Effects of starter cultures on the quality traits of electron beam irradiated fermented meat during aging

The microbiological and physicochemical properties of irradiated (2 kGy) or non-irradiated fermented meats processed with or without a commercial starter culture were evaluated during fermentation and aging. The pH of irradiated (2 kGy) fermented meats with starter cultures dramatically decreased during fermentation and aging (p<0.05), and the final pH was 4.25. The total aerobic counts and lactic acid bacteria counts reflected the addition of the starter culture. As the fermentation progressed, the total aerobic counts closely paralleled the lactic acid bacteria counts. The TBARS values of irradiated fermented meats increased regardless of the treatment during fermentation and aging. These results show that the irradiated (electron-beam) meat/fat resulted in the reduction of the total microbes and survives lactic acid bacteria. The use of starter cultures in meat batters post-irradiation may be useful for the production of fermented meats.