Effect of processing (cutter versus continuous emulsifier) and sodium reduction on the physicochemical properties of bologna sausages

BACKGROUND: Overcoming the impact of sodium reduction in the properties of emulsified sausages is a current challenge in the production of healthier meat products. Because the emulsifying process play a key role in the stability of sausages, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of two mechanical emulsifying systems (cutter versus continuous emulsifier) and two levels of sodium chloride (2.50 and 1.25%) on the physicochemical characteristics of bologna sausages. RESULTS: A reduction of sodium increased the L* value and reduced the a* value, and also decreased the protein extraction yield in sausages produced in the cutter system. Moreover, the emulsion stability of reduced sodium batter was increased by cutter emulsification (F50-C). On the other hand, the continuous emulsifier process did not decrease the extraction of myofibrillar proteins in F50-E (sodium reduced treatment), resulting in minimal impact on emulsion stability and an increase in hardness in reduced-sodium sausages. CONCLUSION: Therefore, to produce low-sodium sausages, the continuous emulsifier was more effective producing batters with increased extracted myofibrillar proteins, improving the structure and functionality of myofibrillar proteins compared to the cutter process.(c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.