Changes in Microflora and Other Characteristics of Vacuum-packaged Pork Loins irradiated at 3.0 kGy

ABSTRACT Effects of 3.0‐kGy irradiation on microflora and other attributes of fresh, vacuum‐packaged pork loins were examined during storage (2–4°C, 98 days) and mishandling (24–25°C, 24 and 48 hr). Shelf life of pork chops from irradiated loins was determined at 5°C. Irradiated loins kept at 2–4°C tested negative for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus. Yersinia spp. was detected in pork chops held at 5°C; this organism, C. perfringens and Aeromonas spp. were present in abused samples. In two irradiated samples Listeria monocytogenes was found. Irradiation reduced aerobic, anaerobic and Aeromonas spp. counts; lactobacilli were least affected. Chemical spoilage began after 91 days at 2–4°C. With irradiation, TBA values were unaffected but Hunter a color values increased.