Microbial safety and quality attributes were evaluated for frankfurters formulated with potassium lactate/sodium diacetate (0 or 3%) and inoculated with a four-strain Listeria monocytogenes cocktail before and after treatment with pasteurizing doses of irradiation (0, 1.8, or 2.6 kGy). Frankfurters were inoculated after irradiation and stored aerobically for 4 wk at 4 °C to simulate the product becoming contaminated after opening, or they were inoculated prior to vacuum packaging and stored for 8 wk at 4 °C. Incorporation of lactate/diacetate into frankfurter formulations with or without irradiation had a strong listeriostatic effect throughout 4 wk of aerobic storage. Total microbial counts for frankfurters formulated with lactate/diacetate remained constant throughout storage while those without increased steadily (5.4 to 9.3 log cfu). Over 4 wk of storage, the outgrowth of L. monocytogenes on frankfurters formulated with lactate/diacetate was effectively suppressed and counts were not significantly different from initial counts (5.2 vs. 5.0 log cfu, respectively). Irradiation treatments alone had significantly higher L. monocytogenes counts after 3 wk of storage. Both treatments together or alone were not detrimental to sensory aroma or flavor attributes. Meaty/brothy complex, smoke, spice aroma, springiness, and cohesiveness attributes were judged slightly lower for frankfurters formulated without lactate/diacetate than those with lactate/diacetate at the end of aerobic storage. Sensory color was not dramatically influenced by either treatment, however, L*a*b* values of all treatments decreased slightly during storage. Both the addition of lactate/diacetate to a frankfurter formulation and irradiation were effective towards controlling microbial growth of L. monocytogenes in an unopened vacuum package after 8 wk of storage. Large and incremental reductions in total microbial counts were seen with irradiation treatment, which were maintained throughout storage with lactate/diacetate treated frankfurters. There were fewer influences on sensory characteristics for vacuum packaged frankfurters compared to those aerobically packaged. Overall, lactate/diacetate addition and irradiation to a lesser extent were effective towards retarding the outgrowth L. monocytogenes on frankfurters while maintaining quality attributes throughout aerobic storage. The combination of irradiation and lactate/diacetate were effective for reducing and retarding growth of L. monocytogenes and especially during the last two weeks of vacuum packaged storage.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 70-80). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Post process application of antimicrobials is one method to control recontamination of Listeria monocytogenes on cooked RTE meat products. This study evaluated the antilisterial effect of externally applied solutions of nisin, buffered solution of sodium citrate supplemented with sodium diacetate (SCSD) and a combined solution of the two antimicrobials on commercial beef frankfurters formulated without antimicrobials. Autoclaved frankfurters were inoculated (104 -105 CFU/g), dipped (5 min, 25 ± 2°C) in treatments consisting of 2000; 4000;or 6000 IU/ml nisin, and buffered solutions of 2.5; 3.0; or 3.5% SCSD (Study I), and 6000 IU/ml nisin followed by 3.5% SCSD, or 3.5% SCSD followed by 6000 IU/ml nisin, or a combined solution containing both 6000 IU/ml nisin and 3.5% SCSD(Study II). Treated hot dogs were vacuum packaged and stored at 4 and 10°C. L. monocytogenes counts were determined on Modified Oxford Agar on 0, 14, 28, and 42 days at 4°C and 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days at 10°C. Nisin (6000 IU/ml) initially reduced L. monocytogenes population by 2.1 and 2.5 logs (at 4 and 10°C, respectively on day 0), buffered SCSD (3.5%) by 1.1 and 0.2 logs (at 4 and 10°C, respectively on day 0) and the combined solution by 1.7 and 2.0 logs (at 4 and 10°C, respectively on day 0). The combined solution was the most effective treatment compared to nisin and buffered SCSD, used in sequence or alone, since it inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes during 28 days at 4°C. The buffered SCSD was effective against L. monocytogenes at 4°C but not at 10°C. Further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of buffered SCSD with other antimicrobials. The results of this study may be useful for further research on combinations of antimicrobials.

USDA Select bovine Biceps femoris (BF) samples were divided into four sections and randomly assigned to three hydrodynamic shock wave (HSW) treatments and a control. Different amounts of explosive (105 g, H1; 200 g, H2; 305 g, H3) were suspended in the center of the hemishell tank, 26.7 cm above the vacuum packaged beef placed on the bottom center of that water-filled tank and detonated, representing three HSW treatments. In addition, BF steaks (2.54-cm thick) from a different and limited common source (2 muscles) were packaged with each HSW designated BF section. These served as internal refernce steaks (IRS) for the six replications to determine if the HSW treatments physically altered the structural integrity of the meat. H1 and H3 decreased (P<0.05) Warner-Bratzler shear values of the IRS from 3.86 and 3.99 kg (controls) to 3.01 and 3.02 kg (HSW), respectively. H2 shear values, 3.86 (control) to 3.46 kg (HSW) were not different (P> 0.05). HSW and control BF sections were analyzed for protein solubility and then used to manufacture frankfurters formulated with 2.0% NaCl, 0.5 % sodium tripolyphosphate, 156 ppm sodium nitrite, 0.42 % sodium erythorbate, 2.0 % sucrose, and 25 % water. Frankfurters (cooked to 71 C) were evaluated for cooking yield, CIE L*a*b*, nitrosylhemochrome, Texture Profile Analysis (hardness, cohesiveness), and stress and strain (torsion testing). Compared to the control samples, the HSW did not affect (P>0.05) myofibrillar or sarcoplasmic protein solubility, cooking yield, or color. Textural properties and gel strength of the frankfurters were not affected (P>0.05) by the HSW. These results indicate that beef trim obtained from HSW processed meat can be used interchangeably with normal meat trim in the production of further processed meats since the functionality of meat protein is not affected significantly by the HSW process. / Master of Science

Chemical, physical and sensory properties of omega-3 fatty acid enriched chicken frankfurters developed with flax oil and microencapsulated fish oil at 1.2%, 2.4% and 3.6% were evaluated. Four replicate batches of frankfurters were produced for texture profile analysis and TBARS for assessment of lipid oxidation over four weeks of refrigerated storage. Gas chromatograph analysis indicated that omega-3 fatty acid levels increased (p<0.05) with flax and fish oils treatments resulting in a shift in omega-6/omega-3 with no increase in lipid oxidation over the storage period. The two highest levels of fish oil resulted in increased redness, hardness, gumminess and chewiness (p<0.05) with the highest fish oil having the lowest rating for acceptability. 1.2 and 2.4% flax oil and 1.2% fish oil samples were softer and juicier than commercial frankfurters. Addition of oils high in omega-3 fatty acids to chicken-based frankfurters can result in product resistant to oxidation and acceptable to consumers.

Frankfurters with 15% fat and 25% USDA added water were formulated with either prerigor or postrigor lean meat and postrigor fat using typical manufacturing practices. These frankfurters were compared to others produced using a 30 min extended mixing process (EM) on the lean component at either 2° or 16°C and either 30 or 100% of the formulation water. Results indicated that prerigor lean offered no advantages in the cooking yield nor reduction in fluid accumulation in vacuum packaged product stored (5°C) for 30 days. In addition, prerigor treatments had lower (P<0.05) Instron hardness and distance to fracture values than postrigor treatments. EM with 30% of the formulation water resulted in lower distance to fracture (P<0.05), cohesiveness (P<0.05), springiness (P<0.05), and hardness (P<0.07) values compared to those with 100%. In general, the texture of EM frankfurters was not significantly different from traditionally processed products, though independent variables beyond physiological state could not be separately tested. Traditional mixing resulted in higher L*, a*, and b* values than EM treatments. Within EM treatments, mixing with only 30% of the water resulted in significantly lower CIE a* values, but increased L* and b* values. / Master of Science

Master of Science / Food Science Institute, Animal Science & Industry / Daniel Y.C. Fung / The objectives of these studies were to determine the antimicrobial effects of sodium lactate (SL) and acidified calcium sulfate (ACS) on frankfurters formulated with and without lactate in the frankfurter formulation. Two studies were performed, one which mimicked home storage, and the other evaluated the effectiveness of SL (12% v/v) and ACS (12% v/v) as antimicrobial dips when used prior to and after inoculation of Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters formulated without lactate. In the first study, five peeled frankfurters with and without lactate in the formulation were either dipped in SL or in ACS, stabilized for 30 minutes, vacuum packaged and stored for 30 days at 4°C. Controls were also prepared by dipping in 0.1% peptone. After 30 days the packages were opened and frankfurters were dip inoculated, stabilized for 30 minutes, and one frankfurter from each treatment was sampled. All other frankfurters were then placed in storage at 7°C and sampled after an additional 7, 14, and 21 days. For the second study, treatments consisted of five frankfurters that were first inoculated with a five-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes, stabilized for 30 minutes, then dipped in SL or acidified ACS; or were first dipped in SL or ACS, stabilized for 30 minutes then dip inoculated. Controls were prepared by dip inoculating frankfurters. One frankfurter from each treatment was sampled immediately. The remaining frankfurters were vacuum packaged, stored at 4°C and sampled after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. For both studies, on sampling days one frankfurter from each treatment was pulsified and plated on Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) for viable cell counts and Modified Oxford Medium (MOX) for L. monocytogenes counts. The results indicated that SL dipped frankfurters had lower total aerobic counts and L. monocytogenes counts compared with ACS treatments and the controls. Use of lactate formulation in frankfurters resulted in lower bacterial counts of both natural microflora and inoculated L. monocytogenes in frankfurters after prolonged storage at 4 °C. This research indicates that sodium lactate (12% v/v) may be effective as an antimicrobial dip on frankfurters for the reduction of natural microflora and L. monocytogenes.

Os produtos cárneos prontos para consumo estão entre os principais alimentos associados a surtos de listeriose, uma doença causada por Listeria monocytogenes. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a ação antimicrobiana do lactato de sódio e de duas formulações comerciais à base de nisina (produtos A e B) em mortadela, e do lactato de sódio e fumaça líquida em salsicha, experimentalmente contaminadas com um pool de seis cepas de L. monocytogenes, durante o armazenamento à vácuo à 8 ºC. Os aditivos com melhor atividade anti-listeria também foram avaliados quanto ao controle de bactérias láticas (BAL) e bolores e leveduras em produto cárneo, durante o armazenamento à 8 ºC. O produto A é uma mistura de nisina encapsulada, nisina livre e extrato de alecrim, enquanto o produto B é uma mistura de nisina livre e extrato de alecrim. L. monocytogenes foi capaz de se multiplicar em todas as formulações de mortadela ao longo do período de armazenamento. Entretanto, o produto A exerceu efeito antimicrobiano contra este patógeno. Após 10 dias de armazenamento, as contagens de L. monocytogenes nas mortadelas formuladas com o produto A foram 3 log UFC/g inferiores às contagens observadas nas demais formulações avaliadas (produto B, lactato de sódio e controle), além disso, o produto A foi capaz de reduzir a velocidade de multiplicação deste microrganismo. Em relação às salsichas tratadas com fumaça líquida, as contagens de L. monocytogenes, no oitavo dia de armazenamento foram 3 log UFC/g inferiores às contagens de L. monocytogenes nas salsichas formuladas com lactato de sódio e controle. Ao final do período de armazenamento (28 dias) observou-se diferença de 2 log UFC/g nas contagens de L. monocytogenes entre as salsichas formuladas com lactato de sódio + fumaça líquida e as demais formulações. A fumaça líquida foi capaz de inibir a multiplicação de bolores e leveduras por 21 dias de armazenamento, observando-se diferença de 2 log UFC/g entre as contagens observadas nas salsichas imersas em fumaça líquida e não imersas. As contagens de BAL permaneceram baixas ao longo do período de armazenamento (< 2 log UFC/g). Também não foi observada alteração nos valores de pH e atividade de água dos produtos cárneos, o que permite concluir que as diferenças observadas nas contagens de L. monocytogenes e bolores e leveduras são devidas à ação dos antimicrobianos adicionados aos produtos cárneos. A partir destes resultados é possível concluir que o produto A e a fumaça líquida são uma barreira adicional para o controle de L. monocytogenes em mortadela e salsichas, respectivamente, durante armazenamento a 8ºC. / Ready-to-eat meat products are among the foods most frequently associated to outbreaks of listeriosis, a disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of sodium lactate and two nisin-based commercial products (A and B) in bologna, and sodium lactate and liquid smoke in frankfurters, experimentally contaminated with a pool of six strains of L. monocytogenes, during storage at 8 ºC under vacuum. The antimicrobial with better activity against L. monocytogenes was also evaluated against yeasts and molds and lactic acid bacteria. Product A is a mixture of encapsulated nisin, free nisin and rosemary extract, and product B is a mixture of free nisin and rosemary extract. L. monocytogenes was able to grow in all bologna formulations during storage. However, product A was capable of reducing the growth rate of the microorganism. Besides, L. monocytogenes populations in bologna formulated with product A were 3 log CFU/g lower than the population observed for control samples, after 10 days of storage at 8 ºC. Regarding frankfurter samples, the use of liquid smoke alone or in combination with sodium lactate resulted in a 3 log CFU/g difference between L. monocytogenes counts found in control and treated samples, after 8 days of storage at 8 ºC. However, after 28 days only the samples treated with liquid smoke combined with sodium lactate presented lower counts than controls (2 log CFU/g). Liquid smoke was also able to inhibit the growth of yeasts and molds in frankfurters, for 21 days of storage at 8 ºC. Low counts of lactic acid bacteria (< 2 log CFU/g) were detected in frankfurters during the storage. There was no variation on pH and water activity values in the meat products during storage period; therefore, the differences found in counts of L. monocytogenes in the meat products can be attributed to the presence of the antimicrobials added in the formulations. Hence, product A and liquid smoke appear to be an additional barrier to control L. monocytogenes in bologna and frankfurters, respectively, during storage at 8 ºC.

A nisina é uma bacteriocina produzida por Lactococcus factis subsp. lactis e seu uso é permitido como conservador de alimentos em diversos países. Em 1998, o Ministério da Agricultura e Abastecimento do Brasil, em atitude pioneira, autorizou a aplicação de 200 ppm de Nisaplin® em solução de ácido fosfórico grau alimentício na superfície de produtos cárneos embutidos, tais como salsichas, como alternativa tecnológica para aumentar a segurança microbiológica e a vida-de-prateleira desses produtos. Este trabalho avaliou a eficiência deste tratamento na inibição da deterioração microbiana e controle da multiplicação de Listeria monocytogenes em salsichas tratadas com nisina conforme preconizado, e armazenadas sob refrigeração (8°C) e abuso de temperatura (12°C). Salsichas foram coletadas em uma planta processadora da cidade de São Paulo e submetidas a tratamento por imersão em solução de 200 ppm de Nisaplin® em ácido fosfórico grau alimentício a 0,1 % durante 1 minuto. Para o estudo da eficiência do tratamento sobre Listeria monocytogenes, as salsichas foram contaminadas experimentalmente após o tratamento através de imersão em suspensões contendo L. monocytogenes Scott A, resultando em dois níveis de contaminação superficial denominados baixo (103-104UFC/cm2) e alto (106-107 UFOcm2). Controles não tratados e não inoculados foram realizados concomitantemente. As amostras foram embaladas a vácuo e armazenadas a 8°C e 12°C durante 42 dias. A enumeração das populações de microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos, bactérias láticas, microrganismos psicrotróficos e L. monocytogenes foi realizada semanalmente até o final do período de estocagem. Os resultados indicam que não há diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as populações de bactérias aeróbias mesófilas, psicrotróficas e bactérias láticas em produtos tratados e não tratados com solução de Nisaplin® e armazenados a 8°C ou a 12°C. A redução das populações de L. monocytogenes em salsichas tratadas com Nisaplin® quando a contaminação superficial foi de 103 a 104UFC/cm2 e o produto foi armazenado a 8°e foi pequena (<1 log UFC/cm2), porém estatisticamente significativa. Esses resultados indicam serem necessárias medidas adicionais para garantir a segurança do produto. / Nisin is a bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp lactis and its use is permitted as a food preservative in severaI countries. In 1998, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture authorized the application of 200 ppm nisin (Nisaplin®) on the surface of meat products by immersion or spraying, as a technological alternative to increase safety and shelf-life of cooked frankfurters. This work intended to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment on inhibition of microbial spoilage and control of growth of Listeria monocytogenes in frankfurters during storage under refrigeration (8°C) and temperature abuse (12°C). Frankfurters from a local meat industry were submerged for 1 min in nisin solution (200 ppm) in 0.1% phosphoric acid and experimentally contaminated with low (103-104 CFU/cm2) and high (106-107CFU/cm2) levels of L. monocytogenes. Non-treated and non-inoculated controls were also prepared. Counts of lactic acid bacteria, aerobes (mesophilic and psychrotrophic) and L. monocytogenes were carried out weekly up to 42 days, in four genuine repetitions. Results available indicate that the differences of counts of mesophilic and psychrotrophic aerobes, lactic acid bacteria in nisin-treated and non-treated controls are not significant. Reduction of L. monocytogenes populations in nisin-treated frankfurters experimentally contaminated with low (103-104CFU/cm2) leveis of L. monocytogenes stored under refrigeration (8°C) was low (<1 log UFC/cm<SUP2), but statistically significant. Results indicate that additional measures are necessary to ensure the safety of these products.