Affiliation:
1. Advanced Radiation Technology Institute Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute Jeongeup 56212 Korea
2. Department of Integrative Food, Bioscience and Biotechnology Chonnam National University Gwangju 61186 Korea
3. Department of Food Science and Technology Chonnam National University Gwangju 61186 Korea
Abstract
SummaryPork cutlets are susceptible to cross‐contamination with foodborne pathogens during processing. Food irradiation effectively improves food hygiene by eliminating microbes. We investigated the application of X‐ray irradiation (0.5–10 kGy) on pathogen inactivation (D10 value), quality changes [total aerobic bacteria (TAB), yeast and mould (Y&M), total coliform (TC), colour, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and pH], and the hydrocarbon profile of pork cutlets. D10 values of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus were 0.37, 0.62, 0.52, and 0.36 kGy, respectively. At least 3.10 kGy (5‐D10 values) is required to ensure the microbiological safety of pork cutlets. X‐ray irradiation dose‐dependently reduced all microbial counts, and up to 7 kGy had no adverse effects on colour, TBARS, and pH. Furthermore, 1,7‐hexadecadiene and 8‐heptadecene were potential markers for irradiated pork cutlets. X‐ray irradiation of up to 7 kGy is effective in improving hygiene levels while maintaining pork cutlet quality.
Funder
Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute