Use of Sorbates in Meat Products, Fresh Poultry and Poultry Products: A Review ¹

Extensive research conducted in recent years has examined the efficiency of both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid (sorbates) as antimicrobial agents in a wide range of processed meat, and fresh and processed poultry products. In addition to their action against pathogens, effects of sorbates on product shelf-life, sensory qualities, and nitrosamine formation have also been examined in laboratory, pilot plant and commercial scale studies. The use of sorbates in these products appears to extend several benefits to both producers and consumers. Extensive studies involving bacon have shown a major reduction in nitrosamine levels associated with inclusion of potassium sorbate and reduction of sodium nitrite in the curing brine. Simultaneously, the low sodium nitrite/potassium sorbate combinations have maintained or even improved antibotulinal activity in temperature-abused products. In addition, potassium sorbate or sorbic acid have delayed growth and toxin production by Clostridium botulinum in other products including cooked and cured red meat and poultry sausages. The compounds have also been shown to extend the shelf-life and delay growth of other pathogenic microorganisms in several products including bacon; cooked, cured meat sausages; cooked, cured or uncured poultry products; fresh poultry; and other meats, including dry cured and fermented products. Sensory evaluation studies have shown that sorbate levels recommended for use in these products (0.26%) do not have adverse effects on product quality characteristics. Allergic type symptoms attributed to experimental bacon from one study were not linked directly with either potassium sorbate or other formulation ingredients, and all available information does not indicate development of any adverse effects from use of sorbates at recommended levels. In summary, the results of studies conducted in meat products indicate that sorbates deserve consideration as potential alternatives to current formulations or processes involved in the manufacture of processed meat and fresh and processed poultry products.