Dry-cured Meat Research Articles

Volatile compounds of pastırma under different curing processes

The effects of different curing processes (curing temperature 4°C or 10°C and curing agent 150 mg/kg nitrite or 300 mg/kg nitrate) on the volatile compound profile of the pastırma (Turkish dry-cured meat product) have been investigated. A total of 45 volatile compounds, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, terpenes, sulphur compounds, esters, furans and nitrogenous compounds have been identified in pastırma samples. The curing temperature did not have a significant effect on any compound. The curing agent had statistically a significant or very significant influence on 12 compounds. In general, the use of nitrate increased the amount of volatile compound. However, lower mean hexanal value was determined in pastırma samples cured with nitrite than those cured with nitrate. Practical applications Pastırma is a traditional dry-cured meat product. It is produced from whole muscle and/or mucsles of certain parts of beef or water buffalo carcasses. In curing stage, nitrate was used generally. However, nitrite can be used alone or with nitrate in this stage. In this study, the effects of different curing conditions (150 mg/kg nitrite or 300 mg/kg nitrate and 4°C or 10°C) on volatile compounds of pastırma were investigated. According to the results, pastırma produced with nitrate generally showed higher amounts of volatile compounds. On the other hand, curing temperature was not significant factor in terms of volatile compounds.

Characterization of Volatile Compounds of Dry-Cured Meat Products Using HS-SPME-GC/MS Technique

A direct extraction of volatile organic compounds (VOC) using HS-SPME method was proposed. The identification and quantification of VOC of six dry-cured meat products were developed using gas chromatography-single mass spectrometry technique. This method allowed obtaining high sensitive, repeatable and reproducible results using a simple and fast analysis. The compounds were organized according to their chemical family to facilitate their presentation, due to some of them can have different origins. The possible origins were discussed in text. The VOC detected in the present research could be divided into three different groups: The first group included typical volatile derived from chemical reactions that take place during dry-cured stage, mainly lipid oxidation and amino acid degradation. Some VOC in the first group having high influence in the overall aroma were alcohols (1-penten-3-ol, 1-octen-3-ol and 1-hexanol), aldehydes (butanal, 2- and 3-methyl, propanal, 2-methyl, hexanal, octanal and nonanal), acids (acetic acid, butanoic acid and butanoic acid, 2- and 3-methyl), furan, 2-penthyl, ketones (acetoin) or ethyl esters. The second group included terpenes and some sulphur compounds derived from spices used in the meat product formulation. Finally, the third group included furans, phenols, pyrazines and pyridines derived from smoking process. As a general conclusion, the results indicated that the use of HS-SPME-GC/MS is an adequate method for VOC analysis in dry-cured meat products.

Influences of pulsed light-UV treatment on the storage period of dry-cured meat and shelf life prediction by ASLT method.

In order to prolong the shelf life of Chinese traditional dry-cured meat products, a pulsed ultraviolet light (PL-UV) irradiation method was adopted to treat meat products according to the following parameters: pulse energy of 8J, 300 pulses, and an effective exposure distance of 10cm; the UV light irradiation power of 6W, an effective exposure distance of 11cm, and an exposure period of 5min. After a pulsed ultraviolet irradiation, total bacterial count in dry-cured meat decreased from 6.89 to 4.53lg (CFU/g). The number of Micrococcus and Staphylococcus in samples decreased from 6.49 to 4.10lg (CFU/g) and the number of molds and yeasts decreased from 5.45 to 4.28lg (CFU/g). The number of Lactic acid bacteria increased from 3.97 to 4.55lg (CFU/g) and Escherichia coli was not detected. Total colonies, target bacteria, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, water activity, T 2 relaxation time, pH, color difference, total volatile basic nitrogen, and the sensory evaluations of dry-cured meat products after PL-UV treatments were determined in a 30-d storage experiment. The shelf life of dry-cured meat treated with PL-UV irradiation at 20°C was predicted to reach to 294 d by applying of shelf life testing method accelerated. The quality and safety of dry-cured meat treated with PL-UV irradiation was better than that of untreated samples.

Diffusion of mycotoxins and secondary metabolites in dry-cured meat products

The aim of this study was to analyse the pattern and diffusion capacity of secondary metabolites produced by ochratoxin A (OTA)- and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)-producing mould species commonly growing in dry-cured meat products. Dry-fermented sausage and dry-cured ham pieces were inoculated with Penicillium nordicum, Penicillium verrucosum and Penillium griseofulvum, and incubated at 20 °C for 15 days at 94% relative humidity. After incubation, the samples were divided into 3 subsamples: A (0–1 cm; including the fungal colony), B (1–2 cm) and C (2–3 cm). The subsamples were analysed with a UHPLC-Q trap-MS method capable of detecting and quantifying 33 mycotoxins at values around 1 μg/kg. Mould strains produced from 5 to 12 secondary metabolites on the surface of the meat products. Besides, a higher number of metabolites was encountered in dry-fermented sausage than in dry-cured ham. Some of the fungal secondary metabolites diffused from the surface (layer A) into the inner core of meat products (layers B and C) contaminating the products up to 3 cm depth. In general, the concentration of fungal metabolites able to diffuse generally decreased as they diffused inward; while other compounds remained on the surface. This supposes a problem for the industry given that the removal of mouldy surface of dry-cured meats seems not to protect consumers’ health.

Biocontrol of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus parasiticus by native Debaryomyces hansenii in dry-cured meat products

Dry-cured meat products, such as dry-cured ham or dry-fermented sausages, are characterized by their particular ripening process, where a mould population grows on their surface. Some of these moulds are hazardous to the consumers because of their ability to produce mycotoxins including aflatoxins (AFs). The use of native yeasts could be considered a potential strategy for controlling the presence of AFs in dry-cured meat products. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antagonistic activity of two native Debaryomyces hansenii strains on the relative growth rate and the AFs production in Aspergillus parasiticus. Both D. hansenii strains significantly reduced the growth rates of A. parasiticus when grown in a meat-model system at different water activity (aw) conditions. The presence of D. hansenii strains caused a stimulation of AFs production by A. parasiticus at 0.99 aw. However, at 0.92 aw the yeasts significantly reduced the AFs concentration in the meat-model system. The relative expression levels of the aflR and aflS genes involved in the AFs biosynthetic pathway were also repressed at 0.92 aw in the presence of both D. hansenii strains. These satisfactory results were confirmed in dry-cured ham and dry-fermented sausage slices inoculated with A. parasiticus, since both D. hansenii strains significantly reduced AFs amounts in these matrices. Therefore, both tested D. hansenii strains could be proposed as biocontrol agents within a HACCP framework to minimize the hazard associated with the presence of AFs in dry-cured meat products.

IMPACT OF MICROWAVE AND AUTOCLAVE DECONTAMINATION ON PASTRAMI QUALITY AND TRACKING CCPS

The goal of current research is determining the impact of ingredients decontamination using microwave and autoclave on pastrami final product, which finally leads us to track CCPs along the manufacture process to get final product of zero defects. The research focused on pastrami product as a famous widely used dry-cured meat product in the Egyptian market. The raw meat that used in pastrami production was purchased in three forms; fresh, frozen, and chilled meat from Egyptian market (local market in Mansoura city). The pastrami was manufactured in two groups; the first group was produced via microwave sterilization for 60 seconds of all non-meat ingredients with submission of wholesome circumstances, and the second group was fabricated through autoclave sterilization (120℃ for 15 min) of all constituents with application of sanitary conditions. The pastrami was examined along the manufacture process for total viable count (TVBC) and E. coli. The final product of each group was inspected for mold and yeast presence. Another group of pastrami was manufactured using frozen meat (imported from Brazil) only with applying three spices treatments. The first treatment was pastrami production without any spices addition. The second treatment was pastrami fabrication using spices which were purchased from local spices shops and subjected to autoclave sterilization (120℃ for 15 min). The third treatment was pastrami manufacture using high quality spices which were bought from reliable supplier and underwent to autoclave disinfection (120℃ for 15 min). The final product of each sample was checked for occurrence of aflatoxins. Sensory evaluation of the best product from microbiological aspect was carried out. The best-fabricated group from microbiological aspect was the second autoclaved one. For pastrami group that was fabricated via three different spices treatments, the first treatment indicates that the raw meat itself contain a certain level of aflatoxin. The second treatment comprises very high unacceptable limit of aflatoxin. The third treatment (meat manufactured using high quality spices from reliable supplier) is the most compatible one with permissible aflatoxin limit in meat products (20 ppb). The sensory evaluation of autoclaved group revealed that the pastrami final product is wholly accepted except the pastrami produced using frozen raw meat had low rating for color and texture.

Biocontrol of Penicillium griseofulvum to reduce cyclopiazonic acid contamination in dry-fermented sausages

Dry-fermented sausages are very appreciated by consumers. The environmental conditions during its ripening favor colonization of their surface by toxigenic molds. These molds contribute to the development of sensory characteristics; however, some of them could produce mycotoxins such as cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). CPA is mainly produced by Penicillium commune and Penicillium griseofulvum which have been found in dry-cured meat products. Thus, strategies to prevent the CPA contamination in dry-fermented sausages are needed. The objective of this work was to evaluate the ability of P. griseofulvum to produce CPA in dry-fermented sausage during its ripening as well as to test different strategies to prevent CPA production. The ability of PgAFP antifungal protein-producing Penicillium chrysogenum, Debaryomyces hansenii and Pediococcus acidilactici for inhibiting CPA production by P. griseofulvum was tested on dry-fermented sausage-based medium. Only P. chrysogenum inhibited the CPA production, so this mold was co-inoculated with P. griseofulvum on sausages whose ripening was performed at low temperature. CPA reached around 800 ng/g in the control batch, being reduced to 20 ng/g by the presence of P. chrysogenum. This work demonstrates the risk posed by CPA on dry-fermented sausages, and provides a successful strategy to prevent this hazard.

Effects of environmental conditions and substrate on growth and ochratoxin A production by Penicillium verrucosum and Penicillium nordicum: Relative risk assessment of OTA in dry-cured meat products

Ecological conditions during ripening of dry-cured meat products favour the growth of an uncontrolled mould population that could suppose a risk of ochratoxin A (OTA) production. In this work the influence of water activity (aw), temperature and substrate composition on fungal growth and OTA production by Penicillium nordicum and Penicillium verrucosum isolated from dry-cured meat products have been studied. In addition, the relative risk of OTA presence on dry-cured meat products has been evaluated using the Risk Ranger software. Fungal growth was observed in the range of 0.99–0.90 aw and 15–25 °C being mainly temperature-dependent. P. nordicum and P. verrucosum were able to produce OTA in every substrate in these ranges of aw and temperature. The production of OTA by P. verrucosum was mainly influenced by temperature and media composition. However, P. nordicum it is affected mainly by substrate or temperature depending on the strain studied. Both species produce a large amount of OTA on dry-cured ham and on dry-cured fermented sausage “salchichón” in environmental conditions usually found throughout the ripening of these products. The Risk Ranger software reveals that the relative risk of OTA on dry-cured meat products is 75%. Thus, control measures during dry-cured meat products processing to prevent OTA risk should be established.

Survival of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in various traditional Italian dry-cured meat products

A number of animal diseases can be transmitted to pigs via pork meat and pork products imported from infected areas. Therefore, feeding of swill to pigs is regulated or prohibited in many swine-rearing countries. African swine fever is one of the major porcine diseases recognized as significant in this transmission pathway. Assessment of disease risks associated with pork products requires knowledge about the viral load in the original material and for how long infectious virus can be recovered from the resulting product. In this work, we present the effect of the dry curing process on the inactivation of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in three different Italian dry-cured meat products prepared from experimentally infected pigs slaughtered at the peak of viremia. The meat products were processed using commercial methods and industrial procedures currently being followed in Italy. Samples collected at predetermined intervals during processing were analyzed for virus survival by virus isolation and animal inoculation. ASFV was detected by in vivo experiments for up to 18, 60, and 83 days of curing in Italian salami, pork belly, and loin, respectively. These data provide valuable information for the pork processing industry when planning the export of these products.

Antifungal effect of organic acids from lactic acid bacteria on Penicillium nordicum

ABSTRACTThe control of fungal contamination is particularly important to avoid both spoilage of food and feed products and the occurrence of toxic compounds, known as mycotoxins. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains have shown the capacity to inhibit fungal growth and the production of mycotoxins. In this work, cell-free supernatants (CFS) of Lactobacillus plantarum UM55 and Lactobacillus buchneri UTAD104 were tested against Penicillium nordicum radial growth and OTA production. When CFS of these strains were used, the radial growth of the fungus was inhibited by less than 20%, but the production of OTA was reduced by approx. 60%. These antifungal effects resulted from organic acids produced by LAB. The CFS of L. plantarum UM55 contained lactic acid, phenyllactic acid (PLA), hydroxyphenyllactic acid (OH-PLA) and indole lactic acid (ILA), while L. buchneri UTAD104 CFS contained acetic acid, lactic acid and PLA. These organic acids were further tested individually for their inhibitory capacity. Calculation of the inhibitory concentrations (ICs) showed that acetic acid, ILA and PLA were the most effective in inhibiting P. nordicum growth and OTA production. When the inhibitory activity of LAB cells incorporated into the culture medium was tested, L. buchneri UTAD104 inhibited the production of OTA entirely in all conditions tested, but fungal growth was only inhibited completely by the highest concentrations of cells. Acetic acid production was primarily responsible for this effect. In conclusion, the ability of LAB to inhibit mycotoxigenic fungi depends on strain capability to produce specific organic acids, and those acids may differ from strain to strain. Also, the use of LAB cells, especially from L. buchneri, in food products prone to contamination with P. nordicum (e.g. dry-cured meats and cheeses) may be an alternative solution to control fungal growth and OTA production.

New Approaches to Production of Turkish-type Dry-cured Meat Product "Pastirma": Salt Reduction and Different Drying Techniques.

In this study, the possible changes in the quality characteristics of pastırma, Turkish-type dry-cured meat product, produced by using two different salts (NaCl-KCl) in a curing mixture and two different production techniques (natural and controlled condition) were examined. Moisture, pH, salt, sodium, potassium, TBA, fat, water activity, instrumental colour, texture, and sensory analyses were implemented in order to determine the possible effects of these applications. Fat, aw, pH, colour, tiobarbituric acid (TBA), texture, salt, Na and K values may allow these desired modifications in pastirma production to be limited. The substitution of 15% KCl instead of NaCl was acceptable in terms of the sensorial properties of the pastirma. However, the sensory analyses did not allow for using a higher KCl instead of NaCl because both the hardness and chewiness in the texture of the pastirma samples salted with 30% of KCl were not scored positively. Besides this, negative effects, which may occur during the pastirma production under natural conditions, can be eliminated by the production being under controlled conditions.

Gene Expression Analysis as a Method to Predict OTA Accumulation in Dry-Cured Meat Products

Dry-cured meat products are frequently colonised by toxigenic Penicillium nordicum and Penicillium verrucosum throughout their ripening that can produce ochratoxin A (OTA). The predictive nature of the molecular analyses can be used to determine the risk of toxigenic species. For this reason, the objective of the present work was to analyse the temporal changes in the expression of the otapks and otanps genes by P. nordicum and P. verrucosum in relation to OTA production on slices of dry-fermented sausage salchichon and dry-cured ham. Gene expression was higher in P. nordicum than in P. verrucosum in both meat matrices. The otapks gene was overexpressed by both Penicillium species, especially in salchichon. OTA was only detected in inoculated salchichon regardless of the ochratoxigenic species used. The high significant correlation found between the early relative expression of the otapks gene and OTA production in salchichon leads to propose the relative gene expression of the otapks gene as a good indicator to predict OTA accumulation throughout the ripening of this product.

Micobiota autoctono e uso di biocompetitori in un impianto per la produzione di Culatello

One artisanal plant manufacturing Culatello (a typical Italian dry-cured meat product) was sampled on summer and winter to assess the mycobiota occurring in the air of the ripening rooms and on product, with special attention given to undesired moulds and potential mycotoxin producers. Among the house-mycobiota, fungal strains potentially producing ochratoxin A were sporadically isolated and resulted the least prevailing species collected from culatelli, while fungal strains producing unpleasant spots on the casings were massively found in the first steps of the ageing process, even if their presence proved to diminish at the end of the ageing time. For this reason, a study concerning the use of fungal autochthonous strains as biocompetitors was carried out, in order to find out a possible solution to the settlement of certain undesired moulds on meat derivatives. Autochthonous Eurotium and Penicillium strains were selected and inoculated on some culatelli, to act as biocompetitors over Sporendonema spp. naturally contaminating products. Despite its fluctuating concentration, the undesired mould gave samples a spotted, flame-red appearance throughout the ageing process, so it can be stated that use of our autochthonous biocompetitors do not represent an effective counter-action against moulds producing unpleasant spots on meat products.

Potential of yeasts isolated from dry-cured ham to control ochratoxin A production in meat models

The environmental conditions reached during the ripening of dry-cured meat products favour the proliferation of moulds on their surface. Some of these moulds are hazardous to consumers because of their ability to produce ochratoxin A (OTA). Biocontrol using Debaryomyces hansenii could be a suitable strategy to prevent the growth of ochratoxigenic moulds and OTA accumulation in dry-cured meat products. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of two strains of D. hansenii to control the growth and OTA production of Penicillium verrucosum in a meat model under water activities (aw) values commonly reached during the dry-cured meat product ripening. The presence of D. hansenii strains triggered a lengthening of the lag phase and a decrease of the growth rate of P. verrucosum in meat-based media at 0.97 and 0.92 aw. Both D. hansenii strains significantly reduced OTA production (between 85.16 and 92.63%) by P. verrucosum in the meat-based medium at 0.92 aw. Neither absorption nor detoxification of OTA by D. hansenii strains seems to be involved. However, a repression of the expression of the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (otanpsPN) gene linked to the OTA biosynthetic pathway was observed in the presence of D. hansenii. To confirm the protective role of D. hansenii strains, they were inoculated together with P. verrucosum Pv45 in dry-fermented sausage and dry-cured ham slices. Although P. verrucosum Pv45 counts were not affected by the presence of D. hansenii in both meat matrices, a reduction of OTA amount was observed. Therefore, the effect of D. hansenii strains on OTA accumulation should be attributed to a reduction at transcriptional level. Consequently, native D. hansenii can be useful as biocontrol agent in dry-cured meat products for preventing the hazard associated with the presence of OTA.

Biochemical, Oxidative, and Lipolytic Changes during Vacuum-Packed Storage of Dry-Cured Loin: Effect of Chestnuts Intake by Celta Pigs

The effect of the inclusion of chestnuts in the finishing diet of Celta pig breed on the characteristics of dry-cured loin, a traditional Spanish dry-cured meat product, after the manufacturing process and the vacuum-packed storage was studied. In general, no significant differences between the diets (chestnut, mixed, and concentrate diet) were obtained for physicochemical (moisture, intramuscular fat, and titratable acidity) and lipolytic parameters. Lower pH and higher values for oxidation parameters (peroxide and TBA values) were obtained in loins from pigs fed with chestnuts. However, no differences were found for fatty acids from the different lipid fractions when diets were compared, with the exception of some minor fatty acids. Free fatty acids represented over 2.7% of the fat in the final product. The distinction between diets was procured when a discriminant canonical analysis was performed for fatty acid contents. After vacuum-packed storage, only a slight evolution of the studied parameters was obtained.

Contribution of Histidine and Lysine to the Generation of Volatile Compounds in Jinhua Ham Exposed to Ripening Conditions Via Maillard Reaction.

Jinhua ham is a well-known traditional Chinese dry-cured meat product. However, the formation of the compounds comprising its special flavor is not well understood. Our results indicate that Maillard reactions occur in Jinhua ham under ripening conditions. This work illustrates the contribution of Maillard reactions to the flavor of Jinhua ham.

Effects of dry-cured ham rich in bioactive peptides on cardiovascular health: A randomized controlled trial

Establishing health effects of bioactive compounds from dry-cured meat is an active area of clinical research. The present study aims to investigate whether consuming dry-cured ham with biopeptides, among other bioactive compounds, modifies blood pressure (BP) and improves other risk factors for cardiovascular disease in humans. This two-arm, cross-over, randomised controlled trial involved 38 healthy subjects with pre-hypertension. Participants received 80g/day dry-cured pork ham or 100g/day cooked ham (control product). A daily intake of 80g dry-cured ham did not impair BP or 24h sodium excretion. Total cholesterol, LDL and basal glucose levels dropped after dry-cured ham consumption (p=0.00019, p=0.021 and p=0.014, respectively). Cooked ham did not affect any of the clinical and biochemical markers. Dry-cured ham components could exert a plethora of activities over the cardiovascular system including lipid and glucose metabolism. Additional studies are needed to confirm the effects of dry-cured meat biopeptides on diverse risk factors in pathological conditions.

THE PROTEINS DEGRADATION IN DRY CURED MEAT AND METHODS OF ANALYSIS : A REVIEW

The aim of the review was to find informations about degradation processes in dry cured meat and about infuence of different conditions to them. Drying and curing are the most popular methods used in the meat industry. Many biochemical reaction proceeds within this process and are responsible for its final characteristic texture and flavour properties. Products with a long period of time maturing, show an extensive breakdown of main proteins and the generation of a high number of small peptides. During of drying-ripening procedures by endogenous enzymes produce small peptides and aliphatic acids contributing to the unique flavour of cured meat. These products influences flavour and texture due to the protein degradation to low-molecular weight compounds and free amino acids (FAA) and biogenic amines which influence directly in taste. Proteins in dry-cured meats can be gradually degraded into low molecular mass peptides except for FAA and biogenic amines as histamine, putrescine, tyramine, and tryptamine. The amount of toxic components generated can be assessed by lot of indicators, such as the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value. Methods for the detection of total volatile basic nitrogen (for the detection TVB-N) contents are normally analytical such as the micro-diffusion method and semi-micro nitrogen determination. The hyperspectral imaging system (HIS) technique coupled with appropriate chemometric multivariate analyses. The low molecular mass peptides (1000 - 2100 Da) arise from both type of muscle proteins indicating that sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins are affected during fermentation and ripening. The analysis of peptide sequences by LC–MS/MS. The identification of the peptides is done by tandem mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS. The fraction with active antioxidant activity is carried out by Acquity HPLC system connected with a reverse phase. The flow entered directly into the MS/MS system for multiple reaction measurement. The method of free amino acids determination is based on several methods. For example reaction of the free amino acids with phenylisothiocyanate to form stable derivatives which are subsequently separated by liquid chromatography. The identification and quantification of amino acids are carried out used a HPLC detector. Simpler method of analyse amino acids and biogenic amines contents. The samples are extracted after reaction with trichloroacetic acid, and the extract is finally filtered through Whatman paper. To remove fat, the extracts are kept at − 20 °C for 1 day, and then subjected to centrifugation. The supernatant is finally collected and filtered through membrane filters Analyses of free amino acids and biogenic amines are performed using an amino acid analyser equipped with a Watrex Polymer 8 ion exchange column (20 cm long, 3.7 mm i.d.) for amino acids, and an Ostion LG ANB ion exchange column (6 cm long, 3.7 mm i.d.) for biogenic amines. Colorimetric detection is accomplished at 570 and 440 nm, for amino acids and biogenic amines, after post column derivatization (121 °C) with ninhydrin. MALDI-TOF-MS technique of the low-molecular weight compounds analyses is based on analysis on their molecular weight. The proteins and their fractions with known molecular weight can be detected.

Penicillium species: crossroad between quality and safety of cured meat production

Fermented meat products, praised for their culinary heritage and identity, represent crossroads of innovation and tradition, quality and healthiness. Mold growth of some Penicillium species is highly desired in some dry-cured meat products, due to their contribution to flavour, anti-oxidative effects and protective role against detrimental microorganisms. Penicillium salamii has been recently described as a promising candidate for starter formulations for meat industry. Otherwise, undesirable species, like Penicillium nordicum, could colonize and contaminate cured meat with ochratoxin A or other related mycotoxins. To this aim, LAMP and other DNA-based assays represent useful tools for early detection of toxigenic fungi and therefore for effective mycotoxins risk managing.

The effects of different processing conditions on biogenic amine formation and some qualitative properties in pastırma.

Pastırma, a Turkish dry-cured meat product, was cured at two different temperatures (4 or 10°C) with two different curing agents (150mg/kg NaNO2 or 300mg/kg KNO3). The aim of this research was to determine the effects of these factors on biogenic amine content and other qualitative properties (pH, aw, color, residual nitrite, TBARS, NPN-M, microbiological properties). Residual nitrite was below 10mg/kg in all samples. Both the curing agent and temperature were found to have a very significant effect on the TBARS value, and the curing agent had a significant effect on the NPN-M content. Curing at 10°C increased the L* value; the use of nitrate increased the a* value. The use of nitrite had a negative effect on the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Micrococcus/Staphylococcus showed good growth in the presence of nitrate. In all samples, Enterobacteriaceae counts were below detectable levels. Neither temperature nor curing agent had significant effects on the amounts of tryptamine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, or spermine. There were very significant effects of temperature on the amount of putrescine and of the curing agent on the amount of spermidine.