Influence of various preservatives on the quality of minced beef under modified atmosphere at chilled storage

The effect of preservatives on microbial quality, pH, drip-loss, roasting-loss, colour, and sensorial properties of modified atmosphere packaged (70% O-2 and 30% CO2) minced beef (M. semimembranosus) stored at (2 +/- 0.5 degrees C) for 12 days was investigated. Beef cubes (approx. 20 x 20 x 20 mm size) were immersed in solutions of 2% and 5% lactic acid, 2% lactic acid combined with 0.5% sodium ascorbate, 20% potassium lactate and 20% potassium sorbate before mincing. Addition of lactic acid was associated with pH drop, which increased drip-loss and roasting-loss. Application of all additives inhibited aerobic micro-organisms (10(3) - 10(4) CFU g(-1) on day 12) compared to reference sample (9 x 10(5) CFU g(-1) on day 12). Lactic acid discoloured samples, while sodium ascorbate seemed to improve colour stability. Despite good visual colour characteristics, potassium sorbate treated samples were organoleptically unacceptable with massive off-flavour. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.