Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Pork Loins Stored in Vacuum or Modified Atmosphere Packages

Abstract

Wholesale pork loins were either vacuum-packaged, packaged in an atmosphere of 20% CO₂ + 80% N₂ or packaged in an atmosphere of 40% CO₂ + 60% N₂. After storage, the primal cuts were evaluated visually for muscle color, fat cover appearance, off-odor, lean surface discoloration and overall appearance. Retail cuts fabricated from the wholesale loins were evaluated for surface discoloration and overall appearance during a 5-day retail display period or they were used for sensory panel evaluation. Few significant differences between packaging treatments were found during the storage period for traits evaluated on the primal cuts. Few significant differences between packaging treatments were observed for either retail display data or sensory panel evaluation.