In this episode, Stephanie Major, a senior at Iowa State University, outlines a research project that aimed to better understand how bacon becomes discolored under varying types of retail lights. With Major as co-leader of the research team, the study involved treating cured bacon with natural antioxidants and then packaging the product in aerobic (overwrap) and anaerobic (vacuum packed) containers. Major and Dr. Terry Hauser, associate director at Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, explain the results of the study, which found that the type of packaging was more effective than an antioxidant treatment alone in preventing photo-oxidation in bacon in storage or on retail shelves.

In this episode, Kromm will outline the specifics of the original USDA plan to monitor Salmonella contamination levels in processing plants as well as the goals for tracking various serotypes of Salmonella as well as other pathogens among poultry. She also notes that the proposed regulations – which were challenged by the poultry industry and other stakeholders – ultimately could have complicated the processing and supply chain needs of the chicken and turkey processors. She also will update the status of the battle against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is now in its fourth year and has affected wild birds, broilers, egg layers and a wide range of other mammals, including dairy cows, cats, dogs, otters, foxes and other domestic and wild animals. Kromm also outlines other approaches under consideration in response to HPAI, including the use of vaccines.

Developing custom flavors for new and existing foodservice and restaurant customers for sous vide proteins involves collaboration and communication, according to Keith Goerl, Vice President, R&D and Commercialization at Ed Miniat LLC. Successfully meeting client needs means employing a variety of channels to stay ahead of emerging flavor trends and testing new concept inside the in-house kitchens, he adds. In this episode, Goerl also addresses operational lessons learned during the pandemic and how the resurgence of foodservice and new relationships forged during COVID affected Miniat’s post-pandemic business.