Effects of basic amino acids on heterocyclic amines and quality characteristics of fried beef patties at low NaCl level.

The impact of basic amino acids (Lysine, Arginine, Histidine) on the formation of total heterocyclic amines (HAs) was investigated in fried beef patties at 1% NaCl level. Different levels of basic amino acids (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%) significantly inhibited the formation of the total and individual HAs at 1% NaCl, and the inhibitory effect was more effective than 3% NaCl (6.19 ng/g, 26.93% inhibition) (P < 0.05). Lys at 1% reduced total HAs the most (2.46 ng/g, 70.88% inhibition), followed by 1% His (2.79 ng/g, 67.03% inhibition) and 1% Arg (3.43 ng/g, 59.51% inhibition). Compared to the 3% NaCl, the quality characteristics (moisture content, frying loss, texture profile, and color) of the fried beef patties were significantly improved when basic amino acids were added at 1% NaCl (P < 0.05). The lipid oxidation of fried beef patties was significantly inhibited by 1% Arg and 1% Lys at 1% NaCl level (P < 0.05). The results indicated that basic amino acids could inhibit the formation of total HAs while maintaining the quality of meat products at low NaCl condition.

Determination of Four PAHs and Formaldehyde in Traditionally Smoked Chicken Products.

The present study was conducted to analyze the level of four priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), chrysene (Chr), benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), and benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), in traditionally smoked chicken products marketed in China. The results show that the amount of Æ©PAH4 (the sum of four different PAHs: BaP, Chr, BaA, and BbF) was 30.43-225.17 and 18.75-129.54 µg/kg in the skin and meat of smoked chicken products, respectively. The content of Æ©PAH4 in the smoked skin was significantly higher as compared to the smoked meat (p < 0.05). The calculation of MOE (margin of exposure) results suggested the possibilities of ingestion risk associated with the consumption of smoked chicken skin. Furthermore, the formaldehyde content in the skin of smoked chicken was 2.17-6.84 mg/kg and 0.86-2.95 mg/kg in the smoked meat. These results indicate that optimization or alternative methods for food processing should be developed to reduce the high level of harmful substances formed during processing to ensure the safety of smoked chicken products. Moreover, along with harmful substances, the moisture content and color of traditionally smoked chicken were analyzed to provide a practical reference for healthy, safe and green processing technology for smoked chicken.