Pork Meat Products Research Articles

Meat quality of Pulawska breed pigs and image of longissimus lumborum muscle microstructure compared to commercial DanBred and Naima hybrids.

The objective of this article was the evaluation of selected properties of meat quality including the characteristics of longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle microstructure of Pulawska breed pigs and fatteners of the DanBred and Naima hybrids which are used in national meat production. Three genetic groups of fatteners were studied in the experiment: group I – DanBred hybrid; group II – Naima hybrid; and group III – the Pulawska breed. Pig fattening took place under the same environmental conditions from the starting weight of 30 kg 2 kg to 103–105 kg. For the analysis of muscle fibre characteristics and meat quality from each group, 30 animals were selected ( ). Physico-chemical properties and ultrastructure were evaluated in samples collected from the LL muscle. A statistically significant impact () of a genetic group on pH, content of water, protein and ash, as well as on the colour of meat, the number of STOs (slow-twitch oxidatives) and the diameter of FTG (fast-twitch glycolytic) muscle fibres, was found. Meat of the Pulawska breed, compared to DanBred and Naima, showed a statistically significant () higher (by 2.05 % and 2.49 %, respectively) nutritional value expressed as protein content and mineral components. Overall, these results imply better biological properties of Pulawska meat than DanBred and Naima hybrids. The higher STO and lower FTG found in muscles from Pulawska pigs might partially explain meat quality differences found between the breeds in the present study. The data of the current study indicated that meat quality characteristics and muscle microstructure of fatteners showed differences, and these differences may be used for alternative pork meat production for the consumer.

Quality of Istrian and Slavonian dry-fermented sausages

The aim of this study was to investigate nutritive and sensorial quality of Istrian and Slavonian pork-meat dry-fermented sausages. Sensorial analysis resulted in statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between these products in 11 sensorial parameters analysed. Significantly higher protein content was determined in Istrian in comparison with Slavonian dry-fermented sausage, although the latter content significantly varied across the producing households. No significant differences in particular fatty acid esters and saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were obtained. Although some of the nutritional quality indices failed to meet health recommendations, the obtained values are consistent with data published for pork meat products.

Streptococcus suis: An Underestimated Emerging Pathogen in Hungary?

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen, demonstrated as an etiological agent in human infections in increasing frequency, including diseases like purulent meningitis, sepsis, uveitis-endophtalmitis and arthritis. Due to the increased availability and utility of novel diagnostic technologies in clinical microbiology, more studies have been published on the epidemiology of S. suis, both in veterinary and human medicine; however, there are no comprehensive data available regarding human S. suis infections from East-Central European countries. As a part of our study, data were collected from the National Bacteriological Surveillance (NBS) system on patients who had at least one positive microbiological result for S. suis, corresponding to an 18-year study period (2002–2019). n = 74 S. suis strains were isolated from invasive human infections, corresponding to 34 patients. The number of affected patients was 1.89 ± 1.53/year (range: 0–5). Most isolates originated from blood culture (63.5%) and cerebrospinal fluid (18.9%) samples. Additionally, we present detailed documentation of three instructive cases from three regions of the country and with three distinctly different outcomes. Hungary has traditional agriculture, the significant portion of which includes the production and consumption of pork meat, with characteristic preparation and consumption customs and unfavorable epidemiological characteristics (alcohol consumption, prevalence of malignant diseases or diabetes), which have all been described as important predisposing factors for the development of serious infections. Clinicians and microbiologist need to be vigilant even in nonendemic areas, especially if the patients have a history of occupational hazards or having close contact with infected pigs.

Spoilage of fresh turkey and pork sausages: Influence of potassium lactate and modified atmosphere packaging

Fresh poultry and pork meat products represent highly perishable products which are susceptible to spoil within a few days after production. Lactate addition and modified atmosphere packaging are common preservation strategies used to overcome spoilage. This study aimed to identify the effects of these strategies and their possible interactions on spoilage indicators simultaneously on fresh pork and turkey sausages. Ten batches of raw meat (turkey or pork) sausages were industrially produced with different lactate concentrations (0, 1 or 2% w/w in turkey and 0, 0.57 and 1.13% w/w in pork), packed under different gas mixtures (air, MAP1: 70% O2 – 30% CO2 and MAP2: 50% CO2 − 50% N2) and chill stored during 22 days. Spoilage responses including enumeration of total aerobic mesophilic and lactic acid bacteria, measurement of pH and colour, evaluation of visual defects and off-odour, were monitored. Effects of lactate and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) as well as random effect of the batch variability were studied using a mixed effect model. Despite initial batch variability, significant effects of lactate and gas packaging were observed but in a different way in turkey and pork. Our results suggest that for fresh turkey sausages, the gas mixture enriched in oxygen enhanced off-odour perception and sausage discolouration from red to dark grey / brown colour. Unlike turkey sausages, in pork sausages, lactate did not significantly influence the monitored spoilage responses, whereas MAP (70% O2-30% CO2) reduced the off-odour perception. The developed model could be useful to estimate the effect of preservation strategies on spoilage occurrence while considering industrial batch variability.

Pork production and consumption issues from the perspective of the religion and the World's growing population

In this article we would like to present the production and consumption issues of pork meat in the world. We intend to examine the production and consumption of pork meat from the point of view of the population. The growing population of the world requires an increasing amount of food, especially animal source of protein, ie meat. We want to examine how the world can supply the growing population with food, including (pork) meat. The growing population generates ever-increasing consumption from year to year, and may not be able to satisfy it, adequately supplying the population with food, especially (pork) meat. Livestock farming, especially extensive animal husbandry, will be less able to produce sufficient quantities of meat for the growing needs. During the analysis of food (meat) data we would like to present the difference between each continent on both the production and the consumption side. Examining the pork consumption, it should be mentioned the differences in the cultural habits, because the pork meat is the most affected in religious restrictions, regulations. The religious affiliation/identity is basically determined by the food and consumer habits, too. Due to the differences in dietary habits and religious culture, we think that the consumption of pork can be highly variable in the world and from country to country as well. In general, we would like to answer questions about how the world (pork) meat production is going, is the meat consumed in the countries where it is produced (export – import issues), what are the factors that influence (pork) meat consumption (culture and religion impact on pork consumption, animal health issues), and is there enough (pork) meat for the world's growing population. JEL code: P46, Q18, Q56

Effects of Chitosan Coating with Green Tea Aqueous Extract on Lipid Oxidation and Microbial Growth in Pork Chops during Chilled Storage.

Lipid oxidation and microbial growth are the major causes of meat quality deterioration. Natural ingredients in meat products have been proposed as a strategy to prevent quality deterioration during cold storage. This study aimed to assess the effects of added chitosan coating, alone and in combination with green tea water extract (GTWE), on the quality of pork chops during prolonged cold storage. For evaluating oxidative and antimicrobial stabilities, 72 fresh pork samples were subjected to four treatments (n = 18 per treatment): T0 (non-coated chops without GTWE); T1 (chitosan-coated chops without GTWE); T2 (chitosan-coated chops plus 0.1% of GTWE); and T3 (chitosan-coated chops plus 0.5% of GTWE). Pork samples were stored at 0 °C and subjected to physicochemical evaluation (pH, colour, and lipid oxidation) and microbiological analyses (mesophilic and pyschrotrophic counts) at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 days of storage. GTWE presented high total phenolic content (> 500 mg gallic acid equivalents/g); the incorporation of chitosan coatings increased (p < 0.05) free radical scavenging activity (FRSA, >90% of inhibition) and microbial growth inhibition (>50% for all tested pathogens), depending on the concentration. Further, GTWE inclusion in pork samples (T2 and T3) reduced (p < 0.05) pH, lipid oxidation and microbial counts, as well as colour loss in meat and bone throughout storage. Chitosan coating with GTWE could be used as an additive for the preservation of pork meat products.

Human Botulism in France, 1875-2016.

Botulism is a rare but severe disease which is characterized by paralysis and inhibition of secretions. Only a few cases had been reported at the end of the 19th century in France. The disease was frequent during the second world war, and then the incidence decreased progressively. However, human botulism is still present in France with 10–25 cases every year. Food-borne botulism was the main form of botulism in France, whereas infant botulism (17 cases between 2004 and 2016) was rare, and wound and inhalational botulism were exceptional. Type B was the prevalent botulism type and was mainly due to consumption of home-made or small-scale preparations of cured ham and to a lesser extent other pork meat products. In the recent period (2000–2016), a wider diversity of botulism types from various food origin including industrial foods was reported. Severe cases of type A and F botulism as well as type E botulism were more frequent. Albeit rare, the severity of botulism justifies its continued surveillance and recommendations to food industry and consumers regarding food hygiene and preservation practices.

Sensory Changes and Listeria monocytogenes Behavior in Sliced Cured Pork Loins during Extended Storage.

Cured pork loins are sausages with a production tradition in several regions worldwide. They are made from one of the noblest cuts of pork, and for this reason cured loins are one of the most expensive pork meat products. Establishing the correct shelf life allows products to be accepted by the consumer, and to avoid the costs associated with shorter shelf lives. The aim of this study is: (1) to establish proper shelf life by evaluating the willingness of participants to consume and the sensory modifications that occur during prolonged storage via Check All That Apply (CATA) questions; and (2) to study the behavior of Listeria monocytogenes through a microbial challenge test. Sliced cured pork loins can be stored at 6 ± 1 °C for 105 days while maintaining a consumer acceptance of more than 75%. The freshness loss was associated mainly with a decrease in aromatic notes (particularly the smoke and cured aroma), and with the appearance of spoiled characteristics, specifically a sour/vinegar aroma and acidic taste that were detected by a reduced proportion of participants. The freshness evaluation was positively influenced by the typical characteristics of cured products, such as color and a garlic and wine aroma. Sour/vinegar aroma and acidic taste were the attributes most associated with higher freshness penalization. During the period of the test, Listeria monocytogenes inoculated onto the cured loin slices did not grow.

Monoclonal antibody-based sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for porcine hemoglobin quantification

The major objective of this study was to establish a monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantification of porcine hemoglobin (PHb) in raw meat products. Before assay development, two mAbs immunoreactive to PHb β subunit with different epitopes were characterized. The optimized immunoassay was specific to PHb and had a wide PHb working range from 15.6 µg/mL to 3,000 µg/mL and high reproducibility with low coefficient of variations (CV < 20%). Through this assay, the estimated PHb residuals in pork loin and shoulder meats were 0.4 mg/g and 1.1 mg/g, respectively. In addition, this immunoassay could effectively quantify PHb in laboratory-spiked meats (pork loin, pork shoulder, and turkey breast) with acceptable recovery. Overall, this is the first mAb-based sandwich ELISA that is suitable for the government, food industry, and third-party authority to monitor PHb residuals or porcine blood adulteration in raw pork and pork-free meat products.

A sertéshússal és a sertésből készült termékekkel kapcsolatos preferenciák vizsgálata egyetemista hallgatók körében

A tanulmány célja a sertéshússal és a sertésből készült termékekkel kapcsolatos fogyasztói preferenciák vizsgálata volt. Az elemzéshez felhasznált minta (N=324) a Debreceni Egyetem Gazdaságtudományi Karának hallgatói köréből került kiválasztásra. A felmérés online kérdőíves formában zajlott le. Az adatok feldolgozásához leíró statisztikák, Khi-négyzet próbák, Spearman-féle rangkorreláció vizsgálatok, Mann-Whitney és Kruskal-Wallis próbák használata valósult meg. Az eredmények alapján elmondható, hogy a vizsgált mintában szereplő fogyasztók többsége, mindössze 50% alatti összeggel lenne hajlandó többet fizetni a magyar és az egészségesebb termékekért. Az elemzések során szignifikáns eltérés született a férfiak és nők között minden vizsgálatba bevont a vásárlásnál figyelembe vett tényező tekintetében; a középfokú és a felsőfokú végzettséggel rendelkezők között a gyártó/márka megítélésében; a jövedelemkategória csoportoknál pedig az ár és az egészséges táplálkozás szerint.

Optimization of thermosonication on Bacillus cereus from pork: Effects on inactivation and physicochemical properties

AbstractAimsThe objective of this study was to optimize thermosonication conditions under different processing conditions of temperature, pretreatment time, and ultrasound frequencies and to study its influence on the inactivation behavior of Bacillus cereus and also to predict the conditions that will result in the best qualities of the pork meat regarding color, texture, moisture content loss, and fat content loss.MethodsTo evaluate the influence of temperature (50–70°C), ultrasound frequency (20–60 kHz), and processing time (10–20 min) on color retention, lowest hardness, fat content loss, moisture content loss, and maximizing inactivation of B. cereus spores suspended in sterilized distilled water (SDW), as well as B. cereus inoculated in pork meat, response surface methodology was employed.ResultThe findings from the study showed that thermosonication treatment had a significant effect on color, texture, fat content loss, B. cereus spores suspended in SDW, B. cereus inoculated in pork, and moisture content loss. The optimum operating conditions to accomplish the best inactivation behavior of B. cereus and physicochemical properties of pork meat were ultrasound frequency of 20 kHz, temperature of 70°C, and processing time of 13.56 min. Considering the abovementioned conditions, the predicted results obtained include B. cereus in SDW (0.79 CFU/g), B. cereus in pork (0.47 CFU/g), moisture content loss (22.42%), color (45.48), texture (134.38 N), and fat content (68.63%). These outcomes were in line with the experimental values and the overall desirability was 0.534.ConclusionsThe results of our study confirm that thermosonication has a better way of enhancing the quality of pork meat under the application of the suitable parameters. This can advance the processing and production of pork meat by the meat industries.Practical ApplicationsPork meat is one of the most extensively consumed products in the world particularly in Asia and some parts of Africa. This product is in high consumer demand, but it is easily contaminated by microorganism, which leads to high deterioration and loss of quality. Thermosonication could be used as an effective and efficient technique for the meat industry. Its application will enhance the inactivation of deteriorative microorganisms and improve the physiochemical properties of pork meat.

Technological Properties of Model System Beef Emulsions with Encapsulated Pumpkin Seed Oil and Shell Powder

1. Bae, S.M., Cho, M.G., Jeong, J.Y. (2017). Effects of various calcium powders as replacers for synthetic phosphate on the quality properties of ground pork meat products. Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources, 37(3), 456–463. CrossRef Google Scholar

Comparative evaluation of nutritional and quality factors of pork meat products obtained traditionally in Romania and in the industrial system

Comparative evaluation of nutritional and quality factors of pork meat products obtained traditionally in Romania and in the industrial system

Determination of ochratoxin A in pork meat products: single laboratory validation method and preparation of homogeneous batch materials.

Ochratoxin A is one of the most diffused mycotoxin present in a large spectrum of food commodities, mainly produced by Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus carbonarius, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium verrucosum. EU has set maximum limits for a number of matrices such as cereals, wine, spices and liquorice, whilst other commodities such as beer and meat products that are susceptible of OTA contamination and are largely consumed are not included. In 2013, within the framework of the Regulation (EC) 882/2004 on official controls, the European Commission issued the mandate M/520 regarding the standardisation for methods of analysis for mycotoxins in food to the European Committee for Standardisation. Of the 11 priorities of the mandate, the one on "HPLC determination of OTA in meat, meat products and edible offal" was assigned to the Italian National Reference Laboratory for feed and food. The method was single-laboratory validated, and all the performance characteristics of the method were compliant with the corresponding reference values indicated in Regulation (EC) n. 401/2006. The method was applied to characterise a set of 5 pork-based materials (ham, kidney, liver and canned chopped pork) to be used for an inter-laboratory method validation study. Three ham materials (levels of contamination of 0.77, 2.22 and 12.3μg/kg, respectively), one liver material (contamination level of 2.80μg/kg) and one chopped pork meat (contamination level of 0.66μg/kg) were tested for homogeneity and stability.

Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs in Traditionally and Industrially Smoked Pork Meat Products from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of 19 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs): (hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH, β-HCH, δ–HCH), lindane, aldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, trans-chlordane, cis-chlordane, endosulfane I, endosulfane II, endosulfane sulfate, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), dieldrin, endrin, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), methoxychlor and endrin ketone and 6 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (PCB 28, PCB 52, PCB 101, PCB 153, PCB 138 and PCB 180). The samples were taken from pancetta, dry pork neck (budiola), pork tenderloin and sausages produced in Rakitno (Bosnia and Herzegovina), smoked in both a traditional smokehouse and in an industrial chamber. Instrumental analysis was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The reliability of the results, i.e., quality control is ensured by standard laboratory practice, which involves participation in proficiency test, the use of blank samples, reference materials and implementation of recommendations given by the relevant international organizations. The concentrations of α-HCH, lindane, PCB 28, PCB 52 and PCB 153 were detected and quantified. The concentrations of OCPs and PCBs did not significantly vary depending on product type and the conditions of production. All the examined samples were for human consumption.

African swine fever

African swine fever (ASF) is a hemorrhagic infectious disease of Suids, which is endemic in sub-Saharan area of African continent. ASF is usually circulating sub-symptomatically among wild species of Suidae family, such as warthogs and bush pigs, by mediating Ornithodoros soft ticks. Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) are, however, highly sensitive to the infection and show severe clinical signs with a high mortality rate, resulting a huge impact on pork production. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine available. The etiological agent, ASFV, is highly resistant to environmental conditions, and resides in unheated pork meat or pork meat products for a long period, which may be a chance of its long-distance spread. Since August 2018, ASFV has been circulating in East and Southeast Asian countries and may possibly be introduced into Japan. Here, I describe the outline of the disease and the etiology of the pathogen in order to remind the importance of "awareness" and "preparedness" for the disease.

Key factors affecting consumption of meat and meat products from perspective of Slovak consumers

Nowadays, meat and meat products are considered as a part of the daily diet of most people. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with meat and meat products and their consumption according to individual types of meat. Based on the above, the paper is focused on the issue of consumption of individual types of meat in the Slovak Republic and the identification of key factors affecting the consumption of meat and meat products from Slovak consumers' point of view. Secondary and primary data is used to fulfil the aim of the paper. Secondary data is obtained from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, on the basis of which the development of consumption of individual types of meat is predicted by 2020. It can be stated that poultry and pork meat and meat products consumption is constantly increasing and there is a slight change in beef and fish meat and meat products consumption, which is currently at a very low level. In the context of the above, a questionnaire survey is realised and based on its results it could be concluded that the price is a main reason for the inadequate consumption of different types of meat. However, consumers consume meat and meat products mainly because of taste, which can be considered as an aspect of irrationality in the diet of Slovak consumers. Furthermore, a number of factors affecting the purchase and consumption of meat and meat products have been identified. The results show rational and irrational aspects in the decision making of Slovak consumers. The most important factor is the quality of meat and meat products, which consumers perceive differently, mainly on the basis of their own personality and other aspects of meat quality (price, origin, freshness, and sensory characteristics of meat). Other important factors are the perception of composition, freshness, price and country of origin.

The Influence of Different Smoking Procedures on the Content of 16 PAHs in Traditional Dry Cured Smoked Meat "Hercegovačka Pečenica".

During smoking, meat products may get contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), especially the ones that are smoked in traditional (uncontrolled) conditions. This study aims to evaluate the difference in PAH content in samples of traditional dry cured pork meat products, “Hercegovačka pečenica”, produced in (1) a traditional smokehouse and (2) in industrial chambers. The study revealed that the content of the four priority PAHs (PAH4) in samples produced in a traditional smoking manner highly exceeded (up to 10 times) the maximal limits set for PAHs (12 µg/kg). PAH4 in all samples subjected to industrial smoking procedures was below the limit of quantification. All samples had below-the-limit-of-quantification values for Benzo[a]pyrene. The surface layer of the samples produced in traditional conditions had the highest total content of PAH16. The inner parts of all samples, whether traditional or industrial, had significantly lower PAH16 concentration than the surface layer.

Microbiological quality of mink feed raw materials and feed production area

BackgroundThe quality of mink feed and raw ingredients affect health and growth. The objectives of this study were to examine the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat mink feed and its raw ingredients, screen the plant part of the feed for mycotoxins, and determine the hygiene of the production environment in the feed processing facilities. The results of the study are important for identification of critical steps in the feed production and for formulation of recommendations for improvements of production processes to obtain better quality feed. Feed and swab samples were taken at three Danish mink feed producers October 2016 and May 2017, respectively. Viable counts, detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), influenza virus and filamentous fungi were performed together with qualitative chemical analyses for bioactive fungal metabolites and mycotoxins. Swab samples were analyzed for total viable counts.ResultsViable counts varied between 7.2 × 102 and 9.3 × 107 cfu/g in raw ingredients and between 107 and 109 cfu/cm2 on different surfaces at the feed production facilities. A pork meat product, pork haemoglobin, pork liver and a poultry mix was found positive for MRSA, while monophasic Salmonella [4,5,12:i:-] was detected in a pork meat product. Neither MRSA nor Salmonella was detected in any ready-to-eat feed. Influenza A virus was not detected in any sample. Filamentous fungi were detected in all analysed samples of ready-to-eat feed while dihydro-demethyl-sterigmatocystin was found in almost 50% of all ready-to-eat feed samples and in 80% of the sugar beet pulp. Fumonisins and other Fusarium toxins were found especially in corn gluten meal and extruded barley and wheat.ConclusionsMink feed contained a cocktail of mycotoxins and bacteria, which may not per se cause clinical disease, but may affect organ function and animal performance and well-being.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ ТА ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РОЗВИТКУ РИНКУ М’ЯСА ТА М’ЯСНОЇ ПРОДУКЦІЇ В УКРАЇНІ

On the basis of the analytical research the peculiarities of the meat processing enterprises functioning of Ukraine were identified, quantitative and qualitative trends of the meat and meat products market in Ukraine were investigated, factors influencing its development prospects were determined. The article points out that cattle meat production in Ukraine has been declining annually and has been unprofitable for the last 20 years. At the same time, it is proved that the meat industry in Ukraine has significant reserves and great prospects for development, the successful implementation of which is possible only if the negative phenomena and processes in the agricultural sector are overcome. The paper investigates that over the past year, there has been some increase in meat production, with a marked decrease in beef, veal and pork meat production and an increase in poultry meat production. The main problems of the industry and the ways of overcoming them in the current economic conditions are outlined. The main leaders of producers of meat products in Ukraine are highlighted. The dynamics of the poultry population and the production of this type of meat are discussed. The structure of livestock farming by agricultural enterprises and private farms is considered. The dynamics of the structure of meat production in Ukraine by types compared to 2014 and 2018 is provided. The desired market capacity, which could meet the needs of Ukrainians in the rational consumption of meat products, is 3.432 billion tons, but the actual consumption reaches only 2.295 billion tons, which is 66.9 % of the rational indicator. Among the main effective ways of providing market capacity are: increasing the availability of goods by introducing individual assistance to low-income categories of the population; an increase in the consumption of products outside the home, which will necessitate an increase in real wages; elimination in the food markets of non-equivalent product exchange; development of a balanced range of products at meat processing enterprises. Keywords: meat processing companies, meat and meat products market, meat and meat products production, poultry meat, turkey meat.