Alginate-based coatings charged with hydroxyapatite and quercetin for fresh-cut papaya shelf life

In this study, the effect of alginate-based coatings charged with quercetin glycoside compounds and hydroxyapatite/quercetin glycoside compounds (HA/QUE) on the microbiological quality, and on bioactive compounds of fresh-cut papaya, was evaluated for 14 days at 6 °C. Alginate coatings with hydroxyapatite/quercetin showed a high capability to slow down the growth of all microbiological parameters investigated. At the end of cold storage, the total bacteria count in papaya samples covered with HA/QUE alginate coating was 4.8 log CFU g⁻¹ which is significantly lower (P < 0.05) than 8.3 log CFU g⁻¹ for uncoated samples. Total carotenoids’ percentage decrease, at the end of storage, was about 20% in papaya with active coatings, with respect to the losses of 39 and 35%, registered in uncoated and alginate-coated samples respectively. Vitamin C content and the antioxidant activity measured in papaya coated with HA/QUE alginate showed significantly higher values (P < 0.05) for each storage day than those detected for control- and alginate-coated samples. Based on the sensory evaluation, active-coated fresh-cut papaya reached, at the end of the storage period, suitable values for commercial purposes.     

Developing an antimicrobial packaging of ready-to-eat pomegranate arils based on vapors of brandy or distillery ethanol

Despite the increasing pomegranate consumption, the ready-to-eat (RTE) arils are highly perishable and this negatively impacts their commercialization. Nowadays, mild pre-packaging decontamination interventions (washing with sanitizing agents or exposure to ultraviolet light) in sequence or not with modified atmospheres packaging technologies are applied. Even though, the latter combination of methods provides them a shelf-life of 10–14 days at cold storage, several negative effects have been also reported (i.e., degradation of anthocyanins). Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of alternative, mild antimicrobials such as the vapors of distillery ethanol and brandy on microbial, physical, textural, sensorial, and multispectral imaging attributes of RTE arils during storage at different temperatures in perforated bags. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts/moulds were the dominant spoilage microbiota of RTE arils, regardless of storage temperature and antimicrobial. Vapors produced by both volatile antimicrobials significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the growth of LAB and yeasts/moulds, at all storage temperatures. For instance, at 4 °C, when population of TVC on controls was 6.9 log CFU g^− 1 (day 23), the respective counts on arils treated with distillery ethanol or brandy followed the order: 4.9 log CFU g^− 1 (1 mL of ethanol) > 3.9 log CFU g^− 1 (1 mL of brandy) > 2.2 log CFU g^− 1 (2 mL of ethanol) > 1.2 log CFU g^− 1 (2 mL of brandy). Moreover, arils exposed to distillery ethanol and brandy vapors showed lower weight loss (%) compared to controls, while the firmness was reduced, regardless of treatment and storage temperature. Color measurements and evaluation of multiple sensory attributes revealed that arils exposed to brandy vapors showed more intense red color and look fresher compared to controls for longer storage time. The latter observation was also validated by multispectral image analysis, since the results suggested that arils packaged with distillery ethanol or brandy maintained their anthocyanin and carotenoids content at higher levels than controls, at 4 °C. Thus, such preservation methods may open new perspectives on mild antimicrobial packaging in order to extend shelf-life of perishable minimally processed fruits, like pomegranate RTE arils.     

Antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of shrimp chitosan on gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) during refrigerated storage

This study aims to determine the effects of chitosan obtained from Metapenaeus stebbingi shells on the shelf life of refrigerated gilthead sea bream. It was determined that 1% chitosan‐coated samples had the lowest thiobarbituric acid (TBA) (3.05 mg malondialdehyde (MDA) kg^?1) and free fatty acids (FFA) value (2.79% oleic acid), while the control group had the highest TBA (5.08 mg MDA kg^?1) and FFA value (6.13% oleic acid) on the 27th day of storage. In the last day of storage, TVB‐N was found higher in control group (25.62 mg 100 g^?1) than chitosan‐coated samples (14.57 mg 100 g^?1). Total viable count value of the control group exceeded maximum permissible limit on the 27th day of storage. However, it was lower than 7.0 log CFU/g in chitosan‐coated samples during the refrigerated storage. As a result of this study, it was determined that shelf life of refrigerated gilthead sea bream can be increased up to 27 days with chitosan.     

Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Galotyri,a traditional Greek soft acid-curd cheese,stored aerobically at 4°C and 12°C

Galotyri is a traditional Greek soft acid-curd cheese, which is made from ewes’ or goats’ milk and is consumed fresh. Because cheese processing may allow Listeria monocytogenes post-process contamination, this study evaluated survival of the pathogen in fresh cheese during storage. Portions (0.5 kg) of two commercial types (<2% salt) of Galotyri, one artisan (pH 4.0±0.1) and the other industrial (pH 3.8±0.1), were inoculated with ca. 3 or 7 log cfu g⁻¹ of a five-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes and stored aerobically at 4°C and 12°C. After 3 days, average declines of pathogen's populations (PALCAM agar) were 1.3–1.6 and 3.7–4.6 log cfu g⁻¹ in cheese samples for the low and high inocula, respectively. These declines were independent (P>0.05) of the cheese type or the storage temperature. From day 3, however, declines shifted to small or minimal to result in 1.4–1.8 log cfu g⁻¹ of survivors at 28 days of storage of all cheeses at 4°C, indicating a strong “tailing” independent of initial level of contamination. Low (1.2–1.7 log cfu g⁻¹) survival of L. monocytogenes also occurred in cheeses at 12°C for 14 days, which were prone to surface yeast spoilage. When ca. 3 log cfu g⁻¹ of L. monocytogenes were inoculated in laboratory scale prepared Galotyri of pH ≅4.4 and ≅3% salt, the pathogen died off at 14 and 21 days at 12°C and 4°C, respectively, in artisan type cheeses fermented with the natural starter. In contrast, the pathogen survived for 28 days in cheeses fermented with the industrial starter. These results indicate that L. monocytogenes cannot grow but may survive during retail storage of Galotyri despite its low pH of or slightly below 4.0. Although contamination of Galotyri with L. monocytogenes may be expected low (<100 cfu g⁻¹) in practice, that long-term survival of the pathogen in commercial cheeses was shown to be unaffected by the artificial contamination level (3 or 7 logs) and the storage temperature (4°C or 12°C), which should be a concern.     

Quality and nutritional characteristics of traditional curd cheese enriched with thermo-coagulated acid whey protein and indigenous Lactococcus lactis strain

Consumer interest in a healthy lifestyle and health-promoting natural products is a major driving force for the increasing global demand for bio-functional and sustainable dairy foods. Supplementation of curd cheese with thermo-coagulated acid whey protein (TAWP) led to 8–10% higher contents of moisture, 23–31% of lactose, 12–13% of unsaturated, 5–6% of monounsaturated, 63% of polyunsaturated, and 3–4% of long-chain fatty acids. Lipid quality indices – TI, AI, h/H, and Omega 6/3 among others, were also significantly better than those of control cheese. The addition of indigenous Lactococcus lactis strain enhanced the flavour of cheese samples, decreased the counts of yeast and mould up to 1 log cfu g⁻¹ after 10 days of storage. The replacement of curd with TAWP resulted in novel cheese with overall sensory perception above 77 points and added nutritional and functional value, however, body and texture parameters of modified cheese samples require an improvement.     

Fluctuation in contamination dynamics of L. monocytogenes in quargel (acid curd cheese) lots recalled during the multinational listeriosis outbreak 2009/2010

For the first time it has been possible to determine the contamination level of Listeria monocytogenes in the very cheese lots of acid curd cheese that caused a multinational outbreak between 2009/2010. The listeriosis outbreak accounted for 34 clinical cases and eight deaths. The cheese, which was distributed in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, was recalled on the 23rd January 2010. All recalled lots were immediately investigated after call back from the retail market. The company manufactured two different cheese types, (i) red smear ripened--and (ii) mold coated/white veined--acid curd cheese. Depending on the lot production dates, cheese samples (n=1045) were analyzed at three different time points: (i) beginning to mid shelf-life (lot nos. 15-18; production period 5.1.2010-13.1.2010); (ii) end of shelf-life (lot nos. 9-18; production period 21.12.2009-13.1.2010) and, (iii) ≤46days after the expiry date (lot nos. 1-18; production period 1.12.2009-13.1.2010). Qualitative and quantitative examinations of cheese samples were performed according to ISO 11290-1&2. Examination of the samples, according to ISO 11290-1, resulted in 16 L. monocytogenes positive (red smear type) and two negative lots (mold coated type). These results were confirmed by a combined enrichment/real-time PCR method. The contamination values obtained by quantitative ISO 11290-2 varied from ≤log 2 cell forming units (CFU)/g to log 8.1CFU/g. Three out of sixteen L. monocytogenes positive lots revealed a contamination level of ≤log 2CFU/g at the beginning of their shelf-life when stored at 4°C. Nevertheless, by increasing the storage life and/or the storage temperature (15, 22°C) the contamination level could be raised to between log 5 and log 6CFU/g. Our data indicate that 81.3% (13/16) of the recalled red smear quargel cheese lots were highly contaminated with L. monocytogenes. All this implies that the main contamination of the quargel cheese took place during the red smear process and that quargel cheese can easily support growth of L. monocytogenes.     

Effectiveness of organic acid,ozonated water and chlorine dippings on microbial reduction and storage quality of fresh‐cut iceberg lettuce

BACKGROUND: The comparative effects of organic (citric and lactic) acids, ozone and chlorine on the microbiological population and quality parameters of fresh-cut lettuce during storage were evaluated. RESULTS: Dipping of lettuce in 100 mg L⁻¹ chlorine solution reduced the numbers of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae by 1.7, 2.0 and 1.6 log₁₀ colony-forming units (CFU) g⁻¹ respectively. Treatment of lettuce with citric (5 g L⁻¹) and lactic (5 mL L⁻¹) acid solutions and ozonated water (4 mg L⁻¹) reduced the populations of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria by 1.7 and 1.5 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ respectively. Organic acid dippings resulted in lower mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts than ozonated water and chlorine dippings during 12 days of storage. Lactic acid dipping effectively reduced (by 2.2 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹) and maintained low populations of Enterobacteriaceae on lettuce for the first 6 days of storage. No significant (P > 0.05) changes were observed in the texture and moisture content of lettuce samples dipped in chlorine, organic acids and ozonated water during storage. Colour, β-carotene and vitamin C values of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce did not change significantly (P > 0.05) until day 8. CONCLUSION: Lactic and citric acid and ozonated water dippings could be alternative treatments to chlorine dipping to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Functionality of different probiotic strains embedded in citrus pectin based edible films

The inclusion of probiotics into the packaging films has emerged as a novel approach to provide edible packaging with new functionalities. In this study, probiotic films were developed by embedding four different probiotics (Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) into citrus pectin films and their viability was checked at 25 and 4 °C for 30 days. A reduction of 0.44, 1.04, 0.32, and 1.0 log CFU g⁻¹ was observed in probiotic films containing L. casei, B. bifidum, L. acidzophilus, and L. rhamnosus respectively during drying process of film’s formation. The viability of all probiotics (except B. bifidum) was decreased from 10⁹ to 10⁶ CFU g⁻¹ in 30 days storage at 25 °C. Whereas, only 2 log reduction was observed for films stored at 4 °C during 30 days. The physical and optical properties of the films were affected slightly by inclusion of bacterial cells. The presence of live cells in films made them less resistant to elongation and less stretchable. All bacterial films inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes by 1.5 logs compared to control. The results suggest the entrapment of probiotics in pectin can be used as an effective packaging technology for ensuring food safety.     

Production of conjugated linoleic acid enriched milk and dairy products from cows receiving grass silage supplemented with a cereal-based concentrate containing rapeseed oil

Opportunities for the production of milk and dairy products enriched with cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were investigated. Eighteen mid-lactation cows were used in a continuous-design for 7 weeks. During the first week, cows received grass silage ad libitum supplemented with 10 kg per day of a cereal-based concentrate (control) that was replaced with a concentrate containing 50 g kg⁻¹ of rapeseed oil (RO). Changes in milk fatty acid composition were monitored on a weekly basis and milk produced was used to manufacture Edam cheese and butter. Inclusion of RO in the concentrate supplement increased the mean levels of trans-octadecanoic, monounsaturated, CLA and polyunsaturated fatty acid in the milk fat from 1.6, 25.7, 0.46 and 2.8 to 4.3, 35.3, 1.02 and 3.9 g 100 g⁻¹ total fatty acids, respectively. In contrast, the mean level of saturated fatty acids decreased from 71.4 to 60.7 g  100 g⁻¹ total fatty acids. Changes in milk fatty acid composition due to RO occurred within 7 days, with responses reaching a plateau after 21 days. Furthermore, the CLA concentrations in the milk fat from individual cows ranged between 0.37 and 0.65 and 0.43 and 2.06 g 100 g⁻¹ total fatty acids for the control and RO diet, respectively. CLA enriched milk was used successfully to manufacture of Edam cheese and butter with softer textures but with acceptable organoleptic and storage properties. Processing milk into butter or cheese had no effect on the CLA concentrations indicating that enrichment of dairy products is dependent on the content in raw milk fat.     

Preparation of Acid‐Resistant Microcapsules with Shell‐Matrix Structure to Enhance Stability of Streptococcus Thermophilus IFFI 6038

Microencapsulation is an effective technology used to protect probiotics against harsh conditions. Extrusion is a commonly used microencapsulation method utilized to prepare probiotics microcapsules that is regarded as economical and simple to operate. This research aims to prepare acid‐resistant probiotic microcapsules with high viability after freeze‐drying and optimized storage stability. Streptococcus thermophilus IFFI 6038 (IFFI 6038) cells were mixed with trehalose and alginate to fabricate microcapsules using extrusion. These capsules were subsequently coated with chitosan to obtain chitosan‐trehalose‐alginate microcapsules with shell‐matrix structure. Chitosan‐alginate microcapsules (without trehalose) were also prepared using the same method. The characteristics of the microcapsules were observed by measuring the freeze‐dried viability, acid resistance, and long‐term storage stability of the cells. The viable count of IFFI 6038 in the chitosan‐trehalose‐alginate microcapsules was 8.34 ± 0.30 log CFU g^?1 after freeze‐drying (lyophilization), which was nearly 1 log units g^?1 greater than the chitosan‐alginate microcapsules. The viability of IFFI 6038 in the chitosan‐trehalose‐alginate microcapsules was 6.45 ± 0.09 log CFU g^?1 after 120 min of treatment in simulated gastric juices, while the chitosan‐alginate microcapsules only measured 4.82 ± 0.22 log CFU g^?1. The results of the long‐term storage stability assay indicated that the viability of IFFI 6038 in chitosan‐trehalose‐alginate microcapsules was higher than in chitosan‐alginate microcapsules after storage at 25 °C. Trehalose played an important role in the stability of IFFI 6038 during storage. The novel shell‐matrix chitosan‐trehalose‐alginate microcapsules showed optimal stability and acid resistance, demonstrating their potential as a delivery vehicle to transport probiotics.     

Effects of plasma-activated water on microbial growth and storage quality of fresh-cut apple

Fresh-cut ‘Fuji’ apples were immersed for 5 min in plasma-activated water (PAW) generated, by plasma generated with sinusoidal voltages at 7.0 kHz with amplitudes of 6 kV, 8 kV, and 10 kV, designated PAW-6, PAW-8, and PAW-10, respectively. The control group was soaked in distilled water for 5 min instead of PAW. The results indicated that the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts was inhibited by PAW treatments during storage at 4 ± 1 °C, especially the microbial inactivation with PAW-8, which was the most efficient. PAW-8 reduced the microbial counts by 1.05 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹, 0.64 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹, 1.04 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹ and 0.86 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹ for aerobic bacteria (aerobic plate counts), molds, yeasts and coliforms on day 12, respectively. In addition, the bacterial counts of fresh-cut apples treated with PAW were <5 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹, which did not exceed to the existing China Shanghai local standard (DB 31/2012–2013) during 12 days of storage. PAW treatments reduced superficial browning of fresh-cut apples without affecting their firmness and titratable acidity. In addition, no significant change was observed in antioxidant content and radical scavenging activity between the PAW-treated and control groups. It is suggested that PAW is a promising method for preservation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, which is usually beneficial to the quality maintenance of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables during storage.     

Growth of Aeromonas hydrophila in the whey cheeses Myzithra, Anthotyros, and Manouri during storage at 4 and 12 degrees C

The fresh whey cheeses Myzithra, Anthotyros, and Manouri were inoculated with Aeromonas hydrophila strain NTCC 8049 (type strain) or with an A. hydrophila strain isolated from food (food isolate) at levels of 3.0 to 5.0 x 10(2) CFU/g of cheese and stored at 4 or 12 degrees C. Duplicate samples of cheeses were tested for levels of A. hydrophila and pH after up to 29 days of storage. At 4 degrees C, A. hydrophila grew in Myzithra and Anthotyros with a generation time of ca. 19 h, but no growth was observed in Manouri. In Myzithra, average maximum populations of 8.87 log CFU/g (type strain) and 8.79 log CFU/g (food isolate) were recorded after 20 and 22 days of storage at 4 degrees C, respectively. The average maximum populations observed in Anthotyros stored at 4 degrees C were 6.72 log CFU/g (food isolate) and 6.13 log CFU/g (type strain) and were observed after 15 and 16 days of storage, respectively. A. hydrophila grew rapidly and reached high numbers in cheeses stored at 12 degrees C. The average generation times were 3.7 and 3.9 h (Myzithra), 4.1 and 6.1 h (Anthotyros), and 8.0 and 9.2 h (Manouri) for the type strain and the food isolate, respectively. Among the different whey cheese trials, the highest A. hydrophila population recorded (10.13 log CFU/g) was in Myzithra that had been inoculated with the food isolate after 8 days of storage at 12 degrees C. To prevent A. hydrophila growth in whey cheeses, efforts must be focused on preventing postprocessing contamination and temperature abuse during transportation and storage.     

The effects of atmospheric cold plasma on inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus and some quality characteristics of pastırma—A dry-cured beef product

In this study the effectiveness of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in inactivating two bacterial pathogens on inoculated pastırma was investigated. In addition, the effect of this treatment on the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and yeast–mold counts was also observed. Pastırma samples were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes and subjected to CAP applications using oxygen (100%), argon (100%) and two oxygen/argon mixtures (25%O₂/75%Ar and 50%O₂/50%Ar) for 180 and 300 s. Maximum reduction of 0.85 log CFU/cm² for S. aureus counts and 0.83 log CFU/cm² for L. monocytogenes counts were found from starting level of 5.78 and 5.71 log CFU/cm², respectively. However, it was determined that the TMAB and yeast–mold counts were reduced by 1.41 log CFU/cm² and 1.66 log CFU/cm², respectively. It was found that pastırma samples had a 7.34% decrease in moisture content as a result of CAP application due to evaporated water from the sample's surface. In the light of these results, this study showed that cold atmospheric plasma can be used to lower levels of S. aureus and L. monocytogenes in pastırma.Industrial relevanceThermal treatments can cause sensory and nutrient changes in meat products. Non-thermal food processing technologies are innovative applications that continue to attract attention. Cold plasma, which is one of the non-thermal technologies, is environmentally friendly and causes minimal changes to treated products. In this study, cold atmospheric plasma treatment was effective against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes inoculated on pastırma and reduced their counts. Moreover, it also succeeded in reducing counts of TMAB and yeast–mold in the pastırma.     

The effect of salt concentration on rancidity in Gaziantep cheese

Gaziantep cheese is a non‐fermented and enzyme clotted type cheese. The changes in oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity in the cheese were analysed during its storage. Storage conditions were selected as 4, 10 and 20°C and 90, 170, 200 and 230 g kg⁻¹ salt solutions by considering the traditional storage conditions. Oxidative rancidity increased with increasing temperature and NaCl concentration in the brine. Hydrolytic rancidity increased with increasing temperature and decreasing salt content of the cheese. The extent of oxidative rancidity was found to be higher than hydrolytic rancidity. The results of this study showed that the storage temperature should not be higher than 10°C and brine concentration must be higher than 90 g kg⁻¹ and lower than 230 g kg⁻¹ to minimize lipid oxidation. Gaziantep cheese was organoleptically examined after 2 months of storage at 20°C and in 90, 170 and 230 g kg⁻¹ salt solutions, and it was found that even at a peroxide value around 1 meq kg⁻¹, acceptable levels of changes in flavour were observed. Sensory analysis results showed that textural properties of Gaziantep cheese changed with salt concentration of the brine. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Non-conventional fermentation at laboratory scale of cocoa beans: Using probiotic microorganisms and substitution of mucilage by fruit pulps

In a non-conventional lab-scale fermentation of cocoa beans using probiotic microorganisms and substituting the cocoa pulp for fruit pulp, physicochemical, microbiological and quality parameters were investigated. Two hundred grams of beans were fermented in a controlled environmental chamber (temperature ramp rate of 25°C for 48 h; 35°C for 48 h and 45°C for 48 h; and 65% HR). pH, titratable acid, citric, lactic and acetic acids, as well as sugars and ethanol were measured. A cut test was also performed on the cocoa beans fermented 5 and 6 days. As the fermentation time progressed, citric acid concentration decreased until 0.53 g kg⁻¹, whereas both lactic and acetic acids increased until 0.44 and 16.58 g kg⁻¹, respectively. Sucrose content decreased from 12.26 g kg⁻¹ (in fresh) to 6.54 g kg⁻¹ on the 6th day. Fructose and glucose contents increased in the cotyledons from day five, reaching a maximum concentration of 1.14 and 1.01 g kg⁻¹, respectively, on day six. Yeasts were the main microorganisms during the first 24–48 h (8.4 log CFU g⁻¹), while bacterial counts reached its highest number (7.8 log CFU g⁻¹) on day four. Beans fermented 5 and 6 days resulted in more fermented beans (>81%) and less violet ones (<18.4%) than the control.     

Determination of Antifungal Effect of Edible Coatings Containing Williopsis saturnus var. saturnus Against Yeast and Mold Growth on Kashar Cheese

One of the most important problems of Kashar cheese producers is mold and yeast spoilage during storage. Williopsis saturnus var. saturnus killer yeast has been reported to have an antagonistic effect on mold and yeast reproduction. In this study, the antifungal effect of a whey protein concentrate (WPC) coating containing W. saturnus was investigated in Kashar cheese. WPC with or without W. saturnus (7 log CFU/g) or W. saturnus without coating was applied on the surface of Kashar cheese samples and stored at 4 °C for 56 days. Microbiological, chemical, physical and sensory properties of cheese samples were assessed. After 56 days of storage, the numbers of lactic acid bacteria were not affected by WPC containing W. saturnus; however, the population of W. saturnus increased by 1 log CFU/g. Application of W. saturnus reduced the growth of other yeasts and molds (P < 0.05). Chemical, physical and sensory properties of all coated cheeses remained unchanged. In a conclusion, use of WPC coatings containing W. saturnus can potentially minimize mold and yeast spoilage of cheese during storage.     

Influence of probiotic strains added to cottage cheese on generation of potentially antioxidant peptides,anti-listerial activity,and survival of probiotic microorganisms in simulated gastrointestinal conditions

Our objective was to evaluate the viability of probiotic microorganisms added to cottage cheese under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the release of potentially-antioxidant peptides, and their antimicrobial effect on Listeria monocytogenes. Cottage cheeses were prepared in triplicate, incorporating Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, the commercial mix YO-MIX™ 205, or a control without probiotic addition. The probiotic population remained at >10⁶ cfu g⁻¹ during 28 days of storage at 8 °C. Cheeses made with added probiotics showed an increased metabolic activity with higher levels of lactic and acetic acids. Higher numbers of potentially bioactive peptides were observed in cheeses added with probiotics. L. monocytogenes population was reduced by about one log cycle after 20 days of storage, in cheeses with probiotics added. Our results indicate that cottage cheese is a good vehicle for probiotic bacteria.     

Antibacterial mechanism of adzuki bean seed coat polyphenols and their potential application in preservation of fresh raw beef

The monomeric phenolic components of adzuki bean seed coat polyphenols (ABSCPs) were analysed, and their antibacterial activity and mechanism against two tested bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC8797 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC12600) were evaluated for their potential application in preservation of fresh raw beef. ABSCP contained 13 kinds of monomeric phenols, and the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of ABSCP against E. coli and S. aureus was 1250 and 625 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. The mechanism of ABSCP against E. coli and S. aureus was associated with increased cell protein and nucleic acid leakage, increased cell membrane potential, decreased intracellular ATP concentration and morphological changes in bacterial cell. In addition, ABSCP with whey protein isolate (WPI) was applied to fresh raw beef and this remarkably retarded microbial growth by maintaining the total microbial quality below the acceptable limit of 6 lg CFU g⁻¹ for 14 days. Lower pH and total volatile base nitrogen values were observed in the coated samples during refrigerated storage (4 °C). As a result, we found that ABSCP, as a natural food bacteriostatic agent, can effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. aureus and combined with WPI to apply to fresh raw beef to extend its shelf life.     

Tracking Amazonian cheese microbial diversity: Development of an original,sustainable, and robust starter by freeze drying/spray drying

Marajó cheese made with raw buffalo milk in the Amazon region of Brazil can be considered a good source of wild lactic acid bacteria strains with unexplored and promising characteristics. The aim of this study was to develop a potential probiotic starter culture for industrial applications using freeze drying and spray drying. A decrease in the survival rates of freeze-dried samples compared with spray-dried samples was noted. The spray-dried cultures remained approximately 10⁹ cfu·g⁻¹, whereas the freeze-dried samples showed 10⁷ cfu·g⁻¹ after 60 d of storage at 4°C. All of the spray-dried samples showed a greater ability to decrease the pH in 10% skim milk over 24 h compared with the freeze-dried samples. The spray-dried samples showed a greater resistance to acidic conditions and to the presence of bile salts. In addition, under heat stress conditions, reduction was under 2 log cycles in all samples. Although the survival rate was similar among the evaluated samples after drying, the technological performance for skim milk showed some differences. This study may direct further investigations into how to preserve lactic acid bacteria probiotics to produce spray-dried starters that have a high number of viable cells that can then be used for industrial applications in a cost-effective way.     

Effect of processing and storage of brined white (Nabulsi) cheese on fat and cholesterol oxidation

Brined white (Nabulsi) cheese was studied for cholesterol oxidation and for oxidative and hydrolytic rancidities during cheese processing, during storage in closed transparent and light‐protected glass jars at room temperature for 3, 6 and 9 months and during storage on an open tray exposed to atmospheric air and light for 1, 2 and 3 weeks. The peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA) content and 7‐ketocholesterol level were determined. The cheese processing steps (curd formation, salting and boiling in brine) had no significant effect on PV, FFAs and 7‐ketocholesterol. However, the storage conditions had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.5) on these parameters. Peroxides were not detected or were very low in the freshly boiled cheese, while the FFA content was 2.9 g kg^?1. The PV and FFA content increased to approximately 5 meq kg^?1 and 11 g kg^?1 respectively after 9 months of storage in transparent or light‐protected jars. The 7‐ketocholesterol level was 1.2 µg g^?1 in the freshly boiled cheese and reached maximum values of 2.3 and 5.2 µg g^?1 after 9 months of storage in light‐protected and transparent jars respectively. Cheese samples displayed on an open tray showed a higher increase in PV, FFAs and 7‐ketocholesterol than samples stored in closed jars, reaching values of 6.1 meq kg^?1, 6.8 g kg^?1 and 8.8 µg g^?1 respectively after 3 weeks of storage. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry