Microflora and Color of Ground Beef in Gas Exchange Modified Atmosphere Packaging with Abusive Display Temperatures

Abstract

ABSTRACT Gas exchange modified atmosphere packaging (GEMAP) with display gas of 80% O 2 :20% CO 2 retarded microbial growth and improved color stability of ground beef patties compared with vacuum packaging (VP) followed by air‐permeable polyvinylchloride (PVC) overwrapping during 3 d of retail display. Predominant microorganisms for GEMAP were Pseudomonas, Yersinia, Aeromonas , and Enterobacter and for VP‐PVC were Pseudomonas, Brochothrix, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Moraxella , and Lactobacillus. Lower levels of pathogens were isolated in GEMAP samples with 7 °C than 15 °C display temperature. Patties were darker (lower L *) with those with 15 °C than with 7 °C display and redder (higher a *) in GEMAP than VP‐PVC. Good manufacturing practices should be followed with MAP meat to reduce the risk of pathogenic microbial growth.