Synergistic Effects of a Rotating Magnetic Field and Pulsed Light on Key Quality Characteristics of Refrigerated Pork: A Novel Approach to Shaping Food Quality

The combined effects of pulsed light and a rotating magnetic field on the quality of raw pork loin stored under refrigerated conditions were studied. Muscles from the same carcass were divided into six distinct portions. Three portions were designated as untreated control samples, while the other three underwent experimental procedures involving exposure to pulsed light and a rotating magnetic field. Comprehensive laboratory analyses were conducted at specific intervals during the storage period to evaluate changes and assess the impact of storage duration on the samples. The results demonstrated that the combined use of a magnetic field and pulsed light significantly extended the shelf life of raw pork. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total microbial count was observed in treated samples compared to the control group throughout all storage periods. The treatment also improved all sensory attributes and reduced purge loss during refrigerated storage. Additionally, the applied treatment significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the hardness and rigidity on day 10, as well as the chewiness of the pork loin on days 1 and 10 of storage. The novelty and innovation of this study lie in the application of a rotating magnetic field combined with a pulsed light beam to enhance the properties of raw pork. This approach resulted in a synergistic effect, notably decelerating the deterioration of meat quality, extending its shelf life, and reducing energy consumption during processing. These outcomes hold significant potential for environmental, economic, and social benefits.