Extension of the display life of lamb with an antioxidant active packaging

Fresh lamb steaks were treated with three different preparations of natural antioxidants: one group was packaged with a rosemary active film, the second group was packaged with an oregano active film, and the third group was sprayed on the meat surface with a rosemary extract before packaging in a high-oxygen atmosphere. Samples were stored under illumination at 1 ± 1 °C for 13 days. Metmyoglobin formation, lipid oxidation (TBARS), instrumental colour (CIE a∗), psychrotrophic bacterial counts (PCA), sensory discolouration and off-odour were determined. The use of a rosemary extract, a rosemary active film or an oregano active film resulted in enhanced oxidative stability of lamb steaks. Active films with oregano were significantly more efficient than those with rosemary, exerting an effect similar to that of direct addition of the rosemary extract; in fact, they extended fresh odour and colour from 8 to 13 days compared to the control.