Plant-Based Ingredients Utilized as Fat Replacers and Natural Antimicrobial Agents in Beef Burgers

The present study aimed to find solutions based on the use of plant-based ingredients that would improve the nutritional quality of meat products as well as ensure sensory and microbiological quality. Two fat replacers, lemon albedo (<i>Citrus lemon</i>) and carob seed gum (<i>Ceratonia siliqua</i>), were investigated by chemical analysis and panel testing to evaluate their effect on the nutritional and sensory quality of beef burgers. The antimicrobial activity of two plant extracts, from nettle (<i>Urtica dioica</i>) leaves and medlar (<i>Eriobotrya japonica</i>) seeds, was studied, evaluating the intensity of inhibitory action and the minimum inhibitory concentration against <i>Pseudomonas</i> spp. and <i>Listeria innocua</i> strains by plate test. In addition, the antioxidant activity of both extracts was evaluated. Based on the results, lemon albedo and medlar seed extracts were validated in a food model (beef burger) by a storage test and a challenge test. The storage test results highlight that medlar seed extract prevents the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) and ensures microbiological quality, inhibiting <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> and <i>Pseudomonas</i> spp. Anti-<i>Listeria</i> efficacy was confirmed in situ by challenge test results. In conclusion, although fat replacers ensure nutritional and sensory quality, they do not satisfy microbiological quality. This study clearly demonstrates that the safety of low-fat burgers can only be achieved through the combination of appropriate fat replacers with well-selected natural antimicrobial extracts.