Combination of bulk storage in controlled and modified atmospheres with modified atmosphere packaging system for chilled whole gutted hake

Whole gutted hake placed in boxes of ice were kept in modified and controlled atmospheres for 12 days with the gas mixture 60%CO₂/15%O₂/25%N₂ (v/v/v) at 2 ± 1 °C. Each lot of hake was then subdivided into two other lots and these were packed on trays, some of them in air and some in the same mixture of gases. The trays were kept at 2 °C until spoilage. The shelf‐life of the hake stored in these conditions was assessed by physical (pH), chemical (TVBN (total volatile basic nitrogen) and TMA‐N (trimethylamine nitrogen)) and sensory (inspection and taste panel) analyses. The results of these analyses indicated that the control lot (stored in air throughout) was rejected before the lots kept in adjusted atmospheres. However, the taste panel accepted all the lots, including the control lot, after 24 days of storage. The sample which was kept at 2 °C in a controlled atmosphere for 12 days and then packed in a modified atmosphere of the same gas mixture did not exceed pH 7 after 31 days of storage, nor the limits of TVBN and TMA‐N of 40 and 12 mg per 100 g respectively. As regards oxidative rancidity, TBA (2‐thiobarbituric acid) levels were very low under all storage conditions and did not exceed 2.5 mg malonaldehyde per 100 g muscle. According to the results of this study, bulk storage of whole gutted hake in boxes in ice under a controlled atmosphere could be combined with later packaging in a modified atmosphere on trays stored at 2 °C to extend the shelf‐life of the hake. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quality changes and storage life of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) at various storage temperatures

The shelf life and freshness changes in pond-grown common carp (Cyprinus carpio L) during storage at 0–2°C, 5–6°C and room temperature (26–29°C) were investigated by sensory, microbiological, physical and chemical analyses. The effect of gutting on the shelf life during storage at 0–2°C was examined. Iodine/starch and potassium sorbate were examined for their effects on shelf life of whole fish stored at 0–2°C and 5–6°C. Sensory results indicated that the whole fish had a maximum shelf life of 24 to 25 days at 0– 2°C. The life of the fish to the point beyond which it would be unsuitable for sale (commercial shelf life) was 17 days at 0–2°C. Storage at 5–6°C shortened shelf life 2- to 2.5-fold. At room temperature (26–29°C), spoilage was evident after 13 h. Gutting the carp shortened its storage potential at 0–2°C. Iodine treatment of this species stored at 0–2°C and at 5–6°C did not extend shelf life. The maximum shelf life of sorbate-treated fish at 0–2°C and 5–6°C was extended by 1–2 days, commercial shelf life by 3–4 days. Total volatile basic nitrogen, pH and penetrometer analyses were not reliable indicators of changes in freshness during shelf life. Thiobarbituric acid values were not useful as rancid odours or flavours were not detected during storage.     

Influence of cold chain interruptions on the shelf life of fresh pork and poultry

In this study, the influence of fluctuations of the cold chain on the growth of Pseudomonas spp. on fresh pork and poultry and, therefore, their shelf life was evaluated. Thus, four storage trials were examined. In each trial, shelf life at the control scenario (4 °C, constant) was compared with shelf life at two dynamic scenarios including temperature shifts from 4 to 7 and to 15 °C, respectively. Overall, fresh pork and fresh poultry showed similar spoilage patterns at dynamic temperature conditions with remarkable reductions in the shelf life when short temperature upshifts occurred at the beginning of the storage. Reductions were up to 2 days (up to over 30%), although the storage time with an abusive temperature was <5% of the total storage time. As expected, scenarios with shifts to 15 °C led to higher shelf life reductions than scenarios with shifts to 7 °C for both meat types.     

Combined effects of modified atmosphere packaging and thymol for prolonging the shelf life of caprese salad

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of packaging atmosphere and a thymol dipping solution on the shelf life of caprese salad. Caprese salad was prepared with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. The samples were pretreated by dipping in a 400-ppm thymol solution and then packaged under air or under a modified atmosphere (65% N2, 30% CO2, and 5% O2). Changes in natural microflora of mozzarella and tomato, the O2 and CO2 in the head space, pH, and sensory characteristics were monitored during storage. The combination of the thymol dip and the modified atmosphere decreased the coliform populations in caprese salad from 5.65 to 4.23 log CFU x g(-1) and extended the shelf life from 3.77 to 12 days. A decrease in the concentration of Pseudomonadaceae from 7.03 to 5.09 log CFU x g(-1) was observed, and the lag phase was prolonged to approximately 3 days. The combination of the modified atmosphere and thymol did not affect the growth kinetics of lactic acid bacteria and enterococci, thus preserving the function of mozzarella cheese in the salad.     

Effects of α-tocopherol and citric acid on the oxidative stability of alimentary poultry fats during storage at low temperatures

The purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of three alimentary poultry fats (goose, duck, and chicken) by natural antioxidants (α-tocopherol and citric acid). This was targeted to extend their shelf life, and to monitor the quality parameters during refrigerated (+4°C) and frozen storage (–20°C). The addition of natural antioxidants in a proportion of 0.1% has extended the shelf life of goose fat stored at +4°C by 90 days; for goose fat stored at –20°C citric acid has prolonged the shelf life by 150 days, while goose fat with α-tocopherol could be stored for more than 480?days at –20°C without spoilage. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids content decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after 480 days of chilled storage for fat samples with α-tocopherol. The natural antioxidants provided good protection against oxidation of poultry fats, and these can be used to monitor the oxidation of fats and to predict their shelf life stability.     

Effect of electron beam irradiation on the shelf life of mozzarella cheese

The effectiveness of electron beam irradiation on the shelf life of mozzarella cheese was evaluated using five different irradiation doses and a control cheese. Shelf life tests were run at 10 °C by determining the cell load of spoilage micro‐organisms monitored on the consecutive days during storage. By fitting the experimental data through a modified version of the Gompertz equation, the shelf life of samples irradiated to the different doses was calculated. Results show significant increases in the shelf life of the investigated cheese. There were slight differences in the functional properties such as stretching, oiling off, melting between irradiated and unirradiated cheeses at 260 °C in oven. Our results indicated that the electron irradiation at the dose of 2.0 kGy may inhibit the growth of spoilage micro‐organisms such as coliforms and Pseudomonas sp. without affecting the sensorial characteristics of the product.     

Shelf Life and Clostridium botulinum Toxin Development during Storage of Modified Atmosphere-packaged Fresh Catfish Fillets

Shelf life (onset of sensory spoilage) and potential for toxin production by Clostridium botulinum type E in retail type packages of fresh catfish fillets in high barrier film were investigated under selected atmospheres when stored under refrigeration and temperature-abuse conditions. Shelf life of fillets in all atmospheres decreased with increase of storage temperature from 4°C to 16°C. Trimethylamine content associated with onset of spoilage was different for each storage temperature and atmosphere. Surface pH and K-values were not good indicators of onset of sensory spoilage. Toxin development coincided with sensory spoilage at 16°C storage for fillets packaged in either atmosphere. At 4°C, none of the MA-packaged fillets became toxic, even after 37 days of sensory spoilage.     

Bulk Storage of Cod Fillets and Gutted Cod (Gadus morhua) Under Carbon Dioxide Atmosphere

The storage-life of bulk-stored cod under CO₂ atmosphere and air were compared. Gutted fish or fillets were distributed in bulk, among coolers containing 100% air or 25% CO₂-75% N₂, which were then stored at 0 ± 1°C for 20 days. Sensory assessments and chemical tests (pH, total volatile nitrogen) were carried out to estimate the raw-state quality and the bacterial spoilage. An important difference was observed between the storage life of cod under carbon dioxide atmosphere and air; microbiological and sensory assessments suggested a storage life exceeding 20 days and total volatile nitrogen results about 6–7 days under gas atmosphere, which was nearly twice as long as in air. Storage in CO₂ atmosphere was effective in inhibiting the growth of some bacteria on the fish, thereby contributing to the significant extension of the shelf life of the product.     

Shelf Life and Quality of Freshly Squeezed, Unpasteurized, Polyethylene-Bottled Citrus Juice

Florida's chief orange and grapefruit cultivars were used to produce five freshly squeezed, unpasteurized, polyethylene-bottled juices using commercial conditions. Juices were stored at different temperatures. Shelf life depended primarily on storage temperature: ?1.7°C, 20–23 days; 1.1°C, 16–22 days; 4.4°C, 10–16 days; and 7.8°C, 5–8 days. Staleness was the primary off-flavor limiting shelf life at the three lower temperatures while spoilage with diacetyl was primarily responsible at 7.8°C. At the three lower temperatures, microbial counts generally decreased markedly during storage, while at 7.8°C, an increase was generally noted. Ascorbic acid retention after 2 wk of storage at the three lowest storage temperatures was about 91–93% for two orange juices and 86–88% for the grapefruit juice.     

Effect of combined application of high pressure treatment and modified atmospheres on the shelf life of fresh Atlantic salmon

High pressure (HP) processing at low temperatures combined with modified atmosphere packaging (MA) was used for the preservation of salmon. A shelf life extension of 2 days was obtained after a HP treatment of 150 MPa for 10 min at 5°C compared to unpressurised, vacuum-packed salmon. MA storage (50% O₂+50% CO₂) alone extended the shelf life of salmon for 4 days at 5°C. When salmon had been subjected to HP treatment in the presence of 50% O₂+50% CO_2, the threshold value for microbial spoilage of salmon (7.0–7.2 log CFU/g) was not reached for at least 18 days at 5°C. Spoilage microorganisms (lactic acid bacteria, Shewanella putrefaciens) as well as pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes Scott A, Salmonella typhimurium) spiked on salmon prior to the treatment, were more susceptible to HP in the presence of 50% O₂+50% CO₂. The mode of action of compressed gases is probably related to intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species as well as to phase transition phenomena. Although microbial growth on salmon was retarded, the combined HP and MA treatments, at the settings used in this study, promoted a detrimental effect on colour and changes in the balance of oxidative rancidity.     

Control of Microbial Spoilage on Fresh Poultry using a Combination Potassium Sorbate/Carbon Dioxide Packaging System

The effects of potassium sorbate combined with vacuum or carbon dioxide modified atmosphere packaging on natural poultry spoilage flora were examined. Fresh chicken thighs were dipped into either 2.5% potassium sorbate solution or distilled water, adjusted to pH 6.0 and packaged on trays in Nylon/Plexar/Surlyn bags. Atmospheres of either air, vacuum or 100% C0₂ were created in the packages which were then stored at 10 ± 1°C for 10 days. Changes in aerobic plate counts, lactic acid bacteria and pseudomonads were monitored. The combination of CO₂ packaging and sorbate treatment provided the most effective inhibitory system against the poultry spoilage organisms, especially Pseudomonas species, without creating a selective environment for the growth of lactic acid bacteria and premature souring of the product. The shelf life of the sorbate/CO₂ samples was extended 3 days over the control/air samples at 10°C.     

Growth potential of Salmonella enterica in thirty-four different RTE vegetable salads during shelf-life

Thirty-four different ready-to eat (RTE) vegetable salads were inoculated with a cocktail of three Salmonella enterica strains, and stored under a modified atmosphere for up to 168 h at 4, 7, 12 and 16°C. Eighteen (18) of the salad samples comprised of two or more vegetable ingredients (also referred to as MV RTE salads), and 16 were made up of single vegetable ingredients (SV RTE salads). Generally, the growth potential of inoculated S. enterica varied depending on temperature and type of RTE vegetable salad. The higher temperature was generally more favourable for the growth of S. enterica. Among all 34 salad samples, 5, 11, 18 and 24 salad samples supported the growth of Salmonella at 4, 7, 12 and 16°C, respectively. All salads consisting of multiple vegetable ingredients except two: one comprised of carrots, lettuce and beetroot and another comprised of white cabbage and purple cabbage, supported the growth of Salmonella at high temperatures (either 12 or 16 or both 12 and 16°C). Although the growth of Salmonella was variable in the different types of RTE salads, and growth was generally low at 4°C, Salmonella exhibited consistently minimal growth in some vegetable salads such as those comprised of carrots, lettuce and beetroot, carrots, beetroots, cabbage and cucumber, as well as one comprised of beetroot and corn at all temperature conditions tested.     

Microbial growth in vacuum packaged frankfurters produced in Spain

The effects of storage temperature and time on the microflora of vacuum packed frankfurters were analysed. Total aerobic counts, lactic acid bacteria, Brochothrix thermosphacta and yeast and moulds, were determined as functions of time. Statistically significant differences were observed (P ≤0·001) amongst the counts obtained at 2 and 7°C. At the end of the controlled storage period (42 days) the sausages kept at 7°C showed signs of spoilage. The appearance of superficial slime occurred after 28 days in samples with lactic acid bacteria at counts higher than 10⁸ cfu g⁻¹. The swelling of the pack showed after 42 days in those samples which had a level higher than 5 × 10⁸ cfu g⁻¹. On the contrary, the samples kept at 2°C did not show the aforesaid spoilage signs during the period of controlled storage. Basing our conclusions on the results obtained, a period of shelf life of 28 days was established at 7°C, whilst at 2°C a minimum shelf life of 42 days was obtained.     

Antioxidant properties and shelf‐life extension of fresh‐cut tomatoes stored at different temperatures

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of using modified atmosphere packaging (5 kPa O₂ + 5 kPa CO₂) to maintain the antioxidant properties of fresh‐cut tomatoes during shelf‐life was assessed through storage at different temperatures (5, 10, 15 and 20 °C). Health‐related compounds, antioxidant capacity, microbiological counts, physicochemical parameters and in‐package atmosphere of tomato slices were determined. RESULTS: Initial lycopene, vitamin C and phenolic contents and physicochemical parameters of tomato slices were well maintained for 14 days at 5 °C. Lycopene and total phenolic contents were enhanced over time in tomato slices stored at 15 and 20 °C. However, this increase in antioxidant compounds of fresh‐cut tomatoes during storage may be associated with excessive amounts of CO₂ (R² = 0.5679–0.7328) in the packages due to microbial growth. Although keeping tomato slices at temperatures above 10 °C increased their antioxidant content, the shelf‐life of the product was reduced by up 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: A storage temperature of 5 °C is appropriate for maintaining the microbiological shelf‐life of fresh‐cut tomatoes for up to 14 days and also allows the antioxidant properties of tomato slices to be retained over this period, thus reducing wounding stress and deteriorative changes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

IDENTIFICATION OF HURDLES FOR IMPROVING STORAGE STABILITY OF BRAISED KIDNEY BEANS, A KOREAN SEASONED SIDE DISH

The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting the preservation of braised kidney beans, a traditional Korean side dish, to extend its shelf life. The effects of ingredient formulation, refrigerated storage and modified atmosphere packaging on storage stability and/or sensory quality were examined. Count of yeast/mold was selected as a primary quality index from the storage test at 10C. A formulation was found in cooked kidney beans, sugar, soy sauce and corn syrup to provide the retarded microbial growth and affordable sensory quality. The temperature dependence value (Q₁₀) for the shelf life of the stretch-wrapped product was 2.0 for temperatures of 5 to 20C. Modified atmosphere packaging (60% CO₂/40% N₂ or 100% CO₂) extended the shelf life at 10C by 500% (to 36 days) compared to air packaging (6 days) based on criteria of yeast/mold growth. Equations for estimating microbial spoilage and shelf life were derived as function of temperature.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Microbial growth retardation by ingredient formulation change, chilled storage and high CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging is useful to design the processing, packaging and distribution of the Korean side dish product. Quality change kinetics of yeast/mold growth established can be used for determining shelf life of the product under different storage temperature conditions. Through the scale-up procedure, the knowledge found in this study will be useful for the industrial processing and storage of the seasoned side dishes.     

Shelf Life Determination of Sliced Portuguese Traditional Blood Sausage—Morcela de Arroz de Monchique through Microbiological Challenge and Consumer Test

Morcela de Arroz (MA) is a ready‐to‐eat blood and rice cooked sausage produced with pork, blood, rice, and seasonings, stuffed in natural casing and cooked above 90 °C/30 min. It is commercialized whole, not packed, with a restricted shelf life (1 wk/0 to 5 °C). The objective of this work was to establish sliced MA shelf life considering both the behavior of L. monocytogenes through a microbiological challenge test (MCT) and the consumer acceptability of MA stored: vacuum packed (VP), modified atmosphere packed (MAP: 80% CO₂/20% N₂), and aerobic packed (AP). The MCT was conducted inoculating ±3 log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes cell suspension on the MA slices. Packaged samples were stored at 3 ± 1 °C and 7 ± 1 °C until 20 d. At 3 ± 1 °C, L. monocytogenes behavior was not affected by packaging or storage time. At 7 ± 1 °C, the pathogen increased nearly 1 log CFU/g in the first 4 d. L. monocytogenes populations in AP were higher (P < 0.05) than in MAP. The pathogen may grow to hazardous levels in the 1st days if a temperature abuse occurs. Considering the acceptability by the consumers, the shelf life of MA stored at 3 ± 1 °C was 4.4 d for AP, 8.1 d for VP, and 10.4 d for MAP. The sensory shelf life established based on sensory spoilage is shorter than the shelf life to maintain the population of L. monocytogenes in safe levels.     

Nondestructive and Continuous Monitoring of Oxygen Levels in Modified Atmosphere Packaged Ready‐to‐Eat Mixed Salad Products Using Optical Oxygen Sensors,and Its Effects on Sensory and Microbiological Counts during Storage

The objective of this study was to determine the percentage oxygen consumption of fresh, respiring ready‐to‐eat (RTE) mixed leaf salad products (Iceberg salad leaf, Caesar salad leaf, and Italian salad leaf). These were held under different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions (5% O₂, 5% CO₂, 90% N₂ (MAPC—commercial control), 21% O₂, 5% CO₂, 74% N₂ (MAP 1), 45% O₂, 5% CO₂, 50% N₂ (MAP 2), and 60% O₂, 5% CO₂, 35% N₂ (MAP 3)) and 4 °C for up to 10 d. The quality and shelf‐life stability of all packaged salad products were evaluated using sensory, physiochemical, and microbial assessment. Oxygen levels in all MAP packs were measured on each day of analysis using optical oxygen sensors allowing for nondestructive assessment of packs. Analysis showed that with the exception of control packs, oxygen levels for all MAP treatments decreased by approximately 10% after 7 d of storage. Oxygen levels in control packs were depleted after 7 d of storage. This appears to have had no detrimental effect on either the sensory quality or shelf‐life stability of any of the salad products investigated. Additionally, the presence of higher levels of oxygen in modified atmosphere packs did not significantly improve product quality or shelf‐life stability; however, these additional levels of oxygen were freely available to fresh respiring produce if required. This study shows that the application of optical sensors in MAP packs was successful in nondestructively monitoring oxygen level, or changes in oxygen level, during refrigerated storage of RTE salad products.     

Toxin Development by Clostridium botulinum in Modified Atmosphere-Packaged Fresh Tilapia Fillets During Storage

Potential for toxin development by Clostridium botulinum type E was investigated in retail-type packages of fresh tilapia fillets packaged in high barrier film under selected atmospheres [100% air, a modified atmosphere (MA) containing 75%CO₂:25%N₂, and vacuum] and stored under refrigeration (4°C) and abuse temperatures (8 and 16°C). Toxin development coincided with sensory spoilage at 16°C storage for fillets packaged in either MA, or vacuum. At 8°C, toxin development in fillets packaged in either of the atmospheres occurred 7-23 days after sensory spoilage. At 4°C, none of MA-packaged fillets became toxic until 10 days after onset of sensory spoilage. Toxin development did not precede sensory spoilage in any treatments or temperatures studied.     

Development of a Monte Carlo simulation model to predict pasteurized fluid milk spoilage due to post-pasteurization contamination with gram-negative bacteria

Psychrotolerant gram-negative bacteria introduced as post-pasteurization contamination (PPC) are a major cause of spoilage and reduced shelf life of high-temperature, short-time pasteurized fluid milk. To provide improved tools to (1) predict pasteurized fluid milk shelf life as influenced by PPC and (2) assess the effectiveness of different potential interventions that could reduce spoilage due to PPC, we developed a Monte Carlo simulation model that predicts fluid milk spoilage due to psychrotolerant gram-negative bacteria introduced as PPC. As a first step, 17 gram-negative bacterial isolates frequently associated with fluid milk spoilage were selected and used to generate growth data in skim milk broth at 6°C. The resulting growth parameters, frequency of isolation for the 17 different isolates, and initial concentration of bacteria in milk with PPC, were used to develop a Monte Carlo model to predict bacterial number at different days of shelf life based on storage temperature of milk. This model was then validated with data from d 7 and 10 of shelf life, collected from commercial operations. The validated model predicted that the parameters (1) maximum growth rate and (2) storage temperature had the greatest influence on the percentage of containers exceeding 20,000 cfu/mL standard plate count on d 7 and 10 (i.e., spoiling due to PPC), which indicates that accurate data on maximum growth rate and storage temperature are important for accurate predictions. In addition to allowing for prediction of fluid milk shelf life, the model allows for simulation of “what-if” scenarios, which allowed us to predict the effectiveness of different interventions to reduce overall fluid milk spoilage due to PPC through a set of proof-of-concept scenario (e.g., frequency of PPC in containers reduced from 100% to 10%; limiting distribution temperature to a maximum of 6°C). Combined with other models, such as previous models on fluid milk spoilage due to psychrotolerant spore-forming bacteria, the data and tools developed here will allow for rational, digitally enabled, fluid milk shelf life prediction and quality enhancement.     

Microbiology of spoilage of a perishable pomegranate product

Pomegranate kernels were stored in plastic pouches in a modified gas atmosphere under refrigeration. The storage life of this product (3–4 weeks at 1°C) was limited by off-flavours produced by microbial metabolism; yeasts and acetic acid bacteria were the predominant spoilage organisms.