Combined effect of electron-beam (beta) irradiation and organic acids on shelf life of pork loins during cold storage

J Food Prot. 2004 Jan;67(1):168-71. doi: 10.4315/0362-028x-67.1.168.

Abstract

The combined effects of organic acids and irradiation on shelf life of pork loins were examined. Fresh pork loins were sprayed with organic acids (lactic, citric, and acetic) at 2%, packaged aerobically, and irradiated with an electron beam at 1, 2, and 3 kGy. During 14 days of storage, total plate count, coliform number, pH, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured. Combinations of organic acid and irradiation were more effective in reducing and maintaining low total plate counts and coliform levels during storage than either treatment alone. Higher lipid oxidations were observed in all combination treatments at 1 day of storage than in the irradiation-only group. However, lower lipid oxidations were the result after 14 days of storage when combination treatments were used with irradiations of 2 and 3 kGy. Combined treatments involving lower irradiation doses than those required for irradiation alone could be used to extend the shelf life of pork loins during postirradiation storage without increasing lipid oxidation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetic Acid / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Citric Acid / pharmacology
  • Cold Temperature
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Food Handling / methods*
  • Food Irradiation*
  • Food Preservation / methods*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lactic Acid / pharmacology
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Meat / microbiology*
  • Swine
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / analysis
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
  • Citric Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Acetic Acid