Studying of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Acetate and Sodium Citrate on the Shelf Life of Packaged Minced Veal Meat

Meat product are susceptible to spoilage during cold shortage due to microbial activities and fat oxidation. In this study, the application of sodium ascorbate, sodium acetate and sodium citrate as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents in packaged minced veal meat was investigated and evaluated.

In order to carry out this research work, meat samples were minced and immersed in sterile solutions of sodium ascorbate, sodium citrate and sodium acetate at different concentrations for 10 minutes. The samples were packed in poly ethylene containers with stretch PVC coating and kept in 4 and -18°C  for 0, 7 and 14 days. then Microbial (Aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Coliform, E. Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Yeast and Mold count) evaluations and chemical analysis (TBA, Myoglobin concentration) and determination of color changes were carried out on the sample.

The results of this study showed that during 14-day review period at -18 ° C, there were significant changes in physico-chemical and microbial characteristics, therefor TBA values, pH, myoglobin concentration, color changes among the treatments, containing sodium acetate 1%, sodium citrate 0.5%, sodium ascorbate 0.5%), it was at lowest level while, in the control sample were at the highest level during storage. The use of these compounds at -18 ° C has also a significant effect on inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

The Addition of sodium acetate (1%), sodium citrate (0.5%) and sodium ascorbate (0.5%) are recommended in order to increase the shelf life of minced veal meat.