4. Conclusions
The results presented in this study indicate that when compared with other dye mixtures, a mixture of bromothymol blue and methyl red (M2 type) provided the fastest and most sensitive detection of spoilage metabolites in skinless chicken breast, which can be achieved by a non-invasive colorimetric method. The indicator response was found to correlate with microbial growth patterns in skinless chicken breast samples, therefore enabling real-time monitoring of spoilage. In addition, this study also assessed the indicator response at refrigerated temperature, as microbial population and microbial activity are both temperature-dependent. This colorimetric mixed-dye–based food spoilage indicator allows the food product to have an effective shelf life by permitting dynamic freshness to be monitored visually alongside the best-before date, consequently decreasing margins of error. The enhanced guarantee of food product safety is of primary interest to consumers. In addition, product confidence is of great importance to manufacturers and retailers in order to protect their brand value by preventing customer dissatisfaction.