As a result of microbial growth, a slight sour off-odor was detected by the sensory panel after day 4 and 5e6 for WOP and WP samples respectively and day 26e27 of storage for EE samples, respectively. In contrast, in case of EE þ OA samples (Fig. 2a), no off odor was recorded throughout storage, probably due to the absence of oxygen inhibiting aerobic bacterial growth. Similar off-flavors have been reported by Avital and Mannheim (1988) for air packaged pita bread after 14 days of storage. Taste scores were similar to those of odor.