Beef Round Research Articles

Effect of black soldier fly larvae protein on the texture of meat analogues

Black soldier fly larvae are considered an alternative source of protein due to their high protein content and low environmental impact of farming. The effect of incorporation of black soldier fly larvae protein (87.6 ± 2.4 g/100 g content) on meat analogues textural characteristics was determined and compared with those of meat analogues prepared with other alternative sources of protein such as soy protein isolate and vital wheat gluten, while beef round, chicken breast, and a commercial plant-based meat analogue were used as reference matrices. Textural characteristics of the experimental meat analogues were used as response variables in robust regression models (R2 > 0.96) built to determine the main effects and interactions of proteins. Black soldier fly larvae protein decreased the textural characteristics of meat analogues as its amount in the formulation increased. The interaction of black soldier fly larvae protein with soy protein affected the hardness and chewiness of meat analogues, whereas the interaction with wheat gluten only affected their cohesiveness. Black soldier fly larvae protein can partially replace traditional proteins in meat analogues. The optimal incorporations of black soldier fly larvae protein in meat analogues which mimics textural characteristics of chicken breast and plant-based meat analogues were 6.7 g/100 g and 21.5 g/100 g, respectively.

Novel sous-vide pressure technique affecting properties of local beef muscle

The low-temperature, long-time method of cooking known as sous-vide was used with increased pressure to enhance the tenderness and cook yield of local Thai beef round. The cooking was done in specialized equipment at 60 °C and 101, 200 or 300 kPa for 0–4 h. Beef treated with pressure was slightly lighter in color, and samples cooked for 2 h at 200 kPa had greater red saturation. Cooking at 200 kPa improved cook yield while reducing cook loss, with values of 78% after 4 h at 200–300 kPa versus 67% at 101 kPa. Cooking at 200–300 kPa resulted in more tender beef than at 101 kPa after 2 h. Sensory evaluation showed sous-vide pressure beef had higher ranking scores for tenderness and juiciness compared to control. SEM showed connective tissue of sous-vide pressure-cooked beef was diffuse and with looser muscle fibers than boiled or raw beef. Electrophoretic profiles showed that thick and thin filament bands decreased with cooking time. However, myosin heavy chain was sensitive to both heat and pressure. Reducing conditions showed pressure and heat induced disulfide bonding. Studies by FTIR showed cooking at 200 kPa caused the greatest decrease in α-helix content and increase in β-structures than non-treated and boiled beef.

Prediction of top round beef meat tenderness as a function of marinating time based on commonly evaluated parameters and regression equations.

This study investigates the influence of 24‐hr marination (with different plant extracts and vinegar) at refrigerated conditions on commonly evaluated physicochemical and textural attributes, including pH, water‐holding capacity (WHC), collagen solubility, moisture, drip loss, and shear force values of beef meat. The results reflected the appropriate correlation between each pair and indicated the efficiency of the household marination procedure to acquire more palatability and tender beef meat. Therefore, to predict beef meat tenderness by applying the Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF), a strong positive correlation with the drip loss (p < .01) and a notable negative correlation with the moisture content (p < .01) emphasized the importance of moisture improvement and shear force reduction in affecting tenderness of baked beef meat. The regression equations and R‐squared values were revealed the favorable correlation between collagen solubility and WHC (y = 0.1035x−0.8431, R 2 = .98) as well as moisture and WBSF (y = −0.3297x + 102.58, R 2 = .99) in marinated beef meat. Electrophoresis patterns of isolated myofibrillar proteins disclosed remarkable degradation of myosin heavy chain (MHC), desmin, actin, and tropomyosin during the first day of aging. The noticeable ultrastructural destruction and connective tissue solubilization were observed by microscopy images. These outcomes were a good tenderness predictor be utilized in retailing and industrial scale.

Pricing and inventory planning for non-instantaneous deteriorating products with greening investment: A case study in beef industry

This paper studies the problem of pricing and inventory planning for a vendor of non-instantaneous deteriorating items under partially backlogged shortages with greening investment. The demand of customers and inventory control variables are affected by greening programs. The primary objective of this paper is to determine the optimal sales price, replenishment schedule, and order quantity per inventory cycle under different greenness levels, which will help maximize the vendor’s total profit. The problem is formulated as a non-linear optimization model in which an analytical approach is applied in order to find the optimal solution. Using several mathematical theorems, it has been proven that the optimal solution not only exists but also is unique. In order to show the efficacy of the proposed model, a real case study in the round beef industry is analyzed. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to help find managerial insights. The results indicate the range of greening cost that positively influences the demand and total profit for the vendor. Additionally, the vendor’s inventory planning is designed and differentiated according to the demand function and greenness level.

Effect of irradiation on the quality parameters of raw beef

The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationships among lipid/protein oxidation, color changes, off-taste, and off-odor in irradiated raw beef. The raw beef round eye was prepared and irradiated at 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 kGy using a linear accelerator. Significant increases in lipid oxidation and protein oxidation were found in irradiated raw beef, while significant decreases were observed in the color values (L*-, a*-, and b*-value). The degradation of nucleotides can contribute to the taste changes (increase in sourness and decrease in umami taste) in the irradiated raw beef, which was further confirmed by the electronic tongue data. The sulfur volatiles (e.g.: dimethyl disulfide) from the sulfur-containing amino acids increased significantly after irradiation, indicating these are closely related to the off-odor of irradiated beef.

Effects of different levels of salt and temperature on some physico-chemical and colour properties of microwave-dried beef round (M. semitendinosus)

PurposeThe aim of this work was to study the effect of the different levels of salt and the temperature on some physico-chemical and colour change properties of microwave-dried beef round (M. semitendinosus).Design/methodology/approachThe samples were pretreated with different temperatures (0°C, 40°C and 50°C) and salting (0, 1.5, 2.5%). Later these samples have been dried by the microwave energy at 540 W for seven minutes. Some physical properties (water activity, moisture content, change in diameter, change in thickness, change in shrinkage ratio) and texture, colour and microscopic surface structure analysis were conducted in dried beef round samples.FindingsAs a result, the colour and moisture were the most affected factors. Also, physical and microstructural characteristics were affected by salting and pre-drying. In addition, while the textural structure did not show a significant difference, meat weight and water activity varied.Research limitations/implicationsMeat obtained from a local butcher in Konya was used as the study material. In addition, only a special part of the meat (M. semitendinosus) was used in the study. In the drying process, the parameters were determined as 540 W and 7 min. These are the limitations of the research.Originality/valueAll changes that can occur in the physical properties of the meat after the drying process were examined. The structure of beef round samples formed by microwave drying was shown by using electron microscope. The effects of pretreatment such as salting and pre-drying have been examined on microwave drying.

Investigating the Etiology of Sour Knuckles in Postchilled Beef Carcasses

Development of sourness in beef round muscle cuts, such as knuckles, has been a long-standing issue in the beef industry with little characterization. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate and characterize the sour odor associated with beef knuckles using sensory, analytical (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [GC-MS]), and microbiological approaches. Knuckles (n = 10) with no sour odor (control), a slight sour odor, or severe sour odor were collected during fabrication from a commercial beef processing plant. In addition, the synovial fluid from the femur joint, and the femur surface associated with the collected knuckles, were sponge-sampled. Knuckles were separated into 2 halves, with one half subjected to an odor panel, GC-MS, and microbial analyses on the day of collection (day 0). The remaining half was analyzed for odor and microbial populations following 35 d of vacuum-packaged storage at 0°C ± 2°C (day 35). Odor panelists identified differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between control and sour knuckles (slight sour odor and severe sour odor) for all attributes tested (off-odor, oxidation, putrid, and sour notes) regardless of storage day. GC-MS analysis found no statistical difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in volatiles between control and severe-sour-odor samples. Microbial analysis (aerobic plate counts and lactic acid bacteria counts) of muscle tissue on day 0 and day 35 of storage revealed no (P &amp;gt; 0.05) differences between the 3 treatment groups. Similarly, no (P &amp;gt; 0.05) differences between the treatment groups were obtained following analysis of synovial fluid and femur surface sponge samples for psychrotrophic anaerobic sporeformer counts. The findings of the study indicated that the souring condition in knuckles exists at identifiable intensities with no volatile acid or microbial population differences; therefore, further investigation is needed to determine the etiology.

Correlations between the levels of the bioactive compounds and quality traits in beef loin and round during cold storage

In this study we investigated the meat quality characteristics, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant activities during cold storage (at 4 °C) of beef loin (n = 70) and round (n = 42) for 19 days. Subsequently, we estimated the correlation between the levels of the bioactive compounds and the quality traits. The beef quality degraded with time, with an increase in aerobic plate counts (APC) and reduction in redness (a*) and sensory properties. The results revealed distinctive features of the two cuts that significantly differed for their proximate compositions in addition to other quality parameters. The quality traits, including the sensory properties, were observed to be altered during storage. Moreover, the levels of bioactive compounds, including CoQ10, l-carnitine, carnosine, anserine, creatine, and creatinine, were higher in the beef round than in the loin, and their levels were found to be influenced by the storage conditions. During storage, contents of carnosine and anserine in loin and round were shown to be positively correlated with tenderness, a*, yellowness (b*), and sensory characteristics (0.614 ≤ r ≤ 0.909) and negatively correlated with APC (−0.541 ≤ r ≤ −0.758). However, creatinine levels in loin and round increased during storage and showed a negative correlation with tenderness, a*, b*, and sensory characteristics (−0.596 ≤ r ≤ −0.969) and a positive correlated with APC (0.540 ≤ r ≤ 0.887). The antioxidant activities of loin and round were positively correlated with carnosine and anserine (0.572 ≤ r ≤ 0.931). This study provides novel insights into the correlation between beef quality traits and bioactive compounds in two beef muscles during cold storage and could be used for the evaluation of beef meat quality.

Influence of Cook Method and Degree of Doneness on Beef Flavor Attributes in Round Steaks

ObjectivesIt has been well established that cooking method, marbling level, and cooked internal temperature endpoint affect beef flavor, the most important driver of consumer acceptance. However, beef cuts respond differently to cooking method and cooked internal temperature endpoint based on their inherent chemical characteristics.Materials and MethodsTreatments were: beef cuts (inside round, bottom round, and eye of round); USDA beef quality grade (upper two-thirds Choice and Select); cooking methods (pan grill, stir fry, stew no marinade, stew marinade, and roast); and internal cook temperature endpoints (58, 70, and 80°C). The pan grill cook method included 0.25 and 0.75 in samples from each muscle type. The stir fry cook method treatment was limited to 0.25 in cuts, which were cut into 1.00 in strips prior to cooking. The marinated and non-marinated stew cook method treatments included 0.25 and 0.75 in samples from each muscle. These samples were then cut into 0.25 × 1.00 × 1.00 in and 0.75 × 1.00 × 1.00 in samples prior to cooking. Stew marinated samples were marinated with 118 mL water, 90 mL lemon juice, 30 mL canola oil, 5 mL salt, and 2.5 mL pepper. Two lb roasts were cut from bottom round and eye of round subprimals and inside round subprimals were cut into 2.00 in roasts prior to cooking. An expert descriptive beef flavor and texture attribute panel evaluated each sample using 16-point scales for flavor and texture attributes. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) were determined. The trained panel results and WBSF values were analyzed using Proc Means and Proc GLMMIX procedures of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Cary, NC) with a predetermined α of 5%.ResultsQuality grade impacted flavor for the inside round (P &lt; 0.05). USDA quality grade had minimal effect on tenderness as expected, as beef round cuts are highly active muscles in the animal and contain considerable amounts of connective tissue. Cooking method and internal cook temperature endpoint, or cooking time for the stewing cooking treatment, impacted beef flavor to a greater extent (P &lt; 0.05). When pan fried, thicker cuts resulted in more positive flavor attributes. For cuts that were roasted, cooking to higher internal temperatures resulted in higher levels of beef identity, roasted, and umami flavors and less serumy/bloody flavors, as well as decreased tenderness (P &lt; 0.0001), especially in inside round roasts. Marinated round cuts were more tender than their non-marinated counterparts (P &lt; 0.0001). Cuts that were thinner and had longer cooking times were more tender but had more off-flavor attributes (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionCut thickness, cooking method, length of cooking or internal cook temperature endpoint, and presence of marinade affected flavor and texture of bottom round, eye of round, and inside round cuts. This data will be useful in providing consumer and food service personnel recommendation on how to maximize the flavor and texture of beef round cuts.

Comparison of rapid techniques for classification of ground meat

Computer vision and near infrared spectroscopy are fast and non-invasive techniques currently available for processing control in the meat industry. These techniques can be used, either separately or combined, for on-line assessment of meat quality parameters. This study aimed to compare a portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer, near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) and red, green and blue imaging (RGB-I) to differentiate ground samples from beef, pork and chicken meat; and to quantify amounts of each in mixtures. Chicken breast meat was adulterated with either pork leg meat or beef round meat from 0 to 50% (w/w). Partial Least Squares regression (PLSR) models were performed using full spectra and after selecting most important wavelengths. The best results were obtained with NIR-HSI, with coefficient of prediction (RP2) of 0.83 and 0.94, ratio performance to deviation (RPD) of 1.96 and 3.56, and ratio of error range (RER) of 10.0 and 18.1, for samples of chicken adulterated with pork and beef, respectively. In addition, the results obtained using NIR spectroscopy and RGB-I confirm that these techniques provide an alternative for rapid, on-line inspection of ground meat in the food industry.

Influence of Cook Method and Degree of Doneness on Beef Flavor Attributes in Round Steaks

ObjectivesIt has been well established that cooking method, marbling level, and cooked internal temperature endpoint affect beef flavor, the most important driver of consumer acceptance. However, beef cuts respond differently to cooking method and cooked internal temperature endpoint based on their inherent chemical characteristics.Materials and MethodsTreatments were: beef cuts (inside round, bottom round, and eye of round); USDA beef quality grade (upper two-thirds Choice and Select); cooking methods (pan grill, stir fry, stew no marinade, stew marinade, and roast); and internal cook temperature endpoints (58, 70, and 80°C). The pan grill cook method included 0.25 and 0.75 in samples from each muscle type. The stir fry cook method treatment was limited to 0.25 in cuts, which were cut into 1.00 in strips prior to cooking. The marinated and non-marinated stew cook method treatments included 0.25 and 0.75 in samples from each muscle. These samples were then cut into 0.25 × 1.00 × 1.00 in and 0.75 × 1.00 × 1.00 in samples prior to cooking. Stew marinated samples were marinated with 118 mL water, 90 mL lemon juice, 30 mL canola oil, 5 mL salt, and 2.5 mL pepper. Two lb roasts were cut from bottom round and eye of round subprimals and inside round subprimals were cut into 2.00 in roasts prior to cooking. An expert descriptive beef flavor and texture attribute panel evaluated each sample using 16-point scales for flavor and texture attributes. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) were determined. The trained panel results and WBSF values were analyzed using Proc Means and Proc GLMMIX procedures of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Cary, NC) with a predetermined α of 5%.ResultsQuality grade impacted flavor for the inside round (P < 0.05). USDA quality grade had minimal effect on tenderness as expected, as beef round cuts are highly active muscles in the animal and contain considerable amounts of connective tissue. Cooking method and internal cook temperature endpoint, or cooking time for the stewing cooking treatment, impacted beef flavor to a greater extent (P < 0.05). When pan fried, thicker cuts resulted in more positive flavor attributes. For cuts that were roasted, cooking to higher internal temperatures resulted in higher levels of beef identity, roasted, and umami flavors and less serumy/bloody flavors, as well as decreased tenderness (P < 0.0001), especially in inside round roasts. Marinated round cuts were more tender than their non-marinated counterparts (P < 0.0001). Cuts that were thinner and had longer cooking times were more tender but had more off-flavor attributes (P < 0.05).ConclusionCut thickness, cooking method, length of cooking or internal cook temperature endpoint, and presence of marinade affected flavor and texture of bottom round, eye of round, and inside round cuts. This data will be useful in providing consumer and food service personnel recommendation on how to maximize the flavor and texture of beef round cuts.

Interactions between mushroom powder, sodium chloride, and bovine proteins and their effects on lipid oxidation products and consumer acceptability

The antioxidant capacity of dried Agaricus bisporus mushrooms (DAB) in beef has previously been assessed. However, interactions between lipid oxidation products, mushroom polyphenols, and bovine proteins present in beef to explain the mushroom's antioxidative effect, has not been determined. Oven-dried or lyophilized DAB with and without 15 g NaCl/kg beef (1.5%) or 20 g NaCl/kg beef (2%) were added to sarcoplasmic protein homogenates from top round beef. Malondialdehyde and volatile aldehyde binding to sarcoplasmic protein (SP) were monitored. Oven dried had 64% higher total phenolic compared to lyophilized DAB, leading to ∼50% lower malondialdehyde content in beef with oven dried DAB compared to lyophilized DAB. The addition of 20 g NaCl/kg beef (2%) acted as a pro-oxidant, while addition of 15 g NaCl/kg beef (1.5%) increased binding of lipid oxidation (LOX) products to SP. The results suggest that addition of mushrooms to beef can enhance the binding of sarcoplasmic protein to lipid oxidation products, thereby decreasing lipid oxidation compounds.

Adjusting Processing Parameters in an Entry-Level Commercial Dehydrator To Achieve a 5-Log Reduction of Salmonella during the Cooking Step

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) guidance encourages jerky processors to use a single lethality step that will achieve a 5-log reduction of Salmonella. Many processors rely on internal temperature-time combinations recommended in this guidance. However, the efficacy of convective heating is highly dependent on relative humidity (RH). RH recommendations are vague because of variability in processing conditions and limited available data. This study was conducted to establish processing conditions for an entry-level commercial dehydrator (Harvest Saver R5A) to achieve a 5-log reduction of Salmonella. Unseasoned, unmarinated top round beef strips (65 mm thick) were inoculated with Salmonella (>7 log CFU/g) and processed with the chamber temperature set to 82.2°C for a total cook time of 60 min with the intake closed (closed oven). Modifications (product load and fan speed) were made in subsequent trials to improve lethality. After incubation at 37°C for 24 to 48 h, surviving Salmonella populations were enumerated on tryptic soy agar. In trial A, the maximum fan speed (2.5 m/s) with 30 kg of product resulted in 45 to 48.5% RH at 60 min, and a 5-log reduction of Salmonella was achieved in only 35.5% of the meat samples (54 of 152 samples). Increasing the product load by 40% (42 kg; trial B) increased RH in the chamber (57 to 85%) and resulted in improved lethality; a 5-log reduction was achieved in 95.0% of samples (131 of 138 samples). Because samples with reduced lethality were located on the windward side of the chamber, the fan speed was reduced (0.9 m/s; trial C1) to increase the RH, resulting in a 5-log reduction in 100% of the samples (138 of 138 samples). A replicate trial (trial C2) was conducted, and a 5-log reduction again was achieved in 100% of the samples. All trials exceeded recommendations by the FSIS; however, adequate Salmonella reduction was achieved only when the RH was >65% throughout. Product load and fan speed are practical parameters for processors to manipulate to increase the RH in closed systems and thus improve Salmonella lethality.

Principal component analysis of physicochemical and sensory characteristics of beef rounds extended with gum arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis.

Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to study the relationship between 24 meat quality measurements taken from beef round samples that were injected with curing brines containing gum arabic (1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%) and soy protein concentrate (SPC) (3.5%) at two injection levels (30% and 35%). The measurements used to describe beef round quality were expressible moisture, moisture content, cook yield, possible injection, achieved gum arabic level in beef round, and protein content, as well as descriptive sensory attributes for flavor, texture, basic tastes, feeling factors, color, and overall acceptability. Several significant correlations were found between beef round quality parameters. The highest significant negative and positive correlations were recorded between color intensity and gray color and between color intensity and brown color, respectively. The first seven principal components (PCs) were extracted explaining over 95% of the total variance. The first PC was characterized by texture attributes (hardness and denseness), feeling factors (chemical taste and chemical burn), and two physicochemical properties (expressible moisture and achieved gum arabic level). Taste attribute (saltiness), physicochemical attributes (cook yield and possible injection), and overall acceptability were useful in defining the second PC, while the third PC was characterized by metallic taste, gray color, brown color, and physicochemical attributes (moisture and protein content). The correlation loading plot showed that the distribution of the samples on the axes of the first two PCs allowed for differentiation of samples injected to 30% injection level which were placed on the upper side of the biplot from those injected to 35% which were placed on the lower side. Similarly, beef samples extended with gum arabic and those containing SPC were also visible when scores for the first and third PCs were plotted. Thus, PCA was efficient in analyzing the quality characteristics of beef rounds extended with gum arabic.

Frequencies and Severity of Injection-Site Lesions in Muscles from Rounds of Cow Carcasses

ObjectivesThe National Market Cow and Bull Beef Quality Audit (NMCBBQA) has been conducted 4 times: 1994, 1999, 2007, and 2016. Following the original audit attention was drawn to injection-site lesions and the need to further assess the frequency and severity. The 2016 audit reported a major decline in presence of surface knots or injection-site lesions compared with previous audits. The presence of lesions was discussed in detail at the strategy workshop held as the third phase of the 2016 NMCBBQA. Further processors expressed extreme concern of loss and the need to once again evaluate lesions as they had been evaluated in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and presence of injection-site lesions in the outside round muscles of cows.Materials and MethodsAudits were conducted in 2017 on 1300 rounds from dairy and beef cows. Audits were conducted in 7 locations throughout the U.S. Outside round muscles were butterfly cut into 1.25-cm slices and if present lesions were counted, measured and categorized. The outside round consisted of 4 quadrants: Q1 identified as the most caudal end, closest to the shank, while Q4 identified as the most cranial end, included the biceps femoris muscle. Q2 and Q3 were evenly split between Q1 and Q4. Q1, Q2, and Q3 included both muscles. The depth of each lesion was measured from the outside surface (fat trimmed) to the innermost (center) of the lesion. The diameter was measured using the lengths of the lesion throughout the muscles. The lesions were classified using the 5-point system: classification 1: clear, lesion contains primarily clear connective tissue; classification 2: woody, lesion contains organized connective tissue and fat; classification 3: nodular, lesion contains nodules, a central foci, and granulomatous inflammation; classification 4: metallic, lesion contains mineralized remnants of muscle cells, typically bloody color; or classification 5: cystic, lesion contains fluid.ResultsOf the beef and dairy rounds evaluated 7 and 15%, respectively, had injection-site lesion(s) present. These frequencies were significantly decreased in 2017 from the 2000 audit where beef rounds were 13% points higher and dairy rounds were 20% points higher. The decline was even more significant from the 1998 audit where beef rounds were 24% points higher and dairy rounds were 45% points higher. The most common location of injection-site lesions was quadrant 2 and 3, which contained both the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles. Injection-site lesions were more frequent (P < 0.05) in the biceps femoris for both beef and dairy rounds. Clear and metallic lesions were the most common. Clear lesions accounted for 57% of injection-sites in both beef and dairy rounds while metallic lesions made up 23% of the total in beef and 25% in dairy.ConclusionOverall, there was a dramatic decline in the frequency (P < 0.05) of injection-site lesions since the 1998, 1999, and 2000 audits. Educational programs, such as Beef Quality Assurance, have increased improvements in management practices for both the beef and dairy industries

Pass or Fail: Economic Incentives to Reduce Salmonella Contamination in Ground Beef Sold to the National School Lunch Program

AbstractGround beef sold to the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for distribution to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) must meet stringent food‐safety standards, specifically, a zero‐tolerance standard for Salmonella. We use a unique data set containing information on Salmonella levels in order to examine the sequential decisions of ground‐beef plants to become registered as AMS suppliers and then bid on contracts to supply the NSLP from 2006 to 2012. We find that plants exploit their competitive advantages in relatively high productivity and strong performance on Salmonella tests when choosing to bid on contracts in a given year. Furthermore, the incentives generated by the zero‐tolerance standard for Salmonella are highly effective: ground beef supplied to the NSLP is 21–22 percentage points more likely to meet a zero‐tolerance standard for Salmonella than ground beef tested as part of typical meat‐plant inspections.

Effect of irradiation on the parameters that influence quality characteristics of raw beef round eye

Abstract The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationships among lipid/protein oxidation, color changes, off-taste and off-odor in irradiated raw beef round eye. Raw beef round eye was prepared and irradiated at 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 kGy using a linear accelerator. Significant increases in lipid oxidation and protein oxidation were found in irradiated raw beef round eye, while significant decreases were observed in the color values (L*-, a*-, and b*-value). The degradation of nucleotides can contribute to the taste changes (increase in sourness and decrease in umami taste) in the irradiated raw beef round eye, which was further confirmed by the electronic tongue data. The sulfur volatiles (e.g.: dimethyl disulfide) from the sulfur-containing amino acids increased significantly after irradiation, indicating these are closely related to the off-odor of irradiated beef round eye.

Microbial quality and shelf life prediction of vacuum-packaged ready to eat beef rounds containing gum arabic

Research has shown that gum arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis can be used in beef rounds, at a level of 2.5% of the formulated product weight, as a binder and texture modifier. However, the effect of gum arabic addition on the microbial quality and shelf life of the resulting meat product has not yet been reported. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the microbial quality of beef rounds containing 2.5% gum arabic and to study shelf life based on the growth parameters of Total Viable Counts (TVC) and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). Beef round samples were injected at 30% with curing brines containing gum arabic and cooked through boiling. The growth kinetics of LAB and TVC were studied for vacuum packaged sliced beef round samples stored at 7 oC and 15 oC for a period of 21 days. Baranyi and modified Gompertz models were used to fit the LAB and TVC data obtained using DMFit. Results of microbial analysis indicated that coliforms, yeasts and molds as well as pathogenic bacteria; Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, were below detection limit. In addition, TVC and LAB were found to be 1.87 ± 1.09 and 1.25 ± 0.75 Log 10 CFU g-1, respectively. The results of accuracy analysis showed that both the Baranyi and modified Gompertz models were adequate in representing the bacterial growth in beef rounds injected with curing brines containing gum arabic. The predicted shelf life was found to be between 84.3 – 88.1 h and 158.0 – 173.1 h at 15 oC and 7 oC, respectively.

Microbial quality and shelf life prediction of vacuum-packaged ready to eat beef rounds containing gum arabic

Research has shown that gum arabic from Acacia senegal var . kerensis can be used in beef rounds, at a level of 2.5% of the formulated product weight, as a binder and texture modifier. However, the effect of gum arabic addition on the microbial quality and shelf life of the resulting meat product has not yet been reported. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the microbial quality of beef rounds containing 2.5% gum arabic and to study shelf life based on the growth parameters of Total Viable Counts (TVC) and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). Beef round samples were injected at 30% with curing brines containing gum arabic and cooked through boiling. The growth kinetics of LAB and TVC were studied for vacuum packaged sliced beef round samples stored at 7 o C and 15 o C for a period of 21 days. Baranyi and modified Gompertz models were used to fit the LAB and TVC data obtained using DMFit. Results of microbial analysis indicated that coliforms, yeasts and molds as well as pathogenic bacteria; Salmonella , Escherichia coli , and Staphylococcus aureus, were below detection limit. In addition, TVC and LAB were found to be 1.87 ± 1.09 and 1.25 ± 0.75 Log 10 CFU g -1 , respectively. The results of accuracy analysis showed that both the Baranyi and modified Gompertz models were adequate in representing the bacterial growth in beef rounds injected with curing brines containing gum arabic. The predicted shelf life was found to be between 84.3 – 88.1 h and 158.0 – 173.1 h at 15 o C and 7 o C, respectively.

Quality Characteristics of Fresh and Cooked Ground Beef can be Improved by the Incorporation of Lean Finely‐Textured Beef (LFTB)

AbstractGround beef was formulated into six treatments of 82 or 93% lean with 0, 10, or 20% lean finely‐textured beef (LFTB). Batches (n = 5/treatment) were ground and formed into patties, then aerobically packaged for 5 days of simulated retail display to measure fresh color and lipid oxidation (TBARS). Additional patties were cooked to 71.1C before measuring external and internal cooked color, TBARS, and Lee‐Kramer shear force (LKSF). Lightness (L*), redness (a*), and pH of fresh patties increased (P &lt; 0.05), whereas TBARS values were decreased (P &lt; 0.05) on days 1, 2, and 4 of display, with increasing LFTB percentage. Cooking loss was lowest (P &lt; 0.05) in 20% LFTB patties, whereas LKSF declined (P &lt; 0.05) with increasing LFTB inclusion. Thus, LFTB incorporation up to 20% improved the quality of fresh ground beef patties and tenderness of cooked patties, without detrimentally impacting (P &gt; 0.07) cooked color.Practical ApplicationsLean finely‐textured beef (LFTB) is a product made using an advanced meat recovery system from high‐fat, beef trimmings, and LFTB is treated with food‐grade ammonia to increase product pH and reduce potential pathogenic bacteria contamination. Even though LFTB has received considerable negative media coverage since 2012 (Yadavalli and Jones ), results of this research indicate that the inclusion of LFTB up to 20% could lend many positive quality characteristics to both fresh and cooked ground beef patties. Decreased lipid oxidation along with improved fresh color could result in a product with greater quality attributes, especially a more appealing color to consumers. With no negative effects on cooked color or cooking loss and the potential for increased tenderness, LFTB inclusion is a viable way to produce a desirable product while ensuring more complete utilization of beef carcasses.