higher temperature than in juice stored at 4 or 25 °C for up to 6 months. Sensory evaluation revealed that juices treated with bentonite or a combination of gelatin and bentonite and stored at 4, 25 or 37 °C were acceptable for up to six months, whereas untreated juice stored at 37 °C was only acceptable for up to 16 weeks.     

Effects of chilled storage on quality of vacuum packed meagre fillets

The aim of this study was to experimentally assess several quality indices of meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) fillets packed in air (AP) and vacuum (VP) stored chilled (+4 °C) for up to 13 days. Considering our experimental data on concentration of bacterial counts, shelf-life is estimated at ca. 6 days for AP fillets and an additional 3–5 days for VP meagre fillets. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and trimethylamine (TMA-N) did not reach the regulated limits (25–35 mg/100 g chilled fish). The models implemented in the software Seafood Spoilage and Safety Predictor predicted a relatively shorter shelf-life of 4.8–6.9 days for fish stored in air at +4 °C when compared to AP and VP fillets. Empirical data and the models implemented in the software were used to predict the shelf-life of fillets if packaged under different modified atmospheres (MAP). Chilled, MAP fillets are likely to have a longer shelf-life than AP or VP samples if equilibrium CO₂ concentration is substantially high.     

Effect of preservatives on microbial safety and quality of smoked blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) steaks during room-temperature storage

The microbial safety and quality of smoked blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) steaks treated with antimicrobials and antioxidants were examined during 6-week ambient storage. Five pre-smoking soaking treatments were applied: 25% NaCl and 1% ascorbic acid for 30 min or 1 h, 3% sodium lactate with or without 5% rosemary extract for 30 min, and 5% sorbic acid alone for 30 min. After smoking, cooled catfish steaks were packed and analyzed at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of ambient storage. Neither Listeria nor Salmonella was recovered from the smoked catfish steaks. Significant reductions (P<0.05) in total plate counts were observed in all treated samples, with those treated with 3% sodium lactate carrying the lowest microbial load. The rosemary extract-treated samples were the most stable against oxidation. All treated smoked catfish steaks had water activities less than 0.85; however, neither pH nor water activity changed significantly within each treatment group during storage (P0.05). In conclusion, smoking/cooking effectively reduced microbial populations, and the use of antimicrobial agents and antioxidants, particularly 3% sodium lactate, could aid the control of microbial safety during storage, resulting in safe products for up to 6 weeks without refrigeration.     

Combination effects of ultra-high pressure and temperature on the physical and thermal properties of ostrich meat sausage (yor)

Ostrich meat sausages (yor) were subjected to ultra-high pressures of 300, 500 and 700 MPa for 40 and 60 min at 40 and 60 °C. Subsequently the physical properties of the products, colour, released and expressible water, gel strength and stress relaxation as well as their thermal characteristics (by differential scanning calorimeter, DSC) were determined. The effects of pressure, temperature and holding time significantly influenced the L^∗, a^∗ and b^∗ values. The amount of released plus expressible water significantly decreased with increasing pressure, temperature and holding time. The gel strength and equilibrium stress increased with increasing severity of treatment. DSC thermograms indicated that pressures of 700 MPa yielded gel networks involving completely denatured protein with the ability to retain water.     

Effects of packaging method and storage time on the chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of Turkish pastirma - A dry cured beef product

The effects of packaging method (aerobic packaging (AP), vacuum packaging (VP) or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)), the form of pastirma (sliced or non-sliced) and storage time (0, 15, 30, 60, 90 or 120 days) on the chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of a Turkish pastirma were investigated. Overall, MAP preserved chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of Turkish pastirma better than AP or VP. Very high correlation coefficients (almost all >0.90) were observed between subjective quality parameters (sensory properties) and objective quality parameters (TBARS, hexanal content, L^*, a^*, and b^*), which suggests that sensory panel was able to determine the quality changes over storage time precisely. Based on the results of this study, MAP should be the preferred choice of packaging in order to preserve overall quality of Turkish pastirma and its implication for pastirma packaging may increase pastirma’s current share in the processed meat product market.     

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the microbiological quality and shelf life of ostrich meat

Effects of various concentrations of O₂/CO₂ in modified atmosphere packaging on the microbiological quality and shelf-life of ostrich meat was investigated. Nine–12 months old ostriches were used. The iliofibularis muscle was cut into small cubes that were divided into five groups and then separately packaged under various gas mixes: air and O₂:CO₂:N₂ ratios of 80:20:0, 60:20:20, 60:40:0, and 40:40:20, using 2 different headspace ratios (1:1 and 3:1). The packaged meats were kept at 4 °C for 10 days and were analysed microbiologically, physico-chemically and sensorially. As a result, the meat quality and shelf-life of ostrich meat under various gas compositions were improved; microbial growth was delayed due to high CO₂ usage and shelf-life was increased by 5–7 days. However, an undesired loss of red colour of the ostrich meat may affect consumer acceptance.     

Effect of accumulated temperature on flavour and microbial diversity of japonica rice during storage

Storage temperature is closely related to rice grain quality in granaries. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the microbial community and volatile components with the different accumulated temperature changes in japonica rice storage granaries NO. 37, NO. 38 and NO. 40 every two months from February to September. In the three granaries, the accumulated temperature during storage continued to increase, but the mould counts first increased and then decreased. When the accumulated temperature was 650–1000 °C·d, the quantity of mould reached its maximum. The content of volatile components such as ketones, alcohols, sulphur compounds and acids measured by the electronic nose increased significantly. Illumina high-throughput sequencing revealed that as the accumulated temperature reached 650–1000 °C·d, the fungi community richness and diversity were higher than at other accumulated temperatures in the three granaries. In addition, at the fungal genus level, unclassified_Hypocreales, Papiliotrema, Bulleromyces, Sarocladium, Dioszegia and unclassified_Ustilaginaceae had an obvious correlation with the volatile hydrocarbons and alcohols (p < 0.05) measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). After screening the dominant strains, we found that the volatile hydrocarbons were mainly from Papiliotrema_fuscus, Pleosporales_sp, Alternaria_sp, Phaeosphaeria_microscopica, Bulleromyces_spand and Erythrobasidium_hasegawianum. Therefore, the accumulated temperature of 650–1000 °C•d over two months can be used as an indicator for rapid moulds growth. Furthermore, the volatile compound content reflects the extent of fungal activity and can be used as a reference for monitoring rice quality and consumption safety.     

Conventional freezing plus high pressure-low temperature treatment: Physical properties, microbial quality and storage stability of beef meat

Meat high-hydrostatic pressure treatment causes severe decolouration, preventing its commercialisation due to consumer rejection. Novel procedures involving product freezing plus low-temperature pressure processing are here investigated. Room temperature (20 °C) pressurisation (650 MPa/10 min) and air blast freezing (−30 °C) are compared to air blast freezing plus high pressure at subzero temperature (−35 °C) in terms of drip loss, expressible moisture, shear force, colour, microbial quality and storage stability of fresh and salt-added beef samples (Longissimus dorsi muscle). The latter treatment induced solid water transitions among ice phases. Fresh beef high pressure treatment (650 MPa/20 °C/10 min) increased significantly expressible moisture while it decreased in pressurised (650 MPa/−35 °C/10 min) frozen beef. Salt addition reduced high pressure-induced water loss. Treatments studied did not change fresh or salt-added samples shear force. Frozen beef pressurised at low temperature showed L, a and b values after thawing close to fresh samples. However, these samples in frozen state, presented chromatic parameters similar to unfrozen beef pressurised at room temperature. Apparently, freezing protects meat against pressure colour deterioration, fresh colour being recovered after thawing. High pressure processing (20 °C or −35 °C) was very effective reducing aerobic total (2-log₁₀ cycles) and lactic acid bacteria counts (2.4-log₁₀ cycles), in fresh and salt-added samples. Frozen + pressurised beef stored at −18 °C during 45 days recovered its original colour after thawing, similarly to just-treated samples while their counts remain below detection limits during storage.     

Effects of storage temperature and time on the biogenic amine content and microflora in Korean turbid rice wine,Makgeolli

We examined biogenic amine (BA) content and the diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population in Korean rice wine, Makgeolli, stored at 4 and 20 °C. Among 8 BAs examined by HPLC, only putrescine was detected in low levels during 30 days of storage at 4 °C. However, at 20 °C, several BAs were detected and total BA concentration increased during storage. The numbers of LAB in 4 °C Makgeolli remained constant while those in 20 °C Makgeolli were markedly changed. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis shows the major LAB population in 4 °C Makgeolli to be Pediococcus acidilactici while that in 20 °C Makgeolli to be Lactobacillus plantarum, which has been known to produce BAs. The present study suggests that if Makgeolli is stored at an improper temperature, the diversity of LAB populations and BA formation can be markedly increased. Thus, low temperature storage and transport of the products are required to maintain a BA-free state.     

Effects of ε-polylysine and rosemary extract on quality attributes and microbial communities in vacuum-packaged large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) during ice storage

The effects of vacuum package combined with 0.1% ε-polylysine and 0.2% rosemary extract (V + RP) on the quality attributes and microbial communities of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) during ice storage were investigated. The quality was evaluated by chemical characteristics (total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), K-value and biogenic amines (BAs)), microbiological indexes (Total viable counts (TVC), Shewanella bacteria counts, Pseudomonas bacteria counts, Psychrophilic bacteria counts (PBC)), changes in microbial composition were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that the increase of TVB-N, K-value, microorganisms and BAs could be inhibited by V + RP. Psychrobacter and Pseudomonas were detected in all samples. Shewanella increases rapidly in the middle of storage. Vagococcus and Shewanella were related to the decomposition of ATP, the formation of BAs, and TVB-N, respectively. In conclusion, V + RP presented the optimal effects, which could extend the shelf life of large yellow croaker for another 9 days compared with the control.     

塑料薄膜包装对常温和低温条件下枸杞鲜果主要贮藏性状的影响

研究了常温和低温条件下塑料薄膜包装对枸杞鲜果贮藏过程中主要贮藏特性及品质的影响。结果表明:无论是常温还是低温,薄膜包装均可显著降低果实失重率,保持良好的外观和口感,但提高了果实的腐烂率,薄膜包装的果实可溶性固形物和可滴定酸含量均明显低于未包装的对照;低温不仅可以有效减少果实腐烂,维持较好的感官品质,而且可延缓可溶性固形物和可滴定酸含量的下降。由此表明,低温结合薄膜包装可有效延长枸杞鲜果贮藏期,保持果实品质。     

原料牛乳贮存温度引起亚硝酸盐含量变化的研究

研究了贮存温度引起牛乳亚硝酸盐含量的变化。结果表明，牛乳亚硝酸盐的含量变化主要受贮存温度和受污染情况的影响、次之是pH值、贮存时间、贮存时微生物数量的多少而变化。研究表明，对牛乳亚硝酸盐的控制首先使新榨出的乳尽快地降到5℃，同时尽量避免外界污染及缩短贮存时间是避免原料牛乳亚硝酸盐升高的最好措施。     

Effect of varying the gas headspace to meat ratio on the quality and shelf-life of beef steaks packaged in high oxygen modified atmosphere packs

Beef steaks (M. longissimus dorsi) were stored in modified atmosphere packs (MAP) (80% O₂:20% CO₂) with gas headspace to meat ratios of 2:1, 1:1 and 0.5:1 for 14 days at 4 °C. The pH, surface colour, texture and microbiology of beef steaks were unaffected (P > 0.05) by varying the gas headspace to meat ratio. APLSR (ANOVA-partial least squares regression) and jack-knife uncertainty testing indicated that lipid oxidation (TBARS) was significantly positively correlated with days 10 (P < 0.05) and 14 (P < 0.001) of storage. Chemical and sensory detection of lipid oxidation in beef steaks were in agreement on day 14 of storage. The sensory quality and acceptability of beef steaks were similar in gas headspace to meat ratios of 2:1 or 1:1 and unacceptable in 0.5:1. Results indicate that pack size and gas volume can be reduced without negatively affecting fresh beef quality and shelf-life.     

Combined effects of thymol, carvacrol and temperature on the quality of non conventional poultry patties

The combined effect of thymol (0–300 ppm), carvacrol (0–300 ppm), and temperature (0–18 °C) on the quality of non conventional poultry patties packaged in air and modified atmosphere (MAP: 40% CO_2; 30%O₂; 30% N₂) was investigated using a simplex centroid mixture design. The patties were monitored for microbiological (total viable count, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp.) physico-chemical (pH, colour) and sensory attributes. For the patties mixed with the antimicrobials and stored at low temperature (0–3 °C) a reduction of the cell load of about 1–1.5 log cfu/g was observed. The log reduction was lower at the end of storage time and decreased with the increase of the temperature. For the poultry patties packaged in MAP the higher log reduction for Pseudomonas spp. during all the storage time was observed. In both packaging atmospheres the combination of the essential oils and low temperature determined no modification for off-odour during the first 4 days of storage.     

Effects of nitrite levels,endpoint temperature and storage on pink color development in turkey rolls

The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between minimum nitrite level, endpoint temperature and storage period on pink discoloration of turkey rolls. Rolls were prepared with 0, 3 or 5 parts per million (ppm) NO₂^–, cooked to an endpoint temperature of 75 °C or 85 °C and stored at 4 °C. During the 13-day storage period, on the 0th, 4th, 8th and 13th days cured pigment, total pigment, residual nitrite and color parameters were measured and sensory color was evaluated. At each endpoint temperature, addition of 3 ppm or 5 ppm NO₂^– significantly increased cured pigment and total pigment levels. Cured pigment levels of turkey rolls cooked to 75 °C were higher than rolls cooked to 85 °C, regardless of the NO₂^– level. There was a significant decrease in cured pigment levels at the end of the storage period (13th day). Analysis of residual NO₂^– in all treatment groups showed no detectable amounts. Endpoint temperature and addition of NO₂^– affected L* values: rolls cooked to the 75 °C endpoint had higher L* values. The additon of nitrite with the 75 °C endpoint temperature resulted in higher a* values. a* values also increased during the storage. The higher endpoint temperature (85 °C) resulted in lower a* values. Yellowness was not affected by final cooking temperature. Both the addition of NO₂^– and storage decreased b* values. The panel found no differences in pinkness intensity between the two levels of added nitrite (3 and 5 ppm). Sensory pinkness intensity in nitrite-added samples increased with increasing storage.     

Study on the influence of temperature,storage time and packaging type on di-n-butylphthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate release into packed meals

Ready-to-eat meals packed in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and aluminium dishes, supplied to patients in two hospitals in the Campania region (Italy), were studied to evaluate the probable migration of di-n-butylphthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) from the packaging into the food. The influence of temperature, storage time and type of package on the migration process was considered, analysing the meals according to three time ranges, before the packaging (T ₀) and after 60?min (T ₁) and 120?min (T ₂) from packaging during the storage in thermostatic delivery carts. At T ₀ in the meals sampled before packaging in PET dishes, mean levels of DBP and DEHP were 0.023?±?0.002?µg/g and 0.069?±?0.041?µg/g, respectively; the DBP level increased 230% and that of DEHP increased 208% by time T ₀ versus T ₂. In the meals sampled before packaging (T ₀) in aluminium dishes, the mean levels of DBP and DEHP were 0.030?±?0.001?µg/g and 0.057?±?0.015?µg/g, respectively. The significant increase in contaminant levels over storage times for meals packed in PET dishes demonstrates that from packages made of plastic materials the migration of phthalic acid esters into foods is possible. In meals packed in PET dishes, the highest DBP and DEHP increases were observed in the T ₀ to T ₁ range, which represented the time interval over which meals were kept hot, and mainly in the first ones, where the highest temperatures have been recorded.     

Effect of high pressure on the microbiological quality of cooked chicken during storage at normal and abuse refrigeration temperatures

Vacuum-packaged cooked poultry meat was treated at a range of pressures (400–600 MPa) and hold times (1, 2 and 10 min), followed by storage at 4°, 8° or 12 °C for up to 35 days. Weissella viridescens was found to be the dominant microorganism in the pressure-treated meat, constituting 100% of the microflora identified at 500 and 600 MPa. None of the pressure-treated samples had obvious signs of spoilage during the 35 day storage period, even when the Weissella count was >7 log₁₀ cfu/g. Studies on a typical W. viridescens isolate showed it to be relatively pressure-resistant in poultry meat, with <1 log reduction in numbers after a treatment of 2 min at 600 MPa. Agar diffusion assays showed that the isolate also caused the inhibition of a number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including strains of Clostridium botulinum, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. The selection of a pressure-resistant organism, such as this Weissella sp. could be advantageous in extending the shelf-life, and also microbiological safety, of the cooked meat, as it could give protection in addition to the pressure treatment itself.     

Muscle pH and temperature changes in hot- and cold-deboned ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) Muscularis gastrocnemius, pars interna and Muscularis iliofibularis during the first 23h post-mortem

Cold-shortening is the response when muscles are exposed to temperatures below 10°C with a pH>6.20. The course of pH within hot-deboned and intact ostrich M. gastrocnemius, pars interna and M. iliofibularis were followed for the first 23-24h post-mortem to investigate the changes in pH as well as to determine the point of minimum pH for ostrich muscles post-mortem. The hot-deboned muscles took longer to reach the point of minimum pH than the intact muscles. There was no significant (P=0.4508) difference in the minimum pH (5.91±0.26) between the hot-deboned and the intact muscles. It was concluded that both the M. gastrocnemius, pars interna and the M. iliofibularis reached a pH<6.20 early post-mortem with muscle temperatures above 10°C; and therefore showed no risk of cold-shortening if these muscles were to be hot-deboned 2-4h post-mortem.     

包装方式和宰后不同时间包装对羊肉品质的影响

为探究包装方式和宰后不同时间包装对羊肉贮藏品质的影响,本研究对宰后1 h热分割羊肉和冷却成熟24 h后的分割羊肉分别进行热收缩包装、真空包装、贴体包装、50%（体积分数,下同）O2+50%CO2气调包装,测定其在（2±2）℃贮藏过程中pH值、色泽、贮藏损失率、蒸煮损失率、离心损失率、剪切力、挥发性气味的变化。结果表明：与宰后24 h包装相比,宰后1 h包装羊肉pH值在贮藏14 d时更高,但其贮藏期间色泽较好,色泽稳定性更高,贮藏损失率更低。从整体来看,3种真空处理（热收缩包装、真空包装、贴体包装）羊肉嫩度均优于气调包装羊肉,且宰后1 h包装时真空条件处理对羊肉嫩化效果最好,宰后24 h羊肉在贮藏前期气调包装对羊肉嫩化效果较好;而无论何时包装,热收缩包装和气调包装羊肉贮藏损失率均显著小于其他处理组（P<0.05）,在贮藏前期色泽及稳定性较好,但贮藏后期色泽稳定性下降明显,气调包装羊肉在14 d时已部分发绿,贮藏21 d时挥发性气味变化显著。综上,宰后1 h包装有利于提高羊肉贮藏期间色泽及持水力,改善真空处理羊肉嫩度,宰后24 h包装可提高50%O2+50%CO2气调包装羊肉贮藏前期...