Effects of High‐Hydrostatic Pressure on Inactivation of Human Norovirus and Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Oysters

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of high‐hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on inactivation of human norovirus (HuNoV) in oysters and to evaluate organoleptic characteristics of oysters treated at pressure levels required for HuNoV inactivation. Genogroup I.1 (GI.1) or Genogroup II.4 (GII.4) HuNoV was inoculated into oysters and treated at 300 to 600 MPa at 25 and 0 °C for 2 min. After HHP, viral particles were extracted by porcine gastric mucin‐conjugated magnetic beads (PGM‐MBs) and viral RNA was quantified by real‐time RT‐PCR. Lower initial temperature (0 °C) significantly enhanced HHP inactivation of HuNoV compared to ambient temperature (25 °C; P < 0.05). HHP at 350 and 500 MPa at 0 °C could achieve more than 4 log₁₀ reduction of GII.4 and GI.1 HuNoV in oysters, respectively. HHP treatments did not significantly change color or texture of oyster tissue. A 1‐ to 5‐scale hedonic sensory evaluation on appearance, aroma, color, and overall acceptability showed that pressure‐treated oysters received significantly higher quality scores than the untreated control (P < 0.05). Elevated pressure levels at 450 and 500 MPa did not significantly affect scores compared to 300 MPa at 0 °C, indicating increasing pressure level did not affect sensory acceptability of oysters. Oysters treated at 0 °C had slightly lower acceptability than the group treated at room temperature on day 1 (P < 0.05), but after 1 wk storage, no significant difference in sensory attributes and consumer desirability was observed (P > 0.05).     

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on physicochemical and functional properties of walnut (Juglans regia L.) protein isolate

BACKGROUND: Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a good source of protein that has potential application in new product formation and fortification. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment (300–600 MPa 20 min) on physicochemical and functional properties of walnut protein isolate (WPI) using various analytical techniques at room temperature. RESULTS: The results showed significant modification of solubility, free sulfhydryl content and surface hydrophobicity with increased levels of HHP treatment, indicating partial denaturation and aggregation of proteins. Differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence spectrum analyses demonstrated that HHP treatment resulted in gradual unfolding of protein structure. Emulsifying activity index was significantly (P < 0.05) increased after HHP treatment at 400 MPa, but significantly decreased (P < 0.05) relative to the untreated WPI with further increase in pressure. HHP treatment at 300–600 MPa significantly decreased emulsion stability index. Additionally, HHP‐treated walnut proteins showed better foaming properties and in vitro digestibility. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HHP treatment could be applied to modify the properties of walnut proteins by appropriate of pressure levels, which will help in using walnut protein as a potential food ingredient. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of different high pressure treatments on shucking,biochemical, physical and sensory characteristics of oysters to elaborate a traditional Taiwanese oyster omelette

BACKGROUND: Whole oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were processed using high‐pressure (HP) treatment (150–300 MPa) to determine their shucking and biochemical properties. Subsequently, HP‐treated oysters were cooked at 160 °C for 90 s, as when preparing the oyster omelette dish, to evaluate their physical and sensory characteristics as compared to raw oysters. RESULTS: The treatments of 250 and 300 MPa for 2 min and 0 min, respectively, resulted in 100% release. The pH of HP‐treated oysters increased slightly from 6.50 to 6.82, and the moisture contents of the HP‐treated oysters with or without further cooking were all higher than those of the control. The brightness, yellowness and cutting strength of HP‐treated oysters with further cooking changed insignificantly, while the redness decreased compared to the control. Sensory evaluation showed that oysters treated at 250 and 300 MPa oysters after cooking received higher quality scores than the control. CONCLUSIONS: HP processing at 250 and 300 MPa proved to be a good method for oyster shucking. The HP‐treated oysters cooked in the oyster omelette are acceptable to consumers. Overall, the application of HP as a processing method to improve the quality and acceptability of oysters and their related products would be possible. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on the structure,physicochemical and functional properties of protein isolates from cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seeds

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment on the structure, physicochemical and functional properties of cumin protein isolate (CPI) was investigated. More aggregates, pores, irregular conformations and bigger particle size were observed for HHP-treated CPI. HHP resulted in an increase in α-helix, a decrease in β-strand and fluorescence intensity of CPI. Surface hydrophobicity (H_o) of CPI significantly increased after HHP treatment, from 343.35 for native CPI to 906.22 at 600 MPa (P < 0.05). HHP treatment at 200 MPa reduced zeta-potential and solubility of CPI, while had little effect at 400 and 600 MPa. Emulsifying activity and stability of CPI decreased after HHP treatment, of which droplet size of emulsions significantly increased (P < 0.05). HHP-treated CPI could form heat-induced gelation at lower temperature (68.5 °C) and improved storage modulus (G′) comparing to native one (80.6 °C), suggesting that CPI might be potential protein resources as gelation substitute in food system.     

High hydrostatic pressure treatment and storage of carrot and tomato juices: Antioxidant activity and microbial safety

The application of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) (250 MPa, 35 °C for 15 min) and thermal treatment (80 °C for 1 min) reduced the microbial load of carrot and tomato juices to undetectable levels. Different combinations of HHP did not cause a significant change in the ascorbic acid content of either juice (P > 0.05). Both heat treatments (60 °C for 5–15 min and 80 °C for 1 min) resulted in a significant loss (P < 0.05) in the free‐radical scavenging activity as compared to untreated samples. HHP‐treated juices showed a small loss of antioxidants (below 10%) during storage. The ascorbic acid content of pressurized tomato and carrot juices remained over 70 and 45% after 30 days of storage, respectively. However, heat treatment caused a rapid decrease to 16–20%. Colour changes were minor (ΔE = 10) for pressurised juices but for heat‐pasteurised samples it was more intense and higher as a result of insufficient antioxidant activity. HHP treatment (250 MPa, 35 °C for 15 min) led to a better product with regard to anti‐radical scavenging capacity, ascorbic acid content and sensory properties (colour, pH) of the tomato and carrot juices compared to conventional pasteurisation. Therefore, HHP can be recommended not only for industrial production but also for safe storage of fresh juices, such as tomato and carrot, even at elevated storage temperatures (25 °C). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of combined treatments of ultrasound and high hydrostatic pressure processing on the physicochemical properties,microbial quality and shelf-life of cold brew tea

Effects of ultrasound combined with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on physicochemical properties,microorganisms and storage attributes of cold brew tea were investigated. HHP at 400 MPa/5 min/25 °C inactivated the total aerobic bacteria, yeast and mould in cold brewed tea prepared by static brewing (SB-tea) at 13 h/4 °C, ultrasonic bath (UB-tea) at 150 W/120 min/0 °C and ultrasonic pulveriser (UP-tea) at 600 W/40 min/0 °C, ensuring their microbiological safety. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the concentration of tea polyphenols between hot brewed tea prepared by 7 min/100 °C and cold brewed tea under different preparation conditions, while the caffeine in cold brewed tea was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in hot brewed tea. During the storage period of 8 days, compared with the untreated group, the cold brewed tea after HHP treatment had better microbiological safety. In addition, HHP treatment constantly maintained the tea polyphenols, pH, colour, antioxidant capacity and turbidity in cold brewed tea. The untreated and HHP-treated cold brew tea were evaluated by 20 trained volunteers. Results showed that UB-tea was more close to SB-tea than UP-tea in sensory profile, while HHP seem to maintain a good sensory profile as well. Therefore, this particular combined technology of ultrasonic bath and HHP displayed considerable potential for application in the cold brew tea manufacturing industry.     

A comparative study of changes in the microbiota of apple juice treated by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) or high pressure homogenisation (HPH)

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of High Pressure Homogenisation (HPH) compared with High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) on the microbiological quality of raw apple juice during storage at ideal (4 °C) and abuse (12 °C) temperatures. In the case of HPH, only low numbers of micro-organisms were detected after treatment at 300 MPa (typically between 2 and 3 log.ml⁻¹). These were identified as Streptomyces spp., and numbers did not increase during storage of the juice for 35 days, irrespective of storage temperature. In the case of HHP, the total aerobic counts were also reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after treatment for 1 min at 500 and 600 MPa and the numbers did not increase significantly during storage at 4 °C. However, during storage at 12 °C the counts did increase significantly (p < 0.05) and by day 14 counts at 500 MPa were not significantly different from the control juice. This confirms that good temperature control is important if the full benefits of HHP treatment are to be realised.Frateuria aurantia dominated the microbiota of the HHP apple juice stored at 12 °C along with low levels of Bacillus and Streptomyces spp.The HPH and HHP juices both turned brown during storage indicating that neither treatment was sufficient to inactivate polyphenol oxidase. The enzyme is known to be pressure resistant and this discolouration was controlled by a heat treatment (70 °C for 1 min) used in commercial practice and given prior to HP treatment.     

超高压处理对奶油奶酪质构、风味及货架期的影响

目的:确定超高压(HHP)处理奶酪的最适条件。方法:以自制奶油奶酪为研究对象，探究超高压处理压力对奶油奶酪质构、风味及货架期的影响。通过质构仪、固相微萃取—气相色谱质谱联用仪及菌落计数法分别对奶酪的质构、风味物质、微生物等进行测定。结果:经HHP处理后，奶油奶酪的硬度、黏性、耐咀性呈降低趋势；当处理压力为300 MPa时，奶酪的弹性达到最高，比未处理奶酪增加了14.0%(P<0.05);当处理压力≥400 MPa时，奶酪挥发性物质的含量和种类明显降低，且200,300 MPa处理奶酪与未处理奶酪均位于第一主成分区域；HHP处理人工染菌后的奶油奶酪，其菌落数显著下降(P<0.05),且处理压力越大，杀菌效果越好；当HHP处理压力≥300 MPa时，奶酪的货架期从7 d延长至21 d。结论:经HHP处理的奶油奶酪有良好的质地和风味，且其货架期有效延长。     

Effect of Osmotic Dehydration Under High Hydrostatic Pressure on Microstructure, Functional Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Strawberry (Fragaria Vesca)

Sliced strawberries were subjected to combined osmotic dehydration (40 °Brix) and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 MPa for 10 min. This research was carried out to study the effects of pressure on firmness, polysaccharides, total dietary fibre and microstructure, functional properties (rehydration ratio and water holding capacity) and bioactive compounds (anthocyanins, flavonoid and total phenolic). HHP affected the texture of the fruits leading to soft fruits due to increasing pressure. Fruit microstructure evidenced influence of pressure presenting the pressurised samples irregular matrices compared to samples treated at 0.1 MPa (control samples). Polysaccharides increased with pressure. Total dietary fibre, anthocyanins, flavonoids and total phenolic content showed a decrease with pressure when compared to control samples. Based on results, minor alterations of the mentioned quality parameters were evidenced when working in the range of 300–500 MPa.     

Effect of Single‐ and Two‐Cycle High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatments on Water Properties,Physicochemical and Microbial Qualities of Minimally Processed Squids (Todarodes pacificus)

This study investigated the effect of single‐ and two‐cycle high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments on water properties, physicochemical, and microbial qualities of squids (Todarodes pacificus) during 4 °C storage for up to 10 d. Single‐cycle treatments were applied at 200, 400, or 600 MPa for 20 min (S‐200, S‐400, and S‐600), and two‐cycle treatments consisted of two 10 min cycles at 200, 400, or 600 MPa, respectively (T‐200, T‐400, and T‐600). HHP‐treated samples had higher (P < 0.05) content of P_2b (immobilized water) and P₂₁ (myofibril water), but lower P₂₂ (free water) than those of control. The single‐ and two‐cycle HHP treatments at the same pressure level caused no significant difference in water state of squids. The two‐cycle HHP treatment was more effective in controlling total volatile basic nitrogen, pH, and total plate counts (TPC) of squids during storage, in which TPC of S‐600 and T‐600 was 2.9 and 1.8 log CFU/g at 10 d, respectively, compared with 7.5 log CFU/g in control. HHP treatments delayed browning discoloration of the squids during storage, and the higher pressure level and two‐cycle HHP were more effective. Water properties highly corresponded with color and texture indices of squids. This study demonstrated that the two‐cycle HHP treatment was more effective in controlling microbial growth and quality deterioration while having similar impact on the physicochemical and water properties of squids in comparison with the single‐cycle treatment, thus more desirable for extending shelf‐life of fresh squids.     

Influence of high hydrostatic pressure processing on physicochemical characteristics of a fermented pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) beverage

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure at 500 MPa/10 min (HHP1), 550 MPa/10 min (HHP2) and 600 MPa/5 min (HHP3) on the microbiological, physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory characteristics of a fermented pomegranate (FP) beverage, stored for 42 days (4 ± 1 °C), was evaluated. The FP beverage was also pasteurized at 63 °C/30 min (VAT) and 72 °C/15 s (HTST). The high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and VAT pasteurized beverages did not show microbial growth (<10 CFU/mL) throughout 42 days of storage. The physicochemical characteristics were not affected (p > 0.05) by HHP or pasteurization. Color of the samples showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in all HHP processed and pasteurized beverages. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanins increased slightly after HHP processing. Antioxidants decreased throughout the storage in all treatments. Both HHP processed and pasteurized beverages were well accepted by average consumers when evaluated using a 9-points hedonic scale.Industrial relevanceThe high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) improves the microbiological, antioxidant and sensorial stability of fermented pomegranate beverages during storage. The HHP is more common for processing fruit juices than for fermented beverages; therefore, it can be expanded to the fermented beverages industry, which could modify the today usual thermal processing methods and, or the addition of preservatives, that are not natural, for delivering high quality and healthier pomegranate fermented beverages to consumers.     

Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) Treatment on Physicochemical Properties of Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)

The basic objective of this study was to determine the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP; 220, 250 and 330 MPa), holding time (5 and 10 min) and temperature (7, 15 and 25 °C) on some quality parameters of horse mackerel such as colour changes, thiobarbituric acid (TBA-i) and trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N), free amino acid content. HHP increased L ^* values of horse mackerel. The a ^* and b ^* of treated horse mackerel did not change significantly after HHP applications. After, HHP, TBA-i and TMA values of all HHP-treated horse mackerel samples remained unchanged than those of untreated samples. The results obtained from this study showed that the quality of high pressure treated horse mackerel is best preserved at 250 MPa, 7–15 °C for 5 min, 220 MPa, 15–25 °C for 5 min, 250 MPa, 15 °C for 10 min and 330 MPa, 25 °C for 10 min.     

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure to sweet potato flour on dough properties and characteristics of sweet potato‐wheat bread

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP, 100–400 MPa) for 20 min at 25 °C to sweet potato flour (SPF) on dough properties and characteristics of sweet potato‐wheat bread was investigated. The particle size of SPF after HHP was decreased significantly. The obvious rupture was observed in granules of SPF after HHP at 300 and 400 MPa by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After HHP, significant differences on endothermic peak temperatures (T_P) of SPF were observed by differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), of which the enthalpy change (ΔH) had a slight increase, expect that at 200 MPa. Gas retention of dough with SPF after HHP increased markedly from 1199 (0.1 MPa) to 1246 ml (100 MPa). Specific loaf volume of bread with SPF at 400 MPa was increased significantly, while the hardness and chewiness were reduced. Thus, SPF treated with HHP at 400 MPa could be potentially used in wheat bread production.     

Changes in tannin solubility and microstructure of high hydrostatic pressure–treated persimmon cubes during storage at 4 °C

Condensed tannins are important bioactive compounds largely present in persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.f.). The aim of this work was to study the effect of the structural changes occurred during refrigerated storage in persimmon cubes treated with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the solubility and location of tannins, and some physicochemical properties. Persimmon cubes were submitted to 200 MPa for 3 and 6 min at 37 °C and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The microstructural study was carried out by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The physicochemical properties studied were total soluble tannins (TST), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, lightness, firmness and cohesiveness. Microstructural studies showed that HHP treatment causes cell wall and membrane disruption in persimmon tissue. Retraction of the tonoplast and loss of cell turgor were greater as the storage time increased. Precipitated tannins inside and outside the cells and a progressive separation of adjacent cells during the storage time could be observed. Significant (P < 0.05) decreases in TST, TSS and lightness as well as a significant (P < 0.05) increase in pH took place in HHP-treated samples after 7 days of storage. Samples treated for 3 min showed higher firmness than the rest of the samples during the whole storage period, whereas HHP-treated samples showed higher cohesiveness than the control samples. The effects of HHP treatments and later storage at 4 °C on microstructure, tannin solubility and extractability, and some physicochemical properties of persimmon cubes depend on the treatment conditions and the storage time. HHP treatment might decrease persimmon astringency as well as increase bioactive compounds accessibility.     

Survival and High‐Hydrostatic Pressure Inactivation of Foodborne Pathogens in Salmorejo,a Traditional Ready‐to‐Eat Food

Salmorejo is a traditional tomato‐based creamy product. Because salmorejo is not heat‐processed, there is a risk of contamination with foodborne pathogens from raw materials. Even though bacterial growth in salmorejo is strongly inhibited because of its acidic pH (close to 3.9), the growth and survival of 3 foodborne pathogens in this food has not been studied before. In this study, 3 cocktails consisting of Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes strains were inoculated in freshly prepared salmorejo. The food was treated by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 400, 500, or 600 MPa for 8 min, or left untreated, and stored at 4 °C for 30 d. Viable cell counts were determined on selective media and also by the triple‐layer agar method in order to detect sublethally injured cells. In control samples, L. monocytogenes viable cells decreased by 2.4 log cycles at day 7 and were undetectable by day 15. S. enterica cells decreased by 0.5 or 2.4 log cycles at days 7 and 15 respectively, but still were detectable at day 30. E. coli O157 cells survived much better in salmorejo, decreasing only by 1.5 log cycles at day 30. Treatments at pressures of 400 MPa or higher reduced viable counts of L. monocytogenes and S. enterica to undetectable levels. HHP treatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduced E. coli counts by approximately 5.2 to 5.4 log cycles, but also yielded surviving cells that apparently were sublethally injured. Only samples treated at 600 MPA for 8 min were devoid of detectable E. coli cells during storage.     

Inactivation of Salmonella in Shell Eggs by Hot Water Immersion and Its Effect on Quality

Thermal inactivation kinetics of heat resistant strains of Salmonella Enteritidis in shell eggs processed by hot water immersion were determined and the effects of the processing on egg quality were evaluated. Shell eggs were inoculated with a composite of heat resistant Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) strains PT8 C405, 2 (FSIS #OB030832), and 6 (FSIS #OB040159). Eggs were immersed in a circulating hot water bath for various times and temperatures. Come‐up time of the coldest location within the egg was 21 min. SE was reduced by 4.5 log at both hot water immersion treatments of 56.7 C for 60 min and 55.6 °C for 100 min. Decimal reduction times (D‐values) at 54.4, 55.6, and 56.7 °C were 51.8, 14.6, and 9.33 min, respectively. The z‐value was 3.07 °C. Following treatments that resulted in a 4.5 log reduction (56.7 °C/60 min and 55.6 °C/100 min), the surviving population of SE remained static during 4 wk of refrigerated storage. After processing under conditions resulting in 4.5 log reductions, the Haugh unit and albumen height significantly increased (P < 0.01) and yolk index significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The shell dynamic stiffness significantly increased (P < 0.05), while static compression shell strength showed no significant difference (P < 0.05). Vitelline membrane strength significantly increased (P < 0.05); although, no significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in vitelline membrane elasticity. In summary, the hot water immersion process inactivated heat resistant SE in shell eggs by 4.5 log, but also significantly affected several egg quality characteristics.     

Comparison of Microbial Inactivation and Rheological Characteristics of Mango Pulp after High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment and High Temperature Short Time Treatment

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments at pressures of 300–600 MPa for 1–20 min and of high-temperature, short-time (HTST) treatment on the inactivation of natural microorganisms in blanched mango pulp (BMP) and unblanched mango pulp (UBMP) were investigated. No yeasts, molds, or aerobic bacteria were detected in BMP or UBMP after HHP treatments at 300 MPa/15 min, 400 MPa/5 min, 500 MPa/2.5 min, and 600 MPa/1 min and HTST treatment at 110 °C/8.6 s. Therefore, these conditions were selected to study the effects of HHP and HTST treatments on pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, water-soluble pectin (WSP) levels, and the rheological characteristics of UBMP and BMP. HHP treatment at a pressure of 600 MPa for 1 min significantly reduced PME activity in UBMP and significantly activated PME in BMP, whereas pressures of 300–500 MPa activated PME regardless of blanching. However, PME activity was reduced by 97 % in UBMP and was completely inactivated in BMP by HTST treatment. WSP levels were significantly decreased by HHP treatment but were increased by HTST treatment in UBMP and BMP. Both HHP and HTST treatments increased the viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus of UBMP and BMP. No significant changes in total sugar, total soluble solids, titratable acid, or pH were found after any treatment.     

Inactivation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in oysters by high-hydrostatic pressure and mild heat

Several recent outbreaks associated with oysters have heightened safety concerns of raw shellfish consumptions, with the majority being attributed to Vibrio spp. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) followed by mild heating on the inactivation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in live oysters. Inoculated oysters were randomly subjected to: a) pressurization at 200–300 MPa for 2 min at 21 °C, b) mild heat treatment at 40, 45 or 50 °C for up to 20 min and c) pressure treatment of 200–300 MPa for 2 min at 21 °C followed by heat treatment at 40–50 °C. Counts of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were then determined using the most probable number (MPN) method. Pressurization at 200–300 MPa for 2 min resulted in various degrees of inactivation, from 1.2 to >7 log MPN/g reductions. Heat treatment at 40 and 45 °C for 20 min only reduced V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus by 0.7–2.5 log MPN/g while at 50 °C for 15 min achieved >7 log MPN/g reduction. HHP and mild heat had synergistic effects. Combinations such as HHP at 250 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 45 °C for 15 min and HHP at 200 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 50 °C for 5 min reduced both V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus to non-detectable levels by the MPN method (<3 MPN/g). HHP at ≥275 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 45 °C for 20 min and HHP at ≥200 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 50 °C for 15 min completely eliminated both pathogens in oysters (negative enrichment results). This study demonstrated the efficiency of HHP followed by mild heat treatments on inactivation of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus and could help the industry to establish parameters for processing oysters.     

Inhibitor‐Assisted High‐Pressure Inactivation of Bacteria in Skim Milk

The combined inactivation effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and antimicrobial compounds (potassium sorbate and ε‐polylysine [ε‐PL]) on 4 different bacterial strains present in skim milk and the effect of these treatments on milk quality were investigated in this study. HHP treatment at 500 MPa for 5 min reduced the populations of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus from 6.5 log colony‐forming units (CFUs) or higher to less than 1 log CFU/mL. Compared to HHP alone, HHP with potassium or ε‐PL resulted in significantly higher reductions in the bacterial counts. After 5 min of treatment with HHP (500 MPa) and ε‐PL (2 mg/mL), no growth of E. coli, S. enterica Typhimurium, or L. monocytogenes in skim milk was observed during 15 d of refrigerated storage (4 ± 1 °C). Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the synergistic treatments caused more serious damage to the bacterial cell walls. Quality assessments of the treated samples indicated that the combined treatments did not influence the color, the turbidity, the concentrations of –SH group of the proteins, or the in vitro digestion patterns of the milk. This study demonstrates that HHP with potassium or ε‐PL may be useful in the processing of milk or milk‐containing foods.