Microbiological Status and Quality Traits of Ready-to-Eat Minimally Processed Vegetables Sold in Córdoba, Argentina
Journal Title: Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control - Year 2021, Vol 8, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: The changes and the availability of processed foods have increased the demand for ready-to-eat foods, such as Minimally Processed Vegetables (MPVs). The purpose of this work was to evaluate the microbiological status and quality traits of the MPVs obtained from retail outlets of Córdoba, Argentina. Methods: Totally, 60 MPVs of 12 brands (30 single-ingredient salads and 30 mixed salad trays) were randomly sampled from different retail outlets of Córdoba, Argentina. The samples were analyzed according to international standards for Total Coliforms (TC), Fecal Coliforms (FC), Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Yeast and Molds (YM). The quality traits (respect to physical and sensory properties) of the MPVs were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed with InfoStat. Results: All 60 MPV samples were positive for TC, ranging from 1.32 to 3.38 log Most Probable Number (MPN)/g. FC counts ranged from 0.30 to 1.95 log MPN/g. Out of 60 samples, 15 (25%) were positive for E. coli. Three brands of mixed trays were positive for S. aureus. Regarding sensory characteristics, the parameters such as freshness, turgid, normal color, decay, and dehydration were compliance in 42 out of 60 (70%) samples. Conclusion: Some MPVs sampled from Córdoba, Argentina showed low microbiological quality and imperfect quality traits. DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.8.3.7198
Authors and Affiliations
M. L. Baraquet, O. F. Camiletti, C. I. Moretti, L. E. Rodríguez, C. Vázquez, M. G. Oberto
The Effect of Fatty Acids and Meat Oils Combustion on PAH Formation in Smoke during Grilling Process
Background: Oil droplets from foods can cause the formation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in smoke and contaminate grilled food. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of the number of carbon ato...
COVID-19 Pandemic and Food Safety Concerns: The Impact of Extra-Heating on Chemical Toxins
This article has no abstract. DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.11.2.15645
The Risk Assessment of Sulphite Intake through Dried Fruit Consumption in Hamadan, Iran
Background: Dried fruit is one of the main sources of sulphur dioxide (SO2) exposure. The major goal of the current study was to determine SO2 concentration in some widely consumed dried fruits in Hamadan, Iran. In addit...
Microbial and Chemical Adulterants Assessment of Raw Cow Milk Collected from Dairy Farms of Hlabisa Villages, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Background: Milk is one of the most nutritious foods providing a variety of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins needed to maintain, grow, and develop the body. The aim of this study was to assess microbial and chemica...
Announcement of “7th International Conference on Applied Research in Agricultural Science, Natural Resources & Environment” Held in Iran
This article has no abstract. DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.9.3.11148