2 kPa; split ratio of 1:10 and volume injected of 1 μl (1% solution in dichloromethane). The following conditions were used for the mass spectrometer (MS): impact energy of 70 eV; decomposition velocity of 1000, decomposition interval of 0.50 and fragments of 45 Da and 450 Da decomposed. A mixture of linear hydrocarbons

(C9H20; C10H22; C11H24;…C24H50; C25H52; C26H54) was injected under identical conditions. The mass spectra obtained were compared to those of the database (Wiley 229), and the Kovats retention index (KI) calculated for each peak was compared to the values described by Adams (2007). The quantification of EO constituents was conducted with a Shimadzu gas chromatograph (Model PLX4032 concentration GC 17A) equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) under the following conditions: DB5 capillary column; column temperature programmed at an initial temperature of 40 °C and a final temperature of 240 °C; injector temperature of 220 °C; detector temperature of 240 °C; nitrogen

carrier gas (2.2 ml/min); split ratio of 1:10; volume injected of 1 μl (1% solution in dichloromethane) and column pressure of 115 kPa. The quantification of each constituent was obtained by means of area normalization (%). Batches of mortadella-type sausages were formulated with different concentrations of sodium nitrite (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and winter savory EO at concentrations of 7.80, 15.60 and 31.25 μl/g. The EO concentrations were determined according EPZ-6438 molecular weight to the results obtained from the microbiological assays in another

step of study (Oliveira et al., 2011); the sodium nitrite concentrations were determined according to Brazilian legislation limits for additives and preservatives in meat products (Brazil, 2009). The different treatments evaluated (Essential oil × Sodium nitrite) were based on Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC concentrations) and the possible combined effects of EO and minimized amounts of sodium nitrite. Parvulin Batches of mortadella-type sausages were formulated with different concentrations of NaNO2 (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and EO from winter savory (0.00, 7.80, 15.60 and 31.25 μl/g). Refrigerated, vacuum packaged lean beef and frozen pork backfat were obtained within 48 h of slaughtering from a local meat packer. Each batch was prepared using a typical Brazilian formula as follows: ground meat (58 g/100 g), pork backfat (14 g/100 g), NaCl (1.9 g/100 g), ice water (20 g/100 g), cassava starch (5 g/100 g), polyphosphate Fosmax (0.3 g/100 g, New Max Industrial, Brazil), ascorbic acid (0.05 g/100 g), spice mix for Mortadella 913 (0.5 g/100 g, New Max Industrial, Brazil) and NaNO2 (0 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg: Vetec, Brazil). The sausages samples were packed with a weight of 200 ± 5 g, and showed a pH = (6.29 ± 0.