This study focuses on collecting actual data on the workable possibility of reducing the technological use of nitrites in beef products according to the present trends in nutrition, especially in terms of European Union (EU) food law. Measurements of safety by technological (pH value, water activity, N-nitrosamine), microbiological, oxidative stability (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, oxidation-reduction potential), and color parameter (CIE L*a*b*, total heme pigment and heme iron) methods were taken after production and storage. The roasted beef with a reduced inclusion level of sodium nitrite (75 mg/kg and below) was more vulnerable to lipid oxidation. The quantities of primary lipid oxidation products were related to the sodium nitrite inclusion level (50–150 mg/kg). Clostridium spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected in any of the samples tested during all the experiments. The total count of Enterobacteriaceae increased with the decrease in sodium nitrite content, from log 2.75 cfu/g at the highest to log 6.03 cfu/g at the smallest addition of nitrite. The obtained results revealed that the addition of 100 mg/kg of sodium nitrite would be adequate for minced roasted beef, without significant unexpected effects on color, oxidative stability, and microbiological safety compared with the control (150 mg/kg).

The present study deals with the effect of acid whey (AW) on physicochemical properties of non-nitrite organic dry-cured pork loins. The loins were divided into three experimental batches: with the curing mixture (C), with sea salt (S) and with sea salt combined with AW (SW). The evolution of physicochemical properties, colour, fatty acid profile and microbiological quality were assessed at 0, 30 and 90 days of refrigerated storage. Physicochemical parameters of dry-cured organic loins were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by treatment, storage time and the interaction between them. Sea salt in combination with AW was the most successful at reducing the browning reaction involved in the formation of dark colour in dry-cured loins. Significant reduction in a* value (P < 0.05) caused by replacement of curing salt by sea salt has been less pronounced in sample with AW. Storage diminished (P < 0.01) initial differences in profile of SFA, MUFA and n-3 induced by treatment method. AW added to uncured loins was able to protect PUFA against oxidation comparable to nitrite. The highest count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in dry-cured loins with AW was accompanied by their lower pH (P < 0.05).

Wild game meat can be a healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to meat from farm animals. The aims of this study were to know the preferences and opinions of Polish consumers regarding game meat and its use in their diet, and to identify consumer segments based on differences in individual game meat choices, concerns, and eating habits related to game meat. The survey was conducted using the platform for online surveys among 1261 adult Poles. Six clusters characterizing the behavior of game consumers were identified (casual consumers, occasional game gourmets, indifferent consumers, occasional consumers, accidental consumers, wild game lovers) and four clusters among those who do not eat game (uninterested, restricted, dislikers, fearful). It has been found that wild game is more often eaten by hunters and their family or friends. The most common reasons for not consuming game are high prices, low availability, no family tradition, and unacceptable taste. Many positive respondents eat game because of its nutritional value but are concerned about the potential health risks and lack of cooking skills. The results of this study indicate the need for information programs for consumers about this meat. They will provide guidance to meat companies about consumer preferences for game and allow them to develop appropriate marketing strategies.

The aim of the study is to compare the effects of Salvia hispanica (Chia) seed and Nigella sativa (Black Cumin) seed in traditionally produced dry fermented sausages with reduced nitrites on the changes in physicochemical parameters (water content, pH, and water activity), thioarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), color parameters, the content of nitrosopigments, and microbial counts throughout the production process. At the end of the processing, the content of biogenic amines was also determined. Five samples were analyzed during the 30-day production process: the control sample, samples with 1% and 2% additions of chia seed, and samples with 1% and 2% additions of black cumin seed. It was indicated that the addition of chia or black cumin did not exert any effect on water content or water activity changes in fermented sausages. At the end of production, the samples were characterized by low water activity, in the range of 0.798–0.813. The sausages with chia seeds were characterized by the lowest pH due to the highest proliferation of lactic acid bacteria. TBARS values did not alter in both control and black cumin sausages throughout the experiment. Microbiological analysis showed that the addition of chia or black cumin seed enhances the proliferation of the lactic acid bacteria and caused a reduction in the number of Enterobacteriaceae in comparison to the control.

The effect of inoculum level of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 probiotic strain and ripening period on the quality of dry-cured neck was studied. The microbiological parameters (Enterobacteriaceae, LAB and TVC) and physicochemical attributes (pH value, a w , TBARS index, colour) were determined directly after fermentation at 15°C for 3 weeks, after 6 and 12 months of ripening at 4°C. The highest LAB count and a lower pH value were found in the meat inoculated with probiotic strain at 6.6 log cfu g À1 (B2) followed by inoculation with probiotic strain at 6.3 log cfu g À1 (B1). Level of inoculation had not had an influence on water activity, TBARS index and total colour parameters. Changes of fat oxidation during half-year of ripening were limited in probiotic meat samples compared to naturally fermented control meat (C). Based on the results, it can be concluded that the most favourable physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the dry-cured neck were obtained after 6 months of ripening. At that time, the Bifidobacterium BB-12 at both levels is a good potential starter for meat fermentation.