Effects of Organic Acids Mix and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Storage Quality of Sliced Bacon

The effects of organic acids mix (0.4%) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the storage quality of sliced bacon were investigated. Pork bellies were treated with or without organic acids at the curing stage. The organic acids mix comprised 35% sodium acetate, 25% salt, 15% calcium lactate, 11% trisodium citrate, 7% ascorbate, and 7% citric acid. The cured pork bellies were smoked and packaged with 50% $CO_2$ + 50% $N_2$ (50% $CO_2$-MAP) and 100% $N_2$ (100% $N_2$-MAP), and stored at $5^{\circ}C$ for 14 d. The 50% $CO_2$-MAP showed a higher pH value (p<0.05) up to 10 d, a lower protein deterioration (p<0.05) as measured by volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) from 6 to 14 d, and a higher color value of lightness (CIE $L^*$) compared to 100% $N_2$-MAP. The development of lipid oxidation measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values seemed to be effectively controlled throughout the storage period in both 50% $CO_2$-MAP and 100% $N_2$-MAP regardless of the application of organic acids. The 50% $CO_2$-MAP inhibited the growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (p<0.05) both in non-added and bacon added with organic acids mix. The 50% $CO_2$-MAP alone seemed to be effective in delaying the growth of bacteria since the use of organic acids mix gave no additional effects. The addition of organic acids mix lowered the pH value (p<0.05), effectively retarded the protein deterioration (p<0.05), and showed a higher color value of lightness (CIE $L^*$) value (p<0.05) and lower color value of redness (CIE $a^*$) value (p<0.05). In conclusion, 50% $CO^2$-MAP showed better quality and self-life of sliced bacon during storage. However, the beneficial effect of organic acids mix was not noticed in the concentration used in this experiment.