CONSUMER EVALUATION OF RAW AND FRIED CHICKEN AFTER WASHING IN TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE OR LACTIC-ACID SODIUM BENZOATE SOLUTIONS

Whole raw chickens (180) were washed in tapwater (control), 12% trisodium phosphate (TSP), or 0.5% lactic acid/0.05% sodium benzoate (LB). Consumer panelists evaluated raw, treated, whole chickens as well. as fried breast and thigh pieces. TSP and LB solutions did not affect (P < 0.05) external color, texture, flavor, moistness, or overall acceptability of fried chicken or consumer purchase intent. Evaluation of raw chickens 90 min after treatment with LB or after 7 days storage at 1 degrees C revealed that overall acceptability, color and purchase intent were lower compared to controls. Sensory quality of raw chickens was not adversely affected by TSP. We concluded that 12% TSP or 0.5% lactic acid/0.05% sodium benzoate solutions have good potential for dips to sanitize chickens intended for frying before presentation to consumers.