This paper evaluates the nutritional values and stability during refrigerated storage of fresh beef merguez sausage
as affected by a reformulation process which modified the fat content both by reducing fat (replacing
beef fat with konjac gel) and incorporating olive oil (replacing beef fat with olive oil stabilized in a konjac matrix)
and by reducing sodium content, replacing sodium chloride with a salt mixture (containing potassium chloride,
calcium chloride and magnesium chloride). A preservative (sodium metabisulphite) was also used to extend the
shelf-life of the product. The fat was reduced by 32 to 80% and sodium by over 36%. The reformulation did not
negatively affect the sensory evaluation. Low microbiota growth rate and biogenic amines were attributed mainly
to the presence of sodium metabisulphite. This preservative could be used in the reformulation to enhance
safety and/or extend the shelf-life of this type of product.