The levels of starch were determined in chicken based meat products commercialized in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, from December 1996 to March 1997. Samples were analyzed for moisture and starch contents. Starch was acid hydrolyzed and the resulting glucose was determined at 620 nm after reaction with anthrone. The method was observed to be accurate (92.7% recovery), precise (CV = 3.0%), sensitive (quantification limit = 1.25 g/100 g) and simple in the determination of starch in meat products. Among products analyzed, starch was detected in 100% of meat balls and nuggets samples, in 60% of the sausage, 50% of the bologna and 30% of the frankfurter. Starch was not detected in hamburger samples analyzed. Higher mean starch levels were found in nuggets (14.85... |