Strategies to reduce sodium levels in European seabass sausages

Anabel Estévez, Carolina Camacho, Tatiana Correia, Vera Barbosa, António Marques, Helena Lourenço, Carmo Serrano, Margarida Sapata, Maria Paula Duarte, Carla Pires, Amparo Gonçalves, Maria Leonor Nunes, Helena Oliveira

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Considering the increasing demand towards “ready-to-cook” processed seafood products, recognised as being potential contributors to high sodium (Na) intake by consumers, this study aimed to assess the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) reduction on physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) sausages stored in chilling conditions during 5 weeks. Three formulations were tested in comparison with a control (100% NaCl, CTR): (i) 50% NaCl+50% ME (oleoresins microcapsules) (F1); (ii) 50% NaCl+50% KCl (F2); and (iii) only 50% NaCl (F3). The NaCl reduction mainly affected the texture and the salty taste, resulting in softer and perceived as less salty sausages after processing. However, hardness differences disappeared after 5 weeks. It seems that an antioxidant protection was obtained in sausages formulated with oleoresins microcapsules. No or low growth of psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria was observed (≤2.40 log CFU/g). Decreasing NaCl content and/or partially replacing it (50%) by KCl or oleoresins microcapsules seem to be suitable solutions to reduce Na (30.9–36.3%) levels, while maintaining the chilled sausages quality for 5 weeks. The partial replacement of NaCl by KCl also allows obtaining a product richer in K (997.2 mg/100 g), which ingestion may contribute for a cardiovascular protective effect.

Original languageEnglish
Article number112262
JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology
Volume153
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2021

Keywords

  • European seabass
  • Oleoresins microcapsules
  • Potassium chloride (KCl)
  • Sausages' quality
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Sodium chloride (NaCl)

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