ALBERT

Notes: Live cells of E. coli O157:H7 were labeled by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) in buffers of different pH. The extent of labeling was relatively insensitive to pH in the range of 6.5 to 9.5. The fluorescence intensity of ± 104 DAPI-labeled bacteria per mL in optical cuvettes could be detected by a luminescence spectrometer. With a fluorescence microplate reader attachment, less than 103 of labeled bacteria could be measured. DAPI-labeling inhibited the growth and respiratory activities of the bacteria. The addition of 0.5 to 6 mM concentrations of ATP induced a substantial increase in the fluorescence of labeled bacteria. Maximal enhancement by ATP was observed from bacteria still maintaining low levels of physiological activities. The enhancement favored more alkaline media with pH greater than 9. A replacement of ATP with ADP or AMP diminished the extent of enhancement. Other triphosphate nucleotides did not enhance fluorescence of DAPI-labeled bacteria. Comparable ATP enhancements were also observed with Pseudomonas alcaligenes and Shewanella putrefaciens. Solubilization/destruction of cell membranes of labeled bacteria by detergents essentially eliminated the ATP enhancement. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements indicated that ATP could interact with free and bound DAPI. These results suggest that observed ATP enhancement in fluorescence intensity of DAPI labels in intact cells may be applied to increase the sensitivity of microorganism detection.

Notes: Fungal biota, with special reference to the genus Penicillium, was studied in 52 samples of commercial cheeses (10 fresh, 17 semiripened and 25 ripened) made from different types of milk (cow, ewe, goat and mixed) produced in southern Spain. In 41 of the total of cheeses analyzed (79%) molds were isolated. Penicillium was identified in 63% of the samples, Mucor spp. in 27%, Geotrichum candidum in 17% and Cladosporium herbarum in 10%; eleven other fungal genera were detected ranging from 2 to 4%. Thirty-five species of Penicillium were analyzed with the following distribution: 7 in fresh cheese, 16 in semiripened cheese and 30 in ripened cheese. The incidence of Penicillium spp. was also greater in the cheeses with a higher degree of ripeness, i.e. 20% in fresh cheese, 71% in the semiripened and 76% in the ripened cheese.

Notes: Challenge studies were carried out on raw, cooked, and sterilized surimi nuggets, inoculated with 104spores/g of C. botulinum type E spores. All products were packaged in air and air with an Ageless SS oxygen absorbent and stored at 4, 12 and 25C. Toxin was not detected in any raw product throughout storage (28 days). The absence of toxigenesis was attributed to the low pH (4.1–4.3) due mainly to the growth of lactic acid bacteria (107CFU/g). Toxin was also not detected in any cooked product after 28 days. Product pH did not decrease as previously (due to the absence of LAB), but counts of C. botulinum still decreased throughout storage. In sterile nuggets, C. botulinum counts increased to 106 cfu/g at both 12 and 25C, respectively, by 28 days. Lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spp.were not detected throughout the 28 days storage period. Toxin was detected by days 28 and 14 at 12 and 25C, respectively, and toxigenesis preceded spoilage. The absence of toxin in cooked nuggets was attributed to the anti-botulinal role by Bacillus species, the predominant spoilage bacteria in cooked nuggets.

Notes: Packages containing chubs of summer sausage were inoculated with about 108 cfu/mL of a three-strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes and vacuum sealed. The fate of the pathogen was then monitored after pasteurization at 150F (66C), 170F (77C), 190F (88C) and 21 OF (99C) for 0 to 240 s. Pathogen numbers were reduced by about 3 log10 cfu per gram within 30, 60, or 90s at 21 OF (99C), 190F (88C), or 170F (77C), respectively, whereas numbers were reduced by 〈2.0 log10 cfu per gram after 240 s of heating at 150F (66C). The calculated D values were 2.08 min at 150F (66C), 0.84 min at 170F (77C), 0.37 min at 190F (88C), and 0.28 min at 21 OF (99C). These results establish the feasibility of using pasteurization to control L. monocytogenes in packaged summer sausage.

Notes: Book review in this ArticleWORLD HEALTH STATISTICS QUARTERLY DALLAS G. HOOVER

Notes: Decimal reduction times (D-values) for Saccharomyces cerevisiae ascospores inoculated into pasteurized orang juice ranged from 4 to 76 s at pressures between 500 and 350 MPa. At the same pressures, D-values of S. cerevisiae vegetative cells ranged from 1 to 38 s while those for the native microflora in nonpasteurized Hamlin orange juice were between 3 and 74 s. Corresponding z-values were 123, 106 and 103 MPa for ascospores, vegetative cells and native microflora, respectively. Native microorganisms that survived high pressure treatments included yeasts, gram-positive and gram-negative bacilli. Pectinmethylesterase activity in nonpasteurized Hamlin orange juice was reduced to 5% of initial activity after 30 s at 900 MPa.

Notes: The objective of this study was to investigate awareness and attitude regarding food-related hygienic practices in the home. For this purpose and within a sanitary education program in pricary schools in a town of Central Italy, a questionnaire was used to collect information from parents of pupils. The questionnaire included questions in four major areas: personal hygiene and cleaning up procedures; meal preparation; food storage; and knowledge of key terms and concepts pertaining to food safety. Analysis of 183 questionnaires showed either risk of cross contamination, improper thawing of food, or inadequate storing and reheating of cooked foods during home food preparation and storage practice. Particularly, 73% of respondents thawed large pieces of frozen food at room temperature; 89% did not reheat cooked food after it had been stored; 75% stored raw meat and poultry in the upper shelves of refrigerators. Precise information on the lack of food safety practices will facilitate the development of proper consumer education programs.

Notes: Microbiological studies on a popular maize product (kwoka) with or without a soybean supplement (20 or 30%) were carried out during production and storage at 26–32C. Soybean -supplementedproduct had greater microbial diversity and higher populations than the unsupplemented control. The diversity was most evident at the slurry stage (blended mixture before steaming) which contained ten different microbial genera including Aspergillus, Enterobacter, Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Micrococcus and Pediococcus. A dramatic decrease occurred after steaming which killed most of the molds and Gram-negative bacteria. However, within 1 day of storage, a sharp increase was observed in the microbial population of all samples and maximum load occurred in 20% soybean supplemented “kwoka” at the end of storage. The microbiota became less diverse with storage and was dominated by Bacillus, Lactobacillus and Micrococcus. packaging of ‘kwoka’ in traditional leaves was microbiologically inferior to polyethylene packaging. Changes in the acidity of 30% supplemented ‘kwoka’ were less dramatic compared to the other products. The lactics were primarily responsible for the spoilage of the products (especially the 20% supplemented) after approximately 3 days of storage at tropical ambient temperature of26–32C.; Accepted for Publication August 8, 1997

Notes: Chicken, lamb and buffalo meat were subjected to low-dose gamma irradiation (2.5 kGy) and stored at 0–3C. Lipid peroxidation in terms of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) number and carbonyl content were monitored during storage. While irradiated meat showed slight increase in TBA number and carbonyl content on storage as compared to nonirradiated meat, this did not affect the sensory qualities of meat. Free fatty acid content decreased markedly on irradiation. Irradiated meats were microbiologically safe and sensorily acceptable up to 4 weeks in the nonfrozen state (0–3C) while nonirradiated meat had a shelf-life of less than 2 weeks.

Notes: In a nonhypothetical laboratory experiment, participants were willing to pay an average of $0.71 for the right to exchange a typical meat sandwich for a sandwich irradiated to eliminate the potential risk of foodborne bacteria. Forty-one of sixty participants (68.3%) were willing to pay some positive amount. Tobit analysis was used in order to allow for the fact that Willingness To Pay (WTP) was censored at zero. WTP was interpreted as the demand for irradiation to control foodborne disease. A positive WTP was interpreted as acceptance of irradiation. The aggregated WTP greatly exceeds the estimated direct costs of foodborne disease, and the estimated costs of irradiation for many food products. There was a positive relationship between WTP and the perceived risk of foodborne disease, and a negative relationship between WTP and years of education.

Notes: The potential of using trisodium phosphate (TSP) to reduce bacterial populations in fresh fishery products was explored since TSP has recently been approved by USDA for its usage in poultry processing to eliminate Salmonella contamination. Fresh headed shrimp and rainbow trout fillets were inoculated with L. monocytogenes before dipped in tap water, 10% TSP, or 20% TSP solutions and overwrap-packaged. Surface pH values, psychrotrophic plate counts, and L. monocytogenes counts of inoculated shrimp and trout fillets were determined after 0, 3, 6, and 9 days of storage at 4C. The TSP treatment resulted in relatively high residual surface pH values (11–12) initially in both shrimp and trout fillets. Compared to tap water dipping, TSP treatment did not significantly reduce psychrotrophic or Listeria populations in shrimp. However, the 20% TSP treatment significantly (p 〈 0.05) lowered 0-day psychrotrophic and L. monocytogenes counts of trout fillets and remained effective for 6 days during storage at 4C.

Notes: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) is recognized as a frequent cause of gastroenteritis ranging from mild to severe bloody diarrhea. The Shiga-like toxin produced by EHEC can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, now the major cause of acute kidney failure in children in the United States. Inadequately cooked beef is most commonly implicated in the transmission of EHEC, although only a small fraction of cattle appear to harbor the organism. In several studies EHEC positive herds were detected only in the summer months correlating with the occurrence of human infections. Numerous E. coli strains have been shown to enter a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state as a result of environmental stresses, including low temperature. Using traditional plating methods and the BacLight Molecular Probe, we monitored EHEC strains incubated in river water (RW) and artificial sea water (ASW) at temperatures of 5C and 25C for their entry into the VBNC state. EHEC strains remained culturable for over 40 days in both ASW and RW incubated at 25C. In ASW, these levels were higher than a non-EHEC control. At 5C, the number of culturable EHEC cells dropped gradually in both RW and ASW. Using the BacLight Molecular Probe, we were able to demonstrate that these cells, though not culturable, were viable indicating entry into the VBNC state. Our study suggests that temperature and not salinity is the primary signal for entry into this state.

Notes: Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by pulsed electric field, benzoic or sorbic acid, alone or in combination was investigated. When the cells of E. coli O157:H7 were suspended in 10% glycerol and treated with a single highvoltage (12.5 kv/cm) electric pulse at 25C, the count decreased by 1.1–1.6 log10 CFU/mL. Presence of benzoic and sorbic acid (1000 ppm) in the suspending medium, at pH 3.4 without electric treatment, decreased the count by 1.9–2.5 and 0.6–1.1 log, respectively. A synergistic killing effect between the high electric pulse and organic acid was observed at pH 3.4, but not at pH 6.4. When the cell suspension of E. coli O157:H7 was treated with five electric pulses in the presence of benzoic or sorbic acid at pH 3.4, the count decreased by 5.6 and 4.2 logs, respectively. Inactivation of the pathogen by combinations of electric pulse and organic acid was enhanced by an increase in temperature, field strength, and number of electric pulses, Inactivation was greater when the cells were suspended in ionic suspending media (0.1% NaCl or 5mM phosphate buffer) than in nonionic media (10% glycerol or 1% sucrose).

Notes: The prevalence of some enteric bacteria in alfalfa sprouts obtained from public markets and supermarkets in Queretaro City was determined. In addition, the antimicrobial effect of several commercial germicides was tested on alfalfa sprouts for reduction of native coliforms and inoculated Vibrio cholerae Ol or Salmonella typhi. Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. were detected in 74% and 1.1% of 90 of samples, respectively, and no sample tested positive to V. cholerae Ol. Coliforms ranged from 7.3 to 8.5 log10 CFU/g. Treatment of alfalfa sprouts with 200 mg/L of hypochlorite, of a commercial iodophor, or of chlorine dioxide, or with 100 mg/L of Citricidal® for 5 min, reduced native coliforms only by 1–2 log10 CFU/g. Reductions of S. typhi and V. cholerae O1 with 200 mg/L of sodium hypochlorite and 100 mg/L Citricidal® were also no more than J.5 log10 CFU/g. Sprouts from seeds contaminated with V. cholerae O1 that were irrigated daily with water containing 100 mg/L chlorine dioxide, showed significantly lower V. cholerae Ol counts than seeds irrigated with tap water (p〈0.05). However, V. cholerae O1 persisted after 8 days of sprouting, when the sprouts are ready for marketing. Treatment of seeds and sprouts with antimicrobials does not appear to be effective for reducing pathogens to safe levels.

Notes: The effects and interactions of heating temperature (5–62.5C), pH (4 – 8), NaCl (0 – 6%, w/v), and sodium pyrophosphate (0 – 0.3%, w/v) on the heat resistance of a four strain mixture of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef gravy were examined. Thermal death times were determined using a submerged coil heating apparatus. The recovery medium was plate count agar supplemented with 1% sodium pyruvate. Decimal reduction times (D-values) were calculated by fitting a survival model to the data with a curve fitting program. The D-values were analyzed by second order response surface regression for temperature, pH, NaCl and sodium pyrophosphate levels. The four variables interacted to affect the inactivation of the pathogen. Thermal resistance of E. coli O157:H7 can be lowered by combining these intrinsic factors. A mathematical model describing the combined effect of temperature, pH, NaCl and sodium pyrophosphate levels on the thermal inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 was developed. The model can predict D-values for any combinations of temperature, pH, NaCl and sodium pyrophosphate that are within the range of those tested.

Notes: Croquette is a prepared food made with meat or fish as its basic ingredients. Since it is a perishable, heavily handled product, microbiological hazards are associated with the process. Microbiological analyses were performed throughout the commercial processing of chicken croquettes to evaluate the microbial hazards. Moderately high levels of microorganisms were observed in raw materials, but the highest plate counts were noted following extrusion of the croquettes. Pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium perfringens, were detected during the process. The increase in the levels of microorganisms observed after extrusion and the presence of C. perfringens were associated with the semi-solid paste called bechamel. Rapid cooling of the bechamel was critical to avoid microbial proliferation and represented an effective critical control point for the implementation of a HACCP program in the processing of croquettes.

Notes: When ozone (1.3 mM) was bubbled for 3 min in a mixture of shredded lettuce and water, counts ofmesophilic andpsychrotrophic bacteria decreased 1.4 and 1.8 log10 cfu/g, respectively. Counts of these microorganisms on lettuce, from a different batch, decreased 3.9 and 4.6 log, respectively, during 5 min of ozone treatment. Shredded lettuce was treated with gaseous ozone, or mixed with aqueous solution of ozone (1:20 w/w) with or without bubbles. For effective delivery of ozone, stirring (low and high speed), sonication or stomaching was applied during the ozonation. Washing the lettuce with water only decreased total count on shredded lettuce by 0.74–1.0 log cfu/g. When lettuce in a treatment chamber was flushed with gaseous ozone, the total count decreased 0.85 log cfu/g, but when vacuum was applied before the ozone flush, the total count decreased 0.96 log cfu/g. Bubbling ozone in water-lettuce mixture while sonicating, high-speed stirring, or before stomaching inactivated 1.4, 1.9 and 1.9 log cfu/g, respectively. In conclusion, bubbling gaseous ozone in water is the most effective ozonation method. Efficient ozone delivery to microorganisms on lettuce requires a combination of ozone bubbling and high-speed stir.

Notes: Fresh pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) fillets and whole Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) were stored for two weeks at 10C to determine if significant amounts of histamine were produced before the fish spoiled. Spoilage odors in salmon were moderate by day 4 and intense by day 7, while herring had detectable spoilage by day 4 and became potent by day 6. Aerobic bacterial counts increased from 4.0 × 102/g initially to 3.6 × 108/g in salmon fillets by day 14 and from 2.3 × 103/g initially to 2.7 × 107/g in whole herring by day 14. Total volatile nitrogen increased from 1.8 to 78.5 mg N/100 g in salmon and 2.2 to 23.6 mg N/100 g in herring. Histamine was not detected in salmon, while concentrations reached 54.9 ppm in herring at day 14. However, herring were considered spoiled by day 6.

Notes: This report presents results of the investigations carried out to understand the role of fat levels in fish on postirradiation recovery/survival and growth of four pathogens generally encountered in seafoods. Fish of low [golden anchoy, (Coillia dussumierij, 0.39%] as well as high fat [Indian sardine, (Sardinella longiceps), 7.1 %] content (with endogenous biota were inoculated separately with cells of Listeria monocytogenes 036, Yersinia enterocolitica 5692, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium; and irradiated at doses of 1 and 3 kGy. The number of viable organisms for each was monitored for two weeks at 2-4C on appropriate selective media. The four pathogens studied exhibited variation in their ability to recover from radiation damage as evidenced in terms of lag period; but their recovery and subsequent growth was not influenced by the fat levels offish. No increased growth of any of the pathogens tested was evidenced in irradiated fish, when compared with nonirradiated one.

Notes: Sporulation temperature is one of the most important factors that determine the heat resistance of spores. Bacterial spores are usually more heat resistant when they are formed at higher temperatures. Sporulation temperature also influences the effect of pH of heating menstruum and the effect of different acids on spore heat resistance. Heat resistance is maximum at neutral pH and decreases with acidification, but when spores are sporulated at high temperatures the effect of acidic pH on heat resistance is lower at high heat treatment temperatures. Lactic and acetic acid decrease spore heat resistance more than other acidulants, but only when spores had been sporulated at high temperatures. These effects should be considered by canning factories of acid/acidified foods, especially in hot climate areas, where these high temperatures can be easily reached. The level of mineralization of spores obtained at different Sporulation temperatures seems to be the most important mechanism responsible for their heat resistance.

Notes: Consumer knowledge of safe handling guidelines and their reported practices assessed by a mail survey indicated consumers considered themselves informed about food safety, and most reported taking action to minimize risk from potential hazards. However, most responses were related to nutritional changes, and 20% indicated they did not know how to reduce risks from microbiological hazards. Consumers were knowledgeable about appropriate safeguards in selection and cooking specific foods, however mistakes were reported in temperature control and handling leftovers. Consumer Reports, university scientists, health professionals and science magazines were considered ihe most reliable source of food safety information. Industry advertisement appears to raise consumer concern in some areas. Educational intervention should emphasize the importance of temperature control and sanitation rather than taste to determine safety. Consumers should receive information about protective technologies like heat and irradiation pasteurization.

Notes: Results from two consumer surveys are presented. In the first, a EU FAIR (European Union Food, Agriculture and Industrial Research Programme), supported project, three-thousand consumers (500 in each of six countries, Germany, Italy, Britain, Spain, Sweden and Ireland) were surveyed in March 1997 on their attitudes to the quality and safety of three meats, beef, pork and chicken. This paper deals with the safety aspects of the survey. Many consumers in all six countries said they were eating less beef and more chicken. Overall, the Spanish and Irish appeared to be the most concerned about the safety of meat, the British were somewhat less concerned. While many were confident that the food in shops is safe, there was a sizeable minority who believed the contrary. When looking for information on the safety of meat, butchers, whether independent or in supermarkets, are the group most trusted by consumers. In terms of consumer concerns, about 60 percent of beef consumers were very concerned about hormones, BSE (Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy), antibiotics and bacteria. Pork consumers had similar levels of concern as beef consumers about bacteria, antibiotics and hormones. For chicken there was a higher level of concern about bacteria (Salmonella) (68% were very concerned) and similar levels of concern to pork and beef for the other issues. Generally, fat was the issue of least concern for all three meats. Freshness was considered to be relatively the most helpful of 7 factors used for assessing safety of meat. The country of origin and what the animal was fed were also considered to be relatively helpful. Factors considered to be relatively less helpful were price and the name of the producer. In the second study, over 1200 pre-leaving certificate Irish school children participated in autumn 1996 in a national survey assessing young people's attitudes to meat. Half of the respondents agreed with the view that eating beef means increasing the risk of getting CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease). Those who agreed were more likely to be less frequent eaters of beef and to have reduced their meat consumption in the post-BSE period. It was found also that females were more likely to eat less meat than males and to have reduced beef consumption. The implications of some of the findings of these two surveys are discussed.

Notes: Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) belongs to a distinct group of transmissible degenerative encephalopathies (TDE) that includes scrapie in sheep and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) of humans. These fatal neurological diseases are caused by unconventional but uncharacterized transmissible agents that have a number of unusual properties; this includes a high degree of resistance to inactivation. The only disinfectant that appears to be completely effective against high titres of TDE infectivity is sodium hypochlorite. Exposure to 1 to 2 M sodium hydroxide has a substantial but incomplete effect, as does autoclaving at temperatures between 132 and 138C for up to an hour; however, a combination of 2 M sodium hydroxide and autoclaving, even at the more modest temperature of 121C for 30 min, appears to be completely effective. With lower titres of infectivity, less rigorous regimes may be effective. For example, although most of the rendering procedures used to manufacture meat and bone meal (MBM) throughout the European Union (EU) have been found to be incapable of inactivating BSE and scrapie agents, one method which appeared to be effective with moderate titres of BSE and scrapie agent, involved exposure to steam at 133C for 20 min. This procedure is now the only one approved within the EU for the manufacture of MBM for feeding animals, excluding ruminants; however, the UK has introduced a ban on feeding MBM to any farmed species because of the occurrence of a new variant form of CJD in the UK which appears to have been caused by the BSE agent. Although the clinical signs of scrapie in sheep are entirely attributable to neurological dysfunction, tissues such as spleen and lymph nodes are known to become infected before those of the central nervous system. In contrast, the only tissues which have been found to become infected in cattle with natural BSE are brain, spinal cord and retina. These are no longer used in animal or human foodstuff. Because scrapie agent has no known association with human disease there has been no restriction in the past on using any sheep tissues, including brain, as human food; however, it is known from experimental studies that the BSE agent can infect sheep by the oral route to cause a disease that is clinically and neurohistopathologically indistinguishable from scrapie. It is also known that the spleen becomes infected in such sheep. Sheep in the UK could theoretically have become infected with the BSE agent through the feeding of infected MBM before the feed-ban in 1988. There are now measures in place that prevent the head, spinal cord, and spleen of sheep being incorporated into foodstuff.

Notes: Considerable time, regulation and consumer concern is associated with the question of chemical residues in food. Potential residues in food span a broad range from natural contaminants (mycotoxins) through environmental contaminants (dioxins, PCBs), agrochemicals (nitrates, pesticides), veterinary drugs (anthelmintics, antibiotics), prohibited substances (hormonal growth promoters), chemicals arising in processing (nitrosamines), packaging components (plasticisers) to contaminants arising in domestic food preparation (heavy metals). The occurrence or avoidance of these chemicals as residues in food is to a greater or lesser extent under the control of the food producer, processor and consumer in the activities of growing/producing, treating, storing, processing, packaging and cooking. The fundamental question is to what extent do or can residues in food constitute a food safety hazard for the consumer. Many of these substances are regulated as to their use and as to their acceptable levels in food while others, by their nature, arise as more random occurrences and, as such, are less prone to regulation. Of particular concern to the producer, processor and retailer of food is what steps may be taken to ensure that the food supply is safe. Best practice in plant and animal husbandry by the producer, in sourcing of material and in control of food manufacturing by the processor, and in sourcing of food products by the retailer combine to assure the safety of food to the consumer. This paper describes the various classes of chemicals which can arise as residues in food, particularly agrochemicals and veterinary drugs, the usage patterns which decrease/increase the likelihood of the occurrence of residues at unacceptable levels, how and in what form(s) residues can occur in foods, and the contribution of food processing to a reduction or otherwise of residue levels in food consumed. Consideration will be given, also, to quantifying the risk posed by chemical residues in food and to a study of the results from a Residue Database and from residue monitoring/surveillance as an indicator of risk to the consumer.

Notes: This paper is concerned with processes and procedures involved in the contamination of beef, lamb and pork carcasses during slaughter. The hides of beef and the fleece of sheep are major sources of carcass contamination. The spread of pathogens from beef hides to the carcass, operatives and surfaces in the abattoir is demonstrated. Efforts to clean the hide of cattle and the fleece of sheep are outlined, with reference to the success of these treatments in reducing carcass contamination. The effect of bringing very dirty or dungy animals to slaughter is considered in terms of the effect on carcass contamination after slaughter. The influence of tying the bung (or rectum) in reducing carcass contamination is discussed, as is the use of plastic bags as an additional control in preventing pathogen spread on pig carcasses. The relationship of this revised procedure in reducing the occurrence of yersiniosis in Norway is shown. The use of a commercially automated system to tie beef bungs is discussed in relation to reducing carcass contamination. A comparison between the removal of faecal contamination on carcasses by trimming or using a new steam-vacuumized system is presented. The effect of preevisceration washing of beef carcasses is described and the rationale relating to bacterial removal using this treatment is discussed. The influence of evisceration as a source of carcass contamination is demonstrated in relation to sheep slaughter. The processes of carcass decontamination using washing with water at different temperatures, steam pasteurization and hot lactic acid are compared in relation to their ability to remove bacteria from beef carcass surfaces. Finally, the effect of line speed and the impact of technology advances on beef and sheep carcass contamination is reviewed.

Notes: During the last few years there is a growing feeling in the Dutch livestock and meat industry that it is essential to change from a product oriented to a more market-oriented production (from quantity to quality). This is mainly due to developments such as a more intense international competition, stagnant or declining meat consumption and negative pressure on the consumers’ image of meat. Counteracting these developments is only possible if every part of the production chain contributes (in close cooperation with each other) to achieve a better control of the whole production process: from conception to consumption. For a number of years an extensive research program has been carried out to set up a system of Integrated Quality Control (IKB). This has led to a “total quality concept” which includes the safety and quality of the product, the production method, care for the environment, and human and animal health. This paper discusses the basic elements (structure and content) of this quality concept. The extent of implementation of the IKB-concept depends on the particular sector, but it is at around 70% for pigs and broilers. For IKB in veal, current participation is over 90%.

Notes: The need for residue testing and controls basically derives from two imperatives, the safety of the food supply and requirements imposed in trade. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides, veterinary drugs, intentional food additives and potential contaminants, such as mycotoxins, are set for various food commodities based on toxicological assessment. Regulatory testing on domestically produced goods reveals the prevalence of a particular residue in a specific food commodity and also serves as a means to assess the effectiveness of the product registration system, while testing conducted on imports is primarily a verification of the effectiveness of the regulatory program in the exporting country. For industry, testing is required to demonstrate due diligence or to ensure that a product meets the specifications of an export market or a specific contract. Testing programs should be appropriate to meet the intended use. A survey to determine incidence of violations requires a test that detects residues above the MRL, while a dietary exposure study requires methodology that detects residues with the maximum achievable sensitivity. Tests conducted to certify a product for export or to fulfill the requirements of a contract should ensure that the product is in compliance with the market or contract requirement. If the requirement is “no detectable residues”, a very sensitive test method may be required. In many countries, there is a developing consensus that while government has a role in conducting work that is in the public interest, such as ensuring the safety of the food supply within a level of statistical assurance, it is ultimately the producer of the food who is responsible for the safety of the product or for ensuring that the product meets market or contract requirements. Various aspects of this changing regulatory, trade and consumer environment will be considered, with examples of the roles now played by governments and industry to ensure the safety and quality of food products.

Notes: A simulation model that assesses the risk of acquiring salmonellosis from consumption and handling of chicken was created in an Excel™spreadsheet and was simulated using Risk™. The model simulated the distribution, preparation, and consumption of 1,000 chickens and was designed to determine the relationship between the level of Salmonella contamination on chickens at the processing plant exit and the risk of salmonellosis for consumers of the chickens. A scatter plot of the probability of acquiring salmonellosis from consumption of the chickens simulated versus the Salmonella load on the chickens at the processing plant exit clearly showed that highly (i.e., 〉 100 Salmonella/bird) contaminated chickens at the plant exit did not necessarily pose greater risk of salmonellosis than lightly (i.e., 〈 10 Salmonella/bird) contaminated chickens at the plant exit. Rather, greater risk of salmonellosis was realized from lightly contaminated chickens when they were temperature-abused, undercooked, and consumed by someone from the high risk population.

Notes: Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies, or Prion diseases, are fatal neurodegenerative diseases that affect both humans and animals. Examples include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and scrapie in sheep and goats. They are characterized by a long incubation period, ranging from months to years, and a variable length clinical course, both determined by the particular infection and the species involved. Some 170,000 cattle in the UK have been diagnosed with BSE and have been destroyed. In the rest of Europe there have also been cases of BSE, though the numbers involved are much lower. The recent potential link between BSE and a new variant form of CJD has highlighted the importance of controlling both BSE and scrapie in Ireland. Control of the disease in both cattle and sheep is complicated by the long incubation period, the lack of suitable tests and the general lack of detailed information in relation to the biology of the disease. Factors that must be considered in designing an effective control strategy include (1) better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease, (2) developing rapid and reliable tests for the disease, (3) introducing a suitable surveillance system for both BSE and scrapie, (4) minimizing the consequences for farmers that have BSE-infected animals, and (5) implementing and monitoring legislation to prohibit the spread of potentially infectious material. Each of these areas is discussed and it is proposed that the introduction of best available technology in both the diagnosis and surveillance of the national herd could form the basis for an effective program against animal prion diseases.

Notes: This paper describes an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that occurred in central Scotland. Edipemiological and microbiological evidence has indicated that the outbreak was comprised of several separate but related incidents, relating to the lunch (attended by around 100 people) held in Wishaw Parish Church Hall, a birthday party held in a public house on November 23, 1996 and retail sales in Lanarkshire and Forth Valley. All isolates of E. coli O157:H7 from individuals in the outbreak belonged to phage type 2 and possessed the verocytotoxin gene VT2. Two hundred sixty-two of these isolates have been subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE): all had indistinguishable profiles. There were 496 cases in total. There have been 20 deaths (all adults) associated with the outbreak, the highest number of deaths associated with an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infection in the world. Of these, 8 people had attended the luncheon served at Wishaw Old Parish Church on November 27, 1996. The age range of those who died was 69 to 93 years. The outbreak was investigated by the Pennington Group who concluded that the circumstances of the central Scotland outbreak, and the inevitable uncertainties that may surround outbreaks generally, provide strong justification for the precautionary, preventative measures proposed and the recommendations made.

Notes: The design and improvement of products and processes often calls for experiments where several response variables are analyzed simultaneously. Frequently, some of these variables are sensory attributes that can only be measured subjectively, through sensory evaluation panels or using expert opinion. In this paper we apply a multiresponse optimization procedure presented in Fogliatto and Albin 1997, to optimize a military food product where 24 sensory attributes are evaluated through descriptive analysis techniques. Our objective is to select the best design and operating control factors considering all attributes simultaneously.

Notes: In a double-blind crossover study, 94 symptomatic adult patients with allergic rhinitis rated sensory preferences for single exposures (2 sprays in each nostril) to three intranasal corticosteroids: triamcinolone acetonide AQ, beclomethasone dipropionate AQ, and fluticasone propionate. Each patient was given the medication and then immediately asked to use a 100-point scale to rate 13 attributes: comfort to take the medicine, medicine run-off, irritation, strength of urge to sneeze, strength of odor, liking odor, strength of taste, strength of bitter taste, liking taste, and moistness of nose and throat, and then (at least 2 min after administration) irritation, medicine run-off, and overall liking. The order of drug presentation was randomized across patients and a 30-min rest interval occurred between drug administrations. Triamcinolone was lower in odor strength than both beclomethasone and fluticasone (mean scores of 8 vs 57 and 52, respectively; P〈0.001) and the odor of triamcinolone was preferred to the odor of the two other sprays (mean score of 72 vs 55 and 55, respectively; P〈0.001). While the taste intensity ratings of the three sprays were not significantly different, the triamcinolone taste was liked more than that of fluticasone (mean scores of 55 vs 41, P〈0.04). Overall, triamcinolone was liked more than fluticasone (P〈0.05). In summary, patient preference testing has shown that triamcinolone is preferred over beclomethasone and/or fluticasone in terms of odor and taste. Such preferences may be important in treatment compliance and outcomes.

Notes: Milk powders available commercially are of different qualities. The quality deviations may be due to inherent quality of the milk which in turn is dependent on various conditions like the fat content, the processing parameters, the storage time and the packaging materials used. The various brands of milk powders have been profiled sensorily for odor and flavor and also positioned using Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA). The study throws light on the relative qualities of the different brands, their positive and negative points and their relative position with respect to each other. The results indicate that the various types like whole milk powder, partially skimmed milk powder, skimmed milk powder and infant milk formula cluster together into the same group but the groups are separate from each other. The dominant quality attributes for the groups are different and are discussed in relation to the directional vectors.

Notes: Differences in sensory acuity and hedonic reactions to products lead to latent groups in pooled ratings data. Manufacturing locations and time differences also are sources of rating heterogeneity. Intensity and hedonic ratings are ordered categorical data. Categorical responses follow a multinomial distribution and this distribution can be applied to pooled data over trials if the multinomial probabilities are constant from trial to trial. The common test statistic used for comparing vectors of proportions or frequencies is the Pearson chi-square statistic. When ratings data are obtained from repeated ratings experiments or from a cluster sampling procedure, the covariance matrix for the vector of category proportions can differ dramatically from the one assumed for the multinomial model because of inter-trial. This effect is referred to as overdispersion. The standard multinomial model does not fit overdispersed multinomial data. The practical implication of this is that an inflated Type I error can result in a seriously erroneous conclusion. Another implication is that overdispersion is a measurable quantity that may be of interest because it can be used to signal the presence of latent segments. The Dirichlet-Multinomial (DM) model is introduced in this paper to fit overdispersed intensity and hedonic ratings data. Methods for estimating the parameters of the DM model and the test statistics based on them to test against a specified vector or compare vectors of proportions are given. A novel theoretical contribution of this paper is a method for calculating the power of the tests. This method is useful both in evaluating the tests and determining sample size and the number of trials. A test for goodness of fit of the multinomial model against the DM model is also given. The DM model can be extended further to the Generalized Dirichlet-Multinomial (GDM) model, in which multiple sources of variation are considered. The GDM model and its applications are discussed in this paper. Applications of the DM and GDM models in sensory and consumer research are illustrated using numerical examples.

Notes: A sensory panel utilized chicken patties from Pectoralis major muscle to develop a descriptive vocabulary for warmed-over flavor. Patties were subjected to 4 different cooking temperatures and stored at 4C for up to 4 days. A list of 33 descriptive terms, developed from the literature and a preliminary sample evaluation was modified over 5 daily sessions to 18 terms with corresponding references. In the term selection process the criteria used were, that terms should; have relevance to the product, discriminate clearly between samples, be nonredundant, and have cognitive clarity to the assessors. A comprehensive vocabulary was developed that described the sensory dimensions present in the samples. Over sessions the panel was found to display dynamic changes in their use of the sensory vocabulary. Overall, panel discriminative abilities were enhanced and a process of sensory learning was observed.

Notes: The objective of this study was to determine if hedonically different sweetness levels in yogurt, determined by the ideal-relative rating methods, affected the consumption of yogurt in a sensory specific satiety test. Fifteen subjects attended a preliminary session, six taste tests and three sensory specific satiety tests. During each taste test, subjects rated yogurt with one of the three levels of sweetness (high, optimum, and low) for six attributes. During each sensory specific satiety test, subjects were offered a large serving of yogurt with one of the sweetness levels. Liking for optimum or high sweet yogurts decreased more after consumption than the liking for the low sweet yogurt, however, the consumption of optimum and high sweet yogurts was also greater, thus confounding the experiment.

Notes: The effect of a warm-up sample on reliability of attribute intensity ratings from descriptive panel evaluations was studied by: (1) using a warm-up sample prior to test samples (WU), (2) using a warm-up sample prior to test samples and providing panel consensus attribute ratings for the warm-up sample to panelists (WUC), and (3) providing no warm-up sample (NWU). The standard deviation of ratings from 7 and 4 of 11 attributes for all samples was smallest in WUC and WU, respectively. In paired t-tests, significant differences were found between duplications in 0, 1 and 4 of 11 attributes in WUC, WU and NWU, respectively. Regression analysis of percent fat vs attribute intensity ratings showed the largest R2 from 6, 2, and 2 of 10 significant regression models in WUC, WU, and NWU, respectively. To maximize reliability of descriptive analysis ratings, WUC should be used.

Notes: The beta-binomial model is combined with a Thurstonian psychometric function to obtain estimates of the parameters of a distribution applicable to replicated difference tests. A method of estimating the variance of d’obtained from these tests is provided. A formula for determining sample size, which is composed of the number of trials (or panelists) and the number of replications, to determine d’is also given.

Notes: The effect of flavor types (natural and artificial), aspartame (APM)/acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) blend ratios (50%/50% - 80%/20% sweetness contribution), and acid levels (50-70% dry basis) on flavor profiles of raspberry beverages was evaluated. Optimum flavor profiles of beverages sweetened with APM/Ace-K blends would have high fruit flavor scores, balanced sourness and astringency and minimal side tastes/aftertastes. Descriptive flavor profilists developed a lexicon of flavor/mouthfeel attributes for evaluating the samples in the design. The design was replicated 3 times. Acid level influenced sourness and sweetness scores; increasing acid levels increased sourness and slightly decreased sweetness. Natural flavor in beverages showed lower raspberry intensities across all acid levels and blend ratios than artificial flavor. APM/Ace-K blend ratio had no effect on flavor/mouthfeel attributes. Additionally, HIS side tastes were minimized across all APM/Ace-K blend ratios. The optimum natural flavor beverage would contain a 60/40 to 75/25 APM/Ace-K ratio with 58-70% acid (dry basis). Optimum artificial flavor beverages would contain 50/50 to 80/20 APM/Ace-K ratios with 57-68% acid (dry basis).

Notes: Two simple methods were followed to determine detection thresholds for the taste of substances in aqueous solution. The methods applied were: a modification of the ascending method of limits and a method based on the use of scales. Detection thresholds were calculated for the four basic tastes (sweet, salty, acid, and bitterness), umami and metallic. Reference substances for each taste were sucrose, sodium chloride, citric acid, caffeine, monosodium glutamate and iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate and the results of the two methods were compared. We found that the threshold values calculated by method ASTM-679 was within the range of concentrations identified with the scales method.

Notes: Proteins in saliva samples taken from twelve subjects immediately before and immediately after tasting astringent solutions were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Although considerable variation in both the qualitative and quantitative protein pattern was observed among individuals, three peaks appeared to be common to the majority of the chromatograms. The tasting of the astringent solutions resulted in detectable changes in the protein profile of the saliva samples, observed in all the chromatograms examined, and attributed to the interactions of the saliva proteins with the astringent phenolic compounds. The appearance of a major peak at 8 min after the tasting of the astringent compounds common to most of the saliva chromatograms was attributed to the formation of soluble protein-phenol complexes.

Notes: The perceived textural attributes of an English Cheddar were measured by a trained panel at various intervals during ripening, including those corresponding to mild and medium maturation times for this variety. The moisture content and pH were also monitored. After the recommended ripening period of 50 weeks the matured cheese was significantly less springy, firmer, harder, crumblier and creamier, indicating that textural attributes are related to the age of the Cheddar. Measures beyond the recommended maturation period revealed further significant differences. Comparisons of the measures taken at mild, medium and full maturity also revealed differences in the textural properties of the different classes of Cheddar. Significant correlations (p ≥0.01) between pH and springiness, crumbliness by fingers and creaminess suggested a strong relationship between these textural attributes and the extent of proteolysis. The results of this study revealed a strong relationship between age and the textural attributes of cheddar when restricted to one particular variety.

Notes: Sensory research on kiwifruit has shown that specific sugars and acids, and volatile flavor compounds have causative effects on “sweet” and “acid” aroma and flavor attributes. New Zealand consumers (n = 162) assessed the perceived flavor intensity and acceptability of three volatile flavor compounds (ethyl butanoate, E-2-hexenal and hexanal) at varying levels in a model base solution. Increasing levels of ethyl butanoate positively affected all the acceptability attributes (“overall liking,”“liking of aroma,”“liking of flavor”) as well as increased the perceived intensity of “kiwifruit aroma” and “kiwifruit flavor.” Increasing levels of E-2-hexenal negatively affected all the acceptability attributes but increased the perceived intensity of “kiwifruit aroma” and “acid flavor.” An increase in hexanal increased perceived intensity of “kiwifruit aroma.” Ethyl butanoate and E-2-hexenel at the levels tested had the most prominent effects on consumer perceived intensity and acceptability of the “kiwifruit flavor.”

Notes: Wine vinegar is a product obtained from wine acidification which contains at least 5% by wt. of acetic acid, in general without any additives or colorings.Aspects studied in this work include: the determination of the taste group thresholds (geometric mean of the individual best-estimate thresholds “BET”) of two different acids (citric and acetic acids) in aqueous solution and spanish vinegars produced from table and sherry wines. The results obtained suggest that wine vinegar can be considered something more than just an acidulant agent.In order to evaluate differences among wine vinegars, discriminant tests for twenty-five spanish vinegars (sherry, table and flavored vinegars) were applied. Six of the twelve attributes freely chosen by assessors allowed grouping of the spanish wine vinegars according to their sensory aspects.

Notes: Expectations are generated by a variety of factors. We indicate a flow chart for the role of expectations at the point of choice and in influencing sensory perception at the time of consumption. We review the sparse literature on how advertising, packaging and information generate sensory expectations. The application of various theories to explain the observed effects of sensory expectations are reviewed. There is overwhelming evidence for assimilation-contrast effect, although no studies have been specifically designed to detect it. Finally we review the reasons why individuals might differ in the way that expectations influence sensory perception. These reasons include ideas from persuasion literature and private body consciousness. A number of behavioral hypothesis that follow from these theories are developed.

Notes: Seventy-nine children ages 36–71 months evaluated 2% commercial UHT milk and 2% commercial pasteurized milk for taste, color and mouthfeel with age appropriate facial hedonic scales with Peryam and Kroll verbal descriptors. Children significantly preferred the pasteurized milk over UHT milk for taste and mouthfeel attributes. Descriptive analysis of milks with an adult trained panel showed a significantly higher cooked note in UHT milk products which may explain the difference in preference. The results also showed that children 36–47 months were able to use the 3-point scale; children 47–59 months the 5-point scale; and children 60–71 months the 7-point scale to score preferences for food. Data transformation for a 0 to 100 point scale provided ease of comparison between age groups. Using the appropriate testing instruments, young children were able to provide valid food preference information.

Notes: This paper compares experts and consumers to determine the degree to which they agree with each other on ratings of 37 sauce products, using the same sensory attributes. The paper also assesses the degree to which sensory attribute ratings correlate with objective physical measures. The ratings of experts (1-9 scale) and consumers (0–100 scale) agree quite highly, as shown by the high correlation between the two panels across the 37 products. The paper refutes the notion that consumers are incapable of validly rating the sensory aspects of products. The paper therefore presents the case for using consumers to assess the sensory characteristics of products.

Notes: The purpose of this study was to assess the sensory characteristics of sodium lactate (SL) in combination with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) in a model system at common usage levels for meat products. Using a gelatin-based (2%) system containing various concentrations of sodium lactate (0%, 1%, 2%, or 3%) and sodium tripolyphosphate (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, or 0.4%) a thirteen-member trained sensory panel scored samples for saltiness, bitterness, and soapiness. As sodium lactate and sodium tripolyphosphate levels increased, saltiness increased. Bitterness decreased with addition of 1% SL and increased with 2 and 3% SL. Soapiness also increased with increasing levels of SL. Bitterness and soapiness were not affected by increasing STP concentrations.

Notes: The impact of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) (earthy/musty), on the flavor evaluation of farm-raised catfish was assessed by a descriptive analysis panel, who are trained to evaluate flavor intensity using universal scales. Ideally, panelists should give the same intensity ratings for all attributes within a sample. Realistically, individual panelists perceive flavor intensity differently, because of variations in detection thresholds, adaptation, fatigue and enhancement or suppression. Experiments were designed to investigate problems associated with evaluating catfish flavor. Samples “spiked” with MIB had lower chickeny flavor than unspiked. Intensities of MIB in spiked samples that followed an equally spiked sample were lower. Problems can occur when catfish are presented at intervals less than 7 min. Panelists experienced difficulty in determining intensity differences of MIB flavor between sessions, but could determine differences in intensity of MIB within a session. These influences must be accounted for in experimental designs to assess catfish flavors.

Notes: Salivation may affect texture and taste perception. Thus, any influences that affect salivation also might affect a panelist's sensory responses. Twelve sensory panelists were compared for psychophysiological factors that might influence their salivary responses. Medication, body mass index (Quetelet), dieting-induced deprivation, nutrient deficiency, and caffeine, tannin, and fiber consumptions along with smoking were considered. Specific nutrient deficiencies or fiber consumption did not affect salivation of the panelists studied. All other factors, especially smoking and diet-induced deprivation, appeared to warrant further study with a larger population.

Notes: The objective of this study was to compare data obtained using descriptive analysis (DA) and free-choice profiling (FCP) of a simple model solution. Three menthol isomers (l-, d-, dl-), each at 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04% (w/v), were tested. A trained DA panel (n = 11) used two aroma, three nasal-sensation, two taste, and five mouth-sensation terms to describe the samples. An untrained panel (n = 15) used FCP to assess the same solutions. Individual FCP panelists used from nine to twenty-one terms. All DA terms significantly discriminated among the samples. Seven to eighteen of the FCP panelist descriptors significantly discriminated among the samples. Procrustes analyses (PA) indicated that FCP and DA similarly discriminated among the samples, possibly because the solutions were essentially one dimensional. Sample loadings on dimension 1 of both spaces were correlated (r = 0.966) as were dimension 2 loadings (r = 0.783). The FCP Rc-value was 91.2% and the DA Rc value was 85.6%. At higher concentrations (0.04 and 0.02%) l-menthol was significantly stronger than d-menthol in eucalyptus aroma, nasal clearing, all mouth cooling attributes, and bitter attertaste. At 0.01 % concentration no significant differences were detected among the menthol isomers.

Notes: Nonparametric models for sensory discrimination methods are developed. In these models, the relationship between the probability of a correct response, Pc, and the measures for sensory discriminability or sensory difference, p1 and p2 are given. On the basis of the models, different sensitivities for triadic tests were compared including 3-AFC and triangle methods with the strong stimulus as the odd sample and with the weak stimulus as the odd sample. Predictions were made which can be tested experimentally.

Notes: A table is provided for testing the significance of R-index values. The use of the table is illustrated and the theory and assumptions behind the method are explained.

Notes: There are many ways in which a laboratory difference test differs from ‘real life’ discrimination of foods. One of these is the interval of time between tasting the two stimuli to be discriminated. To investigate this, judges performed same-different discrimination tests using a citrus flavored beverage as a medium. The time interval between tasting the standard and comparison stimuli was varied. In this initial study, short intervals of zero, 30, 60 s were examined. For judges unfamiltar with the stimuli, performance deteriorated as the time interval increased. For judges familiar with the stimuli, the zero time interval elicited best performance but there was no decrease in performance when the interval was increased from 30 to 60 s. The results were explained by hypothesizing different types of memory trace for the standard stimulus being utilized for comparison with the comparison stimulus.

Notes: To determine quality characteristics of snack chips, six snack chip prototypes containing cowpea flour, cornmeal, wheat flour and cornstarch (26, 34, and 42%) were formulated. Desirable characteristics as determined by three focus groups were a golden yellow color in a thin, smooth corn-chip form with crunchy or crispy texture, greaseless or dry mouthfeel and salty corn flavor. Chips were undesirable if brown-colored, thick, oily or greasy, had either hard or crumbly texture, and had bland, fishy, or burnt flavors. In consumer acceptance tests, commercial products were found to be more appealing than the experimental products. A discriminant model based on instrumental measurements of color and texture from 11 snack chip samples (six prototypes and five commercial samples) correctly grouped 100% of the acceptable and 90% of unacceptable products.

Notes: To find selective and predictive tests in texture profiling, a series of 20 tests and 2 texture profiles were submitted to 25 subjects. Selection was carried out according to ranking, scoring and a texture property knowledge questionnaire. Two profiles were then done on 5 Bolognese sauce and 8 rice samples. Assessors were assessed by Spearman correlation coefficients for ranking tests, F values for scoring, average square canonical correlation coefficients for measuring the dimensionality of individual sample space, product discrimination and response repeatability for both Bolognese sauce and rice samples.Characterization test results showed that subject ability varied widely according to the test and the profile. Only one significant relationship between the texture property knowledge test and rice profile performances was found. More tests were successfully related to one or several texture attributes of both profiles. The ability to complete a complex profile could be discerned, albeit with difficulty, through simple selection tests.

Notes: Instrumental measurement of color places hue in a 360° continuum, but sensory description of color usually refers to distinct hues — red, green, yellow etc. Color evaluation of “Golden Delicious” apples by both an instrumental method and an experienced sensory panel was conducted to determine if sensory panelists perceive changes of golden apple color in green and yellow hues separately or on a hue continuum from green to yellow. Apple color changed from green to yellow during storage. Two different sensory scoring ballots were used to determine if sensory panelists view color in discrete green and yellow hues or on a green-to-yellow continuum. Data collected from this study demonstrated that sensory panelists can detect the color changes of decreasing greenness, increasing yellowness, and color change from green to yellow in an equal fashion. Hue angle represented the best predictor of sensory color perception.

Notes: Interindividual differences in sweet and bitter taste sensitivity were investigated using time-intensity (TI) measurements and multivariate statistics. TI profiles were obtained in triplicate from 25 subjects for 23 sweet and/or bitter stimuli first matched to be approximately equi-intense to 200 mM NaCl. Sweet stimuli, except for the larger sweeteners, were less persistent, and required less time to reach maximum intensity than bitter stimuli. The results of principal component (PCA) and cluster (CA) analyses of the stimuli X subjects matrices for maximum intensity (Imax), time to maximum intensity (Tmax), total duration (Tdur), and area under the curve (Area) suggest that sweet and bitter stimuli do not share common receptors; and that there are at least two receptor mechanisms each for sweet taste (one for sugars and other small compounds, and the other for large sweeteners) and bitter taste (one for PTC/PROP and one for other bitter compounds).

Notes: The objective of this study was to assess the sensory characteristics of potassium lactate (PL) in combination with salt (NaCl) in a model system at common usage levels for meat systems. Using a gelatin-based (3%) model system containing various concentrations of potassium lactate (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) and sodium chloride (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%), a sensory panel (10) selected for salt sensitivity (0.08% threshold or less) scored the intensity of saltiness and bitterness of each treatment combination using a scale of 0 = none and 15 = intense. As salt concentration increased, saltiness increased and bitterness decreased; as PL increased, saltiness and bitterness increased. At 2% salt, the bitterness of PL was masked; however, salt concentrations below and above 2% were less effective in bitterness reduction.

Notes: Multidimensional scaling (MDS) procedures produce maps of stimulus points, the dimensions of which may be sensory and/or physicochemical attributes. Our objective was to test the efficiencies of a cyclic design and a MDS method in the study of saltiness perception. Two levels of NaCl (0.1% and 0.2%, w/v) were added to two nonionic and two ionic gum solutions prepared to two concentrations. Subjects scaled dissimilarities between pairs of solutions and rated each sample for flavor attributes. Solution pairs were selected using cyclic designs. Repeated measures ANOVA determined that added NaCl was the only significant factor affecting saltiness perception. In contrast, from KYST-2A MDS maps, we concluded that saltiness perception was influenced by gum property, gum concentration, presence of calcium and potassium, and related to binding of the sodium ion (Na+) as determined by23Na nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The MDS cyclic design successfully reduced the number of samples and subjects when using experienced subjects.

Notes: : In this study a method to obtain native α-lactalbumin with a high degree of purity of 98% (m/m) and recovery of 75% (m/m) by selective denaturation of β-lactoglobulin was developed. To achieve this goal, the thermal pretreatment of whey protein concentrate was optimized varying the composition of the liquid whey protein concentrate in terms of total protein, lactose and calcium content, and pH value. The kinetics of the thermal denaturation of α-la and β-lg were then investigated at predetermined optimal composition (protein content 5 to 20 g/L, lactose content 0.5 g/L, calcium content 0.55 g/L, and pH 7.5). Using the activation energies and reaction rate constants obtained, lines of equal effects for targeted denaturation degrees of α-la and β-lg were calculated. Depending on total protein content, an area of optimal heating temperature/time conditions was identified for each protein concentration level.

Notes: Frozen squid is susceptible to both lipid oxidation and yellow/brown discoloration during frozen storage. The involvement of lipid oxidation in the microsomal fraction of squid muscle on oxidative rancidity and discoloration was investigated using iron and either enzymatic or non-enzymatic redox cycling pathways. Lipid oxidation was measured by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and color changes were measured spectrophotometrically using an integrating sphere. The lipid oxidation was not observed in the squid microsomes in the presence of Fe3+ and β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide disodium salt (NADH) or β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced (NADPH), suggesting that the enzymatic redox cycling pathway was not active. Iron-promoted TBARS formation was observed in the non-enzymatic pathway when ascorbic acid was used as a reducing compound. Non-enzymatic lipid oxidation increased with increasing temperature (4 °C to 37 °C), iron (0 to 100 μM), and ascorbic acid (0 to 200 μM) concentrations. As lipid oxidation in the microsomes or isolated microsomal lipids increased, color changes were observed as could be seen by an increase in b* values (yellowness) and a decrease in a* (redness) values. The ability of iron and ascorbate to promote both lipid oxidation and pigment formation in the microsomal fraction suggests that this pathway could be responsible for quality deterioration of squid muscle during storage.

Notes: A novel cysteine protease D3, which was purified from germinating soybean cotyledons, showed high homology with cathepsin L and cathepsin K. In our previous study, because of the specificity of the enzyme, hydroly-sates treated with D3 treatment showed a prominent property of less bitterness than other hydrolysates treated with commercially available proteases. However, active recombinant D3 prepared from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies was so intricate and less productive that it made further studies on this protease and hydrolysates difficult. In the concrete, the refolding process of the immature proD3 from inclusion bodies takes more than a day, and autocatalytic activation of refolded immature proD3 at low pH was difficult to control. In this study, we aimed to establish an efficient refolding and activating method of protease D3. In the refolding step, the procedures could be simplified by using a size-exclusive column-based method. In the activation step from immature proD3, we utilized another protease, subtilisin, rather than autocatalytic activation by D3 itself. After subtilisin treatment, the peptide having 12 amino acids-length of N-terminal pro sequence was initially cleaved, and residual proD3 showed only a half proteolytic activity of active D3. However, when the pH was shifted lower (pH4.5), D3 automatically changed to have the same proteolytic activity as active one, and this activated recombinant had the same N-terminal sequence as purified D3 from germinating soybean cotyledons. By using this method, all preparation processes of D3 from inclusion bodies to active D3 could be completed within a few hours, and it became possible to carry out the investigation on hydrolysates on a large scale.

Notes: To determine whether detection of fecal contamination on cantaloupes is possible using fluorescence imaging, hyperspectral images of cantaloupes artificially contaminated with a range of diluted bovine feces were acquired from 425 to 774 nm in responses to ultraviolet-A (320 to 400 nm) excitation. Evaluation of images at emission peak wavelengths indicated that 675 nm exhibited the greatest contrast between feces contaminated and untreated surface areas. Two-band ratios compared with the single-band images enhanced the contrast between the feces contaminated spots and untreated cantaloupe surfaces. The 595/655-nm, 655/520-nm, and 555/655-nm ratio images provided relatively high detection rates ranging from 79% to 96% across all feces dilutions. However, both single band and ratio methods showed a number of false positives caused by such features as scarred tissues on cantaloupes. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using the entire hyperspectral images data; 2nd and 5th principal component (PC) image exhibited differential responses between feces spots and false positives. The combined use of the 2 PC images demonstrated the detection of feces spots (for example, minimum level of 16-μg/mL dry fecal matter) with minimal false positives. Based on the PC weighing coefficients, the dominant wavelengths were 465, 487, 531, 607, 643, and 688 nm. This research demonstrated the potential of multispectral-based fluorescence imaging for online applications for detection of fecal contamination on cantaloupes.

Notes: : The objective of this experiment was to quantify variation in bovine M. longissimus dorsi tenderness and determine the extent such variation is explained by variation in the ultrastructure of muscles after different postmortem treatments. Eight muscles were hot-boned and aged for 2 d at 2 °C (T1) to achieve very contracted actomyosin crossover and tough beef. Eight carcass sides were tenderstretched for 10 h at 10 °C and a further 38 h at 2 °C (T2) to achieve lengthened actomyosin crossover and tender beef. Both T1 and T2 were compared with conventionally hung carcasses, which underwent similar chilling regimes, C1 (n= 8) and C2 (n= 8), respectively. Measurements of sarcomere length, pH, Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and sensory tenderness were taken, and transmission electron microscopy images analyzed. Variances of attributes were analyzed on Bartlett's test. Variances of the 4 groups were homogenous for all attributes except for pH after 24 h postmortem (with T1 [0.00] having lower variances than C1 = 0.04, T2 = 0.06, and C2 = 0.05) and WBSF after 2 d aging (with T2 [74.33] having lower variances than T1 = 236.76, C1 = 398.82, and C2 = 856.74). The variation in the tenderness of beef was quantified through ultrastructural variation in bovine muscle, with tenderstretched moderately chilled beef having the least variable tenderness as a result of more uniform overlap between actin and myosin filaments. Variation in the eating quality of beef was not reduced by hot-boning with fast chilling or conventional hanging with fast or moderate chilling. The development of the uniformity within filaments of tenderstretched muscle requires further analysis as residual variation remains.

Notes: : The feasibility of gamma radiation in combination with low temperature was studied to ensure microbiological safety and maintaining physicochemical and sensory characteristics of minimally processed bitter gourd. Radio sensitivity (D10 values, that is, irradiation dose required for 90% reduction of microorganisms) for Salmonella paratyphae A and Escherichia coli were 0.28 kGy and 0.23 kGy, respectively. On the basis of D10 values, 5D10 values were determined and samples of minimally processed bitter gourd were irradiated up to 5D10 values, stored for 14 d at 5 ± 1 °C, and analyzed for total bacterial, fungal, and coliform counts. Ascorbic acid, acidity, texture, and sensory qualities were also studied. Results showed that an irradiation dose of 2.0 kGy significantly reduced the microbial count to keep the samples microbiologically safe for 7d. Sensory evaluation revealed that the samples received maximum scores for appearance and flavor (7.8 and 7.9, respectively) with radiation dose of 2.0 kGy and minimum score for control (6.5). Firmness and ascorbic acid content decreased significantly with increase in storage time and irradiation dose. All the samples were discarded during the 2nd wk of storage due to high bio-burden.

Notes: : Effects of proteins (whey protein isolate [WPI], Na-caseinate, and gelatin), drying method, storage relative vapor pressure (RVP), and time on lactose crystallization and crystals formed were investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD). Crystallization was observed from increasing peak intensities of XRD patterns. Lactose in lactose/protein (5:1,3:1) mixtures crystallized in samples stored at RVP of 44.1% and above in both spray-dried and freeze-dried materials, except in freeze-dried lactose/Na-caseinate and lactose/gelatin mixtures, which showed lactose crystallization at 54.5% RVP and above. The rate of crystallization increased with increasing RVP and storage time. The rate of crystallization in spray-dried materials was higher than in freeze-dried materials, and the crystallization rate decreased with increasing protein content. Lactose crystallized mainly as α-lactose monohydrate in spray-dried lactose/WPI and lactose/gelatin mixtures. Crystals formed in freeze-dried lactose/WPI and lactose/gelatin mixtures were anhydrous β-lactose and α-lactose monohydrate crystals. Lactose crystallized as a-lactose monohydrate in both spray-dried and freeze-dried lactose/Na-caseinate mixtures. Trace amounts of anhydrous β-lactose were present in spray-dried lactose/WPI (5:1) and lactose/gelatin (5:1) mixtures. Peak intensities of XRD patterns for anhydrous β-lactose decreased with increasing protein content and storage time. The crystallization data were successfully modeled using Avrami equation at an RVP of 65.6% and above. These data are important in understanding and predicting storage stability of lactose- and protein-containing food and pharmaceutical materials.

Notes: : A continuous high-pressure carbon dioxide system, run at ambient conditions, was tested on its performance in reducing both natural and inoculated microbial loads. The prototype system continuously processes orange juice with carbon dioxide (CO2) at high pressures. A central composite design was originally used to examine the variables of pressure, residence time, and CO2/juice ratio. For microbial reduction, residence time was the major factor followed by pressure. The CO2/juice ratio showed no influence on microbial load, and in this equipment, was difficult to control. The unit was able to cause a 5-log reduction of the natural flora in spoiled juice, and could attain a 5-log decrease in numbers of pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeriamonocytogenes. No viable cells of E. coli O157:H7 orS. typhimurium were cultured after the treated juices were stored at room temperature (22 °C) for 14 d. Thus, non-thermal pathogen reduction is possible with this system.

Notes: : The enzymatic reaction that produces 1 -octen-3-ol and 10-oxo-trans-8-decenoic acid was successfully scaled up from a 1 -L to a 10-L bioreactor using a crude mushroom homogenate of Agaricus bisporus. For this non-Newtonian reaction broth, the agitation rate was considered the most important controlling factor for the scale up. An agitation rate of 600 rpm, for an aeration rate of 0.44 m3/m3/h, was found to be the minimum to maintain the yield constant for the 1-L reactor. Subsequently, the agitation rate for the 10-L reactor was determined using 2 different approaches: a constant power per volume of liquid and a constant volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa). The constant power per volume of liquid approach predicted an agitation rate of 364 rpm that resulted in being too low to maintain the same yield obtained with the 1-Lreactor. Measurement of the kLa for the 10-Lreactor, at 364 rpm and an aeration of 0.44 m3/m3/h, produced a value of 11.7/h, thus confirming that the reaction in the larger reactor was oxygen-deprived. Therefore, the use of constant volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) strategy was used instead. kLa was experimentally determined at different agitation rates for the 10-L reactor. It was found that 750 rpm produced a kLa of 40.2/h. Confirmatory reactions were run in both reactors with the same batch of mushrooms, and the results were equivalent, thus indicating that was a good criterion for scaling up this process.

Notes: : The purpose of this research was to improve probiotic microencapsulation using prebiotics and modern optimization techniques to determine optimal processing conditions, performance, and survival rates. Prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides or isomaltooligosaccharides), growth promoter (peptide), and sodium algi-nate were incorporated as coating materials to microencapsulate 4 probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacto-bacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium longum). The proportion of the prebiotics, peptide, and sodium alginate was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to 1st construct a surface model, with sequential quadratic programming (SQP) subsequently adopted to optimize the model and evaluate the survival of microencapsulated probiotics under simulated gastric fluid test. Optimization results indicated that 1% sodium alginate mixed with 1% peptide and 3% fructooligosaccharides as coating materials would produce the highest survival in terms of probiotic count. The verification experiment yielded a result close to the predicted values, with no significant difference (P 〉 0.05). The storage results also demonstrated that addition of prebiotics in the walls of probiotic microcapsules provided improved protection for the active organisms. These probiotic counts remained at 106 to 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/g for microcapsules stored for 1 mo and then treated in simulated gastric fluid test and bile salt test.

Notes: The Institute of Food Technologists has issued this Scientific Status Summary to update our knowledge of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and provide an authoritative perspective on the surrounding regulatory and trade landscape.

Notes: : Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC, SaranR F-310) films containing sorbic acid (0%, 1.5%, and 3.0% w/v) were prepared with use of a solvent-casting method and were then placed between slices of commercially produced beef bologna that were previously surface-inoculated with L. monocytogenes at 103 or 105 CFU/g. In addition, cubes of commercial Cheddar cheese were surface-inoculated to contain 103 or 105Listeria monocytogenes colony-forming units (CFU) /g and then wrapped with the sorbic acid-containing films. Films containing 1.5% and 3.0% (w/ v) sorbic acid prevented growth of L. monocytogenes on bologna slices with populations as much as 7.1 logs lower after 28 d of storage at 4 °C compared with the sorbic acid-free controls. In contrast, numbers of Listeria remained relatively stable on Cheddar cheese with populations decreasing 〈 1.3 logs after 35 d of storage. With use of the sorbic acid-containing films, common spoilage organisms were also inhibited on both products. After 28 d of contact with bologna and Cheddar cheese, these films retained 7% and 60% of their original sorbic acid content, respectively, with the control film retaining 85% of its original sorbic acid content. Given these findings, sorbic acid-containing films may be useful in enhancing the safety and shelf-life of ready-to-eat delicatessen products.

Notes: : Development of fresh-cut apple products requires consideration of cultivars that store well as both intact and fresh-cut fruit. We compared the instrumental and sensory quality of 2 apple cultivars, Granny Smith and Fuji, that are used for fresh cutting with 2 new cultivars, Pink Lady and GoldRush, which were considered to have quality characteristics suitable for fresh cutting. Firmness, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content (SSC), and aromatic volatile concentration were measured in intact fruit of the 4 cultivars during 12 mo storage in air at 0 °C and during 3 wk storage at 5 °C as fresh-cut slices. After 1 wk storage as fresh-cut slices, sensory evaluations for acceptability of flesh and peel appearance, flavor, texture, and overall eating quality were performed. During storage, GoldRush apples maintained 〉 80 N firmness, approximately 17% SSC, 〉 0.5% TA, and had high aromatic volatile production, that is, maintained quality better than the other cultivars. The quality and shelf stability of GoldRush slices were also as good as or better than slices from the other cultivars, whereas Granny Smith slices generally rated lower than the other cultivars. The acceptability of flavor, texture, and overall eating quality of GoldRush slices was as good as that for Pink Lady and Fuji. The quality of GoldRush apples can be maintained throughout the year in refrigerated air storage and still remain suitable for fresh-cut processing. The results indicate that GoldRush and Pink Lady are 2 promising new, high-quality apple cultivars for fresh cutting. Keywords: fresh-cut fruit, Malus × domestica, postharvest quality, respiration rate, shelf life

Notes: : Lipid oxidation is one of the major phenomena that limit the shelf-life of avocado products. The effects of adding 100 ppma-tocopherol, 200 ppm ascorbic acid, and 200 ppm ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on he stability of the lipidic fraction of minimally processed avocado purées were evaluated throughout storage. α tocopherol, followed by ascorbic acid, reduced oil rancidity processes during storage. Peroxide formation was minimal when a-tocopherol was added to avocado pulp, prolonging the induction stage of oils for at least 12 wk. When preserved in vacuum, iodine and specific extinction coefficient at 270 nm (k270) values were more stable, with changes of 5.87 g I2/100 g oil and 0.237, respectively, during 24 wk. On the other hand, EDTA was not shown to be effective in preserving the stability of the lipid fraction of avocado preserved by combined methods.

Notes: : Although rice can be fortified with iron by producing fortified extruded grains, achieving good sensory properties and high iron bioavailability is difficult. Our study aim was to develop iron-fortified rice with comparable sensory characteristics to natural rice using iron compounds of high bioavailability. We tested ferrous sulfate, NaFeEDTA, ferric pyrophosphate of different particle sizes (mean particle sizes: 20 (j,m, 2.5 μm, 0.5 μ-m) and electrolytic iron, as well as encapsulated forms of iron. Extruded rice grains containing 0.5 and 1 g Fe/ 100 g were produced using a single screw extruder and blended, respectively, with natural rice at a 1:100 or 1:200 ratio. Extruded rice grains were evaluated by color measurements and texture profile analysis, and iron loss during rinsing was measured. The sensory comparison between fortified and unfortified rice was performed using triangle tests. Color scores in a similar range to natural rice were obtained using ferric pyrophosphate as an iron fortification compound. The cooked extruded grains had comparable texture to cooked natural grains, and losses during rinsing were 〈3%. Fortification with all other compounds resulted in strong color changes. In the triangle tests, rice grains fortified with either of the 2 forms of micronized ferric pyrophosphate closely resembled unfortified rice in both uncooked and cooked form. Iron-fortified extruded rice grains with excellent sensory characteristics and potential high bioavailability can be produced using micronized ferric pyrophosphate.

Notes: : The relationship between vitamin E and the oxidative stability of raw and dry roasted peanuts was studied during storage at 21°C under air and vacuum. Lipid oxidation was monitored by peroxide values (PVs) and conjugated diene values (CDVs). In air, PV (meq/kg) for roasted peanuts reached 47 by 12 wk, whereas that for raw peanuts was below 2 after 38 wk. Under vacuum, lipid oxidation was significantly retarded (P 〈 0.05). Tocopherols of raw and roasted peanuts exponentially decreased with increasing PV. After 12 wk, about 50% of α-tocopherol (α-T) was lost for roasted peanuts under vacuum compared with about 90% under air. For raw peanuts, more than 70% of each tocopherol remained after 38 wk under air and vacuum. In general, α-T showed the least stability in roasted peanuts compared with other tocopherols under the reported storage conditions.

Notes: : The antioxidant activities of E vitamer fraction extracted from rice bran were investigated and compared with α-tocopherol at 2 concentration levels (16 ppm and 160 ppm) in the emulsified cholesterol and linoleic acid systems. 7-Ketocholesterol, 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7α-OH), 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OH), 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OH), and 5,6-epoxycholesterol (5,6-EP) were found at different incubation times (0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) in the emulsified cholesterol system accelerated by using 2, 2′-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) at 80°C and pH 5.5. Samples treated with 160 ppm of E vitamer fraction exhibited a significant antioxidant activity by inhibiting the formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). Addition of E vitamer fraction to the emulsified linoleic acid model at 37°C significantly inhibited the hydroperoxide formation and decomposition more than that of α-tocopherol. The former was more effective in inhibiting the primary and secondary oxidations of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). No significant differences (P 〈 0.05) were found in inhibition of the linoleic acid autoxidation between the E vitamer fraction and the α-tocopherol at 16 and 160 ppm, respectively. E Vitamer fraction was most effective in inhibiting both emulsified cholesterol and linoleic acid. These results suggested that compounds inhibiting cholesterol autoxidation and PUFA autoxidation in both food and biological systems were present in the rice bran extract. Thus, the addition of E vitamer fraction to animal- derived muscle food may be a more compelling way to replace the synthetic antioxidants currently used in the food industry because the former is both natural and effective in inhibiting both cholesterol and PUFA autoxidation.

Notes: : Channel catfish muscle was subjected to 2 novel protein extraction and precipitation techniques using acid (pH 2.5) or alkaline (pH 11) pH and compared with surimi processing (3 wash cycles). Solubility of catfish proteins was found to be highest at pH 2.5 and 11, and at these pH levels, viscosity was found to be low enough to cause separation of proteins from insoluble materials via centrifugation. Both the acid-aided and alkali-aided processes led to higher recoveries (P 〈 0.05) of protein and larger reduction (P 〈 0.05) in lipids compared with surimi processing. The protein recovery could be increased even more with a modified version of the acid-aided and alkali-aided processes. There was no hydrolytic breakdown detected during low and high pH. The acid-aided process recovered more protein types than the alkali-aided process during isolelectric precipitation (pH 5.5), which indicated that it led to more protein denaturation and thus more aggregation at pH 5.5. The alkali-aided process had more soluble proteins (including heme proteins) at isoelectric precipitation than the acid-aided process, and the soluble proteins were of the same type as the soluble proteins for non-pH-treated catfish muscle at pH 5.5. This suggested the alkali-aided process led to less denaturation than the acid-aided process. Both acid-aided and alkali-aided processes recovered proteins of higher (P 〈 0.05) whiteness scores than surimi. The alkali-aided process recovered proteins of higher whiteness (P 〈 0.05) than the acid-aided process. The acid-aided process led to higher yellowness (P 〈 0.05) than the other 2 processes. All processes led to minimal levels of lipid oxidation as assessed by secondary oxidation products.

Notes: : Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) sales and crop value have declined during the last decade. One reason is consumer concerns about possible drug interactions. Coadministered grapefruit increases the bioavailability of some medicines because it contains furanocoumarins that inhibit an intestinal enzyme (cytochrome P450-3A4 or CYP3A4) that normally metabolizes these drugs. Only drugs metabolized by intestinal CYP3A4 are significantly affected when taken with grapefruit juice, but the magnitude of the effect varies considerably between studies, indicating that there are differences in the amount of components responsible for CYP3A4 inhibition in commercial grapefruit juices. Content variation of 6,7-dihydroxybergamottin, bergamottin, and 6 furanocoumarin dimers were determined for 58 commercial grapefruit juices collected over 2 seasons. The content of 6,7-dihydroxybergamottin ranged from 0.2 to 7.7 ppm in all juices tested, and averaged 1.8 ± 0.85 ppm in the red compared with 2.9 ± 2.07 ppm for white grapefruit juices. Bergamottin content ranged from 1.6 to 7.3 ppm for all juices and averaged 3.4 ± 0.98 and 4.2 ± 1.23 ppm and in red and white grapefruit juices, respectively. Only 1 dimer varied significantly between the red and white juice types. Dihydroxybergamottin and 2 dimer compounds were significantly lower in shelf-stable or nonrefrigerated products compared with refrigerated products whereas bergamottin and 1 dimer compound occurred at higher levels in the shelf-stable products. Individual measured dimer compounds varied up to 60-fold in all juices, but the sum of all 6 dimers varied only 14-fold. The clinical significance in terms of CYP3A4 inhibition is uncertain. The presence of 3 new furanocoumarin dimers are also reported.

Notes: : A quantitative procedure was developed to predict the composition of ternary ground spice mixtures using an electronic nose. Basil, cinnamon, and garlic were mixed in different compositions and presented to an e-nose. Nineteen training mixtures were used to build predictive models. Model performance was tested using 5 other mixtures. Three neural network structures—multilayer perceptron (MLP), MLP using principal component analysis as a preprocessor (PCA-MLP), and the time-delay neural network (TDNN)—were used for predictive model building. All 3 neural network models predicted the testing mixtures' compositions with a mean square error (MSE) equal or less than 0.0051 (in a fraction domain where sum of fractions = 1). The TDNN provided the smallest MSE.

Notes: : The studies of natural actomyosin (NAM) extracted from normal and pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) pork longissimus muscle stored at -20°C for up to 6 mo, revealed that the surface hydrophobicity (S0-ANS) of NAM from PSE pork was significantly (P 〈 0.05) higher than that from normal pork indicating greater conformational changes in proteins from PSE meat that resulted in the exposure of hydrophobic aromatic amino acid residues on the surface. Also, the S0-ANS of NAM was a function of storage time. The equations were as follows: S0-ANS = 16.9 × storage mo + 123 for normal and S0-ANS = 17.5 × storage mo + 164 for PSE. NAM from frozen normal pork had lower α-helical content than comparable fresh pork. With extended frozen storage, viscosity of NAM from PSE meat was lower than that from normal pork. The sulfhydryl and disulfide contents were unchanged. Electrophoresis revealed an extra 95 to 100 kDa band from PSE meat NAM, possibly from α-actinin or myosin degradation. Water-binding capacity (WBC) of normal and PSE meat decreased with increasing storage time; however, there were only minor changes in thaw loss. The decrease of WBC of pork meat partially can be explained by the increase of S0-ANS observed for the NAM. These results suggest that proteins from PSE pork are more susceptible to denaturation and degradation in fresh meat and following frozen storage.

Notes: : The accuracy and efficiency of gas chromatography (GC) and sensory methods in predicting spice mixture compositions were investigated and compared with those of an electronic nose (e-nose) reported in part I of this study. Triangle tests were performed to estimate difference thresholds of spice mixtures. It was found that the prediction errors of the e-nose methods were lower than sensory thresholds. The GC method provided a more accurate but much less efficient prediction.

Notes: : Phase-sensitive X-ray microtomography was used as a nondestructive imaging technique for the computerized reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images of bread crumb microstructure. After image acquisition, numerical algorithms were used for the slice reconstruction. Successively, 3D images were rendered and quantitatively analyzed. Stereological analyses were performed to determine the void volume fraction and some directionally dependent parameters, such as cell wall number, cell wall thickness, cell wall spacing, and specific surface. Moreover, the favorite orientations of the cell structure and the degree of anisotropy related to the arrangement of the solid phase around the main directions were also determined. Results from statistical analysis suggest that in addition to the void volume fraction, the parameters describing anisotropy or the favorite orientation of cell structure are crucial in understanding the differences observed in crumb architecture. Indeed, the latter parameters can explain more than 50% of whole structural variance existing between bread samples. The ability to reflect the bread crumb compression behavior proved the effectiveness of the microstructural descriptors, as obtained from image analysis, to give representative information on the inner architecture of bread crumb.

Notes: : Commercially produced sliced ham and all-pork frankfurters were obtained from a national meat processor and irradiated at 1.6 kGy. The samples were evaluated for color, lipid oxidation, odor, flavor, and the production of volatiles over an 8-wk storage period. Irradiation processing did not affect color values for the ham or frankfurters. Lipid oxidation as measured by 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) did not increase for either the ham or frankfurters. Irradiation processing increased off-odor scores for the ham but not for frankfurters. On the other hand, off-flavor scores were not significantly different for ham but were higher in frankfurters after irradiation processing. Dimethyl disulfide content increased as a result of irradiation in both the ham and frankfurters but decreased during the 8-week storage period. Irradiation processing resulted in the formation of new volatile compounds in the ham samples including heptane, trans-1-butyl-2-methylcyclopropanone, 2-octene, and toluene, which were not present in nonirradiated ham. In the case of frankfurters, irradiation treatment resulted in the formation of 2-butanone, which was not present in the nonirradiated frankfurters. Most volatile compounds that were affected by irradiation processing of either the ham or frankfurters were increased when compared with nonirradiated controls. Although color and lipid oxidation (TBARS) did not seem to be affected by irradiation processing at 1.6 kGy, changes in odor, flavor, and the production of volatiles are of concern if irradiation is to be used to control microbial growth in ready-to-eat pork products.

Notes: : Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris can produce sufficient guaiacol (methoxyphenol), a metabolic by-product of the bacterium, in apple juice to cause a detectable taint characterized by an antiseptic off-odor or distinct medicinal flavor and lingering aftertaste. Bacterial spoilage may not be visibly detectable. The objective of this study was to determine the best estimate threshold (BET) for detection of guaiacol in water and commercial pasteurized apple juice from concentrate using the forced-choice ascending concentration method of limits with an experienced 17-member sensory panel. The mean BET for aroma detection of guaiacol in water and apple juice was 0.48 ppb and 0.91 ppb, respectively. The mean BET for taste detection of guaiacol in water and apple juice was 0.17 ppb and 0.24 ppb, respectively. Individual aroma BET values ranged from 0.06 ppb to 4.71 ppb guaiacol in water and 0.17 ppb to 4.71 ppb for guaiacol in apple juice. Individual taste BET values ranged from 0.01 ppb to 4.71 ppb for guaiacol in water and apple juice. The taste BET was equal to or lower than the aroma BET for guaiacol in both water and apple juice for all panelists. There was about a 500-fold range in guaiacol taste detection between panelists, with some individuals exhibiting a BET value as low as 10 ppt (trillion). The information should be useful for developing quality assurance sensory methodology to evaluate potential apple juice flavor spoilage by Alicyclobacillus spp.

Notes: : Water, an inexpensive and environmentally friendly solvent is an ideal solvent for industrial extraction of phenolics, but its use is limited due to poor extraction efficiency at low temperatures. In this study, subcritical water (SW) and subcritical sulfured water (SSW) (containing 1400 μg/mL sodium metabisulfite) extractions of grape skin phenolics were conducted over the temperature range of 100 to 160°C in 10°C increments for a short time (40 s), and compared with conventional hot water or aqueous 60% (v/v) methanol extractions (50°C, 1 h). The composition and contents of anthocyanins, flavonols, hydroxycinnamates, phenolic acids, and antioxidant capacities (Oxygen Radical Absorbing Capacity [ORAC]) in the extracts were determined. Increasing SW extraction temperature from 100 to 160°C resulted in a linear increase in ORAC values, but extraction temperatures 〉 110°C resulted in decreased contents of individual and total anthocyanins. Subcritical sulfured water extracts had higher levels of total anthocyanins and total phenolics than SW extracts. The SW and SSW extracts had comparable or higher levels of anthocyanins and ORAC values than extracts obtained using conventional hot water or 60% methanol. Subcritical water at 100 to 110°C appears to be an excellent alternative to organic solvents to extract anthocyanins and other phenolics from dried red grape skin and possibly other grape processing byproducts.

Notes: : Wheypermeate (WP) is a byproduct ofwhey protein ingredient production, and primarily contains water, lactose, and minerals, with minimal fat and protein. The majority of the WP produced in the United States is disposed of via land-spreading or is used as a component in animal feed. However, WP could be utilized in the growing beverage industry. The objectives of this study were to conduct descriptive sensory analysis of a wide selection of commercial beverages and to design a beverage utilizing WP. The descriptive sensory properties (visual, flavor, and texture/mouth-feel) of fifteen commercial beverages were determined using a trained descriptive panel (n= 11).WP with and without hydrolysis of lactose was subsequently incorporated into a basic beverage formula, substituted for 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of water. Consumers (n = 100) evaluated beverages withWP and commercial beverages for overall acceptability, flavor liking, and thirst-quenching ability. Drinks made with lower levels (25% and 50%) of either hydrolyzed or unhydrolyzed WP were more similar to the commercial beverages in visual and flavor properties than beverages containing higher percentages (75% and 100%) ofWP. All drinks made withWP were higher in electrolyte (Na, K, Zn, Mg, P) content compared with a commercial sports beverage (P 〈 0.05). Beverage incorporation represents a value-added utilization for low levels ofWP

Notes: : Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of processing variables, such as ripening time (20 to 60 d), ripening temperature (6 to 10°C), level of rennet added (1 to 2 g/100 kg milk), and brine concentration (8% to 14%, w/v), on the sensorial quality of Iranian pickled cheese (feta type). Optimization of sensorial quality was performed by canonical analysis to derive the stationary point. Based on contour plots and canonical analysis, optimum conditions were ripening time 32 d, ripening temperature 8.3°C, level of rennet added 1.6 g/100 kg of milk, and brine concentration 11%. Predicted sensory score was 20.76 from maximum score of 25.

Notes: : Short and moderate hydrostatic pressure (MHP) treatments accelerated the shredability of Cheddar cheese. Both MHP (345 MPa for 3 and 7 min) and higher pressure (483 MPa for 3 and 7 min) treatments applied to 1-d milled curd Cheddar cheese induced immediately a microstructure resembling that of ripened cheese. Unripened pressure-treated Cheddar cheese yielded shreds with visual and tactile sensory properties similar to those obtained from untreated 27-d-old Cheddar cheese. All pressure treatments reduced the presence of crumbles, increased mean shred particle length, improved length uniformity, and enhanced surface smoothness. Sensory evaluations showed that shredded samples of 1-d MHP-treated cheese and 27-d untreated cheese had similar sensory attributes. Pressure treatments did not affect mechanical properties of ripened cheese and milk protein proteolysis was not inhibited. These results showed that MHP would allow processors to shred milled curd Cheddar cheese immediately after block cooling with expected refrigerated storage savings of more than $30 US/1000 kg cheese and could simplify the handling of cheese for shredding. Shreds from unripened milled curd Cheddar cheese can thus be produced with high visual acceptability and improved tactile handling using moderate levels of hydrostatic pressure.

Notes: : An association has been identified between the extent of roasting and the amount of extractable protein from the cocoa bean, its nutritive value, and the sensorial quality of the liquor. Cocoa nibs from fermented seeds (Theobroma cacao L.) were precision-roasted at 150°C for 0, 30, 34, 38, 42, and 46 min and the protein fraction extracted. From the beginning of roasting, until minute 38, about 87% of the proteins were extractable, but the extractability substantially decreased to 72.7% at 42 min and to 65.3% at 46 min. Both total soluble protein determination and albumin concentration of the roasted nibs diminished slightly until minute 38, when acceptable sensory characteristics were obtained for the liquor. Both total nitrogen and capillary-electrophoretic separation and quantification of the albumin showed that the amounts of extractable protein in this fraction consistently followed a cyclic pattern until minute 42, irreversibly decreasing thereafter. Biological evaluation of the protein from the cocoa nibs roasted for the various times showed that at the point that the sensory rating approached that of a commercial liquor, the albumin content and nutritive value were still high. The findings suggest that with moderate, uniform roasting it may not be necessary to sacrifice the protein's biological value for the sensorial attributes of chocolate in a standard commercial roast.

Notes: : The effects of hot and cold (nonheated) pressing on yield, quality components, and nutraceutical content of juice, grapes, and press fractions (seeds and skins) from Black Beauty (Vitis rotundifolia) and Sunbelt (Vitis labruscana L.) grape cultivars were evaluated. Heating the must before pressing increased juice yield, titratable acidity, red color, brown/yellow pigments, and darkness and decreased the press fraction yield and juice pH in both cultivars. Sunbelt juice from the heated must had the highest yield (786 L/metric ton), red color, brown/yellow pigments, and darkness. Black Beauty nonheated must had the largest press fraction (43%) but the lowest red color, brown/yellow pigments, and darkness in the juice. The juice generally had less total phenolics, total anthocyanins, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) than the whole grapes. The juice from heated Black Beauty and Sunbelt musts had the highest total phenolics (1354 and 1937 mg/L, respectively) and anthocyanins (414 and 513 mg/L, respectively). Although the data for seeds and skins are on a dry basis, the press fractions had higher levels of phenolics and ORAC than the whole grapes and juice. The dried seeds had more phenolics and less anthocyanins than the skins. The highest total phenolic level (95338 mg/kg) equivalents and ORAC level (1100 μmol trolox/g) was in Black Beauty seeds from nonheated must. The skins of nonheated Sunbelt had the highest anthocyanins (11889 mg/kg). Because the press fractions of both cultivars had high ORAC values and total phenolic levels, products with nutraceutical benefits could be developed.

Notes: : Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa) are highly perishable and characterized by a short shelf-life. Chitosan has been found to be an ideal preservative coating material for fresh berries due to its antifungal and film-forming properties. However, acid-dissolved chitosan solutions develop bitterness and astringency tastes, making chitosancoated foods less practical on the real market. Three 1% chitosan-based solutions were developed for coating strawberries: chitosan in 0.6% acetic acid solution, in 0.6% lactic acid solution, and in 0.6% lactic acid solution plus 0.2% vitamin E. Coated strawberries were packed in clam-shell boxes and stored at 2°C and approximately 88% to 89% RH for 1 wk, at which time they were evaluated by consumers for “liking” or acceptance attributes and by trained panel for describing the appearance, texture, and flavor of the strawberries. Results from consumer testing at 1 d and 1 wk after coating indicated that chitosan coatings increased the appearance acceptance of the strawberries, but coatings containing vitamin E decreased acceptable appearance of strawberries. Chitosan coatings did not change consumer acceptability of flavor, sweetness, or firmness of the samples. Trained panel results after 1 wk of storage showed that chitosan-coated strawberries have similar sensory descriptors as those of fresh berries, whereas coatings containing vitamin E developed the waxy-and-white surface of the samples. The trained panel did not detect astringency difference among all samples, indicating that 1% chitosan coating did not change astringency of strawberries.

Notes: : To predict physiologic functions of recrystallized amylose (RCA), the true resistant starch (RS) content of RCA in the small intestine was directly measured using ileorectostomized rats where the distal ileum was anastomosed to the rectum (the cecum and colon were surgically resected together). The estimated in vivo resistant starch content of RCA was the same as the value obtained from the in vitro enzymatic RS determination (∼50%). RCA resistance to amylolytic enzymes in the small intestine was retained even after RCA incorporation into processed foods, and a bread containing 20% RCA showed a significantly lower glycemic response in rats compared with that of a control bread. Also, RCA ingestion significantly and dose-dependently decreased the body fat accretion and lowered serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in rats compared with cornstarch. These lipid-lowering effects of RCA were comparable to those obtained with high-amylose cornstarch. The restricted energy value as well as suppressed insulin response with RCA ingestion might be related to preferable changes in lipid metabolism. These nutritional properties of RCA may suggest a possible benefit as an alternative source of resistant starch for preventing diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity, and so on.

Notes: : To improve the quality of fish muscle, mackerel muscle protein was hydrolyzed by proteases from Aspergillus oryzae, and then fermented by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The highest protease activities were obtained from A. oryzae after 72 h incubation at 25°C. Acidic protease activity was much higher than neutral and alkaline proteases. SDS-PAGE indicated the degradation of muscle proteins after 1 or 2 h hydrolysis by A. oryzae proteases at 50°C. During 48 h fermentation by Pediococcus pentosaceus L and S at 37°C, rapid growth of LAB, decline in pH, and suppression in the growth of microflora, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas, occurred while increases in whiteness, nonprotein nitrogen, sensory quality, and free amino acids were observed. These data suggested that the acceptability of LAB -fermented mackerel hydrolysates could be substantially improved.

Notes: : Chicken bouillon is well accepted all over the world, but dried bonito stock is only preferred by the Japanese, and only the Japanese use dried bonito as material for soup stock. To learn the reason, we compared the sensory responses to the taste of dried bonito stock and the chicken bouillon by employing Japanese and Chinese as panelists for sensory evaluation. The descriptive terms were 1st designed and used for sensory analysis of food action rate scaling and paired comparison. The Japanese panel evaluated dried bonito stock as less greasy, no odd taste, weaker in fishy flavor, more well-balanced taste, and preferable to chicken bouillon. The Chinese panel evaluated dried bonito stock as less greasy, stronger in odd taste, stronger in fishy flavor, less well-balanced taste, and less preferable to chicken bouillon.