THE EFFECT OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON THE QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF FRANKFURTER TYPE‐SAUSAGES

ABSTRACT The effects of modified atmosphere packaging on the quality and shelf life of frankfurter‐type sausages, prepared exclusively from beef meat, were investigated. Sausages were packed under varying modified atmosphere conditions (30% CO2/70% N2; 70% CO2/30% N2; 100% CO2; 80% CO2/20% O2) and vacuum, and stored at 4C for 28 days. Lower pH values were observed in the samples packed under modified atmospheres compared to vacuum. Inhibition effect of carbon dioxide concentration on the oxidation was seen. Carbon dioxide caused microbial inhibition. The lowest total viable count was found in the samples packed under 100% CO2. It was concluded that modified atmosphere packaging had significant effect on the quality and shelf life of frankfurter‐type sausages compared to vacuum packaging. The most suitable atmosphere among the tested atmospheres was that with 70% CO2, 30% N2 atmosphere. The shelf life of sausages under this atmosphere was 28 days. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Meat and meat products are susceptible to spoilage. Several preservation techniques are used to extend their shelf life. Packaging of fresh meat is a common application to protect its quality. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) means to replace the air in a package of food with some different mixture of gases. The success in MAP is to choose the suitable gas combination, packaging system, package application and the package material. Proper gas combination to keep meat quality should be provided. Several studies have been performed to extent shelf life of pork sausages and local‐type sausages using modified atmosphere packaging technique. However there is no data on beef sausages. The results of this research will form the basis for further studies and also will be beneficial for industry.