The microbiological and chemical stability of stuffing is crucial in meat processing. Small ruminant (lamb) meat has many nutritional advantages (fatty acid composition and ratio, high biological value of protein, source of zinc, and selenium) but is poorly utilized in processing. In this experiment, we determined the effects of physical (sonication), chemical (salt, curing salt, and air access), and microbiological (acid whey) factors on the microbiological and chemical stability of lamb meat stuffing. Proximate composition and fatty acids profile, pH, water activity, lipid oxidation, color parameters, and microbiology examinations were performed in fresh meat stuffing and on the fifth day of refrigerated storage. Ultrasound treatment of the meat with whey reduced its acidity and increased the oxidative stability of fats but did not modify the water activity and color of the stuffing. Stuffing sonication did not affect the growth of LAB but reduced the number of Entereobacteriace, especially in the presence of whey and salt. The treatment of lamb meat stuffing with low-frequency and medium-intensity ultrasound assisted by the addition of acid whey and salt is a technique conducive to reducing the use of nitrates in meat technology and their consumption by consumers.
Keywords: byproduct of cheesemaking; lamb; stuffing; technological properties; ultrasound.