Use of Nitrite-Embedded Packaging Film for Color Stability of Alternatively-Cured, Fully Cooked Bologna

Nitrite-embedded packaging film (NEF) was investigated for potential effects on the color stability of alternatively-cured meats. The impact of NEF on color stability of large diameter sandwich bologna was assessed over a 125 d lighted display period. Five treatments of large diameter bologna were manufactured; 1) a conventionally-cured control packaged with conventional film (CON-CF), 2) an alternatively-cured formulation (cultured celery juice powder plus cherry powder) packaged with conventional film (CJP-CF) and 3) with nitrite-embedded film (CJP-NEF). An additional alternatively-cured formulation 4) (Natpre T-10 EML Plus S) was packaged with conventional film (NT10-CF) and 5) with nitrite-embedded film (NT10-NEF). In-package surface a* values were significantly higher (P  .05) by use of the packaging film and did not differ compared to the CF. Thus, NEF packaging technology can improve the color stability of alternatively-cured meats without increasing the measurable nitrite concentration in the product.