During 2011 (21 samples) and 2012 (47 samples), a total of 68
samples of fresh-cut apples were purchased in restaurants and
supermarkets in southern Portugal before their best before date.
Samples were obtained throughout the year and consisted of individual
packs of 70 ge100 g of apple slices that were transported
to the laboratory in a cooler box and analyzed on the day of purchase.
The 2011 samples were collected from mid-September until
the end of November. The 2012 samples were bought in two periods;
the first period, from May to the end of July (23 samples) and
the second period, from mid-September till the beginning of
December (24 samples). Two samples were studied per week. Data
related to the samples were recorded, including date and place of
purchase, lot number and expiry date