Emerging trends for nonthermal decontamination of raw and processed meat: ozonation, high-hydrostatic pressure and cold plasma

Meat may contain natural, spoilage, and pathogenic microorganisms based on the origin and characteristics of its dietary matrix. Several decontamination substances are used during or after meat processing, which include chlorine, organic acids, inorganic phosphates, benzoates, propionates, bacteriocins, or oxidizers. Unfortunately, traditional decontamination methods are often problematic because of their adverse impact on the quality of the raw carcass or processed meat. The extended shelf-life of foods is a response to the pandemic trend, whereby consumers are more likely to choose durable products that can be stored for a longer period between visits to food stores. This includes changing purchasing habits from “just in time” products “for now” to “just in case” products, a trend that will not fade away with the end of the pandemic. To address these concerns, novel carcass-decontamination technologies, such as ozone, high-pressure processing and cold atmospheric plasma, together with active and clean label ingredients, have been investigated for their potential applications in the meat industry. Processing parameters, such as exposure time and processing intensity have been evaluated for each type of matrix to achieve the maximum reduction of spoilage microorganism counts without affecting the physicochemical, organoleptic, and functional characteristics of the meat products. Furthermore, combined impact (hurdle concept) was evaluated to enhance the understanding of decontamination efficiency without undesirable changes in the meat products. Most of these technologies are beneficial as they are cost-effective, chemical-free, eco-friendly, easy to use, and can treat foods in sealed packages, preventing the product from post-process contamination. Interestingly, their synergistic combination with other hurdle approaches can help to substitute the use of chemical food preservatives, which is an aspect that is currently quite desirable in the majority of consumers. Nonetheless, some of these techniques are difficult to store, requiring a large capital investment for their installation, while a lack of certification for industrial utilization is also problematic. In addition, most of them suffer from a lack of sufficient data regarding their mode of action for inactivating microorganisms and extending shelf-life stability, necessitating a need for further research in this area.Axencia Galega de Innovación | Ref. IN607A2019/0

High-pressure processing of fish and shellfish products: Safety, quality, and research prospects

Seafood products have been one of the main drivers behind the popularity of high-pressure processing (HPP) in the food industry owing to a high demand for fresh ready-to-eat seafood products and food safety. This review provides an overview of the advanced knowledge available on the use of HPP for production of wholesome and highly nutritive clean label fish and shellfish products. Out of 653 explored items, 65 articles published during 2016-2021 were used. Analysis of the literature showed that most of the earlier work evaluated the HPP effect on physicochemical and sensorial properties, and limited information is available on nutritional aspects. HPP has several applications in the seafood industry. Application of HPP (400-600 MPa) eliminates common seafood pathogens, such as Vibrio and Listeria spp., and slows the growth of spoilage microorganisms. Use of cold water as a pressure medium induces minimal changes in sensory and nutritional properties and helps in the development of clean label seafood products. This technology (200-350 MPa) is also useful to shuck oysters, lobsters, crabs, mussels, clams, and scallops to increase recovery of the edible meat. High-pressure helps to preserve organoleptic and functional properties for an extended time during refrigerated storage. Overall, HPP helps seafood manufacturers to maintain a balance between safety, quality, processing efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms of pressure-induced modifications and clean label strategies to minimize these modifications

Impact of novel processing techniques on the functional properties of egg products and derivatives: a review

Eggs are an excellent source of quality proteins. Eggs as a whole and its components (egg white and egg yolk) are employed in a range of food preparations. Thermal processing employed for stabilizing and improving shelf‐life of egg components is known to have adverse effect on heat‐sensitive proteins leading to protein denaturation and aggregation thus, reducing the required functional, technological, and overall quality of egg proteins and other constituents. Therefore, the current challenge is to identify novel processing techniques that not only improve the intrinsic functional properties of eggs or its components, but also improve the quality of the product. This review focuses on the use of technologies such as ultrasound, pulsed electric field, high‐pressure processing, radiofrequency, ultraviolet light, microwave, and cold plasma for egg products. These novel technologies are known for their advantages over thermal treatments especially in protecting the heat sensitive nature and retaining the overall quality of the egg and egg products. Availability of alternatives processing has significantly improved the structural properties, techno‐functional, nutritional and as well improving the safety egg and egg products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Eggs are consumed worldwide as whole egg or in some cases, consumed partly as egg whites or egg yolks. Egg components with improved techno‐functional properties can be used in various food industries (such as baking, confectionery, and culinary preparation, etc.). Value addition of new products can be achieved through modification of egg proteins. Additionally, these techniques also provide microbial safety and have a reduced impact on nutritional content and overall food quality

Effect of Pulsed Electric Field on the Chicken Meat Quality and Taste-Related Amino Acid Stability: Flavor Simulation

Meat contains several amino acids related to taste, which have a significant impact on the overall acceptability of consumers. A number of volatile compounds have been studied in relation to meat flavor, but amino acids have not been fully explored in relation to the taste of raw or cooked meat. It would be interesting to find any changes in physicochemical characteristics, especially the level of taste-active compounds and flavor content during non-thermal processing such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), for commercial reasons. The effect of PEF at low intensity (LPEF; 1 kV/cm) and comparatively high intensity (HPEF; 3 kV/cm) with different pulse numbers (25, 50, and 100) was investigated on the physicochemical characteristics of chicken breast, including the free amino acid content (related to umami, sweet, bitter, or fresh pleasant taste). PEF is regarded as a “nonthermal” technology; however, HPEF induces moderate temperature rises as it increases with the treatment intensity (i.e., electric field strength and pulse number). The pH, shear force, and cook loss (%) of the LPEF and untreated samples were not affected by the treatments, but the shear force of the LPEF and untreated samples was lower than that of HPEF groups that showed PEF-induced slight structural modifications resulting in a more porous cell. In the case of color parameters, the lightness of meat (L*) was significantly higher with treatment intensity, whereas both a* and b* were unaffected by the PEF treatments. Moreover, PEF treatment significantly (p < 0.05) affected umami-related free amino acids (FAAs; glutamic acid and aspartic acid) and leucine and valine, which are precursors of flavor compounds. However, PEF decreases the level of bitter taste contributing FAAs such as lysine and tyrosine, which may prevent the formation of fermented flavors. In conclusion, both PEF treatments (LPEF and HPEF) did not adversely impact the physicochemical quality of chicken breast

Effect of Pulsed Electric Field on the Chicken Meat Quality and Taste-Related Amino Acid Stability: Flavor Simulation

Meat contains several amino acids related to taste, which have a significant impact on the overall acceptability of consumers. A number of volatile compounds have been studied in relation to meat flavor, but amino acids have not been fully explored in relation to the taste of raw or cooked meat. It would be interesting to find any changes in physicochemical characteristics, especially the level of taste-active compounds and flavor content during non-thermal processing such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), for commercial reasons. The effect of PEF at low intensity (LPEF; 1 kV/cm) and comparatively high intensity (HPEF; 3 kV/cm) with different pulse numbers (25, 50, and 100) was investigated on the physicochemical characteristics of chicken breast, including the free amino acid content (related to umami, sweet, bitter, or fresh pleasant taste). PEF is regarded as a “nonthermal” technology; however, HPEF induces moderate temperature rises as it increases with the treatment intensity (i.e., electric field strength and pulse number). The pH, shear force, and cook loss (%) of the LPEF and untreated samples were not affected by the treatments, but the shear force of the LPEF and untreated samples was lower than that of HPEF groups that showed PEF-induced slight structural modifications resulting in a more porous cell. In the case of color parameters, the lightness of meat (L*) was significantly higher with treatment intensity, whereas both a* and b* were unaffected by the PEF treatments. Moreover, PEF treatment significantly (p < 0.05) affected umami-related free amino acids (FAAs; glutamic acid and aspartic acid) and leucine and valine, which are precursors of flavor compounds. However, PEF decreases the level of bitter taste contributing FAAs such as lysine and tyrosine, which may prevent the formation of fermented flavors. In conclusion, both PEF treatments (LPEF and HPEF) did not adversely impact the physicochemical quality of chicken breast

Evaluation of ultrasound and pulsed electric field combinations on the cooking Losses, texture Profile, and Taste-Related amino acids of chicken breast meat

The search to improve the quality of meat while maintaining its nutritional value and flavor profile has driven the investigation of emerging clean-label non-thermal technologies in the field of meat processing. Ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments have emerged as promising tools for producing high-quality meat products. This study investigated the combined effects of ultrasound and PEF on chicken breast meat quality, focusing on cooking loss, texture, and taste-related amino acids. Ultrasound (24.5 kHz, 300 W, 10 min) combined with PEF for 30 s (1.6, 3.3, and 5.0 kV/cm as US + PEF 1, US + PEF 3, and US + PEF 5, respectively) significantly reduced cooking losses (up to 28.78 %), potentially improving the product yield. Although US + PEF significantly (p < 0.05) affected pH, particularly at a higher PEF intensity (5 kV/cm), the overall color appearance of the treated meat remained unchanged. The combined treatments resulted in a tenderizing effect and decreased meat hardness, adhesiveness, and chewiness. Interestingly, US + PEF with increasing PEF intensity (1.6 to 5.0 kV/cm) led to a gradual increase in taste-related amino acids (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, etc.), potentially enhancing flavor. FTIR spectra revealed alterations in protein and lipid structures following treatment, suggesting potential modifications in meat quality. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant changes in the texture and structure of US + PEF-treated meat, depicting structural disruptions. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear relationship between the physicochemical characteristics, free amino acids, color, and texture attributes of chicken meat. By optimizing treatment parameters, US + PEF could offer a novel approach to improve chicken breast meat quality

An updated overview of ultrasound-based interventions on bioactive compounds and quality of fruit juices

The bioactive compounds in fruit juices are vital for human nutrition but are vulnerable to degradation during processing and storage. Conventional heat technologies can preserve juices but also lead to undesirable physicochemical changes and loss of bioactive components. Non-thermal technologies, including ultrasound, have been explored as alternatives to juice processing without compromising functional properties. This study aimed to examine the application of ultrasound technologies, individually or in combination with other non-thermal strategies, to enhance fruit juices' bioactive content, quality, and shelf life. This review article summarizes the effects of ultrasound technologies on the physicochemical and nutritional properties of fruit juices, as well as the underlying mechanisms and challenges. Ultrasonication can lead to the development of nutritious and safe juices with added value, thereby contributing to sustainable production. Combining nonthermal processing technologies can overcome the limitations of each treatment and enhance the processing efficiency at lower temperatures. This review provides novel insights into the retention of bioactive compounds and the improvement of fruit juice quality through ultrasonication. Further research is necessary to support large-scale commercial applications of these nonthermal processing technologies

Impact of pulsed electric field treatments on the growth parameters of wheat seeds and nutritional properties of their wheat plantlets juice

This study was designed to explore the impacts of the pulsed electric field (PEF; 2 to 6 kV/cm; a number of pulses 25 and 50) on wheat (Tritium aestivum L.) seeds before imbibition to improve the germination, growth, and their nutritional profile in juice form. It was observed that the PEF treatment at 6 kV/cm at 50 pulses increased water uptake, germination of seeds, and growth parameters of seedlings. A significant increase in total phenolic contents, DPPH, chlorophylls, carotenoids, soluble proteins, minerals, and amino acids in PEF-treated seeds plantlets juice as compared to the untreated seeds plantlets juice was observed. The results indicate that the PEF may effectively stimulate the growth of the wheat kernels and positively affect their metabolism, optimize the nutrients, and enhance the strength of the wheat kernels plantlets

Effective valorization of food wastes and by-products through pulsed electric field: A systematic review

Utilize food waste and by-products generated from food processing is a developing concern to upgrade economic performance and ensure environmental sustainability. The compounds recovered from the food wastes could have the potential to be employed in different food and biotechnological applications. As a substitute to the conventional method such as Soxhlet extraction, liquid–liquid extraction, and mechanical shaking, the development of green extraction techniques (microwave, ultrasound, and pulsed electric field [PEF]) is seen as a significant step in recovering by-products from food wastes. Among these, PEF is reported as a novel technique that can decrease solvent usage, heating steps, and extraction time to recover by-products. The current review covers recent developments in PEF-based industrial food waste through a systematic literature review. Recent literature was critically evaluated to examine the possibility of this emerging technology in providing sustainable and novel uses of agro-foods waste and animal-food waste. Limited literature is available on industrial scale studies of PEF valorization of food waste and food co-products. Generally, PEF-based processing is consistently reported as a superior technology that provides high efficiency and better-quality products due to the low temperature of food compounds. This technique has several spectacular possible applications in food processing methods that provide the food industry with better efficiency and high-quality products than existing extraction methods. Practical Applications: This review suggests that PEF treatment of food wastes needs urgent models for optimum processing operation at the industrial level, particularly economic viability under practical working conditions. This innovative processing is generally accepted for more selective, quicker, and sustainable bio-active compounds but still not satisfactorily verified for industrial applications. There are ethical and economic needs for the management of bio-waste, and proper legislation appears to be an essential requirement to effectively and fruitfully utilize food waste