Uma perspectiva no consumo de produtos clean label a partir do desenvolvimento de uma linguiça frescal suína orgânica com óleo essencial de alecrim

Abstract

The high synthetic additives ingestion in meat processed products has been associated to the development of some health problems such as cardiovascular diseases and some cancers, so the reduction of these additives in a diet has to be prioritized by consumers seeking a healthier way of life as well as by industries considering the rising trend in developing products bearing clean labels. In this context, this study had the main objective of evaluate the functionality of rosemary essential oil, assessing its antioxidant capacity over quality features of an organic fresh pork sausage, concerning its physical-chemical, microbiological and sensorial aspects. The consumption of organic pork meat as well as the parameters of natural and synthetic antioxidants usually used in meat products production were also discussed. The total antioxidant activity (TAA) of rosemary essencial oil, extracted from fresh organic leaves in comparison with the one extracted from dry organic leaves was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl). Four different organic pork sausages were formulated: control exempt of additives (Tc), with addition of curing salts (Tsc) and with addition of rosemary essential oil in different concentrations 0,01% (T0,01%) e 0,1% (T0,1%). The samples were stored under refrigeration and submitted to the following analysis: physical-chemical analysis of water activity, pH and 2-tiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS); microbiological analysis as determined by RDC 12/2001, as well as total heterotrophic bacteria counting, and sensorial analysis such as acceptance purchase, intent and preference tests. A consumer perception test was also carried out. The results showed that the drying operation in rosemary organic leaves adversely affected the essential oil TAA even the statistical analysis did not show significance. Evaluating the performance of rosemary essencial oil substituting traditionally used additives, it was verified that, during storage period, for the four samples, water activity and pH remained stable and in acceptable range for raw meat products. Concerning lipid oxidation results in TBARS values, there were no statistical differences in Tc and T0,1% in the fifth and last day of analysis. The four sausages were well accepted in its appearance, odor and color. Rosemary residual taste was strongly mentioned on the sample containing higher essential oil concentration (0,1%) and the sample containing lower concentration (0.01%) was chosen as the favorite one (40,63%). Product sensorial analysis, through acceptance test, has confirmed the consumer perception test suggesting the 0,01% rosemary essential oil sample as the favorite one and the leading to higher purchase intent. Furthermore, it was concluded that the demand for organic food is increasing, indicating a positive attitude toward the purchase of a fresh pork sausage with organic rosemary essential oil as a natural antioxidant.