The effects of gelatin-carboxymethyl cellulose (Gel-CMC) based films containing chitin nano fiber (CHNF) and Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (Ajowan), on the shelf life extension of the raw beef at refrigerated temperature (4 °C) over a 12-day period were evaluated. Ajowan essential oil (AJEO) and CHNF were added to the films at 0.24, 0.64 and 1% v/v; and 2 and 4 wt%, respectively. The microbiological (total viable count, psychrotrophic count, Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, lactic acid bacteria, molds and yeasts), the chemical (pH, thiobarbituric acid and total volatile basic nitrogen), color and sensory properties of the packaged samples were evaluated periodically. Bacteria grew the most quickly in the control samples, followed by those wrapped with the Gel-CMC films; The lowest microbial counts, the least change in the chemical properties and the highest sensory scores after 12 days of storage were obtained for the samples wrapped in the films incorporated with 1% AJEO and 4 wt% CHNF.
Keywords: Antimicrobial films; Chemical analysis; Chitin nano fiber; Raw beef; Trachyspermum ammi essential oil.
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