Open Access
Combined effects of ozone and freeze-drying on the shelf-life of Broiler chicken meat
(Elsevier, 2016) Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Zouaghi, Ferdaous; Pérez Arnedo, María Irache; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia
The effects of ozone on the shelf-life extension of freeze-dried chicken meat fillets stored at 21 ± 1 C were investigated. The samples were exposed to gaseous ozone with three ozone concentrations of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.72 ppm during 10, 30, 60 and 120 min. The shelf-life of the ozonated freeze-dried chicken meat samples was determined using both microbiological and sensory analyses during 8 months of storage. Ozone and lyophilisation (Combined treatments) were shown to be valid in retarding the growth of most microbial groups from the first month of storage. High microbial counts were found in frozen meat from month 6 onwards, with total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB) counts above 7 log cfu/g and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts above 5 log cfu/g, whereas decreases of 6.8 and 4.77 log cfu/g for TAMB and LAB counts were reported in combined treated samples when compared with untreated meat (frozen meat). Also, 3.26 and 1.41-log reductions were observed with respect to non-ozonated freeze-dried meat (trt-0). Regarding sensory characteristics, the combined use of ozone and lyophilisation would be useful in extending the shelf-life of raw chicken breast meat up to 8 months, whilst the samples treated only with lyophilisation showed a 4 month shelf-life.
Open Access
Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on quality and shelf-life of partially dehydrated red bell pepper
(ISHS, 2015) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Open Access
Prevalence, identification and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. isolated from poultry and pork meat
(Wiley, 2024) Martínez-Laorden, Alba; Arraiz-Fernández, Celia; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; González-Fandos, Elena; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. in chicken, duck, quail, turkey and pork meat, including the antibiotic resistance of isolated strains. A total of 184 meat samples were collected from different retailers in La Rioja (Spain). The presence of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes were detected in 24.46% and 10.32% of the meat samples respectively. L. monocytogenes was the predominant Listeria spp. found in chicken, quail and pork meat, while L. innocua and L. welshimeri were the predominant species in duck and turkey meat respectively. A total of thirty-three strains (55.93%) of Listeria spp. were found to be multi-resistant (resistant to ≥3 families of antibiotics). The highest multi-resistant rates were observed in L. monocytogenes (73.68%) and L. innocua (70.59%), followed by L. ivanovii (50%). Resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were found in L. monocytogenes strains isolated from chicken, being of special concern, since these antibiotics are used in the treatment of listeriosis. Special measures should be taken to reduce meat contamination such as adequate handling, correct preparation (cooking) and cleaning and disinfection in order to avoid cross-contamination.
Open Access
Influence of acid adaptation on the probability of germination of Clostridium sporogenes spores against pH, NaCl and time
(MDPI, 2020) Valero, Antonio; Olagüe Ramos, Elena; Medina Pradas, Eduardo; Garrido Fernández, Antonio; Romero Gil, Verónica; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; García Gimeno, Rosa María; Pérez Rodríguez, Fernando; Posada Izquierdo, Guiomar Denisse; Arroyo López, Francisco Noé; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
The Clostridium sp. is a large group of spore-forming, facultative or strictly anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria that can produce food poisoning. The table olive industry is demanding alternative formulations to respond to market demand for the reduction of acidity and salt contents in final products. while maintaining the appearance of freshness of fruits. In this work, logistic regression models for non-adapted and acid-adapted Clostridium sp. strains were developed in laboratory medium to study the influence of pH, NaCl (%) and time on the probability of germination of their spores. A Clostridium sporogenes cocktail was not able to germinate at pH <5.0, although the adaptation of the strains produced an increase in the probability of germination at 5.0-5.5 pH levels and 6% NaCl concentration. At acidic pH values (5.0), the adapted strains germinated after 10 days of incubation, while those which were non-adapted required 15 days. At pH 5.75 and with 4% NaCl, germination of the adapted strains took place before 7 days, while several replicates of the non-adapted strains did not germinate after 42 days of storage. The model was validated in natural green olive brines with good results (>81.7% correct prediction cases). The information will be useful for the industry and administration to assess the safety risk in the formulation of new processing conditions in table olives and other fermented vegetables.
Open Access
Effects of gaseous O3 and modified atmosphere packaging on the quality and shelf-life of partially dehydrated ready-to-eat pepper strips
(Springer, 2015-05-26) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
The efficacy of gaseous O3 (0.7 µl.l-1, 3 min) together with different modified atmospheres (5/5 and 10/5 kPa O2/kPa CO2, respectively) was investigated for extending the shelf-life of partially dehydrated red pepper strips stored at 8 ± 1 ºC. Changes in gas composition inside the packages, physicochemical, nutritional, sensory and microbiological quality were periodically evaluated. The best results were obtained in the O3-treated samples stored under a modified atmosphere of 5 kPa O2/5 kPa CO2. In effect, the reduction in the pH, the loss of lightness, red color and firmness and microbial growth were greater and were detected earlier in the control samples and in those peppers stored with 10 kPa O2. Based on these results, the shelf-life of the peppers held in 10 kPa O2/5 kPa CO2 was 42 days, whereas packing the peppers with 5 kPa O2/5 kPa CO2 extended the shelf-life of the samples up to 59 days. Thus, the combination of O3, partial dehydration and modified atmosphere packaging could be effective in maintaining the quality and extending the shelf-life of ready-to-eat partially dehydrated pepper strips.
Open Access
Study of modified atmosphere packaging on the quality of ozonated freeze-dried chicken meat
(Elsevier, 2016) Zouaghi, Ferdaous; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions on the physicochemical and sensory properties of ozonated freeze-dried chicken meat stored at 21 ± 1 °C for 28 days. To this end, 14 MAP treatments were performed to obtain the most suitable packaging atmosphere.High concentrations of O2in MAP promoted loss of redness and increased the pH values. Moreover, when the concentration of CO2in MAP was more than 40%, high values of textural parameters and low scores of sensory hardness and chewiness were achieved. The 20%CO2/80%N2 gas combination was found to be the most effective treatment for best maintaining the physicochemical and sensory quality of ozonated dried chicken samples similar to that of raw meat.
Open Access
Effects of ozonation on the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of virgin and pomace olive oils
(Wiley, 2025-05-22) Domínguez-Lacueva, Paula; Corella Guillamón, Paula; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Ozonated olive oils are recognized for their remarkable antimicrobial properties. The reaction between ozone (O3) and unsaturated fatty acids leads to the formation of bactericidal compounds (ozonides, aldehydes, and peroxides) with valuable applications. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation into the effects of a wide range of ozone exposure durations (from 0 to 48 h) on the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of both virgin olive oil (VOO) and pomace olive oil (POO), along with a thorough statistical analysis of the correlation between ozone dose and these parameters. The physicochemical indicators, including fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) composition, peroxide index, acidity index, iodine value, and viscosity, were measured at ozonation doses ranging from 0 to 1 mol O3. Significant changes were observed with increasing ozonation time, including a 69% and 46% reduction in oleic acid content, as well as increased peroxide values of 1255.2 mEq O₂/kg and 1878.8 mEq O₂/kg for VOO and POO, respectively. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli (STCC 45), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (STCC 109), and Staphylococcus aureus (STCC 239), with the highest inhibition observed against S. aureus (22.68 mm with POO at 48 h and 1 mol O3). PCA analysis identified three groups: low ozone doses (0–0.08 mol O₃) associated with higher iodine values; intermediate doses (0.16–0.5 mol O₃) linked to increased peroxide, acidity, viscosity, and antimicrobial activity; while high doses (1 mol O₃) provided no further benefits, suggesting that moderate doses are sufficient for effective antimicrobial activity. These findings highlight the potential of ozonated olive oils for novel applications in the food industry.
Open Access
Efecto de la maduración en la conservación de la carne de potro
(Asociación Interprofesional para el Desarrollo Agrario, 2018) Ruiz Darbonnens, Marta; Beriain Apesteguía, María José; Insausti Barrenetxea, Kizkitza; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Sarriés Martínez, María Victoria; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Para el desarrollo del presente estudio, se investigó el efecto de la maduración del músculo Longissimus dorsi (LD), por un lado como pieza entera y por otro lado tras el fileteado, sobre los parámetros de calidad de la carne de potro. Se emplearon músculos madurados 24 horas en la canal procedentes de ocho potros quincenos de raza Burguete. Cada lomo se dividió en dos partes iguales. Una parte no fue madurada, y la segunda fue madurada 7 días. Posteriormente, ambas partes fueron fileteadas y los filetes fueron conservados durante 9 días en bandejas cubiertas con film permeable al oxígeno en un expositor. No hubo interacción entre la maduración en el lomo y el tiempo de conservación posterior del filete. Los valores de textura fueron bajos desde el comienzo siendo considerada 'tierna'. Debido a la maduración, el enrojecimiento (a*) fue intenso y el contenido de metamioglobina fue bajo, pero la oxidación de los lípidos y la degradación del olor aumentaron. Cuando la maduración se llevó a cabo en filete, el tiempo de conservación y la atmósfera rica en oxígeno hicieron que la carne de potro se deteriorara rápidamente. La oxidación de los lípidos y la mioglobina y la degradación del color aumentaron día a día. Además, cuanto más tiempo estuvo expuesta la carne al oxígeno, peores fueron las valoraciones de color y olor sensorial de la carne de potro. El tiempo de conservación de la carne de potro fue inferior a 3 días, siendo el color característico el factor limitante.
Open Access
Development of a new fresh-like product from 'Lamuyo' red bell peppers using hurdle technology
(Elsevier, 2013-01-01) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
A new, fresh-like product from "Lamuyo" red bell peppers has been developed by combining partial dehydration and modified atmosphere packaging. The effects of different processing and storage conditions on the quality and shelf life of the partially dehydrated peppers were studied. Neither chlorine nor blanching treatments affected the quality of the dehydrated product. The best results were obtained with peppers cut in eight longitudinal strips (2e3 cm width), washed with tap water and dried for 6 h at 80 C and 10% RH. After this treatment, peppers did not need to be rehydrated for consumption. Whereas N2 and air-packed samples were spoiled after 5 and 10 d of storage at 8 C, respectively, an atmosphere with 3 ml/100 ml O2 and 5 ml/100 ml CO2 yielded the best results during the storage period. Under these conditions, all the physicochemical parameters studied remained stable and the ready-to-eat pepper strips were found to keep good aroma, visual quality and global impression. At the same time, the shelflife was extended up to 18 days at 8 1 C, limited mainly by fungal growth and the development of offodors inside the packages.
Open Access
Evaluation of different nutritional sources in lactic acid bacteria fermentation for sustainable postbiotic production
(MDPI, 2025-02-14) Garrote Achou, Chajira Camila; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Díaz Cano, Jesús; Molinos Equiza, Xabier ; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
In recent years, interest in postbiotics has grown due to their potential health benefits and applications in food systems. This study evaluated various nutritional sources for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation to enhance postbiotic production. Three LAB strains were tested: Pediococcus acidilactici CECT 9879 (PA), Weissella cibaria CECT 30731 (WC), and Lactococcus lactis CECT 30734 (LL). Fermentation experiments assessed bacterial growth, pH levels, and antibacterial activity against E. coli using different carbon and nitrogen sources. Fructose and xylose significantly improved growth in WC (9.39 ± 0.16 log CFU/mL) and LL (9.37 ± 0.22 log CFU/mL) compared to glucose. Ribose enhanced antimicrobial activity in PA (41.67 ± 2.89%) and WC (50.00 ± 0.00%) relative to glucose. Additionally, plant-based nitrogen sources, such as soy (LL: 8.93 ± 0.12 log CFU/mL and 81.67 ± 2.89%) and wheat (WC: 9.40 ± 0.17 log CFU/mL and 65.00 ± 0.00%), along with microbial sources like yeast (PA: 9.57 ± 0.12 log CFU/mL and 40.00 ± 0.00%), effectively supported growth and antibacterial activity. These findings highlight the potential of developing animal-free fermentation media that meet nutritional, safety, and sustainability criteria while making a significant contribution to the optimization of postbiotic production.