• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.54 no.3
• /
• pp.191-198
• /
• 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma system to improve microbial safety of sliced cheese. The atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) effect on visual appearance and a sensory evaluation were also carried out. The number of Escherichia coli inoculated on cheese slices decreased by 0.09, 0.47, 1.16 and 1.47 log cycles with helium (4 liters/min [lpm]) and 0.05, 0.87, 1.89 and 1.98 log cycles with He/$O_2$ mixture (4 lpm/15 standard cubic centimeters per minute), after being treated with plasma for 1, 5, 10, and 15 min, respectively. Significant reductions were also observed in Staphylococcus aureus inoculated onto cheese slices ranging from 0.05 to 0.45 log cycles with He and from 0.08 to 0.91 log cycles with He/$O_2$-treated samples, respectively. Adding oxygen resulted in a significant increase in inactivation of both pathogens. No visible change in the plasma-treated cheese slices was observed even though the instrumental analysis showed a significant decrease in the $L^*$-value and an increase in the $b^*$-value. The cheese slices were damaged after 10 and 15 min of plasma treatment. In addition, significant reductions in sensory quality including flavor, odor, and acceptability of plasma-treated cheese slices were observed. The results indicate that the DBD plasma system has potential for use in sanitizing food products, although the effect was limited. Further development of the APP system is necessary for industrial use.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
• /
• v.14 no.5
• /
• pp.694-697
• /
• 2005

The objectives of this study were to compare the quality changes of cheese slices individually packed in four kinds of edible pouches in order to select the most suitable variety for individual packaging. The edible Z2 pouch (zein with oleic acid) was selected as maintaining the best cheese qualities based on the physical and microbiological changes undergone by the samples over 4-week storage at $5^{\circ}C$. The cheese sample individually packed in Z2 inner edible pouch and repacked in a plastic (OPP/LLDPE) outer pouch was not significantly different in physical and microbiological changes from that individually packed in a plastic (OPP/LLDPE) inner pouch and repacked in a plastic (OPP/LLDPE) outer pouch. Therefore, it may be concluded on the basis of the physical and microbiological evidence that the Z2 edible pouch can be used as an inner package for cheese slices when it is inside a plastic outer pouch.

• Journal of Consumption Culture
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.67-90
• /
• 2012

When consumers choose healthy foods, they base their buying decisions on health-related food labeling and quality assessment of taste, health, and price. Moreover, both purchase experience and opinions of family and friends affect consumer choices. Focusing on these points, this study examined the effects of health-related food labeling on consumer choices by adding two variables-quality assessment of taste, health, and price and purchase experience-to the model of the theory of planned behavior. We also used structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses. In the study, health-related food labeling includes organic labeling, nutrient claims, and food additive labeling. We conducted a mail survey among 300 married women who buy cheese slices for their children more than once a month. It was discovered that health-related food labeling positively affected the level of quality assessment of taste, health, and price, and consequently led to positive attitudes and purchase intentions. Particularly, health-related food labeling positively influenced attitude toward using products without assessing the quality of taste, health, and price. The level of quality assessment of price positively affected attitude toward using and purchasing products, and purchase experience positively affected attitude toward using and purchasing products, and purchase intentions. The relationship between attitude to purchasing products and purchase intentions was the most positive, and the relationship between perceived behavioral control and purchase intentions was not significant. Overall, this study essentially contributes to the development of a theoretical framework of food labeling and consumer choices, which includes quality assessment of taste, health, and price and purchase experience, by using the theory of planned behavior.