Short communication: Effect of refrigerated storage on the pH and bacterial content of pasteurized human donor milk

Once pasteurized donor milk is thawed for its administration to a preterm or sick neonate, and until it is administered, it is kept refrigerated at 4 to 6°C for 24 h. After this time, unconsumed milk is discarded. This time has not been extended, primarily because of the concern of bacterial contamination. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in pH and bacterial count when pasteurized donor milk was kept under refrigeration for a prolonged period (14 d). In this prospective study, 30 samples of pasteurized donor milk from 18 donors were analyzed. Milk was handled following the regular operating protocols established in the neonatal unit and was kept refrigerated after thawing. pH measurements and bacteriology (on blood agar and MacConkey agar plates) were performed on each sample at time 0 (immediately after thawing) and then every day for 14 d. Changes in pH of samples over time were evaluated with linear mixed-effects regression models. A slow but gradual increase in milk pH was observed starting from the first day [mean (±SD) pH of 7.30 (±0.18) at time 0 and 7.69 (±0.2) on d 14]. No bacterial growth was observed in any of the samples throughout the complete trial except in one sample, in which Bacillus flexus was isolated. In conclusion, pasteurized human donor milk maintains its microbiological quality when properly handled and refrigerated (4–6°C). The slight and continuous increase in milk pH after the first day could be due to changes in the solubility of calcium and phosphate during refrigerated storage.     

Storage Conditions Affect Quality of Raisins

Raisins had a moisture content of ca 14% and were stored over an 11 mo period. The initial SO₂ content was ca 640 ppm. Moisture content, water activity, color, browning, texture, SO₂ content, soluble sugars, acidity and pH were periodically determined. A substantial decrease in SO₂ content was observed, especially in samples stored at room temperature (20–25°C) which had higher browning indexes. No substantial changes were detected in water activity, acidity and pH. No sugaring was observed. Refrigerated samples (stored at 4 and 11°C) were of higher quality in comparison with nonrefrigerated samples. Both were suitable for consumption after storage.     

Continuous dense‐phase CO2 processing of a coconut water beverage

Effects of dense‐phase CO₂ (DPCD) on microbial, physical, chemical and sensorial quality of coconut water (CW) beverage were evaluated. Pressure during DPCD treatment was not significant in microbial reduction whereas temperature and % CO₂ levels were significant. DPCD‐treated (34.5 MPa, 25 °C, 13% CO₂, 6 min), heat‐pasteurised (74 °C, 15 s) and untreated CW beverages were evaluated during 9 weeks of refrigerated storage (4 °C). Total aerobic bacteria of DPCD and heat‐treated samples decreased whereas that of untreated samples increased to >10⁵ CFU mL^?1 after 9 weeks. DPCD increased titratable acidity but did not change pH (4.20) and °Brix (6.0). Likeability of DPCD‐treated CW was similar to untreated. Heat‐treated samples were less liked (α = 0.05) at the beginning of storage. Off flavour and taste‐difference‐from‐control scores of heated samples were higher than DPCD during the first two weeks. DPCD extended shelf life of acidified, sweetened and carbonated CW over 9 weeks at 4 °C.     

Effects of mineral oil coating on internal quality of chicken eggs under refrigerated storage

The selected internal qualities (weight loss, Haugh unit, yolk index, and albumen pH) of noncoated and mineral oil‐coated chicken eggs during 15 weeks of storage at 4 °C and/or during 5 weeks of storage at 25 °C were evaluated. Results indicated that, without refrigeration, the noncoated and mineral oil‐coated eggs rapidly changed from AA to C and B grades as measured by Haugh unit, respectively, after 5 weeks of storage. However, the AA quality of the noncoated eggs could be maintained under refrigerated storage (4 °C) for at least 5 weeks. The mineral oil coating and refrigerated storage (4 °C) synergistically minimised weight loss and preserved the albumen and yolk qualities of chicken eggs during a long‐term storage. At 4 °C, the mineral oil‐coated eggs preserved the initial AA grade for at least 15 weeks with l.19% weight loss.     

Phenolics and physico‐chemical characteristics of persimmon during post‐harvest storage

Garden picked mature but unripe fresh persimmon fruits were unipackaged in different thicknesses of polyethylene (PE) and stored at room (18.5–30°C) and refrigerated temperature (6 ± 1°C). Maximum mean methanol extractable sinapine (0.168%( catechin (1.51%( and leucoanthocyanidine (10.94 ΔA550/g) were recorded in the unipackaged samples kept at room temperature during 6 weeks storage, whereas the minimum values for water extractable phenolics (sinapin, catechin and procyanidin) were recorded in unipackaged samples under refrigerated temperature. The mean maximum weight loss of 12.58 and 7.90% was recorded in control samples kept at room temperature and low temperature, respectively. The weight loss for unipackaged in different thicknesses of PE ranged between 0.93–0.96% and 0.43–0.45% for samples kept at room and low temperature, respectively. Changes in texture values were significantly faster in control than unipackaged samples (P < 0.05). Low temperature combined with unipackaging in PE film performed better for the maintenance of overall fruit quality during post‐harvest storage.     

Bioactive amines changes in raw and sterilised milk inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens stored at different temperatures

The presence of bioactive amines in raw and sterilised milk inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens during storage at 4°C, 7°C and 10°C for 6 days was investigated. Spermine, spermidine, putrescine, serotonin and phenylethylamine were present in the samples immediately after milking. Histamine, cadaverine and tyramine were formed in the raw milk on the 4th day of storage at 10°C, increasing significantly afterwards. Cadaverine was formed during sterilisation. There was no significant change in amines, acidity, thermostability and alizarol tests throughout storage of the sterilised milk; however, a putrid smell was detected at every temperature on the 6th day. Therefore, raw or sterilised milk storage at 4–7°C should not exceed 4 days. Furthermore, raw milk should not be stored at 10°C.     

Accelerated Kinetic Study of Aspartame Degradation in the Neutral pH Range

The degradation of aspartame in solution as a function of temperature (70–100°C), buffer concentration (0.01–0.1M phosphate), and pH (6–7) was studied in order to estimate losses during thermal processing and storage of aseptic milk-based drinks. Prior data have been mostly on acid carbonated beverages. First order rate constants were obtained in all the conditions with activation energies in the range 14–20 kcal/ mole. An increase in both pH and buffer concentration caused an increase in rate of loss. These data were used to predict losses that would occur during pasteurization and sterilization conditions. Experiments at 4 and 30°C showed significant losses would occur during 4 and 30°C temperature storage and extrapolation from high temperatures predicted faster degradation rates than those found.     

Protein degradation of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) muscle after postmortem superchilled and refrigerated storage

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of superchilling at ?2°C in comparison with refrigerated storage at 4°C on the protein degradation of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) muscle. Flounder muscle softened and shear force value decreased markedly (P < 0.05) with prolonged storage time, while values of electrical conductivity, TCA-soluble peptide, free amino acids, and proteolysis index increased (P < 0.05). The changes were slowed down significantly in samples superchilled at ?2°C (P < 0.05). The fracture of muscle fibre and formation of cracks were accelerated in the samples refrigerated at 4°C, and intercellular spaces were observed after 9 days of storage. Moreover, protein bands of myosin heavy chain (MHC), actin, tropomyosin, 97 kDa, 50 ~ 60 kDa and 35 ~ 36 kDa occurred in varying degrees of degradation with storage time. The results demonstrated that significant postmortem degradation of muscle proteins occurred with extending storage time, while the changes were retarded obviously in samples during superchilled storage.     

Non-Volatile Organic Acids,pH and Titratable Acidity Changes in Pineapple Fruit Slices During Frozen Storage

Effects of freezing and frozen storage on pH, titratable acidity and non-volatile organic acids of two pineapple fruit cultivars, Smooth Cayenne and Red Spanish, were studied. Pineapple fruit was frozen as slices in a cold room at −18°C and stored at this temperature for a 12 month period. A negative correlation was found between pH and titratable acidity in the two cultivars throughout frozen storage ( r =-0·67 for Smooth Cayenne and r =-0·71 for Red Spanish). Non-volatile organic acids were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The major components were citric and L-malic acids. A high correlation was found between these two acids during frozen storage ( r =0·75 in Smooth Cayenne and r =0·78 in Red Spanish). There were significant differences ( P⩽ 0·01) in pH and titratable acidity between the two studied varieties after a year of frozen storage. Significant differences ( P⩽ 0·05) were found in pH values during frozen storage in cv Smooth Cayenne and in citric and L-malic acids in cv Red Spanish. Freezing preservation of pineapple fruit slices led to minimal chemical changes after a year of frozen storage.     

STUDIES ON PRESERVATION OF SUGARCANE JUICE

ABSTRACT

The variety CoP 92226 was selected for preparing sugarcane juice beverage on the basis of yield and sensory attributes from eight promising varieties of sugarcane. Sugarcane juice beverage samples were prepared by pasteurizing the sugarcane juice at 70°C for 10 minutes and adding citric acid (40 mg/100 ml), ascorbic acid (40 mg/100 ml) and potassium metabisulphite (150 ppm). Samples of sugarcane juice beverage were stored at room (30±5°C) and refrigeration (4±2°C) temperature in pre-sterilized glass bottles and analyzed for physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory attributes at every 15 days interval for 90 days. The pH, total soluble solids and total sugars decreased, whereas, titratable acidity and reducing sugars increased significantly (P<0.01) during storage. An appreciable increase in total plate counts and yeast and mold counts were observed, however, no coliforms, were detected in sugarcane juice beverage during storage. The changes in different attributes were significantly (P<0.01) higher at room temperature as compared to refrigeration temperature. The sugarcane juice beverage having citric acid and potassium metabisulphite showed minimum changes in sensory qualities during storage, both at room and refrigeration temperature. An acceptable quality beverage of sugarcane juice with satisfactory storage stability for 90 days at room as well as refrigeration temperature could be prepared.     

The Effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on Quality and Cell Wall Hydrolases Activities of Fresh-Cut Muskmelon (Cucumis melo var reticulatus L.) During Storage

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on quality and cell wall hydrolases activities changes in fresh-cut muskmelon fruit stored at 4?±?1 °C for 7 days were investigated. The results showed that ethylene production of the fresh-cut fruit remained constant during refrigerated storage. 1-MCP treatments delayed the loss of fresh weight and the increase in electrolyte leakage and maintained the firmness of the fresh-cut fruit. The best results are showed in the fresh-cut fruit treated with 1.0 μL L^?1 1-MCP. The use of 1-MCP had no influence on the total soluble solids (TSS) content and pH of the fresh-cut fruit which they remained constant over storage. The titratable acidity (TA) of the fresh-cut fruit decreased during storage and the sample treated with 1.0 μL L^?1 1-MCP showed the lowest data. TSS/TA ratio increased during storage and the TSS/TA ratio was lower in 1-MCP-treated samples than that for the control one. The use of 1-MCP inhibited polygalacturonase (PG), β-galactosidase (β-Gal) and β-galactanase activities, whereas the increases in these enzymes activities were found in the control. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolics content of both 1-MCP-treated and untreated samples remained constant over storage. The reduction of total ascorbic acid content was detected after 7 days of storage. The ascorbic acid content in 1-MCP-treated sample was slightly higher, although not significantly different, than that of the control after 7 days. These results suggest that the loss of firmness was the key factor affecting quality of fresh-cut muskmelon fruit and the use of 1-MCP maintained the quality and inhibited the loss of firmness by retarding the increase in electrolyte leakage and inhibiting cell wall hydrolases activities.     

PROCESSING AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF SOURSOP (ANNONA MURICATA L) NECTAR

Soursop (Annona muricata L) nectar was processed from pasteurized unstored or pasteurized frozen pulp. Nectars of pH 3.6–3.7 with 0.1% xanthan gum were produced from either 6° or 8° Brix pulp and increased to 13° or 15° Brix by addition of sucrose. The effect of storage (4C or 30C for 12 weeks) was investigated on nectar pH, titratable acidity (TA), browning, consistency, microbes and sensory attribute. At 8 weeks of storage, consistency was similar in all nectars, except for thinning of nectar from pasteurized, unstored pulp (8°–15° Brix) stored at 4C for 12 weeks. Nectars produced from frozen pulp had significantly (p < 0.01) lower pH and higher TA than nectars from unstored pulp. Browning increased in all products except nectar produced from unstored 8° Brix pulp adjusted to 15° Brix and then stored at 4C. This nectar was most highly ranked and had an overall rating of being liked moderately to liked very much after 12 weeks of storage. Microbial growth occurred in all nectars between 8–12 weeks of storage.     

Changes in tannin solubility and microstructure of high hydrostatic pressure–treated persimmon cubes during storage at 4 °C

Condensed tannins are important bioactive compounds largely present in persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.f.). The aim of this work was to study the effect of the structural changes occurred during refrigerated storage in persimmon cubes treated with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the solubility and location of tannins, and some physicochemical properties. Persimmon cubes were submitted to 200 MPa for 3 and 6 min at 37 °C and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The microstructural study was carried out by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The physicochemical properties studied were total soluble tannins (TST), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, lightness, firmness and cohesiveness. Microstructural studies showed that HHP treatment causes cell wall and membrane disruption in persimmon tissue. Retraction of the tonoplast and loss of cell turgor were greater as the storage time increased. Precipitated tannins inside and outside the cells and a progressive separation of adjacent cells during the storage time could be observed. Significant (P < 0.05) decreases in TST, TSS and lightness as well as a significant (P < 0.05) increase in pH took place in HHP-treated samples after 7 days of storage. Samples treated for 3 min showed higher firmness than the rest of the samples during the whole storage period, whereas HHP-treated samples showed higher cohesiveness than the control samples. The effects of HHP treatments and later storage at 4 °C on microstructure, tannin solubility and extractability, and some physicochemical properties of persimmon cubes depend on the treatment conditions and the storage time. HHP treatment might decrease persimmon astringency as well as increase bioactive compounds accessibility.     

Evaluation of Changes in Listeria monocytogenes Populations on Frankfurters at Different Stages from Manufacturing to Consumption

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the fate of inoculated Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters stored under conditions simulating those that may be encountered between manufacturing and consumption. Frankfurters with or without 1.5% potassium lactate and 0.1% sodium diacetate (PL/SD) were inoculated (1.8 ± 0.1 log CFU/cm²) with a 10‐strain composite of L. monocytogenes, vacuum‐packaged, and stored under conditions simulating predistribution storage (24 h, 4 °C), temperature abuse during transportation (7 h, 7 °C followed by 7 h, 12 °C), and storage before purchase (60 d, 4 °C; SBP). At 0, 20, 40, and 60 d of SBP, samples were exposed to conditions simulating delivery from stores to homes or food establishments (3 h, 23 °C), and then opened or held vacuum‐packaged at 4 or 7 °C for 14 d (SHF). Pathogen counts remained relatively constant on frankfurters with PL/SD regardless of product age and storage conditions; however, they increased on product without antimicrobials. In vacuum‐packaged samples, during SHF at 4 °C, the pathogen grew faster (P < 0.05) on older product (20 d of SBP) compared to product that was fresh (0 d of SBP); a similar trend was observed in opened packages. At 7 °C, the fastest growth (0.35 ± 0.02 log CFU/cm²/d) was observed on fresh product in opened packages; in vacuum‐packages, growth rates on fresh and aged products were similar. By day 40 of SBP the pathogen reached high numbers and increased slowly or remained unchanged during SHF. This information may be valuable in L. monocytogenes risk assessments and in development of guidelines for storage of frankfurters between package opening and product consumption.     

Characteristics of mince from pond-bred silvercarp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and preliminary experiments on its use in sausages

The quality of fresh, chilled and frozen mince made from the flesh of pond-bred silvercarp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Val)) was evaluated. Flavour panel scores for all minces were acceptable and this quality did not deteriorate during storage for one week in a domestic refrigerator (5–6°C) or for one year at ?20°C. The levels of oxidative rancidity (2-thiobarbituric acid analysis) in the minces were consistent with this maintenance of quality. Aerobic plate counts at 25°C of fresh mince rose from 7–9 × 10⁴ to 1.1 × 10⁵ after 6 days' storage at 5–6°C. Coliform and psychrotroph counts rose from 1.0 × 10¹ and 7–8 × 10³ to 5–4 × 10² and 1.3 × 10⁴, respectively. The functional and textural properties of pond-bred silvercarp mince in terms of salt-soluble protein content, water binding capacity and penetrometer values were measured on fresh, refrigerated and frozen samples. All-fish sausages and frankfurters developed from pond-bred silvercarp mince were assessed in laboratory and consumer tests against commercial beef sausages and frankfurters. The fish products competed well and achieved levels of acceptance similar to those of the beef-containing products. Texture measurements revealed slight changes in the fish products during storage for 7 days at 5–6°C. No spoilage was detected in any of the products after a week at 5–6°C. The nutritional advantages of the fish sausages and frankfurters are discussed.     

Stability of betacyanin from red pitahaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and its potential application as a natural colourant in milk

The effects of temperature (30, 50, 85 and 100 °C) treatment and 10 weeks of refrigerated storage (4 °C) on the betacyanin content and colour stability of betacyanins from red pitahaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) were investigated and compared to red beet (Beta vulgaris; E‐162) which was used as a control. Temperature treatment at 50 and 85 °C caused a greater reduction in betacyanin content (BC) in E‐162 compared to red pitahaya by inducing changes in betacyanin profile. The 10 weeks of refrigerated storage at 4 °C induced colour changes in betacyanins from red pitahaya and E‐162. In milk, betacyanins from red pitahaya presented a lower loss of BC and total colour changes (ΔE*) compared to E‐162. The microbial onset in milk containing betacyanins from red pitahaya and E‐162 was delayed up to day 5 of refrigerated storage at 4 °C compared to day 3 in plain milk. Milk containing betacyanins from red pitahaya showed better colour acceptability (3.89 ± 1.89) compared to E‐162 (6.10 ± 1.71). Hence, betacyanins from red pitahaya may be a potential natural functional colourant to simulate strawberry colour in milk.     

The use of nisin as a preservative in fish sausage stored at ambient (28 ± 2 °C) and refrigerated (6 ± 2 °C) temperatures

Summary The efficacy of nisin at three different concentrations, 12.5, 25 and 50 ppm, on the keeping quality of fish sausage in synthetic casing at ambient (28 ± 2 °C) and refrigerated (6 ± 2 °C) temperatures was assessed. Gel strength, expressible water content, total volatile base nitrogen, total plate count and aerobic spore counts were affected by the storage temperatures and nisin concentrations used. Fish sausage treated with 50 ppm of nisin was acceptable after storage at ambient temperature for 20–22 days compared with the control, which were acceptable only for 2 days. The keeping quality of the sausages, at refrigerated temperature, varied from 30 days in the control to 150 days in 50‐ppm nisin‐treated samples. The residual nisin decreased slowly in samples stored at refrigerated temperature, whereas, in fish sausages stored at ambient temperature, the decrease was rapid. Nisin at 50‐ppm level showed a significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on the gel strength and overall acceptability scores both at ambient and refrigerated temperature.     

Microbiological and enzymatic activity of bovine whole milk treated by pulsed electric fields

Pulsed electric field (PEF)‐treated milk (25.7 kV/cm for 34 μs after preheating to 55 °C and holding for 24 s) was microbiologically stable for 21 days at 4 °C, and similar to thermally treated milk (63 °C for 30 min or 73 °C for 15 s). Alkaline phosphatase inactivation was comparable after PEF (preheating followed by PEF) and both thermal treatments. PEF treatment initially reduced xanthine oxidase (30%) and plasmin (7%) activities, but after 21 days of refrigerated storage these activities were similar to the initial untreated milk. During refrigerated storage of PEF (preheating followed by PEF) and thermally treated milk, lipolytic activity increased and pH levels decreased.     

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.     

Comparing the Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Ultrahigh Temperature on Quality and Shelf Life of Cloudy Ginger Juice

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 500 MPa for 10 min and ultrahigh temperature (UHT) at 110 °C for 8.6 s on the quality of cloudy ginger juice (CGJ) were investigated during storage for 91 days at 4 and 25 °C. The quality aspects studied were microbial stability and selected properties, including pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), total phenols, gingerols, antioxidant capacity, color, and aroma composition. The results showed that HHP treatment led to a 3.0 log cycle reduction of microbial load but did not influence pH, TSS, TA, antioxidant capacity, and color (day 0). Total phenol content increased by 5.31 % after HHP treatment but decreased significantly by 14.74 % after UHT treatment (day 0). Gingerols increased by 14.43 and 14.18 % after HHP and UHT treatments (day 0), respectively. Monoterpenoids, which are the main volatile aroma compounds, did not change significantly after HHP treatment but decreased significantly by 2.27 % after UHT treatment (day 0). During storage, the decreases in total phenols, gingerols, and antioxidant capacity in the UHT-treated GCJ were more noticeable than those in the HHP-treated GCJ. Kinetic data of changes in total phenols, gingerols, and antioxidant capacity fitted into the combined model well. The changes in antioxidant capacity were positively and significantly correlated to total phenols and gingerols. Color darkened and aroma faded in both HHP-treated and UHT-treated CGJs during storage. The quality changes in samples stored at 25 °C were also more noticeable than those stored at 4 °C.