The present study was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of lactic acid washing and modified atmospheres packaging on the counts of on chicken legs stored at 4 °C. In experiment 1, inoculated chicken legs were washed with either 1% or 2% lactic acid solution for 5 min or distilled water (control). The treatment with 2% lactic acid reduced counts 1.42 log units after treatment (day 0). In experiment 2, inoculated samples were packaged under different conditions: air, 100%N , vacuum, 20%CO /80%N , or 40%CO /60%N . counts were higher in samples packaged under vacuum or atmospheres containing CO than in air. In experiment 3, inoculated chicken legs were washed with a 2% lactic acid solution for 5 min or distilled water (control). Samples were packaged under different conditions: air, vacuum, 20%CO /80%N , or 40%CO /60%N . counts were lower in samples treated with lactic acid than in samples non-treated. However, counts were higher in chicken legs treated with lactic acid and packaged in modified atmospheres than in those treated and packaged in air. Immersion of chicken legs in a solution containing 2% lactic acid can reduce counts on fresh chicken packaged in modified atmosphere.
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