Thermoforming Vacuum Packaging Influences Fresh Pork Loin Chop Characteristics.

The storage duration of fresh meat products is a contributing factor leading to increased waste and loss at the retail counter. Losses of fresh pork can be linked to packaging methods that do not protect the attributes of color, taste, and odors consumers use in determining wholesome meat. Boneless pork loins (N = 63) were fabricated into 2.54-cm-thick chops and assigned to one of three vacuum treatments (VacA, VacB, VacC) or a fourth polyvinyl chloride overwrap (PVC) treatment to assess objective fresh color, cook loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and lipid oxidation. Pork chops (n = 882) were evaluated at 5-day intervals (D 0, 5, 10, 15) in a randomized complete block design. Pork chop surface color was lighter (L*; p < 0.0001) when stored in a vacuum compared to PVC-packaged loin chops, regardless of storage duration. Redness (a*) values were greater (p < 0.0001) for loin chops stored in PVC than all other vacuum packaging treatments throughout the entire 15-day display period. Relative values for chroma on PVC-packaged loin chops were greater (p < 0.0001) throughout the simulated retail display period. An interaction of day and packaging treatment (p < 0.0343) occurred for WBSF. Lipid oxidation for pork chops packaged using PVC was significantly greater (p < 0.0001) from Day 10 through the completion of the storage period. Results indicate that vacuum packaging limits the deterioration of fresh pork loin chops, whereas traditional overwrapping expedites the color and lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage.

Vacuum Packaging Can Protect Ground Beef Color and Oxidation during Cold Storage.

Storing ground beef at frozen temperatures prior to refrigerated display when using thermoforming vacuum packaging is not a common manufacturing practice. However, limited data on thermoforming packaging film and its interaction with meat quality suggests that more information is needed. The current study aimed to identify the influences of thermoforming packaging on the surface color and lipid oxidation of ground beef. Ground beef was portioned into 454 g bricks and packaged into one of three thermoforming films: T1 (150 µ polyethylene/EVOH/polyethylene coextrusion), T2 (175 µ polyethylene /EVOH/polyethylene coextrusion), and T3 (200 µ polyethylene/EVOH/polyethylene coextrusion), stored for 21 days at -20.83 °C (±1.50 °C), and displayed for 42 days at 3.0 °C ± 1.5 °C. There were no statistical differences for the packaging treatment of lipid oxidation (p = 0.0744), but oxidation increased throughout storage day (p < 0.0001). The main effects of treatment and day resulted in altered (p < 0.05) surface lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness, hue angle (°), red-to-brown (RTB), and relative myoglobin for met-myoglobin (MET), deoxymyoglobin (DMB), and oxymyoglobin (OMB). Surprisingly, there was an interaction between treatment and day for the calculated relative values of chroma (p = 0.0321), Delta E (p = 0.0155), and the ratio of a*:b* (p < 0.0001). These results indicate that thermoforming vacuum packaging can reduce the rate of deterioration that occurs to ground beef color and the rate of oxidation.

Assessing the Impact of Pomegranate Peel Extract Active Packaging and High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing on Color and Oxidative Stability in Sliced Nitrate/Nitrite-Reduced Iberian Dry-Cured Loins.

Our study aimed to assess the impact of active packaging with pomegranate peel extract (0.06 mg gallic acid eq./cm2) and/or high-pressure treatment (600 MPa, 7 min) on the instrumental color, lipid, and protein oxidation of Iberian dry loins formulated with reduced nitrate/nitrite levels (0, 37.5, and 150 mg/kg) during 100-day refrigerated storage (4 °C). CIE L*a*b* coordinates were measured, and malondialdehyde, carbonyls, and free thiol contents served as markers for lipid and protein oxidation. Active packaging lowered CIE L* (35.4 vs. 34.1) and a* (15.5 vs. 14.5) and increased yellowness (15.6 vs. 16.3) and hue (45.2 vs. 48.4), while pressurization increased CIE L* (33.1 vs. 36.3) and diminished a* values (16.1 vs. 13.9). Ongoing nitrate/nitrite amounts significantly influenced lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, and free thiol loss. Active packaging and high-pressure processing had varying effects on carbonyl and thiol contents. Neither pressurization nor active packaging impacted malondialdehyde formation. Pressurization enhanced the formation of 4-HNE (503 vs. 697 pg/g). Protein oxidation proved more sensitive to changes, with active packaging offering protection against protein carbonylation (15.4 vs. 14.7 nmol carbonyls/mg protein), while pressurization induced thiol loss (34.3 vs. 28.0 nmol Cys eq./mg protein). This comprehensive understanding provides essential insights for the meat industry, emphasizing the necessity for customized processing conditions to enhance color stability, lipid preservation, and protein integrity in dry-cured loin slices.

Pea Protein Isolate as a Meat Substitute in Canned Pork Pâté: Nutritional, Technological, Oxidative, and Sensory Properties.

This study investigated the feasibility of replacing pork meat with pea protein isolate in canned pâtés at proportions ranging from 12.5% to 50%. The results indicated that protein reformulation did not significantly impact the protein content and lipid oxidation of the pâtés. Reformulated products exhibited a decrease in a∗ values and an increase in b∗ values. These color changes were also sensorially identified in the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) test, where the reformulated pâtés were associated with attributes such as 'yellow color' and 'unpleasant color', which were inversely related to product acceptance. The protein reformulation reduced the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness parameters of the pâtés. These textural changes were positively reflected in the CATA test, where the reformulated products were characterized by attributes like 'soft texture', 'pleasant texture', and 'good spreadability', which strongly correlated with higher consumer acceptance. Notably, pâtés with 37.5% and 50% substitutions of pork meat with pea protein showed acceptability levels comparable to the control, and those with up to a 25% substitution exhibited superior sensory acceptability. However, the color alteration suggests the need for future optimization, such as using natural colorants. In summary, the results of this study not only validate the feasibility of replacing pork meat with pea protein in pâtés but also offer valuable insights for future investigations to develop more innovative and sustainable meat products.

Instrumental Color Measurements Have Relationships to Fat Smearing in Fresh Sausage.

Fat smearing, or poor fat particle definition, impacts the visual quality of sausage. However, objective methods of assessing fat smearing have not been identified. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine the relationship between fat smearing and instrumental color analysis for fresh sausages to create a standard method for using instrumental color in fat smearing analysis. Meat blocks of pork (PK), beef (BF), and a mixture of pork and beef (P/B) were formed and processed at three different temperatures to create varying degrees of fat smearing. The average fat smearing score of each sausage was used to determine if a relationship existed with instrumental color measurements (CIE L*, a*, b*, and reflectance percentage at 580 nm and 630 nm) and color calculations. A correlation was observed for L* (R = -0.704) and the reflectance at 580 nm (R = -0.775) to PK fat smearing (p < 0.05). In P/B sausage, both reflectances at ratios between 630 nm and 580 nm were correlated to P/B fat smearing. No measurement or calculation was correlated with BF fat smearing (p > 0.05). Therefore, it is possible to use instrumental color analysis for the evaluation of fat smearing in pork and pork/beef blended sausage products, but not in beef sausage products.

Production system influences color stability and lipid oxidation in gluteus medius muscle.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the color and oxidative stability of beef gluteus medius (GM) from cattle raised in organic and non-organic production systems. METHODS: The GM samples (n = 10) were obtained from organic (ORG; n = 5) or non-organic (NORG; n = 5) beef samples, sliced into 2.54-cm steaks, packaged in aerobic conditions, and stored for nine days at 4°C. ORG and NORG steaks were compared regarding myoglobin concentration, pH, instrumental color, delta E (ΔE), metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA), and lipid oxidation on days 0, 5, and 9. RESULTS: Feeding system did not influence (p>0.05) the myoglobin concentration. ORG steaks exhibited greater (p<0.05) meat pH, yellowness, and MRA, whereas NORG steaks exhibited greater (p<0.05) redness, chroma, R630/580, delta E, and lipid oxidation. ORG and NORG steaks exhibited similar (p>0.05) lightness and hue angle. During storage, ORG and NORG exhibited an increase in muscle pH, hue angle, and lipid oxidation; and a decrease (p<0.05) in redness, yellowness, chroma, and color stability (R630/580). Both samples exhibited a stable (p>0.05) pattern for lightness and MRA. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the production system can affect beef color and lipid stability during storage.

Vacuum Packaging Can Extend Fresh Color Characteristics of Beef Steaks during Simulated Display Conditions.

Packaging technology is evolving, and the objectives of this study were to evaluate instrumental surface color, expert color evaluation, and lipid oxidation (TBARS) on beef longissimus lumborum steaks packaged in vacuum-ready packaging (VRF) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) overwrap packaging. Paired strip loins (Institutional Meat Purchasing Specifications # 180) were cut into 2.54-cm-thick steaks and assigned randomly to one of two packaging treatments, VRF or PVC. Steaks packaged in VRF were lighter in color (p < 0.05) as the display period increased, whereas steaks packaged in PVC became darker (p < 0.05). Redness (a*) values were greater (p < 0.05) for PVC steaks until day 5, whereas VRF steaks had a greater (p < 0.05) surface redness from day 10 to 35 of the display period. Calculated spectral values of red to brown were greater (p < 0.05) for steaks in VRF than PVC. In addition, expert color evaluators confirmed VRF steaks were less brown and less discolored (p < 0.05) from day 5 to 35 of the display. Nonetheless, lipid oxidation was greater (p < 0.05) for PVC steaks from day 10 through day 35 of the display. Results from this study suggest that the use of vacuum packaging for beef steaks is plausible for maintaining surface color characteristics during extended display periods.

Surface Color Variations of Ground Beef Packaged Using Enhanced, Recycle Ready, or Standard Barrier Vacuum Films.

With current meat industry efforts focused on improving environmental influencers, adopting sustainable packaging materials may be an easier transition to addressing the sustainability demands of the meat consumer. With the growing popularity of vacuum-packaged meat products, the current study evaluated instrumental surface color on fresh ground beef using vacuum packaging films, recycle-ready film (RRF), standard barrier (STB) and enhanced barrier (ENB). Ground beef packaged using ENB barrier film was lighter (L*), redder (a*) and more vivid (chroma) than all other packaging treatments during the simulated display period (p < 0.05). By day 12 of the simulated retail display, the ground beef surface color became lighter (L*), more yellow (b*), less red (a*), less vivid (chroma) and contained greater forms of calculated metmyoglobin, oxymyoglobin (p < 0.05). The current results suggest that barrier properties of vacuum packaging film for ground beef are pivotal for extending the surface color during fresh shelf-life conditions.

Quality assessment of artisanal cheeses in the northwest region of Paraná.

Artisanal unripened cheeses produced in northwestern Paraná, Brazil, were studied for microbiological quality and sensory quality. The cheeses analyzed showed high counts of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and S. aureus. However, even with the results showing poor microbiological quality, from a sensory point of view, consumers considered cheeses acceptable (high acceptance index). The results may indicate that there is still a lack of training and knowledge of production procedures to reduce microbiological contamination of artisanal cheese produced in northwestern Paraná.

Sodium chloride reduction in fresh sausages using salt encapsulated in carnauba wax.

Carnauba wax was used in salt encapsulation, allowing sodium reduction in fresh sausages while maintaining the salty taste due to the inhomogeneous salt distribution. Four treatments were made, as follows: treatment C containing 2% non-encapsulated salt, and the treatments S2.0%, S1.5%, and S1.0% containing 2, 1.5, and 1% encapsulated salt, respectively. The physicochemical parameters were within the standard regulations for all treatments, with the lower hardness and cohesiveness observed for S1.0%. The treatments and the storage period (90 days) had no effect on aw and instrumental color. Although a decrease in pH and an increase in lipid oxidation were observed during storage, the results were within acceptable levels. Concerning the consumers' perception of saltiness, the assessors reported no differences among the treatments C, S2.0%, and S1.5%. Thus, it is possible to reduce 25% salt in fresh sausages using the taste contrast technology.

Effect of sonication on the quality attributes of juçara, banana and strawberry smoothie.

Effect of sonication on the quality parameters of juçara, banana and strawberry smoothie was evaluated using a rotational central composite design with power (73.5-250.0 W) and time (7-36 min) as independent variables. The sonicated smoothie was evaluated regarding anthocyanins, instrumental color and rheological and physicochemical parameters. Within the evaluated processing conditions, 86% of anthocyanins were retained. The pH and acidity of the smoothie wasn't affected by the independent variables. Regarding instrumental color parameters, only luminosity was affected by the operational conditions. The cavitation phenomenon decreased the apparent viscosity of the smoothie. The sonicated smoothie presented non-Newtonian behavior, with characteristics of a pseudoplastic fluid (n < 1) in all treatments and control. Taking into account that the highest anthocyanin retention was observed at 147 W for 2 min, this condition was the most recommended for the processing of the product.

Physico-chemical and thermal properties of chicken myofibrillar protein concentrate (CMPC) mixed with barley bran flour during frozen storage.

BACKGROUND: Possible new additives for surimi-like products made from chicken meat, which could improve its functional properties during frozen storage, are the subject of much research. The use of dietary fibre in surimi-like products made from chicken meat has not been extensively studied. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of barley bran flour in stabilizing chicken myofibrillar proteins during frozen storage and maintaining its functionality. METHODS: Surimi-like material (chicken myofibrillar protein concentrate – CMPC) from mechanically deboned chicken meat was mixed with barley bran flour (0–6%) and stored in a freezer for 30, 60, 90 and 180 days. Instrumental color measurements (L*, a*, and b* values) were taken using a Hunter-Lab Mini ScanXE. Texture profile analysis (TPA) tests were performed using a TA.XT2i SMS Stable Micro Systems Texture Analyzer) equipped with an aluminium cylindrical probe P/75. Differential scanning calorim- etry (DSC) was used for the determination of denaturation temperatures and enthalpies. RESULTS: Denaturation enthalpies of CMPC increased when the mass fraction of barley bran was increased (w = 0–6%). Instrumental color parameters (L*, a* and b*) of CMPC gels were significantly (p < 0.05) af- fected by the addition of barley bran. Texture profile analysis (TPA) parameters – hardness and chewiness – increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the addition of barley bran (w = 0–6%). Cohesiveness and springiness were also significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the addition of barley bran (w = 0–6%) during frozen storage. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in denaturation enthalpies and some instrumental textural and color parameters, indicate possible interactions of chicken myofibrillar proteins with barley bran.

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) juice obtained by steam-extraction: phenolic compound profile, antioxidant capacity, microbiological stability, and sensory acceptability.

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) is a dark-colored fruit native to Brazil that has a desirable flavor and high anthocyanin content. In the present study, jabuticaba juice was produced by steam-extraction and the phenolic compound profile, antioxidant capacity, instrumental color, and microbiological quality were evaluated during 90 days of storage at 25 °C. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside represented 45% of the total phenolic content of the juice, which reduced with extent of 80% during storage. Total phenolic content of the juice increased by 59% during 90 days of storage, which entailed, average 4.4-fold increase in the content of gallic and ellagic acids. FRAP assay was most sensitive for measuring gallic and ellagic acids, while the TEAC assay was the most sensitive for measuring anthocyanins. Although [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] values of jabuticaba juice decreased and [Formula: see text] increased during storage. Jabuticaba juice remained microbiologically stable during storage, and did not support the growth of inoculated Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis, suggesting antimicrobial activity.

Oxidative deterioration of pork during superchilling storage.

BACKGROUND: In superchilling (SC), meat is kept at temperatures around 1 °C below its initial freezing point, leading to a significant increase in shelf life. This study aimed to address the oxidative changes taking place in pork loins during prolonged storage at SC temperature. Loins were stored either at chilling (CH) conditions (2-4 °C) for 4 weeks or at SC temperature (around -1 °C) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Storage at SC temperature diminished the rate of lipid and protein oxidation and discoloration in pork loins, so that final levels of most oxidation products and instrumental color values after 12 weeks of SC storage were similar to those after 4 weeks at CH conditions. However, hexanal content peaked by the end of SC storage, pointing to a potential accumulation of compounds from lipid oxidation during SC storage. CONCLUSION: SC storage of pork slows down the rate of lipid and protein oxidation. However, accumulation of volatile compounds from lipid oxidation could be a limiting factor for shelf life. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of different irradiation dose treatment on the lipid oxidation, instrumental color and volatiles of fresh pork and their changes during storage.

This study mainly investigated the effect of different doses irradiation (0, 3, 5 or 7kGy) on the quality changes of pork during 4°C storage by determining the irradiation off-odor intensity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), fatty acid composition, volatiles and color of the samples during whole storage. The results showed that ≥7kGy irradiation could make the samples produce obvious irradiation off-odor. However, after 7days storage irradiation off-odor was reduced. Lipid oxidation was also promoted by irradiation. Benzyl methyl sulfide was produced newly and significantly increased (P<0.05) by irradiation. Fatty acids in pork samples decreased significantly with irradiation dose increase within the range of <7kGy, but significantly increased (P<0.05) in samples of 7kGy. Irradiation significantly increased the a* values regardless of storage time but had little effects on b* and L* values, and the increase of a* values was dose-dependent.

Starch, inulin and maltodextrin as encapsulating agents affect the quality and stability of jussara pulp microparticles.

The influence of encapsulating carbohydrates (EC) with varying properties on the technological and functional properties of jussara pulp microparticles produced by spray drying were evaluated using experimental design. Microparticles produced with sodium octenyl succinate (OSA) starch at 0.5 core to EC ratio and with mixtures of inulin and maltodextrin at 1.0 and 2.0 core to EC ratio showed darker color, and higher anthocyanins contents and antioxidant activity. Seven microparticles showing high water solubility and desirable surface morphology. Hygroscopicity (10.7% and 11.5%) and wettability (41s and 43s) were improved when OSA starch and mixtures of inulin and maltodextrin were used. The anthocyanins contents and color of the microparticles did not change when exposed to light at 50°C for 38days. Finally, microparticles produced at 1.0 core to EC ratio with 2/3 OSA starch, 1/6 inulin and 1/6 maltodextrin were selected. These microparticles may be applied as colorant in numerous foods, whilst adding prebiotic fiber and anthocyanins.

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of meat from young Nellore bulls fed different levels of palm kernel cake.

BACKGROUND: Palm kernel cake is a biodiesel byproduct and an alternative feed additive in cattle production. This study evaluated the effects of palm kernel cake added to bulls' diets on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of their meat. Thirty-two young Nellore bulls were used, distributed in a randomized experimental design with four treatments: 0, 7, 14 or 21% (w/w) palm kernel cake in the dry matter of the diet. Hay was used at 35% (w/w) in the diets, which were balanced to provide 150 g kg(-1) crude protein and 33 Mcal kg(-1) metabolizable energy. RESULTS: The moisture (P = 0.40), ash (P = 0.70), protein (P = 0.10) and ether extract (P = 0.31) contents of the meat samples were not affected by the inclusion of palm kernel cake. The qualitative characteristics of the meat, including pH (P = 0.69), water-holding capacity (P = 0.22), cooking loss (P = 0.14), shear force (P = 0.32) and instrumental color indices L* (P = 0.75), a* (P = 0.44) and b* (P = 0.41), were not affected by the substitution of palm kernel cake for soybean meal. CONCLUSION: Palm kernel cake may be included at up to 21% (w/w) in cattle feed without compromising the physicochemical, sensory and acceptance characteristics of the meat. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.