Determination of optimal storage condition for pre-packed Hanwoo loin

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal storage condition of pre-packed Hanwoo beef without freezing. Hanwoo loin was purchased from a local distributor at 48 h after slaughter, then sliced in 1.5±0.5 cm thickness, and packed in a polyethylene (PE) tray covered with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) film. The studied factors to set the optimal storage condition were chamber temperature (5, 2.5 and -1°C for 14 d), cooling method (direct and indirect cooling system), and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation for beef surface sterilization (0, 30, 60, and 120 min). The changes of pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and number of aerobic bacteria were measured during storage. Beef samples stored in -1°C showed the minimal increasing rate in TBARS and microbial growth. After 15 d of storage, there was no significant difference in pH and TBARS values. However, the microbial population of beef stored in direct type cooling chamber (4.25±0.66 Log CFU/g) was significantly lower than that of beef stored in indirect type chamber (6.47±0.08 Log CFU/g) (p<0.05). After 4 d of storage, 60 or 120 min UV light irradiated beef samples showed significantly lower microbial population, and at 14 d of storage, 60 min UV irradiated beef sample showed significantly lower microbial population (3.14±0.43 Log CFU/g) than control (4.46±0.13 Log CFU/g) (p<0.05). However, TBARS values of 60 or 120 min UV light irradiated beef samples were significantly higher than non-irradiated beef sample after 4 d of storage (p<0.05).