Desenvolvimento e aplicação do teste desafio em refrigerante de laranja adicionado de concentrado de cenoura e maçã

Abstract

Nowadays consumer desired healthy foods that promote benefits and free from food additives. The chemical composition of soft drinks, artificial colors and preservative, may pose a risk to consumer health due to the possibility of benzene formation, a recognized carcinogenic agent in humans and the association between artificial colors, allergic reactions and DNA damage. In this study, an orange soda formula containing the preservatives sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate with carrot and apple concentrate was developed. In parallel, we developed a standard formula containing tartrazine and sunset yellow. Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analysis of formulas were carried out during the storage period of 150 days. It was observed that there were no changes in physicochemical parameters. However, the colorimetric analysis revealed a short shelf life in the sample containing the carrot and apple concentrate. Regarding microbiology, both formulations were according to regulation by public health agencies. The yeasts and molds counts presented 1 log cycle growth in the formula containing the carrot and apple concentrate, suggesting that the robustness of the developed matrix may be affected, if the hygiene conditions of processing line sanitation are not observed. It was found that the color was the sensory characteristic that most influenced consumers regarding the acceptability of the samples, signaling that this parameter interfered significantly in evaluating flavor and appearance The results obtained by microbiological challenge test and determination of growth potential (δ) indicated that yeast and lactic acid bacteria are able to multiply in the formula containing carrot and apple concentrate without preservatives (δ ≥ 0.5 log10), indicating that the formula is sensitive. Acid acetic bacteria, in these conditions, were inhibited. A preserved formula with the addition of carrot and apple concentrate and other formula with the addition of artificial colors were prepared. The results referring to the growth potential (δ) indicated that yeast and lactic acid bacteria were inhibited (δ ≤ 0.5 log10) in both formulas. However, the preservative resistant yeasts presented growth ability (δ ≥ 0.5 log10). In the apple and carrot concentrate, it was observed that yeast, lactic acid bacteria and fungus Penicillium citrinum were inhibited, indicating that this ingredient should not be considered a nutrient source for microbial multiplication that would affect the formula robustness. It was verified the growth of the preservative resistant yeasts (growth potential δ ≥ 0,5 log10) in all the evaluated formulas and ingredient. The data obtained, in this study, indicate that the development of more natural foods still represents a challenge for the food industry.