The use of natural herbal extracts for improving the lipid stability and sensory characteristics of irradiated ground beef

Ground Longissimus dorsi of beef were treated with herbal extracts of marjoram, rosemary and sage at concentration of 0.04% (v/w), radiation (2 or 4.5 kGy) or their combination. Treated samples were stored at 5 °C and analyzed periodically for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), sensory characteristics and psychrotrophic bacterial counts during storage for 41 and 48 days for samples treated at 2 and 4.5 kGy respectively. Results demonstrated a significant benefit of the addition of herbal extracts to the ground beef prior to irradiation. All three extracts significantly (P < 0.05) lowered the TBARS values and off-odor scores and significantly (P < 0.05) increased color and acceptability scores in all samples with marjoram being the most effective. The combination treatment with herbal extracts plus irradiation resulted in extension of the shelf life of samples treated with 2 kGy by one week and samples treated with 4.5 kGy by two weeks, over that treated with irradiation alone. In conclusion, the addition of herbal extracts can minimize lipid oxidation, improve color and decrease off-odor production in irradiated ground beef.     

Inhibition of Lipid Oxidation and Rancidity in Precooked Pork Patties by Radical‐Scavenging Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extract

This study investigated the efficacy of licorice extract (LE) to curtail lipid oxidation and protect sensory attributes of ground pork during refrigerated and frozen storage. Pork patties (20% fat) were formulated with 0%, 0.02%, 0.05%, and 0.1% (meat basis) LE or rosemary extract (RE) as comparison or 0.01% (fat basis) BHA with 0 or 1.5% NaCl. Raw and precooked (75 °C) patties were packaged in polyvinylchloride overwrapped trays and stored at 2 °C up to 7 and 14 d, respectively, or at –20 °C up to 6 mo. Lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances [TBARS]) and sensory attributes of stored patty samples were evaluated, radical scavenging activity of the LE was measured, and the active phenolic compounds were identified. Cooking yield (<85%) was similar among antioxidant treatments, and lipid oxidation was minimal in refrigerated or frozen raw samples. However, TBARS values in refrigerated precooked control patties (0.22 mg/kg) rose to 9.3 to 9.4 mg/kg after 14 d, compared to 3.4 to 4.4 and 4.4 to 6.9 mg/kg in patties treated with 0.1% LE and RE, respectively. In frozen precooked samples, TBARS (0.22 mg/kg) increased to 1.3 mg/kg (P < 0.05) in control patties after 6 mo and had no significant change in patties treated with 0.1% LE or 0.01% butylated hydroxyanisol. Sensory panel evaluation confirmed strong inhibition of rancidity production by LE, corroborating its remarkable antiradical activity due to the presence of multiple phenolics. The results indicate that licorice has great potential as a natural antioxidative additive to extend the shelf‐life of precooked pork.     

Shelf life and stability traits of traditionally and modified atmosphere packaged ground beef patties treated with lactic acid bacteria, rosemary oleoresin, or both prior to retail display

Previous research indicates that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can inhibit pathogenic bacteria. This research evaluated effects of LAB inclusion on the shelf life of traditionally packaged ground beef patties; as well as the effects and possible interaction of LAB and rosemary oleoresin (RO) on the stability of high oxygen MAP ground beef during display. In both package types, trained and consumer evaluations indicated no effect (P > 0.05) of LAB on lean color and off-odor. Display affected trained and consumer sensory evaluations and indicated declined stability over time. Thiobarbituric acid values were lower for traditionally packaged ground beef with LAB (P < 0.05) and MAP ground beef with RO or RO and LAB (P < 0.05). Overall, LAB had no effect on the shelf life and stability of traditionally or high-oxygen MAP packaged ground beef patties. Therefore, utilization of LAB in ground beef to reduce pathogenic bacteria is viable without alteration of spoilage indicators.     

Antioxidative activity of carnosine in gamma irradiated ground beef and beef patties

The activity of carnosine as a natural antioxidant in gamma irradiated ground beef and beef patties was studied. Samples of ground beef, in the absence and presence of 0.5% or 1.0% carnosine, as well as raw and cooked beef patties prepared with 1.5% salt (NaCl), in the absence and presence of 0.5% or 1.0% carnosine, were gamma irradiated at doses of 0, 2, and 4 kGy. The extent of oxidation in irradiated and non-irradiated samples of ground beef and raw beef patties was then determined during refrigerated (4 ± 1 °C) and frozen (−18 °C) storage, while determined for cooked beef patties during refrigerated storage only. Moreover, the determination of metmyoglobin (MetMb) accumulation and sensory evaluation for the visual color were carried out for samples of ground beef and raw patties. The results indicated that salt or salt and cooking accelerated the oxidative processes and significantly increased the peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the prepared non-irradiated samples. However, salt slowed down the accumulation of MetMb in raw patties. Irradiation treatments and storage in the absence of carnosine significantly (P < 0.05) increased the PV and TBARS in samples, at higher rates in salted or salted and cooked beef. Moreover, irradiation and storage significantly (P < 0.05) increased the formation of MetMb in ground beef and raw patties in the absence of carnosine. Addition of carnosine significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the oxidative processes and MetMb formation (proportionally to the used concentration) in samples post-irradiation and during storage. Furthermore, carnosine exerted significant efficacy in maintaining an acceptable visual red color post-irradiation and during storage of ground beef and raw patties. These results demonstrate that carnosine can be successfully used as a natural antioxidant to increase the oxidative stability in gamma irradiated raw and cooked meat products.     

Effects of potassium lactate,sodium metasilicate,peroxyacetic acid,and acidified sodium chlorite on physical,chemical, and sensory properties of ground beef patties

Beef trimmings were treated with 3% potassium lactate (KL), 4% sodium metasilicate (NMS), 0.02% peroxyacetic acid (PAA) or 0.1% acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) or left untreated (CON). Beef trimmings were ground, pattied, and sampled for 7 days. Under simulated retail display, instrumental color, sensory characteristics, TBARS, pH, and Lee–Kramer shear force were measured to evaluate the impact of the treatments on the quality attributes. The NMS and PAA patties were redder (a^∗, P < 0.05) than CON on days 0–3. Panelists found KL, NMS, PAA, and ASC patties to have less (P < 0.05) or similar (P > 0.05) off odor to CON on days 0–3. The NMS and PAA treated patties had lower (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation than the CON at days 0, 3, and 7. Therefore, KL, NMS, PAA, and ASC treatments on beef trimmings can potentially improve or maintain quality attributes of beef patties.     

Effects of buffered vinegar and sodium dodecyl sulfate plus levulinic acid on Salmonella Typhimurium survival,shelf-life,and sensory characteristics of ground beef patties

The inclusion of two sources of buffered vinegar and sodium dodecyl sulfate plus levulinic acid were studied as interventions for Salmonella Typhimurium and for their effect on shelf-life and sensory characteristics of ground beef. For the Salmonella challenge, beef trimmings (80/20) were inoculated then treated with 2% (w/v) liquid buffered vinegar (LVIN), 2.5% (w/w) powdered buffered vinegar (PVIN), a solution containing 1.0% levulinic acid plus 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDLA) at 10% (w/v), or had no intervention applied (CNT). The same trim source and production methods were followed during production of patties for shelf-life and sensory testing without inoculation. SDLA patties had the largest reduction (P < 0.05; 0.70 log CFU/g) of Salmonella. However, LVIN and PVIN had the least (P < 0.05) psychrotrophic growth. SDLA patties had more purge (P < 0.05) and lower (P < 0.05) subjective color scores. There were not large differences in sensory characteristics, except PVIN exhibited stronger off-flavor (P < 0.05).     

Bioactivity of ellagic acid-, lutein- or sesamol-enriched meat patties assessed using an in vitro digestion and Caco-2 cell model system

Interest exists in the manufacture of functional meat products whereby synthetic antioxidants are replaced with naturally-sourced compounds. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the bioactivity of pork and beef patties containing ellagic acid (600 μg/g), lutein (200 μg/g) or sesamol (500 μg/g). Cooked pork and beef patties were subjected to an in vitro digestion procedure and the resultant micelles were added to human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Supplementation with micelles from lutein-enriched pork patties protected (P < 0.05) against H₂O₂-induced cell injury whereas the presence of control beef, lutein-enriched beef or ellagic acid-enriched beef, at levels ?20% (v/v), enhanced (P < 0.05) oxidant-induced cytotoxicity. None of the pork patties significantly modulated cellular glutathione content. Micelles from all the enriched pork patties significantly protected against H₂O₂-induced DNA damage. In conclusion, the cytoprotective and genoprotective effects of ellagic acid, lutein, and sesamol, when incorporated into meat systems, depend greatly on the food matrix.     

Effect of lutein,sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract on the quality and shelf-life stability of packaged raw minced beef patties

The effects of lutein (100 and 200 μg/g muscle), sesamol (250 and 500 μg/g muscle), ellagic acid (300 and 600 μg/g muscle) and olive leaf extract (100 and 200 μg/g muscle) on total viable counts (TVCs), lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARS), colour, oxymyoglobin oxidation, pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), sensorial properties of raw beef patties (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum) stored in modified atmosphere packs (80% O₂:20% CO₂) (MAP) aerobically at 4 °C for up to 8 and 12 days, respectively, were examined. All the nutraceuticals reduced (P < 0.001) TVCs. The addition of sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract reduced (P < 0.001) TBARS in raw beef patties in both packaging systems. Sesamol addition to beef resulted in lower (P < 0.01) a* redness values and increased oxymyoglobin oxidation. Conversely, lutein and olive leaf extract reduced (P < 0.001) oxymyoglobin oxidation relative to the control. The graded addition of ellagic acid and olive leaf extract improved (P < 0.001) WHC.     

Low‐Fat Beef Patties with Augmented Omega‐3 Fatty Acid and CLA Levels and Influence of Grape Seed Extract

The effects of raising the omega‐3 fatty acid (FA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), or omega‐3 FA plus CLA levels on beef by means of dietary supplementation and of adding grape seed extract (250 mg/kg meat product) in beef patties stored at 2 ± 1 °C in aerobic packaging under simulated retail display conditions for 6 d was evaluated by measuring the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), pH, and instrumental color measurement values and by means of sensory analysis. The pH, instrumental color measurements, and sensory attribute values for patties made from beef with augmented omega‐3 FA and/or CLA contents were similar to the values for the control patties made from beef from animals fed a conventional diet. Adding GSE lowered oxidation levels on day 6 (P < 0.001) and did not affect the instrumental color or sensory analysis results during the display period. This suggests that omega‐3 FA and CLA‐augmented beef could be used to make low‐fat beef patties having characteristics similar to those of conventional beef patties while being more in keeping with currently recommended nutritional guidelines.     

Frozen storage characteristics of low-salt and low-fat beef patties as affected by Wakame addition and replacing pork backfat with olive oil-in-water emulsion

Characteristics of beef patties with low-salt (0.5%) and low-fat (<10%) contents were studied during frozen storage as affected by addition of Wakame seaweed (3%) and partial or total replacement of pork backfat with olive oil-in-water emulsion. Patties with Wakame presented less (P < 0.05) thawing and cooking losses and were softer (P < 0.05) than patties without seaweed. A softening effect (P < 0.05) induced by olive oil emulsion was observed only in seaweed-free patties. Lipid oxidation and microbiological counts in reformulated products were not a limiting factor for frozen stability. Wakame incorporation increased (P < 0.05) mineral contents, but all products presented the same Na/K ratio. Observed changes in microstructure were associated with seaweed addition (formation of alginate chains). All products were judged acceptable by the sensory panel. In the course of frozen storage no important changes were found in the target properties due to the different treatments.     

The triacylglycerol preparation of conjugated linoleic acid reduces lipid oxidation in irradiated, cooked ground beef patties

It is proposed that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) would depress the lipid oxidation caused by irradiation of cooked, aerobically stored ground beef patties. The free fatty acid (FFA–CLA) and triacylglycerol (TAG–CLA) preparations of CLA were added at 0%, 1%, 2%, or 4% during the grinding process. Patties were irradiated at 1.5–2.0 kGy and frozen at −20 °C. Subsequently, the patties were tempered to 4 °C, cooked to 70 °C and held at 4 °C for 7 d. Enrichment of ground beef with CLA increased the cis-9,trans-11 and CLA trans-10,cis-12 CLA isomers in ground beef patties, even after cooking. Weight loss (P = 0.03) and percentage fat (P = 0.05) were higher in irradiated beef patties than in control patties. Irradiation decreased the concentration of α-linolenic acid (18:3n − 3) in the ground beef by over 60% (P = 0.07), whereas thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were higher (P = 0.004) in irradiated beef patties than in control patties. The 1% concentration of added TAG–CLA reduced TBARS in irradiated ground beef patties, whereas 2% and 4% FFA–CLA depressed TBARS (CLA type × percentage interaction P = 0.04). Irradiation increased the cardboard and painty aromatic attributes (P  0.05), and FFA–CLA preparation increased the painty aromatic attribute and afterburn aftertaste, but these effects were not observed with the TAG–CLA preparation (CLA type × treatment interaction P < 0.04). Adding 1% TAG–CLA to ground beef during grinding can reduce lipid oxidation in irradiated, cooked ground beef patties without the negative aftertastes associated with the FFA–CLA preparation.     

Effects of gamma irradiation and electron beam irradiation on quality,sensory, and bacterial populations in beef sausage patties

This study compared effects of gamma ray (GR) and electron beam (EB) irradiation on quality (TBARS value, hardness, color), sensory characteristics, and total bacterial populations in beef sausage patties during accelerated storage at 30 °C for 10 days. Beef sausage patties were vacuum-packaged and irradiated by GR and EB at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 kGy at room temperature. The results of quality evaluation showed that the effects of GR irradiation were similar (p ? 0.05) to EB irradiation on lipid oxidation, hardness, color and sensory scores of the beef sausage patties. However, GR-irradiated samples had lower (p < 0.05) total bacterial counts than EB-irradiated samples after irradiation, and during storage regardless of irradiation dose. The results indicate that use of GR irradiation up to 10 kGy on patties should be useful in reducing bacterial populations with no adverse effect on quality and most of sensory characteristics (color, chewiness, and taste).     

Ability of α-tocopherol,taurine and rosemary,in combination with vitamin C,to increase the oxidative stability of beef steaks packaged in modified atmosphere

Fresh beef steaks were sprayed on the surface with vitamin C (500 ppm), taurine (50 mM), rosemary (1000 ppm) and vitamin E (100 ppm), the three latter in combination with 500 ppm of Vitamin C, packaged in modified atmosphere (70% O₂+20% CO₂+10% N₂) and stored at 1±1 °C for 29 days. Metmyoglobin formation, lipid oxidation (TBARS), instrumental colour (CIE a¹), psychrotrophic bacterial counts (PCA) and sensory discolouration and odour were determined. Results demonstrated that surface application of antioxidant combinations resulted in an effective delay of oxidative deterioration of fresh beef steaks. Shelf life was extended beyond that of control, according to evaluation of sensory attributes. Both combinations of vitamin C with either rosemary or taurine significantly (P<0.01) extended the shelf life of fresh beef steaks by about 10 days. Rosemary was the most effective in delaying oxidation processes. The combination of vitamins E and C was significantly (P<0.01) less effective than those combinations in delaying meat oxidation.     

Relationship between the solubility,dosage and antioxidant capacity of carnosic acid in raw and cooked ground buffalo meat patties and chicken patties

Antioxidant capacity of oil soluble and water dispersible carnosic acid (CA) extracted from dried rosemary leaves using HPLC was evaluated at two different dosages (22.5 ppm vs 130 ppm) in raw and cooked ground buffalo meat patties and chicken patties. Irrespective of total phenolic content, CA extracts reduced (p < 0.05) the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) by 39%–47% and 37%–40% in cooked buffalo meat and chicken patties at lower dosage (22.5 ppm) relative to control samples. However, at higher dosage (130 ppm) the TBARS values were reduced (p < 0.05) by 86%–96% and 78%–87% in cooked buffalo meat and chicken patties compared to controls. The CA extracts were also effective in inhibiting (p < 0.05) peroxide value and free fatty acids in cooked buffalo meat and chicken patties. The CA extracts when used at higher dosage, were also effective in stabilizing raw buffalo meat color.     

Packaging-specific influence of chitosan on color stability and lipid oxidation in refrigerated ground beef

We examined the influence of chitosan on lipid oxidation and color stability of ground beef stored in different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems. Ground beef patties with chitosan (1%) or without chitosan (control) were packaged either in high-oxygen MAP (HIOX; 80% O₂ + 20% CO₂), carbon monoxide MAP (CO; 0.4% CO + 19.6% CO₂ + 80% N₂), vacuum (VP), or aerobic packaging (PVC) and stored at 1 °C. Chitosan increased (P < 0.05) redness of patties stored in PVC and CO, whereas it had no effect (P > 0.05) in HIOX. Chitosan patties demonstrated lower (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation than controls in all packaging. Control patties in PVC and HIOX exhibited greater (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation than those in VP and CO, whereas chitosan patties in different packaging systems were not different (P > 0.05) from each other. Our findings suggested that antioxidant effects of chitosan on ground beef are packaging-specific.     

Physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of seasoned beef patties with added glutinous rice flour

This study was conducted to determine if glutinous rice flour (GRF) could be a functional food additive to potentially replace corn starch (CS), soy protein isolate (SPI) and/or sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) to improve the physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of seasoned beef patties. GRF had a lower cook loss among the treatment groups due to an increase in fat and moisture retentions (p < 0.05). GRF lowered texture profile values for hardness, gumminess, springiness, and chewiness (p < 0.05) of the patties, which are generally beneficial for this product. The beef patties with GRF were juicier and more tender than the control and other treatments (p < 0.05). Hedonic scores for juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability were the highest for the beef patties with 1 and 3% GRFs, suggesting that GRF may be an effective functional ingredient to improve the textural quality of seasoned beef patties.     

Anti-oxidant effect of extracts of kinnow rind,pomegranate rind and seed powders in cooked goat meat patties

To overcome the disadvantages of using synthetic anti-oxidants in meat products, an investigation was carried out to evaluate the anti-oxidant effect of extracts of fruit by-products viz., kinnow rind powder (KRP), pomegranate rind powder (PRP) and pomegranate seed powder (PSP) in goat meat patties. Total phenolics content, DPPH radical scavenging activity and effect of these extracts on instrumental color, sensory attributes and TBARS values during storage (4 ± 1 °C) of goat meat patties were evaluated. Results showed that these extracts are rich sources of phenolic compounds having free radical scavenging activity. Hunter Lab L value significantly (P < 0.05) lowered in PRP followed by PSP and KRP patties. Sensory evaluation indicated no significant differences among patties. Further, a significant (P < 0.5) reduction in TBARS values (lipid oxidation) during storage of goat meat patties was observed in PRP, PSP and KRP as compared to control patties. Average TBARS values (mg/kg meat) during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1 °C) were significantly lower in PRP, followed by PSP and KRP as compared to control. The overall anti-oxidant effect was in the order of PRP > PSP > KRP. It was concluded that extracts of above fruits by-product powders have potential to be used as natural anti-oxidants in meat products.     

Antioxidant effects of soy sauce on color stability and lipid oxidation of raw beef patties during cold storage

This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant effects of soy sauce on lipid oxidation and color stability of raw beef patties. Raw beef patties were formulated with four solutions such as NaCl (sodium chloride solution), NaCl/SS (1:1 ratio of sodium chloride and soy sauce solution), SS (soy sauce solution), or SS/A (soy sauce solution combined with 0.05% ascorbic acid) in the same salt concentration. Addition of soy sauce resulted in the decreased pH, lightness, and increased yellowness. Treatment SS/A had the lowest percent of metmyoglobin during storage (P < 0.05). A reduction (P < 0.05) in the 2-thiobarbituric acid, peroxide, and conjugated diene concentration as result of soy sauce addition were observed in treatments SS and SS/A at the end of the storage period. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in free fatty acid concentration at the end of storage. The combined addition of soy sauce and ascorbic acid greatly improved (P < 0.05) color stability and retarded lipid oxidation.     

Enhancing the thermal destruction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef patties by trans-cinnamaldehyde

The effect of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) on the inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in undercooked ground beef patties was investigated. A five-strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 was inoculated into ground beef (7.0 log CFU/g), followed by addition of TC (0, 0.15, and 0.3%). The meat was formed into patties and stored at 4 °C for 5 days or at −18 °C for 7 days. The patties were cooked to an internal temperature of 60 or 65 °C, and E. coli O157:H7 was enumerated. The numbers of E. coli O157:H7 did not decline during storage of patties. However, cooking of patties containing TC significantly reduced (P < 0.05) E. coli O157:H7 counts, by >5.0 log CFU/g, relative to the reduction in controls cooked to the same temperatures. The D-values at 60 and 65 °C of E. coli O157:H7 in TC-treated patties (1.85 and 0.08 min, respectively) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the corresponding D-values for the organism in control patties (2.70 and 0.29 min, respectively). TC-treated patties were more color stable and showed significantly lower lipid oxidation (P < 0.05) than control samples. TC enhanced the heat sensitivity of E. coli O157:H7 and could potentially be used as an antimicrobial for ensuring pathogen inactivation in undercooked patties. However detailed sensory studies will be necessary to determine the acceptability to consumers of TC in ground beef patties.     

Antimicrobial activity of whey protein based edible films incorporated with oregano,rosemary and garlic essential oils

The use of edible films to release antimicrobial constituents in food packaging is a form of active packaging. Antimicrobial properties of spice extracts are well known, however their application to edible films is limited. In this study, antimicrobial properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) films containing 1.0–4.0% (wt/vol) ratios of oregano, rosemary and garlic essential oils were tested against Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 35218), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300), Salmonella enteritidis (ATCC 13076), Listeria monocytogenes (NCTC 2167) and Lactobacillus plantarum (DSM 20174). Ten millilitres of molten hard agar was inoculated by 200 μl of bacterial cultures (colony count of 1 × 10⁸ CFU/ml) grown overnight in appropriate medium. Circular discs of WPI films containing spice extracts, prepared by casting method, were placed on a bacterial lawn. Zones of inhibition were measured after an incubation period. The film containing oregano essential oil was the most effective against these bacteria at 2% level than those containing garlic and rosemary extracts (P < 0.05). The use of rosemary essential oil incorporated into WPI films did not exhibit any antimicrobial activity whereas inhibitory effect of WPI film containing garlic essential oil was observed only at 3% and 4% level (P < 0.05). The results of this study suggested that the antimicrobial activity of some spice extracts were expressed in a WPI based edible film.