Impact of ceramic packaging on the quality and safety of Armenian fermented dairy product Matsoun

Background: Packaging is essential for food safety, as it acts as a barrier against contaminants that can cause spoilage and affect human health. The Armenian fermented dairy product, matsoun, is packaged not only in plastic and glass but also in clay pots. However, the impact of traditional packaging on the quality and safety of matsoun, especially heavy metal migration, remains under-researched. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of ceramic packaging material on the quality and safety of matsoun during storage. Specifically, it compared the physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations, and metal migration during storage. Methods: Six samples of matsoun were prepared and packaged in sterilized glass and ceramic containers. The samples were stored at 4 °C and analyzed on days 1, 7, and 15 of storage. The parameters measured included pH, titratable acidity, and LAB counts (coccus and bacillus). Heavy metal migration (Cd, Pb, Hg, As) was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The pH of samples packaged in ceramic and glass containers decreased over 15 days of storage, from 4.61 to 4.24 and 4.6 to 4.27, respectively. Titratable acidity increased in both groups, reaching 1.2 % lactic acid. A decrease in bacilli was observed in ceramic-packaged matsoun. The lead concentration remained constant at 0.0045 ppm across all samples. In ceramic containers, cadmium concentration increased from 0.0015 ppm to 0.0029 ppm by day 15. Conclusion: This study observed a decrease in pH, an increase in titratable acidity, and a relatively constant number of lactic acid bacteria indicating ongoing fermentation. The results showed nondetectable concentrations of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). The lead (Pb) concentration in all samples remained within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) allowed limit of 0.02 ppm. However, the concentration of cadmium (Cd) concentration in ceramic-packed increased, exceeding the WHO limit of 0.002 ppm. Further research is necessary to identify the sources of cadmium contamination. Keywords: food packaging, ceramic, matsou​​n​, heavy metal migration, food safety