Optimising the shelf-life of pork chops with new gas compositions and reduced headspace.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of several gases compositions and headspaces on pork chops packages. Three batches of fresh pork meat packed under Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) were studied. The evolutions of the gas composition, pH during storage were monitored and the evolutions of the spoilage microflora were evaluated. A panel of consumers realized sensorial analyses. The composition of gases followed the same evolution in the two headspaces. There are no statistical differences between headspace 1 (H1) and H2. The H1 allowed an equivalent conservation H2. Consumers prefer smaller trays (H1). The best purchase intent (78%) is obtained by containing the lowest oxygen content (40%). The growth of Enterobacteriacae and Brochothrix shows respectively a 1 log and 2 log reduction with increasing CO2 rate (60% vs 30%). Small headspace (H1) with both 50%-50% and 60%-40% O2/CO2 mixture induced an overall microbiological quality that is in agreement with the GHP recommendations, and allows a 4 days extension of the shelf life.