Sodium reduction in meat products is a mandatory goal to meet
governmental regulatory recommendations aimed at promoting
healthier claims and reducing the risk of many chronic diseases, such
as hypertension, cardiovascular and renal diseases, and some types of
cancer (WHO, 2012). Because NaCl is the main source of sodium in
meat products, this compound has been targeted for reduction in industrial formulations. Salt reduction is challenging given the multiple
functions of this ingredient, such as conferring suitable texture (due to
the increase in ionic strength and extraction of myofibrillar proteins)
and flavor, besides its food preservation properties (Desmond, 2006).
Typical Brazilian frankfurters represent one of the most consumed
meat products, which may contain up to 60% of mechanically deboned
poultry meat (MDPM), as permitted by the current legislation (Brasil,
2000). Because MDPM contains high collagen and heme pigment
content and low myofibrillar protein levels, sodium reduction must be
applied together with additional technological barriers to guarantee
product safety and stability (Day & Brown, 2001). The addition of effective natural products with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties,
such as garlic and its derivatives, which are already part of the formulation as condiments, can provide substantial benefits to the consumers of
frankfurters.