Effects of Preblending, Reduced Fat and Salt Levels on Frankfurter Characteristics

Frankfurters were manufactured from preblended (PB) or nonpreblended (NPB) meats to contain traditional and reduced levels of salt (1.5, 2.0, or 2.5%) and/or fat (17%= low; 25%= high). Emulsions stability, color, Kramer shear and palatability were evaluated. Salt had a positive effect on emulsion stability (p<0.05). Low-fat frankfurters were darker, redder, less blue in color, drier and more resistant to shear than high-fat frankfurters. Low-fat franks containing 1.5% salt had a softer texture than those containing 2.0 or 2.5% salt. Preblending did not affect textural properties. With modification of the formulations, low fat-low salt franks can be manufactured.     

Effect of inhibitory liquid smoke fractions on Listeria monocytogenes during long-term storage of frankfurters

Listeria monocytogenes is a potential health hazard that sometimes finds harborage in facilities that manufacture ready-to-eat meats, including frankfurters. Our objectives were to examine the effect of select liquid smoke extracts on control of L. monocytogenes on frankfurters. Frankfurters were either obtained locally at retail (containing lactate-diacetate) or manufactured for us in-house or by a local processor (without added lactate-diacetate). In challenge studies of retail franks containing lactate-diacetate, low levels of L. monocytogenes were able to increase by 2 to 8 log on 5 of 10 brands tested when held at 1.6 degrees C (35 degrees F). Treatments with liquid smoke extracts were able to reduce and control growth of L. monocytogenes on the most permissive franks for 10 weeks when treated for as long as 90 s to as little as 5 s versus untreated controls. Effective control of L. monocytogenes was also obtained when dipped for as short as 1 s or when dropped through an atomized mist produced by a pressurized spray canister. Frankfurters manufactured without lactate-diacetate by a large commercial manufacturer of franks were sprayed with liquid smoke by using a commercial device as they exited the peeler. When inoculated at three different levels (10(1), 10(2), and 10(3) CFU) with a four-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes and stored at 6 degrees C (43 degrees F), the smoke-treated samples again demonstrated effective control of L. monocytogenes relative to untreated control samples. Frankfurters produced in-house without lactate-diacetate and treated while still in the casing also showed suppression of Listeria compared with controls. The data show that surface application of liquid smoke extracts by dipping or spraying may inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes on frankfurters during shelf life and should facilitate a claim as an alternative 2, and possibly alternative 1, process for (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) hazard analysis and critical control point purposes.     

Effects of Reduced Salt (NaCI) Levels on Sensory and Instrumental Evaluation of Frankfurters

Frankfurters were manufactured with beef-pork mixtures using commercial procedures and varying levels (2.5%, 2.0%, 1.5%, 1.0%) of two types of NaCl (granulated, flake). Parameters investigated were sensory color, texture, flavor and overall acceptability, and instrumental texture and color during storage at 8°C. Sensory scores for color were acceptable and similar among treatments with varying salt levels, except for products with 1.0% salt. As emulsion stability decreased, however, frankfurter skin color became darker. In general, a reduction in salt by more than 20% (<2.0% salt) resulted in frankfurters of softer and less firm texture. Scores for flavor and overall acceptability were lower (P<0.05) for frankfurters with 1.5% or 1.0% vs 2.5% salt and deteriorated with increasing storage for all salt treatments. Flavor deterioration with storage was more pronounced in products with reduced salt levels (1.5% and 1.0%).     

Emulsion Stability and Sensory Quality of Beef Frankfurters Produced at Different Fat or Peanut Oil Levels

Frankfurters were produced at 12, 20 and 29% fat levels using beef fat or 60% substitution with peanut oil. Less emulsion stability, lower smokehouse yield and lower sensory juiciness scores were found as final fat content of beef frankfurters was lowered to 12%. Firmness, darkening of external color, and flavor intensity were enhanced in the low fat product. Frankfurters with 60% fat as peanut oil exhibited comparable emulsion stability and sensory quality parameters with no rancid flavor development over a period of 6 weeks at 4°C. They were as acceptable to sensory panels as the 29% beef fat frankfurters. Substitution of 60% of the beef fat with peanut oil resulted in a product with significantly (P < 0.05) less cholesterol content.     

Acceptability of low-fat frankfurters as influenced by the feeding of elevated levels of monounsaturated fats to growing-finishing swine

The effects of high levels of oleic acid in the diet on the physical, chemical and sensory traits of frankfurters were examined. Frankfurters were formulated at three fat levels (10, 20 and 25%) from pork trimmings from each dietary treatment. The control frankfurters were the most springy, firm, flavorful and palatable and had the most intense flavor (P < 0·05). However, low-fat frankfurters produced from the high-oleate treatments were comparable to the control in all sensory characteristics (P > 0·05). The 10 and 25% fat frankfurters were rated highest and lowest, respectively, for juiciness, springiness, firmness, flavor, flavor intensity and overall palatability (P < 0·05). Sensory panelists detected off-flavors in the 25% fat frankfurters more frequently than in the 10% fat frankfurters (P < 0·05). 2-Thiobarbituric acid values were not affected by treatment and were acceptable after storage at 2°C for 24 weeks (P < 0·05).     

Effect of natural colourants and nitrites on colour attributes of frankfurters

The colour attributes in a control and six more treatments of frankfurters (18% fat) produced with natural colourants and two levels of NaNO(2) (0 and 150 mg/kg) were studied. The following natural colourants, permitted by the EU 94/36 guideline, were used: E 100 curcumin (CU), E 120 carminic acid (CA), E 150a caramel (CR), E 160a beta-carotene (BC), E 160g paprika-extract (PE) and E162 betanin (B). CA, B, BC and PE significantly increased the redness of batter, while BC, PE and CU increased (p<0.05) the yellowness. NaNO(2) decreased (p<0.05) the redness of batters in all treatments. Frankfurters with CA had the highest a* value followed by those with BC, PE and B. BC, PE and B increased the yellowness of frankfurters. NaNO(2) increased (p<0.05) the redness of frankfurters in all treatments. The storage of frankfurters for 4 weeks had no effect on redness and yellowness of frankfurters. Exposure either for 2 h in sunlight or for 4 h in artificial light had no significant effect on redness and yellowness of frankfurters from all treatments. Canned frankfurters (117°) with B had the greatest decrease in redness while those with BC the greatest increase in yellowness. Frankfurters with B were the most acceptable from the consumers according to their colour followed by those with PE. Frankfurters with B had also the highest score for overall acceptability, followed by those with CA and nitrites. By employing discriminant analysis on the data, equations were derived for the identification of the natural colourant used in the production of frankfurters. Results from frankfurters, produced with 0, 3.6, 14.4 and 28.8 mg of pure B kg and 100 and 150 mg/kg NaNO(2), have shown that the level of NaNO(2) can be reduced from 150 to 100 mg/kg with appropriate increase in B level and frankfurters with 14.4 mg B/kg were the most acceptable from the consumers according to their colour.     

Potato Starch and Flour in Frankfurters: Effect on Chemical and Sensory Properties, and Total Plate Counts

Potato starch and flour were examined as possible constituents in frankfurter formulations. Frankfurters manufactured with 3% potato starch or 1.5% potato starch plus 1.5% potato flour in place of 3% wheat flour normally used as a binder, and stored at 4–5°C for 28 days did not differ significantly in percent shrink, water, protein, fat, ash or salt. Residual nitrite levels decreased during the storage period. Total plate counts reflect residual nitrite levels since the frankfurters (3% starch) with the lowest nitrite concentration also had the greatest number of bacteria (6.4 × 10⁶/g) on day 28. Frankfurters formulated with 1.5% potato starch plus 1.5% potato flour were rated more tender and more juicy than those made with 3% potato starch (P≤0.05 and P≤0.01) and 3% wheat flour (P≤0.01 and P≤0.01), respectively. Fresh potato starch and wheat flour franks did not differ from each other in either characteristic but after one week's storage the potato starch samples were rated more tender (P≤0.05) and more juicy (P≤0.01). Less force was required to shear the frankfurters formulated with 3% potato starch.     

Comparison of Rabbit, Beef, and Chicken Meats for Functional Properties and Frankfurter Processing

The functional properties of rabbit meat were compared with those of beef and chicken meats. Protein solubilities, water-holding capacities, emulsifying capacities, and binding strengths were approximately equal. Frankfurter emulsions made from rabbit and chicken were formed more easily than those from beef and were more stable. Frankfurters from beef were firmer and were coarser in texture. Sensory evaluations for flavor, texture, and overall acceptability demonstrated that frankfurters made from rabbit meat were equal to those from beef and slightly superior to those from chicken. Quality and sensory scores for rabbit frankfurters containing 15% protein, 20% fat and 1.7% salt were also very acceptable.     

Sensory Attributes and Instron Measurements of Reduced-Nitrite Poultry Frankfurters With Sorbic Acid or Potassium Sorbate

Poultry frankfurters (0 and 40 ppm nitrite) with sorbic acid or potassium sorbate were studied. Flavor characteristics were influenced by nitrite but not by ascorbic acid or potassium sorbate. Frankfurters with sorbic acid were softer and those with potassium sorbate were firmer than those without. Nitrite alone increased firmness. Sorbic acid appeared to counteract that increased firmness and potassium sorbate enhanced the increase in firmness when those compounds were used in combination with nitrite in the poultry frankfurters. Simulated-teeth attachments for the Inston gave results similar to sensory firmness scores. Frankfurters with sorbic acid added had lower pH than frankfurters from other treatments.     

Utilization of interesterified oil blends in the production of frankfurters

Ten treatments of frankfurters were produced with interesterified oil and oil blends (palm oil, palm stearin, cottonseed oil, hazelnut oil and their mixtures) and were compared to control, produced with all animal fat. Addition of interesterified oil and oil blends affected (p < 0.05) the moisture and fat content and pH values of frankfurters. According to the colour measurements, the brightness value (L^∗) of most of the samples with interesterified oil and oil blends were higher (p < 0.05) than the control. The fatty acid composition of frankfurters was modified. The PUFA/SFA values of frankfurters were increased due to the presence of interesterified oil and oil blends in the formulation. Frankfurters with 100% interesterified cottonseed oil or with interesterified oil blends with 66.6% and 83.4% cottonseed oil had PUFA/SFA ratio higher than 0.4 and are considered better than all others from the health point of view. Frankfurters produced with 100% interesterified cottonseed and hazelnut oil or with interesterified hazelnut oil blends had the same (p > 0.05) scores for sensory attributes with the control, while all other treatments were also acceptable.     

Effect of tomato paste and nitrite level on processing and quality characteristics of frankfurters

Fourteen treatments of frankfurters (18% fat) were produced with two levels of sodium nitrite, 0 and 150mg/kg (0.015%), and seven levels (0%,2%,6%,8%,12% and 16%) of tomato paste with 12% soluble solids The higher the tomato paste level the higher the preference of consumers for frankfurters based on their colour. Frankfurters with 16% tomato paste had a sour taste while those with 12% tomato paste were the most acceptable. In a 2nd experiment three treatments of frankfurters (18% fat) were produced with 0, 50 and 100mg/kg of sodium nitrite and 12% tomato paste and a fourth (control) with only 150mg/kg sodium nitrite. Treatments with 12% tomato paste had lower (p<0.05) pH values and residual nitrite, and higher (p<0.05) thiobarbituric acid values, lightness and yellowness than control. Frankfurters with reduced levels of sodium nitrite (50 and 100mg/kg) and 12% tomato paste had the highest (p<0.05) redness. Storage time affected (p<0.05) all quality attributes. The nitrites added to frankfurters can be reduced from 150mg/kg to 100mg/kg in combination with 12% tomato paste without any negative effect on the quality of the product.     

Use of Mechanically Separated Spleen in Frankfurters

Beef and pork frankfurters were produced with 0, 5, 10, and 15% of the meat block being mechanically separated spleen (MSS). No fatting or peelability problems were experienced. Frankfurters were held at 2°C and evaluated at 2-wk intervals for 6 wk. Consumer panelists rated all products acceptable. A bi-monthly laboratory taste panel evaluated all frank furters (except the 15% product) acceptable during storage. Allo-Kramer shear values decreased with increased MSS, Frankfurters with 5, 10, and 15% MSS had 2.2, 3.9, and 4.9 times more iron than the control, respectively. Level of MSS did not influence bacterial numbers.     

Optimizing palm oil and palm stearin utilization for sensory and textural properties of chicken frankfurters

This study was designed to explore the potential of refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) palm oil (PO) and palm stearin (POs) utilization in chicken frankfurters. A 10 points augmented simplex-centroid design was used to study the effect of chicken fat (CF), PO and POs as well as the interaction of these fats on the emulsion, textural and sensory properties of chicken frankfurters. All frankfurters were formulated to contain approx 25% fat, 52% moisture and 10% protein. No significant difference was found in end chopping temperatures of all meat batters even though the temperature of PO and POs upon incorporation into meat batters was 50°C higher than CF. Strong emulsions were formed as no fluid losses were observed in all the meat batters tested after heating. Texture profiles of the frankfurters containing PO and/or CF were quite similar, but increment of POs raised hardness, chewiness, and shear hardness of the frankfurters. Acceptability of the frankfurters was evaluated using hedonic test. Panelists found no difference in hardness preference between frankfurters made from totally CF and PO, while frankfurters made from POs were rated as hard and brittle. CF was important in determining acceptability of the frankfurters, as reduction of CF in formulation resulted in lower scores in chicken flavor, juiciness, oiliness and overall acceptance of the frankfurters. Frankfurters with sensory acceptability comparable to a commercial one were found to comprise of more than 17% CF, and less than 67% PO and 17% POs of the fat blend.     

Physicochemical properties of low sodium frankfurter with added walnut: effect of transglutaminase combined with caseinate, KCl and dietary fibre as salt replacers

This study compares the effects of combinations of microbial transglutaminase (TGase) and various non-meat ingredients (caseinate, KCl and wheat fibre) used as salt replacers, with the effects of NaCl on the physicochemical properties (cooking loss, emulsion stability, texture and colour) of frankfurters with added walnuts. The combination of TGase with caseinate, KCl or fibre led to harder, springier and chewier (P < 0.05) frankfurters with better water- and fat-binding properties (emulsion stability and cooking loss) (P < 0.05) than those made with TGase only. Ranking of ingredient efficiency in combination with TGase showed that caseinate > KCl > fibre. Frankfurters with caseinate presented the highest lightness and the lowest redness values. Frankfurter with NaCl had a harder, springier and chewier gel/emulsion network with lower cooking loss than those NaCl free.     

Low-fat Frankfurters with Elevated Levels of Water and Oleic Acid

The effects of simultaneous incorporation of maximum allowable levels of water and high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) on frankfurter properties were investigated. The formulation changes generally had little effect on processing yield. Frankfurters formulated with HOSO were 180-241% higher in the ratio of total monounsaturated fatty acids to total saturated fatty acids when compared to control products with similar total fat levels. Consumer-panel sensory data and instrumental texture profile data indicated that low-fat (14-16%), high-water, HOSO frankfurters- were as acceptable as control frankfurters with 28% fat (all-animal fat) and did not have the texture problems observed previously with low-fat, HOSO frankfurters without extra added water.     

Grape seed flour is a viable ingredient to improve the nutritional profile and reduce lipid oxidation of frankfurters

In this study, grape seed flour (GSF) obtained from wine by-products was incorporated into frankfurters at seven concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%) and the effects occurred on physical, nutritional and sensory characteristics of the products were investigated. The colour values (L*, a* and b*) of frankfurters generally decreased (p < 0.05) on account of the increasing amount of GSF. The utilization of this flour also led to a decline in the oxidation level of the products (p < 0.05), probably due to its antioxidant content. The increment of GSF in the frankfurters enhanced the protein, total dietary fibre and water holding capacity of the treatments (p < 0.05). Although the level of GSF above 0.5% reduced overall acceptability, the frankfurters containing the level up to 2% received scores above the average. The evaluation of wine by-products in the production of healthier and functional frankfurters has been achieved by the study, but further research is necessary to improve palatability of the products.     

FUNCTIONALITY OF MILK PROTEINS AND CORN GERM PROTEIN FLOUR IN COMMINUTED MEAT PRODUCTS1

Effects of corn germ protein flour (CGPF), nonfat dry milk (NFDM), whey protein concentrate (WPC), and sodium caseinate (SC) on quality characteristics of comminuted meat products were studied. Water holding capacity (WHC) was lowest and cooking loss was highest for the control formulation, whereas formulations extended with CGPF and milk proteins were higher in WHC and lower in cooking losses. Shear force and firmness increased as extenders were added, except WPC. All frankfurters with extenders were firmer than the control, except those extended with WPC. Hue angle was highest for samples with CGPF, while no differences were found in hue angle between control and milk proteins containing samples, except samples with WPC. Frankfurters with CGPF and SC add had a stronger atypical aroma than the control. Meaty aroma score was higher for the control than for the other products, except those with WPC. Meaty flavor score was higher for the control than for all other products. The product with CGPF added had a stronger atypical flavor than the control. Frankfurters containing extenders were not as juicy as the all-meat control.     

Effect of Auger- and Press-Type Mechanical Deboning Machines on Selected Characteristics of Mechanically Deboned Poultry

Selected chemical, functional, textural, and sensory properties were evaluated for mechanically deboned poultry (MDP) prepared from three auger-type (Paoli, Beehive, and Yieldmaster) and one press-type (Protecon) mechanical deboners. Protecon MDP, prepared without a preliminary grinding of the in-going raw material, contained slightly larger intact muscle fibers than MDP from the auger-type machines. Although variation occurred among the four meats, no significant differences (P7>0.05) were observed in their composition. Differences existed in the emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, and waterholding capacity of the meats; however, all were successfully used in the preparation of acceptable frankfurters. Frankfurters prepared from Protecon or Beehive MDP were generally firmer, as determined by shear tests and sensory evaluations.     

Sensory and Physical Attributes of Frankfurters with Reduced Fat and Elevated Monounsaturated Fats

Instrumental and sensory evaluations were conducted on frankfurters manufactured with an increased monounsaturated/saturated (M/S) lipid ratio and 25% less fat than control. The M/S ratio was altered by using lean and fat from pigs fed 0%, 10%, or 20% canola oil (CO) which is high in oleic acid. Incorporation of 10% and 20% CO pork tissue into the product decreased saturated fat by 11.0% and 18.6%, respectively. Instron texture analysis indicated slight increases in cohesiveness with elevated CO, whereas decreasing fat increased gumminess and chewiness. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that the overall palatability ratings of the test frankfurters were similar to the control product. Frankfurters with significantly less total fat and saturated fatty acids without adverse sensory and storage characteristics were produced.     

A Comparison of Nonmeat Proteins, Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Processing Temperature Effects on Physical and Sensory Properties of Frankfurters

Frankfurters, with and without 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), containing 3.5% vital wheat gluten (VWC), calcium reduced nonfat dry milk (RNFDM) and soy protein concentrate (SPC) were processed to an internal temperature of 72° or 82°C and compared to an all-meat control. Processing yields, textural profile analysis (TPA) and sensory textural attributes were not different among protein treatments, but SPCand VWG contributed slight-to-moderate off-flavor. VWG and SPC franks were acceptable, but slightly less desirable than the control and RNFDM treatments. Franks processed to 82°C were more desirable, but at the expense of reduced yields. STPP did not affect yields, but increased sensory firmness and TPA fracturability and hardness. VWG, RNFDM and SPC were comparable to the control for most traits studied, but alterations in spice formulation are needed to improve VWG and SPC flavor.