Challenge Studies with Selected Pathogenic Bacteria on Freshly Peeled Hamlin Orange

The survival and growth of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes , and Staphylococcus aureus on peeled Hamlin orange were examined. Fruits were peeled by infusing the peel with water to assist hand removal. The peeled oranges had an average pH of 6.0–6.5 at the surface and 3.8 in the juice. After surface inoculation, peeled fruits were incubated for up to 14 days. Growth was observed with all tested pathogens only at the abusive storage temperature (24°C). Refrigeration (4 or 8°C) effectively inhibited the growth of all pathogens and caused population reduction of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus.