Enhancing minimally processed beef shelf life: the synergistic effect of glutaric acid, azelaic acid, and conventional preservatives
摘要
Glutaric acid (GA) and azelaic acid (AA) possess antibacterial properties and have the potential to partially replace conventional preservatives. This study evaluated the effects of GA-sodium bisulphite (SB)-AA (4:4:1) and GA-sorbic acid (SA)-AA (2:4:1) on the refrigerated storage quality of sliced and minced beef. Initially, the synergistic antibacterial and antioxidant activities of these triple combinations were evaluated. GA-SB-AA demonstrated both strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties, whereas GA-SA-AA primarily exhibited significant antibacterial activity. When applied to beef products, both GA-SB-AA (4:4:1) and GA-SA-AA (2:4:1) effectively inhibited microbial growth, minimised weight loss, and enhanced colour and chemical stability (pH, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (POV), and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) levels) during storage at 4 °C. Their efficacy was dose-dependent, contributing to improved preservation of sliced and minced beef. By reducing reliance on conventional preservatives, these combinations not only mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses but also offer economic and health advantages.