Microbiological Stability and Overall Quality of Ready-to-Heat Meals Based on Traditional Recipes of the Basilicata Region

The quality of ready meals is affected by several factors that may impair stability and nutritional value. In this work, we evaluated the overall quality of four traditional meals (Basilicata region) prepared according to the cook&chill method, packaged in air or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 70% N(2) and 30% CO(2)), and stored at 4 °C for seven days. The shelf-life was determined by Listeria monocytogenes challenge testing and inactivation by microwave (MW) heating was assessed. The counts at the production day were excellent in three meals out of four, whereas one had high levels of spoilage and pathogens both as soon as the preparation and after seven days. MAP was partially effective only against the growth of the aerobic mesophilic species, whereas sensory analysis revealed that MAP may preserve many of sensory attributes. The average shelf-life of the meals ranged from 11 to 13 days, however, the potential shelf-life was undetectable in one out four meals, as L. monocytogenes growth was inhibited two days after the inoculum. In the inoculated meals, MW heating provided a partial inactivation (25%) of the pathogen. The overall quality of type the meals was partially satisfactory; post-cooking contaminations may affect the microbial load and reduce the palatability over the storage period and, above all, may involve biological hazards which consumers’ habits may not be able to eliminate.