Cheese Packaging Research Articles

Investigating Italian Consumer Preferences for Different Characteristics of Provolone Valpadana Using the Conjoint Analysis Approach.

The objective of this paper was twofold. First, we estimated consumer preferences for an Italian cheese (Provolone Valpadana) with respect to several attributes and levels, such as price, origin certification, production system, ‘free from’ labelling, and brand. Second, we identified consumer clusters with similar preferences for various cheese characteristics. Preferences were estimated using the conjoint analysis method. Then, a cluster analysis was used to classify consumers into different (three) clusters followed by a market simulation. In all three clusters, the attribute most preferred by Italian consumers was the brand of the cheese: consumers preferred to purchase Provolone cheese having the lowest price, produced by Auricchio, bearing a European Union (EU) quality certification, produced organically, and non-lactose-free. The results of our study provide helpful information to food companies for better segmenting their market and targeting their consumers, as well as effectively promoting their products using brands, certifications as organic and lactose-free. This study contributes to the literature on consumer preference for the EU labelling scheme (voluntary and mandatory). To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate this combination of multiple labels displayed on the front of Italian cheese packaging.

Physical and structural properties of whey protein concentrate - Corn oil - TiO2 nanocomposite films for edible food-packaging

Interest in polymer technology based on biodegradable and edible films has increased dramatically, in hopes of creating a circular economy with little to no environmental impact. In this study nanocomposite films with a glycerol/WPC ratio of 4/5 were prepared from emulsions containing 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5 wt.% WPC and 2 wt.% corn oil. Films also contained a load of 0.5 wt.% TiO2. Emulsions were prepared with two different droplet sizes: conventional (from 300 to 700 nm) and nano (from 60 to 80 nm). Films were analyzed for color, water vapor permeability, thermogravimetric, mechanical/tensile properties, infrared behavior, and structure. Advanced X-ray microscopy based on small and wide-angle scattering contrast was used to investigate the nanocomponents in the films, allowing the identification of the main scattering species. Film that was prepared from starting systems with nano droplets (60 nm), the highest protein concentration (7.5 wt.% WPC), and TiO2 loading had the greatest E’ (elastic modulus, 19.2 MPa), E (Young modulus, 19.4 MPa), and εb (elongation at break, 119 %) values. This nano-based film had suitable physical properties for cheese packaging and other similar applications. In all films, data showed a close correlation between film structure and mechanical/tensile properties.

Application of batch system ultraviolet light on the surface of kashar cheese, a kind of pasta-filata cheese: effects on mould inactivation, lipid oxidation, colour, hardness and sensory properties.

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that the application of ultraviolet (UV) light before packaging of pasta-filata cheese has the potential to eliminate or control post-processing contamination whilst maintaining chemical and sensorial quality. The surfaces of kashar cheese were treated at different doses of UV light (0.32-9.63 kJ/m2) in a batch UV cabinet system to determine effects on physicochemical and sensorial quality as well as mould inactivation. Untreated cheese samples were also used for comparison. Kashar cheese was naturally contaminated in a mouldy environment to provide the desired mould numbers before UV treatments. Log reductions of 0.34, 0.69 and 2.49 were achieved in samples treated at doses of 0.32, 0.96 and 1.93 kJ/m2, respectively and the mould count of sample treated at 9.63 kJ/m2 was below the detection limit. We found no significant differences in composition and hardness values between any of the treated or control cheeses. Although some individual colour values increased as the UV doses increased, this change was not observed visually in sensory analysis. Increased light intensity accelerated the lipid oxidation causing a perception of off-flavour. The results of this study show that it is necessary to examine the relationship between the oxidative and sensory interactions while determining the effective doses applied to cheese surface for microbial inactivation.

Occurrence of Yeasts in White-Brined Cheeses: Methodologies for Identification, Spoilage Potential and Good Manufacturing Practices.

Yeasts are generally recognized as contaminants in the production of white-brined cheeses, such as Feta and Feta-type cheeses. The most predominant yeasts species are Debaryomyces hansenii, Geotrichum candidum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Kluyveromyces lactis, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Trichosporon spp. Although their spoilage potential varies at both species and strain levels, yeasts will, in case of excessive growth, present a microbiological hazard, effecting cheese quality. To evaluate the hazard and trace routes of contamination, the exact taxonomic classification of yeasts is required. Today, identification of dairy yeasts is mainly based on DNA sequencing, various genotyping techniques, and, to some extent, advanced phenotypic identification technologies. Even though these technologies are state of the art at the scientific level, they are only hardly implemented at the industrial level. Quality defects, caused by yeasts in white-brined cheese, are mainly linked to enzymatic activities and metabolism of fermentable carbohydrates, leading to production of metabolites (CO2, fatty acids, volatile compounds, amino acids, sulfur compounds, etc.) and resulting in off-flavors, texture softening, discoloration, and swelling of cheese packages. The proliferation of spoilage yeast depends on maturation and storage conditions at each specific dairy, product characteristics, nutrients availability, and interactions with the co-existing microorganisms. To prevent and control yeast contamination, different strategies based on the principles of HACCP and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) have been introduced in white-brined cheese production. These strategies include milk pasteurization, refrigeration, hygienic sanitation, air filtration, as well as aseptic and modified atmosphere packaging. Though a lot of research has been dedicated to yeasts in dairy products, the role of yeast contaminants, specifically in white-brined cheeses, is still insufficiently understood. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the identification of contaminant yeasts in white-brined cheeses, their occurrence and spoilage potential related to different varieties of white-brined cheeses, their interactions with other microorganisms, as well as guidelines used by dairies to prevent cheese contamination.

Investigating microbial properties of traditional Iranian white cheese packed in active LDPE films incorporating metallic and organoclay nanoparticles

Iranian white Cheese is a traditional type of cheese in Iran which is popular and widely consumed because of its pleasant organoleptic properties. To manufacture this cheese, raw milk is heated below pasteurization temperature, therefore, pathogenic and spoilage bacteria remain and cause several diseases in public health. In this research three kinds of nanocomposite films based on LDPE incorporated 1) Ag, CuO, ZnO, 2) Cloisite 15A, Cloisite 20A, Cloisite 30B that produced by extrusion method were used for packaging of the cheese and kept in 4°C during 28 days. Data analysis carried out using SPSS statistical software based on a completely randomized design. The results showed the nanocomposite films incorporated with metal nanoparticles had a significant decrease in the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, coliform, mold and yeast after 28 days, while, the growth of lactic acid bacteria decreased but less than control film. Sensory properties of cheese samples packed in active films were not significantly changed. However, physicochemical characteristics such as pH and moisture content were affected significantly by active films. Overall migration of packaging active films in food simulants were within amounts allowed by national and international legislations.

Chitosan and procyanidin composite films with high antioxidant activity and pH responsivity for cheese packaging

Chitosan–procyanidin composite films (CS–PC films) with different mass ratios were prepared by solution casting method. Their structural, thermal, physical, and antioxidant properties, antibacterial activity and pH responsivity were determined. Compared with CS–control film, CS–PC films exhibited lower solubility and higher tensile strength. The antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger were improved by 20.0% and 30.4%, respectively. CS–PC films indicated good antioxidant activity through their DPPH and ABTS+ scavenging rates, which were 2.45 times higher than CS–control film. pH responsivity was represented by the outstanding changes in color, which were visible to the naked eye. Food packaging film with high antioxidant activity, bacteriostatic properties and pH responsivity was prepared by CS and PC. Compared with the initial properties of cheese, the characteristics of cheese packaged with CS–PC films were obviously better than those of the control groups.

Essential Oil Based PVP-CMC-BC-GG Functional Hydrogel Sachet for 'Cheese': Its Shelf Life Confirmed with Anthocyanin (Isolated from Red Cabbage) Bio Stickers.

‘Gouda cheese’ is one of the most popular varieties of cheese eaten worldwide. The preservation problem of gouda arises due to microbial contamination and infestation. Therefore, essential oil (EO) based PVP-CMC-BC-GG hydrogel film was prepared to solve the problem and to extend the shelf-life of ‘Gouda cheese’. Anthocyanin (isolated from red cabbage) based pH stickers are integrated into the packaging system to recognize the spoilage of ‘cheese’. EOs (clove and/or cinnamon) are added to PVP-CMC-BC-GG hydrogel film to improve its antimicrobial, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties as well as shelf-life of cheese. The films are assessed based on their physical, structural, and functional properties, real-time assessment on cheese, and biodegradability. The results revealed that although the addition of oils to the PVP-CMC-BC-GG hydrogel films enhanced its mechanical, hydrophobic, and antimicrobial properties, the biodegradability of PVP-CMC-BC-GG films declined with the addition of EOs. The thermal properties remained the same irrespective of the addition of EOs. The shelf life of cheese was extended for more than 10–12 days, inside the PVP-CMC-BC-GG hydrogel sachet compared to the conventional PE packaging system. Hence the use of the PVP-CMC-BC-GG sachet (containing EO or without EO) is recommended for cheese packaging along with the use of PVP-CMC-BC-GG anthocyanin bio stickers for monitoring the quality of cheese.

Smart film based on chitosan/Melissa officinalis essences/ pomegranate peel extract to detect cream cheeses spoilage

ABSTRACTAntibacterial/biodegradable film based on Chitosan (CS)/pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and Melissa officinalis Essences (MOE) was prepared. To study the effects of PPE and MOE on the film characteristics, a central composite design (CCD) was used. The physicochemical characteristics of the film, including moisture, water vapour permeability (WVP), antioxidant activity, microbial properties, FT-IR/SEM/XRED spectrum, etc. were studied. The results showed that the addition of PPE significantly reduced the amount of moisture loss. The WVP increased with the addition of MOE and decreased with the addition of PPE. MOE and PPE increased the antioxidant activity of the films. In terms of microbial properties, the antimicrobial effect of MOE on B. cereus was greater than on E. coli. The results of SEM showed that the PPE particles were uniformly distributed in the film matrix and the MOE slightly reduced the surface compression of the film. The CS/PPE/MOE film was used for smart packaging of cream cheese and detection of cheese spoilage. It was observed that with increasing storage time and storage temperature, with regard to the change in the pH of the cream cheese, samples become acidic. The PPE contains anthocyanin pigments that are sensitive to pH changes so the film colour was changed (from blue to red) during storage. The colour change of the film was visible with the naked eye and can be used to estimate the expiry date of the cheese.

Development of a biodegradable polycaprolactone film incorporated with an antimicrobial agent via an extrusion process

In the present study, polycaprolactone (PCL) composite films incorporated with various concentrations of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) as an antimicrobial agent were prepared using a twin-screw extruder. Physical characteristics as well as antimicrobial properties of the PCL/GSE composite films were analyzed. The results showed that the surface color of the films gradually changed with increasing GSE concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated no significant structural changes such as chemical bond formation between PCL and GSE. Thermal properties were slightly affected due to GSE incorporation. Crystallinity of the composite films decreased as the amount of GSE increased. In vitro analysis indicated that the antimicrobial activity of the PCL/GSE composite films increased as the GSE concentration increased, with a 5% concentration showing the strongest inhibitory activity against Listeria monocytogenes, with 5.8-log reduction in bacterial count. Application testing of the films was carried out for cheese packaging, and biodegradation of the samples was assessed via soil burial testing. Our findings confirmed the potential use of PCL/GSE composite films as biodegradable food packaging material with antimicrobial activity.

Influence of clarifying agent on the properties of polypropylene copolymer industrially injected cups for Brazilian cream cheese

Aiming to achieve different characteristics with polypropylene copolymer, especially in relation to transparency similar to glass packaging, the effect of the addition of a clarifying agent derived from sorbitol to the polypropylene copolymer was studied. A specific cup shape packaging used for Brazilian cream cheese was applied. The samples were produced with different amounts of clarifying agent and were injected in industrial equipment. Further, the samples were characterized in regard to optical, mechanical and thermal properties. The results confirmed that the addition of clarifying agent, besides improving the transparency of the polypropylene copolymer, also increases the tensile strength. Moreover, from the view of applicability, the clarifying agent was demonstrated to be advantageous for the polypropylene copolymer production of Brazilian cream cheese packaging.

Evaluation of selected parameters of edam type cheese packed under foil with natural antimicrobial agents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of essential oils packed in foils derived from different plant sources used in Edam type cheese on selected parameters (total viable count of microorganism, coliform bacteria, micromycetes, sensory parameters and instrumental colour). Essential oils have antibacterial and antifungal activities against microorganisms. However, the concentration of these substances applied in cheeses should be considered carefully because of their possible negative influences on sensory parameters. Mixture of the essential oils (clove/cinnamon/thymol in a 1:2:1 ratio), three concentrations (3.9 %, 6.6 %, 9.0 %), respectively mixture of the essential oils (eugenol/thymol/cinnamon in a 1:1:1 ratio), three concentrations (0.10 %, 0.19 %, 0.24 % as a 5% solution in limonene in a dry coating) were used. Samples wrapped in polystyrene dishes were stored in the refrigerator at 3 - 6 °C. Analyses were made after 48 h, 168 h (144 h), 216 h (240 h) respectively. Taste is the most affected by presence of essential oils. The effectiveness of the film with the mixture A seems to be more effective in eliminating microorganisms. Negative sensory changes were observed at higher concentration. Based on the results, the tested foils seem to be promising materials suitable for packaging of cheese.

Use of biodegradable materials as alternative packaging of typical Calabrian Provola cheese

Abstract Calabrian Provola cheese is typically manufactured in the Southern Italy. The request of a more suitable expansion in the national market has promoted this research, based on the evaluation of biodegradable packaging on its qualitative characteristics as alternative of the conventional plastic multilayer film. The tested materials were: Polyethylene/Ethylene vinyl alcohol/Polyamide/Polyethylene (PE/EVOH/PA/PE), Polylactic acid (PLA), coated with a silicon oxide barrier, and Cellophane, coated with resins. The results of this study evidenced that the material based on PLA can be considered a valid alternative packaging because of the quality maintenance of Calabrian Provola cheese and its sustainable characteristics.

APPLICATION OF MALDI-TOF MASS SPECTROMETRY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM TRADITIONAL SLOVAK CHEESE “PARENICA”

In this study, the cultivable population of bacteria from a traditional Slovak cheese “Parenica” made from cow milk were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS). A total of 100 “Parenica” cheese packages from four producers were examined, including n=50 smoked and n=50 non-smoked cheese samples. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were cultured on MRS, APT and MSE agars at 30 °C, coliform bacteria on VRBL agar at 37 °C, total count of bacteria (TCB) on Plate count agar at 30 °C and enterococci on Enterococcus selective agar at 37 °C. Gram-positive and gram-negative strains were subjected to identification by MALDI-TOF MS profiling. MALDI-TOF MS identification revealed four genera belonging to LAB including Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Leuconostoc. Lactobacillus was the most represented genus with seven species: Lactobacillus curvatus (L. curvatus), L. delbrueckii, L. fermentum, L. casei, L. paraplantarum, L. plantarum and L. sakei.. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter asburiae, Klebsiella oxytoca and K. pneumoniae were the most identified bacteria species from Enterobacteriales order.

Application of Reinforced ZnO Nanoparticle-Incorporated Gelatin Bionanocomposite Film with Chitosan Nanofiber for Packaging of Chicken Fillet and Cheese as Food Models

The food packaging industry has shown increasing attention toward biodegradable active packaging because of consumer demand for the extended shelf life of food products, as well as environmental concerns. In this study, the gelatin-based nanocomposite containing chitosan nanofiber (CHINF) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were fabricated and characterized by SEM analysis. The fabricated nanocomposite film revealed high antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. To assess the efficiency of this bionanocomposite film for food packaging, chicken fillet and cheese was selected as food models. The results showed that the wrapping with nanocomposite film significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the growth of inoculation bacteria in chicken fillet and cheese samples. The changes in pH values and color parameters in chicken fillet and cheese samples were controlled by wrapping with nanocomposite film during storage time. At the end of 12-day storage, the weight loss of the wrapped chicken fillet and cheese samples with nanocomposite were 18.91 ± 1.96 and 36.11 ± 3.74%, respectively. In addition, the organoleptic characteristics of wrapped chicken fillet and cheese samples with nanocomposite film were acceptable until the end of storage. In conclusion, the fabricated nanocomposite can be suggested as a suitable packaging material for poultry meat and cheese to improve their shelf life and quality.

Investigation of Biodegradable Films Produced from Three Different Protein Sources for White Cheese Packaging

Biodegradable films and coatings; attract an increasing interest recently being natural and environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic food packaging materials. Some terms such as "renewable, food preservative, thin layers, food life extender" might be used for defining these materials. Proteins have a high potential to be used in food packaging. This study aimed to compare the performances of three different protein sources (whey protein, soy protein and gluten) as biodegradable coatings for cheese samples. Effect of red grape juice addition into coating solutions was also investigated. In this study, 15 g coating solution is used to coat 3-3.5 g cheese slice in each treatment. The results of the study revealed that the coatings produced were elastic, adhesive, transparent and durable. Among the different coatings, gluten had a more stretch and adhesive structure. Soy protein and whey protein coatings inhibited the moisture loss in cheese samples slightly more than gluten films. Grape juice addition to soy and whey protein coatings made the cheese samples more resistant to microbial growth. The whey protein coating was the thickest among them. The results depicted that, whey protein coating with grape juice is the most promising application, by providing lower microbiological load and moisture loss in cheese samples, and depicting lower color and moderate solubility. In future studies, combined usage of fruit sources with protein coatings might be helpful to improve the cheese quality in biodegradable packages.

Application of antimicrobial active packaging film made of semolina flour, nano zinc oxide and nano-kaolin to maintain the quality of low-moisture mozzarella cheese during low-temperature storage.

Active food packaging films with improved properties and strong antimicrobial activity were prepared by blending mixed nanomaterials with different ratio [1:4 (40 mg:160 mg), 3:2 (120 mg: 80 mg), 0:5 (0 mg: 200 mg) and 5:0 (200 mg:0 mg)] of ZnO and kaolin with semolina using a solvent casting method and used for the packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to test the effect of packaging on the quality change of the cheese for long-term (up to 72 days) refrigerated storage. Compared with the neat semolina film, mechanical strength (TS) of the nanocomposite films increased significantly (increase in 21-65%) and water vapor barrier (WVP) and O2 gas barrier (OP) properties decreased significantly (decrease in 43-50% and 60-65%, respectively) depending on the blending ratio of ZnO and kaolin nanoclay. The nanocomposite films also exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus), yeast (C. albicans), and mold (A. niger). The nanocomposite packaging films were effectively prevented the growth of microorganisms (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi) of the cheese during storage at low-temperature and showed microbial growth of less than 2.5 log CFU/g after 72 days of storage compared to the control group, and the quality of the packaged cheese was still acceptable. The semolina-based nanocomposite films, especially Sem/Z3 K2 film, were effective for packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to maintain the physicochemical properties (pH, moisture, and fat content) and quality (color, taste, texture, and overall acceptability) of the cheese as well as preventing microbial growth (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Packaging perspective of milk and dairy products

Packaging of dairy products develops continuously along with advances in material technologies, which are in turn a response to demands of consumers. This article aimed to give an overview of currently available dairy packaging systems. Novel dairy packaging systems include new packaging technologies such as the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) that is widely used nowadays, especially for dairy product like cheese. Application of edible packaging could significantly reduce the costs of cheese packaging by reducing the amount of usually required packaging material. Nanomaterials and active packaging might be useful for extending the shelf life of dairy products by reducing material permeability or negative sensory characteristics of batch processing. Forms of active packaging relevant to dairy foods include oxygen scavenging, carbon dioxide absorbers, moisture and/or flavour/odour taints absorbers; releasing compounds (carbon dioxide, ethanol, antioxidants and/or other preservatives); maintaining temperature control and/or compensating temperature changes and antimicrobial packaging. Antimicrobial packaging is gaining interest from packaging scientists and industry due to its potential for providing quality and their safety benefits. The greatest challenge from the ecological point of view is biodegradable packaging. The main challenges for low waste materials are the durability of the packaging correlated with product shelf life as well as the ecological perspective.

HS-SPME-GC-MS technique for FFA and hexanal analysis in different cheese packaging in the course of long term storage

The present study sought to develop a headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method to quantify free fatty acids (FFAs) and hexanal in cheese, and to track theirs levels over time. The developed method was applied on Fresh Asiago and Grana Padano cheeses, and FFAs and hexanal levels were monitored over 4 and 12 weeks respectively. Their evolutions were also compared from two types of packaging films: a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) package and a packaging bag named Ideabrill®. The later allowed a lower increase of these analytes (11.6-fold increase for Grana Padano and 5.9 for Fresh Asiago) compared to the HDPE packaging (21.5-fold increase for Grana Padano and 7.4 for Fresh Asiago). This method can contribute to the optimization of analytical methods in food industry for studies on shelf life, quality control or food packaging.

Development of an antifungal film by polyethylene surface modification with natamycin

Abstract An antifungal low-cost film for cheese packaging was developed using a tailor-made coating process by direct natamycin (Nat) spraying onto heat softened polyethylene film surface. Two spraying systems Nat/ethanol solution and Nat/n-heptane suspension with the same Nat concentration were explored. To select the adequate system, differences in coating efficiency regarding shape, size, dispersion and distribution of particles, as well as polyethylene film/Nat adhesion and antifungal activity of both modified films were assessed and compared. Besides, the suitability of final product related to its use as food flexible packaging was considered. The results indicate that Nat coating is achieved either by direct particle incorporation (from a suspension) or by its in-situ formation (from a solution). Both kind of Nat coated films have shown antifungal effectiveness against A. niger even after severe extraction treatments. The proposed versatile process is feasible to be industrially scaled and allows to obtain an antifungal film suitable for cheese packaging that can be intensively handled without losing their activity.

نظرة عامة على نظام إغلاق / فتح تغلیف الجبن المصری واتجاهاته المستقبلیة

نظرة عامة على نظام إغلاق / فتح تغلیف الجبن المصری واتجاهاته المستقبلیة