BACKGROUND: Microbial load can be controlled using either synthetic or natural preservatives. Particular interest has been focused on the potential application of plant essential oils as safer additives for meat. However, there is no published research on the use of essential oils during the meat drying process. This study was focused on enhancing the meat drying process by using oregano essential oil (OEO) to inhibit the growth of bacteria and thus obtain a value-added dried meat product. The sensory response from assessors is presented. RESULTS: It was found that the application of OEO in meat was effective in inhibiting Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli. After 6 h of drying at 55 °C, 2 mL (0.038 mL L-1 air) and 1.5 mL (0.028 mL L-1 air) of OEO were considered as the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against S. enteritidis and E. coli respectively. Samples treated with 0.75 mL of OEO were more attractive for consumption compared with the control; at a higher concentration of OEO, the sensory quality of the food was affected. CONCLUSION: A value-added dried meat product obtained by using OEO to enhance food safety received an acceptable sensory response from consumers. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Department of Crop Production Faculty of Agrobiology Food and Natural Resources Czech University of Life Sciences Prague Kamýcká 129 Prague 6 Suchdol 165 21 Czech Republic

Department of Quality of Agricultural Products Faculty of Agrobiology Food and Natural Resources Czech University of Life Sciences Prague Kamýcká 129 Prague 6 Suchdol 165 21 Czech Republic

Department of Sustainable Technologies Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences Czech University of Life Sciences Prague Kamýcká 129 Prague 6 Suchdol 165 21 Czech Republic

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The Effect of the Application of Thyme Essential Oil on Microbial Load During Meat Drying