Comparison of HPLC and GC Methods for Measuring Lactic Acid in Ground Beef

A rapid method for measurement of lactic acid in refrigerated ground beef was developed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an Aminex HPX-87H ion exclusion column. The method was compared with an existing gas chromatography procedure. Nine samples of ground beef, consisting of three grades based on fat content, were tested over six days of aerobic and two weeks of anaerobic storage. No significant difference was found in reproducibility between the two methods as measured by their variance. There also was no significant difference between the variances for grade of beef or for duration of aerobic or anaerobic storage. The following equation was developed to relate the two methods: GC =−138.43 + 1.1254 (HPLC).     

Combined effect of natural essential oils, modified atmosphere packaging, and gamma radiation on the microbial growth on ground beef

Selected Chinese cinnamon, Spanish oregano, and mustard essential oils (EOs) were used in combination with irradiation to evaluate their ability to eliminate pathogenic bacteria and extend the shelf life of medium-fat-content ground beef (23% fat). Shelf life was defined as the time when the total bacterial count reached 10(7) CFU/g. The shelf life of ground beef was determined for 28 days at 4 degrees C after treatment with EOs. The concentrations of EOs were predetermined such that sensory properties of cooked meat were maintained: 0.025% Spanish oregano, 0.025% Chinese cinnamon, and 0.075% mustard. Ground beef samples containing EOs were then packaged under air or a modified atmosphere and irradiated at 1.5 kGy. Ground beef samples (10 g) were taken during the storage period for enumeration of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, total coliforms, lactic acid bacteria, and Pseudomonas. Mustard EO was the most efficient for reducing the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and eliminating pathogenic bacteria. Irradiation alone completely inhibited the growth of total mesophilic aerobic and pathogenic bacteria. The combination of irradiation and EOs was better for reducing lactic acid bacteria (mustard and cinnamon EOs) and Pseudomonas (oregano and mustard EOs). The best combined treatment for extending the shelf life of ground beef for up to 28 days was EO plus irradiation (1.5 kGy) and modified atmosphere packaging.     

Combined effect of gamma irradiation,ascorbic acid,and edible coating on the improvement of microbial and biochemical characteristics of ground beef

This study was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of gamma irradiation and the incorporation of natural antimicrobial compounds in cross-linked films on the microbiological and biochemical characteristics of ground beef. Medium-fat (23% fat) ground beef patties were divided into three separate treatment groups: (i) control samples without additives, (ii) ground beef samples containing 0.5% (wt/wt) ascorbic acid, and (iii) ground beef samples containing 0.5% ascorbic acid and coated with a protein-based cross-linked film containing immobilized spice powders. Meat samples were irradiated at doses of 0, 1, 2, and 3 kGy and stored at 4 +/- 2 degrees C. Microbial growth (based on total aerobic plate counts [APCs] and total coliforms) was evaluated, as were the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and that of free sulfydryl groups. At the end of the storage period, Enterobacteriaceae, presumptive Staphylococcus aureus, presumptive Pseudomonas spp., Brochothrix thermosphacta, and lactic acid bacteria were enumerated. Regardless of the treatment group, irradiation significantly (P < or = 0.05) reduced the APCs. Irradiation doses of 1, 2, and 3 kGy produced immediate APC reductions of 2, 3, and 4 log units, respectively. An APC level of 6 log CFU/g was reached after 4, 7, and 10 days for samples irradiated at 1, 2, and 3 kGy, respectively. Lactic acid bacteria and B. thermosphacta were more resistant to irradiation than were Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas. The TBARS and free sulfydryl contents were stabilized during postirradiation storage for samples containing ascorbic acid and coated with the protein-based cross-linked film containing immobilized spice powders.     

THE INFLUENCE OF LACTIC CULTURES ON GROUND BEEF QUALITY

SUMMARY– The effects of adding 5 and 10% lactic culture (Streptococcus lactis and Leuconostoc citrovorum) grown in skim milk; 2.5, 5, 10, and 20% lactic cultures grown in 20% milk solids; 1 and 2% frozen concentrated lactic cultures; lactic acid to pH 5.0 and 4.5; and 2.5, 5, and 10% skim milk to ground beef stored at refrigeration temperature (7°C) were studied in the 6 preliminary trials. Results obtained were used to formulate the principal investigation. The influence of 10% lactic culture and 10% lactic culture plus 450 ppm of ascorbic acid were tested in 5 replicate trials for the principal investigation. Cultures used in the replicate trials were grown in 20% milk solids. CVT (crystal violet tetrazolium) counts for gram-negative bacteria, pH, VNC (volatile nitrogen content), and organoleptic observations were evaluated. Data from the preliminary study indicated a profound inhibitory action of the lactic cultures on the growth of the inherent gram-negative bacteria in ground beef. The addition of 10% lactic culture grown in 20% milk solids was effective in preventing aerobic growth. The addition of pure lactic acid inhibited microbial growth, but caused an undesirable color and aroma. Frozen concentrated cultures required 1% lactose to inhibit the growth. The CVT count in the uncultured meat significantly increased (P < .01) as the storage time progressed. Cultured meat did not exhibit a significant increase in CVT count until 7 days of storage. The pH of the cultured meat significantly declined (P <.01) whereas the uncultured meat indicated a significant increase in pH (P < .01) during storage. VNC in the uncultured meat was significantly higher (P <.01) than in the cultured meat. Cultured meat with 450 ppm of ascorbic acid was consistently preferred for flavor, aroma, and when color was compared with the uncultured meat and the meat with culture alone.     

Microbiological and chemical quality of ground beef treated with sodium lactate and sodium chloride during refrigerated storage

The effects of sodium lactate (NaL) and sodium chloride (NaCl), either alone (30 g/kg) or in combination (20+20 g/kg), on the microbiological and chemical quality of raw ground beef during vacuum-packaged storage at 2°C were investigated. The results showed that addition of NaL alone or in combination with NaCl significantly delayed the proliferation of aerobic plate counts, psychrotrophic counts, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae and extended the shelf life of the product up to 15 and 21 days, respectively, versus 8 days only for control. Over the storage time (21 days), NaL maintained the ground beef at almost constant pH, while the pH of control or NaCl-treated samples significantly decreased. Lipid oxidation (TBA value) was not affected by addition of NaL. At storage day 21 however, TBA values of both NaL-treated (0.309) and control (0.318) samples were significantly lower than those of samples treated with NaCl (0.463). The combination of NaCl with NaL significantly reduced the oxidative changes caused by NaCl (0.384 versus 0.463). Therefore, NaL alone or in combination with NaCl could be utilized successfully to reduce the microbial growth, maintain the chemical quality, and extend the shelf life of ground beef during refrigerated storage.     

Microbiological evaluation of navy bean flour and its blend with retail ground beef

Sterile water suspensions of navy bean flour (NF) were used as a model medium on which the growth of eight microorganisms important for food hygiene and technology was evaluated. Almost all microorganisms grew better on model mediums with 10 and 15% of NF than on the nutrient broth (control). Retail ground beef with and without 5, 10 and 15% addition of NF was wrapped with plastic film and stored at 4°C. Aerobic plate count, psychrophiles, coliforms and yeasts and molds were assessed after 0, 3 and 6 days. Navy bean flour added to ground beef had a significant effect only on aerobic plate count. Growth of psychrophiles, coliforms, yeasts and molds was not affected by addition of NF. Microflora of retail ground beef-NF blends mainly consisted of Lactobacillus spp., while other genera of bacteria were found in smaller numbers. The pH of blends increased in proportion to the level of NF added and was significantly higher in comparison with retail ground beef alone, but decreased during storage due to the large amount of lactic acid bacteria.     

High levels of background flora inhibits growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef

The influence of natural background flora under aerobic and anaerobic incubation on the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef was investigated. The background flora from eight different commercial ground beef were added to ground beef spiked with E. coli O157:H7 and stored either aerobically or anaerobically at 12 degrees C. The results showed that the presence of a large number of background bacteria in the ground meat inhibited the growth of E. coli O157:H7 both aerobically and anaerobically. Inhibition was more pronounced under anaerobic conditions. The background floras consisted mainly of lactic acid bacteria of which approximately 80% were Lactobacillus sakei. These results show the importance of the natural background flora in meat for inhibition of growth of E. coli O157:H7.     

Microbiological and organoleptic qualities of vacuum-packaged ground beef prepared from pasteurized manufacturing beef

Manufacturing beef was pasteurized by immersion in water of 85 degrees C for 60 s, or was not pasteurized before being coarsely ground. The coarsely ground beef was vacuum-packaged and stored at 2 degrees C for up to 6 weeks. Before storage and at weekly intervals, three packs of pasteurized and three of unpasteurized beef were opened. The meat from each pack was finely ground and displayed in two overwrapped packs at 4 degrees C for 3 days after storage for up to 3 weeks, or for 2 days after longer storage times. Samples for microbiological analysis were obtained at the times of preparation of display packs and at the end of display. Displayed meat was assessed daily for colour, discolouration and retail acceptability, and for odour intensity and acceptability at the end of display. Before storage, the numbers of total aerobic bacteria, presumptive pseudomonads and presumptive Brochothrix thermosphacta recovered from pasteurized meat were >1 log unit less than the corresponding numbers recovered from unpasteurized meat, but the numbers of presumptive lactic acid bacteria and presumptive enterobacteria were <1 log unit less from pasteurized than from unpasteurized meat. After all periods of storage and display, the numbers of bacteria recovered from pasteurized and unpasteurized meat at each time were mostly similar. The colour of pasteurized meat was perceived as being paler than that of unpasteurized meat, but discolouration and retail acceptability of pasteurized and unpasteurized meat were perceived as similar at most times. The odours of displayed, pasteurized and unpasteurized meat were perceived to be similar at all times that odours were assessed. The findings indicate that pasteurizing of manufacturing beef to improve the microbiological safety of ground beef would not unacceptability degrade the appearance of the ground product, but that the storage life of ground beef would not be greatly extended by the treatment.     

Application of multiple antimicrobial interventions for microbial decontamination of commercial beef trim

Commercially produced, irregularly sized (range, 100 to 400 cm2), uninoculated beef trim was treated by a previously optimized multihurdle antimicrobial process under spray system or hot air gun with set-up speed (1 cm/s): W (water wash at 65 psi for five passes) + HW (82 degrees C water at 30 psi for three passes) + HA (510 degrees C air for five passes) + L (2% [vol/vol] room temperature lactic acid wash at 30 psi for three passes). After treatment, the trim was finely ground, vacuum packaged, and stored at 4 degrees C for up to 20 days. At regular intervals (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 days of storage at 4 degrees C), the ground beef was analyzed to measure mesophilic aerobic bacteria (APC), coliforms, psychrotrophic bacteria (PCT), and presumptive lactic acid bacteria (PLAB) and compared with the untreated control. The numbers of APC, coliforms, PCT, and PLAB were reduced to nearly nondetectable levels immediately after treatment, with significant differences compared with the control (P < 0.05), then started to increase after 5 to 10 days of storage at 4 degrees C. After 20 days, microbial populations of treated ground beef were significantly lower than those of nontreated ground beef for the numbers of APC, coliforms, PCT, and PLAB (P < 0.05), with differences of 1.2, 2.4, 1.6, and 1.6 log CFU/g, respectively. Based on microbial reduction and quality aspects, the multihurdle antimicrobial process was identified as an effective intervention to reduce coliforms on beef trim.     

Shelf life of beef from local Spanish cattle breeds stored under modified atmosphere

Beef steaks from six Spanish cattle breeds (Asturiana de los Valles, Morucha, Parda Alpina, Pirenaica, Rubia Gallega and Retinta) were packaged under modified atmosphere (60% O(2), 30% CO(2) and 10% N(2)). Water loss, pH, thiobarbituric acid values (TBA), aerobic plate counts, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae counts, CIE L*a*b* colour values and the sensory properties of odour and colour were recorded before packaging (day 0) and after 5, 10 and 15 days of storage. A significant interaction (P<0.05) between breed and storage time was found for all variables, except water loss. Values of pH were between 5.3 and 5.6; maximum water loss (2.64%) was reached after 10 days of storage; aerobic plate counts, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriacea counts were lower than 10(7) CFU/g, and L* increased with storage time while a* decreased (P<0.05). The maximum shelf life of beef assessed by sensory evaluation (regarding colour and odour degradation) was between days 5 and 10 in meat from Retinta breed and between days 10 and 15 in meat from the other breeds, shelf life was probably limited by lipid oxidation.     

Effect of storage temperatures and time on shelf‐life of sliced and modified atmosphere packaged Pastırma,a dried meat product,produced from beef

The effects of modified atmosphere on some physical, chemical and microbiological properties of sliced past?rma made from beef Longissimus dorsi muscle were investigated. Sliced‐past?rma samples (moisture 43.65 ± 0.15%, pH 5.71 ± 0.02) were stored in modified atmosphere packages (50% N₂ + 50% CO₂) at 4 and 10 °C for 150 days. The storage period had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on moisture, pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, free fatty acid, non‐protein nitrogen, water‐soluble nitrogen, colour values and total aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and Micrococcus/Staphylococcus counts. The storage temperatures (4 and 10 °C) also had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on moisture, pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive subctances, free fatty acid, water soluble nitrogen, a* values, total aerobic bacteria lactic acid bacteria, and Micrococcus/Staphylococcus counts. It was determined that the storage period × the storage temperature interactions had a significant (p < 0.01) effect on the values of pH, a* and the counts of total aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Micrococcus/Staphylococcus. It was also observed that the yeast and mold count was the highest in the first storage period and decreased throughout storage. Enterobacteriaceae count was also below the detectable level (<2.00 cfu g^?1) throughout the storage period. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of single or sequential hot water and lactic acid decontamination treatments on the survival and growth of listeria monocytogenes and spoilage microflora during aerobic storage of fresh beef at 4, 10, and 25 degrees C

The survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes and spoilage microflora during storage of fresh beef subjected to different decontamination treatments was studied. Fresh beef inoculated with a five-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes (5.18 log CFU/cm2) was left untreated (control) or was immersed (30 s) in hot water (HW; 75 degrees C), 2% lactic acid (LA; 55 degrees C), hot water followed by lactic acid (HW-LA), or lactic acid followed by hot water (LA-HW) and then stored aerobically at 4, 10, and 25 degrees C for 25, 17, and 5 days, respectively. Initial populations of L. monocytogenes were reduced by 0.82 (HW), 1.43 (LA), 2.73 (HW-LA), and 2.68 (LA-HW) log CFU/cm2. During storage, the pathogen grew at higher rates in HW than in control samples at all storage temperatures. Acid decontamination treatments (LA. HW-LA, and LA-HW) resulted in a weaker inhibition of L. monocytogenes (P < 0.05) at 25 degrees C than at 4 and 10 degrees C. In general, the order of effectiveness of treatments was HW-LA > LA > LA-HW > HW > control at all storage temperatures tested. In untreated samples, the spoilage microflora was dominated by pseudomonads, while lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and yeasts remained at lower concentrations during storage. Brochothrix thermosphacta was detected periodically in only a limited number of samples. Although decontamination with HW did not affect the above spoilage microbial profile, acid treatments shifted the predominant microflora in the direction of yeasts and gram-positive bacteria (lactic acid bacteria). Overall, the results of the present study indicate that decontamination with LA and combinations of LA and HW could limit growth of L. monocytogenes and inhibit pseudomonads, which are the main spoilage bacteria of fresh beef stored under aerobic conditions. However, to optimize the efficacy of such treatments, they must be applied in the appropriate sequence and followed by effective temperature control.     

Applicability of lactic acid and nisin to improve the microbiological quality of cold-smoked rainbow trout

 The effect of lactic acid and nisin whey permeate on the microbiological and sensory quality of cold-smoked rainbow trout was studied. Lactic acid and whey permeate were mixed with salt solution and injected into fish fillets in concentrations of up to 2.5 g/kg lactic acid, 30 g/kg whey permeate and 20 g/kg sodium chloride. After smoking at 28  °C for 6 h the fillets were sliced, vacuum packed and stored at 3  °C. The aerobic and anaerobic/facultative anaerobic counts were measured after 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 days of storage. The influence of the treatment on the sensory characteristics was analysed after 8 and 22 days by sensory profiling. A triangle test was used in order to ascertain at which stage the sensory quality of the samples changed during storage. Bacterial counts of smoked fish stored for 29 days were lowest in those samples containing a combination of lactic acid, sodium chloride and nisin whey permeate. Lactic acid alone did not affect the odour or flavour characteristics of the fish but did affect their texture as determined by sensory evaluation making it less elastic when stored at +3  °C for 8 days. A combination of lactic acid and nisin whey permeate enhanced the characteristic fishy flavour of the product. Differences between treatments in elasticity and fishy flavour were not detected after 22 days of storage. According to the triangle test, the samples from all treatments remained unchanged over the first 15 days. Received: 23 March 1998 / Revised version: 19 June 1998     

MICROBIAL CHANGES ON FRESHLY SLAUGHTERED PORK CARCASSES DUE TO "HOT" LACTIC ACID DECONTAMINATION

We studied the microbial changes on fresh (still warm) pork carcasses immediately after electrostatic spraying of lactic acid solutions and during chilled storage. Lactic acid decontamination (LAD) included electrostatic spraying of hot (55C) solutions of 1% lactic acid for 90 s and 2%- and 5% lactic acid for 30 and 90 s. The treatments increased the carcass surface temperature from 22C to about 32–43C. The bactericidal activity of lactic acid killed mainly Gram-negative bacteria. Reductions in "total" psychrotrophic Gram-negative and Entero-bacteriaceae counts were found reliable indicators for the efficacy of LAD. Hot 2–5% LAD treatments achieved overall reductions in Gram-negative psychrotrophs ranging from 0.8 to more than 1.4 log₁₀ cfu per cm². Overall reductions in mesophilic Enterobacteriaceae counts ranged from approximately 1.2 to more than 1.8 log₁₀ cfu per cm². Treatments with 1% lactic acid achieved marginal 0.5–0.6 overall log₁₀ reductions in these groups of organisms. Bactericidal effects after LAD occurred during a lag period of whose duration increased with the lactic acid concentration of the spray solution. The lag lasted less than 1 day on 1% LAD, 2 days on 2% LAD and 4 days on 5% LAD meat. During these lags the meat surface pH rose from pH 2.7 to 3.2 immediately after LAD to pH 4.8 to 5.2. During aerobic chilled storage after LAD the growth of Gram-negative psychrotrophs was controlled only temporarily. These organisms became the dominant group of organisms. The practical utility of electrostatic spraying of fresh pork carcasses with hot 1–5% LAD to improve the keeping quality is questionable .     

Effects of antioxidants and gamma irradiation on the shelf life of beef patties.

To improve the storage safety of two types of ground beef patty popular in Korea (general beef patties and bulgogi patties), we added various antioxidants (200 ppm; including butylated hydroxyanisole, ascorbyl palmitate, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene) to typical formulations of patties, cooked the patties to 70 degrees C, and irradiated them at a dose of 1.5 or 3 kGy. During 30 d of storage at 5 degrees C, the number of aerobic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria were determined using total aerobic plate count and phenyl ethyl alcohol-sucrose agar, respectively. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid was also determined in each type of patty. No colonies were observed in patties irradiated at 3 kGy regardless of which antioxidant was added. In control patties and patties with butylated hydroxyanisole that were irradiated at a dose of 1.5 kGy, growth of microorganisms appeared to be more rapid than in patties with natural antioxidants. The microbiological safety of nonirradiated patties could not be ensured for a period of 20 d. Lipid oxidation was retarded in both types of patty when an antioxidant was added. Ascorbyl palmitate had the strongest antioxidant effect among the natural antioxidants. However, butylated hydroxyanisole was more effective than ascorbyl palmitate when used in an equal amount.     

Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in ground beef using lactic acid bacteria and the impact on sensory properties

Studies were conducted to determine whether four strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inhibited Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella in ground beef at 5 degrees C and whether these bacteria had an impact on the sensory properties of the beef. The LAB consisted of frozen concentrated cultures of four Lactobacillus strains, and a cocktail mixture of streptomycin-resistant E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella were used as pathogens. Individual LAB isolates at 10(7) CFU/ml were added to tryptic soy broth containing a pathogen concentration of 10(5) CFU/ml. Samples were stored at 5 degrees C, and pathogen populations were determined on days 0, 4, 8, and 12. After 4 days of storage, there were significant differences in numbers of both pathogens exposed to LAB isolates NP 35 and NP 3. After 8 and 12 days of storage, all LAB reduced populations of both pathogens by an average of 3 to 5 log cycles. A second study was conducted in vacuum-packaged fresh ground beef. The individual LAB isolates resulted in an average difference of 1.5 log cycles of E. coli O157:H7 after 12 days of storage, and Salmonella populations were reduced by an average of 3 log cycles. Following this study, a mixed concentrated culture was prepared from all four LAB and added to ground beef inoculated with pathogen at 10(8) CFU/g. After 3 days of storage, the mixed culture resulted in a 2.0-log reduction in E. coli O157:H7 compared with the control, whereas after 5 days of storage, a 3-log reduction was noted. Salmonella was reduced to nondetectable levels after day 5. Sensory studies on noninoculated samples that contained LAB indicated that there were no adverse effects of LAB on the sensory properties of the ground beef. This study indicates that adding LAB to raw ground beef stored at refrigeration temperatures may be an important intervention for controlling foodborne pathogens.     

Effects of diacetyl and carbon dioxide on spoilage microflora in ground beef

The effect of CO2 and diacetyl, alone or in combination, on spoilage microflora in ground beef was determined. Ground beef was treated with 20, 30, or 40% CO2 for 22 days (study I); 20, 50, or 100 microg/g diacetyl for 26 days (study II); or a combination of 20% CO2 and 100 microglg diacetyl for 40 days (study III). Antimicrobial effectiveness was determined by aerobic plate counts (log10 CFU/g) using plate count agar (total aerobic bacteria), deMan Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) Lactobacillus agar (gram-positive bacteria), MacConkey agar (gram-negative bacteria), pH, and informal organoleptic assessments (by appearance and by odor). In study I, total bacteria and pH increased by day 4 in control meat samples. For all CO2 levels, gram-negative bacteria decreased and gram-positive bacteria increased compared with untreated controls. The pH remained constant for CO2-treated meat. Control samples had an off-odor and a brown appearance, while CO2-treated samples had no off-odor but did have a brown appearance. For samples treated with diacetyl (study II), spoilage was evident by day 7 for samples treated with 0, 20. and 50 microg/g diacetyl for all parameters examined. Ground beef treated with 100 microg/g diacetyl was spoiled on day 12. Diacetyl was detected (by odor) in samples that were treated with 100 microg/g diacetyl and had a brown appearance. Meat samples treated with the combination of CO2 and diacetyl (study III) showed that the addition of diacetyl did not have an additive effect on microbial growth. Combination-treated meat maintained a red appearance and no off-odor. Diacetyl and CO2 could be used in combination to maintain a red color and inhibit spoilage microorganisms.     

贮藏条件对红薯叶酸菜品质的影响

目的:探寻乳酸菌发酵红薯叶酸菜的贮藏条件及贮藏期间品质变化规律。方法:真空包装后以常温25℃、低温4℃、80℃—15 min巴氏杀菌后4℃、85℃-10 min巴氏杀菌后4℃贮藏,比较4个条件下红薯叶酸菜pH值、乳酸含量、亚硝酸盐含量、菌落数、色差值及感官评分。结果:25℃下贮藏亮度下降最快,第60天色泽明显变深;4℃下贮藏第30天的酵母菌数量最多,第45天的乳酸菌数量最多;80℃-15 min杀菌后贮藏第90天的大肠杆菌数量最少,感官评分达到食用临界值;85℃-10 min杀菌后贮藏第75天的总菌数量最少,感官评分及格。pH值与亚硝酸盐含量呈极显著负相关,与L值、感官评分呈极显著正相关;乳酸菌数与酵母菌、大肠杆菌、总菌数呈极显著正相关,其中感官评分在第一主成分中的载荷量最大。结论:80℃-15 min杀菌后4℃贮藏,其主要微生物为乳酸菌,其他指标均符合安全标准,感官品质稳定,更适合作为酸菜的贮藏条件,贮藏期可达90 d。     

Development of a multiple-step process for the microbial decontamination of beef trim

A multiple-hurdle antimicrobial process for beef trim was developed. The microbial profiles of inoculated lean beef trim tissue (BTL) and fat-covered lean beef trim (BTF) were monitored during prolonged refrigerated storage following the application of successive multiple antimicrobial treatments applied to inoculated beef trim on a processing conveyor belt set at a belt speed of 1 cm/s. Beef trim (meat size approximately 15 by 15 cm) was preinoculated with bovine feces before all treatments that included the following: control, no treatment; water wash at 65 psi for five passes; water plus lactic acid (2% [vol/vol] room temperature lactic acid wash at 30 psi for three passes); combination treatment 1 (water plus 65 degrees C hot water at 30 psi for one pass plus hot air at 510 degrees C for four passes plus lactic acid), combination treatment 2 (water plus hot water at 82 degrees C for one pass plus hot air at 510 degrees C for five passes plus lactic acid), and combination treatment 3 (water plus hot water at 82 degrees C for three passes plus hot air at 510 degrees C for six passes plus lactic acid). The effects of treatments on bacterial populations were monitored by enumerating mesophilic aerobic bacteria (APC), presumptive lactic acid bacteria (PLAB), psychrotrophic bacteria (PCT), coliforms, and Escherichia coli biotype 1 on product stored for up to 7 days at 4 degrees C. In the case of BTL, the numbers of APC, PCT, and PLAB increased during storage at 5 degrees C, whereas the numbers of coliform and E. coli decreased on average by 1.8 log CFU/cm2, then remained constant following the initial reduction. Negligible effects on color quality were observed from multihurdle treatment combination 1. In the case of the BTF, the microbial reductions by treatments were much greater than the reduction on BTL. The pH of treated BTF increased more slowly than the pH of treated BTL, resulting in further reduction of the microflora on BTF. Except for control and water treatments, all sample treatments involving lactic acid resulted in continuously decreasing microbial populations. Based on microbial reduction and quality aspects, it was concluded that successively applied combination antimicrobial treatments for meat trim could offer potential food safety benefits.     

Microbial and quality attributes of ground pork prepared from commercial pork trim treated with combination intervention processes.

The effects of combination intervention treatments of commercial pork trim on microbial and quality attributes of the subsequent ground pork were examined. Fresh commercial pork trim was inoculated with swine feces and subjected to five different intervention treatments: (i) control (untreated), (ii) water (15 degrees C, 120 s), (iii) water followed by 2% lactic acid wash (15 degrees C, 75 s), (iv) Combination 1 (water plus lactic acid plus hot air [510 degrees C, 90 s]), and (v) Combination 2 (hot air plus water plus hot air). Following treatment, the pork trim was stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h, then ground, stuffed, vacuum packaged, and stored at 4 degrees C for 21 days. Populations of aerobic bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and lactic acid bacteria in the ground pork were monitored before treatment, after treatment (day 0), and at 2, 7, 14 and 21 days. In addition, uninoculated pork trim was treated as described above, and the color and emulsion stability of the ground product was evaluated. Ground pork prepared from trim treated with any of the treatment processes had lower initial microbial populations compared to the untreated samples. The applications of water plus lactic acid or Combination 1, which included a lactic acid wash, were more effective than water or Combination 2 at both reducing initial populations and suppressing the growth of aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and E. coli in ground pork during refrigerated storage. By day 21, populations of aerobic bacteria in ground pork prepared from control, water-treated, and Combination 2-treated trim were 8.22 to 8.32 log CFU/g, but in water plus lactic acid and Combination 1 ground pork, populations were 6.32 and 4.90 log CFU/g, respectively. Among the trim interventions examined, Combination 1 was most detrimental to the color and emulsion stability of the ground pork. The water plus lactic acid treatment provided the greatest microbial reduction and inhibition without large negative effects on quality attributes of the ground pork.