Effect of autoclaving and irradiation on microbiological safety and quality of ready-to-eat bulgogi

Abstract

This study compared the effects of autoclaving (AC; 121°C for 15 min), gamma (GR), and electron beam irradiation (EB; 0-20 kGy) on the microbial, physicochemical, and sensory properties of ready-to-eat bulgogi during storage at 35°C for 90 d. No viable cells were observed (p<0.05) upon AC, GR or EB at more than 15 kGy. However, adverse effects such as tenderization and deterioration of sensory properties were induced in bulgogi upon AC and high dose irradiation. Especially, the hardness and sensory qualities (texture and taste) of the AC-treated samples were extremely deteriorated (p<0.05). These results indicate that use of GR and EB (15 kGy) can ensure the microbial safety of bulgogi without compromising the hardness and sensory properties (texture, taste and flavor).