Effect of antioxidants and lighting conditions on color and lipid stability of beef patties packaged in high-oxygen modified atmosphere Efecto de los antioxidantes y las condiciones de iluminacion sobre el color y la estabilidad de los lipidos de hamburguesas de res envasadas en atmosfera modificada alta en oxigeno

The effects of antioxidants (rosemary, carnosine and taurine, together with ascorbic acid) and the influence of different lighting conditions (standard supermarket fluorescent, low-UV color-balanced lamp, and darkness) were studied in fresh beef patties packaged in modified atmosphere and displayed at 2 degrees C for 20 days. Oxidation stability (TBARS), instrumental color, metmyoglobin formation, psychrotrophic flora, and sensory attributes (off-odour and discoloration) were measured at four-day intervals. Rosemary and, to a lesser extent, carnosine (both with ascorbic acid) were very effective in inhibiting both metmyoglobin formation and lipid oxidation, thus stabilizing red meat color and retarding off-odour development. These effects were most noticeable in patties subject to lighting during display, either with the standard fluorescent or with the low-UV color-balanced lamp. Treatment with rosemary and ascorbic acid in the absence of UV radiation gave rise to the lowest oxidation values. Conversely, the combination of taurine and ascorbic acid exerted a significant prooxidant effect.