Progress and Challenge of Sensors for Dairy Food Safety Monitoring

One of the most consumed foods is milk and milk products, and guaranteeing the suitability of these products is one of the major concerns in our society. This has led to the development of numerous sensors to enhance quality controls in the food chain. However, this is not a simple task, because it is necessary to establish the parameters to be analyzed and often, not only one compound is responsible for food contamination or degradation. To attempt to address this problem, a multiplex analysis together with a non-directed (e.g., general parameters such as pH) analysis are the most relevant alternatives to identifying the safety of dairy food. In recent years, the use of new technologies in the development of devices/platforms with optical or electrochemical signals has accelerated and intensified the pursuit of systems that provide a simple, rapid, cost-effective, and/or multiparametric response to the presence of contaminants, markers of various diseases, and/or indicators of safety levels. However, achieving the simultaneous determination of two or more analytes in situ, in a single measurement, and in real time, using only one working 'real sensor', remains one of the most daunting challenges, primarily due to the complexity of the sample matrix. To address these requirements, different approaches have been explored. The state of the art on food safety sensors will be summarized in this review including optical, electrochemical, and other sensor-based detection methods such as magnetoelastic or mass-based sensors.

Eco-safe composite edible coating of hydrocolloids with papaya leaf extract improves postharvest quality and shelf life of papaya fruit under ambient storage

Papaya postharvest management using low-temperature storage is discouraged as it is a tropical fruit. Extensive research is going on to preserve papaya quality at ambient storage using edible coatings and its composites. The present investigation examined the effects of an eco-safe composite edible coating consisting of hydrocolloid carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (1%), guar gum (1.5%), xanthan gum (0.3%), and Gum Arabic (10%) combined with papaya leaf extract (PLE) (1:1 ratio by volume) applied as dip treatment on "Red Lady" papaya fruit at ambient storage condition. Among all the attempted treatments, "PLE incorporated with CMC (1%)" was found to be the best, as the treated fruit exhibited the highest levels of biochemicals, whereas the lowest levels of physiological and enzymatic activity, which positively affected the shelf life. The "CMC + PLE" treatment enhanced the fruit gloss score by 70.1%, phenolics by 6.1%, ascorbic acid by 22.3%, total carotenoid content by 7.4%, and fruit predilection score by 22.0% over the control fruit. However, it lowered (controlling) the physiological loss in weight by 51.0%, decay incidence by 66.6%, and polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase activity by 24.92% and 35.29%, respectively, over control. Moreover, this treatment exhibited the highest fruit purchase predilection score and prolonged the storage life for >3 days on the physiological loss standard basis (≤10%). This study indicates that "CMC (1%) with PLE (1:1)" composite coating application on papaya under ambient conditions might be an effective, environmentally friendly, and health-friendly way to retain the quality and extend the storage life.

Pilot Scale Assessment of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) to Enhance Microbiological Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Blue Crab Meat

Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is a highly valuable wild fishery species of crab native to the waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The annual commercial production of live blue crabs is approximately 50,000 metric tons with a dockside value of USD 200 million. Presently the US blue crab processing industry sells crab meat in three basic forms: fresh crab meat, pasteurized crab meat, and frozen crab meat. By far "Fresh" is the most desirable form of crab meat. However, fresh crab meat has a limited shelf life. This study evaluated the effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) on enhancing the microbiological quality and shelf life of blue crab meat. Live blue crabs were pressure-cooked in a retort (≥115 °C for 4-6 min). The crab meat was handpicked, packed in plastic containers with seals, subjected to HPP treatment, and stored at 4 °C. Container integrity and water leakage issues were examined by observation in addition to weight comparison before and after HPP treatment; the shelf life of crab meat with and without HPP treatments was examined via microbiological tests and sensory evaluations. Results show that polypropylene containers sealed with 10K OTR (oxygen transmission rate) film could withstand high pressure without water leakage issues; HPP treatment at 600 MPa for 3 min could extend the shelf life of fresh, cooked, and handpicked crab meat from 6 days to 18 days based on the strictest APC (aerobic plate account) limit (APC ≤ 100,000 CFU/g). The sensory quality of the HPP-treated crab meat was well accepted throughout the 3-week storage period. The results support the use of HPP as an effective non-thermal processing technology to enhance the microbiological quality and extend the shelf life of fresh RTE blue crab meat.

LDPE-Natural Rubber Composite Film as Active Packaging: A Paradigm Shift in Oxygen Scavengers

Oxygen scavenging films, an emerging type of active packaging, play a crucial role in preserving the freshness and quality of food products. In this study, we proposed an extruded film made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with 5% natural rubber (NR) as the oxygen scavenging film. Characterization of the film revealed that its morphological and barrier properties remained intact, while the elongation attribute was enhanced. The obtained film was standardized for activation scavenging kinetics by varying the UV dose (time and distance). At the optimal UV dose, the film exhibited a total scavenging capacity of 61 cc/g. To assess the film's functionality, FTIR spectra were analyzed before and after exposure to oxygen, confirming the film's ability to scavenge oxygen based on observed peaks at 1718 and 3425 cm-1. Considering that bread and khoa (fatty food) are sensitive to oxygen, they were selected for testing the application of the oxygen scavenging film. Sensory analysis of bread samples, including appearance and mold formation, as well as microbial load studies, indicated that the shelf life of bread increased from 2-3 days (control) to 4-5 days when packed in the NR-based film and stored at 27 ± 2 °C. Similarly, when applied to khoa, the film extended its shelf life by 3 days compared to the control while maintaining sensory attributes and preserving nutritional value, such as fatty acids. In general, the developed oxygen scavenging film effectively prevents the detrimental effects of oxygen on food products, leading to an extension of their shelf life. This has significant implications for the food industry, as it helps mitigate the negative consequences of oxygen exposure and enhances the product shelf life.

Meat Irradiation: A Comprehensive Review of Its Impact on Food Quality and Safety

Food irradiation is a proven method commonly used for enhancing the safety and quality of meat. This technology effectively reduces the growth of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It also increases the lifespan and quality of products by delaying spoilage and reducing the growth of microorganisms. Irradiation does not affect the sensory characteristics of meats, including color, taste, and texture, as long as the appropriate dose is used. However, its influence on the chemical and nutritional aspects of meat is complex as it can alter amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins as well as generate free radicals that cause lipid oxidation. Various factors, including irradiation dose, meat type, and storage conditions, influence the impact of these changes. Irradiation can also affect the physical properties of meat, such as tenderness, texture, and water-holding capacity, which is dose-dependent. While low irradiation doses potentially improve tenderness and texture, high doses negatively affect these properties by causing protein denaturation. This research also explores the regulatory and public perception aspects of food irradiation. Although irradiation is authorized and controlled in many countries, its application is controversial and raises concerns among consumers. Food irradiation is reliable for improving meat quality and safety but its implication on the chemical, physical, and nutritional properties of products must be considered when determining the appropriate dosage and usage. Therefore, more research is needed to better comprehend the long-term implications of irradiation on meat and address consumer concerns.

Application of intelligent packaging for meat products: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Today, in response to consumer demand and market trends, the development of new packaging with better performance such as intelligent packaging has become more important. This packaging system is able to perform intelligent functions to increase shelf life, increase safety and improve product quality.

OBJECTIVES

Recently, various types of packaging systems are available for meat products, especially cooked, fresh and processed meats. But because meat products are very perishable, monitoring their quality and safety in the supply chain is very important. This systematic article briefly reviews some of the recent data about the application of intelligent packaging in meat products.

METHODS

The search was conducted in Google Scholar, Science Direct, Elsevier, Springer, Scopus, and PubMed, from April 1996 to April 2021 using a different combination of the following keyword: intelligent packaging, and meat.

RESULTS

The results showed that the intelligent packaging presents several benefits compared to traditional packaging (e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant, and shelf life extension) at the industrial processing level. Thus, these systems have been applied to improve the shelf life and textural properties of meat and meat products.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary to control the number of intelligent compounds that are included in the packaging as they clearly influence the quality and nutritional properties as well as the final cost of the food products.

Protective effect of chitosan-loaded nanoemulsion containing Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss essential oils as coating on lipid and protein oxidation in chill stored turkey breast fillets

The present study was conducted to evaluate the lipid and protein oxidation responses of cold stored turkey meat using chitosan-contained nanoemulsions supplemented with the essential oils of two aromatic plants including Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss. Chemical traits such as total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARs), free fatty acids (FFA), fatty acid composition and TC (total carbonyl) of samples were carried out at 4°C. Moreover, their pH and sensory properties were also determined at the same conditions. The initial value of the TVB-N (2.24 mg N/100 g) reached 20.81 mg N/100 g. TVB-N values achieved for all meat samples were lower than the highest acceptable limit (28-29 mg N/100 g). In all the treatments, PV and TBARs values were increased until day 10, and afterward a decrease was observed until day 20 of storage. TBARs values of the samples (mg MDA/kg) ranged from 1.97 ± 0.04 to 4.48 ± 0.39 in CNE + ZEO 1% to 2.72 ± 0.32 to 6.66 ± 0.21 in CON at zero time and day 5, respectively. FFA and TC were enhanced at a slower rate in the treated samples. The most efficient treatment against chemical deterioration was found to be CNE + ZEO 1%. Chitosan and sonicated chitosan treatments had the highest color score and lowest odor score at zero time. The obtained results suggested coating turkey meat fillets with ZEO and BEO as an effective strategy to delay at their chemical deterioration. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The spoilage risk of fresh products is higher than other foods. Turkey meat spoils because of biological reactions such as the oxidation of lipids and protein, the action of endogenous enzymes, and the metabolic activities of microorganisms that end in a short shelf life. The oxidation of lipids not only reduces or retards, but also inhibits by edible coatings. Edible coatings formed from bioactive compounds would effectively provide possibility of active compounds onto surface of minimally processed foods. Therefore, application chitosan-loaded nanoemulsion coating containing Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss essential oils is recommended in food industry especially for poultry industry to increase the chemistry and sensory quality of turkey breast fillets.

New Antifungal Microbial Pigment Applied to Improve Safety and Quality of Processed Meat-Products

Minced meat is involved within numerous products, where their color attributes are affected by consumer preferences. This study was aimed to ameliorate processed meat color, using a microbial red pigment. Antibacterial, antifungal, citrinin-free, and toxicity of pigment were determined. Meatballs and burgers were manufactured using pigment at 3 mg/g of meat. Texture, color, shelf life extension, and organoleptic properties were estimated for treated meats. Results were expressed by a real antimicrobial for pigment, even via several extracting systems. The MIC and MFC of pigment were 320 µg/g and 2.75 mg/g media, respectively. Bioactive components of pigment were detected using the GC–MS and the FTIR apparatus. The bioactive carbohydrates include oligo and polysaccharides were manifested with real curves. Secretion of ochratoxin A and aflatoxins in fungal media receives pigment was decreased by up to 54% and 45%, respectively. The presence of bioactive carbohydrates may trap mycotoxin out of the recovered amounts. The manufactured products were enhanced for their color and taste with fine texture changes. The shelf life of colored-frying meat was recorded by an extension compared to the control. In conclusion, the results were recommended microbial red-pigment implementation in meats manufacturing for ameliorating recorded of color, as antimycotoxigenic, and shelf life extension.

Antioxidant Films from Cassava Starch/Gelatin Biocomposite Fortified with Quercetin and TBHQ and Their Applications in Food Models

Edible and active packaging are attractive for use in food packaging applications due to their functionality and sustainability. This research developed new antioxidant active food packaging materials from cassava starch/gelatin (7:3 w/w) composite films with varied antioxidant types (quercetin and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)) and concentrations (0–200 mg/200 mL film-forming solution) and evaluated their properties. Antioxidant addition altered the mechanical and barrier properties of the films. At 34% relative humidity (RH), increasing the concentration of quercetin increased the tensile strength and decreased the elongation at break of the composite films. Increasing quercetin and TBHQ contents increased the film water solubility and water vapor transmission rate. Intermolecular interactions between the antioxidants and films, as found in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and XRD micrographs, were related to the changed film functionalities. In food application studies, the cassava starch/gelatin films containing quercetin and TBHQ retarded the oxidation of lard (more than 35 days) and delayed the redness discoloration of pork. Cassava starch/gelatin composite films integrated with quercetin and TBHQ can be utilized as active packaging that delays oxidation in foods.

Hypobaric Packaging Prolongs the Shelf Life of Refrigerated Black Truffles (Tuber melanosporum)

Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) is a fine agro-food product known for its unique aroma and very limited shelf life (maximum of 5-7 days, room temperature). Hypobaric packaging at 30 kPa, a mix of 1% O₂/99% N₂, and 40% CO₂/60% N₂ were studied to prolong the shelf life of black truffle at 4 °C in sealed polypropylene vessels, compared to normal atmosphere. Epiphytic microbial population, firmness, weight loss, CO₂ formation, and sensory properties were monitored weekly up to 35 days of storage and were related to the volatile profile. Principal components analysis revealed good correlation between the storage time and the decrease of firmness, and the increase of the microbial count and CO₂ production. Only truffles stored under hypobaric conditions showed an acceptable quality after 14 days storage. Hypobaric packaging is a cheap strategy to prevent the swelling of vessels caused by respiration and can reduce the deviation from the high-quality level of the fresh product from one to at least two weeks.

Lactic Acid Bacteria as Antibacterial Agents to Extend the Shelf Life of Fresh and Minimally Processed Fruits and Vegetables: Quality and Safety Aspects

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is, undoubtedly, a healthy habit that should be adopted by everyone (particularly due to the nutrients and functional properties of fruits and vegetables). However, at the same time, due to their production in the external environment, there is an increased risk of their being infected with various pathogenic microorganisms, some of which cause serious foodborne illnesses. In order to preserve and distribute safe, raw, and minimally processed fruits and vegetables, many strategies have been proposed, including bioprotection. The use of lactic acid bacteria in raw and minimally processed fruits and vegetables helps to better maintain their quality by extending their shelf life, causing a significant reduction and inhibition of the action of important foodborne pathogens. The antibacterial effect of lactic acid bacteria is attributed to its ability to produce antimicrobial compounds, including bacteriocins, with strong competitive action against many microorganisms. The use of bacteriocins, both separately and in combination with edible coatings, is considered a very promising approach for microbiological quality, and safety for postharvest storage of raw and minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Therefore, the purpose of the review is to discuss the biopreservation of fresh fruits and vegetables through the use of lactic acid bacteria as a green and safe technique.

Shelf Life Extension and Improvement of the Nutritional Value of Fish Fillets through Osmotic Treatment Based on the Sustainable Use of Rosa damascena Distillation By-Products

The objective of this work is the comparative study of different osmotic treatments at 37 °C on the quality and shelf life of chilled sea bass fillets. Fish fillets were treated using osmotic solutions consisting of oligofructose (40%–50%–60%) and 5% NaCl with (BP/OT) and without (OT) former antioxidant enrichment by using Rosa damascena distillation by-products. Water activity decreased to approximately 0.95 after 330 minutes of osmotic treatment. Untreated and osmotically treated fish fillets (BP/OT) and (OT) were subsequently stored at 5 °C and their quality was evaluated based on microbial growth and lipid oxidation. Osmotic treatment extended significantly the shelf life of fish in terms of microbial growth; however, it also accelerated its lipid oxidation. The impregnation of Rosa damascena phenolics not only counterbalanced this negative effect, but led to a more than four-fold increase of the shelf life of sea bass, as compared to the untreated samples.

Cold Plasma-Mediated Treatments for Shelf Life Extension of Fresh Produce: A Review of Recent Research Developments

Fresh produce, like fruits and vegetables, are important sources of nutrients and health-promoting compounds. However, incidences of foodborne outbreaks associated with fresh produce often occur; it is thus important to develop and expand decay-control technologies that can not only maintain the quality but can also control the biological hazards in postharvest, processing, and storage to extend their shelf life. It is under such a situation that plasma-mediated treatments have been developed as a novel nonthermal processing tool, offering many advantages and attracting much interest from researchers and the food industry. This review summarizes recent developments of cold plasma technology and associated activated water for shelf life extension of fresh produce. An overview of plasma generation and its physical-chemical properties as well as methods for improving plasma efficiency are first presented. Details of using the technology as a nonthermal agent in inhibiting spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, inactivating enzymes, and modifying the barrier properties or imparting specific functionalities of packaging materials to extend shelf life of food produce are then reviewed, and the effects of cold plasma-mediated treatment on microstructure and quality attributes of fresh produce are discussed. Future prospects and research gaps of cold plasma are finally elucidated. The review shows that atmospheric plasma-mediated treatments in various gas mixtures can significantly inhibit microorganisms, inactive enzyme, and modify packaging materials, leading to shelf life extension of fresh produce. The quality attributes of treated produce are not compromised but improved. Therefore, plasma-mediated treatment has great potential and values for its application in the food industry.

using the antifungal compound ɛ-polylysine

Molds are one of the most important spoilage organisms on cheese which can lead to economic loss as well as raising public health concerns due to the production of mycotoxins. This study investigates the use of ɛ-polylysine as natural antimicrobial to inhibit fungal growth. The minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal fungicidal concentrations of ɛ-polylysine were determined against Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium nordicum, and Penicillium solitum. Then, polylysine was tested as surface antimicrobial for the preservation of mozzarella slice cheese inoculated with these Penicillium spp. and stored in plastic trays during 25 days. The minimal inhibitory concentrations calculated for the three fungi tested were of 60 mg/l whereas the minimal fungicidal concentrations detected were of 125-10,000 mg/l. The shelf life observed for the control experiments was of 15 days, and just using the ɛ-polylysine at 0.00625, 0.0125, and 0.025% was evidenced a shelf life increment in comparison with the control of 1-3 days.

Strategies for Rot Control of Soybean Sprouts

Soybean sprouts are nutrient-rich, contain plentiful proteins, vitamin C, and minerals and are packed in small numbers after production. As soybean sprouts were mass produced in a factory, the occurrence of rotting in soybean sprouts has become a serious problem. To overcome these problems, many efforts have been made to provide healthy soybean sprouts in Korea. This paper reviewed the physicochemical techniques used for supplying water with antibacterial properties and the natural antimicrobial materials developed for soybean sprout cultivation. On the basis of this review, 11 of the antimicrobial agents and/or techniques currently used originated from mineral, non-metal ions, and metal ions, 4 from antagonistic microorganisms, 7 from agents originating from animals, 31 from medicinal and herbal plants, and 11 from physicochemical agents and/or techniques. In addition, these agents and/or techniques showed potential not only for the inhibition of spoilage and rot of soybean sprouts but also for the extension of product shelf life, the enhancement of taste and aroma, the enhancement of nutrition and functional components, growth promotion, and/or the reduction of production costs. Continuous scientific innovations and improved processing technology will aid in further advancements and improvements in this area. Therefore, this study offers useful insights suggesting direction for future research and provides information on the different anti-rotting agents and/or techniques for soybean sprouts developed to date, also as discussed in various patents.

Antifungal effect of phenolic extract of fermented rice bran with Rhizopus oryzae and its potential use in loaf bread shelf life extension

BACKGROUND

In this study the antifungal potential of a phenolic extract obtained from rice bran fermented with Rhizopus oryzae CECT 7560 and its application in the elaboration of bread was assessed.

RESULTS

Eighteen compounds with antifungal potential were identified by LC-ESI-qTOF-MS in the extract: organic acids, gallates and gallotannins, flavonoids, ellagic acid and benzophenone derivatives. The extract was active against strains of Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium, with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 390 to 3100 µg mL^-1 and minimum fungicidal concentration variable from 780 to 6300 µg mL^-1 . The strains that were most sensitive to the phenolic extract were F. graminearum, F. culmorum, F. poae, P. roqueforti, P. expansum and A. niger. The phenolic extract added at 5 and 1 g kg^-1 concentrations in the preparation of bread loaves contaminated with P. expansum produced a reduction of 0.6 and 0.7 log CFU g^-1 . The bread loaves treated with calcium propionate and 10 g kg^-1 of the phenolic extract evidenced an improvement in their shelf lives of 3 days.

CONCLUSION

The phenolic extract assessed in this study could be considered as an alternative for inhibiting toxigenic fungi and as a substitute for synthetic compounds in food preservation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.