Antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of rosemary extract on quality and shelf life of raw chicken during refrigerated storage

Microbial growth and lipid peroxidation are primary factors of meat spoilage during refrigerated storage. Rosemary Boiss, locally known as Tashenadri, has been extensively used as a medicinal plant in Iran. In this study, the effects of Rosmarinus officinalis aqueous extract on quality and shelf life of chicken during chilled storage were investigated. Chicken samples were treated with aqueous extract of 1%، 3% and 5% R. officinalis, and then stored at 4 οC for 5 days. The control and the treated chicken samples were analyzed periodically for Microbial (Total count, staph aureus, Coliforms), chemical (pH, PV) and sensory characteristics. The results indicated that incorporation of R. officinalis water extract on chicken fillets caused the delay of lipid peroxidation and microbial spoilage. In this respect, the sample supplemented with 3% aqueous extract was more effective compared with the 1% and 5% in extending the shelf life of chicken fillets (P < 0. 05). It was concluded that the effect of R. officinalis extract on chicken samples kept their good quality characteristics and extended the shelf life during refrigerated storage, which was supported by the results of Microbial, chemical and sensory evaluation analyses.