MICROFLORA CHANGES IN MODIFIED-ATMOSPHERE-PACKAGED BROCCOLI FLORETS STORED AT REFRIGERATED TEMPERATURE

Changes in the microflora of packaged (Resinite VF-71 film) and nonpac kaged broccoli florets held at 8C for 7 days were analyzed. Oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, aerobic plate, coliform, yeast/mold co unts, and overall quality were determined. Level of O2 decreased from 15.58 to 5.15%, while CO2 increased from 2.88 to 8.22% after 94 h of s torage. Within each microorganism group, similar growth trends were ob served between the packaged and nonpackaged samples; however, the pack aged samples consistently exhibited a statistically significant (p les s-than-or-equal-to 0.05) lower microbial count compared with the nonpa ckaged samples throughout the storage period. Packaged and nonpackaged florets retained their green color and no off-odor was detected; howe ver, the nonpackaged florets were found to be less crispy than the pac kaged samples.