An evaluation of the effectiveness of FreshCase technology to extend the storage life of whole muscle beef and ground beef

J Anim Sci. 2016 Nov;94(11):4911-4920. doi: 10.2527/jas.2016-0508.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the maximum time of refrigerated storage before aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria (APB) grew to a level indicative of spoilage (7 log cfu/g) or other indicators of spoilage were observed for whole muscle beef and ground beef packaged using FreshCase technology. Storage life for beef steaks stored in FreshCase packages at 4°C was 36 d, with ground beef stored in FreshCase packages at 4°C lasting 10 d. Additionally, greater ( < 0.05) a* (redness) values were detected in FreshCase packaged samples of both beef steaks and ground beef over storage time. At the point of spoilage, off-odors were detected at very low levels in all samples along with low thiobarbituric acid values (< 2 mg malonaldehyde/kg). Therefore, use of FreshCase technology in whole muscle beef and ground beef is a viable option to extend storage life.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria, Aerobic / growth & development*
  • Cattle
  • Color
  • Food Microbiology*
  • Food Packaging / methods*
  • Food Storage / methods*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Red Meat / microbiology*
  • Refrigeration
  • Time Factors