Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees that is rich with phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Extract of propolis has a high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to the presence of these compounds. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to examine the antibacterial and the antioxidant activities of standardized, commercial water extract of propolis in vivo assays, and to assess its impact on preservation of raw beef meatballs aerobically packaged and stored at 4ºC for 7 days. The results showed that the propolis extract demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis in vivo test. Furthermore, meatballs prepared with the propolis extract had an extended shelf life about a week in comparison to the regular meatballs. Besides, the propolis extract was a very effective natural antioxidant agent for controlling the oxidative changes in meatballs. The propolis treatment provided 64.6% reduction in the malondialdehyde formation at the final day of storage. Color lightness and yellowness values of meatballs were not affected by the propolis treatment, only difference was observed in redness values. The pH of the meatballs prepared with the propolis extract almost stayed constant during storage, while the pH of the control meatball samples increased. In summary, propolis extract exhibited a strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in vivo assays and in a meat product. Accordingly, it should be used in meat product formulations to enhance preservation of meat products.

In this study, 384 persons have been subjected to questionnaire made in order to determine the red meat consumption and preferences of the people living in the central district of Tekirdağ province. In the study it was determined that all the consumers consumed red meat. According to the findings of the research, the annual red meat consumption per capita was determined to be 34.22 kg. Considering the red meat consumption of the people subjected to research, it was determined that beef meat was the most preferred kind among all the other kinds of red meat. In the study, it was determined that in red meat buying place preference consumers prefer traditional retailers such as butcher been specialized. Consumers prefer red meat due to be the most nutritious, respectively be healthy, delicious, habit and easy to access. It was determined that 47.5% of consumers participated in the study were ready to pay extra for red meat in the food safety. It was determined 75.6% people participated in the study consume more red meat if the price of red meat cheapens. A logit model was used for analyzing the factors that influence the red meat consumption of the families participating in this research. According to the logit model results, it was determined that the families’ red meat consumption amount is affected from statistical variables such as; number of family members, education level, spouse's employment status, income, cheapening of the price of red meat .

Nowadays, meat consuming level is an indicator of development of countries. The reason for this is the importance of animal proteins such as meat, milk and egg in human nutrition. People in Turkey do not get enough animal protein. Increase of meat and meat related product prices is effective on this. The purpose of this study is to bring up the purchase and consume behavior of consumers. Surveys completed in urban areas around city of Ankara are used primarily. Using Main Mass Ratio Based Simple Occurrence Probability Sampling method 338 families were interviewed. Completed surveys were separated into 3 groups; high, middle, low. As a result of the research, expense for food in total income is around %34. This ratio for families with low income is %53, for families with middle income is %35 and for families with high income is %33. It is found that as income levels of consumers raised, food expenses raise as well. But it shows that as income level increases, expense ratio for food decreases. Food reliability is the most effective factor on consumers’ decision of purchase. Studies show doubts of consumers about food reliability. It is understood that legal adjustments are not applied enough. Especially tight food inspections would be positive on consumer behavior.