Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

The Effect of the Application of Thyme Essential Oil on Microbial Load During Meat Drying
Published on: March 14, 2018
The effects of shelf-life enhancers on E. coli K12 survival in needle-injected, surface contaminated beef strip
R Wicklund1, D D Paulson, M C Rojas
1Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 202 ABL, 1302W. Pennsylvania, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of shelf-life enhancers (sodium lactate [SL] or sodium lactate + sodium diacetate [SLDA]) on limiting the growth of Escherichia coli K12 in needle-injecting surface-contaminated beef strip steaks with recycled enhancement solutions. Strip loins were injected to 10% over initial weight. SLDA was most effective in controlling bacterial growth followed by SL alone. The salt/phosphate combination in the enhancement solution was ineffective. SL decreased a(∗) (less red) and b(∗) values (less yellow) of the steaks compared to the salt/phosphate control. SLDA decreased L(∗) values compared to SL alone. SL and SLDA were equally effective in reducing purge loss from the steaks. Steaks enhanced with a "fresh" enhancement solution had higher a(∗) values (more red) and higher E. coli contamination levels than steaks enhanced with recycled solutions. Recycling did not affect L(∗) value, b(∗) value, or purge loss.
Related Concept Videos
Stringent Response in E. coli
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Stability-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
Pasteurization and Food Preservation

