Evaluation of natural preservatives in combination with acid whey for use in fermented sausage

ABSTRACT Natural antioxidant and antimicrobial systems are set to become an important component in food preservation methodology. The effect of alternative natural preservatives (Sinapis alba L.-M, Rosmarinus officinalis L.-R, Juniperus communis L.-J) in combination with acid whey (AW) was investigated after the ripening period (21d) and over a prolonged storage period of sausage. An antioxidant activity of extracts exercise was performed. The antimicrobial, oxidative stability and sensory properties of these natural preservatives were compared to curing-control (C). Significantly lower rancid odor and rancid flavor (1.48) were observed for R and M compared with the C sample. The low level of these attributes evidenced the antioxidant properties of the R sample, which confirmed the lower CD (&126;0.48-0.48 µmol mg−1) and TBARS values (&126;0.41-1.02 mg MDA kg−1) during sausage storing and the highest antioxidant activity against ABTS+ radicals (&126;85.45 %). Incorporation of acid whey with rosemary extract will give the product a threefold effect&58; high quality (sensory acceptance), healthy benefit (elimination of nitrite and nitrate from meat products) and safety (improved microbiological and oxidative stability).