Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) Waste Extract as a Synergistic Agent in the Microbial and Physicochemical Preservation of Low-Sodium Raw Goat Cheese.

The growth of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria during storage represents significant losses in marketing raw milk cheeses. Thus, reducing NaCl in these products is challenging, as sodium has a critical antimicrobial role. Despite advances in non-thermal technologies, the short shelf life still limits the availability of raw goat cheese. Thus, combined preservation methods can be promising because their synergies can extend shelf life more effectively. In this context, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to variables to investigate the effect of pequi waste extract (PWE), a native Brazilian fruit, combined with UV-C radiation (CEU) and vacuum packaging (CEV) on the preservation of low-sodium raw goat cheese. CEV samples had lower loadings for Staphylococcus subsp. and Enterobacteriaceae than other treatments in PC2, having a count's reduction up to 3-fold (P < 0.05) compared to vacuum alone. In contrast, CEU showed an increase of up to 1.2-fold on staphylococcal count compared to UV-C alone. Still, the addition of PWE to UV-C-treated cheeses resulted in 8.5% protein loss. Furthermore, PWE, especially in CEV, delayed post-acidification during storage. It made CEV up to 4.5 and 1.6-fold more stable for color and texture, respectively than vacuum alone. These data strongly suggest that PWE may be a novel and promising synergistic agent in the microbial and physicochemical preservation of low-sodium raw milk cheese when combined with the vacuum.

Rheological, Physical and Sensory Evaluation of Low-Fat Cupuassu Goat Milk Yogurts Supplemented with Fat Replacer.

The use of skim milk is a strategy to increase goat milk yogurt acceptability. However, it can negatively affect yogurt rheology because fat plays a vital role in dairy structural integrity. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of fat replacers on the rheological, physical, and sensory parameters of low-fat cupuassu goat milk yogurts during refrigerated storage (28 days). Five goat milk yogurts formulations were carried out: whole yogurt (WY), skim yogurt (SY), skim yogurt with inulin (SIY), skim yogurt with maltodextrin (SMY), and skim yogurt with whey protein (SWY). Treatments were subjected to bacterial counts, chemical composition, pH, water holding capacity, instrumental color and texture, rheological and sensory analyses. All samples showed reducing pH values, water holding capacity, and L* and b* value during storage. Regarding texture, the firmness and consistency decreased during storage. On the other hand, the viscosity index significantly increased during refrigerated storage time. Moreover, all treatments exhibited viscoelastic behaviour. In addition, SIY and SMY showed the highest apparent viscosity. Furthermore, SIY, SMY, and SWY formulations exhibited positive sensory scores for appearance, color, aroma, texture, and viscosity. However, the overall acceptability and purchase intention did not differ statistically between WY and the fat-replacement treatments (SIY, SMY, and SWY). These results indicate that fat substitutes improved the quality of skimmed formulations. Thus, inulin and maltodextrin have the potential as functional fat replaces to produce low-fat goat milk yogurts.

Palm Kernel Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Qualitative Aspects of Milk and Cheese.

We investigated the effect of including palm kernel cake (PKC) at the levels of 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg-1 in the diet of lactating goats on the quality and sensory parameters of Minas Frescal cheese. Twelve goats were used in a triple 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary addition of PKC was associated with a reduction in moisture (p = 0.004), which compromised the cheese yield (p = 0.030). The ether extract content showed a quadratic response. There was a decrease in caproic (p = 0.014), caprylic (p = 0.011), capric (p = 0.003) and palmitic (p = 0.049) acids and an increase in lauric (p = 0.012) and myristic (p = 0.02) acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids increased (p = 0.008), whereas the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (p = 0.022) and thrombogenicity index (p = 0.023) decreased. Principal component analysis indicated that control treatment and the treatment with 80 g kg-1 PKC were the most acceptable to the cheese tasters. The use of palm kernel cake is a good alternative for lactating goats when added to the diet at levels up to 80 g kg-1.

Bioactive Compounds from Kefir and Their Potential Benefits on Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite evidence of health benefits from kefir administration, a systematic review with meta-analysis on bioactive compounds associated with these benefits is still absent in the literature. Kefir is fermented milk resulting from the metabolism of a complex microbiota in symbiosis. Recent researches have investigated the bioactive compounds responsible for the preventive and therapeutic effects attributed to kefir. However, differences in functional potential between industrial and artisanal kefir are still controversial. Firstly, we identified differences in the microbial composition among both types of kefir. Available evidence concerning the action of different bioactive compounds from kefir on health, both from in vitro and in vivo studies, was subsequently summarized to draw a primary conclusion of the dose and the intervention time for effect, the producer microorganisms, the precursor in the milk, and the action mechanism. Meta-analysis was performed to investigate the statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between intervention and control and between both types of kefir for each health effect studied. In summary, the bioactive compounds more commonly reported were exopolysaccharides, including kefiran, bioactive peptides, and organic acids, especially lactic acid. Kefir bioactive compounds presented antimicrobial, anticancer, and immune-modulatory activities corroborated by the meta-analysis. However, clinical evidence is urgently needed to strengthen the practical applicability of these bioactive compounds. The mechanisms of their action were diverse, indicating that they can act by different signaling pathways. Still, industrial and artisanal kefir may differ regarding functional potential-OR of 8.56 (95% CI: 2.27-32.21, P ≤ .001)-according to the observed health effect, which can be associated with differences in the microbial composition between both types of kefir.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from pasteurized dairy products from Bahia, Brazil.

The presence of pathogenic Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in dairy products represents a public health concern because of its ability to produce the toxins Stx1 and Stx2, which cause intestinal diseases. Monitoring the stages of milk production and checking dairy products for contamination are crucial steps to ensure dairy safety. This study aimed to report the occurrence of thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli, and STEC strains in pasteurized dairy products and to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profiles, serotypes, and characterizations of the STEC isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. We obtained a total of 138 pasteurized dairy products from 15 processing plants in Bahia, Brazil, to examine coliforms, E. coli, and STEC strains. We found that 43% of samples (59/138) contained thermotolerant coliforms, and 30% (42/138) did not comply with Brazilian regulations. Overall, 6% (9/138) were positive for E. coli and 4% (5/138) were positive for STEC. We recovered 9 STEC isolates from pasteurized cream (2/9), Minas Padrão cheese (2/9), Minas Frescal cheese (4/9), and ricotta (1/9). All isolates were stx2-positive, and 2 were eae-positive. All isolates were negative for the "big 6" STEC serogroups, belonging instead to serotypes ONT:HNT, ONT:H12, O148:H-, OR:H40, OR:HNT, and O148:HNT. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed 100% genetic similarity among 3 isolates from 2 different samples produced in the same production facility, which may suggest cross-contamination. As well, we found isolates that were 98% similar but in samples produced in different production facilities, suggesting a mutual source of contamination or a circulating strain. Two STEC strains exhibited resistance to streptomycin. Although the isolates presented a low resistance profile and no strain belonged to the "big 6" pathogenic group, the circulation of stx2-positive STEC strains in ready-to-eat products highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance inside the Brazilian dairy chain.

Effect of ripening time on bacteriological and physicochemical goat milk cheese characteristics.

Cheese ripening involves lactose metabolism, lipolysis and proteolysis, which are affected by many factors. The aim of this study was to assess changes due to ripening (90 days) of goat milk cheese through bacteriological and physicochemical analysis in order to verify if, at the end of ripening period, this cheese could be considered "lactose-free". Three batches of the goat milk cheese were manufactured and ripened at 10 °C and 80% relative humidity for 90 days. Titratable acidity increased by about 59 °D due to carbohydrate degradation and organic acid production. However, pH (5.31-5.25) remained constant. Lactococcus was the dominant cheese microbiota, acting in the fermentation of lactose (1.17-0.06 mg/g) and lactic acid production (5.49-s10.01 mg/g). Thus, ripening time was decisive for bacteriological and physicochemical goat milk cheese characteristics.

Short communication: Biogenic amine formation during fermentation in functional sheep milk yogurts.

The present study evaluated biogenic amine (BA) content during the fermentation period in functional sheep milk yogurts. Four treatments were prepared and assessed: natural (NSY), prebiotic (PreSY), probiotic (ProSY), and synbiotic (SynSY). Biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, and tyramine), proteolysis activity, and pH were measured during each hour of fermentation. Grumixama pulp was added to all formulations as a technological strategy and potential substrate for bacteria during fermentation. The yogurt and probiotic bacteria were viable (≥7 log cfu·mL-1) on d 0. The pH levels of the functional sheep milk yogurts had a more pronounced decrease than did the control of NSY. However, all yogurt samples underwent gradual decreases in pH until final fermentation. Proteolytic activity remained constant in all treatments during fermentation. The NSY, PreSY, ProSY, and SynSY presented the same behavior for all BA, with differences in concentration. Putrescine, cadaverine, and spermidine contents decreased, whereas spermine remained constant and tyramine increased. We conclude that fermentation of functional sheep milk yogurts can produce tyramine.

Short communication: Antimicrobial activity of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) waste extract on goat Minas Frescal cheese presenting sodium reduction.

Sodium chloride reduction in foods is a significant focus of the dairy industry; however, it can interfere with dairy product quality. Thus, researchers have carried out studies on alternatives to maintain dairy product safety when presenting reduced NaCl content, such as natural antimicrobial addition. Caryocar brasiliense (pequi) is a fruit with high phenolic compound concentrations in the pulp and peel and known antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to define the optimum stage for pequi waste extract addition during cheese manufacturing in order to maintain and prolong the shelf life of reduced-sodium goat Minas Frescal cheese. Four different goat Minas Frescal cheese treatments were carried out: control cheese (without extract; CC), pequi extract addition to milk (CM), pequi extract addition to mass (CS), and cheese immersion in pequi extract (CIE). The treatments were subjected to microbiological (Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms and fecal coliforms, Lactococcus spp., and lactic acid bacteria counts), textural (hardness and consistency), and instrumental color (luminosity, yellow intensity, red intensity, chroma, hue angle, and total color change) analyses. No Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, or coliforms and fecal coliforms were detected during storage for any of the assessed samples, including CC. Regarding texture, all samples presented a trend for decreasing rigidity during storage. In addition, lower luminosity values were also observed in cheeses produced with added pequi extract (CM, CS, and CIE) when compared with CC. All cheeses produced with added pequi were stable regarding all evaluated parameters; however, pequi extract addition to milk (CM) was shown to be more efficient, leading to higher textural parameters and better microbiological quality during storage. Thus, the CM treatment is the most recommended for pequi waste extract addition during Minas Frescal cheese manufacture.

Impact of UV-C Light on the Fatty Acid Profile and Oxidative Stability of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fillets.

The influence of different ultraviolet (UV-C) doses (0.103 and 0.305 J/cm2 ) was investigated by instrumental color parameters, pH, lipid, and protein oxidations, fatty acids (FA) composition and biogenic amines (BAs) in Nile tilapia fillets during 11 d at 4 ± 1 °C. The UV-C treatment increased (P < 0.05) a* values and protein oxidation in a dose-dependent manner, and delayed (P < 0.05) the formation of BAs over the course of the storage period. L* values and lipid oxidation were not influenced (P > 0.05) by UV-C light. Fillets treated with a low UV-C dose exhibited greater (P < 0.05) total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) than their untreated counterparts. Therefore, a low UV-C dose can be recommended in tilapia fillets as an alternative processing method to control pH and BAs, as well as improve the total PUFA amount and overall nutritional quality.

Consumer perception, health information, and instrumental parameters of cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) goat milk yogurts.

Although the demand for goat milk products has been growing, they have lower consumer acceptability than products derived from cow milk. However, the addition of cupuassu pulp can be used to improve the formulation of these products. For this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of new goat milk yogurt manufactured with cupuassu pulp on physicochemical properties, consumers' perceptions, and overall consumer acceptance. In addition, the effect of antioxidant health information on consumer acceptance and purchase intention of cupuassu goat milk yogurts was evaluated. The results demonstrated a positive expectation regarding linking and familiarity to goat milk products and products with cupuassu pulp. The pH, total phenolic content, lightness, redness, yellowness, and apparent viscosity were potentially affected by the addition of cupuassu, with the highest concentration of cupuassu (10%) exhibiting the greatest changes in parameters. Based on principal component analysis, partial least squares regression, and just-about-right and penalty analysis, the addition of cupuassu pulp improved some sensory attributes of goat milk yogurt, such as cupuassu aroma, cupuassu flavor, yellow color, consistency, and viscosity, which positively influenced product acceptance. In addition, antioxidant health information increased the acceptance and purchase intention of cupuassu goat milk yogurts. Taking into account the parameters investigated in this study, the best scoring formulation was goat milk yogurt with 10% cupuassu pulp. Our results suggest that cupuassu pulp can be considered a potential ingredient to improve the sensory and texture properties of goat milk yogurt. Furthermore, the antioxidant health information could be a sensory strategy to increase the acceptance of cupuassu goat milk yogurts.

Effect of different fat replacers on the physicochemical and instrumental analysis of low-fat cupuassu goat milk yogurts.

The aim of this Research Communication was to investigate the changes in physicochemical, colour, apparent viscosity and texture properties in low-fat goat milk yogurts prepared with cupuassu pulp by the addition of inulin (SI), maltodextrin (SM), whey protein (SW) and skim milk powder (SP). Three batches of each cupuassu goat milk yogurt were prepared and analysed on the 1st day of storage by pH, proximate composition, colour, apparent viscosity, and texture. In comparison to yogurts from whole (W) or skimmed milk (S), all of the fat replacers improved the physicochemical properties (P < 0·05). The addition of the carbohydrates (inulin and maltodextrin) and proteins (whey protein and skim milk powder) also influenced the colour of the low-fat cupuassu goat milk yogurt (P < 0·05). All fat replacer treatments (SI, SM, SW and SP) presented a higher (P < 0·05) apparent viscosity than W and S yogurts. However, only the addition of skim milk powder increased the texture parameters (firmness and consistency) (P < 0·05). These results suggest that skim milk powder can be used to improve the texture properties of low-fat cupuassu goat milk. Furthermore, inulin, maltodextrin, and whey protein can potentially be applied in the goat dairy industry to increase the viscosity of yogurts.

Protein and Amino Acid Profiles of Different Whey Protein Supplements.

Whey protein (WP) supplements have received increasing attention by consumers due to the high nutritional value of the proteins and amino acids they provide. However, some WP supplements may not contain the disclosed amounts of the ingredients listed on the label, compromising the nutritional quality and the effectiveness of these supplements. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the contents of total protein (TP), α-lactalbumin (α-LA), ß-lactoglobulin (ß-LG), free essential amino acids (free EAA), and free branched-chain amino acids (free BCAA), amongst different WP supplements produced by U.S. and Brazilian companies. Twenty commercial brands of WP supplements were selected, ten manufactured in U.S. (WP-USA) and ten in Brazil (WP-BRA). The TP was analyzed using the Kjeldahl method, while α-LA, ß-LG, free EAA, and free BCAA were analyzed using HPLC system. There were higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of TP, α-LA, ß-LG, and free BCAA in WP-USA supplements, as compared to the WP-BRA supplements; however, there was no difference (p > 0.05) in the content of free EAA between WP-USA and WP-BRA. Amongst the 20 brands evaluated, four WP-USA and seven WP-BRA had lower (p < 0.05) values of TP than those specified on the label. In conclusion, the WP-USA supplements exhibited better nutritional quality, evaluated by TP, α-LA, ß-LG, and free BCAA when compared to WP-BRA.

Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) pulp, probiotic, and prebiotic: Influence on color, apparent viscosity, and texture of goat milk yogurts.

Cupuassu is an acidic fruit that has a characteristic aroma, flavor, and texture; its fiber-rich pulp can provide a different consistency than other fruit pulps. Goat milk is an excellent source of amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals, and is widely used for processing fermented milks, such as yogurt. However, compared with cow milk yogurts, it is difficult to make goat milk yogurts with a good consistency. Therefore, it is necessary to use certain technological strategies. This study was carried out to investigate the possibility of adding cupuassu pulp, probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5), and prebiotic (inulin) to improve the texture of goat milk yogurt. A total of 6 treatments were performed: natural (N), probiotic (Pro), prebiotic (Pre), synbiotic (S), cupuassu (C), and probiotic with cupuassu (PC). The viability of probiotic in yogurts (Pro, S, and PC) was evaluated. In addition, instrumental analyses (pH, color, apparent viscosity, and texture) were performed to evaluate the influence of these different ingredients on goat milk yogurts. The probiotic bacteria remained viable (≥7 log cfu·mL(-1)) throughout the 28d of refrigerated storage, which exceeded the minimum count required to confer probiotic physiological benefits. The pH levels of the yogurts inoculated with L. acidophilus (Pro, S, and PC) were lower than others yogurts (N, Pre, and C). However, all yogurt samples underwent gradual decreases in pH until 7 to 14d of storage. The lightness (L*) was affected initially by addition of all ingredients (cupuassu pulp, probiotic, and prebiotic). The addition of cupuassu pulp (C and PC) increased the L* during the period of storage. Apparent viscosity and firmness decreased in the PC yogurt. The consistency was highest in the yogurts with added prebiotic (Pre and S) than the other yogurts (N, Pro, C, and PC) at the end of the storage period (d 28). The cohesiveness remained constant in all yogurts (N, Pro, Pre, S, C, and PC). Based on the results obtained from the current study, it was concluded that cupuassu pulp addition improves the texture of goat milk yogurts. Therefore, this pulp could be an important technological strategy for the dairy goat industry.

Determination of biogenic amines by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) in probiotic cow's and goat's fermented milks and acceptance.

This study evaluated the presence of biogenic amines in fermented cow's and goat's milks containing probiotic bacteria, during the first 10 days of chilled storage (4 ± 2°C), when the probiotic strains are most viable. The overall acceptance of both fermented milks, produced using the same starter culture and probiotics, was tested. In both products, the initially high levels of tyramine (560 mg kg(-1) means for both fermented milks), the predominant biogenic amine, increased during the storage period, which may be considered this amine as a quality index for fermented milks. The other principal biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, and spermidine) were produced on days 1-5 of storage, and thereafter decreased. At the end of the 10th day, these amines, respectively, showed values of fermented cow's milk 20.26, 29.09, 17.97, and 82.07 mg kg(-1); and values of fermented goat's milk 22.92, 29.09, 34.85, and 53.85 mg kg(-1), in fermented cow's and goat's milk. Fermented cow's milk was well accepted compared to fermented goat's milk. The results suggested that the content of biogenic amines may be a criterion for selecting lactic acid bacteria used to produce fermented milks.