Hygienic Quality and Shelf Life of a Moroccan Cooked (Kasher) Sausage

Sensory, physicochemical and microbiological changes in Moroccan cooked kasher sausages stored at 6°C and 25°C were monitored over 35 days. Kasher sausages were very prone to changes in microbial status, as a result of high pH and water activity-values (a_w-values) after processing. After 3 days of storage at 25°C and 1 week at 6°C the microbial colonies increased distinctively. Sensory changes were only detectable after the seventh day at 25°C. At 6°C, these sausages kept their sensorial characteristics. Levels of total volatile basic nitrogen were lower in the kasher sausages at 6°C than in those kept at 25°C. Changes at 25°C affected the quality of kasher sausage and limited the shelf life. From these results it can be concluded that storage at 25°C (ambient temperature) for 3 days or at 6°C (chilling) for 7 days without sensory changes is possible.