Retail Shelf Life Research Articles

Perforated modified atmosphere packaging to extend retail shelf life of blueberries and raspberries

Perforated modified atmosphere packaging to extend retail shelf life of blueberries and raspberries

The effects of feeding benzoic acid and/or active dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on fatty acid composition, sensory attributes, and retail shelf-life of beef longissimus thoracis.

Fifty-nine Angus-cross steers (492 ± SD 36 kg) were arranged in a randomized complete block design and assigned to the following dietary treatments for the final 106 days of the finishing phase: no supplementation (CON), 0.5% benzoic acid (ACD), 3 g/steer/d active dry Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YST), or both [0.5% benzoic acid and 3 g/steer/d S. cerevisiae (AY)]. Steers were slaughtered at a commercial facility where longissimus thoracis (IMPS #107 Beef Rib) samples were retrieved and evaluated for fatty acid composition, sensory attributes, and shelf-life during a simulated retail display period. Data (N = 57) were analyzed using dietary treatment as a fixed effect, blocking weight at the beginning of the study as a random effect, and steer as the experimental unit. Muscle pH and proximate composition (moisture and intramuscular lipid) for longissimus samples were not different (P ≥ 0.39) among dietary treatments. Most fatty acid profile values and calculations were not different among dietary treatments (P ≥ 0.10); however, the n-6:n-3 ratio differed (P = 0.01), with ACD samples having lower n-6:n-3 compared with CON and YST samples while AY samples were intermediate and not different from other dietary treatments. The trained sensory panel did not detect differences among dietary treatments (P ≥ 0.23) for juiciness, beef flavor intensity, or off-flavor intensity; however, they did score AY samples as chewier than ACD samples with CON and YST samples intermediate and not different from other dietary treatments. Yet, tenderness was not different when scored by trained panelists (P = 0.10) or measured instrumentally (P = 0.21). Total color change tended to differ (P = 0.09) during the 12-d simulated retail display period with AY samples experiencing less color change compared with YST samples, while CON and ACD samples were intermediate and not different from other dietary treatments. Lipid oxidation (as measured with TBARS) tended to differ (P = 0.08) following the 12-d simulated retail display period with ACD and AY samples experiencing lower levels of oxidation compared with CON, while YST samples were intermediate and not different from other dietary treatments. Overall, these results suggest there were no negative impacts on meat quality when finishing steers were supplemented with either benzoic acid or S. cerevisiae, and there may even be advantages for fatty acid composition and oxidative stability when steers were supplemented with benzoic acid.

Effect of Extended Postmortem Aging on Beef Muscles of Differing Quality Grade during Retail Display

Aging of beef subprimals is a common industry practice to improve tenderness. However, the effect of extended aging (up to 63 d) on retail shelf life, tenderness, and eating quality of beef strip loin and sirloin of differing quality grades is not clearly understood. Therefore, in the current study, longissimus dorsi (strip loin) and gluteus medius muscles (sirloin) were collected from USDA Choice or Select carcasses and fabricated into 6 portions. Each of these portions was designated to an assigned time of wet aging (14, 21, 28, 35, 45, or 63 d) in vacuum bags. After aging, samples were fabricated into steaks and placed into a multideck retail display case for 72 h. Steaks were evaluated for color (instrumental and color panelists) every 8 h during retail display, and Warner-Bratzler shear force and sensory analysis were conducted after retail display. The results were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with repeated measures for the color data. Among the effects evaluated (aging, quality grade, and aging×quality grade), quality grade was not significant (P>0.05) for either strip loin or sirloin steaks. An aging×display hour interaction was identified (P<0.05) for the color measurements. In general, as aging time increased over the display period, color was negatively impacted. Although tenderness improved (P<0.05) with aging, the incidence of off-flavors also increased, especially in sirloin steaks, suggesting that beef processors need to consider flavor changes during extended aging.

Extending the Shelf Life of Beef Steaks Using Acerola Cherry Powder and Rosemary Extract

Improvements in retail shelf life of exported beef will help with merchandising and increase competitiveness in the worldwide market for United States beef products. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of topically applying acerola cherry powder or rosemary extract from various suppliers on beef bone-in short rib steak and chuck roll steak shelf life. USDA Choice beef bone-in short ribs (IMPS 123A) and chuck rolls (IMPS 116A) were aged (0°C) for 28 d postfabrication. Following aging, 1.02-cm-thick steaks were cut (N = 126) and systematically assigned to a treatment based on steak location within the subprimal. Treatments included untreated control (C), topically sprayed (2 mL) with an acerola cherry powder solution (0.05%) from 1 of 3 suppliers (C1, C2, C3), or topically sprayed (2 mL) with a rosemary extract solution (0.10%) from 1 of 3 suppliers (R1, R2, R3). Half of the steaks were assigned to day 0 lipid oxidation, metmyoglobin-reducing activity (MRA), and oxygen consumption; the remaining steaks were assigned to color evaluation over 4 d of retail display followed by day 4 lipid oxidation and MRA. Short rib steaks treated with antioxidants had a brighter oxygenated lean color than control steaks (P < 0.001). There was an interaction (P = 0.028) between time of retail display and MRA. Short rib steaks treated with C3 and R2 did not change in MRA between day 0 and 4 (P = 0.620, P = 0.428, respectively). Chuck roll steaks treated with C1, C2, C3, R2, and R3 all had a higher, or more desirable, MRA than the control steaks on day 0 (P < 0.001). Applying topical antioxidants improves the shelf-life stability of steaks from beef bone-in short ribs and chuck rolls aged for an extended period.

Effects of temperature abuse on the growth and survival of Listeria monocytogenes on a wide variety of whole and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables during storage

Twenty types of fruits and vegetables representing a broad range of fresh produce categories were assessed for the growth potential and growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes under conditions reflecting commercial practices for storage and distribution and conditions reflecting sustained temperature abuse. Whole and fresh-cut produce was obtained from various commercial sources and inoculated with L. monocytogenes strains to evaluate the survival and growth for up to 25 days, depending on the projected commercial storage or retail shelf life for each commodity. The L.monocytogenes populations showed a sustained decline on all tested whole fruits, including avocado, blueberry, grape, mango, peach, green pepper, and tomato. Under “normal” storage conditions (defined as those reflective of common commercial practices), significant L. monocytogenes growth was only observed on fresh-cut cantaloupe (∼0.8 log) and fresh-cut mango (∼0.6 log). Exposure to temperature abuse conditions did not change the overall trends of L. monocytogenes survival on the whole fruits but did result in significant growth on several fresh-cut products, including celery, cauliflower, mango, onion, romaine lettuce, and cantaloupe. After inoculation on certain products (e.g., fresh-cut carrot and whole peach), L. monocytogenes seemed to lose cultivability rapidly but did retain viability as determined by the maintenance of cell membrane integrity.

Growth Inhibitory and Selective Pressure Effects of Sodium Diacetate on the Spoilage Microbiota of Frankfurters Stored at 4 °C and 12 °C in Vacuum.

This study evaluated microbial growth in commercial frankfurters formulated with 1.8% sodium lactate (SL) singly or combined with 0.25% sodium diacetate (SDA), vacuum-packaged (VP) and stored at 4 °C and 12 °C. Standard frankfurters without SDA, containing 0.15% SL, served as controls (CN). Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were the exclusive spoilers in all treatments at both storage temperatures. However, compared to the CN and SL treatments, SL + SDA delayed growth of LAB by an average of 5.1 and 3.1 log units, and 3.0 and 2.0 log units, respectively, after 30 and 60 days at 4 °C. On day 90, the SL + SDA frankfurters were unspoiled whereas the SL and CN frankfurters had spoiled on day 60 and day 30 to 60, respectively. At 12 °C, LAB growth was similar in all treatments after day 15, but strong defects developed in the CN and SL frankfurters only. Differential spoilage patterns were associated with a major reversal of the LAB biota from gas- and slime-producing Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Leuconostoc carnosum in the CN and SL frankfurters to Lactobacillus sakei/curvatus in the SL + SDA frankfurters. Thus, SL + SDA extends the retail shelf life of VP frankfurters by delaying total LAB growth and selecting for lactobacilli with a milder cured meat spoilage potential than leuconostocs, particularly under refrigeration.

Correlation Among Ground Beef Lipid Content, Color, and Lipid Oxidation Over a 7-Day Simulated Retail Display Period

ObjectivesGround beef is more susceptible to lipid oxidation compared to whole muscle beef cuts. This is due to its smaller particle size and greater surface area, which makes the meat products more prone to be exposed to various environmental factors during production. The objective of this study was to determine the relationships among ground beef lipid content, instrumental color, visual discoloration, and lipid oxidation over a 7d simulated retail display period.Materials and MethodsBeef inside rounds (IMPS #168) from the right sides of steer carcasses (n = 63) were collected from a commercial processing facility and delivered to the U of Guelph Meat Science Laboratory for further analyses. Each inside round was trimmed of all subcutaneous fat and connective tissue, and then fabricated into ground beef patties (113 g/patty) at two targeted fat addition levels (no added fat and 25%). Lean ground beef (no added fat) was made by grinding cubes of inside round muscle through a Sirman Master 90 Y12 meat grinder (Sirman USA, Franklin Park, IL). Regular ground beef (25% added fat) was made by grinding cubed round muscle with an additional 25% subcutaneous fat that originated from the rib primal of the same carcass. For the simulated retail shelf life study, 2 crust frozen patties (crust frozen for 1 h to improve packaging ability) were placed on a Styrofoam meat tray with a soaker pad and overwrapped with PVC film. In total, there were 4 trays of patties per ID (2 trays/targeted fat level). Trays were placed under two LED lights (52 W, 1850 lumens, color temperature of 4000K, 1612.5 to 2152 lux) at 4°C and the locations on shelves were changed every 24 h. Minolta L*, a*, b* color and subjective surface discoloration were evaluated every 24 h for 7 d. Lipid peroxidation of patties before and after the retail display was estimated using thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS; mg MDA/g fat). Lipid content of patties was quantified using Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether. Summary statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were determined using the PROC CORR procedure of SAS. Correlations were regarded as weak at r < |0.35|, moderate at |0.36| ≤ r ≤ |0.67|, and strong at r ≥ |0.68|.ResultsLipid content in the 126 ground beef samples evaluated in this study ranged from 3.47% to 30.43% (16.30% ± 6.18%). A moderate and significant correlation was observed between lipid content and change in TBARS values (r = –0.59, P < 0.0001). Similarly, an increase in lipid content is moderately correlated with a decrease in a* values (r = –0.58, P < 0.0001) and an increase in surface discoloration after a 7d display period (r = 0.53, P < 0.0001). Δ TBARS values was weakly correlated with Δ L* (r = 0.24, P < 0.01), Δ a* (r = 0.11, P = 0.25), and visual discoloration (r = –0.16, P = 0.09). Finally, Δ a* was strongly correlated with surface discoloration values at d7 (r = –0.76, P < 0.0001).ConclusionAn increase of lipid content in ground beef had a moderate association with decreased redness, greater surface discoloration, and less change in lipid oxidation over a 7d simulated retail display period. Color values were not great predictors of lipid oxidation values and trained technicians often equated visual discoloration in beef to a deviation from the desired cherry red color.

Nutritional strategies to reduce methane emissions from cattle: Effects on meat eating quality and retail shelf life of loin steaks

Increasing the lipid concentration and/or inclusion of nitrate in the diet of ruminant livestock have been proposed as effective strategies to reduce the contribution of methane from the agricultural sector to greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, the effects of increased lipid or added nitrate on beef eating quality were investigated in two experiments. In experiment 1, lipid and nitrate were fed alone with two different and contrasting basal diets to finishing beef cattle. In the second experiment, lipid and nitrate were fed alone or in combination with a single basal diet. The sensory properties and retail colour shelf life of loin muscle samples obtained were then characterized. Overall, neither lipid nor nitrate had any adverse effects on sensory properties or colour shelf life of loin muscle.

Correlation Among Ground Beef Lipid Content, Color, and Lipid Oxidation Over a 7-Day Simulated Retail Display Period

ObjectivesGround beef is more susceptible to lipid oxidation compared to whole muscle beef cuts. This is due to its smaller particle size and greater surface area, which makes the meat products more prone to be exposed to various environmental factors during production. The objective of this study was to determine the relationships among ground beef lipid content, instrumental color, visual discoloration, and lipid oxidation over a 7d simulated retail display period.Materials and MethodsBeef inside rounds (IMPS #168) from the right sides of steer carcasses (n = 63) were collected from a commercial processing facility and delivered to the U of Guelph Meat Science Laboratory for further analyses. Each inside round was trimmed of all subcutaneous fat and connective tissue, and then fabricated into ground beef patties (113 g/patty) at two targeted fat addition levels (no added fat and 25%). Lean ground beef (no added fat) was made by grinding cubes of inside round muscle through a Sirman Master 90 Y12 meat grinder (Sirman USA, Franklin Park, IL). Regular ground beef (25% added fat) was made by grinding cubed round muscle with an additional 25% subcutaneous fat that originated from the rib primal of the same carcass. For the simulated retail shelf life study, 2 crust frozen patties (crust frozen for 1 h to improve packaging ability) were placed on a Styrofoam meat tray with a soaker pad and overwrapped with PVC film. In total, there were 4 trays of patties per ID (2 trays/targeted fat level). Trays were placed under two LED lights (52 W, 1850 lumens, color temperature of 4000K, 1612.5 to 2152 lux) at 4°C and the locations on shelves were changed every 24 h. Minolta L*, a*, b* color and subjective surface discoloration were evaluated every 24 h for 7 d. Lipid peroxidation of patties before and after the retail display was estimated using thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS; mg MDA/g fat). Lipid content of patties was quantified using Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether. Summary statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were determined using the PROC CORR procedure of SAS. Correlations were regarded as weak at r < |0.35|, moderate at |0.36| ≤ r ≤ |0.67|, and strong at r ≥ |0.68|.ResultsLipid content in the 126 ground beef samples evaluated in this study ranged from 3.47% to 30.43% (16.30% ± 6.18%). A moderate and significant correlation was observed between lipid content and change in TBARS values (r = –0.59, P < 0.0001). Similarly, an increase in lipid content is moderately correlated with a decrease in a* values (r = –0.58, P < 0.0001) and an increase in surface discoloration after a 7d display period (r = 0.53, P < 0.0001). Δ TBARS values was weakly correlated with Δ L* (r = 0.24, P < 0.01), Δ a* (r = 0.11, P = 0.25), and visual discoloration (r = –0.16, P = 0.09). Finally, Δ a* was strongly correlated with surface discoloration values at d7 (r = –0.76, P < 0.0001).ConclusionAn increase of lipid content in ground beef had a moderate association with decreased redness, greater surface discoloration, and less change in lipid oxidation over a 7d simulated retail display period. Color values were not great predictors of lipid oxidation values and trained technicians often equated visual discoloration in beef to a deviation from the desired cherry red color.

Dry potato extracts improve water holding capacity, shelf life, and sensory characteristics of fresh and precooked beef patties

The objective was to examine shelf stability, cooked product yield, and sensory characteristics of beef patties that had no binder (Control), incorporated soy flour (Textured Vegetable Protein; TVP) or one of three dry potato extracts: X-TRATOS™ (potato extract), X-TRATOS™ O (potato extract with mustard), or X-TRATOS™ W (potato extract with sodium acid pyrophosphate). In retail display patties, all binders decreased discoloration and lipid oxidation compared to Control, and X-TRATOS™ O was superior (P < 0.05) to all other treatments. Cooking yield was higher (P < 0.05) in patties containing potato extracts compared with patties containing TVP, which had higher yield than Control patties. Beef patties with potato extracts were juicier (P < 0.05) than Control and TVP patties and had higher (P < 0.05) overall acceptability than Control patties. We conclude that potato extracts are effective binders for use in fresh or precooked beef patties because they improve retail shelf life, cooked product yield, and sensory characteristics.

Effect of sex and sub-zero storage temperature on the microbial and oxidative stability of beef packed in a high-oxygen atmosphere after different vacuum ageing times

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sex and sub-zero storage temperature on the microbial and oxidative stability of Belgian Blue beef packed in a high-oxygen atmosphere after different ageing times. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum from Belgian Blue young bulls and cull cows were aged at −1 or 4 °C for 80 days in vacuum. Every 20 days, samples were repackaged in a high-oxygen atmosphere (70/30% O2/CO2) and stored for 7 days (2 days at 4 °C + 5 days at 8 °C). Ageing at −1 °C had a protective effect against the growth of lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae and myoglobin oxidation. Brochothrix thermosphacta was the limiting parameter for ageing longer than 20 days at −1 °C, permitting a subsequent 7-day shelf-life in a high-oxygen atmosphere. Meat from young bulls was more sensitive to oxidation than meat from cull cows. Extending Belgian Blue meat ageing for >20 days had a negative impact on retail shelf-life.

Expiration dates and order quantities for perishables

We address the problem of how to set expiration dates for perishable products in the context of a retailer that sells a random lifetime product under periodic review. Although the lifetime is random, the retailer, in addition to deciding when and how much to order, must also determine an expiration date that corresponds to the maximum number of periods that inventory may remain available for sale before it must be discarded. Unlike other models of perishable inventory, but similar to real-world processes, it is possible to unknowingly sell products that have reached the limit of their retail shelf life, or to discard products that are still good for sale. As a result, retailers must balance hazard costs and perishing costs by setting a remaining shelf life that provides customers with a reasonable time for storage at home before the product actually spoils.We formulate the problem as a Markov Decision Process and also introduce two heuristic policies for the computation of order quantities and expiration dates that are of more practical relevance. We conduct an extensive simulation study, focusing on fresh packaged tomatoes as an illustrative example. Through this study, we evaluate the sensitivity of the computed expiration dates relative to the problem parameters and provide managerial insight into the role of expiration date setting for inventory control.

Impact of feeding de-oiled wet distillers grains plus solubles on beef shelf life.

Research was conducted to determine the effect of feeding de-oiled wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) on beef fatty acid profile, retail shelf life and development of oxidation products during retail display (RD). A total of 336 crossbred yearling steers (initial BW = 351.08 ± 19.05 kg) were fed 1 of 7 dietary treatments: an all corn control (1:1 blend of dry rolled and high moisture corn), 35%, 50%, or 65% inclusion of WDGS, either full-fat or de-oiled. Within each treatment 15 Choice carcasses were randomly selected ( = 105), strip loins were obtained, aged 7 and 21 d, and representative steaks from each strip loin were placed in RD conditions for 7 d. Fatty acid profiles were determined (mg/100 g tissue basis) and differences ( ≤ 0.05) were found in the C16:1, C18:1T, C18:2 and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) among dietary treatments. Palmitoleic acid (C16:1) was predominant ( < 0.0001) in the corn control group, intermediate in the 35% de-oiled WDGS group, but no differences ( > 0.05) were observed between all other diets. Elaidic acid (C18:1T) was greater ( = 0.01) in the 65% full-fat WDGS group, least for the corn control group, and intermediate for all other diets. Linoleic acid (C18:2) was greater ( = 0.0001) in all 3 full-fat WDGS groups and 65% de-oiled WDGS group (290.98 mg/100 g, on average), intermediate in the 50% and 35% de-oiled WDGS groups (231.08 and 227.16 mg/100 g, respectively) and least for the corn control group (177.70 mg/100 g). The PUFA content was greater ( < 0.01) in all 3 full-fat WDGS groups and 65% de-oiled WDGS group (337.13 mg/100 g, on average), intermediate in the 50% and 35% de-oiled WGDS groups (274.77 and 273.84 mg/100 g, respectively) and least for the corn control group (223.98 mg/100 g). Dietary treatment did not alter discoloration ( = 0.30) or lipid oxidation ( = 0.36). Shear force decreased with age and RD ( < 0.0001) but dietary treatment had no effect on shear force ( = 0.93). In general, feeding 35% and 50% de-oiled WDGS had intermediate PUFA content relative to a corn control or full-fat WDGS diet. Feeding de-oiled WDGS did not seem to increase beef shelf life and does not negatively alter beef quality parameters in relation to full-fat WDGS.

Relationship between Physiological Maturity and Retail Shelf Life in Heifer Carcasses

ObjectivesOur objective was to determine the relationship between carcass maturity and retail fluid loss, color stability, and lipid oxidation of strip loin and bottom (outside) round steaks.Materials and MethodsRight sides of A (n = 24), B (n = 23), and C (n = 24) maturity heifer carcasses were used. Carcasses under 30 mo of age based on dentition, and with a “small” (Sm) to “moderate” degree of marbling were selected. Beef strip loins (IMPS 180) and outside rounds (IMPS 171B) obtained from these carcasses were purchased from AB Foods (Toppenish, WA) and transported to the University of Idaho Meat Science Laboratory. Following a 14-d aging period, wholesale cuts were removed from vacuum packaging and ischiatic heads were removed from outside rounds to produce trimmed flats. Two 2.54 cm-thick steaks were cut from the trimmed flats and anterior ends of strip loins. One steak was used to measure retail fluid loss and color stability and the other was used to measure lipid oxidation. Steaks were placed in white Styrofoam trays with the freshly cut surface exposed and overwrapped with an oxygen permeable PVC film. Steaks used to determine retail color stability were weighed prior to packaging and displayed in a glass-fronted retail display case at 2.6°C for 6 d. Steaks were allowed to bloom for at least 60 min and then two objective color measurements per steak were taken using a Hunter MiniScan EZ. This represented d 0 of retail display, and subsequent color measurements were taken on d 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The instrument was set to illuminant A and Commission International de l’Eclairage (CIE) L*, a*, and b* values were recorded. Three evaluators measured oxygenated lean color, surface discoloration, % discoloration, amount of browning, and color uniformity on each day of retail display. Following 6 d of retail display, steaks were removed from packaging and reweighed to determine retail fluid loss. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were quantified in samples obtained from steaks on d 0, 2, 4, and 6 of retail display. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) and significance was determined at P < 0.05.ResultsMarbling scores of the carcasses were not different across maturity groups (P = 0.79). Average marbling scores were Sm93, Sm99, and Sm98 for A, B, and C maturities, respectively. Heifer carcass maturity did not affect retail fluid loss in either strip loin or bottom round steaks, or color stability of strip loin steaks (P > 0.20). However, the amount of browning in B maturity bottom round steaks was less (P < 0.05) than C maturity steaks. Furthermore, a maturity by day of retail display interaction was observed for bottom round oxygenated lean color (P < 0.001). Lean color of A, B, and C maturity steaks was similar until d 3 of retail display, after which C maturity steaks darkened at a faster rate than A or B maturity steaks. For bottom round steaks, a maturity by day of retail display interaction was observed for TBARS values. Interestingly, lipid oxidation in A versus B and C maturity steaks occurred faster from d 4 to 6 of retail display.ConclusionIn conclusion, advanced skeletal maturity in heifer carcasses under 30 mo of age has little or no negative effect on retail product characteristics.

Impact of Novel Light Sources on Color and Flavor Oxidation of Beef

ObjectivesMeat color is considered to be one of the driving factors in consumer purchasing decisions. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of two different lighting sources on color and lipid oxidation of ground beef patties in a controlled environment.Materials and MethodsSelect quality grade top rounds with necessary subcutaneous fat (n = 20) were coarse ground through a 10 mm grinding plate and finely ground through a 4.5 mm grinding plate to produce ground beef at 2 different fat levels (5 and 25%) and made into patties (113.4 g). Patties were packaged with oxygen permeable polyvinyl chloride and assigned to 1 of 3 lighting treatments (low UV fluorescent [FLO], Light Emitting Diode [LED], and no light [negative control]) within temperature controlled (5°C) deli cases. Patty removal for evaluation occurred on storage d 1, 3, 5, and 7. Objective color measurements were obtained using a Hunter MiniScan. These values were utilized to determine relative myoglobin variant concentrations as a measure of myoglobin oxidation. Additionally, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBAR) were run to determine lipid oxidation. Means were separated using the GLIMMIX function of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) with fixed effects of light source, fat percentage, and storage day. Significance was determined at P < 0.05.ResultsObjective color measurement for a*, decreased for all light treatments by storage day (P < 0.0001) where storage d 1 > 3 > 5 > 7, respectively. Mean a* values for both fat percentages decreased over time where storage d 1 > 3 > 5 > 7, respectively. Patties containing 5% fat were redder (P < 0.05) as indicated by a* values than those containing 25% fat on storage d 1, 3, and 7; the exception being storage d 5 having no differences (P > 0.05) in a* values between fat levels. Oxymyoglobin (MbO2) values for all light treatments decreased daily but showed no differences between treatments until d 5 (P < 0.0001) where no light > LED > FLO. Inversely, metmyoglobin (MMb) values increased daily (P < 0.0001) but showed no differences between light treatments until d 5 where FLO > LED > no light. Oxymyoglobin values for both fat percentages decreased daily with differences occurring on storage d 7 with 5% fat patties having a greater percentage of MbO2 (53.71) than 25% patties (52.43). Metmyoglobin values increased daily for patties of both fat percentages with differences occurring on d 7 of storage (P < 0.05) with 25% fat patties having a greater percentage (45.28) of MMb than 5% fat patties (44.14). TBAR values increased with increasing storage day for both fat percentages (P < 0.0001). After storage d 1 (P > 0.05), lower mean values occurred (P < 0.05) on storage d 3, 5, and 7 for patties with 25% fat than those of 5% fat. Indicating greater amounts of lipid oxidation occurred within the phospholipid membrane than that of added subcutaneous fat.ConclusionThis study indicates that light treatment influences discoloration, MMb formation, and lipid oxidation of ground beef patties at the end of retail shelf life, indicating that LED lights may be beneficial to retailers by adding additional retail storage days.

Influence of vacuum-ageing duration of whole beef on retail shelf life of steaks packaged with oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) active film under high O2.

Beef Longissimus lumborum (LL) was no aged (LL0), aged for 7days (LL7) and 14days (LL14) under vacuum at 1±1°C. The obtained beefsteaks were packaged in high oxygen (Hi-O2) with active packaging (AP) during 13-21days at 1±1°C. Redness (CIE a* values), metmyoglobin percentage (MetMb%), total flora (PCA), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS), instrumental tenderness (Warner-Bratzler shear force: WBSF), and sensory analyses were performed. The various variables differed amongst the ageing times and packaging systems (AP vs. control). Three and ten additional days of retail shelf life were observed for steaks from LL7 and LL14, respectively. AP increased efficiently the retail shelf life of beefsteaks, but did not affect meat tenderness. The extended ageing from 7 to 14days also induced higher tenderness in beefsteaks and did not show any affect negative effect on other quality parameters. Innovative technology referring to ageing under vacuum combined with Hi-O2 MA/AP would be desirable for beefsteaks during display and constituted a good alternative for meat supermarkets.

Retail shelf-life of fresh and cured meat products stored under fluorescent and light emitting diode (LED) illumination sources

Retail shelf-life of fresh and cured meat products stored under fluorescent and light emitting diode (LED) illumination sources

Comparison of conventional and Alltech Beef PN finishing programs: meat color characteristics (2014)

To maximize efficiency and profit when producing beef, American producers currently employ a multitude of production programs that use feed additives such as Rumensin or Tylan (Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) and growth promotants such as implants and Optaflexx (Elanco Animal Health). Rumensin and Tylan fed in combination can improve average daily gain and feed efficiency, and utilizing growth promotants enhances feed efficiency, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, and yield grades of carcasses. Although these products improve production efficiency, they can affect meat quality characteristics such as retail shelf life, necessitating better understanding of how management decisions in the feedlot can affect retail display. The Alltech PN Beef Program (Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) consists of two products that are designed to replace components of a conventional feedlot diet. The PN Beef Receiver is intended to be fed during the step-up period of feeding, whereas PN Beef Finisher is intended to be fed during the remainder of finishing period. Because both products are new feed alternatives, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of the Alltech PN Feed Program to a conventional diet on fresh meat retail shelf life color when both diets were fed with or without implants and Optaflexx.

Consequences of extended aging on retail shelf-life of four beef muscles

Consequences of extended aging on retail shelf-life of four beef muscles

Quality and Sensory Characteristics of Cubed Beef Steak Dipped in Edible Protective Solutions of Thermized Cheddar Whey

AbstractThermized (heated at 70C for 0, 5, 10 and 15 min) Cheddar whey protein concentrate, with and without enzymatically hydrolyzed casein (CH), was added to protective edible coatings of cubed beef steak. Antioxidative activity, bacteriostatic activity and sensory attributes were evaluated over 8 days of refrigerated shelf life. Thermized treatments, with and without CH, significantly inhibited thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance formation in steak. Peroxide value was also significantly reduced by coating treatments. Carbonyl content of all treatments was lower than controls and blanks during storage with 5‐min treatment (5TCH), showing the lowest carbonyl content (34.5% versus 46% for blank). Thiols were also significantly protected in the treatments. Sensory evaluation showed significant protection of key sensory attributes by treatments throughout the storage period compared with controls. Data indicate marked improvement of shelf life and quality as a result of the effective and natural treatments.Practical ApplicationsOxidation of proteins and lipids is considered the most important factor responsible for quality loss of meat. Oxidative degradation negatively impacts appearance and overall quality of retail‐cut meats. Cubed steak is particularly susceptible with a retail shelf life of only 1–2 days at 2–4C. Although various synthetic antioxidants have been used successfully to control oxidation in meat products, consumers prefer the use of natural antioxidants because of the health risks associated with synthetic antioxidants. Edible coatings and films provide a promising alternative. Whey, an inexpensive by‐product of cheese manufacture, is abundantly available and has great potential for use as raw material in antioxidative edible coatings. Functionality and antioxidative properties of whey proteins can be further improved by thermization. Our research investigates the efficacy of thermized Cheddar whey protein concentrate as an antioxidative and bacteriostatic agent and evaluates its influence on basic sensory characteristics of commercially available cubed beef steak.