In the present study the effects on shelf life and sensory acceptance of gamma-irradiated refrigerated poultry breast fillets subjected to modified atmosphere packaging (80% CO2/20% N2 or vacuum) were investigated. After irradiation with 2 kGy, sensory acceptance tests and monitoring of bacterial growth were performed in order to determine the sanitary quality of the samples. It has been found that irradiation, used in combination with modified atmosphere packaging, can double the shelf life of refrigerated poultry breast fillets by reducing the populations of aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, enterobacteria, coliforms, Listeria spp. and Aeromonas spp., without significantly modifying its color or its overall appearance, the lactic acid bacteria being the most resistant to exposure to radiation and carbon dioxide.

This work investigated the effects of different packaging methods (air and vacuum) combined with irradiation (0.0, 2.0 and 3.0 kGy) on the preservation of chicken breast fillets stored at 1ºC for up to 18 days by sensorial test, determination of pH and bacterial growth. The findings indicated that the post-irradiation lag phase increased with the dose, leading to an extension in shelf-life. Vacuum-packed samples irradiated at 3.0 kGy exhibited the longest shelf life. Among the analyzed bacteria, coliforms and Listeria spp. were most sensitive to gamma radiation. All the fillets acquired more attractive coloration and better overall impression with irradiation. The combined use of vacuum packaging and irradiation (3.0 kGy) reduced the microbial populations without causing change in pH and yielded a significant shelf-life extension of refrigerated fillets, besides improving its appearance.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o consumo alimentar de crianças entre 6 e 18 meses e avaliar a adequação de nutrientes. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado com 106 crianças em creches do Município de São Paulo. Para verificar o consumo alimentar utilizou-se o método de pesagem direta, durante cinco dias. Para análise dos macro e micronutrientes utilizaram-se as referências Organización Mundial de la Salud 1985 e Dietary Reference Intakes 1997, e para fibras adotou-se a recomendação da American Academy of Pediatrics 1993. RESULTADOS: O estudo revelou oferta insuficiente de energia, ferro, cálcio, vitamina A e fibras. A proteína e a vitamina C excederam as recomendações. CONCLUSÃO: Nos moldes do programa atual, é necessário que a criança receba, no domicílio, uma refeição láctea e outra salgada para complementar principalmente cálcio, energia, ferro e fibras.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the food intake of children from 6 to 18 months old and to evaluate nutrient adequacy. METHODS: This study was carried out with 106 children, in day-care centers from the city of São Paulo. Food intake was evaluated through food weighing during five days. The Organización Mundial de la Salud, 1985, Dietary Reference Intakes, 1997 and American Academy of Pediatrics, 1993 were used as references for the analysis of macronutrients, micronutrientes and fibers, respectively. RESULTS: The study revealed insufficient offering of energy, iron, calcium, vitamin A and fiber. Protein and vitamin C were over the recommended amounts. CONCLUSION: The children must receive one milky and one salty meal at home in order to complement food given at centers, mainly regarding, calcium, iron, energy and fiber.