Effect of selected agents for ochratoxin A biocontrol on the colour, texture and volatile profile of dry-cured fermented sausages.

BACKGROUND: Traditional dry-cured fermented sausages favour the growth of an autochthonous microbial population, which plays an important role in their sensory aspects. However, some moulds can produce mycotoxins such as ochratoxin A (OTA). The biocontrol agents (BCAs) Debaryomyces hansenii FHSCC 253H and Staphylococcus xylosus FHSCC Sx8 have been demonstrated to reduce OTA production in dry-cured meat products, but their influence in the sensory characteristics of sausages has to be tested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of these BCAs on the colour, texture and volatile profile of dry-cured fermented sausages. RESULTS: D. hansenii caused few differences in the tested parameters with respect to the control batch. S. xylosus modified the texture and colour, although the values found were within the range expected for dry-cured fermented sausages 'salchichón'. Additionally, the volatile profile revealed the potential antioxidant effect of both BCAs and their ability to produce compounds associated with the ripened aroma that could increase product acceptability. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that there were no inconveniences in implementing both BCAs during the processing of dry-cured fermented sausages 'salchichón'. Moreover, D. hansenii FHSCC 253H could improve the volatile profile of this product. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Prolonging shelf life of lamb cutlets packed under high-oxygen modified atmosphere by spraying essential oils from North-African plants.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sprayable essential oils for counteracting the pro-oxidant environment created during retail display of lamb cutlets packed under high-oxygen atmosphere. North-African essential oils from Pituranthos chloranthus (PC) and Teucrium ramosissimum (TR) were applied by spraying on the surface of whole-lamb cutlets. The bio-preservative treatment led to a significant increase of their shelf life in terms of protection against lipid and protein oxidative deterioration, discoloration of lean and bone and microbiological stability during 12days of chilled storage. Furthermore, the addition of TR and PC on the surface of lamb cutlets significantly improved their appearance, increasing hence the purchase intention and consumers' preferences towards treated retailed products. This study shows that the application of a high-oxygen active packaging in combination with natural sprayable extracts is a feasible and effective strategy for protecting whole-meat muscle foods against oxidation and microbial deterioration.

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) phenolics, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and inhibition of lipid and protein oxidation in porcine patties.

The first aim of the present work (study 1) was to analyze ethyl acetate, 70% acetone, and 70% methanol extracts of the peel, pulp, and seed from two avocado (Persea americana Mill.) varieties, namely, 'Hass' and 'Fuerte', for their phenolic composition and their in vitro antioxidant activity using the CUPRAC, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Their antimicrobial potential was also studied. Peels and seeds had higher amounts of phenolics and a more intense in vitro antioxidant potential than the pulp. Peels and seeds were rich in catechins, procyanidins, and hydroxycinnamic acids, whereas the pulp was particularly rich in hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids and procyanidins. The total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of avocado phenolics was affected by the extracting solvent and avocado variety. The avocado materials also displayed moderate antimicrobial effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Taking a step forward (study 2), extracts (70% acetone) from avocado peels and seeds were tested as inhibitors of oxidative reactions in meat patties. Avocado extracts protected meat lipids and proteins against oxidation with the effect on lipids being dependent on the avocado variety.