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Ready-to-eat (RTE) meats (low-fat pastrami, Strassburg beef, export sausage, and Cajun beef) were pressure treated at 600 MPa, 20 degrees C, for 180 s to evaluate the feasibility of using high-pressure processing (HPP) for the safe shelf-life extension of these products. After processing, samples were stored at 4 degrees C for 98 days during which time microbiological enumeration and enrichments were performed. Additionally, sensory analyses were undertaken to determine consumer acceptability and purchase intent over the duration of storage. Counts of aerobic and anaerobic mesophiles, lactic acid bacteria, Listeria spp., staphylococci, Brochothrix thermosphacta, coliforms, and yeasts and molds revealed that there were undetectable or low levels for all types of microorganisms throughout storage. Comparison of consumer hedonic ratings for unprocessed and processed meats revealed no difference in consumer acceptability, and no deterioration in the sensory quality was evident for any of the products tested during the study. Additionally, inoculated pack studies were conducted to determine if HPP could be used as a postlethality treatment to reduce or eliminate Listeria monocytogenes and thus assess the potential use of HPP in a hazard analysis critical control point plan for production of RTE meats. Inoculated samples (initial level of 10(4) CFU/g) were pressure treated (600 MPa, 20 degrees C, for 180 s) and stored at 4 degrees C, and survival of L. monocytogenes was monitored for 91 days. L. monocytogenes was not detected by plating methods until day 91, but selective enrichments showed sporadic recovery in three of the four products examined. The results show that HPP at 600 MPa, 20 degrees C, for 180 s can extend the refrigerated shelf life of RTE meats and reduce L. monocytogenes numbers by more than 4 log CFU/g in inoculated product.

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Discusses the factors shaping Scottish children’s perceptions of vegetables as a means of explaining their low vegetable consumption. Examines the impact that sensory factors, the child’s family and eating experiences, and environmental factors (i.e. socio‐economic factors/income, culture, eating patterns and advertising) have on children’s vegetable consumption. Additionally, makes suggestions for strategies to overcome some of these factors which affect children’s low consumption of vegetables.

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This study compared the use of three sensory and analytical techniques: Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA), Napping, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for the assessment of flavour in nine unmatured whisky spirits produced using different yeasts. Hierarchical Multiple Factor Analysis (HMFA) showed a similar pattern of sample discrimination (RV scores: 0.895–0.927) across the techniques: spirits were mostly separated by their Alcohol by Volume (ABV). Low ABV spirits tended to have heavier flavour characteristics (feinty, cereal, sour, oily, sulphury) than high ABV spirits, which were lighter in character (fruity, sweet, floral, solventy, soapy). QDA differentiated best between low ABV spirits and GC-MS between high ABV spirits, with Napping having the lowest resolution. QDA was time-consuming but provided quantitative flavour profiles of each spirit that could be readily compared. Napping, although quicker, gave an overview of the flavour differences of the spirits, while GC-MS provided semi-quantitative ratios of 96 flavour compounds for differentiating between spirits. Ester, arenes and certain alcohols were found in higher concentrations in high ABV spirits and other alcohols and aldehydes in low ABV spirits. The most comprehensive insights on spirit flavour differences produced by different yeast strains are obtained through the application of a combination of approaches.

An important consumer opinion of some food products relates to the perception of`h ome-made quality''. This study examined consumer perception of this aspect in dairy ice cream along with product knowledge and consumption habits and influences. A questionnaire was delivered followed by tasting of commercial products and home-made formulations. All of the participants (n = 105) consumed dairy ice cream and 62 per cent named it as their most frequent type of ice cream, with sensory quality being the most important reason influencing choice. Product knowledge was relatively high with 74 per cent of respondents claiming to know two out of three product characteristics. Consumer opinion was divided on a pre-stated preference for`h ome-made'' or``commercial'', with 56 per cent being in favour of the home-made form, which was valued because of an assumed superior taste, quality and a more intimate knowledge of ingredients. Commercial quality also required``good taste'', but its convenience value was very important. On blind tasting, the degree of liking for both forms was usually high, but correct identification (home-made vs commercial) levels were low. Subjects with previous experience of home-made ice cream had a more positive attitude to it, and had more success in distinguishing it from the commercial form. Generally, home-made quality was viewed as a desirable feature of dairy ice cream.