Effect of Salt Concentration on the Preparation and Quality of Lemon Pickle (Nimki)

The main aim was to study the effect of dry salting (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% by weight) on the quality of lemon pickle. The samples were analyzed for microbial profile (Yeast, mold) and chemical characteristics at 15 days intervals till 90 days and the organoleptic quality of the product was evaluated after 90 days of storage. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA (no blocking) at a 5% level of significance results showed that titratable acidity decreased with storage time till 60 days and remained constant thereafter at all levels of salt concentrations; Vitamin C remained fairly constant at all levels of salt concentrations over the storage periods whereas it decreased steadily during storage in the control sample (i.e. 0%); Mold count was nil at 15 days for all the level of salt except control and 5% concentration and Yeast count increased with storage time regardless of the salt% used in a lemon pickle. The optimized salt concentration for the preservation of lemon was found to be 15% salt which was the best product through sensory evaluation with the least microbial load and having appreciable sensory attributes and good vitamin C retention.

Microbiological Quality Assessment of Date Palm Fruits And Development of a Decontamination Method

Microbiological quality of four different cultivars (viz., Deglet Noor, Dabbas, Barni and Lulu) of date palm fruits imported into Bangladesh was evaluated. The microbiological quality analysis revealed that the date palm fruit samples are contaminated with bacteria and fungi. Among the studied samples, total aerobic plate count varied from 6.85 ×106 cfu/g to 4.14×107 cfu/g. The maximum bacterial load was observed in 'Dabbas' cultivar and lowest bacteria load was found in 'Lulu' cultivar. The total yeast and mold count ranged from 1.08×103 cfu/g to 6.94 ×104 cfu/g. The maximum yeast and mold count was found in 'Deglet Noor' cultivar whereas this count was lowest in 'Lulu' cultivar. Twenty-two bacterial isolates were randomly selected and identified based on their morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Among the bacterial isolates, Providencia rettgeri was most prevalent (18.18%). The identity of one of the P. rettgeri isolates was confirmed by its 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison and subsequent molecular phylogenetic analysis. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in the imported date palm fruits indicates that they are not suitable for direct human consumption. To improve the microbiological quality of the date palm fruits, several easily available substances were tested as decontaminating agent. The study revealed that commercially available vinegar acts as an excellent decontaminating agent against date palm fruit-associated bacteria. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 641-649, 2021 (September)

Investigation of Nano-Biocomposite for Kashar Cheese and Ground Meat Packaging

Background: Plastic and polymeric materials remain in the soil given the fact that they are derived from petroleum resources. However, such pollution has created a special challenge for human societies. The use of biodegradable packaging has received more attention. The general purpose of this study was to investigate the use of a mixture film of whey protein concentrate and reinforced hydroxypropyl methylcellulose with chitosan nanoparticles to package ground meat and Kashar cheese. Furthermore, this package was compared with ordinary polyethylene coating. Methods: Two samples of ground meat and Kashar cheese were packaged using a nano-biocomposite film of whey protein concentrate/ hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (70:30) containing 3% chitosan nanoparticles. The antimicrobial properties of the optimal produced film were examined. The total population of microorganisms and pH for ground meat were tested during 6 days of storage. The total population of microorganisms, weight loss, moisture content, pH, and mold count and yeast for Kashar cheese were examined during 2 months of storage. The results of the tests were analyzed by Duncan one-way analysis of variance with 95% confidence and 5% error by Minitab16 software. Results: Samples of ground meat and cheese packaged in whey protein film and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose containing chitosan nanoparticles had less mold count, yeast, and total microorganism population than polyethylene packaging (P ≤ 0.05) after storage period. Conclusion: The use of biodegradable films based on plants and the loading of nanoparticles can lead to the use of this type of packaging for perishable food to prevent environmental hazards in addition to greater safety of perishable food products.

Proximate Composition, Antinutritional Content, Microbial Load, and Sensory Acceptability of Noodles Formulated from Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Powder and Wheat Flour Blend

Background. Noodle products are popular throughout the world, and they can be prepared from cereal like wheat, maize, and rice. Nowadays, healthy and nutritious product requirement has been increasing. Thus, research on the nutrition-rich but neglected crop is becoming visible nowadays to ensure global food security and to satisfy the nutritional need. Research indicated that moringa tree leaf powder has good nutritional value, but it is not yet customized and properly consumed. Method. The study is aimed at developing noodles from wheat flour and moringa leaf powder and evaluating proximate composition, antinutritional content (phytate and tannin), microbial load (total plate count and yeast and mold count), and sensory acceptability. The experiment contains four treatments and one control. The data from proximate composition, antinutritional content, microbial load, and sensory acceptability were subjected to SAS version 9 software. A complete randomized design was used to analyze the proximate composition, antinutritional content, and microbial load data, and a randomized complete block design was used to analyze the acceptability test. Result. The study revealed that in the noodles formulated from 80% durum wheat flour and 20% of moringa leaf powder, the ash, protein, fat, fiber, gross energy, phytate, and tannin content were increased by 39.39%, 10.86%, 153%, 42.2%, 3.43%, 39.83%, and 329.78%, respectively, as compared with noodles made from 100% durum wheat flour. However, moisture, total bacteria count, and yeast and mold count were decreased by 28.71%, 45.52%, and 55.93%, respectively. Similarly, the study also revealed that the acceptability test of noodles was decreased as moringa leaf powder concentration is increased. Conclusion. In conclusion, besides the good nutritional profile and antimicrobial capacity, moringa has antinutritional content and influences the sensory acceptability of products. Therefore, limiting the moringa leaf powder concentration is needed during the development of products using moringa leaf powder.

Molecular and HPLC-based approaches for detection of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A released from toxigenic Aspergillus species in processed meat

Background Meat-products are considered an enriched media for mycotoxins. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of toxigenic Aspergillus species in processed meat samples, HPLC-quantitative measurement of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A residues, and molecular sequencing of aflR1 and pks genes. One hundred and twenty processed beef meat specimens (basterma, sausage, and minced meat; n = 40 for each) were collected from Ismailia Province, Egypt. Samples were prepared for total mold count, isolation, and identification of Aspergillus species. All samples were analyzed for the production of both Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A mycotoxins by HPLC. Molecular identification of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus was performed using PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region; furthermore, the aflR1 and pks genes were sequenced. Results The total mold count obtained from sausage samples was the highest one, followed by minced meat samples. The prevalence of A. flavus was (15%), (7.5%), and (10%), while the prevalence of A. ochraceus was (2.5%), (10%), and (0%) in the examined basterma, sausage, and minced meat samples, respectively. Using PCR, the ITS region was successfully amplified in all the tested A. flavus and A. ochraceus strains. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in six basterma samples (15%). Moreover, the ochratoxin A was detected only in four sausage samples (10%). The aflR1 and pks genes were amplified and sequenced successfully and deposited in the GenBank with accession numbers MF694264 and MF694264, respectively. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning the HPLC-Molecular-based approaches for the detection of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in processed beef meat in Egypt. The production of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in processed meat constitutes a public health threat. Aflatoxin B1 is commonly associated with basterma samples. Moreover, ochratoxin A was detected frequently in sausage samples. The routine inspection of mycotoxins in processed meat products is essential to protect human consumers.

Physico-sensory and Textural Properties of Composite Millet Palm Jaggery Muffins

Composite millet palm jaggery (CMPJ) muffins were prepared by replacing all-purpose flour with composite millet flour at different level (0:100, 50:50, 30:70) and replacing cane sugar completely with palm jaggery. CMPJ muffins and control muffins with cane sugar (APFS) were analyzed for Physico-sensory and textural properties (TPA). Incorporation of millet flour and wheat flour at the ratio 70:30 resulted in an acceptable product with good sponginess which is one of the desirable properties of muffins. The moisture content of muffins prepared with palm jaggery was found to be higher (21.84±0.01%) than muffins prepared with sugar (19.58 ±0.01%). The lightness of the crumb and crust (37.58±0.08, 28.89±0.11) of CMPJ muffins were found to be lesser than control muffins (58.34±0.20, 35.30±0.99), whereas redness of crumb and crust was found more in CMPJ muffins (9.18±0.07, 12.12±0.22) than APFS muffins (6.56±0.15, 10.61 ±0.15) which is due to the brown colour of palm jaggery. The muffins with jaggery had lower pH and sensory score and higher water activity (aw) than muffins with sugar. TPA results showed that CMPJ (6270±7.2 g) were slightly harder than APFS (4729±4.7). Microbial analysis (Total plate count, Yeast and mold count) for CMPJ muffins was found to be safe for consumption upto 12 days without added preservative. It is concluded that CMPJ muffins (without preservative) can be an alternative to APFS without affecting the quality parameters of the product.

The Effectiveness of Different Household Storage Strategies and Plant-Based Preservatives for Dehulled and Sun-Dried Breadfruit Seeds

In a tropical rainforest environment, different storage strategies are often adopted in the preservation of primary processed food crops, such as maize, sorghum, etc., after drying and dehulling to increase shelf-life. For breadfruit seeds (Treculia Africana), the current challenge is identifying the most appropriate short-term storage and packaging methods that can retain the quality of stored products and extend shelf-life. In this regard, we compared the performance of a plastic container, a weaved silo bag and a locally developed silo bin for the short-term storage of parboiled, dehulled and dried breadfruit seeds treated with locally sourced and affordable alligator pepper (Zingiberaceaeaframomum melegueta) and bitter kola (garcinia) powder as preservatives. We show that the concentration of CO2 was lower in the silo bin treated with 150 g alligator pepper and higher in the silo bag-treated with 100 g bitter kola nut. A higher CO2 concentration resulted in limited oxygen availability, higher water vapor, and a higher heat release rate. Non-treated bag storage had the highest average mold count of 1.093 × 103 CFU/mL, while silo bin-stored breadfruit treated with 150 g of alligator pepper had the lowest mold count of 2.6 × 102 CFU/mL. The storage time and botanical treatments influenced both the crude protein and crude fiber content. Average insect infestations were low (0–4.5) in the silo bin with breadfruits treated with alligator pepper powder, as the seeds seemed to continue to desorb moisture in storage, unlike in other treatments. The obtained results revealed the high potential of alligator pepper (Zingiberaceaeaframomum melegueta) as a botanical insecticide in preventing insect infestation and mold growth in stored breadfruit instead of using synthetic insecticide. An aluminum silo bin with alligator pepper powder is recommended to store dried and dehulled breadfruit seeds as a baseline for other tropical crops.

Collective effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and betel (Piper betel) leaves extract on chicken powder incorporated fried chicken vermicelli

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop chicken powder (CP) incorporated fried chicken vermicelli and to evaluate the collective effect of rosemary and betel leaf extracts (RE+BE) in developed products, on the performance of storage study parameters. Design/methodology/approach Two different groups were made from developed products: the first control group without RE+BE incorporated and the second group treated with RE+BE (1:1). Various chemical, microbiological and sensory parameters of both groups were evaluated at intervals of 15 days up to 60 days of storage. Findings RE+BE incorporation had significantly improved (p < 0.01) the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), free fatty acid (FFA) and tyrosine value as compared to control. TBARs value of RE+BE treated product remained lower (0.23 ± 0.08 to 0.65 ± 0.07) than the control (0.25 ± 0.06 to 0.83 ± 0.05). Similarly, RE+BE treated product had significantly (p < 0.04) lower total plate count (TPC), Staphylococcus count (SC) and significantly (p < 0.01) lower yeast and mold count than control. Likewise RE+BE incorporation significantly (p < 0.01) improves sensory score (texture, flavor and overall acceptability except for appearance) of the product. RE+BE treated sample at the 60th day had a higher overall acceptability score (6.3 ± 0.8) than the score of control at the 45th day (6.1 ± 0.9). Research limitations/implications A shelf-stable meat product can be made by chicken powder incorporation in the gram flour and a combination of rosemary and betel leaf extracts may be used to improve the shelf-life of meat products. Practical implications A shelf-stable meat product can be made by chicken powder incorporation in the gram flour and a combination of rosemary and betel leaf extracts may be used to improve the shelf-life of meat products. Originality/value RE+BE incorporation into chicken vermicelli improved chemical (TBARs, FFA content and Tyrosine value), microbiological (TPC, Staphylococcus count and yeast and mold count) and sensory (flavor, texture and overall acceptability) parameters of chicken vermicelli during 60-day storage.

Performance Comparison of Rapid Petrifilm™ Test Methods vs. Conventional Test Methods for Microbiological Testing of Dietary Supplements

Objectives The aim of this study is to show suitability of 3M™ Petrifilm™ across various types of common multi ingredient finished dietary supplement products. Methods In present investigation, parallel analysis and suitability was conducted using gold standard methods prescribed under U.S. Pharmacopeia general chapter dietary supplement ⟨2021⟩/⟨2022⟩, US FDA's Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM), and AOAC using 3M™ Petrifilm™. Five commonly used tests in food and dietary supplement quality testing were deployed in this study, namely: Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC), Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Coliforms. Dietary supplements selected for this investigation are from most common types of dietary supplements categories sold in US market i.e., multivitamin and mineral, protein, multi mineral, Prenatal, Vitamin D, and Omega 3 Fish oil. Three individual lots of each of the five products were tested to increase robustness of data. Acceptance criteria was set same as USP ⟨2021⟩/⟨2022⟩ requirements, that is to demonstrate a greater than 70% recovery in comparison to a control. Results AOAC using 3M™ Petrifilm™ results show recovery of &gt;70% compared to control for all five test Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC), Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Coliforms: Multivitamin and mineral product recovery ranges were between 79%–111%, Protein product recovery ranges were between 94%–104%, Multi mineral product recovery ranges were between 94%–107%, Prenatal product recovery ranges were between 74%–117%, Vitamin D product recovery ranges were between 93%–123%, and Omega 3 fish oil product recovery ranges were between 83%–101%. Conclusions We found that AOAC based 3M™ Petrifilm™ methods are suitable for selected major categories of dietary supplement finished products. All results from AOAC using 3M™ Petrifilm™ microbiological testing achieved &gt;70% bioburden recovery in comparison to a control. We also found that AOAC using 3M™ Petrifilm™ provides consistent and comparable results to USP ⟨2021⟩/⟨2022⟩/FDA's BAM results for the same samples as well. Funding Sources Reliance Vitamin.

Effects of drying temperature on quality parameters of Thai fermented fish dip (Jaew Bong)

Fermented fish dip is a popular condiment in Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Thai fermented fish dip (TFFD), can be dried to increase its shelf life and ease of transportation. Dried TFFD can be rehydrated to return the powder to its original, paste-like form. Pre-cooked TFFD paste was dried at three different temperatures (40, 60, and 80 ºC). Total plate count, yeast and mold count, CIE colour values (L*, a*, and b*),non-enzymatic browning, and sensory scores of the resulting powders were determined. The CIE colour values and sensory scores were alsoanalysed for rehydrated TFFD. Increasing the drying temperature did not affect the total plate count or yeast and mold count. When dried at 80 ºC, the L* value of TFFD powder was reduced, although the a* and b* values were unaffected compared with lower temperatures. All CIE colour values of rehydrated TFFD decreased as drying temperature increased. Drying temperature did not affect the sensory scores of dried TFFD powder. However, rehydrated samples that had been dried at 80 ºC had significantly lower sensory colour scores than those dried at 40 or 60 ºC. Overall preference rankings of dried and rehydrated TFFD dried at 40 and 60 °C were better than for those dried at 80 °C. Due to an undesirable colour change in the rehydrated product, 80 ºC was deemed to be an unsuitable temperature for drying TFFD paste. In conclusion, both 40 and 60 ºC are appropriate temperatures for drying the product.