Decontamination with lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer in combination with modified atmosphere packaging effects on...

The effect of the treatment with various concentrations (2%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% w/v) of lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0) combined with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (90% CO2/10% O2) on the shelf life and organoleptic quality of fresh chicken legs stored at 6 degrees C was investigated. The CO2 concentration of all samples packed in modified atmosphere (MA) decreased during the first 3 days of storage, followed by a gradual increase after the third day, while O2 showed a corresponding decrease. The buffering capacity of the buffer systems seem to be sufficient to maintain a low pH of the skin during storage. Legs treated with 2, 5, 7.5, and 10% (w/v) lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0) combined with MAP have a shelf life at 6 degrees C of 14, 15, 16 and 17 days, respectively. The shelf life when the product was not treated with lactic acid was 1, 2.3 and 4 days shorter, respectively.