Effect of high‐pressure treatments on microbial loads and physicochemical characteristics during refrigerated storage of raw milk Serra da Estrela cheese samples

This work studied the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) at 400, 500 and 600 MPa during 10, 5 and 3 min, respectively, on samples ewe cheese manufactured from raw milk, during storage (100 days) at 5 °C. Total aerobic mesophilic and lactic acid bacteria were slightly affected, decreasing by about 1.0 and 0.82 log CFU g^?1, respectively, immediately after HPP treatment at 600 MPa for 3 min, while Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and moulds, and Listeria innocua were reduced to below the quantification limits. Lactic acid bacteria decreased further during storage, showing increasing inactivation as the pressure level increased. Physicochemical parameters (water activity, moisture content, pH and titratable acidity) were generally not affected by HPP, while lipid oxidation increased throughout storage, with HPP samples showing lower values (50–66%) at 100 days of storage. The results indicated that HPP has potential to improve cheese microbial safety and shelf‐life, with a lower lipid oxidation level than nonpressurised cheese.     

Fermented minced pepper by high pressure processing,high pressure processing with mild temperature and thermal pasteurization

High pressure processing (HPP) and thermal pasteurization (TP) of fermented minced pepper (FMP) were comparatively evaluated by examining their impacts on microbial load, titratable acid (TA), pH, a_w, firmness, color, capsanthin, ascorbic acid (AA), and biogenic amines (BAs) after processing and during 12 weeks of storage at 25 and 37 °C. The total plate count (TPC) in FMP samples was reduced by 1.48, 0.12 and 1.58 log₁₀ CFU/g after TP (83 °C/15 min), HPP1 (500 MPa/20 °C/5 min) and HPP2 (500 MPa/50 °C/5 min), respectively. The population of spores was reduced by 1.21 log₁₀ CFU/g only after HPP2. During storage at 25 or 37 °C, the TPC in TP, HPP1, and HPP2 samples increased by 0.88/1.21, 0.41/0.62 and 0.60/0.86 log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively, while the spores decreased below the detection limit. The retention of firmness after TP, HPP1 and HPP2 was 36.91, 91.15 and 66.48% respectively, and HPP-treated samples exhibited more retention during the storage. Color of FMP samples was not changed by TP, but slightly changed by HPP1 and HPP2. The content of capsanthin retained 78.99, 93.71 and 88.19% after TP, HPP1 and HPP2, it showed a small decrease during storage. Levels of biogenic amines (BAs) in HPP2 samples were lower than that of TP and HPP1 ones. There were better sensory quality and lower microbial level in HPP-treated samples during storage, indicating that HPP is a better choice for the preservation of FMP.Industrial relevanceConsumption of fermented minced pepper (FMP), as a traditional Chinese food, is becoming increasingly popular. Considering that heat treatment may destroy some heat-sensitive quality of the products, this study evaluated the effects of high pressure processing (HPP) on quality of FMP. Findings of this study could help processors commercialize HPP to replace current thermal processing in industrial production.     

Oyster preservation by high-pressure treatment

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of 10-min continuous pressure and pulsed pressure in two 5-min steps (400 MPa at 7 degrees C) on the microbial flora, total volatile bases, pH, and texture of purified and unpurified oysters. High-pressure treatment reduced the number of all the target microorganisms (total viable count, H2S-producing microorganisms, lactic acid bacteria, Brochothrix thermosphacta, and coliforms), in some cases by around 5-log units. The difference between the counts in the control and the pressurized oysters remained stable throughout 41 days of storage at 2 degrees C. No Salmonella spp. were detected in either the control batch or the pressurized batches during this storage period. Deterioration of the oyster was accompanied by increased total volatile bases, mainly in the nonpressurized samples. The pH was practically constant in the pressurized oysters and fell slightly in unpressurized samples. As for mechanical properties, shear strength values were higher in pressurized than in unpressurized oysters. Step-pulse pressurizing (400 MPa at 7 degrees C in two 5-min pulses) produced no apparent advantages over continuous pressurizing based on any of the indices used.     

超高压处理对LDPE、PA6食品包装材料包装性能可逆性的研究

本文在不同条件下对LDPE、PA6进行超高压(HPP)处理,测定不同压力、保压时间及存储时间对材料拉伸强度、热封性能、阻隔性能、热性能以及包装性能可逆性的影响。实验表明:处理压力、保压时间及存储时间对2种材料的热封性均未产生显著影响,但LDPE、PA6试样的拉伸强度随压力升高明显增大;当压力300 MPa时LDPE的透湿性逐渐上升,当压力300 MPa时LDPE的透湿性又逐渐降低,对PA6来说,当压力100 MPa时,材料的透湿性明显下降由10.13 g/(m2·d)(0.1 MPa/10 min)降低到6.79 g/(m2·d)(200 MPa/10 min),但随压力增大透湿性下降的幅度并不明显;两种材料的熔融焓在HPP下均有升高,当存储24 h后,两种材料的ΔH又有所恢复;与0.1 MPa下相比,经过HPP后对异丙基甲苯在LDPE(500 MPa)和PA6(100 MPa)薄膜中的渗透率分别降低约50%和58%,但随着存储时间的延长又逐渐恢复至常压下的渗透率。研究发现实验中采用的LDPE和PA6 2种薄膜的包装性能均有可逆现象出现。     

Comparing the impact of high pressure,pulsed electric field and thermal pasteurization on quality attributes of cloudy apple juice using targeted and untargeted analyses

The impact of low-oxygen spiral-filter press technology combined with thermal pasteurization (TP), pulsed electric field (PEF) and high pressure processing (HPP) on cloudy apple juice quality was investigated immediately after the treatments and after 3 weeks of storage at 4 °C. Based on equivalent levels of microbial safety and desired shelf-life, low and high processing intensities were selected: TP (72 °C/15 s; 85 °C/30 s), PEF (12.5 kV/cm, 76.4 kJ/L; 12.3 kV/cm, 132.5 kJ/L), and HPP (400 MPa/3 min; 600 MPa/3 min). High intensity thermal treatment resulted in a bright, yellowish color which was maintained during storage. PPO and POD activities were largely reduced by high intensity PEF and TP yet showed high resistance to HPP. The highest vitamin C content was provided by fresh juice followed by PEF-treated juices. Due to oxidative degradation reactions, vitamin C of all treated samples significantly decreased during storage. Immediately after processing, high cloud stability values were obtained in all samples; however, cloud stability decreased during storage particularly for HPP juices with high residual PME. No significant changes were observed in pH, titratable acidity, organic acid and sugar content which also corresponded to sweet and sour taste. Results from untargeted volatile profiles showed that esters increased after PEF and were better retained after HPP. Contrary to TP treatment where ester degradation reactions occurred together with the formation of off-flavors. Most of the volatiles decreased during storage which could be linked to oxidation and ester hydrolysis reactions.Industrial relevanceBeing one of the most popular fruit juices consumed worldwide, cloudy apple juice can still undergo quality changes such as color degradation, cloud loss (fast sedimentation) and flavor changes during processing and storage. This study evaluates the potential of low-oxygen spiral-filter press in combination with different preservation technologies to obtain a maximal quality of cloudy apple juice. Results showed that high intensity thermal pasteurization can effectively inactivate quality-degrading enzymes, therefore it is useful to obtain an optimal cloudy apple juice product in terms of color and cloud stability. Although HPP has minimal impact on aroma of the juice, shelf-life of the juice may be limited due to incomplete enzyme inactivation. In the case of PEF treatment, thermal effects may contribute to maintain apple juice quality.     

Production of Shelf-Stable Ranch Dressing Using High-Pressure Processing

ABSTRACT:  High-pressure processing (HPP) can reduce or eliminate microorganisms of concern in food without deteriorating product quality; however, quality benefits must justify the substantial capital investment for the utilization of this technology. HPP is particularly a beneficial preservation technology for products damaged by thermal treatments or when product quality could be improved by reformulation to raise pH or eliminate chemical preservatives. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of HPP to protect premium ranch dressing (pH 4.4) from microbial spoilage and to assess changes in physical, chemical, and sensory attributes throughout the product's shelf life. In inoculated-packages studies, the efficacy of HPP was measured against ranch dressing spoilage organisms: Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus brevis, and Torulaspora delbrueckii . HPP treatment (600 MPa, 3 min) decreased population of P. acidilactici , the most pressure-resistant spoilage organism tested, by ≥ 6.4 log CFU/g. During a shelf-life study of edible product, treating ranch dressing at 600 MPa for 5 min effectively prevented microbial spoilage throughout the storage period (26 wk at 4 and 26 °C). The pH and emulsion stability of ranch dressing were not adversely influenced by HPP. Extended storage of HPP product for 16 to 26 wk at 26 °C resulted in a decrease in consumer acceptance and significant changes in color and organic acid profile (specifically, increased pyroglutamic acid). These changes were consistent with those expected during extended storage of commercially available products. HPP may be used to produce premium ranch dressing, with defined shelf-life and storage conditions, without significantly changing product attributes.     

Levels of Vibrio vulnificus and organoleptic quality of raw shellstock oysters (Crassostrea virginica) maintained at different storage temperatures.

Temperature abuse during raw oyster harvesting and storage may allow for the multiplication of natural spoilage flora as well as microbial pathogens, thus posing a potential health threat to susceptible consumers and compromising product quality. The objective of this study was to provide a scientific basis for determining whether different refrigeration and abuse temperatures for raw oysters would result in a spoiled product before it became unsafe. Raw shellstock oysters (Crassostrea virginica) purchased from a commercial Virginia processor were subjected to different temperature abuse conditions (7, 13, and 21 degrees C) over a 10-day storage period. Salinity, pH, halophilic plate count (HPC), total culturable Vibrio counts, and culturable Vibrio vulnificus counts were determined at each abuse condition. V. vulnificus isolates were confirmed by a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Olfactory analysis was performed to determine consumer acceptability of the oysters at each abuse stage. The pH of the oysters decreased over time in each storage condition. The HPC increased 2 to 4 logs for all storage conditions, while olfactory acceptance decreased over time. V. vulnificus levels increased over time, reaching 10(5) to 10(6) CFU/g by day 6. The length of storage had a greater effect on the bacterial counts and olfactory acceptance of the oysters (P < 0.05) over time than did the storage temperature (P < 0.05).     

Varying the temperature of the liquid used for high-pressure processing of prerigor pork: effects on fresh pork quality, myofibrillar protein solubility, and frankfurter textural properties

The objective was to evaluate high-pressure processing (HPP) with varying liquid (water) temperatures on pork quality and textural properties of frankfurters. HPP pressurization liquid temperatures were 15.5 °C (HPP Low) and 29.4 °C (HPP Med). Analyses were conducted using paired boneless loins and paired boneless hams. Loins were evaluated for pH, purge loss, objective color, subjective color, firmness; and changes in color after a bloom period. Eight independent batches (2 batches each of HPP Low, paired untreated, HPP Med, and paired untreated) of frankfurters were manufactured from the outside portion of the ham and the knuckle. Both HPP treatments resulted in higher (P < 0.05) ultimate pH and less (P < 0.05) purge loss of the loin. Loin tenderness was not different among either HPP treatment temperature groups when compared to untreated controls except HPP Med chops were more tender (P = 0.02) than untreated controls. Salt-soluble protein extractability of inside ham muscles was lower (P < 0.05) for both HPP treatment levels when compared to untreated controls, but was not different between the 2 HPP treatment levels. Textural properties of frankfurters were not different for either HPP treatment group when compared to its respective untreated control for any parameter except springiness. HPP Low frankfurters had lower (P = 0.10) springiness values than untreated controls. Fracturability of HPP Med samples was lower (P = 0.12) than untreated controls. Overall, HPP caused higher ultimate pH and increased water-holding capacity, but did not affect tenderness of fresh meat or textural properties of frankfurters. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: HPP can be used on prerigor pork as means to improve fresh pork quality. Loins from HPP-treated pork sides had higher ultimate pH values and less package purge loss. Tenderness values were not affected positively or negatively by HPP treatment. The high pH and water-holding capabilities of treated samples have positive implications for further processing applications. Frankfurter textural properties suggest emulsified products can be made with pressurized pork without sacrifice to the textural profile.     

Dimethylamine, trimethylamine, and biogenic amine formation in high-pressure processed semidried squid (Todarodes pacificius) during refrigerated storage

The quality properties of semidried squid treated with high-pressure processing (HPP) were investigated during refrigerated storage. The vacuum-packed semidried squid samples were subjected to 500 MPa for 0 min (HPP-0), 5 min (HPP-5), and 10 min (HPP-10) by using a custom-made high-pressure processor and stored at a refrigerated temperature for 28 d. The populations of indigenous psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria were effectively reduced by approximately 1 and 2 log CFU/g at the HPP-10 treatment, respectively. Compared to the control, the bacterial counts in HPP-treated semidried squid samples were maintained at low levels throughout the storage period. The increase in the amounts of dimethylamine (DMA) and trimethylamine (TMA) was more pronounced at the unpressurized control than at the HPP treatments. The production of biogenic amines (BAs) varied with HPP treatment during refrigerated storage. Therefore, the application of HPP may provide a significant improvement in the safety and quality of semidried squid.     

Effect of Soybean-to-Water Ratio and pH on Pressurized Soymilk Properties

ABSTRACT:  The influence of soybean-to-water ratio (1:6 and 1:8) and pH (6 and 7) on characteristics of soymilk treated by high pressure processing (HPP, 500 and 600 MPa, 10 min, 25 °C) or thermal treatment (95 °C for 30 min) was investigated. Changes in the soymilk appearance were observed only for the 1:6, pH 6 soymilk that underwent a sol formation after HPP treatment and was apparently more viscous after thermal treatment. These changes were reflected in the viscosity values of these soymilks, which were increased by a factor of 4.3 and 3.6, after HPP and thermal treatment, respectively. After HPP treatment at pH 7 at both 1:6 and 1:8 ratios, the viscosity of the soymilks was unchanged compared to the controls. HPP treatment significantly increased the emulsion stability for all soymilks tested except for the 1:6, pH 7 soymilk. Peptide profiles of thermal- and pressure-treated samples were not affected; however, aggregates were observed in the soluble protein fraction after thermal and pressure treatment. Surface free and total free sulfhydryl content, surface hydrophobicity, and solubility of the proteins were decreased after HPP and thermal treatment regardless the soybean-to-water ratios and pH values of the soymilk.     

Effect of high‐pressure processing on immunoreactivity,microbial and physicochemical properties of hazelnut milk

This study investigated the effects of high‐pressure processing (HPP) and thermal processing (TP) on the overall quality attributes of hazelnut milk. HPP achieved the same microbial safety as TP, and the pH, °Brix and sugar contents were maintained at the levels of fresh hazelnut milk. Although HPP caused colour changes, the ?E was smaller than that of the TP sample. Increasing pressure significantly decreased the immunoreactivity of the hazelnut milk by 70%, while simultaneously reducing the levels of essential and non‐essential amino acids and chemical score (CS) and the essential amino acid index (EAAI) values. However, neither HPP nor TP significantly affected the fatty acid composition of hazelnut milk. HPP retained higher total phenolic and flavonoid levels of the hazelnut milk, with a better antioxidant capacity than TP samples. Thus, the HPP maintained microbial safety during cold storage, and physicochemical properties of the treated hazelnut milk were not significantly different from those of the fresh hazelnut milk.     

Use of mild-heat treatment following high-pressure processing to prevent recovery of pressure-injured Listeria monocytogenes in milk

This study examined the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in milk by high-pressure processing (HPP) and bacterial recovery during storage after HPP. We developed a technique to inhibit the bacterial recovery during storage after HPP (550 MPa for 5 min) using a mild-heat treatment (30-50 degrees C). Various mild-heat treatments were conducted following HPP to investigate the condition on which the bacterial recovery was prevented. Immediately after HPP of 550 MPa at 25 degrees C for 5 min, no L. monocytogenes cells were detected in milk regardless of the inoculum levels (3, 5, and 7 log(10)CFU/ml). However, the number of L. monocytogenes cells increased by >8 log(10)CFU/ml regardless of the inoculum levels after 28 days of storage at 4 degrees C. Significant recovery was observed during storage at 25 degrees C; the bacterial number increased by >8 log(10)CFU/ml after 3 days of storage in the case of an initial inoculum level of 7 and 5 log(10)CFU/ml. Even in the case of an initial inoculum level of 3 log(10)CFU/ml, the bacterial number reached the level of 8 log(10)CFU/ml after 7 days of storage. No bacterial recovery was observed with storage at 37 degrees C for 28 days. Milk samples were treated by various mild-heat treatments (30-50 degrees C for 5-240 min) following HPP of 550 MPa at 25 degrees C for 5 min, and then stored at 25 degrees C for 70 days. The mild-heat treatment (e.g., 37 degrees C for 240 min or 50 degrees C for 10 min) inhibited the recovery of L. monocytogenes in milk after HPP. No recovery of L. monocytogenes in milk was observed during 70-day storage at 25 degrees C in samples that received mild-heat treatments such as mentioned above following HPP (550 MPa for 5 min). Moreover, the mild-heat treatment conditions (temperature and holding time) required to inhibit the recovery of L. monocytogenes in milk was modelled using a logistic regression procedure. The predicted interface of recovery/no recovery can be used to calculate the mild-heat treatment condition to control bacterial recovery during storage at 25 degrees C after HPP (550 MPa for 5 min). The results in this study would contribute to enhance the safety of high-pressure-processed milk.     

Effect of High-Pressure Processing on Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strains in Pure Culture and Pacific Oysters

Different strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) in broth cultures and Vp‐inoculated live Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were subjected to high‐pressure processing (HPP) at 241, 276, 310, and 345 MPa. Results showed Vp numbers were reduced by HPP in both pure culture and whole oysters. Vp inactivation was dependent on time and pressure. Optimum conditions for reducing Vp in pure culture and oysters to nondetectable levels were achieved at 345 MPa for 30 and 90 s, respectively. Resistance variations were detected between Vp in pure culture and in oysters. HPP proved to be an efficient means of reducing Vp in oysters.     

Quality of Banana Puree During Storage: a Comparison of High Pressure Processing and Thermal Pasteurization Methods

The quality features of banana puree after high pressure processing (HPP) at 500 MPa for 10 min and thermal pasteurization (TP) at 90 °C for 2 min during 30 days of refrigerated storage were compared in this study. Initial counts in banana puree of greater than 3.80 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g of total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and 3.10 log CFU/g of molds and yeasts (M&Y) were reduced by HPP and TP. TAB were approximately 1.0 CFU/g, and M&Y were less than 0.3 log CFU/g in HPP- and TP-processed puree during storage. HPP and TP did not change pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), lightness (L), and yellowness (b), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC), but HPP raised redness (a) and TP reduced a and ascorbic acid (AA). During storage, L, a, and b in HPP- and TP-processed purees did not change but HPP-processed puree increased pH and decreased TA. After storage, the percentage of TPC and AA was 75.85 and 55.09 % in the HPP group and 96.30 and 68.09 % in the TP group, indicating a significant loss of TPC and a greater loss of AA in HPP-processed puree. The loss of AC agreed with the loss of AA and TPC. HPP preserved particle size distribution and viscosity of purees, whereas TP increased the number of smaller particles and viscosity after processing and in storage. Twenty-six volatiles (18 esters) and 22 volatiles (15 esters) were detected in HPP- and TP-processed purees, and the ester fraction was 69.79 and 52.36 %, respectively. HPP was found to be an effective alternative pasteurization method for preserving the quality of fresh banana puree.     

Effects of ultrafiltration combined with high-pressure processing,ultrasound and heat treatments on the quality of a blueberry–grape–pineapple–cantaloupe juice blend

This study investigated the effect of ultrafiltration (UF) combined with high-pressure processing (HPP) at 550 MPa, 25 °C for 5 min, ultrasound (US) at 520 W, 40 °C for 10 min and heat treatment (HT) at 90 °C for 3 min on the microbial, physicochemical and sensory properties of a blueberry–grape–pineapple–cantaloupe juice blend during 104 days of storage at 4 °C. After UF, the shelf life of the HPP- and US-treated clear juice blends were 104 and 72 days during the storage at 4 °C respectively. HPP, US and HT treatment minimally affected the anthocyanin and total phenol contents, while HPP better maintained the ascorbic acid levels and sensory properties in the clear juice blend during the storage. Therefore, HPP combined with UF was identified as a prospective processing technique in the fruit juice industry.     

Antimicrobial efficacy of cinnamaldehyde,chitosan and high pressure processing against Cronobacter sakazakii in infant formula

This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) and chitosan (CH) along with high pressure processing (HPP) against Cronobacter sakazakii in infant formula. HPP, with or without TC, and CH, was applied to reconstituted powdered infant formula with C. sakazakii. Microbiological and sensory analyses, pH, protein oxidation, and emulsion stability of each sample were determined. C. sakazakii was totally inactivated by HPP (600 MPa for 5 min), TC (0.05%) and CH (1%) combination after 4, 6, and 2 weeks of storage at 7, 23, and 45°C, respectively. All HPP treatments exhibited a minimum of 5.5 log CFU/ml reduction while the highest reductions with non-HPP treatments were 2.1, 1.1, and 3.7 log CFU/ml at 7, 23, and 45°C storage, respectively. Although TC exhibited a cinnamon-like taste, overall sensory attributes were not significantly different from the control samples. Remarkable deformation and damage in C. sakazakii cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy after the application of HPP and bioactive compounds.     

Influence of packaging strategy on microbiological and biochemical changes in high‐pressure‐treated oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

BACKGROUND: High‐pressure (HP) treatment is being increasingly employed for commercial processing of oysters, but there is relatively limited information on the microbiological quality and enzymatic activity of HP‐treated in‐shell oysters. The objective of this research was to study the influence of packaging strategy on microbiological and biochemical changes in oysters HP treated at 260 MPa for 3 min or 400 MPa for 5 min at 20 °C and stored at 0 °C either aerobically on ice, in vacuum packaging (VP) or under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 40% CO₂, 60% N₂), compared with changes in untreated oysters. RESULTS: Both HP treatments reduced the microbiological load to below the detection limit (<100 colony‐forming units g^?1). MAP and VP also delayed subsequent microbial growth compared with aerobically stored samples. After 21 days of storage, total volatile base levels remained lower than the proposed acceptability limits for all samples; however, after 28 days, only oysters HP treated at 400 MPa, irrespective of the packaging system used, did not exceed this limit. HP increased the thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance (TBARS) values of oysters, indicating increased lipid oxidation. During storage, TBARS values of all MAP and VP oysters remained lower than those of aerobically stored oysters. CONCLUSION: HP treatment, in combination with adequate chilled storage and MAP, can extend the shelf‐life and safety of oysters. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Combined pH and high hydrostatic pressure effects on Lactococcus starter cultures and Candida spoilage yeasts in a fermented milk test system during cold storage

The combined effects of high pressure processing (HPP) and pH on the glycolytic and proteolytic activities of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, a commonly used cheese starter culture and the outgrowth of spoilage yeasts of Candida species were investigated in a fermented milk test system. To prepare the test system, L. lactis subsp. lactis C10 was grown in UHT skim milk to a final pH of 4.30 and then additional samples for treatment were prepared by dilution of fermented milk with UHT skim milk to pH levels of 5.20 and 6.50. These milk samples (pH 4.30, 5.20 and 6.50) with or without an added mixture of two yeast cultures, Candida zeylanoides and Candida lipolytica (10⁵ CFU mL⁻¹ of each species), were treated at 300 and 600 MPa (≤20 °C, 5 min) and stored at 4 °C for up to 8 weeks. Continuing acidification by starter cultures, as monitored during storage, was substantially reduced in the milk pressurised at pH 5.20 where the initial titratable acidity (TA) of 0.40% increased by only 0.05% (600 MPa) and 0.10% (300 MPa) at week 8, compared to an increase of 0.30% in untreated controls. No substantial differences were observed in pH or TA between pressure-treated and untreated milk samples at pH 4.30 or 6.50. The rate of proteolysis in milk samples at pH values of 5.20 and 6.50 during storage was significantly reduced by treatment at 600 MPa. Treatment at 600 MPa also reduced the viable counts of both Candida yeast species to below the detection limit (1 CFU mL⁻¹) at all pH levels for the entire storage period. However, samples treated at 300 MPa showed recovery of C. lipolytica from week 3 onwards, reaching 10⁶–10⁷ CFU mL⁻¹ by week 8. In contrast, C. zeylanoides did not show any recovery in any of the pressure-treated samples during storage.     

Quality of Fresh-cut Apple Slices as Affected by Low-dose Ionizing Radiation and Calcium Ascorbate Treatment

ABSTRACT: Although ionizing radiation effectively inactivates food-borne bacterial pathogens in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, it may adversely affect product quality. In this study, the effects of calcium ascorbate (CaA) and ionizing radiation on quality of 'Gala' apple slices under modified atmosphere packaging were investigated. 'Gala' apple slices, treated with water or 7% CaA followed by either nonirradiation (0 kGy) or irradiation at 0.5 and 1.0 kGy, were stored at 10°C for up to 3 wk. The titratable acidity, pH, firmness, ascorbic acid content, color, and microflora population were measured weekly throughout storage. Irradiation did not affect titratable acidity and pH of sliced apples. Fruit slices softened during irradiation and storage, but this decrease in firmness during storage was reduced by the CaA treatment. Although the ascorbic acid content of apple slices treated with CaA decreased rapidly during storage, the ascorbic acid content was always higher in those treated samples than in the apple slices treated with water. Irradiation decreased both L * and hue values of apple slices. Hue values decreased during the entire storage period while L * increased during the 1st wk of storage, then decreased between 1 to 3 wk of storage. CaA increased L * and hue values of apple slices, suggesting CaA reduced browning, even in irradiated samples. The microflora population of apples slices was not affected by CaA, and CaA treatment did not alter the reduction in microflora by irradiation. The combination of CaA and irradiation enhanced microbial food safety while maintaining quality of fresh-cut apple slices.     

Production and quality improvement of Indian cottage cheese (Paneer) using high pressure processing

Paneer, a product of India similar to cottage cheese, was prepared from cow's milk heat-treated (90 °C/5 min) (HTMP) or high-pressure (HP) treated (500 MPa/15 min) (HPPMP) for achieving pasteurization. HTMP and HPPMP paneer samples were HP treated (500 MPa for 15 min) again after vacuum packaging to get HTMP/HPP and HPPMP/HPP samples, respectively. The third set of samples were obtained by dipping HTMP and HPPMP paneer samples in 2% lactic acid solution and then subjecting them to the same HP treatment and stamped as HTMP/LA/HPP and HPPMP/LA/HPP, respectively. All six types of vacuum-packed paneer were studied for changes in moisture, acidity, pH, color, texture, and microbiological quality during storage at 5 ± 1 °C and 25 ± 1 °C. High-pressure treatment of milk increased the yield of paneer significantly (P < 0.05) from 13.9 ± 0.59% (HTMP) to 18.2 ± 0.32% (HPPMP). Paneer treated with lactic acid and high-pressure treatment (HTMP/LA/HPP and HPPMP/LA/HPP) had higher textural stability than HTMP, HTMP/HPP, HPPMP, and HPPMP/HPP for up to 28 days, but had a reduced moisture content, higher acidity, and lower whiteness index. High-pressure treatment of vacuum-packed paneer (HTMP/HPP and HPPMP/HPP) led to the formation of a more compact paneer matrix (higher hardness), higher moisture expulsion, and yellowness (b*). Thus, high-pressure processing of paneer could pave paths for extending paneer shelf-life without any additives and thermal treatment.