Viability of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei in Ultrafiltered white brined cheese packaged in modified atmosphere and flexible multilayer films

In this study, two packaging materials, modified polypropylene (MPP) and polyethylene terephthalate/aluminum/ low-density polyethylene (PETFA-Al-LDPE) were studied under various atmospheric conditions: 100% CO2, 70% N2 - 30% CO2, 80% N2 - 20% CO2 for packing probiotic ultrafiltered (UF) white brined cheese. pH, titratable acidity, moisture content, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei viability and overall acceptability were monitored within a 12-week period. The control samples were packaged in atmospheric air. Results revealed that samples packaged in PETFA-Al-LDPE with the combination of 70% N2 - 30% CO2 had the lowest pH, highest acidity and moisture content. The viability of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei was reported to be 4*106 CFU/g within 12 weeks. The highest and lowest overall acceptability was for the cheese packaged in 70% N2 - 30% CO2 and the control sample, respectively.