Characterisation of “Catalão” and “Salsichão” Portuguese traditional sausages with salt reduction

• Salt reduction did not compromise the products' microbiological quality.
• Panellists did not show a clear preference for any of the tested salt levels.
• Higher amounts of biogenic amines found in low-salt products.
• Histamine levels remained below limits considered hazardous for consumers' health.
• The studied parameters were mainly affected by salt content rather than product type.

The present study evaluated the effect of salt reduction on traditional dry-cured sausages' safety, quality and product acceptance, comprising physicochemical and microbiological parameters, biogenic amines, fatty acids, texture profile and sensory analysis. According to our results, salt content had a major effect on microbiological counts, although not compromising the products' safety. Marked differences were identified regarding biogenic amines, in particular for histamine, tyramine and cadaverine, which were detected in larger amounts in products with 3%. Moreover, significant differences in the fatty acids profile have also been found, but only in less abundant components such as linoleic, lauric and heneicosanoic acids. Texture profile analysis of low-salt products, revealed a decrease in hardness and chewiness, along with an increase in adhesiveness values. Sensory evaluations revealed that despite the less intense aroma, products with 3% salt, had a more balanced salt perception. Our results suggest that salt content may be reduced to 50% in dry-cured products, with the obvious health-related advantages.