Shelf life of Stracciatella cheese under modified-atmosphere packaging
Abstract
The aim of this work is to evaluate the shelf life of Stracciatella cheese packaged in a protective atmosphere, using 4 different CO2:N2:O2 gas mixtures [50:50:0 (M1), 95:5:0 (M2), 75:25:0 (M3), and 30:65:5 (M4) vol/vol] and stored at 8°C. Cheese in traditional tubs and under vacuum were used as the controls. Results showed that the modified-atmosphere packaging, in particular M1 and M2, delayed microbial growth of spoilage bacteria, without affecting the dairy microflora, and prolonged the sensorial acceptability limit.
Key words: Stracciatella cheese, modified-atmosphere packaging, shelf life
PII: S0022-0302(09)70352-2
doi:10.3168/jds.2008-1571
© 2009 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
