• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.165-170
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• 2010

Although the demand of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods such as Kimbab is growing, large quantities and wide distribution of these foods is difficult due to their short shelf-life, exposed packaging with hygienic risk, and decreased quality at refrigerator temperatures. This study was undertaken to develop preservation and storage methods to extend the shelf-life of RTE rice products using microwave and packaging methods such as vacuum and modified atmosphere packages. RTE rice ball samples inoculated with Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus or Bacillus cereus were microwave treated for 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 seconds. Populations of pathogens on the rice balls were significantly reduced with an increase in treatment time. There were more than 5 log reductions of all pathogens when the samples were microwave treated for 60 seconds. RTE rice balls inoculated with two pathogens (S. aureus and B. cereus) were packaged via air, vacuum, $N_2$ gas, and $CO_2$ gas following microwave treatment for 90 seconds. The initial S. aureus and B. cereus concentration before treatment was 7.60 and 6.59 log CFU/g, and these levels were reduced by 3.37 and 2.18 log CFU/g after microwave treatment. The levels of pathogens were significantly increased during storage time at room temperature. $CO_2$ packaging was the most effective at inhibiting microbial growth among the tested packaging methods. The levels of total mesophilic count, S. aureus and B. cereus after 5 days of storage were 7.7, 8.8 and 9.3 log CFU/g in air packaged samples and 2.4, 3.2 and 8.3 log CFU/g in $CO_2$ gas packaged samples, respectively. However, after 3 days of storage higher levels of B. cereus were observed in all samples, indicating that the samples were not safe to be consumed. Base on these results, microwave treatment and MAP packaging methods using $CO_2$ gas could be used as a potential method for extending the shelf-life of RTE foods.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.176-183
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• 2008

This study examined the anti-microbiological effects of chlorine treatment on the surface of fresh fruits, in order to improve microbiological safety in school foodservice operations. Non-peeled fruit(strawberries) and peeled fruit(bananas) were treated with different concentrations of chlorinated water and rinsing numbers, followed by microbiological testing. The fruits were immersed at different concentrations of chlorinated water(0 ppm, 50 ppm, and 100 ppm) and durations(3 min and 5 min), and were then rinsed with tap water(one time, two times, or three times). The total viable cell counts of both the strawberries and bananas ranged from $10^3$ CFU/g to $10^4$ CFU/g, and coliform levels ranged from $10^2$ CFU/g to $10^3$ CFU/g. As the chlorine concentration, immersion time, and rinsing number increased, anti-microbiological activity increased. The largest microbial reduction was shown with immersion for 5 min in 100 ppm chlorinated water and three rinsings. In the strawberries, this treatment reduced the initial population of total viable cells and coliforms by 3.29 log CFU/g and to an undetectable level, respectively, no total viable cells or coliforms were detected on the banana surface following this treatment. However, after a sterilization treatment with immersion for 5 min in 50 ppm chlorinated water and three rinsings, the total viable cell counts and coliform counts of the strawberries and bananas decreased to acceptable levels, based on the microbiological standards for ready-to-eat foods. Overall, it was shown that the sterilization treatment of 50 ppm chlorinated water, soaking for 5 min, and three rinsings provided an effective reduction in surface microbes, and enhanced the microbiological safety of the fruit.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.200-203
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• 2009

The risk ranking of food groups included the Korea Food Code is a potentially powerful means to prioritize food safety management strategies. Although the interest in risk ranking of food groups has been increasing worldwide, there was, until recently, no standard system in Korea for the risk ranking of food groups. This study was conducted to rank food groups using theoretically estimated comparative risk scores of 101 food groups included the Korea Food Code. These scores were estimated using the risk evaluation model, which focuses on 3 aspects, namely, exposure assessment, severity assessment, and consumption part. The results of this study revealed that the risk was the highest in the case of ready-to-eat (RTE) food items, followed by fish products and breads. Using this ranking system, we can identify the food with high risk scores and design risk management strategies targeted specifically at these items.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 2009

Contamination levels of aerobic colony counts, coliforms and pathogenic bacteria were tested in fried rice dishes to monitor quality for risk management. The prevalence of Bacillus cereus in dishes from 8 Chinese-style restaurants and 2 institutional foodservices was 10%, and the bacteria's contamination levels was 3.47 log CFU/g. Echerichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella were not detected in any of the 10 samples. However, for their aerobic colony counts and numbers of isolated coliforms, the samples were 30% and 70% over the microbial criteria, respectively, for ready-to-eat foods presented in the Korean Food Code. This suggests that fried rice dishes, although cooked with oil at high temperature, require special care. For the prediction of the growth curve of B. cereus spp. in the fried rice samples, an experiment design of 3 storage temperatures ($7^{\circ}C$, $35^{\circ}C$, $57^{\circ}C$) x 5 storage times (0 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 24 h) was applied. The sample exposed to $35^{\circ}C$ showed no B. cereus spp. at 0 h; however, there was a tendency of slow growth (1.0 log CFU/g) after 4 hours of storage and then faster growth at 6 h (3.7 log CFU/g) and 12 h (4.7 log CFU/g), showing a growth rate of 0.56 log CFU/g/hr. These results indicate that fried rice, despite being heat-treated, can become heavily contaminated with B. cereus spp. when held over 2 hours at room temperature. However, the samples stored at $7^{\circ}C$ and $57^{\circ}C$ over 24 hours were not contaminated with B. cereus. Based on these results, management guidelines for controlling B. cereus are suggested.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.468-476
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• 2020

We aimed to analyze the microbiological quality of the ready-to-eat (RTE) side dishes collected from traditional markets, supermarkets, and cafeterias in Gyeonggi-do in 2019. A total of 108 samples were analyzed for total aerobic bacterial counts, coliforms and foodborne pathogens depending on place of purchase and cooking methods. Results show that Bacillus cereus was detected in 14 (12.9%) out of 108 samples of side dishes, while no other foodborne pathogens were detected. The mean detected level (range) of total aerobic bacteria depending on place of purchase was 5.8 log CFU/g (3.0 to 8.2 log CFU/g) for traditional markets, 4.3 log CFU/g (2.4 to 7.8 log CFU/g) for supermarkets, and 3.80 log CFU/g (0.0 to 6.8 log CFU/g) for cafeterias, indicating that there was a significant (P<0.05) difference in total aerobic bacterial counts among places of purchase. Among the samples, the highest counts of total aerobic bacteria and coliforms were detected in saengchae (raw vegetables), followed by namul (seasoned herbs, vegetables), bokkeum (stir-fried foods), and jorim (foods cooked in soy sauce). The growth of total aerobic bacteria in seasoned soybean sprouts was inhibited when the sprouts were stored at 4℃ up to 24 h, whereas bacteria rapidly grew at 20 and 35℃ after 3 and 6 h, respectively. These results reveal that storage temperature might play a significant role for the microbiological quality of seasoned soybean sprouts when they are sold in markets. Thus, this study suggests that RTE side dishes should be stored at refrigerated temperature when being sold at markets as well as after purchasing to improve their microbiological quality.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.501-512
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• 2017

This study analyzed changes in nutrient contents of children's favorite foods between March 2010 and July 2012 after policy implementation on energy-dense and nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods based on Special Act on Safety Control of Children's Dietary Life in Korea. A total of 6,684 products in the list of children's favorite foods by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in March 2010 and 7,347 products in July 2012 were classified into the following three types: food products (1) manufactured or sold in 2012 as well as 2010 (n=6,174), (2) discontinued in 2012 (n=510), and (3) newly introduced in 2012 (n=1,173). Among children's favorite foods manufactured or sold in 2012 as well as 2010 (n=6,174), calories and key nutrients in sweetened ices, breads, ice creams, deep-fried noodles/noodles, ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, and pizzas were improved in comparison to those in the other food groups. However, most of the changes in calories or key nutrient contents per 100 g (or 100 mL) fell below 1 kcal or 1 g. The newly introduced candies, breads, and carbonated beverages showed slightly greater improvements in calories and key nutrient contents per 100 g (or 100 mL) than the discontinued ones in 2012. On the other hand, some negative changes were found in newly introduced chocolates and RTE foods in comparison to the discontinued ones. Overall, policy implementation on EDNP foods seemed to induce changes in nutrient contents of children's favorite foods, yet the extent of the changes was limited.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.319-331
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• 1998

The purposes of this study were to develop Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan applicable to cook/chilled Pork Bulkogi (broiled sliced pork with sauces) in school foodservice operations and to establish reasonable shelf-life limits by assessing food quality during chilled storage period of 5 days. During the product flow, time-temperature profile was recorded and microbiological analyses including mesophilic and psychrotrophic total plate counts, coliform, and fecal coliform and qualitative analyses of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes were done. Chemical analyses (pH, acid value, total volatile basic nitrogen), sensory evaluation, and quantitative analysis of thiamin were conducted for 5 days of chilled storage. The number of mesophiles in raw pork ($4.26{\pm}0.11\;Log\;CFU/g$), seasoning mixture ($5.97{\pm}O.04\;Log\;CFU/g$) and marinated pork ($5.56{\pm}0.21\;Log\;CFU/g$) were below the microbial standards for "requires further cooking" food items. Listeria monocytogenes was detected in seasoning mixture. After heating, the number of mesophiles ($5.17{\pm}0.04\;Log\;CFU/g$) were slightly reduced but it did not meet the microbial guidelines of $5\;Log\;CFU/g$ for "ready-to-eat" foods. No other microbes including pathogens were detected. By reheating the menu item after chilled storage, the number of mesophiles were reduced in every phase of 1st day ($4.62{\pm}0.22\;Log\;CFU/g$), 3rd day ($4.55{\pm}0.20\;Log\;CFU/g$) and 5th day ($4.25{\pm}0.16\;Log\;CFU/g$) of chilled storage, and the number of microbes was below the standard limits for "ready-to-eat" foods. At the fifth day of chilled storage, pH (p<0.05), acid value (p<0.01) and TVBN (p<0.05) showed significant increases. Sensory evaluation results did not show any significant change for 5 days of chilled storage. Thiamin content showed a decrease for 5 days of chilled storage. Consequently, the ideal shelflife recommended for Pork Bulkogi was within 3 days of chilled storage. CCPs for Pork Bulkogi were purchasing and receiving of raw meat and some seasoning ingredients, heating, chilling, chilled storage, reheating, and distribution.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.504-518
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• 2017

Purpose: The objective of this study was to develop a processed foods database (DB) for estimation of processed food intake in the Korean population using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Analytical values of processed foods were collected from food composition tables of national institutions (Development Institute, Rural Development Administration), the US Department of Agriculture, and previously reported scientific journals. Missing or unavailable values were substituted, calculated, or imputed. The nutrient data covered 14 nutrients, including energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. The processed food DB covered a total of 4,858 food items used in the KNHANES. Each analytical value per food item was selected systematically based on the priority criteria of data sources. Results: Level 0 DB was developed based on a list of 8,785 registered processed foods with recipes of ready-to-eat processed foods, one food composition table published by the national institution, and nutrition facts obtained directly from manufacturers or indirectly via web search. Level 1 DB included information of 14 nutrients, and missing or unavailable values were substituted, calculated, or imputed at level 2. Level 3 DB evaluated the newly constructed nutrient DB for processed foods using the 2013 KNHANES. Mean intakes of total food and processed food were 1,551.4 g (males 1,761.8 g, females 1,340.8 g) and 129.4 g (males 169.9 g, females 88.8 g), respectively. Processed foods contributed to nutrient intakes from 5.0% (fiber) to 12.3% (protein) in the Korean population. Conclusion: The newly developed nutrient DB for processed foods contributes to accurate estimation of nutrient intakes in the Korean population. Consistent and regular update and quality control of the DB is needed to obtain accurate estimation of usual intakes using data from the KNHANES.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.261-270
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• 2020

The application of color retention agents (3 items), preservatives (17 items), and bleaching agents (6 items) as food additives in processed foods were investigated by food type. Among color retention agents, sodium nitrite was used the most with 257 cases, mainly in seasoned jeoktal (71.21%), ready-to-eat foods (7.78%), and breads (4.87%). Of the benzoates (1,236 cases) used as a preservative, sodium benzoate showed up most, in 1,215 cases, while 81.16% of these were in beverages such as beverage base (39.51%), mixed beverages (22.47%), and ginseng/red ginseng beverages (8.89%). Grapefruit seed extracts (3,291 cases) were applied to 44 types of processed foods such as sauces (54.65%), liquid tea (10.46%), and other products (5.15%). Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate (2,957 cases) was applied to products (total 96.44%) such as sauces (92.15%), blended soy sauce (2.77%), and pickled foods (1.52%). Potassium sorbate was applied to a total of 789 cases, mainly pickled foods (40.43%) and processed fishery products (47.15%). All 27 cases of sorbic acid were applied to fish paste (100%). Of the bleaching agents, sodium bisulfite and sodium hydrosulfite were mainly used in confectioneries, breads or rice cakes, and potassium metabisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sulfur dioxide were mainly found in alcoholic beverages including fruit wine, while sodium sulfite was mostly used in pickled foods. These results are deemed useful in applying food additives to processed foods.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2005

The radio-sensitivity of pathogens and the effect of irradiation on microbiologican safety and mutagenicity of meat products such as seasoned and cooked beef and ham were investigated. Samples were radiation-sterilized and inoculated at 10/sup 7/ cfu/g with each of the four pathogens including Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Staphylcoccus aureus, and Listeria ivanovii. No viable cells of pathogens were observed in the sample irradiated with 3 kGy. The D/sub 10/ value of inoculated pathogens in seasoned and cooked beef and ham were 0.24∼0.48 and 0.39∼0.45, respectively. Results of Ames test performed with non-irradiated and irradiated seasoned and cooked beef and ham were both negative at the level of 625, 1,250, 2,500, 50,000, and! 10,000 ㎍ sample/plate, respectively. Results indicate that low dose (2∼3 kGy) irradiation is effective to ensure safety for seasoned and cooked beef and ham with toxicological wholesomeness.