Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle muscle gelled-emulsified type product: formulation, processing and physicochemical characteristics

Jumbo squid ( Dosidicus gigas ), an abundant species in the Gulf of California, can have a great potential for production of gelled-emulsified type products. Thus, formulation, processing and physicochemical characteristics of frankfurter-type product from jumbo squid mantle muscle (JSF) was achieved. JSF were vacuum-packed and stored at 2–4 °C. Samples were analysed for physicochemical (colour, texture, TBARS, peroxide value, folding test, pH, and water content and holding capacity) and microbial changes at regular intervals during storage for up to 27 days. The sensory quality of the product was also evaluated. Shear force, cohesiveness and colour (hue angle and total colour difference) were the most affected ( P  <   0.05) parameters at day 27, changes most probably because of microbial growth as total aerobic counts increased to >2.7 × 10⁵ CFU g⁻¹ (day 21). Product showed acceptability. Results suggest a stable gelled-emulsified type product can be developed from jumbo squid mantle muscle opening a range of possibilities for product development.     

Isolation and characterization of the microbial population of different South African kefir grains

Kefir, a slightly acidic fermented milk, is produced by adding lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, in the form of grains, to milk. The bacteria and yeasts present in the kefir grains are known to vary widely. Selective growth media and morphological and biochemical characteristics were used for the isolation and identification of the microbes present in the grains from eight different sources in South Africa. The kefir grains were activated in milk for only 24 h to prevent any changes in the microbial population of the grains. The microbial numbers varied between 6.4 × 10⁴ and 8.5 × 10 ⁸  cfu/g on the media selective for the bacterial species and between 1.5 × 10 ⁵ and 3.7 × 10 ⁸   cfu/g on the media selective for the yeast species. The bacterial genera that were identified included Lactobacillus , Leuconostoc and Lactococcus and the yeast genera included Zygosaccharomyces , Candida and Saccharomyces . The distribution frequencies of the microbes in the different grains were determined and most of the grains were dominated by two microbial species. No pediococci, acetic acid bacteria or propionibacteria were detected.     

Spoilage potential of ice-stored whole musky octopus (Eledone moschata)

The spoilage potential of fresh musky octopus ( Eledone moschata ) was determined by evaluating the changes in biochemical and physical properties, microbial growth and sensory quality of the mantle and tentacles, over a period of 18 days. Whole musky octopus, stored in melting ice from the time of harvest, had a storage life of 10 days. Early deterioration in the sensory quality resulted primarily from autolytic reactions. Pseudomonas spp. dominated the spoilage flora, reaching an average count of 10⁸ CFU g⁻¹ at the end of the trial. The bacterial metabolic end products (trimethylamine, total volatile bases) were not useful as objective indicators of freshness, and measurements of pH would only provide an indicator of decomposition. Changes in the dielectric properties of the mantle were reflective of quality deterioration, but could not yield precise information on the storage history of the cephalopod. The common sulphide producer, Shewanella putrefaciens , was not a major spoiler of ice-stored musky octopus.     

Microbial flora of technological interest in raw ovine milk during 6°C storage

Changes in the microbial flora of ovine milk of medium hygienic quality (initial mean total plate count 3.3  ×  10⁵ cfu/mL) were studied throughout refrigerated storage at 6°C. Total plate counts after 48 h of refrigerated storage (mean count 4.6  ×  10⁵ cfu/mL) were under the current standards in the European Union (EU) for raw ovine milk to be used for cheesemaking after heat treatment. However, after 96 h, mean total plate counts (1.6  ×  10⁷ cfu/mL) were above the standards. Lactococci were found at levels higher than Pseudomonas spp. in milk freshly drawn (54.5% and 3.5% of total plate count, respectively) and after 96 h at 6°C (47.9% and 33.9% of total plate count, respectively). Lactobacilli, enterococci, coliforms and thermodurics were found at values lower than lactococci and Pseudomonas spp., before and after refrigerated storage ( ≤  0.08% of the total plate count). A significant growth ( P  < 0.001) was detected for mesophiles, Pseudomonas spp. and lactococci after 96 h of refrigeration at 6°C; however, thermodurics, coliforms, lactobacilli and enterococci, showed no significant increase ( P  > 0.05). Presumptive Escherichia coli (β-glucuronidase-positive) underwent a decrease throughout storage at 6°C.     

The effect of mincing method on the quality of refrigerated whiting burgers

Different mincing methods in the preparation of refrigerated whiting burgers had a significant effect on the products' quality during storage ( P  < 0.05). The burgers containing pre-cooked mince products (PCMP) had the lowest microbial load with longest sensory shelf life (10 days). Oven drying of dry ingredients with subsequent hygienic practices markedly decreased microbial load in final products, from 5.30 to <1.47 log CFU g⁻¹ for PCMP, 5.80–2.45 log CFU g⁻¹ for washed mince products (WMP), 5.65–2.14 log CFU g⁻¹ for unwashed mince products. The lowest trimethylamine and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) were observed with WMP reaching 14.7 and 42.03 mg per 100 g, respectively, at the end of storage. The differences in average surface colours of samples with different preparations and different additives were significant after mincing, but decreased after addition of ingredients, and after cooking. This study indicates the possibility of using pre-cooking as a method for formulated fish mince-based products as it had the highest consumer acceptance as well as longer sensory shelf life despite its higher values of trimethylamine and TVB-N compared with WMP.     

Microbial growth and colour of minimally processed shiitake mushroom stored at different temperatures

The effect of storage temperature on the microbiological and sensory characteristics of minimally processed shiitake was investigated. Shiitake mushrooms were washed, sanitised, packed in polystyrene trays, overwrapped with plastic film and stored at 7, 10 or 15 °C. Microbial counts, polyphenoloxidase activity, external lightness ( L* ) and acceptance tests were conducted. Mesophilic, aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria, yeasts and moulds predominated during storage. Pseudomonas was detected after 10 days' storage showing an increase of, approximately, 7 log cycles at 15 °C. Mushroom rejection occurred when the microbial population was lower than 10⁶ CFU g⁻¹, suggesting that, other factors, such as browning, affect mushroom spoilage more than microbial activity. Mushrooms treated with citric or ascorbic acids maintained high L * value during 10 days. The shelf life of minimally processed shiitake mushrooms was 10 days at 7 °C, but less than 5 days at 10 °C, and approximately 3 days at 15 °C.     

Microwave heat treatment of leek: drying kinetic and effective moisture diffusivity

The effect of microwave drying technique on moisture ratio, drying time and effective moisture diffusivity of white and green parts of leek ( Allium porrum ) were investigated. By increasing the sample amount (100–300 g) at constant microwave output power of 180 W, the drying time increased from 52 to 130 min and increased from 55 to 135 min for white and green parts of leek, respectively. Effective moisture diffusivity values for white and green parts of leek ranged from 0.618 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 2.128 × 10⁻¹⁰ m².s⁻¹ and 0.256 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 0.611 × 10⁻¹⁰ m² s⁻¹, respectively. Among the models proposed, Midilli et al. model gave a better fit for all drying conditions applied. The activation energy for microwave drying of white and green parts of leek was calculated using an exponential expression based on Arrhenius equation; found as 0.9530 and 1.2045 W g⁻¹, respectively. The dependence of drying rate constant on effective moisture diffusivity gave a linear relationship.     

Improved quality and shelf life of farmed trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by whole processing in a combined ozonised flow ice refrigeration system

A combined refrigeration system consisting of ozone and flow ice was evaluated for the sacrifice, cooling and chilled storage of continental trout. The batch processed in ozonised flow ice exhibited significant ( P  < 0.05) reductions (0.97 and 1.51 log CFU cm⁻²) in skin aerobes and psychrotrophs on days 6 and 9, respectively, and significant ( P  < 0.05) reductions (0.94 log CFU g⁻¹ and 0.96 log CFU g⁻¹) in aerobes, and proteolytic bacteria in muscle on day 13. A significant ( P  < 0.05) inhibition of TMA-N formation after 9 days was also observed, with an average reduction of 28.4% along the storage period, Slight reductions in autolytic breakdown mechanisms were also observed in the ozonised batch, a maximum reduction of 14.82% being reached on day 13. The microbial and biochemical changes were well correlated with the sensory evaluation, which revealed relevant differences between the batches on day 13 and a shelf life extension of the ozonised batch up to day 16.     

Antioxidants in aerial parts of Hypericum sampsonii, Hypericum japonicum and Hypericum perforatum

Antioxidants contents and antioxidative enzymes and their activities in fresh aerial tissues of Hypericum sampsonii (Sampson's St John's Wort), Hypericum japonicum (Japanese St John's Wort) and Hypericum perforatum were investigated. Hypericum sampsonii contained more total ascorbate [34.33 μmol g⁻¹ fresh weight (FW)] than H. perforatum (57% less) and H. japonicum (82% less). It also contained more thiol and phenolics than two other species. Hypericum japonicum had highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (8.74 mmol min⁻¹ g⁻¹ FW), followed by H. sampsonii (2% less) and H. perforatum (37% less). Hot-air dried H. perforatum materials contained more thiol [208.7 μmol g⁻¹ dry weight (DW)] and phenolics (352.82 mg g⁻¹ DW) than freeze-dried and fresh materials. Both drying treatments decreased the activities of antioxidative enzymes in aerial tissues of H. perforatum . However, freeze-dried H. perforatum contained the highest SOD activity (5.42 mmol min⁻¹ g⁻¹ DW) among the antioxidative enzymes measured from both freeze-dried and hot-air dried tissues (ranged from 0.02 to 2.65 μmol min⁻¹ g⁻¹ DW).     

EVALUATION OF BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY IN SELECTED COMMERCIAL INFANT FORMULAS AVAILABLE IN POLAND AND EGYPT

One hundred samples of commercial infant formula bought in shops in the Poznan region (Poland) and Cairo region (Egypt) were investigated. Samples were analyzed for aerobic plate counts (APC), total Bacillus cereus (TBC), and incidences of Bacillus spp. and coliforms. The mean APC and TBC did not show any important variation with country, being practically the same in products bought in Poland and Egypt. All commercial infant formula analyzed immediately after opening were of satisfactory bacteriological quality, exhibiting APC lower than 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ (mean 4.9 × 10²) and TBC lower than 10³ CFU g⁻¹ (mean 1.1 × 10²). However, 60% of the examined fruit juice and ready-to-feed infant formula presented TBC above the recommendation safety limit after storage at 22C for 72 h and at 35C for 48 h. In most cases the mean log APC and TBC were highest (P > 0.05) for fruit juice and ready-to-feed infant formula stored at elevated temperature (35 ± 1C).     

Quenching Mechanism and Kinetics of Ascorbic Acid on the Photosensitizing Effects of Synthetic Food Colorant FD&C Red Nr 3

ABSTRACT:  The pH effect on the oxidative stability of ascorbic acid in the presence of food colorant FD&C Red Nr 3 during storage with or without light was investigated. The quenching mechanism and kinetics of ascorbic acid on the FD&C Red Nr 3 photosensitized oxidation in an aqueous system at 25 °C were also studied by measuring the degradation of ascorbic acid or depletion of headspace oxygen. Red Nr 3 had no influence on the oxidation of ascorbic acid under dark storage, but accelerated its oxidation rate under light storage. The oxidative stability of ascorbic acid decreased as the pH increased from 4 to 7 under light without FD&C Red Nr 3. The quenching rates of ascorbic acid on the singlet oxygen by measuring the degradation of ascorbic acid in the presence of Red Nr 3 under light storage were 1.53 ± 0.15 × 10⁸, 1.86 ± 0.25 × 10⁸, and 1.19 ± 0.12 × 10⁸ M⁻¹S⁻¹ at pH 4, 5.6, and 7, respectively.     

MICROBIOLOGICAL STATUS OF EGYPTIAN SALTED MEAT (BASTERMA) AND FRESH SAUSAGE

The microbiological quality of 125 samples of the most popular Egyptian meat products (75 Egyptian fresh sausage "EPS" and 50 basterma) was determined. The aerobic plate count (APC) and Lactobacillaceae count of basterma ranged from 1 × 10⁴ to 9 × 10⁶ CFU/g, respectively . Enterobacteriaceae, mold and yeast counts for basterma were similar (<1 × 10² CFU/g). Artificially contaminated slices of meat and garlic paste of basterma showed that the paste inhibited growth of Salmonella typhimurium. APC and Enterobacteriaceae counts of EFS ranged from 1.1 × 10⁴ to 1 × 10⁸ and from 1 × 10² to 1 × 10⁷ CFU/g, respectively. Nearly 26% and 29% of EFS were positive for Clostridium perfringens and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, respectively . Salmonella could not be detected in any examined samples. Bacteriologically, EFS might pose a potential health hazard, making it imperative to institute sanitary measures during its production and sale .; Accepted for Publication July 2, 1997     

Convective hot air drying of blanched yam slices

In this study, a laboratory convective hot air dryer was used for the thin layer drying of blanched yam slices and experimental moisture ratio was compared with Newton, Logarithmic, Henderson and Pabis, modified Henderson and Pabis, approximation of diffusion, modified page 1, two-term exponential, Verma et al. and Wang and Singh models. Among all the models, the approximation of diffusion model was found to satisfactorily describe the kinetics of air-drying of blanched yam slices. The increase in air temperature significantly reduced the drying time with no constant rate period but drying occurs in falling rate period. The effective diffusivity values varied between 7.62 × 10⁻⁸ to 9.06 × 10⁻⁸ m² s⁻¹ and increased with increase in temperature. An Arrhenius relation with an activation energy value of 8.831 kJ mol⁻¹ showed the effect of temperature on moisture diffusivity.     

Biochemical changes in cut vs. intact lamb's lettuce (Valerianella olitoria) leaves during storage

Consumers are oriented towards fresh-cut vegetables that provide phytonutrients useful for preventing stress-related diseases. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cut operations on the quality changes of lamb's lettuce ( Valerianella olitoria L.) cv. Trofy during storage at 4 °C for 8 days. Results showed that chlorophyll and carotenoids reduction was observed after 8 days of storage. In both treatments, total carotenoids after 8 days decreased from 20 to 16 mg g⁻¹ FW. Free and total phenols increased with storage in both treatments. Total phenols were 23% higher in control (32 μmol g⁻¹ FW) compared to cut leaves (25 μmol g⁻¹ FW) after 8 days of storage. Anthocyanins increased after 8 days and reached 30 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW without significant difference between treatments. Ascorbic acid (AsA) and dehydroascorbic (DHA) acid increased in cut leaves compared to control. After 1 day AsA concentration was 3 300 nmol g⁻¹ FW in cut leaves, while in control leaves was 1 500 nmol g⁻¹ FW. Analogously AsA + DHA was higher in cut leaves, 4 100 nmol g⁻¹ FW, while in control leaves the mean was 3 000 nmol g⁻¹ FW. After 5 days of storage the values of AsA returned to initial values, while AsA + DHA were lower.     

The effects of different incubation temperatures on the acetaldehyde content and viable bacteria counts of bio-yogurt made from ewe's milk

Yogurt and bio-yogurt were manufactured from ewe's milk using a starter culture and a probiotic culture. Incubation was carried out at 37°C and 42°C until pH 4.6 was reached and the yogurts were stored at 4 +1°C for 14 days. Analysis after 1, 7 and 14 days showed that incubation temperature and storage time significantly influenced overall properties of the samples. During the storage, whey separation and pH decreased, but titratable acidity, lactic acid and volatile fatty acid contents increased. Viable bacterial counts in all bio-yogurts were above 10⁷ cfu g⁻¹ at the end of storage.     

Microbiological quality of sous-vide cook chill fish cakes during chilled storage (3 °C)

Fish cakes prepared from emperorbream ( Lethrinus lethrinus ) were vacuum packed (VP), conventionally cook-chilled (CCC) and sous-vide cook-chilled (SVCC) and examined for their microbiological quality and safety during chilled storage (3 °C) for a period of 3, 5 and 16 weeks, respectively, in comparison with conventional pack(CP). The shelf life of CP, VP, CCC and SVCC packs of fish cakes were 2, 2, 4 and 16 weeks, respectively, based on the acceptable break point of the overall sensory scores. The total bacterial counts were 5 log cfu g⁻¹, in CP, VP and CCC packs; and 3 log cfug⁻¹ in SVCC pack on sixteenth week. Total lactic acid bacteria were 2 log cfu g⁻¹ on 2 and 3 weeks in CP and VP, respectively. Staphylococci were detected in all packs on sixteenth week at 2 log cfu g⁻¹. Total bacilli were detected in CP and VP at 3 log cfu g⁻¹ level after 2 weeks. Aeromonads were detected after 1, 2 and 4 weeks in CP, VP and CCC packs at 3 log cfu g⁻¹. Total anaerobic sulphite-reducing clostridia were detected only in CP and CCC packs at 3 MPN counts g⁻¹ level on the final day.     

Effects of the indigenous microflora of minimally processed lettuce on the survival and growth of Listeria innocua

Interactions between the natural background microflora of shredded lettuce and Listeria innocua (in lieu of Listeria monocytogenes ) were studied. The effect of increasing the initial size of indigenous populations (from 10³ to 10⁶–10⁷ CFU g⁻¹) was tested for its ability to reduce L. innocua growth on shredded lettuce. Co-culture experiments were performed in model media, where bacterial isolates from the indigenous microflora were tested for possible inhibitory effects. Varying the size of the indigenous populations had no effect on L. innocua survival or growth. However, interactions with individual species and mixed populations from lettuce did affect the survival and growth of L. innocua in model media. In general, mixed populations diminished L. innocua growth. In the undiluted lettuce medium, the various species tested individually either reduced or did not affect the growth of L. innocua . However, when the medium was diluted, some species extended the survival of L. innocua . Competition between the indigenous microflora and L. innocua resided mostly with the Enterobacter spp. and not with the pseudomonads. Enterobacter cloacae was particularly effective in reducing L. innocua growth. Lactic acid bacteria also reduced L. innocua growth in undiluted media. It is concluded that interactions with the natural background microflora may play an important role in determining the dynamics of Listeria populations on shredded lettuce.     

A mathematical model to describe the change in moisture distribution in maize starch during hydrothermal treatment

Instantaneous Controlled Pressure Drop, ' Détente Instantanée Contrôlée ' (DIC) was performed on standard maize starch at residual moisture content (∼12%). Changes in moisture distribution were observed during the treatment and modelled through a phenomenological model based on gravimetric data. The model proposes an exponential variation in the moisture content with processing time at various pressures. The predicted data were found to be in good agreement with experimental data. The values of water activity coefficient ( γ ) obtained from the model decrease, when processing pressure increases; 5.86, 3.71 and 3.36 (dry basis)⁻¹ for 1, 2 and 3 bar, respectively. The mass transfer coefficient decreases, when the pressure increases. Its value ranged from 5.89 × 10⁻⁵ m s⁻¹ for 1 bar down to 0.92 × 10⁻⁵ m s⁻¹ for 2 bar and 0.77 × 10⁻⁵ m s⁻¹ for 3 bar. This coefficient is not only controlled by a simple resistance to the mass transfer, but also by gelatinisation phenomenon that progresses when temperature increases.     

Oxidative stability of brined anchovies (Engraulis encrasicholus) with plant extracts

The effect of brining with plant extracts on the oxidative stability of anchovies was investigated during storage. The brining process was done in 15 g 100 mL⁻¹ of sodium chloride solution with water, and with myrtle, rosemary and nettle extracts. Brined anchovies were stored at 4 ± 1  ° C for 28 days. Brining with plant extracts slowed down the lipid oxidation of anchovies. The highest antioxidant effect was observed in brined anchovies with rosemary and myrtle extracts during storage as indicated by peroxide value (POV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and oxidative rancidity (OR) scores. Furthermore, OR scores in brined anchovies were well correlated with thiobarbituric acid reactive substance ( r ² = 0.66, P  < 0.01) and POV ( r ² = 0.87; P  < 0.01). The fatty acid profiles were similar among the brined anchovies with plant extracts. These results suggest that brining with rosemary, myrtle and to a lesser extent, nettle extracts prevents development of oxidation in lipids of anchovies during storage.     

Effect of inoculation with lactic acid bacteria on extending the shelf-life of vacuum-packed cold smoked salmon

Extending the shelf-life of vacuum-packed cold smoked salmon was tested with lactic acid bacteria. Carnobacterium spp. (10 and 39) isolated from seafood, one type strain C. piscicola NCDO 2762 and a Lactobacillus plantarum strain commonly used in meat industry, were sprayed on both sides of commercial smoked salmon slices (10⁸ CFU g⁻¹) which were vacuum packaged and stored at 4°C for up to 28 days. A control sprayed with sterile physiological saline was used. In one trial, after storage with strains 10 and 39, the smell of inoculated slices became significantly less acid, sour, amine and rancid, and more specifically salmon than the control, with maximum effect after 3 weeks. These differences were not so pronounced in laboratory-processed slices for these two strains nor for C. piscicola and L. plantarum , probably because the initial counts were much lower. The effect on H₂S-producing bacteria was variable. The yeast and mould count was always reduced on the inoculated samples. Odour differences did not correlate with chemical data, as similar concentrations of metabolites were observed in both standard and assay tests.