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Stabilization of meat lipids with nitrite-free curing mixtures
F Shahidi1, L J Rubin, D F Wood
1Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's Newfoundland, Canada A1B 3X9.
Meat Science
|November 8, 2011
Summary
Nitrite-free meat curing mixtures were developed using salt, sugar, and antioxidants, achieving oxidative stability comparable to sodium nitrite. Dinitrosyl ferrochemochrome (DNFH) enhanced stability, matching 150 ppm sodium nitrite's effect.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Meat Science
- Food Chemistry
Background:
- Sodium nitrite is a traditional meat curing agent.
- Concerns exist regarding the health implications of nitrites.
- Alternative curing methods are being explored to maintain meat quality and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formulate and evaluate nitrite-free meat curing mixtures.
- To assess the oxidative stability imparted by these novel mixtures.
- To compare the efficacy of dinitrosyl ferrochemochrome (DNFH) with sodium nitrite.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of meat curing mixtures containing salt, sugar, ascorbates, antioxidants (butylated hydroxyanisole, t-butylhydroquinone), chelators (polyphosphates, EDTA, DTPA), antimicrobial agents (potassium sorbate, propyl paraben, fumarate esters, sodium hypophosphite), and DNFH.
- Evaluation of oxidative stability in cooked meats.
- Comparative analysis of DNFH and sodium nitrite effects.
Main Results:
- Nitrite-free mixtures demonstrated oxidative stability comparable to sodium nitrite.
- Butylated hydroxyanisole and t-butylhydroquinone were identified as effective antioxidants.
- Polyphosphates, EDTA, and DTPA proved to be superior chelators.
- The addition of DNFH significantly enhanced oxidative stability, similar to 150 ppm sodium nitrite.
Conclusions:
- Effective nitrite-free meat curing formulations can be developed.
- DNFH shows promise as a nitrite alternative for enhancing oxidative stability in cured meats.
- Optimized combinations of antioxidants, chelators, and antimicrobials are crucial for successful nitrite-free curing.
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