Shelf life of Turkish whey cheese (Lor) under modified atmosphere packaging

In this study, the shelf life of Lor cheese stored under different atmosphere compositions was assessed and compared. Lor cheeses were held in four different atmospheres containing: vacuum packaging (VP), 40% CO₂/60% N₂, 60% CO₂/40% N₂ and 70% CO₂/30% N₂ (modified atmosphere packaging). Control cheeses were stored in air. All cheese samples were kept in the refrigerator at 4°C for 45 days and investigated for physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties. The acidity index value was significantly higher ( P  < 0.05) in the control and vacuum packaged samples than in those stored for the same period under CO₂. Microbiological results showed that modified atmosphere packaging delayed microbial growth compared with air and VP samples. Of the three modified atmospheres, gas mixtures 60% and 70% CO₂ were the most effective for inhibition of growth of micro-organisms. Sensory evaluation (odour and taste) results showed that Lor cheese packaged under modified atmosphere packaging (60% CO₂/40% N₂ and 70% CO₂/30% N₂ ) retained good characteristics for 45 days of storage, while vacuum and control samples were sensorily unacceptable after 10 days of storage.     

Maintaining Quality of Fresh-cut Tomato Slices through Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Low Temperature Storage

ABSTRACT: Quality of fresh-cut tomato slices was compared during cold storage under various modified atmosphere packaging conditions. Chilling injury of slices in containers sealed with Film A was higher than with Film B; these films had oxygen transmission rates of 87.4 and 60.0 ml · h^-1· m^-2· atm^-1 at 5 °C and 99% RH, respectively. While slices in containers with an initial atmospheric composition of air, 4% CO₂+ 1 or 20% O₂, 8% CO₂+ 1 or 20% O₂, or 12% CO₂+ 20% O₂ showed fungal growth, slices in containers with 12% CO₂+ 1% O₂ did not. Low ethylene in containers enhanced chilling injury. Modified atmosphere packaging provided good quality tomato slices with a shelf life of 2 w or more at 5 °C.     

Inhibition of Fungal Growth on Wheat and Rye Bread by Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Active Packaging Using Volatile Mustard Essential Oil

ABSTRACT: Wheat and rye bread artificially inoculated with molds were packed in modified atmospheres of 0%, 50%, 75%, or 100% CO₂ balanced with N₂, and 3 levels of residual O₂, 1%, 0.03%, or <0.01%/O₂-absorber, and stored for 30 to 35 d. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was quantitatively more effective for rye bread because fewer mold species grew at elevated CO₂. However, the major rye bread contaminant, Penicillium roqueforti , was the overall most CO₂-resistant mold and only the use of O₂-absorber could prevent growth of this species. On wheat bread, the most CO₂-tolerant mold was Penicillium commune , growing in 99% CO₂ (with high residual O₂), and Aspergillus flavus was the mold species that grew at lowest O₂ in 75% CO₂ treatment. The spoilage yeast/"chalk mold" Endomyces fibuliger was less affected by the different O₂ levels than the true filamentous molds, and none of the tested MAP treatments could prevent growth, but lag-phase was increased with O₂-absorber on wheat bread and decreased with 1% residual O₂ on rye bread. Experiments with volatile mustard oil showed that A. flavus and Eurotium repens were the most mustard oil-resistant species on wheat and rye bread, respectively. A combination strategy with MAP and mustard oil proved most optimal, and total inhibition was achieved with 2 μL mustard oil/rye bread slice and between 2 and 3 μL/wheat bread. Results indicated that the nature and surface area of the product influences effectiveness of active packaging with mustard oil.     

Effect of ripeness at processing on fresh-cut 'Flor de Invierno' pears packaged under modified atmosphere conditions

The effects of ripeness at processing and packaging conditions on respiration, microbiological stability as well as colour and firmness of fresh-cut 'Flor de Invierno' pears were evaluated throughout storage. Although a 2.5-kPa O₂ + 7-kPa CO₂ atmosphere led to an inhibition of ethylene synthesis and carbon dioxide production compared with non-modified atmosphere packaging, the more advanced the ripeness stage at processing, the higher the physiological activity and thus, the higher production of carbon dioxide, ethylene and ethanol. A 2.5-kPa O₂ + 7-kPa CO₂ atmosphere inhibited bacterial growth, yeast and mould proliferation in mature-green pears but fast microbial growth was observed especially on ripe pears, under both packaging conditions. In conclusion, the shelf-life of ripe pears was reduced by increased respiration response to processing and accelerated microbial spoilage. Instead, pears processed in a partially ripe stage were suitable for conservation while gathering desired sensory attributes. Therefore, for commercial purposes, a shelf-life of 10 days was suggested for partially ripe fresh-cut pears packaged under a 2.5-kPa O₂ + 7-kPa CO₂ atmosphere.     

High Oxygen and High Carbon Dioxide Modified Atmospheres for Shelf-life Extension of Minimally Processed Carrots

The impact of high O₂+ high CO₂ modified atmospheres (MA), on the preservation of minimally processed carrots was studied. A combination of 50% O₂+ 30% CO₂ prolonged the shelf life of sliced carrots compared to storage in air by 2 to 3 d. When the carrots received a pre-treatment with a 0.1% citric acid dip and a sodium alginate edible coating prior to packaging, shelf life was extended by 5 to 7 d. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed MA over previously recommended MA (1% O₂+ 10% CO₂), related to a range of physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of carrots are discussed.     

Effectiveness of active and modified atmosphere packaging on shelf life extension of a cheese tart

This study evaluated the shelf life extension of a cheese cake subjected to modified atmosphere (MAP) and active packaging (AP). Cheese cakes were packaged under different N₂/CO₂ ratios (70/30 and 20/80) (MAP batches), by placing a sachet of an iron oxide-based oxygen absorber inside trays (AP batch) and with air (air batch). Changes in microbial growth, in-package gas composition, chemical–physical parameters including texture and sensory attributes were monitored for 48 days at 20 °C. AP allowed a mould-free cheese cake shelf life of 48 days, MAP extended the shelf life of samples packaged under 30% and 80% CO₂ up to 14 and 34 days, respectively, whereas tarts stored with air spoiled after 7 days. MAP resulted in a significant increase in hardness after 14 days of storage, whereas AP tarts recovered the initial texture after 48 days. Panellists judged AP tarts over the acceptability threshold during the whole shelf life of cheese tarts.     

Microbiological and Sensorial Quality Assessment of Ready-to-Cook Seafood Products Packaged under Modified Atmosphere

ABSTRACT:  The effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (30:40:30 O₂:CO₂:N₂ and 5:95 O₂:CO₂) on the quality of 4 ready-to-cook seafood products were studied. In particular, the investigation was carried out on hake fillets, yellow gurnard fillets, chub mackerel fillets, and entire eviscerated cuttlefish. Quality assessment was based on microbiological and sensorial indices determination. Both packaging gas mixtures contributed to a considerable slowing down of the microbial and sensorial quality loss of the investigated seafood products. Results showed that sensorial quality was the subindex that limited their shelf life. In fact, based primarily on microbiological results, samples under MAP remained acceptable up to the end of storage (that is, 14 d), regardless of fish specie. On the other hand, results from sensory analyses showed that chub mackerel fillets in MAP were acceptable up to the 6th storage d, whilst hake fillets, yellow gurnard fillets, and entire cuttlefish became unacceptable after 10 to 11 d. However, compared to control samples, an increase in the sensorial shelf life of MAP samples (ranging from about 95% to 250%) was always recorded.
Practical Application: Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is an inexpensive and uncomplicated method of extending shelf life of packed seafood. It could gain great attention from the fish industrial sector due to the fact that MAP is a practical and economic technique, realizable by small technical expedients. Moreover, there is great attention from the food industry and retailers to react to the growing demand for convenience food, thus promoting an increase in the assortments of ready-to-cook seafood products.     

Quality changes during refrigerated storage of MA-packaged pre-rigor fillets of farmed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) using traditional MAP, CO2 emitter, and vacuum

ABSTRACT:  Quality changes during 3 wk of refrigerated storage (1.3 °C) were studied on pre -rigor filleted farmed Atlantic cod packed in modified atmosphere (MAP, 60% CO₂ and 40% O₂) or vacuum. The packages of MAP contained either a CO₂ emitter and low gas volume to product volume (g/p ratio) of 1.3, or a 3.9 g/p ratio and no emitter. The CO₂ level remained stable or increased in the packages with CO₂ emitter, whereas the CO₂ level in the packages with no CO₂ emitter decreased to 40% after 4 d of refrigerated storage. High levels of oxygen in the gas mixture prevented formation of trimethyl amine (TMA) during storage of the MA-packed fish, whereas the TMA content increased significantly after 10-d storage in vacuum. MA-packed samples had the highest values of 1-penten-3-ol. Sensory scores of sour, sulfur, and pungent odors were significantly higher for vacuum-packed cod compared to the 2 MA-packaging methods measured 14 d after slaughtering. No differences in sensory scores were observed between the 2 methods of MAP, and shelf life of these samples seemed to be 14 to 21 d. Cod samples packaged in vacuum packages had higher pH values compared to ordinary MAP and packages containing a CO₂ emitter. Bacterial growth was inhibited by MAP and resulted at the end of the storage period in dominance of Carnobacterium and some Photobacterium . In MA packages with high O₂ levels the Photobacterium was inhibited. It is concluded that CO₂ emitters are well suited for reduction of transport volume for MA-packaged farmed cod.     

Mold-free Shelf-life Extension of Bakery Products by Active Packaging

ABSTRACT: Total elimination of oxygen (O₂) in modified atmosphere packaging of bakery products is difficult to achieve. Because of the typical porous texture of the packaging, air can be retained inside. The effect of O₂ absorbers alone or in combination with modified atmosphere on Eurotium amstelodami, E. herbariorum, E. repens , and E. rubrum growth was investigated. Cakes of 0.80 to 0.90 water activity ( a_w ) were packaged with different atmospheres (air, 100% N2; 70% N2:30% CO₂) and O₂ absorbers of 2 different absorption capacities. The use of absorbers with a suitable absorption capacity led to a significant increase of cakes with mold-free shelf life, regardless of a_w and pH level, at 25 °C.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Minimally Processed Mango and Pineapple Fruits

ABSTRACT: Market increase efforts for tropical fruits have been previously limited by short shelf life. A modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system for pineapple and mango was developed to increase shelf life of the fruits. Sample preparation consisted of hand-peeling, dicing, blanching, dipping in ascorbic acid and packaging. The treatments were: gas mixture (4% O₂, 10% CO₂ and 86% N2); vacuum packaging; 100% oxygen, and control. Microbial growth, texture, and color were significantly (P < 0.005) different between the gas and other treatments. The gas mixture treatment achieved the longest shelf life. The sensory analysis showed slight difference between fresh and MAP mango and no difference between fresh and MAP pineapple. MAP could be used as a technology to extend the shelf life of mango and pineapple.     

EFFECT OF OXYGEN-ENRICHED ATMOSPHERES ON STORAGE QUALITY OF PACKAGED FRESH MEAT

SUMMARY —The extension of fresh meat shelf-life is important from both practical and theoretical points of view. Color is usually used as a measure of fresh meat quality during storage. Beef top-round slices were prepared using sanitary precautions. Meat slices were enclosed in a thermally sealed semi-rigid polyvinyl chloride tray system of special design. Face-to-face meat samples were used to compare the effects of high oxygen with normal air atmospheres. One package from each pair was evacuated and the atmosphere readjusted to approximately 90% oxygen through a septum. Packages were kept at 4 ± 0.5°C and gas chromatographic readings for CO₂, O₂ and N₂ were conducted daily. Spectrophotometric and bacteriological evaluations were made on selected pack ages during storage to determine pigment oxidation and microbial growth. Three experiments each containing six to eight pairs of samples were conducted. The generation of CO₂ was observed in two periods–the first immediately after packaging and lasting for 1–2 days, after which the CO₂ level remained approximately stable up to 8—9 days, when it again started to increase in correspondence with increased bacterial growth. There was more CO₂ produced than O₂ utilized in the stored samples. In the first stage, samples stored in oxygen-enriched atmospheres had higher O₂ uptake than samples stored in air. Microbial growth was similar in both atmospheres. Under conditions of this study, head space enrichment to about 90% oxygen prolonged acceptable meat color when compared with samples stored in an air atmosphere.     

Quality Changes of Prerigor Filleted Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Packaged in Modified Atmosphere Using CO2 Emitter, Traditional MAP, and Vacuum

ABSTRACT:  Pieces of prerigor salmon fillets were packaged in modified atmosphere (60% CO₂ and 40% N₂) and in vacuum. The MA packages had a gas to product volume ratio (g/p ratio) of 3/1 (traditional MAP) and 1/1 (packaged with a CO₂ emitter). All the samples were stored at 1.2 °C for 25 d. The MA packages had lower bacterial growth during storage compared to vacuum packages. The analyses of 16S rRNA at day 22 indicated a similar bacterial diversity, independent of packaging methods, dominated by  Photobacterium phosphoreum . The results therefore suggest that CO₂ inhibited total bacterial count, including,  P. phosphoreum . Negative odors and liquid losses were detected earlier for the vacuum-packaged samples (8 d) compared to the MA samples (15 d) and higher levels were detected at the end of the storage period. The breaking strength (firmness) tended to be lower for the MA packaged samples compared with the vacuum samples after 15 d of storage, whereas the redness ( a * value) and the yellowness ( b * value) were significantly higher for the MA samples. In conclusion, MA packaging preserved the quality better during storage than vacuum packaging. MA packaging with a CO₂ emitter and reduced g/p ratio gave similar or better results compared with traditional MAP, thus CO₂ emitters are well suited for reduction of volume of MA packaged farmed salmon fillet pieces.     

Effects of Low-dose Gamma Irradiation on the Shelf Life and Quality Characteristics of Cut Romaine Lettuce Packaged under Modified Atmosphere

Cut romaine lettuce, packaged under modified atmosphere, was subjected to 0.15 and 0.35 kGy gamma irradiation. Irradiation at 0.35 kGy decreased aerobic plate counts by 1.5 logs and yeast and mold counts by 1 log; these differences were maintained through the 22-d storage. Irradiation at 0.15 kGy caused smaller reductions in microbial counts. A decrease in headspace CO₂ was observed in the 0.35-kGy-treated lettuce, although CO₂ concentrations increased in all samples with storage. O₂ concentration was not affected by irradiation. Ten percent loss in firmness was observed at 0.35 kGy, while other sensory attributes such as color, generation of off-flavor, and appearance of visual defects were not affected.     

Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Stability of Reduced-Fat Chinese-Style Sausage Stored under Modified Atmosphere Systems

ABSTRACT: Physicochemical properties and microbial stability of reduced-fat Chinese-style sausages packaged with various modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems were evaluated. With the exception of VAC (vacuum) treatment, the TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) values increased with increasing storage time. Treatments of C100 (100% CO₂), C80 (80% CO₂/20% N₂), and C20 (20% CO₂/80% N₂) were higher in TBARS values than VAC and N2 (100% N₂) after 2 wk of storage. The numbers of total plate counts, psychrotrophs, total anaerobes, or lactic acid bacteria increased slightly, though statistically insignificant, during storage, while N2 was numerically the lowest and VAC was intermediate. Vacuum packaging was more effective than other MAP in maintaining lipid and microbial stability of reduced-fat Chinese-style sausage. Keywords: reduced-fat, Chinese-style sausage, MAP, storage stability, vacuum packaging     

A review of modified atmosphere packaging of fish and fishery products – significance of microbial growth, activities and safety

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) extends shelf-life of most fishery products by inhibiting bacterial growth and oxidative reactions. The achievable extension of shelf-life depends on species, fat content, initial microbial population, gas mixture, the ratio of gas volume to product volume, and most importantly, storage temperature. The shelf-life of fishery products is usually limited by microbial activity, although for some fatty fishes or at superchilled storage, it can be limited by nonmicrobial activity. Packaging of fishery products under modified atmospheres (MA) increases shelf-life compared with those packaged under air, but confers little or no additional shelf-life increase compared with vacuum packaging. The specific spoilage organism (SSO) of MA packaged cod at 0 °C has been found to be Photobacterium phosphoreum . Whether or not this bacterium is the general SSO for all marine temperate fishes at different storage temperatures and under various CO₂/N₂/O₂ mixtures needs to be resolved. Without proper control of storage temperature, the benefits of MAP may be lost. Higher temperatures inevitably lead to less dissolved CO₂ in the product and consequently loss of inhibitory effect, which may result in higher microbial and enzymatic activity, and uncertainties concerning the microbial safety, as food-borne pathogens might be present in the product.     

PHYSICAL AND MICROBIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PORK LOINS IN MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGES

Bone-in pork loins (n = 45) were selected from a commercial facility, subjected to one of three gas flush packaging treatments: NC: 75% N₂, 25% CO₂; ONC₁: 45% 0₂, 35% N₂, 20% CO₂; ONC₂: 66% O₂, 9% N₂, 25% CO₂, and stored for 7, 14 or 21 days at 0±2C. After storage, treatment and storage effects on visual evaluations, storage characteristics, microbial analysis and retail display characteristics were determined. The ONC¹ and ONC²treated loins had less discoloration after 21 days than NC treated loins, and NC treated chops had the least desirable retail display characteristics (P < 0.05). Fewer (P < 0.05) lactic acid producing bacteria (day 21) were found on NC treated loins, resulting in chops with a shorter retail shelf-life. These results indicate that higher oxygen levels (45 and 66%) are necessary for the modified atmosphere storage of fresh pork loins for 21 days.     

Modeling Botrytis Cinerea Spores Growth in Carbon Dioxide Enriched Atmospheres

ABSTRACT: This study simulates the conditions in which Botrytis may appear in a modified atmosphere packed horticulture product, such as strawberry, so as to elaborate a predictive model that could allow us to estimate the shelf-life of a contaminated food product in such atmosphere conditions (0 to 40% CO₂). The estimated shelf-lives obtained at 18 °C were 92, 164, and 236 h in storage atmospheres of 0, 10, and 20% CO₂, respectively, very close to observed values; no growth was observed above 30% CO₂. The elaborated predictive model allows us to: (a) control development of this fungi if the food product is maintained in an atmosphere containing more than 20% CO₂ and (b) predict the time taken for potential colonies to become visible (3 mm dia) and, thus, cause immediate rejection by consumers.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Cut Belgian Endives

ABSTRACT: Modified atmosphere packaging of cut Belgian endives was simulated based on experimentally determined package and product parameters. Permeability of commercial packaging films was determined at 3 temperatures. The film permeability ratio for CO₂ and O₂ varied between 1.6 and 6. Respiration rate of cut Belgian endives stored under 10%O₂-10%CO₂-80%N₂ (optimal gas conditions) was measured at different temperatures. Initially, the activation energy for respiration rate was higher compared to the one for film permeability. After 3 d of storage, the E_a-value for respiration rate was similar to the E_a-value for film permeability. Simulations at constant temperature proved that none of the packaging films tested was suitable to maintain optimal gas conditions.     

INFLUENCE OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON GROWTH OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS IN COOKED TURKEY

Clostridium perfringens containing samples of sterile ground turkey were studied to assess growth under modified atmosphere conditions. Samples were packaged under various atmospheres (CO₂/O₂/N₂: 75/5/20, 75/10/15, 75/20/5, 25/20/55, 50/20/30), stored at 4, 15 and 28C, and sampled periodically for growth. Diluted samples were plated on Shahidi Ferguson perfringens agar (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, MI) to determine vegetative cell counts. Temperature abuse (cyclic and static) of the turkey product was also investigated. The results showed that the growth of C. perfringens was slowest under 25–50% CO₂/20% O₂/balance N₂ at 15 and 28C. There was no growth at 4C for up to 28 days. Temperature abuse (28C storage) of refrigerated products for 8 h did not permit C. perfringens growth. Use of 25–50% CO₂/20% O₂/balance N₂ may extend the shelf-life of turkey, but in the absence of proper refrigeration, it cannot be relied upon to eliminate the risk of C. perfringens food poisoning .