Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality Changes in Frankfurters Made from Jumbo Squid (Dosidicus gigas) Mantle Muscle in the Presence and Absence of a Natural Antimicrobial Agent

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a natural antimicrobial agent (Pronat) on selected quality indicators during the shelf life of vacuum-packed frankfurters made from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) muscle. Frankfurters with and without Pronat (0.1%) were vacuum-packed and stored at 2–4C for up to 28 days. The physicochemical parameters (water loss, pH, thiobarbituric acid value, peroxide value, moisture, texture [texture profile analysis and sharing force], folding test performance, water-holding capacity [WHC], drip loss and color) as well as the microbial counts (total aerobic and anaerobic count, total and fecal coliform) of the samples were assessed. The samples with Pronat were physicochemically stable and in good microbiological condition up to 21 days compared with the control. The main changes were attributed to color, WHC and drip loss. The Pronat concentration used in squid frankfurters greatly improved their microbiological shelf life but did not considerably improve the physicochemical quality indicators assessed in the present study. Practical Applications At the present time and in response to a market niche, natural and healthier foods are sought. Therefore, natural antimicrobial agent is an alternative to be used in the production of jumbo squid frankfurters, generating a healthy product with an extended shelf life.