Effects of 0.5% carbon monoxide in modified atmosphere packagings on selected quality attributes of M. Longissimus dorsi beef steaks

Abstract

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of the periods of 0.5% CO exposure in two modified atmosphere packagings (MAP) with gas composition of 0.5% CO, 30% CO2 and 69.5% N2, as compared with conventional vacuum packaging (Vac) on the quality of packaged beef steaks (M. longissimus dorsi) stored for 21 days at 2 °C. In the first MAP solution, the beef steaks were packed in the MAP for 48 hr and then repacked in vacuum packaging (CO‐Vac), while beef steaks were packed in the MAP (CO‐MAP) in the second solution. Results indicated that using CO significantly increased the brightness and the redness of beef steaks in both CO‐Vac and CO‐MAP packaging systems during storage for 21 days and Polish consumers preferred beef steaks in CO‐Vac with a cherry/dark red and purple red. Our result proved that CO‐Vac should have wider applications than MAP on the market.Practical applicationsThe use of 0.5% carbon monoxide for packaging fresh meat has been recognized by the European Scientific Committee on Food as safe for humans; however, the application of the gas in the EU member states is prohibited. On the other hand, in some other countries, such as the USA, Canada and New Zealand, low concentrations of carbon monoxide are used for meat packing. This study evaluated the effects of the periods of 0.5% CO exposure in two modified atmosphere packagings with gas composition of 0.5% CO, 30% CO2, and 69.5% N2, as compared with conventional vacuum packaging on the quality of packaged beef steaks (M. longissimus dorsi) stored for 21 days at 2 °C. The study confirmed that Polish consumers have the greatest desire to purchase the vacuum packed steaks after exposure in carbon monoxide and thus the decision to ban the use of this gas in the EU should be reconsidered.